Norton Way Corporate Magazine - December 2020 by Norton Way

DEC 2020 ISSUE 72

CONTACT

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 67 • JULY 2020

NISSAN

Nissan Micra Updated with Enhanced Spec & New Engine

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 72 • DECEMBER 2020

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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NISSAN MICRA UPDATE!

equipment added to top two trims. LED headlamps are now standard on both N-Sport and Tekna grades, while the latter also benefits from 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and Intelligent Around View Monitor. N-Sport has become a popular and central part of the Micra grade line-up. It features gloss black front, rear and side finishers and black mirror caps along with 17-inch black alloy wheels. The Tekna features a Bose Personal audio system, with headrest-mounted speakers. It also has a NissanConnect infotainment system with TomTom satnav. The base specifications incudes Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control for improved handling in difficult conditions.The 2021 Micra is now available from £13,995, contact us today for more information.

Replacing the outgoing petrol and diesel offerings, the revised Micra's sole engine choice is a Euro-6d-compliant 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Nissan has refreshed the Micra line-up with a higher level of specification and a new petrol engine. The new 1.0-litre IG-T 92 will be the only powertrain available, replacing both the 100PS petrol unit and the 117PS diesel. Full specifications and prices have not yet been revealed, but Nissan says the engine meets the latest Euro 6d emissions standards and promises improved fuel-efficiency. An ‘enhanced torque curve’ is said to provide greater driving performance and require fewer gear changes. The current grade line up of Visia, Acenta, N-Sport and Tekna remains, with additional 3

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ŠKODA

Skoda Octavia Gains iV Plug-in Hybrid Skoda has expanded the model line-up for the new Octavia further, with the introduction of new iV and vRS iV plug-in hybrid variants. Using the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric drivetrain technology seen in the Superb iV, the new Octavia iV is priced from £30,795 OTR and is available in hatch and estate forms. The Octavia iV develops 204PS and 350Nm, while the vRS iV serves up 245PS and 400Nm. Benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax starts from 6% for the Octavia iV and 10% for the vRS iV. Both models use a 13kWh battery that can be charged at a rate of up to 3.6kW, meaning a charge time of 3.5 hours from a wallbox or five hours when using a domestic socket.

Performance

Skoda’s latest addition marks the first time they have fitted the Plug-in Hybrid technology to the Octavia. The system comprises a 1.4-litre fourcylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 201bhp and 350Nm torque. The electric motor is fed by a lithium-ion battery pack with a 13kWh capacity – and Skoda claims that the newcomer is capable of 34 miles on battery power alone under WLTP testing. The powertrain also boasts fuel economy figures of between 188.3–282.5mpg and claimed CO2 emissions of between 22–33g/km.

Driving Modes

A range of driving modes have been built to fine-tune the powertrain. Selecting E-mode will keep the Octavia in electric drive only and is designed for driving in urban areas or on short commutes. In Hybrid mode, interaction between the petrol engine and electric motor is automatically regulated. Either they compliment one another when used simultaneously, or the electronics activate only one of them. Hybrid mode also offers the option of charging the battery via recuperation or the engine while the car is moving. This allows the driver to set their own desired battery level.

Design

Design wise, the latest Octavia has grown ever so slightly. The hatchback is 19mm longer than before, while the estate is 22mm longer. Both cars are 15mm wider – and, as a result, practicality has improved too. The boot of the hatchback grows to 600 litres, with the Octavia Estate now fielding a 640-litre cargo area. Both Octavia iV models feature 18-inch Vega Aero alloy wheels, decorative door sills and a storage compartment in the boot for the supplied charging cables. The unique instrumentation and displays that show the vehicle state of charge along with the various driving modes. The interior moves further upmarket with the introduction of new softer touch plastics and chrome trim elements. Massage seats are also available for the first time, as is an optional head-up display, plus threezone climate control and full LED matrix headlights. 4

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GWR KIA

Reducing whole life costs of your fleet with the Kia Eco Range

rom mild hybrids like the New Stonic, Plugsignificantly reduced charge as well. In electrics like the Soul EV, to self-charging Electric cars offer considerable savings in BIK hybrids like the Niro, the Kia Eco range offers tax – in fact, you pay nothing for the first year. one of the most extensive ranges of electric For someone in the 40% tax bracket, this could vehicles. mean you save as much as £10,000 over three While the purchase price of an electric or hybrid years compared with a similar, less powerful diesel car may be higher, the potential savings in tax vehicle. All hybrid powertrains also benefit from reductions and maintenance costs could outweigh lower BIK tax rates, whether a mild-hybrid, selfthe initial cost so that you will spend less over the charging hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. course of ownership compared with a petrol or diesel Capital allowances also need to be equivalent. considered. You can deduct some of the cost of the vehicle for your business from the profits Strong Residual Values and Lower Taxation before tax. The amount you can deduct is based An electric or hybrid car may have a more expensive on CO2 emissions. A fully electric car – such as list price than a fuel-powered model, but it will likely e-Niro or Soul EV – is entitled to be fully deducted. be significantly cheaper to run, and therefore, less In fact, all hybrid models included in the Kia Eco expensive over the period of ownership. It’s also range will enjoy favourable tax rates because of worth noting that a fully electric car pays no road tax. their low CO2 emissions. There are many parts to company car and fleet tax, and that can make it seem complicated. The Reduced Maintenance and Running Costs Vehicle Excise Duty (otherwise known as road tax) Whether you're a company car driver or a fleet is judged on a vehicle's CO2 emissions, and also manager, fuel can be a considerable cost over the electric range for plug-in hybrids. Electric vehicles course of ownership. On a mile-per-mile basis, – such as the Soul EV and e-Niro – are completely an electric car is cheaper to run. Charging a Kia exempt from VED, while all hybrids will see a e-Niro costs around 4p per mile (Electricity tariffs 6

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Maintenance costs

will vary.) whilst a similar, less powerful diesel equivalent can be nearer 11p per mile. Plug-in hybrids enjoy the same benefits when run on battery power, too, while self-charging and mild hybrids powertrains have better fuel efficiency. Insurance costs are also to be considered. There are many factors that affect insurance, including: value, repair costs, parts prices, performance, safety and more. To help keep insurance costs low, Kia offers an incredible suite of safety features on all of its Eco cars. Depending on the model, you can expect features such as Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which all help to reduce the likelihood of an accident, and allow Kia cars to align with a more favourable insurance group.

Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than a traditional petrol or diesel engine, and therefore require less work when being serviced. Hybrid powertrains reduce engine strain, while regenerative braking decreases brake wear, which can prolong the life of parts. Free entry into the Congestion Zones Kia’s electric and plug-in hybrid cars do not have to pay the London Congestion Charge. For those who travel into the congestion zone daily, that represents a saving of almost £9,000 over three years. Other cities are also moving towards low emissions zones, so Kia’s Eco cars are a perfect way to prepare for the future.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 67 • JULY 2020

MAZDA

Mazda MX-30 achieves five-star Euro NCAP rating

he all-electric Mazda MX-30 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP in its latest series of tests with 91% and 87% scores in its respective adult and child occupancy categories. The 91% rating is the best adult occupant protection result yet registered amongst all vehicles tested in the latest 2020 Euro NCAP tests. Achieving maximum points in the lateral impact tests, the MX-30 also scored full marks for crash test performance based on six and ten-year old children for both frontal and lateral impact. The MX-30 is the first Mazda to achieve an overall five-star rating under the new more stringent 2020 Euro NCAP crashworthiness rating regime. The 2020 testing introduces new tests to enhance assessment of occupant protection and post-crash protection, plus promote the latest in advanced driver assistance active safety technology. Mazda works continuously to advance safety performance under the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy. The superior driving dynamics achieved as a result of Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology also contribute to the new Mazda MX-30’s five-star

Euro NCAP achievement, delivering a very intuitive, enjoyable, all-electric driving experience. By making the car easier to drive safely, the technologies reduce the potential for accidents without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character. All MX-30s come with a comprehensive standard safety specification, while GT Sport Tech adds to this with a host of extra active safety technology and a 360-degree view monitor. Across the entire MX-30 range, the distinctive, stylish and sustainable cabin features high-quality materials and a driver focused interior. Externally, the MX-30’s styling emphasises the cars beauty as a solid mass, while the freestyle doors and framed glasshouse hint at the open spaciousness of the cabin. The front doors open forward to an angle of 82 degrees, while the rear doors open backwards to an angle of 80 degrees to reveal the stylish and driver focused interior. Commenting on the Mazda MX-30, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, Jeremy Thomson, said: “A battery electric vehicle conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive

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styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality, the MX30 will be a stand out addition to the rapidly evolving EV marketplace. Part of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to efficient vehicles, the launch of our first pure electric car is a milestone moment for the brand and a landmark moment for our dealers and customers here in the UK.” Adding, “Over the coming months across our digital platforms and our dealer network we will have a range of opportunities for potential customers to get familiar with the MX-30, ranging from answering their questions, to seeing the car and even opportunities for early test drives.” Following the March arrival of the 500 First Edition models, the full UK MX-30 range will arrive in April 2021.

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A battery electric vehicle conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver focused dynamics and class-leading interior quality, the MX-30 will be a stand out addition to the rapidly evolving EV marketplace. Jeremy Thomson Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THE MAZDA MX-30

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 70 • OCTOBER 2020

HONDA

HONDA E BECOMES FIRST JAPANESE VEHICLE TO WIN 'GERMAN CAR OF THE YEAR’

The Honda e continues to make an epic impact on the motoring industry, picking up yet another honour in a series of prestigious accolades since its launch earlier this year. As Honda's first battery electric vehicles for Europe, the model has been named ‘German Car of the Year 2021’ in the country’s prestigious annual Car of the Year Awards, becoming the first vehicle from a Japanese brand to do so. Not only this, the car also won in the ‘New Energy’ category. The German Car of the Year awards are decided by a jury of leading German car journalists. The panel tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation. The winners of five categories – Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance – then go head-to-head to decide an

overall winner. “For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded German Car of the Year is a great honour and one we are incredibly proud to receive”, added Katsuhisa Okuda, CO & President of Honda Motor Europe. “Customer and media response to the Honda e since it was first unveiled has been overwhelmingly positive. The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.” “Honda e represents a new type of mobility where the car plays a central role in creating a “seamless connection” between various facets of life.” commented Tomofumi Ichinose, Honda e Large Project Leader. 10

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“Honda e was also developed to be the best urban commuter in response to environmental issues, especially in city areas. Development of Honda e was a big challenge, however at the same time, it was fun to envision a beautiful and brighter future in which Honda e plays its part. Team members and I are delighted to receive this award, a recognition that the vision this car represents has value.” This latest award for the Honda e follows notable success and recognition from across Europe. In the UK, the Honda e triumphed in Autocar’s ‘Britain’s Best Car’ Awards 2020 in the ‘Best Car Tech’ category, and it was recently named ‘City / Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020. In Germany, the Honda e has also added a EuroCarBody 2020 award from Automotive Circle to its German Car of the Year title, just months after receiving two prestigious Red Dot awards for outstanding design, including top ‘Best of the Best 2020’ honours. The Honda e has since been on display at the world-renowned Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany. In Belgium, Honda’s urban electric supermini has been nominated for an Autogrid Magazine award, in the ‘Electric Small’ category, and is also in the running for ‘Hungarian Car of the Year’, after being named the ‘Most Exciting Novelty/ New Car’ by Vezess.hu last year. Elsewhere in Europe, the Honda e has been nominated in Spain’s Axel Springer Motor Awards in the ‘small cars’ category and in Italy it’s in the running to be named Quattroruote’s ‘Car of the Year’. Meanwhile in Denmark, the car has been shortlisted for Denmark Car of the Year 2021. The Honda e was launched earlier this year and is an important model in Honda’s commitment to electrify 100% of its European mainstream models by 2022. Setting new benchmarks for contemporary car design and advanced e-mobility, the Honda e has been designed without compromise with a focus on functionality and usability. It features a seamless, sleek and modern appearance, with cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners in sync with everyday life.

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WHY WAIT? CONTACT US FOR A TEST DRIVE TODAY!

honda e

HONDA e Advance available for December delivery!

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 72 • DECEMBER 2020

PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT 308 FACELIFT PRICES REVEALED

eugeot has revealed the pricing and specification for its updated 308 hatchback and estate, which is available to order now. The new model features a revised trim structure and comes with a higher level of specification with lower P11d values across the line-up. Entry-level Active Premium versions equipped with the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine have a P11d price that is £790 lower than the existing Active model with the same powertrain. On-the-road pricing now starts at £21,310 for the 308 range, which is offered with a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine. The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol has 110PS and uses a six-speed manual gearbox. It emits from 132g/km of CO2 and achieves a combined 51.5mpg. There is also a 130

PS version of the engine that uses an eight-speed auto, with the same CO2 emissions and slightly improved consumption of 51.9mpg. Diesel power comes from a single 130PS 1.5-litre unit, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto. It emits from 121g/km of CO2 and can return 62.7mpg. A GTi version with a 260PS 1.6-litre petrol engine is also available. Entry-level Active Premium trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, i-Cockpit digital instruments and a 9.7-inch infotainment screen. Allure models add the Safety Plus Pack, 180-degree reversing camera, sports style front seats and Connected 3D navigation with TomTom Live updates. Allure Premium adds Adaptive Cruise Control and keyless entry. The GT trim offers 17-inch 12

alloy wheels, Driver Sport Pack leather effect and cloth seat trim with red overstitch detail. GT Premium adds Active Blind Spot Monitoring, Park Assist, 18-inch alloy wheels and Alcantara cloth and leather effect seat trim with red overstitch detail. The rangetopping GTi is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 19inch alloy wheels, twin exhausts and a black rear diffuser.

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