NOV 2021 ISSUE 83
NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
honda
Honda HR-V e:HEV Review for Fleet Managers - By Business Motoring
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f your fleet is going electric, then it’s good news that Honda has promised to electrify most of its models by next year. It’s even better news that HR-V e:HEV is already here.
The Right Size for the Road
The 2021 Honda HR-V is the right size for many of the challenging situations that fleet drivers face. It’s compact on the outside and roomy on the inside. For fleet managers, this means they are meeting the demands of their workforce to have a pleasant cabin while also ensuring that their drivers have the manoeuvrability they need. Adding to its ‘right size’, the HR-V was designed to make entry and exit easier for everyone. If the HR-V e:HEV is carrying more than a driver to a meeting across town, the staff can get in and out easily.
Interior Expansion
The interior has grown slightly, giving the second-row passenger more space for their legs. The cargo hold is large enough for many fleet uses, despite the overall compact design. Loading is easier with a low cargo floor. The Honda Magic Seat allows a driver to quickly create decent vertical space for carrying large objects. Drivers were taken into consideration as Honda updated the cabin. There’s more light because the windows offer more visibility in the 2021 Honda HR-V design. The driver’s seat is higher, more in keeping with an SUV. An uncluttered and straight-forward layout makes this SUV easier for a new fleet driver who is accustomed to a different dashboard. New seats were designed to reduce driving fatigue. A special air diffusion system allows the cabin to cool without making the passengers cold.
A Good Look
Fleet managers may be as concerned with appearances as anyone else. The HR-V’s new look should help satisfy the need to impress. Honda increased the SUV appeal by reducing the 2
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front overhang. The manufacturer also increased ground clearance and put bigger wheels on the HR-V. There’s a minimalist aesthetic at work here, and Honda lets it play out up to a point. Yet they have added premium SUV styling elements by creating a coupe-inspired exterior. This results in a sleek vehicle with a sculpted appeal. This is definitely a case where quality follows style. Fleet managers can count on the contemporary fabrics to maintain a good look. Textured materials and soft touches make the cabin more welcoming.
A Smart Package
All of these attributes would be useless if the HR-V e:HEV weren’t so smart. It has hybrid technology that uses electric modes for slow speeds and high-torque situations. The 1.5-litre petrol engine can be even greener with the ECON mode and regenerative braking. It offers low fuel costs and low emissions. Then there are the driver assistance systems that can help a busy fleet driver. These tools help prevent the scenarios that can lead to accidents. Hill Descent Control is offered for the first time, reducing slippage on inclines in certain situations. The 2021 Honda HR-V is a potent hybrid choice with the type of safety extras that could turn a fleet manager’s head. With its many improvements, this compact SUV may become the choice for businesses on the go. The Honda HR-V is available to order now priced from £26,960. Contact the corporate team today for more information.
READ THE FULL HONDA HR-V E:HEV REVIEW 3
NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
honda
Updated And Rebranded Nissan LCV Range
Townstar, is ready to help businesses future-proof their operations. The new compact van features the latest Nissan design cues, including the new logo, and technology, in addition to a choice of petrol or fully electric powertrains. The renamed Primastar has been significantly upgraded for customers looking for a mid-size van. The new interlock grille, LED headlamps, and optional 17-inch alloy wheels give it a fresh new look. It also has new advanced driver assistance systems like Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Intelligent Emergency Braking. The Primastar also has a selection of Euro 6d-compliant engines with manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The updated Interstar also receives an expanded engine line-up with seven power outputs ranging from the newly introduced 110hp to 180hp, all based on the existing 2.3-litre engine. It also introduces new advanced driving assistance systems like Blind Spot Warning and Automatic High/Low headlights beam. Panel vans, chassis cabs, single and double cabins, and platform cabs are among the models available, as are factory conversions such as crew van, drop side cab, and tipper. All models in the refreshed Nissan line-up come with a five-year pan-European warranty.
Nissan has refreshed and rebranded its LCV line-up, resulting in a new three-model line-up to meet changing customer demands. The arrival of the newly revealed Townstar compact van, which will be available in both petrol and electric form to replace the NV250 and the electric e-NV200, has sparked the changes. The Primastar, which replaces the NV300 as the brand's mid-size option, sits above it, while the NV400, which sits at the top of the range, has been updated as the Interstar. According to Nissan, the new line-up will provide a product range that provides efficient mobility solutions, with business customers at the centre of the approach. “By introducing the all-star LCV line-up, Nissan will continue to support business owners, today and for years to come. With versatile conversion options the refreshed offering provides a solution to many business challenges. From the large tailor-made Interstar van, to the versatile and convenient mid-size Primastar and compact, innovative all-new Townstar, we’re listening to our customers and remain committed to addressing their evolving needs,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & corporate sales director, Nissan Europe. With the LCV market expected to rapidly shift towards electrification, Nissan said its reimagined LCV line-up, bolstered by the newly revealed 4
NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE REBRANDED NISSAN LCV 5
NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
kia
New Pricing & Specification for the Kia Ceed Family Kia UK has announced pricing and specifications for the new Kia Ceed Family, which has received numerous updates for the 2022 model year. The refreshed model family, which includes the Ceed five-door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon (SW) estate, and ProCeed five-door hatchback, includes a number of new features and technologies, as well as dynamic and athletic design updates. Following its introduction earlier in 2021, the new model also bears Kia's new logo for the first time.
camera system, 8-inch touchscreen and more. The Ceed Sportwagon is also available in '2 Nav' trim, which features a 134bhp 1.6-litre CRDi engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. It costs £24,045 and comes with a USB fast charger in the front centre console, as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with Kia's 'connected car' service, Kia Connect (UVO). The Ceed '3' specification represents the addition of a more powerful 158bhp 1.5 T-GDi petrol engine, as well as a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Furthermore, the 134bhp mild-hybrid 1.6-litre CRDi engine is available with a manual gearbox in the hatchback and a seven-speed DCT in the Sportswagon bodystyle. Features include 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a choice of driving modes (DCT versions). Prices start from £23,795 up to £27,410. The Ceed 'GT-Line' is the hatchback's pinnacle, with sportier overtones and a choice of powertrains: a 158bhp 1.5-litre T-GDi petrol engine with manual gearbox or a 134bhp 1.6-litre CRDi 48-volt mild-hybrid system with seven-speed DCT.
Ceed Range
The Ceed lineup begins with the well-equipped '2' model, which is available in hatchback (starting at £20,105) and Sportswagon (starting at £20,805) variants. A 118bhp 1.0 T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) petrol or a 134bhp 1.6 CRDi (common rail direct injection) diesel with 48volt mild-hybrid technology is available. The petrol engine is available in both hatchback and SW bodystyles, while the diesel engine is only available in hatchback. Equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, electric heated door mirrors, reverse 6
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Prices start at £24,625 and go up to £27,585. The GT-Line highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels in gloss black, heated steering wheel and front seats, aluminium pedals, smart entry with engine start/stop button and more.
smart entry system with start/stop button for the engine. The 'GT-Line S' model costs £30,240 and is equipped with a 1.5-litre T-GDi engine and a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes: 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, Electric sunroof tilting/sliding LED bi-function headlights, seats in black leather and faux suede with grey stitching, heated outer rear seats and more. The high-performance ProCeed 'GT' features a 201bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi engine and a sevenspeed DCT transmission. It costs £30,280 and includes all of the equipment found on the 'GTLine' model, as well as some key 'GT'-specific features 18-inch red center-cap alloy wheels, red inserts on the front grille and rear diffuser, exhausts on both sides, seats in black leather and faux suede with red stitching. The updated Ceed models are available to order now, with first customer deliveries beginning this month.
ProCeed has been upgraded and now has a lot more dynamism.
Kia's new ProCeed is designed for drivers who want a sportier ride but don't want to sacrifice space. It exudes energy from every angle, with the same daring changes to the nose and tail that make the latest Ceed look so good. The ProCeed is available in three well-appointed editions: 'GTLine,' 'GT-Line S,' and the flagship 'GT.' All three ProCeed models come standard with powerful turbocharged petrol engines. The ProCeed 'GT-Line' is powered by a 158bhp 1.5-litre T-GDi engine and is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT transmission. Features include 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, heated steering wheel and front seats, rear parking sensors, reverse camera system, Parking brake with electronic control,
SEE THE NEW KIA CEED AND PROCEED RANGE AND PRICES NOW 7
NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
mazda
New Plug-In Hybrid SUVs and Range Extender MX-30 to be Launched by Mazda from 2022
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NEW PLUG-IN HYBRID SUVS EXTENDER MX-30
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azda will expand its SUV line-up in 2022 with two new plug-in hybrid models and a range-extension version of the MX-30 electric car. The new CX-60 and CX-80 will be available in Europe over the next two years, bringing two-row and three-row formats to the brand's extensive product line-up. The new models will sit above the existing SUV line-up, which includes the CX-5 and CX-30, and will pave the way for the European introduction of plug-in hybrid models powered by straight-four petrol engines and an electric motor. Mazda's new-generation straight-six Skyactiv-X petrol engine and Skyactiv-D diesel engine will also be available, both of which will be combined with a 48V mild hybrid system and are said to provide "high output with excellent environmental performance." Mazda has also confirmed that it will launch a range-extended version of the MX-30 electric SUV with a rotary engine in the first half of 2022. The model, which is based on the CX-30, was designed from the start with a small rotary engine under the hood, but plans had been put on hold. Mazda is expanding its line-up outside of Europe with new CX-70 and CX90 SUVs, as well as a CX-50 model from its small platform group, which will be available in the United States and a number of other markets. Longer-term plans call for the carmaker to launch a number of new products on a new EV-specific platform beginning in 2025, in support of its goal of electrifying its entire line-up by 2030. 8
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Triple Success at Mazda All-Stars Awards for Norton Way
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he Mazda All-Stars Awards held at The Landmark Hotel in Marylebone saw success for Norton Way. Norton Way Mazda claimed a hattrick of awards within different departments of the business including, Fleet, Retail Sales, and Individual Achievement. Norton Way Mazda Fleet Department won ‘Fleet Specialist Dealer of The Year’ for conducting efficient and remarkable performance to a vast number of customers. Norton Way Mazda secured their second award of the evening as the dealership won the Mazda ‘Retail Sales Award’ for excellent sales performance and service provided. The final award saw Norton Way Mazda Parts Manager, Gemma Taphouse win the Mazda ‘Special Recognition Award’ for her outstanding commitment to the business through an extremely tough year. This is a fantastic accomplishment for Gemma who has been with Norton Way for over 6 years. We would like to thank our fantastic staff who have shown excellent dedication throughout the past year. We are extremely proud of our team’s performance and look forward to another great year ahead.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SUCCESS AT MAZDA ALL-STARS AWARDS
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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
peugeot
First Fleet Order for Low Emission, High Performance Peugeot 508 PSE
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eugeot has fulfilled its first fleet order for the new 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered plug-in hybrid performance vehicle. The vehicles were delivered to an independent automotive refinishing supplier – and will help the company achieve its goal of becoming carbon-neutral. The four-wheel drive 508 PSE, developed by Peugeot's high-performance division, combines Peugeot's motorsport expertise with its expertise in electrification. The 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in less than seven hours using a standard domestic socket, or in under two hours using a 7kW wallbox. An eight-year/100,000-mile warranty is also included with the battery. The 508 PSE, available as a saloon or estate, combines an internal combustion engine with two electric motors to produce 360hp and up to 26 miles of WLTP electric-only range, putting it in the 13 percent Benefit-in-Kind rate for 2021/22. High-performance versions of the Peugeot’s attractive 508 saloon and SW estate are not the typical models that attract fleets. However, what sets the 508 apart from key rivals, is that this Peugeot is a plug-in hybrid. Despite the 355hp punch from the combination of the 242hp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and the 200hp electric motor, this 508 has a CO2 figure of just 46g/km, ensuring BiK rates as low as 13% for both bodystyles. All PSE models include Active Suspension, Night Vision, Drive Assist Pack Plus, Driver Sports Pack, power-folding heated door mirrors with blind spot detection indicator, 360° HD camera, fully automated parking assistance, Wireless smartphone charging plate, Connected 3D navigation system, plus full LED front and rear headlights. Graham Smales, corporate sales manager, Peugeot UK said “The engineers who worked on the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered are the same ones who work on our motorsport programmes. This means they will be able to enjoy a highperformance vehicle that is built with technical excellence, uses environmentally friendly technology, and has low BiK rates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 508 PSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS, CONTACT US TODAY 10
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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
skoda
The Skoda Fabia Has Been Nominated for the European Autobest Award.
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he fourth generation of the SKODA FABIA is one of the contenders in the race for the title of "Best Buy Car in Europe in 2022." The FABIA, along with five other vehicles, was chosen for the final test drives by the jury for the annual award event, which has been held since 2001 and is comprised of renowned automotive journalists from 32 European countries. The 32 jury members will meet on November 24 and 25 at Fahrtechnik-Zentrum Teesdorf in Austria to test all of the finalists, with the winner announced in mid-December. The first generation of the FABIA was voted "Best Buy Car of Europe" in 2002, and the third generation was among the finalists in 2014, as were the KAMIQ and the OCTAVIA in the previous two years. The European AUTOBEST organisation was founded in 2000, and its annual trophies have been awarded since 2001. The current jury is made up of 32 journalists from 32 different European countries. Each jury member chooses three favourite vehicles from among the year's finalists in 13 different categories, ranging from exterior and interior design to practical usability, technologies, eco-friendliness, and price. The point values for each category range from 100 to 500. The winning vehicle is the one with the highest score out of a possible 2,500 points. The fourth generation SKODA FABIA is more compelling and vibrant than ever before, and it is built for the first time on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0. The FABIA is the most spacious car in its category, with improved comfort features and a slew of new safety and assistance systems. This car is the ideal entry-level model to the SKODA range, thanks to classic brand qualities such as excellent value for money, high functionality, and a slew of Simply Clever features. The FABIA is longer and, at 4,108 mm, for the first time exceeds the four-metre mark. The boot, which was already the largest in the segment, has been increased by 50 litres to provide a plentiful 380 litres of luggage space. The current EVO generation of Volkswagen Group gasoline engines produce power ranging from 48 kW (65 PS) to 110 kW. (150 PS). Aerodynamics with a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.28 and a 50-litre fuel tank allow for a WLTP cycle range
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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 83 • NOV 2021
FIND OUT WHY SKODA FABIA HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE EUROPEAN AUTOBEST AWARD
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Norton Way Corporate Department Unit 1 Arlesey Business Park, Mill Lane, Arlesey, Beds SG15 6RF Tel: 01462 754 700 www.nortonway.com
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