Norton Way Corporate Magazine - April 2022 by Norton Way

APR 2022

ISSUE 88

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

HONDA

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW HONDA CIVIC E:HEV

with a wider field of vision gives a truly airy and open feeling. The interior also benefits from new tactile, high-quality materials throughout, including a striking metal honeycomb-pattern air vent detail running the width of the dashboard. On the Advance grade, the drivers’ display now features a 10.2-inch HD colour LCD panel for improved visibility. The new Civic offers an intuitive infotainment package. The central touchscreen, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, has been moved upwards to improved eye-level visibility and the size increased by nine inches. In addition, the Elegance and Sport grades feature eight speakers whilst the Advance grade features 12 premium BOSE speakers for a concert like audio experience.

onda has unveiled the all-new Civic e:HEV, the 11th generation of its iconic global compact car. Building on 50 years of heritage, the all-new Civic blends strong performance and efficiency with improved levels of interior comfort, visual appeal and overall usability. Featuring Honda’s proven e:HEV powertrain technology as standard, the all-new Civic completes the brand’s mission to electrify all its mainstream European models by the end of 2022. Combining a refined, clean exterior design, a premium light and airy interior, advanced safety and convenience technologies and a perfect blend of economy and performance, the all-new Civic e:HEV is the most dynamic, efficient and safest Civic yet.

Advanced and efficient e:HEV powertrain

Honda’s proven e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain technology is offered as standard and its application in the Civic, sees the deployment of a new 72-cell lithium-ion battery and two compact, yet powerful electric motors paired with a newly developed 2.0-litre direct-injection, Atkinson-cycle engine. Combined, the powertrain delivers a maximum motor output of 135kW and 315Nm of torque. The new Civic achieves a thermal efficiency of 41%, one of the highest figures within the automotive industry for a production road car. The two powerful electric motors work together to provide the primary drive force for the all-new Civic. The engine is controlled by a new, compact Power Control unit sitting under the bonnet and the Intelligent Power Unit which sits under the rear seats. This system delivers a feeling of instant torque and powerful acceleration whilst still offering outstanding efficiency. This advanced powertrain is capable of shifting seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine drive with no input from the driver. Four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode, which allows separate control of the engine, transmission and cluster gauge display, can be selected by the driver to tailor the vehicle response as required. Central to the e:HEV system is the fixed gear transmission, which has been designed to minimise mechanical friction and is controlled by an intelligent power control unit, which optimises

'Exhilarating’ design approach

The new Civic embodies a new sleek and sporty silhouette, achieved through lowering the bonnet line 25mm, whilst the glass area has been increased to create a light and airy interior. To exude a refined, premium feeling, cleaner, noiseless, surfacing has been applied, with more defined belt and feature lines highlighting key details. In comparison to the previous generation Civic, the car has a more balanced proportion in profile as well as a wider, more assured stance from all angles. The highest point of the roofline has been placed further forward, with a gentle slope to the tailgate creating a sleek, fast-back style look. The Civic is famed for being the do-itall hatchback and the 11th generation is no exception, providing more space and usability than ever before. The 35mm longer wheelbase allows a more expansive and comfortable cabin space as well as improving dynamic performance and straight-line stability.

Interior

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

icle to each driving situation. The all-new targeted to achieve CO2 emissions of an 110 grams per km which is less than 5 m in WLTP testing. reful attention has also been paid to the in and noise management to create uil, calming cabin environment, whilst ing the overall vehicle driveability; resulting ooth, linear feel during acceleration.

SENSING

new Civic also features Honda’s ded SENSING suite of advanced safety s and driver aids. A new 100-degree front ew camera and enhanced recognition ogy improve the Civic’s capacity to identify rians, road lines, boundaries, other vehicles ng motorcycles and cyclists. the first time, the all-new Civic is equipped nar sensors – four at the front and four ear. In addition to improved Collision on Braking System, Lane Keep Assist and echnology, Low Speed Braking Control, pot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor and Jam Assist are all new additions to the comprehensive active safety offering. ce its launch in 1972, the Civic has sold han 27.5 million units across 170 countries. new Civic builds on the success of s generations and promises to set new enchmarks when it arrives in Europe from n 2022. Contact us today to register erest.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

HONDA

NEW TO NORTON WAY - MG The MG range comprises of award-winning vehicles renowned for its reliability, advanced safety features and high specification. With a mix of vehicles that takes in coupé and cabriolet, hatchback and SUV, the MG range is both varied and exciting. MG cars combine the iconic, sporty character of our classic models with all the latest tech. Whether it’s getting to and from places in the city, your daily commute or travelling across the country to attend important meetings, the MG business car range provides a selection of reasonably priced models, which don’t compromise on quality, safety or technological features. The MG range is available now at Norton Way, contact us for more information.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

MAZDA

MAZDA DEBUTS ITS FIRST-EVER PLUG-IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEW CX-60

rriving this Autumn, Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for its flagship CX60 SUV, debuting the brand’s plug-in hybrid technology. Priced from £43,950, it sits above the CX-5 and marks new approaches to design and sustainability by the carmaker. The CX-60 will initially launch with Mazda’s inaugural PHEV powertrain, combining a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 136hp electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery. With a total system output of 327hp and torque of 500Nm, it’s the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced. The 0-62mph performance stands at 5.8 seconds. The Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV will also deliver WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and CO2 emissions of 33g/km. Along with its 39-mile electric-only range, this puts it in the 12% Benefit-in-Kind bracket for 2022/23. The boots space is generous with 570 litres while the interior uses the same cockpit design found in all Mazda cars, with a symmetrical layout focused on the driver. Due to arrive later are alternative engines including a new-generation straight-six 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv X petrol and 3.3-litre Skyactiv-D diesel,

both with 48V mild hybrid technology. These are married up to the same eight-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system as the PHEV, but the e-Skyactiv D diesel unit and the e-Skyactiv X petrol engine have also been developed to be equipped with rear-wheel drive. The CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV will be available in the UK with three grades – Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi. These can be enhanced across all grades with two option packs: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack. A Comfort Pack is additionally available on the entry Exclusive-Line, while Homura and Takumi models can be specified with a panoramic roof. The mid-spec Homura is priced from £46,700 and gets a stand-out exterior look that adds in body-coloured wheel arch mouldings and a darkplated signature wing grille surround, plus gloss black mirrors and honeycomb grille treatment and 20-inch black alloys. Inside, the Homura grade features heating for the outer rear seats and ambient lighting. Equipment includes the Mazda Driver Personalisation System that identifies the driver via facial recognition and automatically adjusts seat position, steering wheel, mirrors, head-up display, even the sound and climate control settings – to fit their stance and personal preferences. The top-spec Takumi is priced from £48,050

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

and features 20-inch black machined alloy wheels and body-coloured mirrors, combined with chrome-plated signature wing grille treatment and side window surround. Highlights in the £1,000 Convenience Pack include privacy glass, 360 view monitor with see through view and wireless phone charging, while the Driver Assistance Pack adds a large tally of additional active safety technology for £1,100. The £1,400 Comfort Pack is only offered with the Exclusive-Line, but adds high-grade features like 20-inch alloy wheels, electric front seats, front seat ventilation, rear seat heaters and the Mazda Driver Personalisation System technology. Across all three models in the CX-60 range there is a choice of eight body colours including the new Rhodium White premium metallic paint. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offers a choice of drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV, with the latter making it possible to drive under electric power alone. It also features a range of i-Activsense driver assistance systems. These include the debuts of Mazda’s See-Through View tech – a 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds; Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), which can now incorporate speed limits from Traffic Sign Recognition. The CX-60 is the first of two new models from the company’s Large Product group to be introduced throughout Europe during the next two years, with the second being the three-row Mazda CX-80.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

NISSAN

NEW 2022 NISSAN JUKE TO INCLUDE A HYBRID ADDITION TO ITS LINE UP

he much-love Nissan Juke Juke will gain a new hybrid powertrain this summer, promising more responsive performance and lower emissions. The new hybrid addition pairs a 92bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 48bhp electric motor for a total of 140bhp. Nissan claims an economy figure of 54mpg, while CO2 emissions are capped at 118g/km. Improvements to the bodywork include an aerodynamic change to below the bumper and a reprofiled rear spoiler, improving airflow and reducing drag. Hybrid badges appear on the front doors and the tailgate, while the front grille features the new Nissan logo and black-gloss material, as seen on the larger Nissan Qashqai. The Juke Hybrid offers new two-tone 17in alloy wheels and a 19in design inspired by those fitted to the upcoming Nissan Ariya electric SUV. Inside, it gains a new set of dials behind the steering wheel, accommodating a power gauge, a needle to denote regenerative charge and an indicator for the battery charge level. Boot space is reduced by 68 litres from the 1.0-litre turbo petrol Juke, down to 354 litres to

accommodate the 1.2kWh battery pack. However, Nissan claims it's still class-leading when the rear seats are folded down, at 1237 litres. The Juke Hybrid also gains a driving-mode selection button that can be used to switch it into 100% EV mode, and power usage can be displayed on the central 7.0in infotainment touchscreen. “We're in the middle of an electrified product offensive that places equal emphasis on eco efficiency and driving pleasure,” said Arnaud Charpentier, regional vice-president for product strategy at Nissan. “Like all of our electrified products, the Juke Hybrid rewrites the rules in its segment, thanks to the bold innovation that delivers more performance and more efficiency.” The Juke Hybrid forms part of Nissan’s plans to electrify its entire model range by 2023. The petrol model currently starts from £19,200, but Nissan is yet to reveal pricing for the Hybrid. “Nissan’s electrified product strategy is gaining momentum, and the Juke Hybrid will represent another milestone on our strategic ambition to have fully electrified range by 2023,” said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan's chairman in Europe.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

PEUGEOT

WhatCar? Rates Peugeot 308 Hybrid 4 out 5 as a Company Car

What Car? Rating: 4 stars out of 5

ith two versions of the Peugeot 308 Hybrid available from May this year, WhatCar? got behind the wheel of the lower-powered model to see if it can pull its weight. Here are the highlights of what they had to say: “The days when company car drivers’ main concern was getting the most miles out of a single tank of diesel are long gone. Now, it’s all about maximising the distance you can go without burning any fossil fuel at all. This is the Peugeot 308 Hybrid family car’s key mission. You see, the further you can go without using fuel, the smaller the dent made in your pay packet by company car tax, and the 308’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system allows it to do many commutes on battery power. Joining the peppy 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol and economical 1.5-litre diesel (also 128bhp) in the 308 line-up, the 1.6-litre PHEV is offered as the 225bhp 225 and the cheaper 178bhp 180. But which of the two is better? Let’s find out.”

Peugeot 308 Hybrid rear corner

What’s it like to drive?

Verdict

“On a twisty road, the 308 has enough grip in reserve that you can take corners at pace with confidence, and body lean is minimal. The steering is a bit on the light side, though, and doesn’t have the progressive weighting you find in the rival Seat Leon, so it isn't the most engaging family car to drive. The 308 has taut suspension controlling body movements and is a quiet cruiser - the engine is hushed and the suspension makes little noise over bumps.“

What’s it like inside?

“The dashboard in the 308 differs from those in most rivals because you view the standard 10.0in digital instrument panel over – rather than through – a small steering wheel. The wheel has a flat top to help, but short drivers might still find the instruments obscured unless they have the wheel set in an unnatural position. Neither the instrument panel nor the 10.0in central touchscreen is as intuitive to use as the A3’s, but the large, handy shortcuts below the 308’s touchscreen are welcome. Space in the front of the 308 is good, but rear leg and head room are at a premium for those over six feet tall. The Hybrid’s boot is smaller than the regular 308’s; the battery reduces boot space from 412 to 361 litres.”

“We've tested the lower-powered 180 model so far, and frankly it’s hard to see why you’d pay more for the 225. For starters, the 180 is only 0.1sec behind in the 0-62mph dash, getting there in 7.6sec. More relevantly, its official electric-only range of up to 44 miles beats the 225’s 40 miles. We managed around 26 miles of petrol-free motoring on a bitterly cold winter’s day, but we’d expect to see something in the mid-30s in warmer weather. You need to be gentle with the accelerator to keep the engine from kicking in, but you can coax the Hybrid up to motorway speeds without using any petrol. Plant your foot in the carpet, though, and the combined efforts of engine and electric motor get the 308 up to speed briskly.”

Crucially for company car users, the Peugeot 308 Hybrid undercuts the Audi A3 40 TFSIe Sport by a healthy margin, and since it sits in the same low 8% tax band, the 308 lets you take more of your earnings home with you. Second-rung Allure trim is the one to go for. Although it misses out on the wireless smartphone charging and connectivity of Allure Premium, you can add a Driver Assist Pack (which includes blindspot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert) and it’s still cheaper than the higher trim level. The 308 is a smart-looking, nicely trimmed and cost-effective alternative to an A3 plug-in hybrid. If you're buying with your own hard-earned cash, we can understand why you might choose it.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

SKODA

The New ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé iV – Electrifyingly Elegant

ollowing the successful launch of the all-electric ENYAQ iV SUV, ŠKODA is expanding its first model range based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform to include the ENYAQ Coupé iV. Exterior: modern, elegant and sporty The new ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé iV is even more dynamic and sporty than the ENYAQ iV SUV variant. From the B-pillar, the roofline gently slopes to merge with the car’s stunning rear, featuring a trailing edge. The body-coloured side skirts and the black panoramic glass roof, which comes as standard, create distinctive visual highlights. The range-topping ENYAQ Coupé iV vRS sports black design features and the vRS-typical red reflector strip at the rear. This variant also comes with the Crystal Face as standard, which illuminates the striking ŠKODA grille with 131 LEDs.

Interior: exclusive SportLine and vRS Design Selections

Like the ENYAQ iV, the ENYAQ Coupé iV also incorporates the new Design Selections. They are inspired by modern living environments and feature perfectly coordinated colours and materials, replacing the classic trim levels. The Lodge and ecoSuite designs also use sustainable materials. There’s a model-specific

Design Selection for the ENYAQ Coupé iV 80 SportLine and ENYAQ Coupé iV vRS models. Option packs arranged by ten themes and select individual preferences round off the clear structure of the choices available. It takes just six steps to fully configure a brand-new ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé iV.

Electric powertrain: 82-kWh battery and two performance variants

There are two powertrain variants for the ENYAQ Coupé iV, with outputs of 204 PS* and 299 PS**. Entry-level model is equipped with a rear motor for rear-wheel-drive, while the vRS features two electric motors driving all four wheels. The outstanding aerodynamics boasting a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.234 also contribute to high levels of efficiency, enabling a range of more than 335 miles*** in the WLTP cycle. This, as well as the ENYAQ Coupé iV’s fast-charging capability, means that the car is perfectly suitable for long distances. Sustainable materials: Recycled plastics, metals and glass ŠKODA has focused on sustainable materials for the new ENYAQ Coupé iV, particularly recycled plastics, metals and glass to conserve natural resources. 13.1 kg of the plastics are recycled, as is 40% of the steel and 60% of the aluminium. In the Design Selection ‘Lodge’, the seat covers bear the Woolmark Company quality seal: they are made of 40% natural new wool and 60% recycled PET bottles. In the Design Selection ‘ecoSuite’, ŠKODA uses leather that is tanned in an eco-friendly process, using olive leaf extracts.

Safety: improved assistance systems

The ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé iV offers an equally high level of active and passive safety as the ENYAQ iV. It has been awarded the highest-possible rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety reference tests and was named the safest vehicle in its category. Assistance systems have been further improved and, in their latest generation, use online-backed swarm data. The optional head-up display with augmented reality projects information onto the windscreen in clear view for the driver, while clever assistance systems warn of potential collisions or make parking more convenient, for example. If part of the specification, full-LED Matrix headlights provide even greater safety when visibility is poor. Both the ENYAQ iV SUV and the ENYAQ Coupe iV will roll off the production line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, making them the only MEB-based models within the Volkswagen Group in Europe to be manufactured outside of Germany. 12 12

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

GWR KIA

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

All-New Kia Sportage PHEV: 43-Mile EV Range and 8% Bik

ia UK has revealed full details of the all-new Sportage Plugin Hybrid, including its low BIK tax band thanks to low CO2 emissions and long electric range. The no-compromise electrified SUV combines extensive electriconly mobility and exceptional fuel economy with unparalleled practicality and convenience. The all-new Sportage Plug-in Hybrid delivers an eco-friendly and dynamic SUV package. It blends power and performance with an exceptional combined fuel economy of 252mpg, and an emissions-free** driving range of up to 43 miles (WLTP)*, rising to 48 miles on the WLTP City Cycle – enough to cover most daily commutes and shopping needs. Out on the open road, electric energy consumption is an impressive 3.68 miles/kWh (169 Wh/km). The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid features a highperformance 1.6-litre T-GDi engine that works in tandem with a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The high-voltage battery sits centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV, ensuring a balanced weight distribution and an interior space that is practical, comfortable and versatile. Together, this powertrain combination delivers a total of 265PS and 350Nm of torque, a 0-60mph time of just 7.9 seconds, and a top speed of 119mph. A smooth and quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission ensures drivers can make swift, effortless progress in all conditions. The Plug-in Hybrid’s four-cylinder petrol engine features several measures designed to ensure optimum fuel efficiency in all operating conditions. These include a new and optimised combustion process, cooling technologies and key friction reduction measures, including an advanced integrated thermal management system and the use of a low-friction ball bearing. As a result, the new Sportage Plug-in Hybrid emits just 25g/km of

CO2 on the weighted combined cycle. As well as attracting £0 VED first-year tax after registration, the combination of low CO2 and long electric range means a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate of 7 per cent for the current 2021/22 tax year, rising to 8 per cent for the next three tax years to 2024/25. As a result, the new model costs less to run than almost all of its rivals, despite its premium interior, strong performance and generous standard equipment levels. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid also includes Kia’s latest high-efficiency, high-performance Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) module and Hybrid Power Control Unit (HPCU). Combined, these enhance efficiency, performance and reduce NVH levels when driving. The efficient on-board charger (OBC) system is rated at 7.2kW, making it the fastest-charging Kia PHEV to-date. The battery can complete a full charge in just 1hr 45m. Attention to detail has resulted in a package that offers highly impressive legroom, headroom and luggage capacity. Second-row passengers benefit from 955mm of legroom and 998mm of headroom, while luggage capacity is a commodious 540 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in place. To maximize convenience, users have the option of folding the rear seats in a 40:20:40 split, an action that results in 1,715 litres of cargo space. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid features the same sleek and muscular exterior design as other fifth-generation Sportage models. Riding on stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is available across the ‘GT-Line’, ‘3’, ‘4’ and ‘GTLine S’ grades with prices starting from £38,395 OTR. The first UK customer deliveries of the all-new Sportage Plug-in Hybrid commence in April 2022.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

BIKES

Honda NC750X – A great commute

een thinking of switching from car to motorcycle but unsure of where to start? Let’s introduce you to a commuting favourite - the Honda NC750X. Practicality, in the truest sense of the word, is hard to come by in motorcycling these days. Bikes have primarily been designed on a performance, styling, or even lifestyle basis, and for a new rider, that narrowness of focus can make choosing a motorcycle confusing and often intimidating. But the practical philosophy is the driving force behind the Honda NC750X. For example, rather than take an existing motorcycle engine and repurpose it, Honda basically took the fourcylinder engine from its Fit/Jazz subcompact car and cut it in half. So instead of the usual motorcycle powerplant, which is designed for high power density and rpm, the NC750X parallel-twin engine’s forte is excellent efficiency at lower revs, as demonstrated by its comparatively low 6,500rpm redline. The engine design also allowed Honda to tilt the cylinders forward at a 55-degree angle, which provides numerous benefits: It permits a fairly low 31.6-inch seat height, which gives confidence to new riders; it allows for a cavernous 23-liter ignition-keyed storage space, big enough for a fullface helmet or a decent load of groceries, where the fuel tank normally sits; and the 3.8-gallon fuel tank can be relocated below the rider’s seat, so the NC750X DCT’s center of mass is kept very low to aid handling. The NC750X DCT is agile, steering is light and neutral at all speeds despite its 493-pound wet weight and 60-inch wheelbase. Yet the chassis remains very stable in nearly all situations, and there’s good ground clearance before the footpeg tips touch down. Braking from the single 320mm disc with twin-piston slide-pin caliper up front is adequate, but is much better and stronger when used in

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conjunction with the single rear 240mm disc and single-piston caliper. Allowing you to tailor overall performance to suit conditions, there are four riding modes, Sport, Standard, Rain, and User, with User mode allowing you to individually configure power, throttle response, traction control, and enginebraking. For complete control, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) levels have been expanded, with refined traction management, and there’s still the choice of a manual, six-speed transmission (now with slipper clutch) or unique, six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. And, for improved safety, the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system operates the rear hazards under hard braking conditions. The Honda NC750X DCT delivers excellent fuel mileage and good performance to go with its convenient and cavernous keyed storage compartment and excellent automatic transmission. It’s one of the better deals in motorcycling, and it absolutely shouldn’t be overlooked. Honda’s NC750X DCT is a value for those looking for a fuel-efficient, practical motorcycle.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 87 • APRIL 2022

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