Norton Way Corporate Magazine - October 2022

HR-V LONG TERM REVIEW

The small hybrid Honda crossover impresses with its fuel consumption, achieved on long distance trips. The official WLTP figure claimed by Honda on a combined cycle is 52.3 mpg, which in itself is a remarkable result. During the road test the car’s engine was set up in eco-mode in order to see how many more miles could be achieved without refuelling. After several trips of different distances, the tank was half full. Surprisingly the road test achieved 58.3mpg which is a higher fuel economy figure claimed by Honda.

However, these figures should always be taken with a pinch of salt. Manufacturers’ fuel figures don’t always reflect the real-world driving conditions hence are different. With the HR-V being a self-charging hybrid, this isn’t an issue, and given the spiralling cost of fuel it becomes an attractive proposition. Especially so if you’re not quite ready to make the jump to a plug-in or fully electric vehicle.

Predictably, achieving those higher mpg figures wasn’t straightforward or easy. You have to adapt your driving style, maybe even changing completely. As mentioned before by manufacturers, there are many factors affecting fuel consumption, such as driver inputs (throttle acceleration) road and weather conditions (slow traffic driving, rain). You can get higher mpg figures by using the regenerative braking system. With the regen in its maximum setting it almost becomes a one-pedal driving experience. Once you become accustomed to this you can easily see over 60mpg driving around town.

THE NEW HONDA CIVIC e:HEV LAUNCH WEEKEND

The new Civic is in its 11th generation since its original first generation launched in July 1972. During the first launch in June of this model Honda UK have hosted an online video launch of the new car on YouTube with Head of Honda Motor Europe John Kingston and hired the services of TV Presenter Nicki Shields to check out the all-new Honda Civic e:HEV. Known to audiences as the face of BBC’s FIA Formula E Championship and the electric street racing series. She is also the anchor for Supercharged on CNN and ITV’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Between September 24th and 25th it was the turn of the dealer network to launch the highly anticipated new Honda Civic model. Across the country dealers have been busy with hosting the product launch and customers turnout was very good. Every dealership across the national network presented the new civic to the general public thanks to the help of their product geniuses. Customers reactions were positive towards the new car and its presentation. The new Civic is the halo product in terms of design and new technologies that will help the transition towards a more premium market for Honda. Technologies such as Honda Sensing, which includes vehicle active safety features contribute to create a totally new and exciting driving experience. Also considering the rising costs of both gas and electricity, it makes a valid argument to consider a hybrid setup such as the one offered by the new Civic e:HEV.

At Norton way we had a very successful weekend with customer test drives and early vehicle orders. The product launch was recorded and will be shared across our social media channels. This will allow everyone who couldn’t attend to experience the event.

MAZDA CX-60 PHEV

This year at the Fleet and Mobility Live show, Mazda is going to present the all-new CX-60 PHEV. The CX-60 is the first car in Mazda current line-up to be available as a plug-in hybrid. This new Mazda uses the latest powertrain developed by the Japanese manufacturer that combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. Mazda are very proud of the performance of they brand new flagship model that delivers a total system output of 327ps and a torque output of 500Nm. Mazda’s first PHEV also displays impressive environmental credentials with WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and WLTP combined CO2 emissions of only 33g/km.

Fleet & Mobility Live is the largest fleet exhibition event of the year, taking place between the 11th & 12th of October in Birmingham at the Nec centre. It will feature a packed line-up of informative seminar sessions and the latest products from exhibitors, in Hall 20.

The all-new Mazda cx-60 is available in the UK in three highly specified trims, including the Exclusive-line, the Homura and Takumi line. The Mazda CX-60 offers the ability to add two

option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, with a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line. An additional option to specify a Panoramic roof on Homura and Takumi models is also a Mazda first. It will be a great opportunity to see the flagship CX-60 Takumi on display at the Fleet and Mobility Live, having recently being launched on the market for sale to UK customers. A car that heralds the start of a new chapter for Mazda, not only is it the first car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it also sets new standards for interior quality, design and technology – highlighting Mazda’s uniquely Japanese premium brand direction.

The head of Mazda UK fleet, Steve Tomlinson, said: “I can’t wait for our fleet customers to experience the CX-60 and Mazda is excited to be able to attend this year’s Fleet & Mobility Live in order to showcase the all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV. With Co2 emissions of just 33g/km, an EV range of 39.1 miles and attractive P11D values, this exciting addition to the Mazda range is bound to prove popular with company car drivers and so bringing the car to this event will hopefully drive the awareness that this car deserves.”

NISSAN REVEALS

ALL-NEW X-TRAIL

The Nissan X-trail is now open to orders. Being built on the CMF-C platform from which too is used for then Nissan Qashqai and where the Nissan X-Trail is available in both five and sevenseater versions. With prices starting from £32,030 with a £1,000 extra for the seven seats.

The all-new Nissan X-Trail comes with two options, one being a 163hp 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol available as two-wheel drive. The other option, tipped to be the most popular being e-Power full hybrid powertrain, which is available as either two-wheel drove or four-wheel drive.

The e-Power, which is already present in the Qashqai, combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with variable compression ratio with a high-output battery, power generator, inverter, and a motor on the front axle to provide 204 horsepower. The electric motor serves as the only source of power for the wheels, with the petrol engine only being used to generate electricity, which is then either sent via the inverter to the battery pack, the electric motor, or both, depending on the driving situation. It costs an additional £2,435 compared to the mild hybrid

petrol. It also uses a range-extender setup.

Due to this set-up, where usually there is a delay with internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid, this is no longer the case where there is a more instant response to the accelerator and avoiding the ‘rev-up’ effect of traditional hybrids under hard acceleration, making it more refined and smoother.

For an additional £2,200, the e-Power system can be ordered with an e-4orce all-wheel drive system. This will also make its debut on the Ariya electric crossover in early 2023. It adds a 136-horsepower motor to the back axle, giving the vehicle a total of 213 horsepower and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 7 seconds. Additionally, it is said to produce consistent torque redistribution and nearly flawless weight balancing while giving 10,000 times faster rear torque response than a mechanical 4WD system.

The X-Trail e-Power also features Nissan’s e-Pedal Step ‘one pedal’ driving set-up. Already seen on the Leaf, this allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator, taking the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving,

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when activated.

The updated exterior design brings signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grill, while the cabin is set to set “a new segment standard for elevated ambience, distinctive design and enhanced usability”.

Wider passenger door openings, a 60:40 split in the second row of seats, and a central hatch make it easier to access the back of the vehicle. Long objects, such as skis, can also be transported with ease thanks to the central hatch. One of the most spacious in the market, individual rear seats on seven-seater models of the vehicle are believed to sink into the floor and are built to fit people up to 160 cm in height. They also allow passengers to place their feet under the second row of seats.

Added safety comes from Nissan’s Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with predictive function to check out for vehicles suddenly stopping in front and brake accordingly.

Deliveries of the new Nissan X-Trail will start in October.

PEUGEOT REVEALS NEW e-308 AND e-308 SW

PEUGEOT has announced its latest additions to the 100% electric model line-up – the new PEUGEOT e-308 and PEUGEOT e-308 SW. Already available in plug-in hybrid versions, the two new PEUGEOT 308 hatch and estate models will be available as 100% electric versions next year. The all-electric 308 and 308 SW will be powered by a brand-new electric powertrain, with a 115 kW (156 bhp) motor and new 54 kWh high-voltage battery providing a range of up to 248* miles (WLTP cycle). The introduction of the new models sees PEUGEOT become one of the first European manufacturer to offer a fully electric estate vehicle. Drivers are provided with a choice of three driving modes – Eco, Normal or Sport - to choose a way of driving that suits the road they’re on, whilst "Brake" mode allows drivers to gain more miles when the accelerator pedal is released to optimise energy recovery. With an on-board three-phase 11 kW charger provided with the car as standard, drivers can also benefit from 100kW rapid charging, which will power the battery from 20-80% in less than 25 minutes. Technologically, the new PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW feature the latest generation of driving aids to promote safe driving, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres) and Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of danger when reversing.

PEUGEOT e-308: The smart choice

The PEUGEOT e-308 is the smart choice if you’re looking for a fully electric car that combines performance with a high level of everyday practicality. The PEUGEOT e-308 has a WLTP range of up to 248 miles, with rapid charging possible in less than 25 minutes to charge the battery from 20-80% in just 25 minutes. With a generous boot space of 440 litres, the PEUGEOT e-308 is also the most spacious electric estate car available, with a load length of 1500mm. The PEUGEOT e-308 also benefits from a generous interior space, with the headroom, legroom and boot length all greater than in the PEUGEOT e-208 – the only other fully electric PEUGEOT model.

PEUGEOT e-308 SW: More of everything, but still compact

The PEUGEOT e-308 SW is a fully electric version of the PEUGEOT 308 SW estate car. With increased interior space and the low running costs of an electric car, the PEUGEOT e-308 SW combines the practicality of an estate vehicle with the compact dimensions of a 5-door hatchback. With a generous boot space of 510 litres, the PEUGEOT e-308 SW is also the

most spacious electric estate car available. The PEUGEOT e-308 SW also benefits from a generous interior space, with the legroom and boot length greater than in the PEUGEOT e-208 – the only other fully electric PEUGEOT model.

Other new electric models from Peugeot

PEUGEOT e-208: The PEUGEOT e-208 is a fully electric city runabout with a WLTP range of up to 150 miles. Available with a single or twin cabin configuration, the PEUGEOT e-208 features an ultra-compact design with a low driving position and convenient Smartphone connectivity. With a high-capacity 24 kWh battery and three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) the PEUGEOT e-208 is the most efficient PEUGEOT 100% electric model, with charging times of around 7 hours. PEUGEOT e-208 GT: With a WLTP range of up to 193 miles, the PEUGEOT e-208 GT is a performance-oriented version of the fully electric city runabout. Featuring PEUGEOT Drive SS-T technology and the E-Differential, the PEUGEOT e-208 GT is designed for electric performance driving, with potential for drivercontrolled oversteer.

The PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW are the latest additions to PEUGEOT’s 100% electric model line-up. With a fully electric powertrain and a short charging time of around 7 hours, the PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW are designed for everyday use. With the PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW, PEUGEOT has added two new fully electric models to its range of fully electric cars. With a high-capacity 54 kWh battery, the PEUGEOT e-208 and e-208 GT are designed for longer journeys, with a WLTP range of up to 193 miles.v

Sustainability at the heart of the next level of SKODa’s 2030 strategy

koda have made sustainability a priority of its next level as part of their 2030 SKODA strategy. Where Skoda have set themselves a high reaching target to reduce their carbon footprint drastically across the entire value chain. Volkswagen Group became the first automotive company in the world to meet the reporting requirements of the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Action Plan and the EU Taxonomy, this was achieved in a large part due to previous years of SKODA AUTO’s investment into sustainability along with comprehensive, transparent communications on the topics of environment, social affairs, governance and Finance.

Expanding electromobility

By 2026 three new all-electric models will be launched from Skoda with additional models in the works to be released later down the line. Where SKODA AUTO aim to increase the all-electric share of its European sales to over 70% by 2030, whilst also aiming to reduce the co2 emissions of their fleet by over 50%.

Decarbonising production

In an effort to Decarbonise production Skoda are actively looking into renewable energy to manufacture vehicles, and as a result significantly reducing their co2 emissions in production. As a result of these efforts all three Czech plants will be operating with net-zero carbon emission by 2030 and by 2025 the production plants in India will be completely co2 neutral by 2025. Along with the component plant in Vrchlabi meeting its target by the end of 2020. On top of this effort and work Skoda have also put in comprehensive measures to include recycling waste, using resource-efficient materials and processes and a majority green logistics.

Sustainable material cycle and second life cycle for batteries

Skoda are increasingly looking to use natural, recycled and recyclable materials, such as those being used in the Skoda vision 7s concept car. With different materials such as, metals and glass, recycled plastics are already being used in new vehicles. Where in the Skoda ENYAQ iV for example, the seat covers are made of recycled PET bottles. The next steps involve composite materials made from plastics, fibres, from sugar beet or the reed plant Mischanthus. Where there is also research going to the use of rice husks hemp, cork, and coconut fibres. Additionally, Skoda are also using used high-voltage batteries from electric vehicles as part of energy storage systems before these batteries are recycled this second life these batteries get reduce the batteries carbon footprint.

Climate-neutral operation of e-vehicles

Not only are Skoda trying to adjust their production line, materials they use and processes to reduce their carbon footprint, but also running their electric cars with virtually zero emissions. With Skoda ENYAQ iV cars already being delivered to customers with a carbon-neutral balance sheet. Where to compensate for unavoidable carbon emissions during production by purchasing certified carbon credits where more than this Skoda are involved in constructing a new wind farm in Finland, where the plant is expected to produce enough green energy in the future to supply up to 150,000 households with electricity –or power SKODA electric vehicles with zero local emissions.

New Kia XCEED rolls off upgraded Zilina production line

The first versions of the new Kia XCeed compact crossover have come off the Kia production factory in Zilina, Slovakia. Starting off the use of more efficient and sustainable production techniques in the factory.

The upgraded production line in Zilina includes 40 advanced new robots in the paint and assembly halls which is part of a long-term plan to increase automation, efficiency, and compliance up to date with the latest environmental standards. Moreover, the Kia factory in Zilina uses 100% renewable energy for its operations, with heat and water from the paint shop being recycled across the plant to cut waste. To help further improve production line efficiency all Kia model are manufactured on the same production line, which too also help Kia adapt to changing demands across different model ranges. Along with the new XCeed, Zilina also manufactures other members of the Ceed model family along with the fifthgeneration Sportage. The facility also assembles the ‘Smartstream’ 1.5-litre ‘Kappa’ gasoline and mild-hybrid powertrains, along with the 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ T-GDi engine.

The new Kia XCEED

The updated version of the XCeed includes an eyecatching exterior design, enhanced interior, and a new sporty GT-line trim for first time. This will ensure the XCeed model will continue to offer an exciting prospect in the Crossover segment. Where the previous XCeed was the best-selling member of the wider Ceed model family with 40% of sales.

The new XCeed is available with a choice of highly efficient electrified powertrains, including mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV); the latter providing an electric-only driving range of up to 60km. All variants will be available to order from September 2022, and will start at £22,995 in the UK.

Two What Car? Electric car awards for Kia

The Kia EV6 continues its winning ways following its ‘Car of the Year’ award from what car at the start of 2022. Where now the Kia EV6 has been named ‘best Electric Large SUV’. Where on the other end of the scale the Kia Soul EV won the ‘Best Electric Small SUV’ award.

The Kia EV6 was Kia’s first dedicated electric car, highlighting the potential of the company’s new Electric Global Modular platform (E-GMP) The EV6 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive and a 77.4 kWh battery as standard across a choice of three model grades: ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’. The EV6 is capable of travelling up to 328 miles between charges, and its 800V fast-charging technology enables to recharge from 10-to-80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes from a 350 kW charger. A performanceorientated version of the EV6 – the ‘GT’ –is due to join the line-up later in 2022.

The original Kia Soul was the brand’s first globally sold electric vehicle when it launched in 2014. The new model, introduced to the UK in 2019, remains an important member of Kia’s electric car line-up, boasting a long-range 64 kWh battery pack and a powerful 150 kW (201 bhp) electric motor. The Soul EV can travel up to 280 miles on a single charge.

Kia EV6 – Best electric large SUV:

Kia Soul EV – Best Small Electric SUV:

MG ZS EV named ‘Best Used Small SUV’ at What Car? Electric Car Awards

Another win for MG at the prestigious What Car? Electric Car Awards, with the MG ZS EV being selected as the ‘Best Used SUV’ for the second consecutive year.

What Car? Being the UK’s leading car-buying publication, have described MG’s compact, zero emission SUV as ‘a terrific way to get into fullyelectric motoring’. Whilst also recognising the MG ZS EV as a fantastic option for customers looking for their first electric vehicle. The popularity of the MG ZS EV cannot be understated as it too won the same ‘Best Used Small EV’ category the previous year. Whilst also enjoying several wins from new major car award events throughout 2022.

Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor at What Car?, said: “Few can match the all-round appeal of the MG ZS EV in this class. For starters, it’s highly practical. Passenger space is great front and rear and the boot is a generous size, too. But it’s the ZS EV’s impressive affordability as a used buy that sets it apart from all its rivals in this class.”

“Add in its inherent practicality, comprehensive equipment list and sprightly performance and we think it’s more than earned the laurels in this category.”

The ZS EV sits within MG’s range of electric cars, now joined by the recently launched MG4 EV – an all-new hatchback which promises to set a new benchmark for affordable electric motoring.

The MG4 EV Now at Chiswick MG

The MG4 EV is now at Chiswick MG. With prices starting from £25,995 for the MG4 EV SE Standard Range, offering 218 miles of zero-emissions transport and a 7.7-second acceleration to 62mph.

An SE Long Range (£28,495) will travel 281 miles between charges, while the top spec and the Trophy Long Range (£31,495) will cover 270 miles.

A 449PS all-wheel-drive version capable of a sub-four second acceleration to 62mph has also been confirmed for the UK market. Called the Mulan, the high-performance hatchback should arrive in showrooms in 2023.

The MG4 EV will provide great storage, interior, and boot capacity within its small exterior dimensions thanks to its expanded 2,705mm wheelbase, in addition to a contemporary, stunning new design language. Class-leading thin battery technology, at just 110mm in height, considerably increases rear boot capacity.

Due to its rear-wheel drive architecture, low centre of gravity, and 50:50 weight distribution, the innovative platform will provide drivers with exceptional roadholding and engagement.

The MG4 is an affordable all-electric vehicle with a dynamic eye-catching exterior, the highlight being new Modular Scalable platform (MSP) architecture. Where this platform has been designed to maximise battery efficiency whilst also saving weight. The MG4 is now now available at Chiswick MG.