Norton Way Corporate Magazine - January 2023

• Over three quarters of Brits (81%) will rely on their car over Christmas

• Presents (64%), food (47%) and shopping (47%) are the most popular items to travel with

• Over a quarter of people (26%) will be listening to festive music while travelling

• The award winning 11th generation Civic e:HEV is the perfect family hatchback for this Christmas

Santa’s sleigh may be the second most important mode of transport in the UK this Christmas, as research from Honda UK found 81% of Brits will be relying on their car over the festive period. The all-new Civic e:HEV features updated hybrid technology that delivers superior levels of refinement and efficiency.

Honda UK surveyed 2,000 people in the UK to see how they plan to travel this holiday season, and clearly, driving home for Christmas is on the cards for many.

Driving During Christmas

Honda found the most common number of trips that Brits have planned is between four and six (35%), travelling less than 50 miles (29%). People in Northern Ireland will be most reliant on a car over Christmas (94%), followed by people in the East Midlands, the South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber (each 85%). Londoners will drive least, with just 28% driving over Christmas. Roads become busier this time of year with more unstable weather conditions, so it’s important to drive carefully. The new Honda Civic e:HEV offers the latest Honda Sensing technology as standard. Features include; 11 airbags, collision mitigating technology, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

Travelling Together

Honda found Brits prefer travelling with others as over two thirds (70%) are joined by a partner,

friend and/or children. Driving alone is unlikely, with only 11% of people doing so over Christmas time. The Honda Civic e:HEV is comfortable. The cabin encourages light, increasing the sense of space for backseat passengers. The boot offers a 400-litre capacity.

A Balancing Act

The festive period allows families to come together, with presents, food and drinks. However, everything needs to fit! This table reveals the most popular things to travel with:

Honda offer exterior accessories including bike carriers, roof boxes and ski & snowboard attachments, for storing and transporting items without impacting on internal storage.

Most Common Passenger Activities

Over Christmas over a quarter of people will listen to a Christmas playlist (26%) while travelling. Gen Z is most likely to enjoy a festive soundtrack, with 52% of people between ages 18-24 listening to a Christmas playlist. Surprisingly, 14% of people admitted to arguing with family whilst travelling.

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, comments: “2022 has been a very busy year at Honda UK with the launch of the allnew Civic e:HEV and most recently the Civic Type R. We look forward to more excitement and joy in 2023 and in the meantime wish everyone safe and enjoyable journeys over the holiday period.”

2022 has been a very busy year at Honda UK with the launch of the all-new Civic e:HEV and most recently the Civic Type R. We look forward to more excitement and joy in 2023 and in the meantime wish everyone safe and enjoyable journeys over the holiday period.

Rebecca Adamson Head of Automobile at Honda UK

MAZDA COMPLETES 1000-MILE UK DRIVE AND RACE

At a racetrack in each of the UK's home nations, an entirely production-standard 184-ps 2.0-liter Mazda MX-5 Roadster set a milestone lap time for a zero fossil fuel sustainable fueled vehicle. The unmodified Mazda MX-5 completed laps at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales, Oulton Park in England, Knockhill in Scotland, and Kirkistown in Northern Ireland over the course of a week while being driven 1000 miles around the UK from circuit to circuit on SUSTAIN 100% sustainable road fuel from Coryton.

100% agricultural waste, including straw, byproducts, and waste from crops that wouldn't be consumed, was utilised to make the second generation of Coryton fuel. The drive demonstrates how sustainable fuels could support Mazda's Multi-Solution strategy for attaining climate neutrality, as well as the role they can play in decarbonizing both road vehicles and motorsport.

In order to attain climate neutrality, Mazda is dedicated to lowering CO2 emissions from every vehicle and thinks that all feasible choices should be utilised. Continued electrification will go hand in hand with the development of cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology, like the award-winning e-Skyactiv X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) petrol engine found in the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30, thanks to Mazda's SKYACTIV Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture.

Across Mazda's current lineup, this multisolution approach is evident whether these SPCCI-powered vehicles are combined with Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid, the all-electric Mazda MX-30, or the Plug-in Hybrid CX-60 PHEV. Additionally, Mazda's upcoming Skyactiv EV scalable architecture will allow it to produce electric vehicles of different shapes and sizes on

the same assembly line. The addition of brandnew in-line six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to the CX-60 lineup the following year will also emphasise Mazda's exceptional and effective combustion technology.

In addition to the Multi-Solution approach found in Mazda’s current range and its future products, Mazda is investing in different projects and partnerships to promote the development and use of renewable fuels in cars. In Japan, Mazda is involved in several joint research projects and studies as part of an ongoing industry-academiagovernment collaboration to promote the widespread adoption of biofuels from microalgae growth. In Europe, Mazda was the first OEM to join the eFuel Alliance.

Sustainable fossil-free fuels can also be a solution for decarbonizing the many millions of combustion engine cars that will continue to be on our roads for decades to come, as shown by the 1000-mile journey across the UK and the establishment of the circuit laps. The Mazda MX-5 left the Coryton headquarters in Essex and travelled to the Motorsport UK headquarters in Bicester before finishing its journey of the four UK tracks. The performance, efficiency, and engine character of the entirely stock MX-5 were unaffected by the SUSTAIN 100% road fuel provided by Coryton; in fact, eliminating circuit laps, the MX-5 averaged 45.6 mpg.

Mazda Motors UK, Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “It’s especially appropriate to highlight how they have the potential to make the enjoyment of driving sustainable whether on the road or on track for fun or in competition – all of which is key to a car like the Mazda MX-5 that has been providing driving fun for over 30 years. I hope this demonstration will be a forerunner of bigger and better things to come, this pioneering approach is very much in line with Mazda’s famed Challenger Spirit”.

NISSAN LEAF POWERS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AS UK PLANT MARKS PRODUCTION OF 250,000 ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ANissan LEAF is providing the sparkle for Nissan Sunderland Plant's Christmas display to celebrate production of 250,000 of the pioneering electric vehicle in the UK.

Demonstrating the ability of the LEAF to act as a mobile power plant, the lights on the 32-foot Christmas tree and its shimmering reindeer are being powered by the vehicle's battery, using V2X (or V2X-MAS TREE) technology.

Alan Johnson, Vice President Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: "Passing a quarter of a million Nissan LEAF is a tremendous milestone, and demonstrates the electric vehicle manufacturing expertise we have built up at our plant over the past decade.

"This year we have completely electrified the plant's line-up with the new versions of Qashqai and Juke launched, so lighting up the Christmas tree with our original EV is a spectacular and appropriate way to end 2022."

The Nissan LEAF's vehicle-to-grid capabilities, also known as V2X or vehicle-to-building, returns control of energy management to the owner by transforming their car into a mobile energy hub. When necessary, drivers can draw power from the battery of their car and feed it to the grid, their home, or their Christmas tree.

The system enables full grid integration for electric vehicles, increasing the grid's capacity to handle renewable energy sources and enabling more effective energy management.

The first mass-market electric vehicle in the world was the Nissan LEAF, which was produced in Sunderland for more than ten years. The record-breaking original crossover Nissan Qashqai is now available with Nissan's distinctive e-POWER system, a first for the brand in Europe, while the Nissan Juke, its B-segment stablemate, is now outfitted with an advanced hybrid powertrain.

In 2021 Nissan's Sunderland Plant was announced as the home of EV36ZERO, a £1bn flagship electric vvehicle manufacturing ecosystem bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.

ARIYA Wins ‘Best New Medium SUV’ by The Car Expert

Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert commented: "The long-awaited Nissan Ariya is the deserving winner of our Best New Medium SUV award with a truly impressive driving range of up to 329 miles. Its distinctive exterior design offers something a little different to car buyers looking for an EV, while on the inside the Ariya boasts a spacious cabin and impressively refined interior. This is an electric vehicle that's not just easy to live with, but enjoyable to live with."

Nissan's introduction of the LEAF paved the door for electric automobiles to reach the mass market. The much awaited sequel, ARIYA, is a significant development in Nissan's electrification strategy. A elegant 100% electric crossover, ARIYA offers the versatility and utility of a crossover and the room, comfort, and design of a high-end city vehicle.

BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS FOR EV DRIVERS REVEALED

England’s best Christmas markets for electric vehicle drivers have been revealed in a new study, with Manchester Christmas Market found to be the most accessible, as well as offering the best balance of charging options according to new research by PEUGEOT UK.

PEUGEOT UK conducted research to determine which markets in England are best suited for electric car drivers as Christmas market stalls are being prepared all over the country. The top three markets were Leeds' Winter Favourites, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, and Manchester's Christmas Market.

PEUGEOT initially evaluated how many of the markets could be reached using the 225-mile (WLTP) range of the PEUGEOT e-208 from the 15 most populated cities in the UK using Visit England's research on the 14 well-known Christmas markets in England. Along with ranking the number of public charging stations within a three-mile radius of the centre and the available charging speeds, the research* also graded lodging alternatives that provided free charging.

With the exception of Padstow's Christmas Festival, which is situated on Cornwall's north coast, all of the top 10 Christmas Markets were reachable from at least nine of the UK's most populous cities. With 14 UK cities within 225 miles of Manchester's Christmas Market, it was determined to be the most reachable. In addition, Manchester had the most available charging stations—69—within a three-mile radius of the city centre, including 16 quick chargers with rates more than 50kW.

Leeds had 62 charging stations available, including 17 rapid chargers, making it the city with the second-highest number. The PEUGEOT e-208's 225-mile range allowed it to be reached from 13 of the UK's most populated cities.

Top 10 Christmas Markets in England for electric car drivers

1. Manchester Christmas Market (M1 1AF)

2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (B2 4BA)

3. Leeds' Winter Favourites 2022 (LS2 3AD)

4. York St Nicholas Fair (YO1 7DT)

5. Lincoln Christmas Market (LN1 3AA)

6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (SO23 9LS)

7. Bath Christmas market (BA1 1LN)

8. Norwich Christmas Market (NR2 1TF)

9. Chester Christmas Market (CH1 2HJ)

10. Rochester Christmas Market (ME4 4TR)

11. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market (CV37 6AB)

12. Padstow Christmas Festival (PL28 8AQ)

PEUGEOT E-PARTNER NAMED DrivingElectric ‘BEST SMALL ELECTRIC VAN’ FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

The e-Partner is powered by a 50kWh battery providing a range of up to 171 miles (WLTP). The van offers a load volume of 4.4m3 (matching its diesel equivalent) and a payload of up to 800kg. Customers can choose from two body styles (Standard and Long) and from Panel Van (up to 3 seats) and Crew Van (up to 5 seats) configurations.

PEUGEOT is one of few manufacturers in the UK able to offer an electric variant across its entire van model line-up, and is working to offer an electrified version across its entire vehicle range by 2024, before becoming an electriconly brand in 2030.

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KODA has confirmed final UK specifications and pricing for the SUV version of its ENYAQ iV vRS – the second all-electric model to wear the brand’s iconic vRS badge. Available to order from 17 January 2023, the ENYAQ iV vRS follows in the wheel tracks of the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS launched earlier this year, and offers increased practicality alongside sporty performance and striking design.

Priced from £52,670 OTR, the new ENYAQ iV vRS is fitted with an 82kWh (77kWh net) battery pack and has a WLTP driving range of 321 miles. The SUV version features twin motors, one on each axle, and produces 299PS of power, just like the COUPÉ version. The motors' combined 460Nm of torque allows for quick acceleration and a powerful mid-range responsiveness.

The new vRS boasts a custom chassis setup that is intended to give drivers an even more responsive driving experience, fitting for the sporty flagship of the ENYAQ iV line. The body is lowered by 10 millimetres at the rear axle and 15 millimetres at the front axle thanks to the standard sports suspension. This provides the ENYAQ iV vRS with the kind of dynamic handling that vRS drivers have come to expect from KODA, along with progressive steering as standard.

The ENYAQ iV vRS performs similarly to the COUPÉ model, with a top speed of 111 mph and a 0-62 mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Through the use of a CCS connector, the ENYAQ iV vRS can receive a rapid DC charge at up to 135kW rates, and when connected to a 150kW or faster charger, it can charge up to 80% in as little as 36 minutes. A charge from empty to full on a typical 7.2kW home wallbox will take roughly 13 hours.

Like all ŠKODA vRS models, the ENYAQ iV vRS combines strong performance with sporty looks.

20-inch Taurus alloy wheels with aerodynamically optimised aero trims are fitted as standard with larger 21-inch Vision wheels with an anthracite finish as an option.

The car's distinctive vRS sports bumpers front and rear give it a more muscular, purposeful appearance, and KODA's Crystal Face grille, which is lighted by 131 LEDs and is surrounded by gloss black surrounds, further distinguishes the front end. To add to the sporty vibe of the ENYAQ iV vRS, the window trimmings and tailgate lettering are also completed in gloss black.

The ENYAQ iV vRS's interior is decorated with a specific vRS Design Selection that includes sports seats with black perforated leather seat upholstery and grey piping and contrast stitching. While the dashboard has a leather-look finish with contrast stitching, the multifunction sports leather steering wheel also has this feature.

ŠKODA ENYAQ iV vRS: Dynamic, efficient and sustainable

Along with the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS, KODA AUTO is adding a second all-electric model to its sporty vRS family with the release of the new toptier battery-electric SUV. The Czech automaker is elevating its electrified effort with this decision. By 2026, three additional brand-new e-models will be released. The objective is to provide a whole line of electric vehicles, from tiny cars to seven-seaters, and increase the BEV delivery share in Europe to more than 70% by 2030.

The new ENYAQ iV vRS is the second allelectric model in ŠKODA’s sporty vRS range. Just like the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV vRS, the SUV has a sporty, emotive appearance and comes with the most powerful drivetrain in ŠKODA’s current portfolio.

ŠKODA confirms UK pricing and specifications for SUV derivative of ENYAQ iV vRS

Kia has once again found success, with four models being declared class winners at the fifth annual DrivingElectric Awards. The DrivingElectric Awards honour the most economical vehicles available. The publication's judging panel selects the winner of each category after taking into account elements like overall value for money, performance, and usefulness.

The EV6 GT, which was selected "Best Electric Performance Car," strengthens the brand's standing as a pioneer in electrification. Awarded "Best Plug-in Hybrid Family Car" and "Best Hybrid Family Car" titles, respectively, were the all-new Sportage PHEV and Niro, both of which were released earlier this year.

Richard Ingram, Editor of DrivingElectric commented on the EV6 GT’s award win: "In a category previously dominated by supercar-slaying German brands, the Kia EV6 GT challenges the status quo and shows its rivals a clean set of heels. The scintillating straight-line performance is only part of the package; the GT is an incredibly capable all-rounder."

The 577 bhp Kia emphasises Kia's dedication to totally electric mobility by delivering power and acceleration never previously seen from the Korean brand. Visitors to the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed were astounded by the EV6 GT's jaw-dropping performance and eye-catching look as it made its premiere on the renowned hill climb.

The all-new Sportage PHEV and all-new Niro both added to their resumé of important honours at the 2023 DrivingElectric Awards, so it wasn't just the EV6 GT that thrilled the judges.

Richard Ingram commented: “Plug-in hybrids are growing in popularity, and if you want a car with a usable range, plenty of kit, and space for the whole family, then little comes close to the new Kia Sportage.

“DrivingElectric sister site Carbuyer.co.uk voted the all-new Kia Niro as its overall Car of the Year only a few months ago, and it goes on to

triumph here as well. Spacious, super-efficient and good to drive, there’s no finer hybrid family car currently on sale.”

It isn’t just Kia’s latest models that have won accolades. The previous-generation Niro was named ‘Best Used Hybrid Car’. Ingram said: “New or used, the Kia Niro is a great all-rounder. Those on a budget shouldn’t feel short-changed either; the previousgeneration Niro represents great value for money, and could dramatically slash your running costs.”

Having launched both the all-new Sportage and all-new Niro earlier in 2022, 2023 is shaping up to be an equally big year for Kia. Next year, the brand will launch the fully-electric EV9, as Kia moves towards its goal of launching 14 EVs globally by 2027.

Going on the charge for drivers

Bp pulse and MG Motor UK have entered an agreement that will provide MG EV and plug-in hybrid drivers charging access to affordable and hi-tech solutions.

The CEO of bp pulse UK commented that the company is proud to be supporting MG's electric vehicle customers in the UK for their home charging needs, as well as enabling their dealers to charge vehicles conveniently at their sites. Drivers of MG electric vehicles also have access to the UK's most utilised public charging network - bp pulse - to charge on the go, including 3,000 rapid and ultra-fast charge points in the UK. New MG EV owners will receive a discount when they order a bp pulse home charger. Part of the charging solutions, MG customers can use a phone application to manage their vehicle charging. The App-enabled bp pulse homecharge units enable customers to charge reliably and conveniently at home, with the ability to precisely schedule charging times to take advantage of dynamic energy tariffs.

MG customers can also benefit once they become members of the UK’s most utilised public charging network, bp pulse, from the lowest bp pulse tariffs plus a 1-month free subscription. That means drivers can access over 9,000 public charging points when on the road in the UK, including 3,000 rapid and ultra-fast charge points.

Our dealership will be closely supported by bp pulse with discounted rates and finance solutions to fully-electrify our forecourts with bp pulse charging technology, as well as receiving free site surveys and in-depth training so that we can pass on expert charging know-how to owners.

Guy Pigounakis, MG Motor UK Commercial Director, adds: “We’re dedicated to offering MG customers excellent value wherever and whenever we can, especially when it comes to purchasing and owning an EV. This agreement with bp pulse enables us to offer our customers a wide range of benefits whether they’re at home, on the road or visiting their MG dealer. There is also the significant advantage of teaming up with bp pulse who bring immense expertise and resources when it comes to effective, practical and cost-effective vehicle charging.”

23YM HONDA XL750 TRANSALP

Atale exists around the original Transalp, which debuted in 1986 with a 583cc V-Twin engine. Many of them are still in use today in Europe, which is proof of the high calibre of their construction and timeless design.

At the time, it was marketed as a comfortable, all-purpose crossover that was smooth and could handle rougher terrain thanks to its long-travel suspension and light off-road capability. The engine had increased to 647cc by the year 2000, and the last version, which debuted in 2008, featured a 680cc displacement, fuel injection, and a 214kg kerb weight.

Since the Transalp turned a wheel for the first time, the Adventure category has grown significantly. The outstanding A2-compatible pocket explorer CB500X, the multi-purpose, incredibly sporty CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure flagship, and its long-range continent-crossing brother, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, are all available from Honda. This indicates that there is room in Honda's lineup for a model to draw buyers with a different set of daring objectives.

This is just what the new XL750 Transalp is built to do, and a legend of adventure touring is thus reborn.

The XL750 Transalp, which draws inspiration from the original, is ideal for long road trips as well as frantic city life and all in between. It is equally at home cutting through an Alpine pass as it is stirring up dust on bumpy tracks. Additionally, it incorporates a high-performance engine, a brand-new design, and the kind of top-notch equipment that contemporary riders expect.

Simply put, the XL750 Transalp is a brilliant all-rounder and leaves only one question unanswered. How far do you want to go?

Honda Smartphone Voice Control system now available on iOS smartphones

The Honda Smartphone Voice Control system is now accessible in Europe for both iOS and Android devices, Honda Motor Europe is happy to announce.

The Honda Smartphone Voice Control technology is now compatible with iOS operating systems of iOS14 and above, giving Honda customers access to their preferred apps via the Honda RoadSync app. It allows users to access their favourite apps, such as phone, text, navigation, weather, and music, while they are on the go. It was originally designed for use with Android handsets.

From the App Store and Play Store, customers in Europe can download the free Honda Roadsync app. The Honda Smartphone Voice Control system is standard equipment on the new CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp in addition to the CB1000R, X-ADV, ADV350, Forza 750, and Forza 350.

The rider can safely stow their smartphone in a pocket or tank bag and stay completely connected because the rider can use voice input and/or a 4-way toggle switch situated on the left handlebar to control every aspect of the app.