Norton Way Corporate Magazine - March 2023

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Honda Jazz e:HEV - SE

Redesigned with a host of innovations, including Honda SENSING as standard, the new Honda Jazz, with its class-leading, roomy and versatile interior, is in a class of its own.

Honda Jazz e:HEV - Crosstar EX

For drivers looking for a fun SUV design together with spaciousness and versatility.

Honda e - Advance

Advanced technology throughout – including the world’s first, full-width, digital dashboard – the Honda e has a refined and spacious interior, along with a full range of features that make it a real joy to drive.

CR-V - SR

A hybrid SUV with an emphasis on style, advanced technology, and high levels of safety. It’s full of exciting features and with two and four-wheel drive, this CR-V is capable of any journey.

A two-wheel drive (front), i-MMD (intelligent MultiMode Drive) two-motor system – with an efficient 2.0 Atkinson cycle petrol engine – intelligently switches between three driving modes and delivers a maximum engine power output of 145 PS and 315 Nm of torque from its electric motor.

Honda HR-V - Elegance

A hybrid SUV that combines exhilarating performance with sleek aerodynamics to emphasise its energetic character.

Honda HR-V - Advance

With the emphasis on style as well as comfort, this hybrid SUV combines advanced technology, connectivity, and high levels of safety for an enjoyable drive.

Honda HR-V - Advance Style

Innovative features on the inside, with two-tone, sport-coupé styling on the outside, our high spec HR-V will grab attention wherever you go.

Honda Civic - Sport

The Civic Sport hybrid hatchback combines a sporty design with a dynamic, electrifying performance.

Honda Civic - Advance

With premium Bose audio, a panoramic glass roof and safety features like Adaptive Driving Beam, the Civic Advance grade is a high-spec hybrid hatchback that offers a dynamic drive blended with best-in-class comfort and luxury.

Honda

NEW LOOK 2023

TO MAKE UK DEBUT IN THE SPRING

The ever-popular Mazda2 has undergone a significant makeover, with new external style and interior decor. The 2023 Mazda2 comes with a redesigned grille, a slimmer bumper design, decorative dash panels, and two exterior colours that make their Mazda debut on the supermini: Aero Grey and Air Stream Blue across the four newly named trim grades: Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line, and Homura Aka.

In order to give customers more opportunities to express their uniqueness through a larger range of colour combinations across the four model grades, Mazda's designers have concentrated on new design elements for the 2023 Mazda2. The Homura and Homura Aka have been created to give the Mazda2 a sportier style and character, while the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line are focused on a fun and informal attitude.

Across all models the 2023 Mazda2’s new grille sees the signature Mazda wing surround pass beneath rather than below the number plate, leaving space to accentuate the new sportier lower bumper trim and shape. Additionally, to give a sharper look, the signature wing grille surround cuts into the leading edge of the headlight rather than passing underneath, while asymmetrically placed colour accent tabs feature on the front grille and rear bumper across all models.

The 2023 Mazda2 has a distinctive new style thanks to the huge coloured panel that spans the lower section of the grille on the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models, as well as the redesigned front bumper design and more prominent lower grille section with a gloss black signature wing surround. In order to give customers more colour combination options, the grille panel is body coloured on Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Grey, and the new Air Stream Blue colour, while it is Jet Black on Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Ceramic Metallic, and the new Aero Grey colour to create a stylish contrast. The grille panel on Jet Black vehicles is also Jet Black.

The new rear bumper on all Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line vehicles has a now full-width black bottom moulding with the yellow accent tab. This design element is mirrored in the grille of all of these vehicles. Exclusive-Line vehicles upgrade to 16-inch bright alloy wheels from the usual 15-inch silver alloy wheels found in Centre-Line vehicles.

The new rear bumper on all Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line vehicles has a now full-width black bottom moulding with the yellow accent tab. This design element is mirrored in the grille of all of these vehicles. Exclusive-Line vehicles upgrade to 16-inch bright alloy wheels from the usual 15-inch silver alloy wheels found in Centre-Line vehicles.

Inside, the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line cars there’s a similar colour combination style with a new decorative dash panel that is mint coloured on Air Stream Blue and Ceramic Metallic cars for example. On Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White, Platinum Quartz and Polymetal Grey cars the dash panel is pure white, while the remaining exterior colours get a mirror black finish.

Differently, the Homura and Homura Aka 2023 Mazda2 has been created to be a more sporty rendition of the Mazda2. The Homura uses the Mazda2's well-balanced Kodo design and the new, more streamlined bumper design to its advantage. It sports a gloss black honeycomb grille with a red accent tab, matching door mirrors, 16-inch black alloy wheels, and a black shark fin roof antenna. The red accent is located in the lower right corner of the black bumper trim strip towards the back.

NISSAN X-TRAIL AWARDED BEST LARGE SUV BY WOMEN’S WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR 2023

The jury of the Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY)

2023 has awarded Nissan X-Trail the title of Best Large SUV 2023 for its thirteenth edition. Speaking about the accolade, Makoto Uchida, Nissan's CEO, said:

"We are delighted that the jury of the Women's World Car of the Year has awarded the honour of best Large SUV to the Nissan X-Trail. The X-Trail is our family SUV icon, with a heritage of over 20 years. It has remained true to its original recipe: robust SUV looks, advanced and efficient all-wheel drive powertrains and flexible practicality, which come together to enable family adventures. We took the voices of our female customers into consideration throughout the design and development process, so we're particularly proud that the jury of eminent female automotive journalists from all over the world has recognized the X-Trail's talents."

Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, the new X-Trail boasts of muscular design and advanced technologies offering effortless EV drive feeling thanks to e-POWER technology together with a twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. The new X-Trail is available as a five- or seven-seater, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. As an electrified seven-seater SUV, it is unique in its segment. Nissan's ground-breaking e-POWER drive technology provides an electric vehicle (EV) driving experience without the requirement for recharging. The e-POWER system in the new X-Trail consists of a high-output battery, a powertrain with a variable compression ratio gasoline engine, a power generator, an inverter, and a 150kW front electric motor built right in, and it is integrated with those components. Due to this unusual engine, the only source of power for the wheels is an electric motor, producing a quick and linear reaction to the accelerator. With sales in over 100 markets and over 20 years of enabling family outings, the X-Trail is one of Nissan's most popular vehicles worldwide. The third and fourth generations of the X-Trail have shared a common DNA, which is used in the fourth generation.

Nissan-backed ServCity project accelerates future autonomous mobility in complex urban environments

Aconsortium initiative called ServCity that was funded by Nissan and assisted by the UK government has completed its deployment of cutting-edge autonomous drive technology in intricate urban settings in London that is connected with the city's infrastructure.

After three years of study and more than 1,600 miles of autonomous testing, Nissan and consortium partners have created a roadmap that will assist UK communities in integrating cuttingedge autonomous car technologies with existing city infrastructure. The research also looked at how cities can offer a "Robotaxi"-style service in the future to help commuters and city dwellers.

The ServCity connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV), which is based on the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, has successfully completed progressively difficult validation trials on the roads of London while connected to the Smart Mobility Living Lab (SMLL) in Greenwich. In order to create a futuristic cooperative infrastructure environment, ServCity was able to fully utilise the capabilities of SMLL, which used its network of roadside sensors and a data processing suite. This environment sent new sources of data to the CAV in order to enhance its situational awareness. The infrastructure can alert a vehicle to an object that is out of its line of sight (for example, around a bend or in the distance) and allow the car to make a lane change or other manoeuvre to guarantee smooth traffic flow.

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PEUGEOT INTRODUCES NEW 48V HYBRID POWERTRAIN

TO 3008 AND 5008

PEUGEOT has announced a new 48V HYBRID powertrain for the 3008 and 5008. The new powertrain complements the existing PEUGEOT electrified range, and couples a 136hp PureTech petrol engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that features an integrated electric motor which helps reduce fuel consumption by 15%.

This new powertrain takes the place of the PureTech 130 EAT8 offering and will soon be available on other models in the PEUGEOT range, including 208, 2008, 308, 308 SW, and new 408. PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 models are first to benefit from the new HYBRID powertrain with first customer deliveries taking place in Summer 2023.

The combustion and electric motors can operate simultaneously or separately during routine driving to maximise efficiency, and drivers are informed via the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® of which power source is being used. The HYBRID system enables 100% electric starting, manoeuvring, and driving at low speeds in congested areas when the battery charge permits. The PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 HYBRID can be operated in 100% zero-emission electric mode for more than half of the time when travelling in metropolitan areas.

The new 48V HYBRID powertrain results in a drop in fuel consumption of 15% with these savings mostly being achieved during urban driving, while motorway efficiency remains unchanged. When the car is decelerating, the petrol motor shuts off completely, allowing the electric motor to generate energy to recharge the battery.

THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE 48V HYBRID SYSTEM

All aspects of the hybrid system are located under the bonnet, except for the 48V battery, which is installed under the front left seat of PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008.

The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine is a new generation of PureTech engines specially developed for optimal integration with hybridisation. Featuring a variable geometry turbo and Miller cycle operation*, it produces 136hp and 230Nm of torque.

The new electrified 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (e-DCS6 Dual Clutch System) without torque break is part of the Peugeot 48V HYBRID engine and was created specifically for hybrid systems. The ECU, inverter, and electric motor are likewise housed inside the gearbox, which optimises the vehicle's size and weight for better driving performance.

The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, which is integrated into the gearbox, produces a maximum output of 21 kW (28 hp) and 55 Nm of torque. It helps the combustion engine consume less fuel by enabling the vehicle to be driven entirely electrically for low torque requirements. With the aid of the belt-starter, the engine provides the primary start for the combustion engine during deceleration and functions as a generator to recharge the 48V battery of the HYBRID system. The combustion engine is restarted using the accessory belt thanks to the 48V-powered starter, enabling quick, smooth starts.

The 48V Lithium-Ion battery is installed under the front left seat to ensure the full boot volume is maintained. It has a gross capacity of 898Wh and an available capacity of 432Wh. It is designed to maintain the same level of performance throughout the life of the vehicle and comes with an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.

of distance travelled in electric mode at any one time or at the end of the journey.

With the new HYBRID drivetrain, PEUGEOT vehicles are fitted with a unique display built into the i-Cockpit®. The digital display shows the percentage of distance covered in electric mode at any given time or at the end of the trip, the amount of energy flowing through the system, the battery charge level, the operating status of the vehicle via a power metre (Charge, Eco, Power), and 100% electric driving (speedometer in blue).

PEUGEOT

Škoda has been announced as the Official Automotive Partner of Crufts - the UK’s biggest and most prestigious dog event. Skoda and Crufts will officially cooperate for the first time in 2023, but the company has long had a tight relationship with dogs and their owners. In order to enable owners to travel their furry friends securely and comfortably at all times, Skoda has continuously developed a wide range of safety and comfort accessories. The company has also developed close ties with the emergency services, offering special Skoda models like the Kodiaq and Karoq, all of which offer the ideal atmosphere for energetic working dogs.

Pet safety has driven Škoda to develop one of the biggest ranges of bespoke dog safety accessories in the industry. According to the Highway Code, dogs need to be suitably secured so they avoid distracting the driver and to prevent injury in the case of a sudden stop.

A study carried out by Škoda last year revealed the importance of using correctly designed and fitted restraints. The survey, commissioned by Škoda, found that 12% of owners let their dogs sit on their lap or even on the dash (9%) while driving, while some let their dogs move freely around the car. This figure was even more pronounced among younger drivers (18-24 years old), with over a quarter (27%) letting their dog sit on their lap while driving.

Skoda will have a booth in the main exhibition hall with a unique platform where visitors can take photographs with their dogs as part of the company's official collaboration with Crufts. The Kamiq from the popular television commercial for the brand, in which the little SUV took on an agility course for a dog show, will also be on display at the booth.

Škoda Enyaq iV vRS slides into GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™

titles with incredible 7.351 km ice drift

Škoda UK has set two official world ice drift records with the Enyaq iV vRS SUV, the brand’s second all-electric sporting flagship model.

The longest continuous vehicle drift on ice

was the first world record broken by Skoda. Richard Meaden achieved a new record for the longest continuous vehicle drift on ice while operating the freshly released Skoda Enyaq iV vRS SUV. Meaden kept the vehicle in a controlled slide for 7.351 kilometres (4.568 miles). Meaden's drift broke the previous record, which had been held by China since 2022 and stood at 6.231 kilometres (3.872 miles). Meaden outperformed the previous record by keeping the car sliding for more than 15 minutes in a stunning display of talent. Meaden and the Skoda Enyaq iV vRS SUV broke the previous record while also setting a new record for the "Longest Continuous Vehicle Drift on Ice (Electric Car)".

Skoda set the record on the brand's fourth day on location after multiple practise runs with various tyre combinations and little daylight. A Guinness World Records adjudicator was there, as well as international drifting judge David Kalas. To attain the ideal drift, a total of 18 hours of drifting in below-freezing temperatures were put in over the course of five days.

Despite the brutal conditions, the Enyaq iV vRS SUV’s performance was consistently strong. The car powered round the drift circle 39 times during the 15 minutes and 58 seconds of its record-breaking run. During the record run, it also achieved a top speed of 48.69 km/h (30.25 mph) and was travelling at 31.64 km/h (19.66 mph) at its slowest point.

The Enyaq iV vRS SUV is the second all-electric Škoda to bear the vRS badge, offering 299 PS and 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds from its 82 kWh (77 kWh net) battery and twin electric motors. With one on each axle, the Enyaq iV vRS produces 460 Nm of torque, with instant acceleration and powerful performance.

Inside, the vRS Design Selection interior featured sports seats with black perforated leather upholstery with grey piping and contrast stitching, which extended to the steering wheel and dashboard trim. The Enyaq iV vRS can be rapid charged at speeds of up to 135 kW via a CCS connector, meaning an 80% charge can be achieved in as little as 36 minutes via a 150 kW charger (or faster).

The record-breaking Enyaq iV vRS SUV will be arriving with UK customers from early summer 2023.

Anything is paw-sible as Škoda is confirmed as Official Automotive Partner of Crufts

REINTRODUCES 'GT-LINE S' CEED AND PROCEED; BRINGS DCT BACK

As of February 2023, Kia has reintroduced the range-topping ‘GT-Line S’ variants of the popular Ceed and ProCeed models. Back due to popular demand, the five-door hatchback and shooting brake models within Kia’s popular Ceed model family will now be available with a wider range of trims, with ‘GT-Line S’ topping each model line-up.

Newly relaunched ‘GT-Line S’ variants of the Ceed and ProCeed are offered as standard with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT). Other models within each line-up (‘2’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘3’ for Ceed, and ‘GT-Line’ for ProCeed) feature a six-speed manual as standard. The transmission is paired with Kia’s popular 1.5-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, producing 158bhp.

With the DCT, the Ceed "GT-Line S" can reach a top speed of 130 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds (8.6 seconds for ProCeed). The DCT was created internally with the goal of improving fuel economy, providing comfort, and maintaining the sportiness of a manual transmission when the driver decides to take charge of gear changes. The transmission has not altered from how it was used in the Ceed model family prior. Prices for the Ceed "GT-Line S" and ProCeed "GT-Line S" start at £31,145 and £32,245, respectively.

Range-topping ‘GT-Line S’ models add the following additional specification features over the standard ‘GT-Line’ specification:

• 18-inch premium alloy wheels (compared to 17inch on ‘GT-Line’ models)

• Panoramic sunroof with a tilting/sliding function and electric roll blind

• Black leather with suede seat upholstery

• Power seat height adjuster and memory seat function (driver)

• 12.3-inch supervision cluster display

• Smart park assist system (SPAS) parallel/ perpendicular with front and rear parking sensors

• Smart Key with Engine Start/Stop Button

• An eight-speaker JBL® premium audio system

• Wireless mobile phone charger

• Blind-spot collision warning (BCW)

• Heated seats (outer rear)

• Smart cruise control with stop and go functionality

• Drive mode select (Normal and Sport modes)

• Paddle shifters

The new Kia XCeed "GT-Line S," which will be available for the first time in 2022, will also offer a DCT gearbox as an option, expanding the range of options available to customers. With about half of all Ceed family sales going to the new XCeed, it is the most popular variation of the larger Ceed family. The XCeed is also offered in a fleet-friendly plug-in hybrid model, providing company car users with affordable benefit-inkind rates and nearly 30 miles of electric-only range on a single charge. Prices for the new XCeed "GT-Line S" with the DCT start at £31,495.

The Ceed model family has played a significant role in Kia's sustained success in the UK. The line assisted the company in 2022 as it reached the landmark of selling more than 100,000 automobiles in a single year for the first time. With the Ceed hatchback, ProCeed, Sportswagon, and XCeed, the Ceed family will make up about 20% of all Kia UK sales in 2022.

MG HS named UK’s best-selling car in JanuarY

The MG HS has been revealed as the UK’s best-selling car in January 2023, according to the latest SMMT vehicle sales data.

The large SUV model, which is available in Petrol or Plug-In Hybrid specification, topped the UK sales charts in the first month of 2023 achieving a total market share of 2.6%.

With total UK vehicle sales of 7,433 automobiles, MG recorded an increase in overall sales of over 108% from January 2022. Since their release in the fall of 2022, the new, all-electric MG4 and MG5 models have maintained their popularity, according to SMMT data released in January, which shows that total sales of electric vehicles increased by 19.8% year over year.

After record-breaking sales figures in 2022, when the firm was named the fastest-growing mainstream vehicle brand for a second straight year, the announcement represents a remarkable start to the year for MG Motor UK.

“We’re thrilled to see two of our best-selling models featured in the overall UK top ten,” said Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK. “The HS model has been hugely important in the growth of MG over the last few years, and we’re delighted it remains so popular with customers. The growth in the electric car market is also very encouraging and we expect the recently launched MG4 EV and MG5 EV models to carry us further forward into 2023.”

The HS model, is the largest car MG offers, with a starting price as low as £23,495 and offers an unmatched combination of size, luxury, technology, and affordability.

The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid lineup, which has a starting price of £31,095, combines the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 90kW electric motor to produce an EV-only range of 32 miles, making it the ideal choice for buyers who are new to zero-emissions driving.

All MG HS models are equipped with MG’s advanced driver assistance package, MG Pilot, with a comprehensive package of features that includes Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

With a market-leading selection of electric vehicles, MG is the fastest-growing automaker in the UK, inspiring more people than ever to transition to zero-emission driving.

With roots dating back to 1924, MG is renowned for producing sporty, thrilling, and reasonably priced automobiles. With a reputation for superb design, cutting-edge technology, and great value for money, the company is now establishing itself as a major player in the fast growing UK electric car sector.