NORTON WAY WISHES YOU A PROSPEROUS 2025. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VALUED PARTNERSHIP THROUGHOUT2024 - YOUR TRUST DRIVES OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO ACHIEVING NEW MILESTONES TOGETHER IN THE YEAR AHEAD.
–NORTON WAY GROUP
Honda enthusiasts across Europe have reason to celebrate as the Japanese automaker has confirmed the highly-anticipated return of its legendary sports coupé, the Prelude. Set to grace European roads in early 2026, this sixth-generation model promises to blend Honda's cuttingedge hybrid technology with the thrilling driving experience that made its predecessors so beloved.
The announcement of the Prelude's comeback coincides with a significant milestone for Honda - the 25th anniversary of its pioneering efforts in hybrid technology. Since the introduction of the groundbreaking Insight in 1999, Honda has consistently pushed the boundaries of petrolelectric powertrains. The new Prelude e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is poised to continue this tradition of innovation, offering a perfect fusion of efficiency and exhilaration.
Honda's journey in hybrid technology began with the Insight, Europe's first massproduced hybrid vehicle. Over the past 25 years, the company has refined and expanded its hybrid offerings, culminating in a fully electrified mainstream automobile range. Models such as the Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V all feature Honda's advanced e:HEV powertrains as standard, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility without compromising on performance.
The Prelude has long been synonymous with Honda's technological innovation. From its debut 46 years ago to its discontinuation in 2000, the model served as a high-performance showcase across five generations. Now, after a hiatus of over two decades, the Prelude is set to reclaim its position at the forefront of Honda's lineup, embodying the brand's latest advancements in hybrid technology and driving dynamics.
One of the most exciting features of the new
Prelude is the debut of Honda's innovative S+ Shift technology. This groundbreaking system is designed to enhance the driving experience by simulating the sound and sensation of rapid automatic gear changes. By doing so, Honda aims to deliver a perfect balance of exhilarating performance and the seamless efficiency characteristic of hybrid powertrains.
The S+ Shift technology is more than just a gimmick; it's a testament to Honda's dedication to preserving the engaging aspects of traditional sports cars in the electrified era. By replicating the auditory and tactile feedback of gear shifts, the system promises to offer drivers a more involving and emotionally satisfying experience behind the wheel.
This innovative feature serves as a bridge between the Prelude's storied past and its electrified future. It allows Honda to maintain the sporty character that made the original models so popular while embracing the benefits of modern hybrid technology. The result is a driving experience that should appeal to both long-time Prelude enthusiasts and a new generation of environmentally conscious drivers seeking.
As the 2026 launch date approaches, Honda is likely to release more information about the new Prelude in a carefully orchestrated campaign. Enthusiasts and industry observers can look forward to:
• Teaser images and videos showcasing the vehicle's design
• Detailed technical specifications of the e:HEV powertrain and S+ Shift technology
• Information on trim levels and optional features
• Pricing and availability details for various European markets
VISIT CHISWICK HONDA TO DISCOVER THEELECTRIC RANGE
Mazda's newest flagship SUV, the CX-80, has demonstrated its exceptional safety credentials by securing a coveted five-star rating from Euro NCAP, Europe's leading independent vehicle safety assessment programme. This achievement underscores Mazda's unwavering commitment to engineering vehicles that prioritise occupant protection and road safety.
The CX-80, a spacious seven-seater, impressed evaluators across multiple categories, showcasing its advanced safety features and robust construction. Let's delve into the details of this remarkable performance and explore what makes the Mazda CX-80 a standout in its class.
One of the most crucial aspects of vehicle safety is how well it protects adult occupants in various crash scenarios. The Mazda CX-80 excelled in this area, achieving an impressive 92% score in the Adult Occupancy category.
In the challenging full-width rigid barrier test, the CX-80 demonstrated a commendable level of protection for occupants. This test simulates a head-on collision and evaluates how well the vehicle's structure absorbs and distributes impact forces.
The CX-80 truly shone in both the side barrier and the more severe side pole impact tests. These assessments evaluate how well the vehicle protects occupants from side collisions, which can be particularly dangerous. The Mazda SUV provided good protection for all critical body areas, earning maximum points in this crucial aspect of safety evaluation.
Completing its stellar performance in adult occupant protection, the CX-80 scored full marks in the rear impact test. This assessment focuses on the vehicle's ability to prevent whiplash injuries, which are common in rear-end collisions.
Families considering the Mazda CX-80 will be pleased to know that it excels in protecting younger passengers. The SUV achieved an outstanding 88% score in the Child Occupancy category, highlighting its family-friendly design.
Using crash test dummies representing six-and ten-year-old children, Euro NCAP evaluated the CX-80's ability to protect young occupants in both frontal and lateral impacts. The Mazda SUV scored maximum points in these tests, demonstrating its exceptional ability to safeguard children in various collision scenarios.
The ease and security of child seat installation are crucial factors for family vehicles. The CX-80 received full marks in the CRS (Child Restraint System) Installation Check, indicating that parents can confidently and correctly install child seats in the vehicle.
Modern vehicle safety extends beyond protecting occupants to considering the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. The Mazda CX-80 performed admirably in this category, scoring an impressive 84% in the Vulnerable Road Users assessment.
The CX-80's design incorporates features that help mitigate injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision. The vehicle's front-end structure and bonnet are engineered to absorb impact energy and reduce the risk of severe injuries.
With cycling becoming increasingly popular, the CX-80's ability to detect and respond to cyclists is a significant safety feature. The vehicle's autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system demonstrated good performance in tests simulating various cyclist scenarios.
The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has picked up yet another best-in-class award for its uniquely innovative electrified powertrain.
cinch, the UK's leading online used car retailer, has announced the winners of its 2024 Car of the Year awards, with Nissan's e-POWER technology attracting praise from judges.
Already one of the nation's favourite cars, this new award for Qashqai is further evidence of how Nissan is delivering innovative and class-leading technology to its customers.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: "What makes the Qashqai e-POWER so good is how its hybrid system works – it shows that hybrid cars don't need to be boring to look at or to drive.
"It feels like an electric car with zippy acceleration and one-pedal driving, and yet it's as convenient as a petrol car because it doesn't need to be plugged in."
Designed, engineered and built in Britain, the Qashqai has had a busy year in 2024, thanks to a comprehensive update and an award-winning marketing campaign, as well as being named best-in-class by motoring experts at News UK – publishers of some of the country's biggest newspapers, including The Sun and The Sunday Times.
Michael Auliar, sales director at Nissan GB, said: "With eye-catching design, intuitive technology, the latest safety features and
award-winning powertrains, it's no wonder our customers love the Qashqai.
"Receiving this award is fantastic recognition for Nissan teams across the UK, all of which have contributed to Qashqai's UK development and helped to maintain its position as a British automotive industry success."
Since its launch in September 2022, Nissan has sold more than 140,000 Qashqai e-POWER – with customers loving the 'electric drive' feeling delivered by the technology.
The key to the unique and innovative e-POWER powertrain is that the wheels are only ever driven directly by an electric motor, unlike traditional hybrids, helping the car deliver the sensation of driving an EV with no need to plug in and charge. It's a perfect solution for those customers seeking advanced and efficient technology but who are not quite ready to make the switch to a 100% electric car.
The sole role of the car's turbocharged threecylinder engine is to generate electricity, which is sent via an inverter to either the 140kW electric motor or the 1.8kWh battery (or both, according to the driving scenario).
Working quietly in the background, it supplies the electricity in relation to the vehicle's speed, thus avoiding any disconnect between background sound and vehicle progress.
PEUGEOT now offers an all-electric version of every model in its UK vehicle range as the brand announces the opening of orders for the new E-408. The new E-408 completes PEUGEOT’s cutting-edge, all-electric line-up and marks the brand’s latest step to becoming the leading EV brand in Europe.
Featuring a 58kWh useable battery and 210hp (157kW) electric motor, the new E-408 achieves an electric range of 281 miles*, combining the striking appeal of a fastback with the efficiency of zero emissions in use. With generous power and 345Nm of instant torque, the all-electric drive of the E-408 delivers pure driving pleasure.
Style, dynamism, and interior comfort are all maintained in the new E-408's unique and surprising fastback design. The new E-408, which comes in ALLURE and GT trim levels, has extra features as standard that set it apart from the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. This includes PEUGEOT i-Connect® Advanced with Connected Navigation, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
PEUGEOT offers the most extensive electric vehicle line-up of any mainstream brand in Europe, with 12 electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This strong product offering puts PEUGEOT at the forefront of electrification
in the UK, with almost 1 in 3 cars sold by PEUGEOT in September being electric.
The all-electric powertrain of the new E-408 delivers class-leading efficiency, ensuring drivers benefit from a quiet and smooth ride, along with rapid DC charging capabilities of up to 120 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in just over 30 minutes (under nominal battery temperature conditions).
In a little more than ten minutes, the E-408 can regain 62 miles of range. The infotainment system can help optimise charging; the driver can set the battery to produce a maximum charge of 80%.
With a 10-inch HD touchscreen, a row of five adjustable i-Toggles that offer touch-sensitive shortcuts to important operations, and a customisable 10-inch digital instrument cluster, the E-408 is equipped with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® as standard.
Eurig Druce, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “The new E-408 completes PEUGEOT’s allelectric product range, the first mainstream European manufacturer to offer such a diverse electric line up. As a future-looking brand, we are proud to be at the forefront of electrification and are committed to growing our EV market share. Over the past two months, PEUGEOT’s electric share is over 1% above that of the legacy market share, highlighting our positive performance in the electric market.”
It’s all overland for rivals as all-new Kodiaq scoops prestigious 4x4 of the Year titlet
The all-new Škoda Kodiaq is rounding off a remarkable year by winning another key industry accolade. Having already scooped a number of awards in 2024, the Czech SUV has been named 4x4 of the Year by the judging panel at Overlander 4x4 magazine.
In addition to winning the overall award, the new, second-generation Kodiaq was crowned Best Medium SUV by the title. The judging panel, made up of 4x4 experts and motoring journalists, praised the new Kodiaq’s allround ability and exceptional practicality.
Commenting on the Best Medium SUV award, Editor Alan Kidd said: “The Medium SUV class is always a ferociously contested one. The old Kodiaq became a benchmark there – and the new one already is. There’s not one simple thing it doesn’t get 100% right. You don’t need party tricks in a vehicle like this – you feel the quality and usability in everything you see and touch.”
Explaining why the Kodiaq was named Car of the Year, Kidd added: “We always used to say the first-generation Kodiaq was the best vehicle never to win 4x4 of the Year. Well, in a manner of speaking it has now. The new model picks up almost seamlessly from where the old one left off. You can drive all day in the Kodiaq and still feel ready for more. It’s incredibly composed, smooth, quiet – everything you want of a family SUV.”
Despite only arriving in the UK earlier this year, the second-generation Kodiaq has already inherited its predecessor’s winning streak. Earlier this year it was named Family Car of the Year in the Scottish Car of the Award, Best Large Family Car 2025 by Carbuyer and was Highly Commended in the Carwow Awards and Parkers New Car Awards.
The previous model, launched in 2016, won more than 120 industry titles during its production run. Škoda has also posted a string of strong performances in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with the Enyaq taking the overall Car of the Year title in 2021.
Available in both seven- and five-seater forms, the new Kodiaq is the first to be offered with an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain that is capable of driving up to 74 miles in pure electric mode.
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The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Kia unveils its latest masterpiece, the EV9 GT, on European soil. This groundbreaking electric vehicle represents a significant leap forward in Kia's commitment to sustainable mobility and highperformance engineering. As the flagship model of Kia's burgeoning electric lineup, the EV9 GT combines cutting-edge technology, luxurious comfort, and exhilarating performance in a package that's set to redefine the electric SUV segment.
The Kia EV9 GT's exterior design is a testament to the brand's innovative approach to automotive aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the EV9 GT presents a bold and futuristic silhouette that commands attention on the road.
At the forefront of the EV9 GT's design is its emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency. The sleek, streamlined body not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in maximising range and performance. Kia's engineers have meticulously crafted every curve and contour to reduce drag, resulting in a remarkably low coefficient of drag for an SUV of this size.
One of the most striking features of the EV9 GT is its unique lighting design. The front fascia boasts an intricate LED light pattern that serves as both a functional headlight system and a distinctive brand identifier. This 'Digital Tiger Face' lighting signature creates an unmistakable presence on the road, day or night.
While the EV9 GT embraces the clean lines
and smooth surfaces characteristic of modern electric vehicles, it doesn't shy away from showcasing its performance credentials. Flared wheel arches, a low-slung roofline, and large alloy wheels hint at the vehicle's sporting intentions, creating a perfect balance between elegance and athleticism.
At the core of the Kia EV9 GT's impressive capabilities lies a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in an electric SUV.
The EV9 GT employs a dual-motor setup, with one motor driving each axle. This configuration not only provides the benefits of all-wheel drive but also enables precise torque vectoring for enhanced handling and stability. The combined output of these motors is nothing short of breathtaking, delivering performance that rivals many petrol-powered sports cars.
Powering the EV9 GT is Kia's latest highcapacity battery pack. Utilising cutting-edge cell chemistry and thermal management systems, this battery not only provides an impressive range but also supports ultra-fast charging capabilities. Kia claims that the EV9 GT can add up to 100 km of range in just 6 minutes when connected to a suitable DC fast charger.
To maximise efficiency and range, the EV9 GT features an advanced regenerative braking system. This technology harnesses the energy typically lost during deceleration and braking, converting it back into electricity to replenish the battery. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking to suit their preferences, with the most aggressive setting enabling one-pedal driving in many situations.
MG is going from strength to strength in the UK, with new models appearing left, right and centre, including this latest ZS. From the brilliant MG3 hybrid supermini to the stunningly styled allelectric Cyberster sports car, the brand is attacking the automotive establishment from all angles – and usually with strong results when put through our tests.
That bodes well for the ZS Hybrid+, whose closest rival is the Dacia Duster when it comes to price and powertrain. However, that’s not the only competition it must overcome; buyers can’t get enough of the Ford Puma, and it’s easy to see why when it drives so brilliantly. Other popular choices in the segment include the Nissan Juke and our class favourite, the Renault Captur, both also offered with hybrid power.
The second generation MG ZS has jettisoned its electric powertrain completely (a new MG electric compact SUV is on the way) while the petrol-engined version has been replaced by a much better hybrid version. It suits this car well and sets it apart from its competitors, in what is fast becoming a vastly overcrowded market.
While the ZS is good enough to drive, spacious and economical, the real selling point is its low list price, which allows it to undercut rivals by several thousand pounds. Even on a monthly finance deal, MG claims it’s over £100 less than a like-for-like Hyundai Kona. That alone should see it sell in strong numbers – even before a cheaper petrol version joins the line-up later in 2025.
There’s just one powertrain option available in the MG ZS, and that’s a hybrid system that first appeared in the MG3 supermini. There’s more weight for it to deal with here, but claimed fuel economy in excess of 55mpg is impressive for a compact family SUV. Combine this with a low list price, and the pence-per-mile costs of the ZS are strong.
The space-per-pound ratio of the MG ZS means it’s one of the better value family cars currently on sale in the UK. There’s room for five with plenty of headroom and legroom in every seat, although a lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel means the driving position will be compromised for some occupants. Boot space is fair rather than outstanding, although a low load lip is a useful feature.
The punchy hybrid powertrain gives the MG ZS a fair turn of speed and a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, but it’s not a car that encourages you to press on thanks to its uneven power delivery. The suspension is a little on the firm side, so body control in corners is reasonable but not enough to be uncomfortable, while the ride remains decent. The new model is a marked improvement over the old car, though.
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EICMA 2024 saw the unveiling of Honda’s EV FUN and EV Urban concepts – meaning an exciting, electrically charged two-wheeled future feels much closer.
But – and in parallel – Honda’s R&D engineers have applied some innovative thinking to what their next generation of high-efficiency, high-output Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) could look, feel and perform like. And designed something very special.
The water-cooled, 75° V3 engine is being newly developed for larger displacement machines and has been designed to be extremely slim and compact. It features the world’s first electrical compressor for motorcycles, which is able to control compression of the intake air irrespective of engine rpm, meaning that high-response torque can be delivered even from lower rpm.
In addition, the electrical compressor allows a high degree of freedom of layout of all components in the limited space available on a motorcycle, and an efficient centralization of mass. It also does not require an intercooler.
Norton Way and England Rugby Team
An unforgettable honor for Khaled Rashid, our Regional Motorcycle Sales Manager, leading the England Rugby Team into Twickenham Stadium on the sleek and powerful Honda Transalp XL750. A proud moment fueled by passion, performance, and the roar of the crowd!
What we got up to over Christmas
Norton Way were in the festive spirit over the Christmas period, with decorations up across all dealerships! From lights, tinsel, presents but most importantly Christmas Trees! Which Luke from the marketing department had fun in rating. Where you can watch full video on our LinkedIn: bit.ly/4fC7piO
Merry Christmas from Norton Way
Norton Way wishes you a prosperous 2025. Thank you for your valued partnership throughout 2024 - your trust drives our commitment to excellence.
We look forward to achieving new milestones together in the year ahead.
Norton Way Group