Motoring January 2020

IN THIS ISSUE: THE NEW GENERATION SMART EQ: GROUND-BREAKING, DIGITAL, URBAN | PEUGEOT RIFTER AND 5008 SUV WIN AGAIN IN THE LATEST COMPANY CAR TODAY CCT100 AWARDS | QASHQAI N-TEC EDITION CAPTURES BEST OF NISSAN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES | MORE AWARDS SUCCESS FOR KIA IN CCT100 AWARDS | ALL-NEW HONDA JAZZ: REDEFINING COMPACT CAR DESIGN | NISSAN BRINGS EXCITEMENT FROM THE ROAD TO THE TRACK WITH LEAF NISMO RC | FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH WITH THE SUBARU XV E-BOXER | AIWAYS TO REVEAL CUSTOMER-READY U5 ALL-ELECTRIC SUV IN GENEVA

The Malta Independent on Sunday. January 2020

THE NEW GENERATION SMART EQ:

GROUND-BREAKING, DIGITAL, URBAN

PEUGEOT RIFTER AND 5008 SUV WIN AGAIN IN THE LATEST COMPANY CAR TODAY CCT100 AWARDS

package thanks to some nice styling details,” said Company Car Today Publishing Director, Dave Wallace.

“There are plenty of clever touches that make for an intelligent and useful five or seven-seat model with huge carrying capacity and useful sliding doors.”

The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 12 key factors that make an excellent company car, including: emissions, price, running costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience.

• PEUGEOT 5008 SUV WINS ‘SUV OF THE YEAR AWARD’ FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING • PEUGEOT RIFTER TAKES ‘MPV OF THE YEAR AWARD’ FOR THE SECOND TIME • MODELS PRAISED FOR PRACTICALITY AND STYLING

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EUGEOT has struck gold in the 2020 Company Car Today CCT100 awards with repeat wins for both the 5008 SUV and Rifter. The PEUGEOT 5008 SUV scores a hat trick in the CCT100 awards, taking the ‘SUV of the Year Award’ for the third year in succession, while the Rifter takes the ‘MPV of the Year Award’ for the second successive year, reinforcing JD Power’s decision to award PEUGEOT the ‘Most Reliable Brand’ title in 2019.

“PEUGEOT’s 5008 SUV looks as stylish inside and out as it did when it was first launched, but combines that with practicality, efficiency, great engines and good running costs,” said

Peugeot 5008 SUV Company Car Today Editor, Paul Barker. “The ingredients for an excellent company car are all there, and the 5008 is our top SUV for an impressive third year in a row against some stiff competition.” The 5008 SUV’s hat trick means that no other SUV has won the CCT100 SUV of the Year award since it was launched

in 2018.

Praise from the judges for PEUGEOT’s winning pair does not end there: “The Rifter continued PEUGEOT’s Company Car Today CCT100 Awards success, offering practicality on a budget and proving that it doesn’t have to come in a bland

Peugeot Rifter

QASHQAI N-TEC EDITION CAPTURES BEST OF NISSAN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES • DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ARE WHAT DRIVERS ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST • ANSWERING THIS EXPECTATION QASHQAI NTEC EDITION COMBINES STAND-OUT DESIGN AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES • QASHQAI N-TEC BRINGS UPSCALE DRIVING AT AN ACCESSIBLE PRICE

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UGEOT has struck gold in the 2020 Company Car Today CCT100 awards with repeat wins for both the 5008 SUV and Rifter.The PEUGEOT 5008 SUV scores a hat trick in the CCT100 awards, taking the ‘SUV of the Year Award’ for the third year in succession, while the Rifter takes the ‘MPV of the Year Award’ for the second successive year, reinforcing JD Power’s decision to award PEUGEOT the ‘Most Reliable Brand’ title in 2019.

“PEUGEOT’s 5008 SUV looks as stylish inside and out as it did when it was first launched, but combines that with practicality, efficiency, great engines and good running costs,” said Company Car Today Editor, Paul Barker. “The ingredients for an excellent company car are all there, and the 5008 is our top SUV for an impressive third year in a row against some stiff competition.”The 5008 SUV’s hat trick means that no other SUV has won the CCT100 SUV of the Year award 02 motoring | January 2020

since it was launched in 2018.

Praise from the judges for PEUGEOT’s winning pair does not end there: “The Rifter continued PEUGEOT’s Company Car Today CCT100 Awards success, offering practicality on a budget and proving that it doesn’t have to come in a bland package thanks

to some nice styling details,” said Company Car Today Publishing Director, Dave Wallace. “There are plenty of clever touches that make for an intelligent and useful five or seven-seat model with huge carrying capacity and useful sliding doors.”

The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive

list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 12 key factors that make an excellent company car, including: emissions, price, running costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience.

MORE AWARDS SUCCESS FOR KIA IN CCT100 AWARDS • KIA WINS TWO CATEGORIES WITHIN COMPANY CAR TODAY 100 AWARDS 2020 • SORENTO WINS LARGE SUV OF THE YEAR WHILE ENIRO PICKS UP ELECTRIC CAR OF THE YEAR • NIRO SHORTLISTED FOR CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR

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ia Motors (UK) Limited has seen further awards success following the Company Car Today 100 awards 2020, in which both the Kia Sorento and Kia e-Niro won their respective categories.

Furthermore, the Kia Niro was a close contender for Crossover of the Year.

The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 12 key factors that make an excellent company car, including emissions, price, running

costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience.

The e-Niro scooped the Electric Car of the Year award, tallying a total of 13 awards since its launch in 2018. Its impressive 282-mile range and high levels of interior space

combined with practicality secured the win, alongside its competitive pricing. Fresh for 2020, Kia’s electric line-up will see the addition of the high specification ‘4’ grade e-Niro, replacing the previous ‘First Edition’ model.

Additionally, the Sorento was awarded Large SUV of the Year having ranked highly in almost every category, including efficiency, driving experience and whole-life cost. As the largest model of the Kia UK line-up, the Sorento has executive-class space and versatility to match its executive-class style, quality and refinement.

Having achieved a maximum five-star rating in Euro-NCAP safety tests, many safety technologies such as Trailer Stability Assist, Hillstart Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and intelligent all-wheel-drive come as standard on all Sorento grades.

“Kia has taken a lead in the most important company car sector of 2020, with electric vehicles on the verge of a serious breakthrough thanks to the company car tax changes coming in April,” said Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker. “The range, practicality and all-round excellence of the eNiro makes it a pioneer of the segment, and

bringing EVs into the mainstream.”

“Meanwhile, the Sorento gave Kia a double Company Car Today CCT100 Awards success, combining sensible running costs and off-road style to offer a great all-round large off-roader,” Barker continued. “It’s capable, well-priced and good to drive, all key Kia strengths.”

Commenting on the win, John Hargreaves, General Manager of Fleet and Remarketing at Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: “It’s fantastic to see Kia top not one, but two distinctly competitive categories in this year’s awards.

Both the SUV and EV market are continually expanding, which makes the double win even more impressive. The e-Niro has been widely recognised by industry-leading experts and offers a great fleet option for those looking to go greener. Meanwhile, the Sorento has proven to be a popular choice with customers for its combination of reliability and practicality, without sacrificing its stylish design.”

Just missing out on the top spot, the Niro was also a strong shortlist contender for Crossover of the Year, with running costs being highly commended in its class.

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alta Public Transport launched Malta’s first fully-electric bus in conjunction with Transport Malta and TAM-Europe.

The Vero 9 model will go on a trial period to test the performance of the 100% electric engine on Maltese roads.

The pilot project will assess the efficiency and adaptability of the vehicle in real-world local conditions, considering the unique road characteristics of Malta such as relatively short distances between bus stops and hilly terrain. Malta Public Transport will work hand-in-hand with the manufacturers on the incremental development of the bus in order to meet the expected environmental standards and customer experience.

During the trial phase, the zeroemissions bus will operate in parallel with the current public transport network as the company observes the vehicle in day-to-day circumstances and collects feedback

from passengers and drivers.

“Malta Public Transport is proud to be part of this clean public transport initiative as it continues to reduce emissions on our lovely island,” said MPT chairman Felipe Cosmen. He

explained how the company is constantly on the lookout for novel solutions that offer convenient and reliable alternatives to private transportation.

Since the start of its operations in

2015, Malta Public Transport has overhauled the existing fleet with more than 250 brand new buses fitted with the latest Euro 6 engines, making it among the youngest and cleanest public

transport fleets in Europe.

“Sustainability is high on our agenda and we are committed to operating in an environmentally-friendly manner,” Cosmen continued.

The company’s sustainable efforts extend beyond the vehicles themselves and MPT runs a waste recycling programme across the operation, recycling all materials including oils and fluids, engine parts, tyres and materials in line with the highest industry standards. The Group’s international experience allows it to maximise solutions in the transport industry and adapt them to Malta’s needs.

Joseph Bugeja, Transport Malta chairman and CEO welcomed the initiative as a strong sign of the collaboration between the authority and the operator to continuously improve the public transport service in Malta. “The year-on-year increase in bus passengers shows the success of public transport, with a recordbreaking number of over 58 million passengers in 2019.”

January 2020 | motoring 03

NISSAN BRINGS EXCITEMENT FROM TH TO THE TRACK WITH LEAF NISMO RC UNLEASHED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN

ALL-NEW HONDA JAZZ: REDEFINING COMPACT CAR DESIGN • HONDA JAZZ COMPLETELY REDESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERYDAY LIFE • NEW ‘YOO NO BI‘ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FURTHER ENHANCES TRADEMARK JAZZ STRENGTHS OF COMFORT AND UTILITY WITH PREMIUM MATERIALS AND INTERFACES • USER-CENTRIC INTERIOR FUNCTIONALITY DELIVERS CLASS-LEADING COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE • JAZZ CROSSTAR MODEL ADDS SUV-INSPIRED RUGGEDNESS

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hen designing and developing the latest generation Jazz, Honda engineers took the bold step of completely reimagining the iconic model from the ground up. In the process they conceived a compelling new proposition in the compact segment: an all-new city car that combines exceptional efficiency with outstanding everyday usability, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers.

The new seamless and contemporary design evolution introduces a beautiful simplicity to the timeless shape of Jazz. Its smooth 04 motoring | January 2020

contours follow the short nose, long roof line and cabin-forward style of previous generations, to form the instantly-recognisable monoform silhouette.The result adds a new emotional appeal to the class-leading levels of comfort and practicality for which the Jazz is renowned.

To revolutionise the essence of its compact city car, Honda focused on a new design philosophy, encapsulated in the Japanese notion of 'Yoo no bi'.This recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items, which have been honed over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically satisfying to use for their specific purpose.

"We have developed this car as an entity that has the power to enrich the daily lives of those who use it." explains Takeki Tanaka, Large Project Leader.

The unusually smooth exterior surface treatment and sleek front face are key to achieving a sophisticated visual balance, with all the different exterior surfaces, including the C-pillars and rear combination lamps, blended together, devoid of any lines.

For the designers, creating the right visual proportions was key to creating a harmonious styling characteristic, inside and out.The overall height is reduced, which combines with a forward-leaning tailgate design to create a more compact-looking, wellbalanced cabin and a reassuringly surefooted stance.

Baek Jongkuk, all-new Jazz designer, explains, “I wanted to create a car which was a “kind companion” for the owner, while maximising its usability. I did this by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying exterior lines to deliver a car which features a friendly, fresh appearance, complete with a comfortable and practical interior.”

Sleek styling enhancements, including a refined rear roof spoiler and a premium-look light cluster design,

complement the dynamic Jazz shape and maintain the well-balanced profile.

The spokes and rims of the hybrid aero wheels are designed to be as thin as possible, making them appear larger to complement the dynamic Jazz shape. Even the steel wheels achieve a look resembling premium alloy wheels, providing an elegant foundation for the balanced side profile.

To broaden the appeal of the model, the rugged Jazz Crosstar variant presents a more SUV-style proposition, orientated toward those with active lifestyles.The model's increased presence comes from a bold front grille design, substantial black trim and stylish side sills and roof rails.The Crosstar-specific alloy wheels, which widen towards the rim, create an increased sense of stability and enhance the overall robust visual effect.

Creating a comf#ortable, feel-good interior The philosophy of 'Yoo no bi' continues in the clean, minimalist interior, wrapping utility, practicality and functionality in a simple, uncluttered ergonomic cabin.To introduce the car’s pleasing utility, durable materials such as water-repellent fabric and contemporary, soft-touch dashboard

HE ROAD – N EUROPE • ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC RACING CAR MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT AT CIRCUIT RICARDO TORMO IN VALENCIA, SPAIN • FOR NISSAN THE 'E' IN 'EV' ALSO STANDS FOR 'EXCITING', AMPLIFYING THE FUN-TO-DRIVE ASPECT OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY • INNOVATIVE RACER DISTILLS THE LEARNINGS FROM THE TOP-SELLING EV WITH NISSAN MOTORSPORT KNOW-HOW TO SHOWCASE NISSAN'S DUAL-MOTOR TECHNOLOGY • LEAF NISMO RC HIGHLIGHTS THE EXCITING SIDE OF EV: INSTANT ACCELERATION AMPLIFIES THE FUN-TODRIVE ASPECT OF ALLELECTRIC DRIVING

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issan's world-leading expertise in electric vehicles and top-class motorsport experience have seamlessly come together in the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC – an exhilarating showcase of the power, innovation and excitement of Nissan electric vehicle technology.

The all-wheel-drive LEAF NISMO RC boasts more than double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, which was based on the first-generation LEAF and revealed in 2011. Delivering 322hp and 640Nm of instantly available torque, the LEAF NISMO RC offers lightning-quick acceleration, achieving the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds.

The creation of the latest LEAF NISMO RC is not just for show; it acts as a testbed for future technological evolution and showcases the limitless potential of Nissan electric vehicles. It explores what can be achieved with an allelectric twin-motor and all-wheel-drive drivetrain, expressing Nissan's dedication to continually evolve and improve its EV models for drivers

worldwide.

The LEAF NISMO RC clearly shares its advanced technology with the LEAF road car – the world's most popular EV with 450,000 sold since 2010, and touches down in Europe for the first time at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

"Nissan's experience as a pioneer in electric vehicles for the road, combined with NISMO's 60-plus years of motorsport innovation, led to the conception of a unique car," said Michael Carcamo, Nissan Global Motorsport Director.

"For Nissan, the 'E' in 'EV' also stands for 'Exciting'. Putting this philosophy front and centre, we created the LEAF NISMO RC. It amplifies the fun-to-drive aspect of electric mobility, raising the thrills offered by EVs to a new level," Michael added.

As with the LEAF NISMO RC, instant acceleration is a feature of every Nissan EV model. The all-electric powertrains offer a thrilling driving experience that is perfectly complemented by the LEAF's intelligent design and advanced connectivity. The LEAF NISMO RC

demonstrates the power and performance of electric vehicles – a key component of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision.

The powertrain in the Nissan LEAF e+ increases range by approximately 40%, ensuring that the driving needs of a wider range of customers are met. Still equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT technology and e-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving, the LEAF e+ delivers an enjoyable driving experience – allowing the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal. This delivers a seamless, smooth drive, and gives maximum control to the driver through enhanced pedal feedback.

"Anyone who has ever driven a Nissan LEAF will know that it is fun to drive," said Helen Perry, Head of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe. "The LEAF e+ adds even more excitement with an amazing 215hp motor, which – combined with a bigger battery and the e-Pedal – makes the LEAF even more exhilarating. It has been a real hit with customers too, with around 20% of all LEAF sales being this top-of-the-range model."

materials are applied throughout the cabin.

The uncluttered, user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, with no visor effect restricting the field of vision, further enhancing the sense of exceptional spaciousness. With Honda placing ultimate usability at the core of the design ethos, the central HMI 9inch touchscreen and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster – included as standard – are simple and easy to read.

All convenience features and controls are easy to reach and use, contributing to a stress-free driving experience.

Adding to the refined ambience, the flat, wide centre console armrest is height-aligned with the door armrest, echoing the interior comfort levels of larger, premium cars.

Front seat occupants also benefit from Honda's newly developed body stabilising seat frame that increases comfort levels and provides greater lumbar support.The unique two-spoke steering wheel is designed to further emphasise the interior’s spaciousness, with the angle and adjustment range revised to increase comfort for all drivers. Class-leading rear seat space and increased seat padding thickness means adults can sit in the second row in comfort.

Engineering the perfect compact city car To incorporate the new two-motor hybrid drive – which is included as standard for the first time - while retaining unrivalled spaciousness and outstanding comfort levels, new advanced structural technologies were

required.The ultra-thin A-pillars that initiate the one-motion arc flowing from the bonnet to the rear fenders incorporate a number of world-first technologies, with impact stress diverted to the pillar behind.This innovation, developed in conjunction with interior and exterior designers, enabled the nose to be shortened and the cabin moved forward, allowing interior space to be maximised.

With pillar thickness halved, Jazz designers have enhanced the sense of airiness in the cabin for all occupants.

An abundance of natural light is admitted through the panoramic windscreen and front quarter glass, which also provides both the driver and front seat passenger with an unobstructed, expansive field of vision.

The sweeping A-pillars and a sleek door-mirror design also minimise noise and drag caused by wind turbulence and increase aerodynamic efficiency, further enhancing interior refinement.

Clever packaging – for which the nameplate has long been associated – is retained, ensuring that the Jazz features a flat floor to incorporate its practical rear magic seats.This ingenious configuration allows the seats to fold-flat or flip upright, offering optimum versatility to accommodate loads of various shapes and sizes. A wider tailgate opening and new stepless flat floor makes loading and unloading the boot easier than ever.

The next-generation hybrid Jazz, which will be available in Europe from summer2020, will spearhead the brand's commitment to see all its car model ranges in Europe electrified by 2022. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

January 2020 | motoring 05

FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH WITH THE SUBARU XV E-BOXER • POWERED BY A 2.0 LITRE HORIZONTALLY-OPPOSED PETROL ENGINE WITH MOTOR-ASSIST EBOXER TECHNOLOGY AND SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE CAPABILITY. • XV E-BOXER IS BUILT ON THE SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM • EQUIPPED WITH EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY AND SUBARU REAR VEHICLE DETECTION AS STANDARD.

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ubaru’s popular compact crossover XV now comes with a new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis, XV offers advanced

06 motoring | January 2020

safety performance and a dynamic driving experience. Plus, XV eBOXER is as safe as ever with EyeSight driver assist technology and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection standard across the range. Chosen by customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable: XV preserves Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER. XV e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed

petrol engine with an electric motor.

A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph. Making hybrid the Subaru way, the new technology used in the XV eBOXER design is arranged in a symmetrical layout (the heavy motor is placed near the vehicle's centre of gravity and the battery is positioned above the rear axle) which plants the car on the road giving noticeable

handling improvements and maintaining Subaru’s unique balanced weight distribution. XV e-BOXER has a natural braking feel and offers a seamless transition between EV and Engine driving.

Built with 220mm of ground clearance, permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard and XMode to tackle the most extreme weather and road conditions, XV eBOXER combines impressive traction with a 1270kg towing capacity making it perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures.

The e-BOXER version of Subaru’s XV was reconfirmed with the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating in 2019, following its initial safety test when the Subaru XV was also awarded the prestigious safety recognition of Euro NCAP’s “Best in Class of 2017” in the Small Family Car category. Subaru was voted Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2019 Driver Power Survey and, as safety is a top priority, the XV eBOXER comes with a suite of driverassist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology functions optically using two stereo cameras which are mounted either side of the rear-view mirror. It monitors for hazards up to 110 metres ahead and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection identifies vehicles approaching from the rear. It offers three main functions to improve visibility and to help minimise common causes for accidents: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

XV e-BOXER benefits from a new front grille design with active grille shutter and the new low-profile roof rails have an aerodynamic design. The exterior has received other discreet upgrades including a new fog lamp bezel which surrounds the LED fog lights, the rear spoiler end plate is finished in gloss black and an e-Boxer badge has been added to the wings and tailgate. XV e-BOXER is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows and 18” alloy wheels standard across the range.

Incorporating all of the comfort and convenience you would expect in a compact crossover, XV e-Boxer has an intuitive 8" multifunction colour touchscreen that is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity. Dual zone air-conditioning, reversing camera and heated seats are also standard but customers can upgrade to the SE Premium if they wish to add leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof.

THE NEW GENERATION SMART EQ: GROUND-BREAKING, DIGITAL, URBAN A SMART MAKES LIFE IN THE CITY EASIER. WITH ITS RADICAL CONCEPT AND NEW IDEAS, SMART HAS ALWAYS OFFERED THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR URBAN DAILY LIFE.

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he colour scheme is new for both models: For the first time, the front grilles of the fortwo and forfour are painted in the vehicle colour and no longer in a contrasting shade.

The headlamps also ensure the new clarity in the structuring. With the systematic switch to battery-electric powertrains, there is also the option of bright and long-lasting Full-LEDs. In combination with the indicators, the new optional Full-LED headlamps also greet the driver with an impressive welcome show after

unlocking the vehicle.

Its spaciousness likewise remains generous. The fortwo and forfour are still unrivalled when it comes to interior space in relation to exterior dimensions. No other car offers so much space on such a small area as the two new smart models. To enable even better use of the space, the designers devised an all-new centre console.

To make recharging as easy as possible for drivers, smart offers a comprehensive charging concept for its new electric models. With its optional 22 kW on-board charger with rapid-charging function, the new

models are charged from 10% to 80% range in under 40 minutes and without having to rely on rare directcurrent charging stations.

Apart from the new centre console, the most striking innovation in the interior is the significantly expanded connect media system. The newly developed infotainment generation opens up a new dimension in flexibility and ease of use.

Tempted to book a test-drive? Or curious to learn more innovative smart features? Pop over Kind’s smart showroom and the sales team will help you in choosing your new generation smart EQ!

January 2020 | motoring 07

HYUNDAI MOTOR UK SCOOPS TWO PRIZES AT THE COMPANY CAR TODAY AWARDS • POWERED BY A 2.0 LITRE HORIZONTALLYOPPOSED PETROL ENGINE WITH MOTORASSIST E-BOXER TECHNOLOGY AND SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE CAPABILITY. • XV E-BOXER IS BUILT ON THE SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM • EQUIPPED WITH EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY AND SUBARU REAR VEHICLE DETECTION AS STANDARD.

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yundai Motor UK has claimed another two accolades, with both the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid and the i10 being named the UK’s best plug-in hybrid and city car respectively at Company Car Today’s 2020 ‘CCT100’ awards.

The judging panel, comprising Company Car Today’s editorial staff and expert contributors, praised IONIQ’s fleet credentials including clever packaging, real-world efficiency and driving range. The new IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid's impressive total driving range of up to 660 miles includes up to 39 miles of zero-emissions electric power. Low CO2 emissions of 26g/km also makes it attractive to business users, sitting in the 16% BIK bracket in 2020/21.

“The plug-in hybrid market is set for massive growth thanks to the company car tax changes coming in April, and Hyundai’s IONIQ is an excellent exponent of the technology,” said Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker. “The IONIQ was revised and improved last autumn, making an already appealing and very

sensible company car purchase even better.”

Hyundai’s i10 was praised for its low running costs and impressive practicality. The all-new i10 offers fleet buyers impressive combined fuel economy of up to 56.5mpg, low P11D values, and a low BIK of just

Hyundai IONIQ PHEV MY20

Hyundai i10

24%. It also offers impressive luggage capacity of 252 litres with the seats up and 1,050 with the seats down, and a range of industry leading safety

features.

“The Hyundai i10’s running costs and practicality mean that, even at the end of its life cycle it’s still a great fleet

vehicle,” Barker continued. “The new model hitting showrooms now builds on the outgoing car’s strengths to become an even better company car proposition.”

Both models benefit from Hyundai’s industry-leading five-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance package, while standard equipment includes the latest active safety features, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “It is very gratifying to see IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid and i10 recognised in these highly-regarded awards, endorsing both car’s standing as the most

impressive in their segments. The accolades are also testament to Hyundai’s commitment to the fleet sector; recent investment in our fleet department is allowing us to grow, while still providing the high levels of service that existing Hyundai fleet and business customers have come to expect.”

Hyundai continues to invest in its fleet and business operations. Building on the exceptional service that has seen Hyundai UK awarded Company Car Today’s Best SME Aftersales Programme for five consecutive years, Hyundai continues to strengthen its fleet aftersales charter, dedicated fleet support line and national fleet centre programme, to service more business and fleet customers than ever before.

AIWAYS TO REVEAL CUSTOMER-READY U5 ALL-ELECTRIC SUV IN GENEVA • WORLD PREMIERE FOR THE EUROPEAN VERSION OF THE ZERO-EMISSION U5 • ALL-NEW AIWAYS CONCEPT EV U6ION TO BE GIVEN GLOBAL DEBUT • U5 CAN BE DRIVEN BY VISITORS, AS PART OF ‘GIMS DISCOVERY’ EXPERIENCE • AIWAYS GENEVA PRESS CONFERENCE AT 13:15 ON 3 MARCH (HALL 2, STAND NO. 2121)

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IWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, will reveal the European version of its all-electric U5 SUV and new business model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) in March. In addition to the U5, AIWAYS will showcase its all-new electric concept 08 motoring | January 2020

car U6ion for the first time – further details of this global premiere will be released ahead of the Show.

AIWAYS will become the first Chinese startup to bring an electric vehicle to Europe when sales of the U5 commence in April 2020.Visitors to GIMS will be able to see and explore the production-ready, European version of the U5 for the first time.

AIWAYS will also reveal more details of its

innovative European business model during its press conference at the Show.Together, AIWAYS and its partners will offer a unique means of owning a new electric vehicle that will provide users with an original customer experience.

Alexander Klose, Executive VP Overseas Operation at AIWAYS, commented: “Geneva Motor Show is an important milestone for AIWAYS as we will announce some very exciting news about our plans for Europe. We

are set to compete with the best, by creating a revolutionary new user experience thanks to unprecedented collaboration with partners.”

Visitors to the show can also drive the U5 for the first time, as part of the ‘GIMS Discovery’ experience. Participants will be given the opportunity to enjoy a 10-minute test drive of the U5 on an indoor circuit after they have visited the AIWAYS stand to register their interest.