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CX-60 PHEV TAKES ON PREMIUM RIVALS

Mazda has revealed full details for its CX-60 plug-in hybrid SUV, which puts upmarket rivals Audi, BMW, MercedesBenz, and Volvo in its sights. On sale now and starting from £43,950, it will be the most powerful Mazda sold in the UK. The first cars will arrive at showrooms this autumn, and the CX-60 will be joined by a seven-seat CX-80 at a later date, though that model has to be revealed.

The CX-60 features an all-new powertrain, based around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and using an electric motor to boost the combined output to an impressive 323bhp. It will also get four-wheel drive and an eightspeed automatic gearbox, so 0-62mph comes up in just 5.8 seconds. Despite its similarities to Toyota’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, the two are separate.

As well as being quick, a 17.8kWh battery and 39-mile driving range will also ensure it’s economical and ideally suited to company-car drivers. Official figures stand at 188mpg with CO2 emissions of 33g/km, and as with any plug-in hybrid, you’ll need to recharge the battery frequently to achieve the lowest running costs.

Perhaps more surprisingly, given the industry’s rush towards electrification, Mazda is also pushing ahead with plans for potentially the most exciting diesel news of the year – the launch of an all-new 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Unlike the smaller Mazda CX-5, this is likely to be offered in rearand four-wheel drive configurations and will also get an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The CX-60 measures 4,745mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,675mm high, and evolves the brand’s Kodo design language without setting itself too far apart from other models in the range. There’s now a flatter grille which is connected to the headlights by slim LED running lights. The surfacing is clean and sharp, with body-coloured wheel arches and stretched rear lights which almost span the tailgate.

Its interior has a similar, clutter-free layout to recent Mazda models, but there’s a noticeable uplift in material quality. Fabric, wood, and leather have all been carefully chosen to upholster the dashboard, doors and other touch points. Unlike a growing number of rivals, physical climate controls remain, and there’s a dash-top infotainment screen operated by a rotary controller on the centre console.

Practicality should also be plenty for most families, thanks to a 570-litre boot and what looks like a roomy cabin for those in the front and rear seats. Trim levels will include ExclusiveLine, Homura and Takumi, with 18-inch wheels and black exterior trim for the entry-level model. Homura adds 20-inch alloy wheels and colour coding, but with a contrasting dark grille, along with heated rear seats. There’s also a system that recognises the driver and configures the car for them. Takumi includes gloss black detailing and black 20-inch alloys with a machined finish.

RENAULT AUSTRAL REPLACES KADJAR

The Renault Austral has been revealed, and it’s set to replace the Kadjar as the French manufacturer’s C-segment SUV. It will also offer more extensively electrified powertrains and sit slightly more upmarket, with more advanced technology and extra kit. While not yet officially confirmed for the UK market, sales of the Austral SUV will commence in Europe in late 2022, and it’s likely to cost from around £25,000, and inline with rivals.

Set to take on the Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V and its sister car, the Nissan Qashqai, it’s the first Renault to adopt the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform, designed from the outset to be compatible with a wide range of electrified powertrains. A pair of E-Tech full-hybrid options will be offered, based around the 1.2litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and 1.7kWh battery for either 158bhp or 197bhp. Mild hybrid engines will sit below these, but a plug-in hybrid isn’t anticipated.

The E-Tech Austral models will send their power to the road via a seven-speed automatic transmission and charge the battery during deceleration. This system is so effective, Renault claims, that up to 80% of city driving can be fullyelectric. Official figures quote combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 105g/km.

Measuring in at 4,510mm in length, 1,830mm wide and 1,620mm tall, the Austral is similar in size to the Kadjar, but its design is a complete rethink. In fact, it owes more to the smaller Megane E-Tech crossover, helping give Renault’s new model push a unified appearance. Its nose is dominated by a large mesh grille, an oversized Renault badge sporting the latest design, and flanking C-shaped headlights. It also features a flat and heavily sculpted bonnet for a tough and premium look.

There are 20-inch alloy wheels, high-gloss wheel arch surrounds and exterior trim, and a contrasting black roof, door pillars and window frames. The interior is equally radical, with a flat-bottom and flat-topped steering wheel that sits ahead of a large 12.3inch digital instrument display, flanked by a 12-inch scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass portrait infotainment screen angled towards the driver, a setup that Renault calls OpenR. These sit ahead of the dashboard, which is very slim and dominated by air vents and an illuminated strip.

It’s also likely to be the first Renault to be offered with the new Esprit Alpine trim, inspired by the sports cars from sister brand Alpine. These versions get special alloy wheels, satin grey paint and Alcantara-upholstered seats with blue logos and stitching.

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY FOR QASHQAI E-POWER

The popular Nissan Qashqai range is set to expand later this year with an e-Power hybrid version, sitting above the current mild-hybrid petrol. It will mark the introduction of the technology into Europe, providing a “significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification strategy” according to the brand. Pricing is still to be announced, but the Qashqai e-Power arrival has been earmarked for ‘late summer’.

First introduced for the Nissan Note in Japan in 2017, e-Power in the Qashqai features a 188bhp electric motor, battery pack, power generator, inverter and a 1.5-litre variable compression ratio (8:1 to 14:1) three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 154bhp. The latter produces electricity, feeding either the battery pack, electric motor, or both, but only the electric motor ever powers the wheels.

According to Nissan, this results in an ‘instant and linear’ response to ‘deliver the pleasurable, effortless and smooth driving experience associated with a pure electric vehicle, but without the need to recharge.’ The engine runs within its ideal power band and compression ratio, resulting in fuel-efficiency and CO2 emissions advantages. While official figures haven’t been released yet, provisional numbers from testing are 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

The Qashqai e-Power also gets a new development of Nissan’s ‘e-Pedal’ called ‘e-Pedal Step’, which can decelerate the Qashqai at up to 0.2g when the brake pedal is released, illuminating the brake lights, and bringing the SUV to a ‘creeping’ speed, but not to a halt. This results in smooth low-speed parking manoeuvres according to Nissan.

According to the brand’s research, European crossover buyers spend more than 70% of their trips driving on urban and suburban roads, and feel they need to ‘compromise on driving pleasure in order to be eco-minded in their choice of vehicle.’ E-Power has been specially tuned to suit European consumer needs and targeted at those who ‘cannot or do not want to take time to recharge with a cable, but face a daily urban or suburban drive, and who are ready to make the first move in their transition to a full electric vehicle in the future.’ Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date later this year.

CUPRA TEASES PLUG-IN SUV WITH 62-MILE RANGE

Cupra has used its annual earnings press conference to tease an SUV model with new mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology for the brand. Cupra boss Wayne Griffiths revealed the SUV would be produced alongside the Audi Q3 Sportback in Hungary at the Györ plant from 2024.

Similar in size to the current Ateca and is said to be ideal for ‘allowing both the design and engineering teams to develop a vehicle that incorporates the essence of the Cupra brand, while offering the perfect proportions to be highly competitive.’ While not revealed, it’s possible the SUV could sit on the next evolution of the VW Group’s MQB platform, with modifications to allow for a larger plug-in hybrid battery.

Wayne Griffiths commented; “With an all-electric range of 100km (62 miles), I think it will lead a new generation of plug-in hybrids.” Measuring 4.5 metres in length, the unnamed car will join the Tavascan, a smaller crossover, and the Urban Rebel due in 2025 in Cupra’s expanding portfolio.

BMW iX5 HYDROGEN

PASSES WINTER TESTING

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is undergoing winter testing in the Arctic Circle, confirming its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain operates even in extreme temperatures. A limited production run will begin later in 2022.

Despite temperatures dipping down to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the iX5 Hydrogen’s power buffer battery, hydrogen tanks, central vehicle control unit and fuel cell system itself all proved reliable. It’s the latest in a line of tests, including long-distance and weather testing.

According to BMW’s press release, performance of the SUV was unaffected by the cold conditions, range is ‘unrestricted’ and ‘it only takes three to four minutes to fill up the hydrogen tanks, even in the frostiest of conditions.’ BMW’s Hydrogen boss, Jurgen Guldner, said: “The hydrogen fuel cell drive combines the best of both drive worlds: the locally emission-free mobility of an electric vehicle and the unrestricted suitability for everyday use, including short refuelling stops, that we are all familiar with from models with combustion engines.”

The manufacturer also reiterated the need for a nationwide supply infrastructure for hydrogen fuel, and its support for the EU Commission’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation for developing hydrogen filling stations and the electric charging infrastructure in parallel.

The iX5 Hydrogen uses dual electric motors with a combined 369bhp, powered by a buffer battery which is charged by the hydrogen fuel cell. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the fuel cell can generate up to 125kW of energy and it’s fed by two 700-bar hydrogen tanks. These are located in the transmission tunnel and can hold up to 6kgs of hydrogen. Blue trim accents – some of which are 3D printed – help the iX5 Hydrogen stand out, along with drag-reducing 22-inch alloy wheels. The latter are wrapped in tyres created from sustainable materials.

SKODA TEASES

ELECTRIC SUV WITH NEW DESIGN THEME

Skoda has announced its plans to introduce a new design language that it describes as “the most dramatic change for Skoda since joining the Volkswagen Group.” A blurry teaser image hints that its ‘Modern Solid’ design theme will be launched with Skoda’s upcoming electric SUV.

Outgoing Skoda CEO Thomas Schäfer said “there will be a real ‘wow’ moment – both for our customers and for our competition.” A statement confirmed the new styling will be rolled out ‘gradually over the coming year’, and in doing so, Skoda is ‘turning its focus towards family and outdoor lifestyles, taking into account its customers’ rapidly changing expectations and needs.’

Only the leading edge of the car’s nose is in focus, revealing it has a smooth interpretation of Skoda’s grille, along with a lower bumper featuring prominent vertical slots. It’s also possible to make out swept-back vertical LED daytime running lights, a strong C-pillar, horizontal rear lights and two-tone silver and black alloy wheels. There also appears to be a line just above the side sills that kicks up ahead of the rear wheel arch, while door mirrors appear to be almost non-existent, hinting that they could be replaced with cameras.

It’s likely the Modern Solid SUV could be positioned just below the Enyaq in Skoda’s line-up, with it already confirmed that three EVs are planned to sit below the Enyaq in its range.

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FORD WILL LAUNCH SEVEN EVS IN EUROPE BY 2024

Ford has announced its plans to launch seven all-electric models by 2024, including a battery electric version of the popular Puma crossover. The news comes hot on the heels of its decision to split into two businesses, with Ford Model e focussed on electric cars, while Ford Blue will focus on legacy internal combustion models.

Starting in 2023, Ford will begin production of an all-new electric medium-sized crossover built in Cologne. This will be Ford’s first electric model to come out of its collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, so it’s expected to share traits with the VW ID.4, sitting on the same MEB platform. It’s said to have a range of up to 311 miles, but Ford has yet to confirm what the new model will be called.

Ford’s second new car to be built at its Cologne plant will be a ‘sports crossover’, potentially based on the Volkswagen ID.5. The manufacturer is investing more than £1.5 billion in the Cologne Electrification Centre, which is set to produce 1.2 million vehicles over six years, along with a new battery assembly facility scheduled to come online in 2024.

The all-electric Puma will be built at Ford’s Craiova plant in Romania, which has previously manufactured the EcoSport. Ford’s teaser image shows the electric Puma is likely to retain a very similar design to the petrol version, albeit with a new set of headlights to help it stand out. The shadowy image also hides the car’s front-end, so we don’t yet know if a lesser need for engine bay cooling will tempt Ford to cover its grille, in a similar fashion to the Hyundai Kona Electric. Staying on Ford’s existing Global-B platform, the Puma could have limited space for a large battery pack, so its range is likely to be limited to around 200 miles, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Ford is planning for annual sales of electric vehicles in Europe to exceed 600,000 in 2026, which will help support the manufacturer’s goal to sell more than two million EVs worldwide by the same year. Ford of Europe also announced it is planning to achieve zero emissions for vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across all its European facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2025.

Ford is also set to revolutionise its commercial brand, introducing an all-electric Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom MPV in 2023, followed by the next-generation Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier MPV in 2024. All of these electric vehicles join the Mustang Mach-E in Ford’s pure electric line-up.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES £1.6BN FOR EV CHARGEPOINTS

The Government has announced a ‘tenfold expansion in chargepoints by 2030’, with a £1.6 billion pledge to provide ‘convenient, affordable and reliable’ electric vehicle charging for all. Around 300,000 new chargers are expected by the end of the decade, with increased support for people without access to off-street parking.

Its significant investment will form part of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, which intends to make charging an EV ‘easier and cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car’. It will also bring in new legal requirements for chargepoint operators, ensuring motorists are able to pay using contactless transactions, compare charging prices, and find nearby chargepoints via apps. £500 million will be invested in bringing “high quality, competitively priced public chargepoints to communities across the UK.” £450 million of this will be made up of a Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, aimed at boosting projects such as EV hubs and on-street charging, ‘so those without driveways don’t miss out on cleaner transport.’ The remaining £50 million will be directed towards staff to work on ‘local challenges and public chargepoint planning – ensuring that any development complements all other zero emission forms of travel, such as walking and cycling.’

The plans also require a 99% reliability rate at rapid chargepoints, to ensure they are ‘world-class and give consumers confidence in chargepoints that work wherever they travel.’

NISSAN PARKS EURO 7 IN FAVOUR OF ELECTRIFICATION

Nissan has confirmed it will not invest in passenger cars to meet the Euro 7 emissions standards, with no new purely combustion engine-powered models arriving in Europe from 2023 onwards. Instead, Nissan is ‘supercharging its shift to electrified mobility’ and plans for 75% of its sales in the region to be electrified by 2026, and reaching 100% by the year 2030.

Several technologies will empower the new shift for Nissan, with the first being the Juke Hybrid, with a conventional petrol-electric powertrain. The new Qasqhai and larger X-Trail SUVs instead get Nissan’s new e-Power hybrid setup, where a powerful electric motor drives the wheels, while a petrol engine only ever acts as a generator to produce electricity for a small battery pack. The X-Trail will also offer dual electric motors, providing ‘e-4orce’ all-wheel drive capability.

Meanwhile, Nissan will continue to sell the all-electric Leaf – which has racked up more than 577,000 sales so far – but it will also be joined by the Ariya electric SUV, ‘marking a new chapter in Nissan’s electrification journey’ according to the brand. With twin motors, the Ariya will also feature e-4orce, which can distribute power to whichever wheel needs it ‘for effortless acceleration in a variety of driving scenarios.’ "Nissan is charging towards an electrified future, with Europe leading the way. We have established a clear direction through Ambition 2030 and with our new electrified line-up we are truly paving the way to a sustainable future," said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan chairperson for the region.