• How much does it cost to run a hybrid or electric car? • The Omoda 5 SUV
• Top EV’s available on the Motability Scheme • DS3 Crossback Louvre: the art in travel • Volvo EX30 excels as Carwow Car of the Year
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DS3 Crossback Louvre: the art in travel
Volvo EX30 excels as Carwow Car of the Year
RAC reviews: Three SUVs to consider on the Motability Scheme
Looking for your next Motability Scheme car? The RAC has reviewed three popular SUVs: the spacious Skoda Kodiaq, the family-friendly Nissan Qashqai, and the stylish Peugeot 2008. Whether you need seven seats, a hybrid powertrain, or zero Advance Payment, there’s something here to suit a wide range of mobility and lifestyle needs. This article has been written by RAC to help you compare features, comfort, and value across some of the SUV models available to lease through the Motability Scheme.
SKODA KODIAQ
Category: Large SUV Seats: 5 or 7 Petrol or Petrol-electric plug-in hybrid Advance Payment: From £3,199
The Skoda Kodiaq is an excellent choice for growing families or those looking for the maximum amount of space an SUV can offer. This new version has received some key upgrades, offering even more space and technology than before. For the first time, there is an option of a plug-in hybrid model with a generous electric range.
910 litres with five seats in place – great for swallowing large wheelchairs or family holiday luggage.
Skoda has extended the Kodiaq’s biggest selling point for this new version: space. On the petrol model you get the option of seven seats, while the hybrid has five.
The Kodiaq also offers lots of storage within the cabin combined with one of the biggest boots of any SUV: up to
The Kodiaq’s solid, high quality interior balances clever technology with simple-to-use controls. All versions feature a central touchscreen and a natural speech voice control system called Laura. You’ll also find two wireless phone charging pads, along with heating for front seats, and air controls for the front and middle rows.
Despite its size and versatility, the Kodiaq is an easy car to manoeuvre thanks to its high and widely adjustable driving position. This not only gives
you easy access in and out of the car but also enables a great view. All-round parking sensors and a rear-view camera come as standard, too, while you get large door mirrors and a standard blind-spot warning system to help when changing lanes.
On the road the Kodiaq is comfortable, quiet and capable, blending a smooth ride with tidy handling and terrific cruising ability. Engine options include the efficient hybrid option, or the powerful petrol version with 4×4 ability.
Whichever version you choose, the new Kodiaq is a superb all-rounder that ticks a lot of boxes.
NISSAN QASHQAI
Category: Medium SUV Seats: 5
Petrol or Petrol-electric hybrid Advance Payment: From £499
The Nissan Qashqai helped make family SUVs popular. This new version is better than ever, with a smart look and lots of useful features.
The latest Qashqai maintains relatively compact dimensions, making it easy to drive and park, but still offers plenty of space. With up to 504 litres of boot space depending on version, pushchairs or holiday luggage are swallowed up without a struggle.
Nissan has also added some real sophistication and tech into the latest Qashqai. Its premium interior design is very appealing, while you get plenty of standard equipment across the range and an
impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Among the comprehensive level of safety features, Tekna models come with a driver assistance system that can steer itself within lanes on the motorway and adjust your speed to suit. What’s more, most versions of the Qashqai come with a 360-degree camera system to make manoeuvring out of tight spaces easier, as well as all-round parking sensors and adaptive high beam LED headlights for great night-time visibility.
When you’re the one doing the steering, the Qashqai is comfortable and quiet to drive. That’s helped by a high
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driving position, with excellent levels of adjustment and adjustable lumbar support on most versions, while the Tekna model adds electrically adjustable seats.
You can get the Qashqai with a petrol engine or as a hybrid. Both are smooth and offer strong enough acceleration, but we reckon the ePower hybrid version is the one to go for. Its clever range offers brisk performance combined with electric carlike smoothness and over 54 miles-per-gallon combined.
We reckon the latest Qashqai is the right-sized car for most people’s needs, offering flexibility and an easy driving experience.
PEUGEOT 2008
Category: Small SUV
Affordable small SUVs don’t get much more stylish and classier than the Peugeot 2008 and e-2008. But behind its funky design lies plenty of substance.
Despite its compact dimensions you get a comfortable interior with space for four, along with a 434-litre boot aided by an adjustable floor that’s ideal for a small holiday or a weekly shop.
You also get a surprisingly premium interior with a sharp design, high quality finishes and lots of kit – particularly in higher spec versions. Every model comes with a touchscreen, climate control and cruise control. The range-
topping GT brings posh upholstery, keyless entry and a reversing camera.
Peugeot’s sporty ‘iCockpit’ driving position gives you a small steering wheel and highset dials that you look at over the wheel rather than through it. This gives it a feel of agility, although the driver’s seat is still mounted higher than a conventional hatchback to give easy entry and a great view of the road.
This blend of comfort and performance extends to the driving experience, with sharp steering yet high levels of cruising comfort and quietness for a small SUV. You can choose from two petrol engines, with the more
Seats: 5
Petrol or Electric
Advance Payment: From £0
powerful GT option coming
with an automatic gearbox. The Peugeot 2008 also has an ace up its sleeve: the allelectric e-2008. Promising a range of up to 212 miles on a charge. It’s great for town driving with occasional longer trips, while a 10-80% charge can be done in around half an hour. The e-2008 also offers effortless performance for its size and is available for no Advance Payment.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for well over a decade, with more and more electric and hybrid cars hitting the roads in the last few years. Today, many car manufacturers have electric options, and while more choice is great, potential EV owners need to be informed before making a decision, starting with which type of EV is best to suit their usage and budget. There are three main types of cars with electric motors:
• Battery electric vehicles: have no petrol or diesel engine at all and must be charged using an electric vehicle charging station or athome charger.
• Plug-in hybrids: that can be charged at a charge point (but do have a standard combustion engine that can be used as well).
• Hybrid vehicles: use an electric motor alongside a combustion engine –however, this vehicle cannot be charged externally. While lots of EVs share similar technology, each type of vehicle has different qualities and financial advantages.
Hybrid cars (HEVs) are more economical than petrol or diesel cars, particularly for those
How much does it cost to run a hybrid or electric car?
taking lots of shorter trips. There is no need to plug them in to charge. They are a great city run-around car, but are less economical when driving on motorways because they use fuel to reach higher speeds. While Motability Scheme users are exempt from road tax, other hybrid drivers will be liable to pay this.
Plug-in cars (PHEVs) are great in the city, especially thanks to their zero-emissions electric motor, meaning they produce no CO2. But plugin vehicle drivers will need charging facilities, either at home or on the roadside. These cars benefit from road tax discounts, so anyone considering purchasing or leasing their own outside of the Motability Scheme will enjoy cheaper road tax.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are less expensive to run, as they don’t use combustion engines at all. You only need to pay for the electricity used to charge your electric vehicle and there is no road tax.
Buying or leasing an EV
The cost of buying an EV car outright is currently more than buying a petrol-fuelled
equivalent. However, leasing an EV is a much cheaper option, making the cost of electric vehicles accessible to many drivers. The added benefit of leasing is that it allows you to keep up with fast-moving technology by upgrading your car as new versions come through.
Set-up costs
The main cost involved in getting an EV is the installation of an at-home charging point which allows users to charge the vehicle conveniently. The cost of installation can range from between £400 and £1500 depending on the type and speed of charging required (as of January 2022). However, Motability Scheme customers are able to get a home charger installed at no additional cost when leasing their first fully electric car. You can learn more about the support that the Scheme offers to new EV customers here.
The Motability Scheme’s free home charge point installation does not apply to customers opting for a plug-in hybrid, so drivers will need to consider the additional cost of home charger installation or on-street charging. Charging cables for public charge points are
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cheaper, but they still cost a few hundred pounds.
Charging costs
Charging costs for electric vehicles vary depending on the size of the battery, the strength of the charger and how long it takes to reach full charge, as well as where you charge the car (at home or at a public charging station, many of which are free to use when located in supermarket or shopping centre car parks, for example).
As of January 2022, it can cost between £7 and £15 to fully charge your EV. For most electric cars, this will provide around 150-200 miles of driving – making them much more cost-effective than filling up a tank of petrol or diesel.
Ultimately, the key thing to know is that charging a car with electricity it is far cheaper than filling up diesel or petrol, as the cost to fill a standard car with petrol varies both by the size of the car’s fuel tank and the cost of fuel at that time. Most cars have 45-70 litre capacity fuel tanks, which means filling up at a petrol station could cost from £65 and £101.50 (based on fuel prices in January 2022). That’s over six times the cost of electric vehicle charging.
Maintenance costs
With no oil to change and fewer mechanical parts such as clutches or gears that get worn down over time, electric vehicles can be much cheaper to maintain. The core maintenance cost for EVs is likely to be the battery, which would need to be replaced every 10 years or 100,000 miles. However, Motability Scheme customers get a brand
new vehicle every three years, so this need not be a factor in choosing an electric vehicle. Plus, maintenance is included as part of your worry-free lease, so if something does go wrong, your dedicated dealer will be on hand to help.
EVs and road tax
Motability Scheme customers don’t have to pay road tax as it is already included as part of their worry-free motoring package. However, other drivers considering getting an electric vehicle will need to consider the cost of road tax when budgeting for a new car. Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is calculated based on the CO2 tailpipe emissions from the vehicle. As some electric cars have fewer or no CO2 emissions, road tax discounts are in place in the UK.
• Battery electric vehicles –because they are full-electric, owners do not pay any road tax.
• Plug-in and hybrid cars – road tax cost varies between the first year and following years, costing up to £150 per year. A premium rate of up to £335 needs to be paid for cars worth £40,000 or more, depending on their CO2 emissions (figures correct as of January 2022).
Again, Motability Scheme users are also exempt from this tax, thanks to their all-inclusive lease.
What else do I need to consider when choosing an EV?
For people with reduced mobility, there are some important considerations when thinking about going electric –
particularly when it comes to private and public infrastructure. One important thing to think about is that charging cables are often quite heavy, and they also need to be plugged in –sometimes at both ends.
Home charging stations can include a simpler pull cable system; the placement of the charge point is critical to ensuring wheelchair users can operate it. Access to public charging stations can sometimes be a challenge if they don’t sit near disabled parking spaces or are on a pavement without a drop kerb.
So what are the true costs of running an EV?
Compared to petrol and dieselpowered vehicles, EVs are certainly cheaper to use and maintain.
While Motability Scheme customers leasing a fully electric car get their home charge point installed for free, other customers will have to cover the initial cost of a home charging station. However, as EVs become more common and the electric charging infrastructure improves, people will be able to drive an electric car without installing their own home charge point.
The Motability Scheme allows you to exchange all or part of your mobility allowance for leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. For more information about joining the Scheme and possibly leasing one of the vehicles in this article, use our eligibility checker and request a free information pack.
Available from Toomey OMODA Brentwood in Essex
At Toomey OMODA Brentwood, we’re proud to be part of your Motability journey. With over 60 OMODAs already delivered to members of the scheme, we’ve built a reputation for making the process simple, smooth, and stress-free.
Here’s what one of our customers had to say:
“I got a car on the Motability scheme, they kept me up to date with the progress of my order. My sales rep was extremely knowledgeable, and the swap of cars went through very smoothly. Cheers!”
Whether you’re looking for a car with a spacious interior, guaranteed safety, or advanced technology, the OMODA 5 has it all - and we’ve got an exclusive offer waiting for you. A £1,999 Saving provides you with a £0 Advance Payment on the OMODA 5 Comfort + FREE Metallic paint!
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and make sure you fi nd the perfect car to suit your needs. Visit us at Toomey OMODA Brentwood, or give us a call to learn more. Let’s get you on the road with confi dence!
Increased range, new features for the all-electric Lexus UX 300e
• Lexus’s all-electric, compact luxury SUV has driving range extended by more than 40 per cent, to up to 279 miles
• Suspension tuning and increased chassis rigidity enhance the Lexus Electrified driving experience
• New multimedia systems – Lexus Link Pro and Lexus Link Connect – with greater functionality and larger displays
• More capabilities added to Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems
Car
Wide-ranging upgrades have strengthened the appeal of the Lexus UX 300e, the urban crossover launched three years ago as Lexus’s first allelectric model. These revisions enable the UX 300e to go further between charges; raise
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the cabin’s aesthetic appeal, comfort, and convenience; and make the car – Lexus’s “Creative Urban Explorer” –even more enjoyable to drive.
The changes also affirm how well-suited electrification is to the characteristics of Lexus vehicles, complementing quiet refinement with rewardingly responsive road behaviour.
The most notable change is a new battery system which increases driving range by more than 40 per cent, to up to 279 miles in the combined
the self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h enjoyed a series of upgrades in summer 2022.
As Lexus’s first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), the UX 300e has evolved from the brand’s 18 years of leadership in electrification, which started with the introduction in 2005 of the RX 400h, the world’s first luxury hybrid. Today, more than 2.4 million electrified Lexus cars are on the road around the world, 550,000 of these in Europe. The Lexus Electrified initiative continues
WLTP cycle. Meanwhile, the Lexus Electrified driving experience benefits from detail alterations to the car’s suspension, body, and chassis.
Inside the car, the most evident improvement is the revised multimedia system. This has greater connectivity, faster and easier operation, cloud-based navigation, and larger eight and 12.3-inch touchscreens. The interior is also offered with new upholstery choices.
The upgraded UX 300e debuted in UK showrooms in spring 2023. Its sister model,
to drive progress through the brand’s world-class know-how in battery design, manufacturing, and battery management systems. This is creating a new generation of vehicle refinement and driving pleasure, with the classleading quality and reliability that are hallmarks of the Lexus brand.
For increased control and battery life, sensors monitor the voltage of each battery cell and block, and the battery cell temperature. With the advanced Battery Management System, this
results in maximum usable battery cell capacity and an extended driving range. Cool air is circulated inside the battery pack for stable battery output even at high speed and during repeated charging. Heating elements under each battery module minimise cold weather impact on the driving range and ensure full power is available from the start.
The UX 300e benefits from detail changes to enhance the driving experience. Finetuning the electric power steering and shock absorbers has sharpened the driving dynamics, as has increasing the body rigidity with additional spot-welding points. These alterations further improve the car’s planted feel and responsiveness, characteristics accentuated by the low centre of gravity and placement of the battery pack beneath the floor.
The 2023 UX 300e features new multimedia systems –Lexus Link Connect on the entry model and Premium Pack and Lexus Link Pro on the Takumi Pack. Equipped with a touchscreen in place of the previous touchpad control, this is more intuitive to use than its predecessor, offers increased functionality, has greater connectivity and responds more quickly to commands.
The UX was Lexus’s bestselling model in the UK in 2022, with 3,767 sales, behind the all-new NX introduced that year. The UX 300e took more than 10 per cent of these – a proportion that is expected to rise in the coming years.
RIVERSIDE VOLVO
The fully electric Volvo EX30 Ultra from
£4,199
Advance Payment on the Motability scheme
Get the fully electric Volvo EX30 Ultra from £4,199 Advance Payment including free of charge metallic paint. Big electric performance in a small package with a range of up to 295* miles.
COME AND SPEAK TO OUR MOTABILITY SPECIALIST TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK A TEST DRIVE
Official fuel consumption and CO₂ figures for the MY25 Volvo EX30 single motor extended range in MPG (l/100km): WLTP electric energy consumption 3.6 – 3.7 miles/kWh. WLTP CO₂ emissions 0g/km. Equivalent all electric range 287.1 – 295.8 miles.
Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and equivalent electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *Range varies depending on driving behaviour and other factors.
Price based on EX30 single motor extended range Ultra. Metallic paint included. Offers available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. DLA, PIP or AFIP holders: These prices are applicable for recipients of the Higher Rate Motability Component (HRMS) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Motability Component (ERMC) of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Armed Forces Independence Payment. These payments are applicable for recipients of War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS). Payments applicable in Scotland to recipients of CDP (Child Disability Payment) and ADP (Adult Disability Payment). Advance Payment is the non-refundable amount payable up front to your Retailer in additional to your weekly mobility allowance. 60,000 miles allowance over 3 years. Offer available from 1/4/25 – 30/6/25. Subject to availability at participating retailers. Offer not available with other Promotions and may be subject to change. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB.
MOTABILITY OFFER
£1000 towards advance payments on all Omoda Models
ICE Models advance payments £1499
Comfort - £1999 Noble
EV Models £4845
Comfort - £5245 Noble
And now for something a little different... the Omoda 5 SUV
The Omoda 5 aims to offer something just a little different for Motability customers looking a Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Kona-sized compact family SUV. There’s a choice of petrol or electric powertrains, striking design, all the latest tech and a boot with a low loading lip (so it’s easier to slide heavier items in). If you like the looks, it might be tempting.
Omoda is part of the Chery which is China’s biggest car exporter - quite an achievement when you consider the other brands from this marketnames you might be more familiar with like the SAIC corporation’s MG marque, BYD, GWM Ora and NIO. Unlike in other global markets, ‘Chery’
branding won’t be used in Europe, where the cars from this conglomerate will be marketed under the Omoda badge, a name derived from two sources; ‘O’ is for ‘oxygen’ (supposed to give an envirovibe) and ‘moda’ denotes fashion, apparently keynote for a marque that aims to focus on trendiness.
We’re going to get a whole series of Omoda models over the next few years (most of them EVs) but the first of them is the car we look at here, the Omoda 5, engineered in both combustion and EV forms. It’s a compact crossover aimed at cars like the Nissan Qashqai and the Hyundai Kona. Let’s take a closer look.
The core Omoda 5 models are the most affordable 1.6-litre petrol version and the EV variant. This design has been engineered to accept a petrol Hybrid unit too, so most of the major bases seem to be covered. The conventional petrol version uses a 1.6-litre four cylinder turbo unit with 187bhp and 275Nm of torque transmitted through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch auto gearbox. The 62mph from rest sprint occupies 7.8s. A four-wheel-drive version is offered in other markets but there’s no sign yet of that being available here.
Handling was developed in Europe and benchmarked against what the brand sees
WhAT’S NEw WITH GWM ORA SOUTH WEST
It’s an exciting time at GWM ORA South West, with the recent release of the ORA Funky Cat First Edition+ ! Explore exclusivity with the GWM ORA’s distinctive limited edition model.
What is the ORA Funky Cat First Edition+?
The brand new Special Edition of the ORA Funky Cat is here. There’s a limited number of the new models, making them entirely exclusive.
In addition to some cosmetic and mechanic enhancements, the special model is kitted out with ‘First Edition+’ accessories, including the mats, keys, and a centre console with the edition plaque.
Convenient Comfort
GWM ORA have taken comfort to another level, with heated and massaging seats, a heated steering wheel for those frosty mornings, and memory functions to keep your favourite settings ready for you. Privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof have been added for your comfort, exclusivity, and enjoyment of driving.
Perfecting Practicality
Front sensors have been added to help you navigate those tricky parking spaces, and auto parking assist helps with reversing; backwards driving has never been so forwardthinking! Featuring a new auto-opening tailgate, it’s also a game-changer when it comes to convenience.
The OMODA 5 SUV with sporty design and powerful engine combining style, safety and advanced technology - is now available on the Motability Scheme. In petrol and 100% electric.
The battery capacity in the brand new model is 63kWh, with a WLTP electric range of 260 miles; more than enough to eliminate range anxiety!
Exclusive Elements
There are a number of colourways available, including Aurora Green and Moonlight White, Mars Red, Starry Black, and Nebula Green; the ORA Funky Cat promises individuality. With the additions in the First Edition+, including the irresistible comfort features, the new model is going to be hard to leave.
With just 50 models in production of the limited edition ORA Funky Cat, you’ll truly be one of kind.
Contact the GWM ORA South West team on info@gwm-ora-southwest.co.uk, or call 03330341658 to talk through your requirements and book your test drive of the ORA Funky Cat.
as this car’s closest rival the Hyundai Kona. The suspension, steering and anti-roll bars have all been re-tuned over the Chinese market model to cater for differing European tastes. Don’t expect cuttingedge handling or particularly feelsome steering but the drive dynamics will certainly be class competitive. There are various drive modes provided: obviously, to get anywhere near to the quoted efficiency stats, you’ll need to spend most of your time in the ‘Eco’ setting. On that subject, if you’d prefer to look at the EV version, you’ll find it powered by single front-mounted 201bhp motor. That’s energised by a 61.4kWh battery that when fully charged is claimed to be able to take the car up to 257 miles. Later, a 48kWh variant with a lesser
134bhp motor will also be offered.
Omoda is determined that fashionable design should be a major selling point of its models, which is why you’d be unlikely to mistake the Omoda 5 for anything else. Certainly not the two cars this 4-metrelong compact family crossover is primarily pitched against, the Nissan Qashqai (which is slightly longer) and the Hyundai Kona (which is a little shorter). The main visual talking point is a huge grille which is almost completely flush with the front bumper. The rear gets a fullwidth light bar and if you opt for the plusher ‘Noble’ spec level, you get various red-coloured external trim elements. All models have a rakish profile with blanked-out C-pillar. And the EV version gets a bespoke
front grille and modified side wings.
Inside, where everything is of surprisingly high quality for a mainstream brand, there’s a high-mounted 10.25-inch infotainment screen. And a digital instrument cluster of the same size built into a single wide panel mounted on top of the dashboard. You’re going to need to like smudgeworthy gloss black-trimmed panelling, but everything is decently screwed together and the things you interact with regularly are soft to the touch. Plus there’s adjustable ambient lighting that varies itself with the selected drive mode. Despite the gently sloping rear roofline, there’s plenty of headroom in the back, even with a sunroof fitted. And decent leg room for six-footers
too. Out back, there’s a 378-litre boot, though that falls to just 292-litres in the EV version (basically supermini-sized). The
trunk area lacks bag hooks but gets a low loading lip, so it’s easier to slide heavy items in.
There are two trim levels, the base ‘Comfort’ and plusher ‘Noble’.
As you’d hope, there’s lots of equipment included as standard. Like powerful LED headlights with T-shaped daytime running lights. And matrix taillights with 3D-effect illumination. Inside, the sporty front seats can be heated and ventilated and feature a variety of electrical adjustments. As you’d want, there’s a full suite of intelligent ADAS systems for driver assistance. The portfolio includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping and automatic low/high beam switching.
The Omoda brand is here for the long haul. This 5 model will shortly be joined by the Omoda
3 (Puma-sized) and the Omoda 7 (Sportage-sized), before the model line-up is completed by the Cayenne-sized Omoda 9. Chinese owners are often referred to as ‘Omoders’ and get access to a special ‘O-Club’, a social platform for ‘brand experiences’ that will be replicated in Europe.
The kind of ‘brand experience’ you can expect from an Omoda 5 is likely to see you in possession of a car that compensates for largely unexciting engineering with rather striking looks. It’ll be fully equipped, well-warrantied, decently built and probably metronomically reliable. It’s also just a little bit different from the Qashqai or Kona-class compact family SUV you might just have been about to sign up for. Which makes this Chinese newcomer worth a look.
Motability Rates for Q4 2024: Omoda 5 Advance Payment from £1499.
After a 2 year absence Volvo returned to the Motability Scheme in 2024 with some highly competitive terms
Volvo’s XC40 is far more than simply a smaller version of the Swedish brand’s larger SUVs. It gets its own platform, and a very distinct design that offers lots of potential for electrification. The result is a somewhat unusual alternative to premium-branded compact SUVs like Audi’s Q3 and the BMW X1, and a choice of mild hybrid and full-EV powertrain options. The drawback for Motability Scheme customers is premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here.
Volvo car prices have come down. The XC40 range now starts at £1499, down from £1999 last quarter (as of Q4 December 2024).
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Volvo took its time in developing a contender for the industry’s fastest-growing market segment, that for compact family hatchbackbased SUVs. Back in 2017, the XC40 put that right.
Since then, it’s been usefully updated, but plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the XC40 Recharge have been removed from the UK line-up.
The XC40’s ‘Compact Modular Architecture’ platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cuttingedge Volvo powerplants. All the combustion units now fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The range kicks off with the B3
mild hybrid 163hp variant, which sits alongside a 197hp B4 mild hybrid model.
If you need your XC40 to be fully battery-powered, there are two Pure Electric variants on offer. The base rear-driven single-motor model offers 238hp and goes 290 miles between charges of its 69kWh battery. The alternative AWD model offers the twin electric motor set-up (one on each axle) offering a 334 mile range between charges of its larger 82kWh battery. That AWD variant has 408hp on tap (yes, you heard that right), which seems like it’d be rather excessive for the needs of most likely customers, sprinting you to 62mph from rest in just 4.5s with more torque than you’d get in a Nissan GT-R super sports car - 660Nm of it, at which point, the motor’s spinning at a heady 14,000rpm.
This XC40 has recently been updated with a smarter front bumper and a frameless front grille. That latter feature is blanked off in the Pure Electric model, which is the main visual difference marking out that full-EV XC40 variant from the
HSF GROUP
Come and speak to our Motability specialists to find out more or book a test drive.
Volvo EX30. WLTP Single Motor RWD: Electric Range (Combined) 213.8 mi. Electric Energy Consumption (Combined) 16.7 kWh/100km. Emissions CO₂ (Combined) 0 g/km.
Volvo XC40 Black Edition. WLTP Petrol B4 FWD: Fuel Consumption (Combined) 42.2 mpg. Emissions CO₂ (Combined) 152 g/km.
combustion-engined versions of this design. In addition, the car’s signature Thor’s Hammer headlights have been augmented with state-of-theart pixel LED light technology, enabling them to automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.
Otherwise, the XC40 is much as it was when we first saw it back in 2017. It’s an interesting combination this. A Swedishbranded product, financed by a Chinese conglomerate, styled by a British designer and built in a Dutch factory. We’ll start with the penman, a young Englishman Ian Kettle who says that the look of this car was inspired by robots he’d seen in sci-fi movies. In styling this contender, his brief was to give the XC40 its own identity, rather than simply making it a down-sized XC60. So while this car shares its bigger stablemate’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights and clamshell bonnet, it also gets unique touches like an inverted front grille and coupe-like rear styling.
Not too much is different with the latest model inside, though if you delve into the workings of the central portraitstyle 9-inch screen, you’ll find that the infotainment system is powered by Android, which means you get a raft of over-the-air Google features, including Maps and YouTube Music built in.
What else might you need to know about the cabin? Well because the XC40’s basic architecture was designed to accommodate a full-electric
powertrain from the start, there are no compromises with the EV model over combustion versions when it comes to rear seat legroom. Or luggage space. Which is just as well because trunk capacity isn’t huge, though the 452-litre capacity figure will probably be quite sufficient for the needs of most owners.
Whatever kind of powertrain you choose for your XC40, there are now three levels of trim available - ‘Core’, ‘Plus’ and ‘Ultimate’.
As standard in the combustion range, even entrylevel ‘Core’ variants come with LED headlights with optional active high beam, two-zone climate control with a ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument binnacle display and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus roof rails and a power-operated tailgate. Plusher ‘Plus’-spec gets you keyless entry, LED front fog lamps, a Park Assist system, a flexible load floor and heat for the front seats and steering wheel. Top ‘Ultimate’ trim gives you 19-inch wheels, Volvo’s ‘Pilot Assist’ with Adaptive Cruise Control setup and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There’s also a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and a headlamp cleaning system.
As ever with Volvo, a key focus is safety. An autonomous braking system is standard-fit and this system can specifically detect people and animals. There’s also an ‘Oncoming Lane Mitigation’ set-up that not only stops you from pulling out into the path of an oncoming
vehicle but can also steer you away from such an impact. Pilot Assist, Volvo’s innovative semiautonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC40, as is ‘Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation’. And Cross Traffic Alert with brake support’, which warn you of oncoming vehicles when you’re reversing out of a space.
Volvo clearly felt that to break into the premium brand compact SUV segment, it had to offer something distinctively different to its German rivals, so that’s exactly what we’ve got. Not everyone will like the looks but there’s no doubt that they will help the brand to target buyers who would never previously have considered a Volvo.
Will these people pass up a premium German-branded alternative to own this car though? Well, the classleading safety standards may be tempting for some. And the personalisation options a deciding factor for others. Overall, if you’re looking for a quality option that’s a bit more unique in this segment, Volvo thinks it has a car that’ll interest you very much.
People with a disability and carers who choose a new Volvo XC40 through Motability will receive a brand new car, delivered by a Motability Specialist at a local Volvo dealership, complete with insurance, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance, replacement tyre cover, windscreen repair or replacement cover plus a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.
Aahh the trusty Forester. It’s now been on sale in the UK for more 27 years, ferrying families to all corners without much fuss or trouble - and now after a gap of 8 years it is back on the Motability scheme alongside the equally sturdy Outback.
Subaru’s boxy, boxer-powered family SUV was given a light tweak in 2022, injecting some fresh tech and some updates to the formula. It was a relatively light touch, though, mainly focusing on expanding the reach (and, quite literally, the view) of the car’s EyeSight driver assistance systemwhich is a real boon for drivers
with disabilities. The brand’s driver monitoring system has also been given an update to include gesture control for certain interior functions like climate temperature adjustment. In a way the Forester is still quite an oldschool SUV compared to other cars in its segment – its focus is much more on function than fuss and baffling technology for technologies sake - an approach which we find quite refreshing.
The Forester comes with one non-plug-in hybrid powertrain in the UK, labelled as an e-Boxer Lineartronic. That boils down to a naturally aspirated
2.0-litre flat-four engine, e-motor and battery pack all working together, with power being sent via a continuously variable transmission to all four wheels. Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’ transmission is fundamentally a CVT, but one that has programmed-in ‘steps’ to mimic gearchanges.
Every Forester features four-wheel drive, and comes with various drive modes via its X-Mode switch, including ones for going off-road. That powertrain operates much like a conventional hybrid like Toyota offers. The e-motor can drive the Forester e-Boxer at very low speeds – good for
parking and traffic, for example – and it will help provide a torque boost for the engine at higher speeds.
Three trim levels are available: XE, Sport and XE Premium. Basic XE is reasonably well-equipped, with heated seats, Subaru’s vast suite of driver safety and assistance tech via its EyeSight technology and a perfectly sophisticated infotainment system - all of which will appeal to Motability usersespecially with an Advance Payment of £3799. Sport is mostly about visual tweaks including black alloys, orange trimmings inside and out, satnav and a powered tailgate. XE Premium throws in a sunroof and leather upholstery but does without the Sport’s orange trim and black wheelsboth Sport and Premium come in at a highly competitive price
£3999 Advance Payment.
Tough, functional and relatively old-school. The shape and positioning of the car’s silhouette means quite an upright driving position and a good view out, and the seats are softly padded and quite comfortable - another big plus for the Forester with the Motability audience in mind. Subaru’s message of functionality is most obviously felt in the cabin; materials used are designed to give the impression of durability, rather than one of premium-ness - again illustrating Subaru’s no nonsense function over frippery ethos.
Analogue dials and a chunky steering wheel sit directly in front of you, with a reasonablysized glossy screen for your infotainment needs and a smaller display inset into the top of the dashboard that
provides extra info. A welcome amount of physical switchgear is inside, including a full suite for the climate control and a set of quick-access buttons for the infotainment. A clump of them also feature on the centre console to control the car’s drive modes.
Space is a huge green tick for the Forester - and this is where it really starts to come into its own for Motability users. Tonnes of it is available, even for tall adults behind tall drivers, in the second row. The boot also feels large, with 509 litres available with the rear seats in place or 1779 litres with them folded flat. Subaru also says the Forester can tow up to 1870kg. The driving position is excellent and the huge sunroof makes the cabin feel light and airy - which is unusual in a vehicle of this size - another definite plus for the
Forester. The visibility in the car is also excellent, as was the adaptive cruise and bearing in mind the “summer” we are having we thought that the heated steering wheel was super - joking aside it will be a real boon in the Winter for drivers with circulation issues.
In fact the whole driving experience is more than reasonable. What’s really pleasing is the ride – it’s plump enough to absorb enough of the largest lumps in the road and the wheels aren’t so large they’re finding small ones either. Despite the Forester’s boxy shape, wind noise is well damped - again all big plusses for drivers with disabilities.
Generous boot space with a wide opening and a low loading lip, also make it easier to load and unload mobility aids or groceries. The Forester can also be easily modified to accommodate various mobility aids, such as hand controls, wheelchair hoists, and swivel seats. Controls and switches are logically placed and easy to
use, which is crucial for drivers with limited hand mobility.
We’re also inclined to believe the WLTP fuel efficiency claims, having completed mixed-road journeys that hovered around the 35mpg mark. A 35mpg fuel figure isn’t exactly great given this is a hybrid, but it is one that will meet its claims.
Verdict: Subaru’s long-living Forester is a comforting nod to those still looking for a
family car to be the ultimate utilitarian item. Most rivals will best it in terms of how it drives, or how efficient it can be, but Subaru continues to carve itself a niche of those looking for their family car to be no-nonsense, spacious and useful in all scenarios - all qualities that will warm the hearts of Motability users. The Forester’s higher seating position also makes getting in and out easier, which is beneficial for users with limited mobility, again a real advantage for drivers with mobility issues. In conclusion we think that the Subaru Forester is a first rate addition to the Motability scheme - and one parting shot - did you know that it is one of only three medium / large petrol-electric hybrid 4x4 SUV’s on Motability at present? Things really are looking up for Subaru.
Oh and we haven’t forgotten the Outback - we’re big fansas you’ll see when the January edition of Mobility News drops…
What’s happening in the new car market?
What’s changing?
Manufacturers are focusing more attention on electric vehicles (EVs) to meet new regulations. This means there are fewer petrol and diesel cars in the market, making them more expensive to buy.
The cost to build new cars has also increased in recent years. This is mostly due to the rising prices of the raw materials needed and is the same for all fuel types, including electric.
But delivery times are generally much quicker than in the last couple of years. Some models might take slightly
longer than others, but this depends on the make and model you’re interested in.
What does this mean for the Motability Scheme?
Because there are fewer petrol and diesel cars available in the market, they’re more expensive to get on the Scheme. So, you might notice Advance Payments have increased on some of these cars.
We’re also seeing other costs increase across across the lease package. Things like tyres, insurance and repairs have all risen, which also has an impact on Advance Payments.
We’re doing everything we can to make sure we offer great value despite these challenges. We’re still cheaper on average than leasing elsewhere and have over 950 cars to choose from, all with our full lease package.
If you’re looking to order a new car on the Motability Scheme, our ‘Find a vehicle’ tool has the most up-todate information for the cars currently available on the Scheme. We’ve recently improved this tool, so it’s even easier for you to narrow down your options, compare cars and see what’s new.
Expert picks: Top EV’s available on the Motability Scheme
Motoring expert Richard Aucock reviews his six top electric car picks that are available on the Motability Scheme this quarter, including a spacious 7-seater, a hatchback with a large boot and a new small car for no Advance Payment.
Electric cars are the future for motoring in Britain. The government has committed to start phasing out petrol and diesel cars from 2030. That’s just five years away. As a result, the car industry is switching over to electric. More new electric cars, also known as EVs, are being launched all the time. This is reflected by the choice of cars on the Motability Scheme. There are more electric cars than ever. Many of them are available for low or even no Advance Payment. If you have a driveway, your first electric car lease includes a home charger and standard installation. This is the cheapest charging option. It can save you a lot of money compared to running a petrol or diesel car.
If you don’t have a driveway, you will get a bp pulse subscription included in your lease instead. This gives Scheme customers cheaper rates at bp pulse chargers, which is Britain’s largest public charging network. All Scheme customers also get a free Motability Go Charge card. This gives access to more than 50,000 public electric car chargers.
You get the same all-inclusive leasing package with electric cars on the Scheme. The worry-free package covers all the major costs of motoring, including car insurance, servicing and routine repairs. It also includes car tax and breakdown cover. This makes it the cheapest way to drive a new car in the UK. These are my six top choices of electric cars this quarter. They show the choice of new EVs available on the Scheme to suit all needs.
CITROEN E-C3 -NEW!
My top choice for no Advance Payment – No Advance Payment
The new electric Citroen e-C3 is now arriving on UK roads. It is a small five-door hatchback that’s been optimised for electric power with few compromises. It means it’s an affordable choice too, available on the Scheme for no Advance Payment.
The new Citroen e-C3 is a
Citroen e-C3 -NEW!
fashionable car that combines small car ease of use with SUV design cues. It is easy to get in and out of, and the interior has a fresh, fun feel. As it is a Citroen, the front seats are extra-comfortable. Rear seat space is pretty good too.
The 44kWh battery gives an overall range of almost 200 miles. It is ready to use speedy public rapid chargers, taking it from 20% to 80% full in just 26 minutes. A large central touchscreen helps you locate charging points on the move. It also has built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
Alternatives to consider: The new Hyundai Inster is another stylish choice that’s available on the Scheme for no Advance Payment. The Fiat 500e, which has a range of up to nearly 200 miles, is a stylish alternative.
FIAT 600E
My top small SUV choice –Advance Payment: from £999
The Fiat 600e is a stylish small electric SUV from this fun Italian brand. It is famously only available in bright and cheerful colours. It has a generous battery that gives an everyday range of more than 250 miles.
The Fiat 600e is a practical small SUV with a high seating position. It is easy to get in and out, and drives get a clear view out. I like the body-colour panels
on the dashboard, which bring the bright outside colours inside. The large 360-litre boot is a practical size.
The Fiat 600e I’ve chosen here is the La Prima model. This has a high spec with plenty of neat features as standard. It even has an electric driver’s seat with massage function. This takes away aches and pains over long journeys. The front seats are heated as well.
Alternatives to consider:
Another small electric SUV with distinctive styling is the Peugeot e-2008. This also has a handy 250-mile range.
Fiat 600e
Peugeot e-Rifter
PEUGEOT E-RIFTER
My top 7-seater choice – Advance Payment: from just £299
The Peugeot e-Rifter is an extremely spacious seven-seat electric car. All three rows of seats have enough room for adults, and the sliding rear doors makes it easy for people to get in and out. This electric seven-seater has a 200-mile range and an Advance Payment of just £299.
This is a modern-looking people carrier, with SUV-themed styling details and distinctive headlights. I like the bold Peugeot shield on the front grille. The front seats have a high, SUV-style seating position too. This Allure model also has a touchscreen in the centre with standard sat nav. In the back, it is enormous. It has an extra-high roof, which gives an airy feel. All five rear seats have lots of legroom. They are nice and high, so they’re all easy to access. I also like the clever overhead stowage bins.
Alternatives to consider: The Toyota Proace City Verso, Vauxhall Combo Life and Citroen e-Berlingo are all practical seven-seater alternatives
RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH
My top roomy hatchback choice – Advance Payment: from £495
The Renault Megane E-Tech is an electric five-door hatchback that’s perfect for family life. It has sleek exterior styling and lots of onboard technology. An Advance Payment of just £495 for this Techno+ version adds to the appeal.
The Renault Megane E-Tech has a 60kWh battery and an official range of around 285 miles. This is great for long-distance trips. At a public rapid charger, it can go from a low charge to 80% full in around 35 minutes.
The Renault Megane E-Tech has a clever built-in Google sat nav system. This lets you locate charging points and also optimises routes based on the battery charge level. It’s an ingenious feature! I also found the extra-deep 440-litre boot to be large and useful.
View the Renault Megane E-Tech
Alternatives to consider: The Cupra Born is a sporty-looking alternative. It too is available for an Advance Payment of just £495.
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
My top choice for boot space – Advanced Payment: From £1299
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a futuristic-looking car. It has sharp, clean lines that set it apart from the crowd. It is a large car with crossover proportions, adding to its practicality and roominess.
Renault Megane E-Tech
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a very large and useful 520-litre boot. This is easily enough to take four large suitcases with space to spare. Fold the rear seats and the boot expands to almost 1,600 litres. There is also an additional boot in the front. This is the perfect size for storing the charging cables and a squashy backpack or two.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a 63kWh battery. This gives a driving range of almost 275 miles. It can also use the latest ultra-fast public rapid chargers. They can take it from a 10% charge back up to full capacity in a mere 18 minutes. This is remarkably fast, and will help make long journeys a breeze.
Alternatives to consider: If you prefer an SUV, the Skoda Enyaq is an electric car with an even larger boot than the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Renault Scenic E-Tech is also worth checking out.
VOLKSWAGEN ID.3
My top choice for plenty of equipment – Advance Payment: from £499
The Volkswagen ID.3 is the electric alternative to the Volkswagen Golf. It has a hatchback design and a sleek, aerodynamic design. This updated version has a larger touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and higherquality trim. It has an Advance Payment of just £499.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a sensible electric car that’s easy to live with. The open-plan interior has a practical feel. The seats are positioned to give a good view out and all the controls are light and easy. The electric motor gives zippy acceleration.
The version I’ve chosen here has a 59kWh battery and a range of almost 270 miles. It is the Match edition, which has a really good level of standard equipment. This includes stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, bright Matrix LED headlights and a handy rear-view parking camera.
Alternatives to consider: For the same £499 Advance Payment, you could have an electric Jeep Avenger small SUV. Alternatively, you could choose a roomy Skoda Enyaq.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Volkswagen ID.3
Kia leads the charge in 2024
Kia UK has ended January as the best-selling brand in the UK car market, the first month the brand has achieved this in its 30-year history. Kia sold 10,504 units in January, and achieved its highest-ever market share of 9.1 per cent.
This success for the Korean brand was led by the everpopular Kia Sportage, which was the best-selling vehicle in the UK for the month, with 3,458 units sold. The top 10 chart also featured the Niro, which finished in third place overall 2,372 units sold.
The fully electric e-Niro continued its sales success, finishing the month as the best-selling EV in the market. Bolstered by the EV6, which
was recently crowned What Car? Car of the Year, and the award-winning Soul EV, Kia’s all-electric range contributed 19 per cent of the brand’s total sales for the month.
The brand’s electrified range now comprises 10 models featuring either EV, Plug-in Hybrid or Hybrid. Between them, these accounted for one third of the brand’s sales in January, further cementing Kia as a leader in electrification.
Commenting on the record
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sales, Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited said, “This is a fantastic achievement for our brand and our dealer network, who have all worked hard to deliver our award-winning model line-up to customers. These record results are partly down to us having better supply than many, but they also clearly reflect the growing demand for our brand and for our range of new cars, which we have seen progressively increase since last summer.”
Kia UK ended 2021 on a high, with 90,817 new car sales and a record market share of 5.5 per cent. These record January sales continue the brand’s exciting and ambitious momentum that will be enhanced by the EV6’s first full year of sales, the allnew Sportage, and the all-new Niro family due to be launched later this year. Combined, these three models are expected to account for 60 per cent of Kia UK’s 2022 sales.
DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE: e art in travel
DS Automobiles is introducing the exclusive new DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE to its range, cementing the LOUVRE as a majestic and exclusive signature of the DS Automobiles range.
LOUVRE, a signature of majesty, exclusive to DS Automobiles
Since its launch in 2014, DS Automobiles has been a patron of the Louvre museum, a relationship based on combining legacy and modernity to build the future. This vision is underpinned with quality, expertise and innovation in order to make France and Paris shine on the world stage.
Hints of the museum are replicated by craftsmen in DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE with special ‘Louvre’ badges incorporated onto the bonnet, tailgate and doors. At the front, the Onyx Black DS WINGS and grille are set beneath a bonnet adorned with subtle pyramid symbols on its central rib, beneath the lacquer.
The 18-inch LUXOR alloy wheels also feature the pyramid symbol, along with black centre caps, while the two-tone door mirror housings are laser-etched with a pyramid emblem on the black casing, with a body-coloured lower half. Completing the look, the standard LED rear lights are complemented by gloss black trim on the tailgate.
DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is offered in a choice of four colours: Perla Nera Black, Artense Grey, Platinum Grey and Pearl Crystal, always with a Perla Nera Black roof.
An interior stamped with luxury and history
DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is fitted with the DS OPÉRA
interior, offering unequalled sophistication in its segment. With its iconic Art Basalt Black Nappa Leather watchstrap upholstery seats, it also introduces Art Basalt Black Nappa Leather trim on the dashboard and door panels. The steering wheel is also handcovered in full grain leather, including the spokes and centre, while ‘Pearl’ stitching and ‘Clous de Paris’ embossed inserts indulge the senses.
An embossed Pyramid symbol and a ‘Louvre’ badge adorn the dashboard, while the gloss black gear lever sports a laser-engraved Pyramid logo.
One day at the Louvre: an exclusive artistic and immersive experience
The love of art and culture comes in a variety of new and exclusive ways. With DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE, travellers are encouraged to discover the most iconic works from the most beautiful museum in the world.
To delight the senses, DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE shows these pieces of art on the large, high-definition 10.3-inch central touchscreen. Each work is also transformed into a source
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of inspiration by listening to a podcast that reveals their secrets.
182 works have been selected by teams from the Louvre museum and DS Automobiles to represent every collection and department of the museum. They can be viewed each week or found through a search engine and displayed on the central screen to enhance the interior of the DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the portrait of the Monna Lisa painted by Léonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Véronèse, The Consecration of the Emperor Napoléon 1st by Jacques-Louis David, The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix and the Egyptian statue of the Seated Scribe are among the works to be discovered.
100 per cent electric or petrol from 130hp to 155hp
DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is offered with a choice of 100 per cent electric E-TENSE power unit, with no tailpipe emissions, or two petrol powertrains, PureTech 130 Automatic and PureTech 155 Automatic.
The DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is available to order now, priced from £34,420 OTR for the PureTech 130 Automatic. For more information on the DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk/dsmodels/ds-3-crossback/louvre.
Driven by technology: the future of connected cars
The cars we use are increasingly driven by technology. With rear-view cameras, emergency brake assist and lane departure warnings now coming as standard in many new models, technology has helped make driving a far safer experience. At the same time, the introduction of GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity has helped make journeys more enjoyable.
As technology continues to advance, its influence on the driving experience will evolve. At present, we are seeing car manufacturers working with technology companies and software developers to create a network of fully connected cars, improving safety and enhancing the driver/ passenger experience.
To understand how technology will change our driving experience, we need
to understand the basics. Here’s what you need to know about the future of connected cars.
What is a connected car?
A connected car is a car that is connected to the internet, allowing it to share data with other devices both inside and outside the vehicle. At present, some cars can access the internet via a smartphone app, allowing
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people to unlock their car doors remotely, locate a vehicle if you forget where you’ve parked, and even change the car’s temperature settings before you get in.
For passengers, 4G-connected cars are able to create Wi-Fi hotspots that make it easy to stay online and keep passengers entertained on even the longest journeys. The days of bored children asking “are we there yet?” are starting to fade away.
Connected cars are an
exciting development, but technology has the potential to take things even further.
How fully connected cars could improve the driving experience
Fully connected cars are connected on a far wider, more ambitious scale than what is currently seen in the market. In simple terms, the ultimate aim is to have as much of the world connected to the internet as possible, with all the elements seamlessly linking to each other. If you have a smart speaker in your home that is part of that connectivity, along with smartphones which many of us have come to rely on. Your car is another, more complicated piece of the same puzzle.
In built-up areas such as towns and cities, fully connected cars will be able to communicate with other vehicles on the road, as well as with pedestrians and the wider infrastructure. This ‘talking’ between cars will enable them to share information, so that your car will be able to reroute away from congestion or accidents, and locate parking spaces without the driver needing to plan as much.
How do connected cars work?
To help improve the driving experience, fully connected cars will rely on three main pillars: telematics, infotainment and infrastructure. This may all sound a bit futuristic, but
the cars of today are already starting to use some of these elements to help people have a better driving experience.
To achieve this, fully connected cars will rely on three main pillars: telematics, infotainment and infrastructure. This may all sound a bit futuristic, but the cars of today are already starting to use some of these elements to help people have a better driving experience.
Telematics connects the car to ‘the cloud’, which allow it to gather and share information on the car’s performance and the driver’s behaviours, in order to improve both aspects.
Infotainment will enable cars to access more rich and up-to-date information, which will in turn improve the vehicle’s navigation, displays, audio and in-car entertainment offering. This can enhance the travelling experience for both drivers and the passengers Infrastructure, however, is the most significant element, in terms of creating a truly connected network of vehicles. This is known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which is an umbrella title covering three key forms of communication:
• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)
• Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)
• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)
What are V2V, V2P and V2I?
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) is the technology that enables connected cars to share information with other connected cars wirelessly. Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)
technology allows connected cars to communicate with people walking or cycling. And vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology allows connected cars to share and receive information with devices on or close to roads, including lane markers, road signs and cameras.
In all three examples, communication is carried out via 4G, the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology. The aim is to lower the risk of collisions, improve road safety and make the journey a more enjoyable experience.
What’s needed for Vehicleto-Everything (V2X) to work?
Connected vehicles are already built to communicate with the world around them using 4G. In the past many cars have used 3G, but this is now being replaced by 4G as standard in newer vehicles because it has fewer speed limitations. However, even 4G has significant limitations. While it can connect us all to the internet, it doesn’t have the speed to power complex infrastructures – such as the infrastructure that connects cars to roads around different cities and countries.
That’s where 5G will change things. Around 10 times faster than its predecessor, most of the UK is expected to have 5G at some point during 2022 (1). It’s been predicted that globally, one in four cars will have 5G connectivity by 2025 (2). The rollout of 5G will power a technological
revolution.
Why do cars need to be connected?
As well as improving road safety and traffic efficiency in vehicles – which will help lower emissions – the longerterm goal of connected cars is to make autonomous and fully driverless vehicles a reality. Nobody can say for certain when driverless cars will become mainstream, with some estimating it could come within a decade while others suggest it could be several decades away (3). Either way, it’s clear that vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is driven by a future where we no longer need to push the pedals or steer the wheel.
At present, many new cars come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which can improve safety by warning of hazards, congestion, adverse weather conditions and similar issues. This is partial automation, and the driver is still responsible for driving their vehicle. As we move towards fully driverless cars, we will see even more advanced driver assistance systems, which will become crucial to maintaining safety on the roads.
Are there security issues involved with connected cars?
Any time data is shared wirelessly, there will always be the challenge of keeping that data from falling into the wrong hands. Powered by 4G and 5G, connected cars share an almost endless supply
of data with other vehicles and the infrastructure around them. Just like laptops and mobile phones, a connected car needs to be protected against cyberattacks as it will be sharing data wirelessly.
This is why in 2020, the United Nations put regulations in place that are aimed at protecting a connected vehicle against cyberattacks. These cybersecurity regulations will come into force in July 2022 and will be mandatory for all new vehicles (4). Of course, cyberattacks may evolve over time, but technology will also evolve to improve connected cars’ security against them.
When will connected cars be the new ‘normal’?
This is hard to pinpoint. It has been predicted that all new cars will have vehicleto-vehicle (V2V) technology installed by 2023 (5), and that more than 11 million vehicles will be equipped with some form of V2X system by 2024 (6).
The arrival of 5G broadband will move us closer to a fully connected network of autonomous vehicles, but it is an incredibly complex operation. It will take years to build, align and regulate the infrastructure needed to make this a reality.
There will be no grand unveiling of V2X on a specific date in the future. Instead, with each new model of car released and each new software update, an everevolving version of V2X will inevitably become the new standard.
An EV with a shorter range could be right for you
EV range has been steadily increasing over the past few years. The original Nissan Leaf, the first mainstream electric car in the UK had a range of just 109 miles. Today, there are some reasonably priced cars, such as the Renault Scenic, that can comfortably triple that range. Yet, as vehicle ranges start pushing towards the 400-mile mark – 500 in some premium models –manufacturers still think there is room for cars with smaller batteries. And there are some very good reasons for that.
Are you overestimating your mileage?
While some customers will genuinely need to cover a lot of miles, the majority may
overestimate how many miles they actually drive. According to MOT data the average annual mileage in the UK is around 6,500 miles – that’s 125 miles per week. And without turning things into a rather dull maths lesson, if you use the more relevant mode average, rather than mean average, the mileage is significantly lower still.
If we look at the Fiat 500 Electric as an example, it has a range of 199 miles – that’s roughly London to Manchester, a four-hour journey. But, as it’s recommended in the highway code that we take a break every two hours, you can simply pull in at a service station, plug in your car and grab a drink while you take a
break – you should have more than enough to get you to your destination.
For those that predominantly do town and city driving, this is where EVs thrive. Unlike a petrol or diesel car, you will get a greater range in urban driving than you would on a motorway. This is because EVs are equipped with regenerative braking – a system that puts energy back into the battery whenever you slow you your vehicle. This can extend how far you can drive on a full charge, which can ultimately save you money.
Smaller EVs with smaller batteries will also be easier to manoeuvre and park when driving in built-up areas. Furthermore, there are generally more chargers available in cities, so you can find somewhere to leave your car charging while you go about your day.
Cost benefits
Another thing to factor in is efficiency. EV batteries are rather heavy. Larger EV batteries are significantly heavier because they can allow for longer trips without charging, which can be handy on motorway journeys. Conversely, a car with a smaller battery will be lighter and more efficient when using its charge – potentially saving you money.
Volvo EX30 excels as Carwow Car of the Year
The all-new, fully electric Volvo EX30 continues to enjoy an exceptional debut awards season, achieving all-round acclaim as the Carwow Car of the Year 2024.
The small SUV triumphed from among the hundreds of cars reviewed by Carwow in the past year for its hugely popular and influential consumer online channels. Carwow operates YouTube’s largest automotive channel, with more than eight million subscribers, and a website that helps thousands of motorists choose the right car every year.
Mat Watson, Carwow Chief Content Officer, declared: “Volvo has smashed it out of the park. The little EX30 is the best all-round electric car – and the best car all-round – that I’ve driven all year, and it’s priced to appeal to the head as much as its design and driving experience appeal to the heart.
“It has bags of character, drives really nicely, is efficient and is one of the most affordable small electric SUVs you can buy. There’s loads of space in the front, and it is really good at soaking up bumps for a relaxing and comfortable drive. It is a persuasive argument for anyone thinking about going electric.”
In addition to the EX30’s overall success, the model was highly commended in
the awards’ Outstanding EV category, while its muchanticipated sister model, the forthcoming EX90 fully electric large SUV, was likewise highly commended in the Most Anticipated New Car class. To seal the brand’s all-round success, Volvo Cars collected a further high commendation in the Brand of the Year category. The awards were determined by the Carwow content team, applying their decades of experience in assessing cars to help buyers make the best choice. Their judgement considers the full spectrum of buying and owning, including price, performance, efficiency, comfort and practicality, together with special qualities and innovations that make the best models stand out from
Cold weather advice for powered wheelchair and scooter users
Make sure you’re visible
Winter’s shorter days mean you’re more likely to be travelling after sunset. So, make sure you’re as visible as possible. Many larger scooters have lights. But if yours does not, it may be worth buying a high-visibility or reflective jacket or vest so that you’re more noticeable.
Check the weather forecast
Always check the weather conditions before you travel. And, if you have a smartphone, consider downloading a weather forecasting app to stay up to date with the conditions whilst you’re out and about.
Plan your route to avoid hazards
When it’s snowy or icy, it’s best to avoid any journeys unless they’re really necessary. If you must go out, try to stay away from hills and rural roads by taking an alternative route. And try to use roads and paths that are well-lit, well-maintained and free from snow and ice. This may add more time to your journey, but it’s worth it to stay safe. For longer journeys, make sure your vehicle is fully charged. Consider taking your charger with you in case you
need to top up the battery while you’re out.
Watch out for kerbs
Fallen leaves can hide kerbs or make them appear lower than they are. So, it’s worth using dropped kerbs and official road crossings wherever possible. Always be careful, and reduce your speed, when approaching pavements and kerbs.
What to do if you break down
Your all-inclusive lease with the Scheme includes breakdown cover. So, if you break down, Motability Assist (provided by Autohome) is on hand 24 hours a day, 365
days a year, to get you and your powered wheelchair or scooter home safely. In an emergency, you can call them on 0800 953 5000. It’s a good idea to save this number on your mobile phone in case you need it.
Or, if you have a smartphone, you can download the Motability Assist app. Simply search ‘Motability Recovery’ on the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the installation instructions. If you do break down, you just open the app, click ‘Rescue me’ and a text message is created that includes your exact location. Then you simply press ‘Send’.
Changes to vehicle tax for electric and low-emission vehicles in 2025
From 1 April 2025, the UK government is making changes to vehicle tax for drivers with electric and low-emission cars, vans and motorcycles. This means, drivers will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as those with petrol or diesel vehicles.
For cars registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025, you’ll need to pay the standard rate of vehicle tax. In 2024, the standard rate is
£190, but this is subject to change in 2025.
You can find out more about the changes vehicle tax changes on the UK Government website.
If you get a vehicle tax exemption*, you can use this on one vehicle at a time. So, you can choose to use this exemption when you lease a car with the Scheme. You’ll just need to add this to your application at your dealership. Then the Scheme will
manage your tax for you as part of your package with the Scheme.
You’ll only need to arrange your vehicle tax yourself if you choose to pay tax privately or live on the Isle of Man.
*Some vehicles are ‘exempt’ from vehicle tax. This means that you do not need to pay for the vehicle tax. If you are a disabled person, you can claim disability exemption when you apply for vehicle tax.
Easily manage your Motability Scheme nominees
Every day we get calls from friends or family members who find they need to speak to us about a customer’s lease. That’s why we allow you to add nominees, who can help manage things on your behalf.
How it works
You can view, add or remove nominees in the ‘Personal details’ section of your online account. To add a nominee, you will just need to add their name, date of birth, address and phone number.
If you remove a nominee, they will no longer be able to speak to us about your lease. Any changes you make in your online account will automatically update on our systems, so you do not need
to let us know
What is a nominee?
A nominee is a nominated speaker who can make minor changes to your lease agreement. This includes things like updating your address or changing your drivers. Your nominee has no legal rights, and the agreement will stay in your name. They cannot make significant changes to your lease or ask for confidential information, like a copy of your PIN, for example.
Who can be a nominee?
You could add a friend, family member or carer. Only customers or appointees can add nominees. This means
existing nominees cannot add other nominees.
Please note, if you are an appointee, you cannot add the allowance recipient as a nominee. This is because they cannot make changes to the lease when there’s an appointee in place.
What else can I do in my online account?
There’s lots of great features, and we’re always working to add more. You can:
- Update your personal details
- Add your bank details to get payments faster
- Raise a new insurance claim, without needing to call
- Manage your drivers with Direct Line Motability (DLM)
- Make and manage appointments with Kwik
Contacting us over Christmas
The Motability Scheme will be open as much as possible to support customers over Christmas. You’ll be able to reach our Customer Services team until 5pm on Tuesday 24 December. Our telephone lines will open again at 8am on Friday 27 December. We’ll also be open from 9am to 1pm on Wednesday 1 January 2025.
During Christmas, when we’re open, it may take slightly longer than usual to get through to us by phone. So, please be patient if you’re not able to speak to someone straight away. You can also use the ‘Get support’ section of our website to find answers to many common questions about your lease. This section includes a handy search bar to help you find the right information more quickly.
Day Call centre opening times
Friday 20 December 2024 8am – 7pm
Saturday 21 December 2024 9am – 5pm
Sunday 22 December 2024 Closed
Monday 23 December 2024 8am – 7pm
Tuesday 24 December 2024 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 25 December 2024 Closed
Thursday 26 December 2024 Closed
Friday 27 December 2024 8am- 5pm
Saturday 28 December 2024 9am – 5pm
Sunday 29 December 2024 Closed
Monday 30th December 2024 8am – 7pm
Tuesday 31st December 2024 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 1st January 2025 9am – 1pm
Thursday 2nd January 2025 8am – 7pm
Friday 3rd January 2025 8am- 7pm
Get an extra £500 towards your Advance Payment on a new
OMODA is proud to be associated with Motability and provide a route to worry-free motoring. The Motability Scheme is a service that helps disabled people and their families in the UK to become more mobile. With over 600,00 people having a car with Motability, it’s nice to know that you are supported by OMODA.
When you lease a car through the Motability Scheme the following is always included in the price:
Insurance (for up to three named drivers for cars and WAVs)
Servicing, maintenance and repairs due to general wear
Accident and breakdown cover
Tyre repair and replacement
Windscreen repairs
To find out more or book a test drive, please call one of our Motability specialists
