Norton Way Corporate Magazine - February 2021

FEB 2021 ISSUE 74

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

SKODA

Škoda Octavia Shortlisted for ‘2021 Car of the Year’ Award

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koda ’s best-selling and multiaward-winning Škoda Octavia is in the running for it’s next international honours. Having won multiple international awards last year, the fourth-generation Octavia has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2021 ‘Car of the Year award’.

The European “Car of the Year” award, run by nine motoring publications in nine European counties, has become a major honour in the car industry since its introduction in 1964. With an original list of 29 models (launched during the last 12 months), in the running for this year’s award, the Škoda Octavia has made it to the final seven. This is the second time the Octavia has been shortlisted, following the appearance in the final of its third generation in 2014.

At over seven million vehicles produced to date, the Škoda Octavia is delivered to more customers than any other model made by the Czech manufacturer. In its all-new, fourth generation, the best-seller is more 2

economical and eco-friendlier than ever before, as Škoda now offers it with a wider range of powertrains than at any other point in the model’s history. It is available in saloon and COMBI estate format, with efficient petrol and diesel engines and a natural gas (CNG) version, as well as plug‑in hybrid and mild-hybrid technology and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Power output ranges from 81 kW (110 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS). Compared to its predecessor, the new OCTAVIA boasts a more emotive and dynamic design, an even more generous interior and superior comfort, combined with maximum active and passive safety and advanced connectivity features.

Like every ŠKODA, it also delivers outstanding functionality, enhanced by many clever details.

In the last quarter of 2020, the Octavia already succeeded in collecting renowned awards in the key export markets of the UK, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

The ‘Car of the Year’ award winner will be announced on the 1st March.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ŠKODA OCTAVIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS, GET IN TOUCH TODAY.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

HONDA

HONDA E CONTINUES TO GAIN ACCOLADES

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he end of 2020 saw Honda celebrating a bevy of UK awards for its all-new, 100% electric city car – the Honda e. Despite a challenging year, the Honda e took the top prizes in the ‘Best Electric Vehicle’, ‘City / Small Car of the Year’, ‘City Car of the Year’ and the ‘Best Car Tech’ awards.

The latest award came from Stuff magazine, in their end-ofyear celebration of all the greatest technology of 2020, where the Honda e won the ‘Best Electric Vehicle’ category. Even fending off competition from established and new-start EV manufacturers such as Porsche and Polestar. The judges said “Honda has taken the spoils in one of the biggest and most exciting categories of 2020.

A fantastic result!”

Last year the Honda e was crowned ‘City / Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020, dominating a category which was not the sole reserve of electric cars. Taking on established rivals with petrol, hybrid and electric drivetrains, the Honda e was commended for its manoeuvrability in urban environments – enabled by the “astonishingly” tight turning circle, responsive motor and overall ride quality. Praise was also heaped on an interior that breaks with tradition, introducing a calming lounge-style environment to the daily commute. The panel loved the Honda e, describing it as "absolutely perfect, not only because of its zero-emission powertrain, but also because of its compact size."

Furthermore, BBC Top Gear has also crowned the Honda e in another gruelling category, City Car of the Year.

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Again, up against a mix of all-electric, hybridized and ICE models, the Honda e came out on top, with the magazine saying that: “In many households, big journeys aren’t the small car’s job. It’s impossible to do more than 100 miles in and around a city in a day, and the Honda is the happiest and best tool to do them.”

Another win was from leading UK weekly automotive publication Autocar which declared the Honda e as winner of the Best Car Tech category in their Britain's Best Cars Awards 2020, a tough sector that honours technologies and assistance systems that aid driving, be it in an urban or rural environment.

Judges praised the wider field of view offered by the Rear Camera Safety System (RCSS) over traditional mirrors, and the “very happy combination of hardware and software still so rarely seen in the automotive industry”.

The highly acclaimed Honda e compact electric vehicle has also dominated award ceremonies across Europe, including ‘German car of the Year 2021’, the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2020’ award for groundbreaking product design, and the ‘Red Dot 2020’ accolade in smart product category.

“It is absolutely fantastic news that the Honda e has been so greatly received by both journalists and customers alike,” commented Rebecca Stead, Head of Automobiles for Honda UK. “To collect so many awards in its first six months of being on sale is such a great achievement for that model and it bodes well for Honda’s electrified range that will be growing over the next few years.”

 *Please note images shown are not to UK specification

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HONDA E FOR YOUR BUSINESS, GET IN TOUCH TODAY.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

NISSAN

New Nissan Qashqai with Electrified Powertrains

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he new Nissan Qashqai has been designed to support Nissan’s goal of acheiveing 50% electrified sales in Europe by FY23. The new model will not only be available with a 1.3 DiG-T petrol equipped with mild hybrid technology, but will also debut Nissan’s innovative, awardwinning powertrain, e-Power.

Drawing technology from the all-electric Nissan LEAF, the e-POWER system for New Qashqai has been specially developed for the model to meet the rigorous demands of European drivers. Qashqai with e-POWER not only realizes a high level of fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, but also responsive and powerful acceleration.

With both 2WD and 4WD variants, 6-speed manual or new Xtronic CVT transmissions, and pure-electric motor driving courtesy of e-POWER, the all-new Qashqai’s powertrain options cater for every customer requirement with driving pleasure at the heart of all the powertrain configurations.

“Since 2007, when it invented the segment, the new Qashqai has always set the standard in the crossover segment. With the third generation Qashqai, new and existing customers are going to love the innovative powertrain options available to them. Our offer is simple and innovative, with both powertrain options being efficient, but still fun to drive. Our approach to the new electrified Qashqai has been without compromise

and that is clearly evident with both the 1.3 petrol, with mild hybrid technology and the unique e-Power option,” said Matthew Wright, Vice President, Powertrain Design and Development, Nissan Technical Centre Europe.

12V ALiS Mild Hybrid

The 12V ALiS (Advanced Lithium-ion battery System) mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [CVT only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/ km).

The positive impact of the mild hybrid’s energy management on CO2 is competitive and the 1.3-litre engine delivers more power and torque than key competitors, making the petrol engine variant a compelling offer. The ALiS mild hybrid system adds just 22kg to the overall vehicle mass.

When decelerating, energy is recovered through regeneration and stored in the Lithium-ion battery. This charged energy is then supplied during Idling Stop, Coasting Stop (CVT versions only) and Torque Assist.

When coasting to a stop, at speeds of less than 18kph, and ‘brake on’, the engine will switch off and the stored energy is used to power the vehicle’s electrical equipment. This allows engine stop to be extended and fuel consumption lowered as a result.

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When accelerating (between 20kph/12mph and 110kph/68mph), the energy in the Lithium-ion battery allows the motor to assist with an additional +6Nm torque for up to 20 seconds. This helps reduce the torque effort on the engine and improves fuel economy.

E-POWER

The new Qashqai brings the first deployment of Nissan’s innovative e‑POWER drive system to Europe. Exclusive to Nissan and a key component in the company’s Intelligent Mobility strategy, the e-POWER system is a unique approach to electrification by making every day driving exciting.

The new Qashqai’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 157PS petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles. It’s a unique solution that combines the enjoyable, seamless linear acceleration which is characteristic of an EV, but without the need for charging.

Sales of the new Nissan Qashqai with the 12V mild hybrid powertrain will begin this year, whereas the new Qashqai equipped with e-POWER will begin in 2022.

If you are interested in the upcoming new Nissan Qashqai for your business, get in touch with us today.

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INTERESTED IN THE UPCOMING NEW NISSAN QASHQAI FOR YOUR BUSINESS? GET IN TOUCH

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

MAZDA

MAZDA MX-5 NAMED SPORTS CAR OF THE YEAR IN THE COMPANY CAR TODAY CCT100 AWARDS.

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he Mazda MX-5 has been named Sports Car of the Year in the Company Car Today CCT100 Awards. The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 13 key factors that make an excellent company car, including emissions, price, running costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience to select the CCT100 Award winners.

Commenting on the award, Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker, said: “the MX-5 continues to be our go-to sports car, collecting the Company Car Today CCt100 Sports Car of the Year award for the fourth time. There’s nothing else in the market that can touch the MX-5 for its combination of driving enjoyment and running costs, making it a go-to choice for those lucky perk users that are able to choose such a grininducing two-seat roadster as their company car.”

Since its debut at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, across all four-generations the Mazda MX-5 has perfectly embodied Mazda’s famous Jinba Ittai ‘car-and-driver as one’ ethos, which combined with its style, fun factor and affordability has seen it become world’s bestselling two-seater sports car.

2020 Limited Edition Models

Last year celebrating Mazda’s 100th Anniversary in production, we saw the release of two MX-5 limited editions - the 100th Anniversary Edition and the R-Sport – both which are still available.

Limited to just 150 examples, the R-Sport Convertible features free-of-charge Polymetal Grey metallic paint and a grey soft-top hood, while 16inch RAYS gunmetal alloy wheels finish the unique exterior look of this special edition.

The 100th Anniversary edition, limited to 100 examples, is available in a Snowflake White Pearlescent exterior paint contrasted with burgundy interior carpet, burgundy leather seats and a dark cherry fabric roof. The interior includes 8

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the unique 100th Anniversary badge featuring on the burgundy floormats, on the key fob and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centres and the side of the car.

What a fantastic result for the Mazda MX-5 to collect another award from Company Car Today.

The MX-5 is a sports car that has resonated with enthusiastic British drivers ever since its debut and remains true to the original principle of being an affordable, lightweight and above all fun-to-drive roadster.

2021 Mazda MX-5

As popular as ever the Mazda MX-5 continues to be the performance halo of the Mazda range and the 10-model 2021 Mazda MX-5 range features four Convertible models with six Retractable Fastback RFs. As before, the range features SE-L, Sport, Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech trim levels and a choice of 132ps 1.5-litre and 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engines.

Across, the whole range the 2021 modelyear MX-5 now features wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, while GT Sport Tech models now feature Light Stone Leather, replacing the burgundy leather of the 2020 model year car, plus RF GT Sport Tech cars now have a standout black roof. The 2021 Mazda MX-5 also sees the introduction of Deep Crystal Blue Mica to the colour choice for Mazda’s sports car.

Commenting on the yet another award win for the Mazda MX-5, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK said: “What a fantastic result for the Mazda MX-5 to collect another award from Company Car Today. The MX-5 is a sports car that has resonated with enthusiastic British drivers ever since its debut and remains true to the original principle of being an affordable, lightweight and above all fun-to-drive roadster.”

Jeremy Thomson Managing Director Mazda UK

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MORE ON THE NEW MAZDA MX-5 AT CCT100 AWARDS

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

GWR KIA

All-New Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Available Now

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he All-New Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has arrived, joining the Self-Charing Hybrid and Diesel models in the range.

The fourth-generation model has been designed to accommodate a range of electrified powertrains – and will be the lowest-emitting and highest-performing model in the range.

The powertrain uses a 180hp 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with a 91hp electric motor, all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission, giving a combined 265hp of power. The UK CO2 figure is yet to be announced along with other specs but European CO2 output stands at 38g/km and Kia says its low CO2 emissions will result in highly competitive Benefit-in-Kind rates for business users.

The 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack is located beneath the driver and front passenger seats, between the cabin floor and the Sorento’s underfloor, so there is no compromise on space and the plug-in hybrid will get the standard seven-seat set-up as other models. The 3.3kW onboard charger is situated beneath the cargo floor.

The plug-in hybrid will also be offered in the full range of Sorento trims: ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’. Equipment across all grades includes LED technology for the headlights and rear combination lights, as well as for the daytime running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and leather steering wheel and dual-zone air con. It also gets electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicator lights, and there’s an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing front wipers and automatic headlight control.

In-car tech includes DAB radio with a multi-device Bluetooth connection and voice recognition and music streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, plus a reversing camera system integrated into the 8.0-inch touchscreen and with front and rear parking sensors.

The All-New Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is priced from £44,995 OTR. Get in touch for more information today.

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GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION TODAY.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

GWR KIA

All-New Kia Branding

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ia has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker’s bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

The new logo is the latest step for a brand that says it’s committed to becoming an icon for change and innovation. It’s backed by a new ‘Movement that inspires’ slogan with a new brand purpose and strategy revealed globally on 15 January.

Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO says, “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

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The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fastchanging industry.

Mat Watson carwow Editorial Director

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READ MORE ABOUT THE ALL-NEW KIA BRANDING

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 73 • FEBRUARY 2021

PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT SHINES AT CARWOW 2021 CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Peugeot has continued its award-winning run in 2021, with the all-new e-208 named ‘Best Small Electric Car’ and the all-new 2008 winning the ‘Best Small SUV’ title at the annual carwow 2021 ‘Car of the Year’ Awards. Peugeot was also handed the ‘Manufacturer Award’ at the entirely digital event.

This year marks the second successive win for the e-208 at the carwow awards, having won the ‘Little Legend’ title last year.

The latest carwow 2021 ‘Car of the Year’ Awards win takes the Peugeot e-208’s tally of accolades up to five over the past year, including a win in this month’s Company Car & Van Awards 2021.

‘Best Small Electric Car’

‘Best Small SUV’

The all-new e-208 was the first new generation, 100% electric Peugeot vehicle, featuring a 50kWh battery connected to a 100kW (136hp) electric motor and is capable of up to 217 miles* from a single charge.

Supporting up to 100kW rapid charging, an 80% charge can be completed in 30 minutes – making it ideal for fleet and private users.

The e-208 was praised by carwow’s expert team of judges for its stylish design, extensive zero emissions range and its impressive suite of onboard features and driver aids.

The judges were equally impressed with the all-new Peugeot 2008. Its stylish design, efficient range of petrol and diesel engines and its dynamic handling were noted by carwow’s judging panel. The all-new PEUGEOT 2008 is also available in a fully electric variant, the all-new e-2008.

Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer, carwow, said: “The Peugeot e-208 is a simply brilliant small electric car. It looks great and the 217-mile range* is more than enough for most, so you can live with it like you do a conventionally fuelled car. You’ll 14

enjoy covering those miles, too, because the Peugeot e-208 is good fun to drive.”

“The Peugeot 2008 makes every other small SUV look dull – and that’s even before you step inside. The interior feels hightech and the quality is superb.

The good news continues on the road, where the Peugeot 2008 is fun, feisty and efficient – what more could you want?”

Carwow Manufacturer Award

Peugeot also picked up the highly sought-after Manufacturer Award. This award is handed to the manufacturer that has impressed the carwow team the most with its product range over the last 12 months. Carwow highlighted Peugeot’s work towards electrification, its new design language and practical model range as key factors that helped the brand to stand above competitors.

Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer, carwow, said: “Peugeot is producing some of the most stylish, desirable vehicles out

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there right now. Its design is so on the money – inside and out. And, better still, the manufacturer is at the forefront of the electrical revolution, with a comprehensive range of electrified and fully electric vehicles.”

Steve Wass, Marketing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “I am delighted to hear the news from carwow of the all-new e-208 and 2008 being named winners in the 2021 awards.

This is a great way to start the New Year, and we hope that our model range continues to impress over the next 12 months.” ”Taking home carwow’s Manufacturer Award is an added bonus, and a testament to all the hard work that everyone from the Peugeot team puts into the development of our range and our brand. We are thrilled to see our work being held in such high-regard, and we would like to thank carwow for this recognition.”

The Peugeot e-208 is a simply brilliant small electric car. It looks great and the 217-mile range* is more than enough for most, so you can live with it like you do a conventionally fuelled car. You’ll enjoy covering those miles, too, because the Peugeot e-208 is good fun to drive.

Mat Watson Chief Content Officer, carwow

I am delighted to hear the news from carwow of the all-new e-208 and 2008 being named winners in the 2021 awards. This is a great way to start the New Year, and we hope that our model range continues to impress over the next 12 months.

Steve Wass Marketing Director of Peugeot UK

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* WLTP cycle, 2019 standard, corresponding to 217 miles WLTP.

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