Norton Way Corporate Magazine - January 2022

JAN 2022

ISSUE 85

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

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Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

HONDA

HONDA HR-V FIRST DRIVE | A REVIEW BY FLEET NEWS

similar to that originally found in the Honda E, which is high up in your eyeline and the partanalogue, part-digital instruments are easy to read, if a little plain.

The top half of the dashboard makes use of high quality, soft padded materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. That material quality lowers the further down you look – the centre console is trimmed in very scratchy plastics. There are plenty of storage cubbies, including good-size door bins and spaces for phones and similar small items below the infotainment screen.

Rear space is impressive, with only headroom for the tallest of adults being affected ever so slightly by the HRV’s sloping roofline. Honda’s Magic Seats allow you to flip up the seat bases so you can stand tall things in the rear footwells, but the boot’s 316-litre load area is paltry, even compared with the form-over-function Vauxhall Mokka or Nissan Juke – despite the Honda being around 300mm longer than both of these rivals.

That hybrid powertrain is shared with the Honda Jazz, albeit with a modest power boost. That means there’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a battery pack and two electric

“Honda has completely refreshed its compact SUV, the HR-V. It’s now only available as a hybrid as the brand moves to make all its models electrified by 2022, and this latest HR-V values simplicity and practicality over everything else.

Honda says the first demonstrators will arrive next month, with the first customer deliveries in the first months of 2022. In the UK, there are three HR-V variants – Elegance (starting at £26,960) is well-equipped with a nine-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, keyless entry and start and parking aids; Advance (from £29,210) includes a clever air diffusion system that blows air around the car rather than directly at the occupants, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger and hands-free tailgate; Advance Style (from £31,660) is all about visual upgrades.

Inside, you sit high looking through a short windscreen and at a well-organised dashboard.

There’s a new-generation infotainment system 4

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

motors driving the front wheels. A total of 131PS is available, meaning a 10.6sec 0-62mph time, a fuel economy claim of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 122g/km.

It’s not very fast, but the hybrid powertrain works best in town – utilising instant acceleration from the electric motors.

There’s a completely seamless transition between electric and engine power, too. But there’s not a great deal of difference between the economy, normal or sport drive modes.

However, that fuel economy figure is easily achievable, along with Honda’s claim that the hybrid system in the HR-V ‘achieves a higher proportion of electric drive time’ than other hybrids. We managed 53mpg during our test – better than the combined claims – and that’s with us accelerating hard on some twisty country roads in sport, as well as coasting through sleepy towns and motorway driving in eco and normal modes.

The biggest disadvantage is how loud the engine is when you really want to accelerate; even slight inclines wake it up and, if you want to maintain your speed, the engine emits a loud groan.

But, the HR-V makes up for this in the way it drives. It feels assured and solid on the road, with impressive ride quality regardless of the road surface. We’d safely say it’s one of the sweetest handling small SUVs on the market right now.

The HR-V, then, will really appeal to those looking for a user-friendly and low cost fleet family car.”

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

MAZDA

MAZDA2 HYBRID REVEALED

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022 will see Mazda introduce the Mazda2 Hybrid, a rebadged version of the Toyota Yaris. It will be sold alongside the current Mazda2, which is manufactured by Mazda.

The new Mazda2 Hybrid will be available in Europe beginning in Spring 2022, bringing selfcharging, full-hybrid powertrain technology to the Mazda model lineup for the first time. The Mazda2 Hybrid is powered by a 1,490cc 93hp threecylinder petrol engine and a 59kW electric motor for a total system power of 116hp.

The Mazda2 Hybrid enters EV mode at start up, providing smooth, seamless, and quiet operation on electric motor power in urban environments, with zero CO2, NOx, or particulate emissions. During normal driving, power is allocated between the petrol engine and the electric motor to achieve the best possible performance and fuel efficiency. Kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy during deceleration and braking and stored in the high-performance battery.

The battery power level is constantly managed by an engine-driven generator, eliminating the need for the system to be recharged from an external source. Despite being a compact B-segment vehicle, the new Mazda2 Hybrid's long 2,560 mm wheelbase provides comfortable seating for up to four adults and 286 litres of boot space. It is available in three grades throughout Europe – Mazda2 Hybrid Pure, Mazda2 Hybrid Agile, and Mazda2 Hybrid Select – and has a maximum five-star Euro-NCAP crashworthiness rating.

The new Mazda2 Hybrid is the latest result of Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation's long-standing collaboration. It will be an OEM model supplied by Toyota Motor Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and will be added to the Mazda2 European lineup as Mazda’s own brand vehicle.

In the United Kingdom, the Mazda2 Hybrid will be sold alongside the recently launched 2022 Mazda2, giving customers in the supermini segment a choice between two distinct models based on their needs.

The Mazda2 Hybrid is a significant vehicle for Mazda in terms of the company's commitment to meeting the goals outlined in 'Sustainable ZoomZoom 2030,' its long-term vision for technological development. In particular, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, it aims to cut corporate average well-to-wheel CO2 emissions in half by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by accelerating fleet electrification.

It joins the battery-electric Mazda MX-30 and the mild hybrid system-equipped Mazda M Hybrid 2022 Mazda3, 2022 Mazda2, and 2022 Mazda CX-30 in Mazda's electrified lineup.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

PEUGEOT

Peugeot reveals updates to the 3008 and 5008 SUV lineups.

Peugeot has made several changes to its 3008 and 5008 SUV model lines. The current models have been on the market for five years, and the refresh includes styling updates such as the addition of gloss black door mirrors on Active, Premium, Allure, and Allure Premium trim levels. On the GT trim, a new Belomka cloth with a half Mistral leather effect trim and Akinite copper stitching is now standard.

The Peugeot 3008 range kicks off with a 128bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Above that, there’s a 128bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel.

At the top of the 3008 range sits a pair of plug-in hybrid powertrains, both of which are based around the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The lower grade has one electric motor and a maximum output of 222bhp, while the rangetopping four-wheel drive version gains an extra motor for the rear axle and is rated at 296bhp. Both can travel up to 39 miles on electricity alone and are subject to the 11% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.

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Since the PHEV powertrain was added to the 3008 lineup, it has accounted for more than 11.7 percent of total sales. The 3008 is also available with both petrol and diesel engines.

The 5008 range starts with the same 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol found in the 3008. There’s also a 128bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine at the lower end of its lineup, along with a more powerful 178bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel for the more expensive GT and GT Premium models.

Both models now have Peugeot's digital i-Cockpit technology, which includes a 12.3-inch digital head-up instrument panel, a compact steering wheel, and a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen from the Allure grade upwards.

Peugeot's Night Vision technology, which allows drivers to see pedestrians and animals up to 200m away – beyond the scope of the headlights – on the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, is among the driving aids and safety features on the 3008 and 5008.

Current 2021 prices for the 3008 starts at £27,905 and top out at £46,710, and the 5008 starts at £30,360 rising to £41,190.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

NISSAN

NISSAN ARIYA: PRICE AND SPECIFICATIONS CONFIRMED FOR THE NEW ELECTRIC SUV

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issan has confirmed that its new electric vehicle – Nissan ARIYA, will start at £41,845 when it arrives in the UK in early 2022, with online orders now open.

The ARIYA, which will sit alongside the Qashqai and X-Trail in the brand's SUV lineup, will be available in four variants, with two-wheel and all-wheel options and power outputs up to 387bhp.

The entry-level Advance model are priced from £41,845, and features a 63kWh battery powering a single rear-mounted motor. The Advance has 214bhp and 221lbft of torque, as well as a range of up to 223 miles.

The £51,090 Evolve spec, which also includes two-wheel drive, has a more powerful motor and a larger battery. Its 87kWh battery can travel up to 310 miles on a single charge, the longest range of any ARIYA variant. The motor's output is increased to 239bhp, but the added weight of the battery causes it to take 0.1 second longer to reach 62mph, at 7.6 seconds.

The 87kWh battery is used in the two fourwheel-drive versions, but it is paired with twin motors. The output of the e-4ORCE Evolve, which starts at £53,790, is limited to 302bhp and 442lbft, giving the car a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and a maximum range of 285 miles.

The range-topping £58,440 e-4ORCE Performance, offers 442lbft but 387bhp from the

two motors, resulting in a 0-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds. It has a range of up to 248 miles on a single charge.

Both all-wheel-drive models have a top speed of 124mph, while the two-wheel-drive model has a top speed of 99mph.

Nissan offers a variety of option packs and individual options to further differentiate its models.

• The Bose Tech pack (intelligent rearview mirror, 10 Bose speakers, and head up display) and Sky pack (electric panoramic sunroof) are options on Advance models and standard on all other trims.

• The "Blue" pack, which includes Nappa leather seats, is available as an option on Evolve and e-4force Evolve models, as is the Sport pack, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels and aero covers. Both come standard on the top-of-the-line e-4ORCE Performance.

Excluding the entry-level Advance, all models come standard with a 22kW AC charger that allows for faster charging via a Type 2 connector.

A variety of optional paint finishes, including six two-tone options, range in price from £745 to £1,395, and a grey synthetic leather upholstery is available in addition to the Nappa vleather upholstery.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

SKODA

ŠKODA Improves the Fast-Charging Capability of the New Enyaq Iv Models

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KODA is reducing the amount of time that new ENYAQ iV owners will spend charging by including upgraded DC fast charging as standard on all new models. The upgrade, which is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value for money, means that new owners will be able to significantly reduce charging times when connected to the new generation of higher power DC rapid chargers.

The update applies to both the new ENYAQ iV 60 and ENYAQ iV 80 models, allowing buyers of the 60 to charge at up to 120kW as standard, while buyers of the 80 can charge at up to 125kW as standard.

Previously, both models came standard with a maximum charging rate of up to 50kW. In practise, this reduces the charge time (to 80%) for an ENYAQ iV 60 charging at up to 120kW charger from 55 minutes to 35 minutes*. With up to 125kW DC charging, the time is reduced from 1hr 10 minutes to 38 minutes for the ENYAQ iV 80.

While the majority of public DC rapid chargers in the UK have a 50kW output, a new generation of high output chargers is being installed across the country. These advanced new units have outputs ranging from 120kW to 350kW and are designed to drastically reduce charging times. All ENYAQ iV models are compatible with any rapid charger that has an industrystandard CCS connection.

The new SKODA ENYAQ iV 60 has a WLTP combined range of 255 miles when fully charged, while the ENYAQ iV 80 has a WLTP combined range of 336 miles. The WLTP combined range of the 80 SportLine is 330 miles.

The UK's public rapid charging network for electric vehicles continues to grow, with approximately 250 new connections being added each month. There are currently 4,770 rapid DC public chargers in operation at 3,060 locations across the UK. There are also over 1100 ultra-rapid (100kW+) units online now. (source: zap-map.com)

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

GWR KIA

THE KIA EV6 NAMED 'CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR' AT 2021 TOPGEAR.COM AWARDS The Kia EV6 has been named 'Crossover of the Year' at the TopGear.com Awards for 2021 and also features in the latest issue of BBC Top Gear Magazine, dedicated to the world's best new cars.

The fully electric EV6 impressed Top Gear's judges with its style, dynamic performance, long electric range, and 800-volt ultra-fast charging, which offers a 10-to-80% charge in just 18 minutes.

"With the EV6, Kia has gone all-in; wholly electric, wild styling, class-leading charging, and gadgets galore," said Tom Ford, Associate Editor. Yes, it shares a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but where that car delves deeply into the concept of a mobile lounge, the EV6 pushes into the murkier corners of making an EV actually interesting to drive. It's also roomy, well-equipped, and well-made. It cruises with all the best qualities of an EV – quiet, smooth, and calm – and then punts down a backroad with real potential. Then there's a crossover in more than one sense. For the vehicle and the brand." - Tom Ford, Associate Editor, Top Gear Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6, demonstrates the exciting potential of the company's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV6 comes standard with rear- or all-wheel drive and a 77.4kWh battery in three model grades: 'Air,' 'GT-Line,' and 'GT-Line S.' The price range begins at £40,945.

The 'GT,' a performance-oriented version of the EV6, is set to join the lineup late next year.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 85 • JANUARY 2022

DRIVINGELECTRIC READERS VOTE KIA EV6 AS FAVOURITE ELECTRIC CAR The Kia EV6 has triumphed again, voted DrivingElectric’s ‘Readers' Favourite Electric Car 2022’ at the fourth annual DrivingElectric Awards. The award was voted for by DrivingElectric’s readers in a public vote, with the EV6 pitted against several other electric vehicles from other brands.

Commenting on the win, Richard Ingram, Editor of DrivingElectric, said: “DrivingElectric readers are a savvy bunch, so it comes as no surprise that the Kia EV6’s long range, innovative technology and ultra-rapid charging have caught the attention of our audience.

Sleek styling and a well-appointed cabin seal the deal, making the EV6 our Readers’ Favourite Electric Car for 2022.”

Paul Philpott, President & CEO, Kia UK Ltd., said: "We're as excited as anyone about the EV6, and encouraging initial sales of the new model is further evidence of the high level of anticipation for the car among UK drivers.

The EV6 is a true electric flagship for Kia, enabling our dealers to offer customers the very latest in EV technology, whilst contributing to changing perceptions of our brand.”

This is the fourth consecutive year in which Kia has earned recognitions in the annual DrivingElectric Awards. This latest win follows the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s success last year, when it took home the ‘Best Used Plug-in Hybrid’ accolade. At the inaugural DrivingElectric Awards, the e-Niro was recognised as 2019 ‘Car of the Year’, and the Soul EV was named ‘Best Medium Electric Car’ in 2020.

The DrivingElectric Awards have been running since 2019 and celebrate the most efficient cars that money can buy.

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