Norton Way Corporate Magazine - December 2017

DEC.2017 ISSUE.39

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

HONDA DEBUTS CR-V HYBRID PROTOTYPE

HONDA LIFTS THE CURTAIN ON THE NEW CR-V HYBRID PROTOTYPE

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In EV Drive, the propulsion motor draws its power solely from the car’s batteries, delivering zero-emissions driving. In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn delivers power to the electric propulsion motor. (Excess power from the gasoline engine is diverted back via the generator motor to recharge the battery pack).

In Engine Drive, the wheels are directly driven by the gasoline engine, with an ‘on-demand’ peakpower boost available from the electric propulsion motor.

In most urban driving situations, the vehicle will move between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive for optimum efficiency. Engine Drive is engaged as needed for brisk acceleration and for efficient highway driving.

The 2018 CR-V will have Honda’s 1.5 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, with a choice of either six-speed manual or continuously variable CVT transmission, however the all-new CR-V will not feature a diesel powertrain in European markets.

More details about the all-new Honda CR-V will be confirmed when the production specification vehicle is unveiled early next year, just in time for its official release in 2018.

onda has lifted the curtain on the new CR-V Hybrid Prototype – the brand’s first electrified SUV powertrain available in Europe. Intriguingly, the car features styling that hints at the forthcoming European specification CR-V model range.

The prototype combines the familiar silhouette of the world’s best-selling SUV with a sportier design. Wider, taller and longer than the previous iteration, it also has a wider stance and broader, more muscular wheel arches.

The two-motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system comprises an electric propulsion motor, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine for electrical energy generation and propulsion, and a separate electric generator motor. The hybrid system does not need a conventional transmission, fitted instead with a single fixed-gear ratio that creates a direct connection between moving components, enabling a smooth transfer of torque within the system.

The i-MMD system also determines how to use fuel and electrical energy in the most efficient way, meaning the driver doesn’t need to adjust among the three driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

HONDA URBAN EV CONCEPT

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HONDA REVEALS ELECTRIC URBAN EV CONCEPT Honda revealed its all-new electric vehicle at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: the Urban EV Concept. Built on a new platform, the car leads the way for a production model to be sold in Europe from 2019.

The design is reminiscent of a performance vehicle, with wide proportions, low ground clearance and bold contours. But don’t be fooled by the exterior, the Urban EV Concept is 100mm shorter than the Jazz supermini.

Outward visibility is enhanced by slim-line A-pillars and a wide windscreen, while entering and exiting the vehicle is done via two rearhinged coach doors. The car’s electric charging cable connection is housed in the bonnet. With the addition of a fantastic feature - the Honda emblem, backlit in blue at the front – a new design element to feature in future Honda EVs. The car can comfortably fit four occupants – with style, we may add. The bench seats are upholstered and embellished with contemporary wood-finish accents.

The dashboard is complemented by a wraparound screen that extends behind the console and into the doors. The main dashboard screen offers a range of information about the vehicle, including remaining battery level, with extended door screens functioning as the car’s wing mirrors through digital camera displays.

The on-board advanced Honda Automated Network Assistant acts as a personal concierge, learning from the driver’s actions and applying what it has learned to make new choices and recommendations.

The Urban EV Concept can display interactive multilingual messages between the front headlights, such as charging status, driving advice or, to quote the press release, “friendly greetings.”

Plus, thanks to Honda’s brand-new Power Manager concept – which you can learn about here – your Urban EV can soon start selling unspent energy, thus making you some extra cash.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

NAVARA BREAKING RECORDS

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NISSAN- NAVARA BREAKS 50,000 SALES BARRIER IN EUROPE SINCE WINNING INTERNATIONAL PICKUP AWARD 2016

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n the two years since it won the International Pickup Award 2016, more than 50,000 of the all-new Navara have been sold.

Over the same period the Navara’s share of the highly competitive one-tonne pickup segment has also increased significantly, rising from 11% in 2015 to 17% in 2017 YTD. That’s despite several new high-profile competitors.

Success has come right across Western Europe; in 2017 YTD (up to and including September), the Navara is the best-selling Asian pickup in the three key markets of UK, Germany and Sweden.

Furthermore, with demand in those countries focused primarily on performance and premium features, the Navara’s popularity with business and leisure customers is the perfect illustration of its ‘tough and smart’ position in the sector.

The Navara enjoys a very rich sales mix, with more than 80% of sales volume on the two highest grades – N-Connecta and Tekna.

It’s a figure higher than most of its segment rivals.

The Navara features high levels of refinement, style, comfort and quality. It was developed to extend these characteristics – so closely associated with Nissan’s award-winning Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail crossovers – into the LCV segment for the first time. Pioneering technologies available on the Navara include Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor camera system and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Christophe Longo, General Manager, LCV Marketing & Product Planning, Nissan Europe, commented: “We were so honoured

to accept the International Pickup Award for 2016. Jurors clearly recognised the Navara’s exceptional blend of tough performance and smart technology put it at the top of the class, and customers across Europe have agreed with them.”

The Nissan Navara’s tough and smart character is playing a part in determining which vehicle is the next holder of the International Pickup Award. Shortlisted models include the Alaskan – from Alliance partner Renault – and the Mercedes X-Class. This latter vehicle and the Navara are jointly developed

by Mercedes and Nissan on a common chassis and powertrain architecture.

Nissan is setting the standard with its LCV range, which is one of the widest in Europe. It includes the Navara, plus the game-changing e-NV200 van, the world’s first 100% electric LCV. It will soon be available with a new, higher-capacity 40KWh battery, capable of delivering more than 100km of extra 4

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range compared to the current 24KWh version. The official range (NEDC) of the Nissan e-NV200 40KWh battery is 280km.

The LCV line-up is completed by the NV200, NV300 and NV400 family of highly capable and versatile vans, plus the NT400 truck.

Designed to cater for a variety of uses and industries, Nissan's LCVs are all about smart thinking and versatile use. All vehicles provide cleverly-designed and easy-to-use cargo spaces, a comfortable cabin environment suited to long hours behind the wheel, the latest technological features and low cost of ownership.

Nissan’s confidence in the quality of its LCVs is underlined by its market-leading warranty – a fiveyear 160,000 km (100,000 km on e-NV200) pan-

European, manufacturer-provided policy that’s fully transferrable to second and subsequent owners.

Across Europe, Nissan has network of around 2,000 LCV retailers, with knowledgeable staff who can help business users select the correct vehicle for their needs. These showrooms are now a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ for every van, truck and pick-up customer, and there are plans to grow the network further.

Nissan LCVs provide the perfect base for conversions across a wide range of industries. From camper vans and refrigerated transport to tipper trucks and multimedia broadcast units, versatility comes as standard with Nissan conversions, which cover 97% of the market by vehicle registration.

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ŠKODA TO START PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES BY 2020 Production of ŠKODA electric cars is a major step in the implementation of ŠKODA Strategy 2025. From 2019, ŠKODA will produce electrical components for plug-in hybrid models.

​ŠKODA AUTO is going to produce models that run purely on electric at their Mladá Boleslav site. As of 2019, the brand will also be manufacturing electrical components for plug-in hybrids. The production of electric vehicles and parts is a significant step in the implementation of the brand's future strategy. “ŠKODA's future will be electric," says ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier. "By 2025, we plan to offer five purely electrically powered models in various segments. We are pleased that the first allelectric ŠKODA will be built in the Czech Republic.

This decision underlines the Group’s confidence in the ŠKODA workforce. This is an important step for the future of the SKODA brand and the Czech Republic as an automotive location.”

In addition to producing electric cars, the Mladá Boleslav plant will also be manufacturing electrical components for plug-in hybrid models of several Volkswagen Group brands as early as 2019.

ŠKODA's first electrified series model will be launched in 2019: the ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive, which will roll off the Kvasiny plant production line. Mladá Boleslav will then manufacture the first purely battery electric model in 2020. At this year's Auto Shanghai, the manufacturer presented its vision of electric and autonomous driving with the electric study ŠKODA VISION E. Electrifying the ŠKODA model range and producing electrical components for the Volkswagen Group are among the cornerstones of ŠKODA Strategy 2025. Other key areas of action include digitising products and processes, conquering new markets and expanding the company’s business areas from traditional automotive engineering to a wide range of mobility services.

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ŠKODA FLEET PROVES ITS SUPERB CREDENTIALS ONCE AGAIN ŠKODA has added yet another fleet award to its impressive haul as fleet industry body ACFO, has crowned the ŠKODA Superb Fleet Car of the Year; once again proving the versatile vehicle’s impactful design credentials for business use.

The ACFO is the UK’s premier representative organisation for fleet decision-makers and the annual awards recognise the very best in fleet.

Uniquely, the awards are voted for by fleet managers and drivers who this year awarded the ŠKODA Superb its top accolade.

Commenting on the Superb’s win, Henry Williams, ŠKODA Head of Fleet, said: “Since its launch in 2015 we have seen the Superb continue to gain momentum in the fleet sector, with no sign of slowing down. This prestigious award takes into account important factors for fleets including running costs, safety, reliability, value and driver appeal, and we are delighted that Superb continues to top its class in all these areas.”

The ŠKODA Superb offers fleet operators an SE Technology trim exclusively designed to offer additional specification above the SE model at no extra cost. The SE Tech model includes adaptive cruise control (ACC), Amundsen satellite navigation with 8” touchscreen, SmartLink connectivity, Drive mode selection and Alcantara / leather upholstery.

Fleet customers now have the option to choose a petrol engine for both SE Technology hatch and estate models. The ŠKODA Superb is available with a 1.4 TSI engine that delivers 150PS, 119g/km CO2 and achieves 0-62mph in less than nine seconds.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

KIA'S STING IN THE TAIL

The Stunning Kia Stinger Gran Turismo Arrives At GWR Kia 

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It’s here at GWR KIA at last! The stunning Kia Stinger, an elegant gran turismo based on the 2011 Kia GT Concept from the Frankfurt Motor Show, is now in production and is now available to order priced from £31,995.

Ahead of its launch, on Monday 13th November, GWR Kia invited a select few customers to have an exclusive preview of the Kia Stinger. The VIP Event included a complimentary breakfast followed by a detailed presentation on the model, which was then revealed to the customers.

The Stinger is the most adventurous model in Kia’s history, the company’s first classic grand tourer and the first rear-wheeldrive model it has introduced to Europe. Stinger is a classic grand tourer, not a hard-edged sports car. In range-topping twin-turbo V6 guise, it is also the fastest-accelerating Kia ever, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds.

John Rayment from GWR Kia says, “we’re delighted to be able to showcase the Stinger at our Brentford dealership. This is a real delight from Kia and we can’t wait to show the local people of Greater London.”

Five versions are available at GWR Kia, all with turbocharged direct-injection engines mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and featuring state-of-the-art electronic driver aids and connectivity systems. The ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GTLine S’ offer the choice of a 2.0-litre 244bhp T-GDi petrol engine or a 2.2-litre 197bhp CRDi turbodiesel, while the range-topping 8

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‘GT S’ has exclusive use of a 3.3-litre 365bhp twin-turbo V6. The ‘GT S’, as the fastest and most powerful model in the range, also has adjustable electronic suspension damping and Brembo brakes.

The Stinger has space for five people and their luggage. The seats are snug and the two in front have eight-way power adjustment – with a memory function on the driver’s side – and a twoway power cushion extender plus four-way power lumbar adjustment. The front seats and steering wheel are heated, and in ‘GT-Line S’ and ‘GT S’ they are also ventilated, while the outer rear seats are also heated.

On the one hand the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 T-GDi is the fastest-accelerating Kia ever, with a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 168mph, while on the other the 2.2-litre CRDi’s combined fuel consumption of 50.4mpg gives it a touring range of comfortably more than 600 miles. All versions drive the rear wheels through an electronic eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Stinger has Electronic Stability Control linked to Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to correct potential skids without any intervention from the driver. VSM incorporates a new dynamic torque vectoring system which monitors driver inputs and road conditions and automatically applies

power and braking force to the inner rear wheel to minimise understeer and enhance tractability and steering feel.

Stinger’s standard paint finish is Sunset Yellow, while Pearl White, Midnight Black, Ceramic Grey, HiChroma Red and Panthera Metal are chargeable options. Stinger comes with three interior colour options, Black leather, grey leather or red leather.

KIA LEADS WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

• Kia receive six nominations • Most nominations for a single brand • Includes recently launched Kia Stinger gran turismo

 READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE HERE 9

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

FIRST DRIVE: PEUGEOT 5008 COMPANY CAR REVIEW "The mainstream seven-seat SUV market is gaining new additions all the time, but the 5008 is distinctive enough to stand out, and capable enough to be desirable."

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Last year, the 3008 became more butch and rugged as it moved away from its MPV roots, and now the 5008 – previously a seven-seat MPV – is relaunched as an SUV in its second generation. Traditional peoplecarrying duties are usually left to the van-derived Expert Combi and Traveller. However, Peugeot pitches the new model against the Renault Koleos, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe and Škoda Kodiaq.

From December production, a manual 130PS 1.5 BlueHDi engine will appear which meets the latest Euro 6.2 emissions rules. It replaces replacing the manual 120PS BlueHDi. Customers in the UK should be able to take delivery of those versions shortly after the 5008 arrives in the UK in January.

Likewise, the range-topping diesel will gain a new eightspeed automatic to replace the 11

six-speed automatic. It shares the same engine line-up as the 3008, which means 100PS and 120PS versions of the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel, the latter with automatic transmission, a 150PS 2.0 BlueHDi manual and a 180PS 2.0 BlueHDi auto.

The cabin design and quality are excellent, with plenty of room for storage and including Peugeot’s standard digital i-Cockpit a model of clarity. Most functions are accessed within the dashboard touchscreen and there are a few buttons below for other features.

We tried the 120PS diesel automatic and the 130PS manual petrol versions, and both are exceptionally refined. The 120PS diesel has enough power to move the 5008 along well enough, while the auto gearbox is smooth. The petrol is so quiet, it’s easy to run for too long without changing up – and it wasn’t always possible to say that about a three-cylinder engine.

The mainstream seven-seat SUV market is gaining new additions all the time, but the 5008 is distinctive enough to stand out, and capable enough to be desirable. Its CO2 emissions will certainly make it attractive as a company car.

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Mazda unveiled two of its latest concept models at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show: the Mazda Kai Concept and the Mazda Vision Coupe. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the show was open to the public from 28th October – 5th November 2017.

MAZDA UNVEILS VISION COUPE

Mazda VISION COUPE

The VISION COUPE represents Mazda’s design vision for next-generation models; a more mature expression of KODO applies a Japanese aesthetic to achieve more elegant and premium styling. The exterior features a “one motion” form that exudes a sense of speed and the interior combines threedimensional depth with a strong longitudinal axis to create a relaxed space that maintains a sense of speed.

Ever since Mazda debuted the ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design language it has produced simply stunning cars. As Mazda put it ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design is “a true reflection of Jinba Ittai; the unity of horse and rider."

“Fascinated by elegance and fixated on creating an unbreakable bond between driver and car, our designers have worked endlessly to create a design philosophy that embodies the dynamic beauty of life.

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“This can be felt both inside and out, transferring the energy of movement to those who see it and creating an irresistible urge to drive.”

The new Kai Concept is a really good-looking car but the Vision Concept is another step up from there. It is an elegant four-door saloon car with very few seams or lines across the body which gives the car an incredibly aestheticallypleasing design.

Mazda says the design “embodies a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, achieving a simple 'onemotion' form that conveys a sense of speed.”

Inside the car the company has used the concept of ‘ma’ from Japanese architecture which means ‘space.’ Apart from some flowery language about the car’s design, there is not much else that has been confirmed for the car.

It’s price, specs and release date remain a mystery.

Much like the Kai Concept it could however received the SKYACTIV-X powertrain - which it was launched alongside.

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E & KAI CONCEPT AT TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2017

Mazda Kai Concept

The Mazda KAI CONCEPT compact hatchback heralds a new generation of Mazda cars. Featuring the next-generation SKYACTIV-X gasoline engine, SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture and a more mature expression of the KODO design language, the model embodies the technology, engineering and design concepts that will define the next generation of Mazda cars.

Refinements in all areas of dynamic performance have produced a dramatically quieter, more comfortable ride and an enhanced performance feel. The Kai Concept features muscular, solid proportions and its form is brought to life by a delicate flow of reflections over the body sides.

The Kai is a compact hatchback which boasts a stunning muscular, solid proportions and its form is brought to life by a delicate flow of reflections over the body sides.

Mazda says the Kai is a “compact hatchback that sets the stage for the future of the Mazda brand.” What

this means is that the Kai concept could in fact morph into the next generation Mazda 3.

One of the most interesting things about the Kai concept is the addition of the SKYACTIV-X petrol engine, which also debuted at the auto show. SKYACTIV-X is a groundbreaking spark injection petrol engine which is 30 per cent more efficient than diesel cars.

This indicates act the Kai will be coming to the market in 2019, when the engine debuts.

In line with its “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” long-term vision for technology development, Mazda aims to use the fundamental appeal of the automobile — driving pleasure — to inspire people, enrich society and help bring about a beautiful earth. By offering an experience of car ownership that celebrates driving, the company hopes to enrich lives and build a strong bond with customers.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 39 • DEC 2017

MAZDA PRICING CHANGES

On The Road prices on a selection of models in the Mazda range will be subject to change. The amendments will take effect from 15 December 2017 on the following: In summary, the following OTR price amendments will take effect from 15 December 2017.

Model

Mazda 2

Mazda3 (Hatchback & Fastback)

Mazda6 (Saloon & Tourer)

Mazda CX-3

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Spec

Price Change

Price from 15 December 2017

SE

+£200

£12,895

SE-L / SE-L Nav & Tech Edition (Manual)

+£100

From £13,795

SE-L Nav (Auto)

+£200

From £16,095

Sport Nav (Auto)

+£100

From £16,895

Petrol (Manual)

+£200

From £18,195

Petrol (Auto)

+£300

From £20,095

Diesel (Manual)

-£100

From £22,445

Petrol (Manual)

+£300

From £20,295

Petrol (Auto)

+£500

From £23,395

Diesel (Manual)

+£200

From £25,695

Petrol (Manual , excludes GT)

+£200

From £18,695

Petrol (Auto , excludes GT)

+£300

From £21,395

Diesel (Manual)

-£100

From £19,395

Petrol (Manual)

+£200

From £23,995

Diesel (Auto )

+£300

From £29,695

160ps (Manual)

+£200

From £21,795

160ps RF (Auto)

+£300

From £27,595

Mazda CX-5

Mazda MX-5 Convertible & RF

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KAI CONCEPT

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