Norton Way Corporate Magazine - January 2017

NORTON WAY JANUARY.2017 ISSUE.27

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

First Glimpse 2017 CR-V

What we know now

The all new Re-imagined 2017 CR-V has been revealed, set to rival the likes of the new Land Rover Discovery sport at some time during 2017. The overall design has been more of an evolution than a new direction as Honda are keen to avoid putting off loyal customers while keeping at the forefront of technology and style.

The car photo’d we should mention is the car set to be released in the US but the changes are thought to be very minimal and virtually unchanged. The new model will be larger than the outgoing model providing a generous amount

of interior space for the passengers with a better ride quality thanks to a longer wheel base.

Design

Where design is concerned the front end has been reworked creating a far more aerodynamic shape while retaining the sophisticated wing shaped grille. Move around to the back and the tail lights have stretched onto the tailgate which gives the rear end a far smoother overall look.

Move inside of the car and the CR-V now boasts the best rear seat legroom in its class with upgraded materials and a new soft touch instrument panel which will be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Let’s get to the guts of the car. It’s been placed on a new chassis which is stiffer and longer than the previous model which should improve response and comfort, while for the moment remaining a five seater.

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Drivetrain

As before, a choice of two and four-wheel drive will be offered and a choice of manual or auto gear box but we don’t have any info on what engines will be released this side of the Atlantic. It’s likely that the 1.5-litre petrol recently announced for the Civic will be an option.

Prices for the CR-V’s aren’t expected to change too much meaning entry level CR-V’s will begin around the £23,000 mark while the top of the range cars will rise to about £36,500.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

THE KIA

Based on its new Optima Plug-In Hybrid officially offers 33 miles of electriconly driving (we estimate 26 miles realworld). With a test CO2 emissions figure of 37 g/km and a fuel+electric economy of 176 (41 MPG fuel only), the company is taking the PHEV game seriously and have manufactured a product to match. The PHEV version makes an excellent use of the ranges extensive levels of equipment, superior comfort and well-designed interior space, making this stylish Kia more efficient still. Whether piloting through town on electric-mode or driving on open roads, low BIK-rate Optima PlugHybrid makes an ideal company. Priced from £31,495 (Inc. Category 2 OLEV grant).

As ever with PHEVs, Kia's first venture into this sector of the market makes most sense for the company car driver who can recharge the car frequently, and ideally at work and at home. Under ideal conditions Kia reckons the Optima PHEV is capable of 33 miles with zero exhaust emissions running solely on electric power. Kia has built hybrids before but not for the UK market, and this is a very credible effort. Well priced compared to some rivals.

NGC Verdict: “smooth, spacious, and stylish, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid offers plenty of kit and a comfortable driving experience. With it’s handy range in electric-mode, Kia’s latest plug-in is likely to prove a popular family and company car.”

'Smooth, spacious, and stylish, the Kia O offers plenty of kit and a comfortable driv handy range in electric-mode, Kia’s lates popular family and company car' 4

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

PLUG-IN HYBRID WINNER!

LARGE FAMILY CAR SEGMENT IN NEXT GREEN CAR AWARDS 2016

*Not to UK specification

Optima Plug-In Hybrid ving experience. With it’s st plug-in is likely to prove a

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

LATEST UPDATES:  ŠKODA Kodiaq CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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koda CEO Bernhard Maier reconfirms desire to bring coupe-SUV to Europe - but the brand needs more production capacity first Skoda's indecision on whether or not it will bring a new Kodiaqbased coupe-SUV to Europe continues, as boss Bernhard Maier confirms difficult decisions need to be made before it can launch anywhere other than China.

When asked if European sales are still on the cards for the coupeSUV, Maier claimed "it is a very complex question". He reconfirmed that "the markets are asking for it" but that the Czech Republic factory is "already running 24hrs a day and six days a week".

Previously, Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier confirmed it would be sold in China, but held off on announcing plans to bring the car to Europe.

When asked if it was possible that the coupe SUV could be built in China and imported to Europe, Maier said "That is not a simple solution.

The big issues then are logistics, shipping costs and tariff/duty costs".

The coupe-SUV - in effect a slightly larger rival for the Range Rover Evoque and cars like the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe - was teased to journalists back in 2015.

For the Chinese market, it will be produced in one of Skoda's four plants in the country alongside a cheaper large 4x4.

However, the Czech company has also been wrestling with the cultural implications of selling in Europe a vehicle focused on style 7

instead of the brand's usual values - space and practicality. Speaking at a press conference in Prague, Maier told us: "The coupe SUV is a wonderful derivative. We are going to make the brand even more emotional." Skoda's board member with responsibility for research and development, Christian Strube, has previously acknowledged that the management want to sell the coupeSUV to European customers. "We would like to have this car in Europe, yes," he said. "The real problem is that we do not have the capacity to build everything that we would like to build."

He added: "There would be a really big potential for that car. It's not a question of potential; I think there is a business case. It's a question of capacity in our factories. We're now selling so many cars that we're discussing where we would be able to build this car." "The opportunity for Skoda here in Europe would be really high, because it's so emotional, so attractive, that it would be the next step for us as a brand. Skoda has a tradition of being functional, but more and more it's emotion and innovation. this car is pure emotion."

It is unlikely that Skoda would have the capacity required to make European versions of the car at its Chinese factories; the company already has local production lines for the Fabia, Octavia, Yeti, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback and Superb in the region, so even slotting in the Chinese Kodiaq, its coupe sister vehicle and that cheaper 4x4 is likely to require significant investment.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

SKODA COUPE-SUV what we know so far

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he as-yet-unnamed competitor for the BMW X4 and forthcoming Mercedes GLC Coupe will get a sweptback profile and sloping roofline, plus tall suspension and a raised driving position. Expect big alloy wheels and a Superb-style front end, as well as sharp creases in the bodywork and a high boot lip for that coupe look.

Inside, the new car will feel largely familiar to owners of current Skodas and other VW Group models, although we expect advances in technology to make it sharper and even more solidly built than any of the brand’s existing cars.

A central touchscreen is likely to come as standard, along with various market-leading safety technologies and infotainment options.

Power will come from a range of existing VW Group petrol and diesel engines, while buyers will be offered a selection of manual and DSG automatic gearboxes. A GreenLine version is also set to be an option, promising CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km and 60mpg fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids could also join the range at a later date.

“We will be growing our SUV range in the future,” a Skoda spokesperson said. “All of our new models will offer class-leading space, value and quality. So long as these can be included, the sky is the limit.”

As a result, this new model is likely to better the BMW X4 for boot space, with more head and legroom and improved internal storage. The X4 features a 500-litre boot (50 litres down on the boxier X3), with a maximum of 1,400 litres if you fold the rear seats flat. As with the BMW, the Skoda will remain a strict five-seater, despite being based on

the upcoming seven-seat flagship SUV. As is the case with Skoda’s popular Yeti, the coupe-cum-SUV will be offered with a choice of front and four-wheel drive. The raised ride height will help with ground clearance, while underbody cladding will give it a degree of off-road ability.

Like the BMW, though, this new model will be primarily designed for the road – with weighty steering and adjustable driving modes.

The new coupe-SUV will form part of a four-strong crossover range due to be revealed in the coming months. After the introduction of Skoda’s all-new seven-seater in 2016, the brand will launch the new Yeti 12 months later. The revised model will build on the current car’s success, albeit with a more conventional SUV body, rather than the existing model’s van-like shape.

Later that year, the Yeti will spawn a smaller, supermini-sized SUV designed to rival the likes of the Nissan Juke and innovative Citroen C4 Cactus. Skoda Boss Bernhard Maier told us that "another specific model for China has been decided already, which will then be on the market in 2018. This will be a crossover vehicle with a strong SUV connection." It’s hoped the four new cars will combine with the existing model range to help Skoda increase sales to a whopping 1.5 million globally by 2020 – which would be up nearly 50 per cent on its 2014 figure.

With a new Fabia and Superb already on sale and a facelifted Octavia penned for 2017, there will soon be a Skoda for (almost) every taste. Our sources did say, though, that a Skoda convertible is “totally out of the question”.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

NEW 2017 MICRA

ALL-NEW NISSAN MICRA: UK PRICING & GRADE OPTIONS The beautifully reimagined 2017 Nissan Micra will be available to you from just £11,995 with the range topping Tekna grades from £17,295. Five grades will be available in the range which include the Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. Mondial de l'Automobile.

Striking a perfect balance of style, spec and affordability is the IG-T 90 Acenta, expected to be the most popular trim level, which sits bang in the middle of the range available for just £14,995.

At launch, the New Micra will be offered with a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp. A naturally aspirated 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine will join the range soon after.

The new Micra will feature an exciting range of options including keyless entry, heated front seats and a first-of-its-kind Bose sound system with Bose UltraNearfield™ speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace™ Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest for an immersive listening experience.

Full range pricing, as well as specifications and options for the New Micra, will be announced in mid-December when pre-orders open in the UK, ahead of the model’s 2017 arrival.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

NISSAN GENERAL PRICE INCREASE SUMMARY • Advance notification of general price increase • New pricing effective from 31st December 2016 • Average price increase of 1.3% The purpose of this Bulletin is to give you advance notice of pricing actions affecting the majority of models within the Nissan range.

In light of market changes, Nissan will implement further price increases effective from 31st December 2016. The average price increase across the range will be 1.3%.

Individual model price lists will be issued via a further Fleet Pricing Bulletin ahead of the introduction date. Please refer to these for the detailed model prices increases.

PRICE PROTECTION All sold customer orders placed on the Nissan ordering system up to and including 30th December 2016 will be automatically price protected.

Please place you orders with Norton Way Corporate before the cut off to ensure that they are price protected.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 27 • JAN 2017

THE ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 3008 SUV

'Carbuyer Car of the Year 2017'

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3008 SUV is an important development in the SUV C segment market and arrives at a time when customers are more than ever expecting differentiation and new experiences.

Equipped with its revolutionary, latest generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, elegant styling, and high-tech equipment, the 3008 SUV aims to establish itself immediately as a key player and this Carbuyer award clearly recognises the competitive features over its competitors.

Carbuyer.co.uk is the online site for trusted reviews, owner opinions and expert advice on all motoring matters. It has recently launched a reference print magazine highlighting the best cars currently on sale.

he all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV has been announced as the Carbuyer ‘Car of the Year 2017’, also winning the highly sought after ‘Best SUV 2017’ and ‘Best Medium SUV’ categories too.

The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV has been announced as the Carbuyer ‘Car of the Year 2017’, also winning the highly sought after ‘Best SUV 2017’ and ‘Best Medium SUV’ categories too.

The eagerly awaited all-new 12

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Stuart Milne, Editor at Carbuyer, commented: “Forget everything you thought you knew about the previous 3008, because Peugeot has rung the changes. First off, the 3008 is now a fullyfledged SUV rather than the crossover of old. It’s handsome from the outside, but inside is where the game has really moved on. The dashboard is beautifully designed and features extensive use of fabric on the dashboard and door panels to lend a chic feeling. The clever i-Cockpit® dashboard is a 12.3-inch screen that displays your speed, navigation, phone and audio information and is fitted as standard to every 3008 SUV in the range."

“The 3008 SUV is ahead of the pack when it comes to more pragmatic matters, too. It has a big boot and plenty of interior space. There’s a wide range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and the availability of Peugeot’s ‘Grip Control’ system means the front-wheel-drive car can offer the grip of a four-wheel drive when needed. In an SUV market dominated by some exceptionally able cars, it takes something special to be the best. And that’s why we’ve named the Peugeot 3008 SUV Carbuyer’s ‘Car of the Year for 2017’."

David Peel, Managing Director at Peugeot UK, commented “This is fantastic news. The allnew Peugeot 3008 SUV has so many appealing features and for it to receive this Carbuyer ‘Car of the Year 2017’ accolade, ahead of its arrival in the UK is perfect. It sets the tone that we have a winner on our hands and I have no doubt our customers are going to love driving it too.”

The Best Car features on Carbuyer.co.uk and the awards that underpin them have been ranked

by Carbuyer’s team of motoring experts. Its team has dozens of years of experience and have tested thousands of cars. Reviews are constantly updated to reflect the ever-changing automotive landscape, with more than 500 cars tested a year. Carbuyer reviews are written with the real buyer in mind, taking into account how easy each car is to live with and how it compares with its closest competitors. Carbuyer is one of the most respected car review websites in the UK.

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Mazda CX-4

NAMED CHINA CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION Mazda Motor Corporation announced that the new Mazda CX-4 has been named China Car Design of the Year in the 2017 China Car of the Year awards organized by the Chinese Automotive Media Chief Editors’ Club (C-Club) and PRIME Research & Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd. It is the first time a Mazda has won the award.

Launched in China in June, the CX-4 crossover SUV features SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design throughout. It offers outstanding environmental and safety performance and Jinba-ittai driving for various scenes, with large wheels, genuine SUV-like clearance and excellent all-road ability courtesy of Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD newgeneration all-wheel drive system. A beautiful design imparts a striking presence and intuitive functionality makes the vehicle easy to use in daily driving situations. Sales in China reached 21,860 units at the end of October.

“Thank you very much for this prestigious award,” said Iwao Koizumi, Chief Designer of the CX-4. “I’m delighted that people in China appreciate the value of CX-4’s design.

I sincerely hope the beauty of the CX-4 strikes a chord with Chinese customers, provides them with pride and joy, and helps to strengthen their connection to the Mazda brand.”

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