HONDA HITS HIGH NOTES WITH EV INNOVATION AND JAZZ-INSPIRED TRIBUTE
Honda is making headlines across design and music in 2025, showcasing its forward-thinking innovation and creative flair. The brand’s all-new 0 Series Saloon has been named “Best EV Design” at the 2025 TopGear.com EV Awards, while the much-loved Jazz e:HEV marked International Jazz Day with a one-of-a-kind musical performance.
Award-Winning EV Design
The Honda 0 Series Saloon, revealed at CES 2025, has won praise for its futuristic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. Designed under the “Thin, Light, and Wise” philosophy, the Saloon features a sleek, one-motion silhouette with a low, wide stance, highlighting both elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. The unique exterior design—with upright side glass and tapering side sills—enhances visual impact while maximizing interior space.
Inside, the Saloon focuses on intuitive interaction, offering a simple yet advanced humanmachine interface (HMI) paired with a seamless user experience. It also debuts Honda’s ASIMO OS, an intelligent system that adapts cabin settings by interpreting driver emotions and intentions. Level 3 autonomous driving technology allows hands-free operation under specific conditions, pushing the boundaries of safe and smart mobility.
TopGear.com’s Features Editor, Greg Potts, praised the design: “The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes look incredible—95% ready for production. Honda’s ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ approach is already delivering standout results.”
Rebecca
Adamson, Head of Automobile at
Honda Motor Europe UK, added, “This award reflects Honda’s passion and creativity in shaping the future of electric mobility.”
Production of the 0 Saloon begins in 2026, with a European launch set for 2027. It will lead a lineup of seven 0 Series models to be rolled out globally by 2030 across North America, Japan, and Europe.
A Jazz-Inspired Celebration
Meanwhile, the Honda Jazz e:HEV took center stage on International Jazz Day in a unique collaboration with award-winning saxophonist Otis Lawrence. Using recorded sounds from the Jazz’s mechanical components—such as the seat mechanism, doors, and key fob—Honda engineers created a rhythm section to back Lawrence in a custom musical performance.
Nik Pearson, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Honda Motor Europe, said: “The Jazz is the perfect partner for Otis—stylish, reliable, and full of character. This performance is a fitting tribute to a fan-favorite vehicle.”
Now in its fourth generation, the Jazz e:HEV continues to be one of Honda’s most successful models. With nearly 9 million global sales and over 50 international awards since 2001, it remains a symbol of practical innovation. The hybrid model delivers class-leading interior space, including 986mm of rear legroom and versatile Magic Seats, alongside an electrified powertrain offering fuel economy as low as 4.5L/100km and CO₂ emissions from just 102 g/km (WLTP).
From futuristic EVs to musically inspired hybrids, Honda is blending innovation, design, and emotion in bold new ways—delivering mobility that moves people in every sense.
THE ALL-NEW MAZDA6E: JINBA ITTAI FOR THE ELECTRIC ERA
The automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. Among the brands at the forefront of this revolution is Mazda, renowned for its commitment to innovation and driving pleasure.
The introduction of the all-new Mazda6e marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand’s iconic Jinba Ittai philosophy, which embodies the harmonious connection between car and driver.
With the Mazda6e, the brand takes a bold step into the electric era while retaining its core values. The vehicle is designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience, ensuring that the essence of Jinba Ittai is preserved even in an electric format.
A New Era of Driving Dynamics
The Mazda6e is engineered to deliver a driving experience that inspires confidence and enjoyment. The five-door hatchback features a meticulously crafted cockpit that prioritises driver comfort and control. Ergonomically designed seats and an intuitive layout ensure that drivers can focus on the road ahead, making long journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.
Customers can choose between two electric powertrains, offering outputs of 258PS and 245PS. Both configurations deliver a robust
320Nm of torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and responsive performance. This versatility allows drivers to select a powertrain that best suits their driving style, whether they prefer a more spirited drive or a balanced approach.
Precision Engineering
The vehicle has been refined by experts in Hiroshima, Japan, and Oberursel, Germany, ensuring that it meets the expectations of European customers.
The steering, suspension, and pedal calibration have been meticulously adjusted to create a driving feel that is both reassuring and engaging. The rear-wheel drive configuration, combined with a multi-link rear suspension and a balanced weight distribution, enhances handling and feedback, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road.
An integrated brake control system enhances the driving experience by facilitating smooth transitions between acceleration, braking, and cornering. This innovation not only improves stability but also contributes to overall ride comfort, making the Mazda6e a joy to drive in various conditions.
Dynamic Driving Modes
The Mazda6e offers three distinct driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowing drivers to customise their experience according to personal preferences.
Normal Mode
In Normal mode, the vehicle harmonises range and performance, making it ideal for everyday driving. Acceleration is smooth, regenerative braking is set to a standard level, and power steering resistance is balanced, providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.
Sport Mode
For those seeking a more dynamic experience, Sport mode enhances acceleration and increases steering resistance, delivering a more engaging road feel. This mode is perfect for spirited drives, allowing drivers to fully appreciate the Mazda6e’s performance capabilities.
Individual Mode
Individual mode offers the ultimate in customisation, allowing drivers to adjust acceleration, regenerative braking, and steering characteristics to their liking. With options for medium or strong acceleration and four levels of regenerative braking, drivers can tailor the vehicle to their unique driving style.
The all-new Mazda6e represents a significant milestone in Mazda’s journey towards electrification. By seamlessly integrating the Jinba Ittai philosophy with cutting-edge electric technology, Mazda has created a vehicle that not only delivers exceptional performance but also prioritises driver engagement and comfort.
ALL-NEW NISSAN MICRA EV: A BOLD RETURN TO THE STREETS – NOW FULLY ELECTRIC
Nissan has unveiled the all-new sixth-generation MICRA, arriving in late 2025 as a fully electric vehicle. Reimagined for a new era, this compact hatchback stays true to its 40-year legacy, fun, agile, and distinct, while delivering the benefits of zero-emission driving, advanced technology, and urban styling. This launch is a major step in Nissan’s European electrification strategy, joining an exciting lineup of upcoming EVs including the next-generation LEAF, JUKE, an A-segment model, and expanded e-POWER offerings.
At Norton Way Nissan, we’re thrilled to welcome the next-gen MICRA—a car that blends iconic design with smart electric performance, it’s built for modern city life and ready to inspire a new generation of drivers.
Bold, Urban Style
Created at Nissan Design Europe in London, the new MICRA adopts a bold SUV-inspired stance with sculpted lines, prominent wheel arches, and standard 18” wheels. A distinctive “ice cream scoop” contour and animated headlamps with a signature “welcome wink” give it undeniable presence.
With 14 exterior colour combinations, including vibrant two-tone options like Rebel Red with a black roof, owners can personalise their MICRA like never before. Sleek LED taillights complete its expressive look.
Modern Interior with Cultural Character
Inside, the MICRA balances simplicity with charm. Subtle Japanese influences, including a Mount Fuji outline in the centre console, add character. The driver-focused dashboard features dual 10.1” high-resolution displays, angled for ease of use.
Trim styles, Modern, Audacious, and Chill, allow for further customisation, alongside 48-colour ambient lighting. Despite its compact
footprint, the MICRA offers up to 326 litres of boot space, extending to 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded.
Electric Power with Two Battery Options
The MICRA will be offered with two battery choices:
• 40kWh: 90kW, 225Nm torque, up to 192 miles of range
• 52kWh: 110kW, 245Nm torque, up to 253 miles of range
Weighing between 1,400–1,524kg, the MICRA delivers responsive, efficient driving. DC fast charging (up to 100kW) enables a 15%–80% charge in roughly 30 minutes. A heat pump and battery thermal management system ensure optimal performance in all weather.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability adds extra versatility, ideal for powering devices on the go.
Responsive, Customisable Drive
Built on the advanced AmpR EV platform, MICRA features front struts and rear multi-link suspension, rare in its class. With four drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso), regenerative braking paddles, and Nissan’s e-Pedal for one-pedal driving, it offers an intuitive driving experience.
Smart Tech with Google Built-In
MICRA is Nissan’s second European model to offer Google built-in, including Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. Smart route planning considers range, terrain, and charger locations, while pre-conditioning helps maximise charging efficiency.
The NissanConnect Services app allows remote battery monitoring, climate control, charging schedules, and more.
Equipped with a suite of intelligent driver-assist features, including ProPILOT Assist, Emergency Braking, Driver Monitoring, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the MICRA ensures confidence on every journey.
Under 4 metres long, the all-electric MICRA is built for city life, compact, versatile, and packed with personality. It redefines what a small car can be in the EV era.
PEUGEOT Proudly Supports PEUGEOT’s Pride Celebration at Birmingham Pride Parade 2025
PEUGEOT reaffirms its ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and progress through bold design and meaningful participation in the LGBTQ+ community. This year, PEUGEOT Design has unveiled a striking new graphic for the allelectric E-3008 and E-5008 models, integrating the iconic ‘Lion Head’ with the vibrant colours of the Pride flag, a powerful symbol of unity, courage, and authenticity.
These special edition models will make their public debut at the Birmingham Pride Parade on Saturday, 24 May 2025. As a Parade Sponsor, PEUGEOT joins one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ events, with over 75,000 attendees expected across the weekend. The parade marks the beginning of a major celebration featuring live music, community events, and educational experiences.
The Pride-themed design, developed by PEUGEOT Design, deconstructs the ‘Lion Head’ logo in multiple sizes and overlays it with the colours of the Pride flag—an apt visual metaphor, as a group of lions is, fittingly, called a "pride." This creative direction builds on PEUGEOT’s design legacy, where graphics have previously highlighted passion projects such as the 9X8 Hypercar and the French tricolour-inspired livery at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.
Matthias Hossann, PEUGEOT Brand Design Director, explained: “The PEUGEOT lion has featured in design expressions that support what we value—pleasure and progress. This time, we reinterpreted the Lion Head to symbolise a ‘Pride of Lions’, celebrating unity and diversity, values that deeply reflect both PEUGEOT and the spirit of Pride.”
The all-electric E-3008 and E-5008 models,
offer up to 435 and 414 miles of range respectively (WLTP combined). With zero-emissions and covered by PEUGEOT CARE’s 8-year/100,000-mile guarantee, these vehicles demonstrate the brand’s alignment with forward-thinking mobility and environmental responsibility.
Nicola Dobson, PEUGEOT UK Managing Director, added: “We’re incredibly proud to unveil these special edition models as a statement of our enduring support for the LGBTQ+ community. Birmingham Pride, the closest Pride Festival to our UK headquarters, is the perfect setting to debut vehicles that embody our values—authenticity, progress and collective joy.”
As part of the Birmingham Pride Parade, the PEUGEOT Pride vehicles will be accompanied by representatives from PEUGEOT’s UK brand team, retail partners, social media collaborators, LGBTQ+ media, and members of Stellantis’ UK LGBTQ+ committee. This inclusive approach underscores PEUGEOT’s intention to amplify voices from across its network and the wider community.
Further reflecting this commitment, PEUGEOT has partnered with Attitude Magazine, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media platform, as headline sponsor of the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2025. This partnership celebrates LGBTQ+ trailblazers and everyday heroes, elevating their stories across Europe.
At Norton Way PEUGEOT, we stand behind PEUGEOT’s vision of a more inclusive future—one where diversity is not only respected but celebrated. It aligns strongly with Stellantis’ wider ‘Together We Belong’ strategy, which encourages every employee to bring their authentic selves to work.
The efforts of the PEUGEOT team were recently recognised by Autocar’s Drivers of Change programme for their leadership in inclusion, culture, and support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, an achievement we fully support. We are honoured to be part of a brand that places authenticity, unity, and purpose at the heart of its mission.
Fleet favourite: Škoda named Manufacturer of the Year in triple win at the Great British Fleet Awards
Š
koda has confirmed its reputation as a leader in the fleet market by driving off with three key titles at the annual Great British Fleet Awards. Not only was the Czech brand named overall Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, it also secured additional victories for two of its newest models – the Kodiaq and Superb.
The annual Great British Fleet Awards recognise brands and vehicles that deliver exceptional value and quality, both for fleet operators and drivers. Over recent years, Škoda has enjoyed a growing share of the fleet market, thanks to its broad range of models, acclaimed value for money, and low running costs.
Having already won a string of Great British Fleet Awards in previous years, Škoda went one better in 2025 by scooping the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year title for the first time. The judging panel praised the brand’s comprehensive range and attention to detail. Commenting on Škoda’s win, the panel said: “Škoda, quite rightly, receives a lot of praise for its growing portfolio of electric vehicles, but it also deserves recognition for a strong overall line-up.”
The judges also highlighted Škoda’s ongoing commitment to offering unbeatable value for money, adding: “The range offers something for everyone, with costs that are competitive and specifications that are hugely impressive. The
brand’s ‘Simply Clever’ additions just add to the overall appeal and value.”
In addition to winning the overall Manufacturer of the Year title, Škoda also secured two coveted class wins. The new Kodiaq was named Best Fleet Large SUV, while the new Superb was crowned Best Fleet Executive Car of the Year.
Explaining why the Kodiaq took top honours, the judging panel said: “The firstgeneration Kodiaq was a huge hit with drivers, and the replacement model has carried on the good work. Highlights include a fun-to-drive element, a wide range of powertrain options, and quality materials throughout. Strong RVs add to the appeal of the Czech SUV.”
The panel was equally impressed by the Superb, noting: “Want limousine-type characteristics for a fraction of the cost? There really is just one option. The Superb once again lives up to its name and does so much so well – including offering a choice of hatchback and estate versions, with efficient petrol, hybrid and diesel engines to suit different driver needs.”
The latest awards further cement Škoda’s status as a leader in the fleet sector. Thanks to a raft of new models and updates, the brand boasts one of the newest ranges in the industry – while the recent arrival of the all-electric Elroq SUV is set to further enhance Škoda’s appeal with fleet buyers.
Kia Secures Dual Victory at 2025 Great British Fleet Awards as EV3
Garners Top Safety Rating
Kia has reaffirmed its dominance in the electric vehicle sector with a pair of prestigious wins at the 2025 Great British Fleet Awards, alongside a top safety rating for the newly launched Kia EV3. The awards, hosted by Fleet World, celebrated both the EV3 and EV9, while the EV3 also earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, strengthening its position as a market-leading compact electric SUV.
The Kia EV3 was crowned ‘Best EV Small SUV’, adding to its growing list of accolades including UK Car of the Year 2025 and World Car of the Year 2025. Offering up to 375 miles of zero-emissions driving on a single charge, the EV3 provides the longest range in Kia’s electric line-up in the most compact form.
Fleet World editor John Challen praised the EV3 as “the best of the best in a growing market,” noting its strong blend of range, specification, and build quality. In addition to its performance credentials, the EV3 also impressed in safety. Following rigorous crash testing by Euro NCAP, the EV3—with the standard DriveWise ADAS safety pack—achieved a five-star safety rating. It scored highly across all categories, including adult and child occupant protection, and was commended for its direct driver monitoring system and high-strength ElectricGlobal Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Meanwhile, Kia’s flagship EV9 retained its title as ‘Best EV Large SUV’ for the second year running. With space for up to seven passengers and a range of up to 349 miles, the EV9 combines practicality with luxury, making it a top choice for fleet customers. Challen highlighted its continued excellence: “Last year’s winner easily sees off new challengers with strong range, premium interior, and unmatched space.”
Together, these wins showcase Kia’s growing appeal to fleet buyers. The brand’s fleet offerings are backed by the Kia Business Service Promise, nationwide Business Specialist Dealerships, and upcoming launches including the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy, aimed at transforming electric commercial mobility with purposebuilt vehicles like the PV5.
Pablo Martínez Masip, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Europe, summed up the momentum: “The EV3 is an amazingly versatile vehicle, able to adapt to a wide range of lifestyles. Its five-star safety rating and multiple awards confirm its all-round excellence.”
With these recent accolades and product expansions, Kia continues to deliver innovative, efficient, and safe electric vehicles for both personal and business use— cementing its role as a key player in the future of mobility.
New MGS5 EV achieves highest safety rating
The new MGS5 EV, which arrived in showrooms this spring, has achieved the highest safety rating from Euro NCAP, earning a prestigious 5-Star score. The allelectric model performed strongly across all categories, highlighting its advanced safety features and commitment to occupant and road user protection.
In testing, the MGS5 EV scored 90% for Adult Occupant Protection, 82% for Child Occupant Protection, 82% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 78% in Safety Assist, placing it among the safest vehicles in its class.
This rating reinforces MG’s strong track record in safety, with other models like the MG HS and the award-winning MG4 EV also holding 5-Star Euro NCAP ratings. The MG4 EV has additionally been recognised by Green NCAP for its environmental performance.
Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP, stated: “Congratulations to MG for a well-deserved five-star rating for the MGS5 EV. It’s encouraging to see MG continue to raise the bar with excellent safety performance across the board.”
The MGS5 EV is equipped with MG Pilot, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and Active Emergency Braking—designed to make every journey safer.
MG has also partnered with Continental to enhance braking performance. The MGS5 EV uses Continental’s latest integrated brake booster system and large brake discs (321mm front, 300mm rear), delivering a braking distance of just 35.5 metres from 62mph.
For more information on Euro NCAP ratings, visit www.euroncap.com.
New partnerships set to enhance Honda Adventure Roads 2025
The fifth edition of the Honda Adventure Roads series kicks off on 8th June 2025, starting in Rome, Italy, and covering a demanding 2,500km route that concludes nine days later in Istanbul, Turkey. Riders will navigate a mix of tarmac, gravel, and off-road terrain across eight countries.
Leading the way is Honda’s flagship adventure motorcycle, the CRF1100L Africa Twin, renowned for its durability, balance, and off-road prowess— making it the ideal companion for this epic journey.
For the 2025 edition, Dunlop joins as an official partner, equipping each bike with its Trailmax Raid tyres. As Dunlop’s first 50/50 on/off-road tyre, Trailmax Raid is built to handle a wide variety of surfaces, offering strong grip and performance on both wet and dry roads as well as rugged trails.
“We’re proud to support Honda Adventure Roads 2025,” said Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe. “This event is the ultimate test for both rider and machine, and Trailmax Raid is engineered to rise to the challenge.”
Honda Pro Oils also joins the adventure, supplying high-performance lubricants to ensure peak bike performance in all conditions.
They join established partners including Enduristan, Barkbusters, and Alpinestars, all contributing to an unforgettable riding experience.
Follow the action on the dedicated Honda Adventure Roads Instagram channel, where daily updates will bring the excitement and scenery of this incredible journey straight to your screen.
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