Issue 48: 3 April 2019 £5.99

Issue 48: 3 April 2019 £5.99 www.companycartoday.co.uk

Your independent source of fleet news, reviews and interviews

PLUS Coffee with: Ssangyong’s UK boss Nick Laird THREE talks growth Analysis: Government under fire at WISHES ACFO Seminar TEST DRIVE REVIEW Is the DS 3 Crossback the breakthrough car for the French premium brand?

Inside NEWS EUROPEAN CAR SAFETY TECH LAWS APPROVED FOR 2022

BIG TEST: Honda’s new CR-V Hybrid SUV ENERGISE YOUR WORKFORCE

Introducing the ultra-efficient and practical New Mondeo Hybrid Estate. Featuring premium leather interior and SYNC -3 technology which keeps drivers connected on the go, this self-charging hybrid will put the spark back into your business.

Model shown is a New Mondeo Titanium Edition Hybrid Estate 2.0 TiCVT Auto with optional Adaptive Headlamps and Power Tailgate. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Combined 46.3 (6.1). *CO2 emissions 113g/km. VISIT: FORD.CO.UK/MONDEO-HYBRID Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. ENERGISE YOUR WORKFORCE

New Grandland X. Keeps calm. Carries on.

† # BiK from 27% | P11D from £23,190 | CO2 from 111g/km* | Combined 37.2 to 54.3 mpg

Search Vauxhall 3DTD

# Fuel economy and CO2* results for the Grandland X. Combined mpg (l/100km): 37.2 (7.6) – 54.3 (5.1). CO2 emissions: 128 – 111g/km. # Fuel consumption figures are determined according to the WLTP test cycle. *CO2 emissions figures are determined according to the WLTP test cycle however, a Government formula is then applied to translate these figures back to what they would have been under the outgoing NEDC test cycle, which WLTP replaces. The correct tax treatment is then applied. Figures are intended for comparability purposes only. The fuel consumption you achieve under real life driving conditions and CO2 produced will depend upon a number of factors, including the accessories fitted after registration, variations in driving styles, weather conditions and vehicle load. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 with other vehicles tested using the same technical procedures. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer. †2018/19 tax year. Vauxhall Motors Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (April 2019). FOREWORD CONTENTS

06 NEWS New standard safety tech; Tesla Model Y unveiled; JLR CO2 recall 11 ACFO SEMINAR Fleet industry fires at Government 14 BIG TEST WELCOME New Honda CR-V hybrid rated The European presumption that this would mean cars controlling speed but the European 20 INTERVIEW Parliament’s Parliament’s release instead talks about Ssangyong UK MD Nick Laird gives announcement a system that will provide a driver with the lowdown on the brand’s plans that a host of feedback, based on map and road sign observation. I’ve experienced these 22 REVIEWS safety-related systems from various brands, and none is New DS 3 Crossback; Vauxhall yet 100% reliable. They’ll need to improve. Combo Life XL; revised Suzuki technology will Vitara; Ford S-Max; Audi TT be mandatory ● Company Car Today has been shortlisted for newly homologated in the Automotive Business Publication 31 LONG-TERM TESTS category of the 2019 Newspress Awards, Citroen C3 Aircross practicality; vehicles from May 2022, and which will have been announced by the Volvo V90 PHEV efficiency update all new vehicles from May time you read this. Company Van Today Editor Tom Webster made the shortlist in 32 FACTS AND FIGURES 2024, was a rare welcome All the numbers you need to know three categories – New Writer, Automotive interference from legislators, Editor and CV Writer, while contributor 34 FLEET OF FANCY given car buyers’ traditional Al Suttie was shortlisted in both the Blast from the past: the Daily Mail- reluctance to spend money Road Tester and Automotive Columnist baiting, barnstorming Lotus Carlton categories. And I was lucky enough to be on optional safety kit. shortlisted in the Automotive Editor and Autonomous emergency braking in News Writer categories. Fingers crossed! 06 particular has a blatant safety benefit, and forcing all manufacturers to fit the technology is excellent, as are the likes of reversing detection, tech to prevent drink- driving and driver distraction warnings. Personally, I’m less keen on lane-keep assist systems as they don’t take into account what is going on around them. Intelligent speed assist is a different Paul Barker Editor matter, and I was tickled by AA president Newspress Automotive Edmund King’s reported comment that Editor of the Year 2018 14 “dodgem cars are all fitted with speed limiters, but they still seem to crash”. Many Guild of Motoring Writers seemed to get distracted by the incorrect Editor of the Year 2017

EDITORIAL: DISCLAIMER: Company Car Today is EDITOR: Paul Barker T: 01206 638034 published by Automotive Media & Events E: [email protected] Limited, registered address 1 Second Avenue, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Tristan Young Halstead, Essex, CO9 2SU. Registered CONTRIBUTORS: Euan Doig, Tom Webster number 10034249. All rights reserved. No NEWS: [email protected] part of the magazine may be reproduced in PRODUCTION: any form in whole or in part without prior ART DIRECTOR: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf written permission of the publisher. All T: 01206 638037 material published remains the copyright of E: [email protected] Automotive Media & Events Limited. While PUBLISHING: every reasonable care is taken to ensure 20 22 PUBLISHER: Dave Wallace T: 07739 554329 accuracy, information is obtained from a E: [email protected] variety of sources and the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor ADVERTISING: T: 01206 638036 do we accept liability for any loss or damage, 34 CIRCULATION MANAGER: Andy Kirk T: 01825 701520 howsoever caused, resulting from the use E: [email protected] of the magazine. We reserve the right to edit letters, copy or images submitted to SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscribe to Company the magazine without further consent. The Car Today: UK £120.00 (two years £205, three submission of material to Automotive Media years £270). Europe and Eire £165 (two years & Events Limited unsolicited or requested, is £280, three years £370). taken as permission to publish.

Company Car Today ISSN 2514-1899 (print) @companycartoday Printing: Micropress Printers Ltd, Suffolk.

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 5 The big stories from the NEWS past fortnight in the fleet world

INTELLIGENT SPEED TECH AND AEB ON ALL CARS FROM 2022

The European Parliament has “This will make all of us safer, improved crash moved to legislate that all and also help drivers to avoid tests and changes to newly launched cars and vans speeding tickets,” she said. windscreens to sold in Europe from May 2022 Other technology set to mitigate the severity must be fitted with speed become mandatory from of injury to pedestrians limit information technology 2022 includes advanced and cyclists. and autonomous emergency driver distraction warning, The commission said braking, among almost 30 emergency lane keeping, it expects that the measures people lose their lives on our mandatory safety systems. reversing detection system, will help save more than roads. The vast majority of According to the parliament, alcohol interlock installation 25,000 lives and avoid at least these accidents are caused the technology will help protect facilitation and emergency 140,000 serious injuries by by human error. We can and passengers, cyclists and stop signal, while all vehicles 2038, and will contribute to the must act to change this,” pedestrians, with ministers will be required to be equipped EU's long-term goal of moving said commissioner Elzbieta claiming that 90% of fatalities with Event Data Recorders to close to zero fatalities and Bienkowska. “Many of the and injuries on the roads are log crash-related data from the serious injuries by 2050. new features already exist, in caused by human error. seconds before an accident. Despite leaving the EU, particular in high–end vehicles. Intelligent Speed Assistance All newly homologated the improvements will also Now we must raise the safety will, according to the vehicles from May 2022 will apply in the UK, however, in level across the board, and pave European Parliament’s Rosa need to have the technology the event of a no-deal Brexit, the way for connected and Thun, “provide a driver with on board, extending to all new the Department for Transport automated mobility." feedback, based on maps and cars sold from May 2024. will be responsible for setting The laws still have to be road sign observation, when Passive safety requirements future vehicle standards. approved by the full Parliament the speed limit is exceeded”. are also a focus, including "Every year, 25,000 and EU Council of Ministers.

Tesla reveals Model Y mid-sized SUV Fords to get mild-hybrid powertrains Tesla has revealed the fourth Ford has confirmed it will take the Fiesta to 112g/km and car in its line-up, the release mild-hybrid versions the Focus to 106g/km of CO2. Model Y, which is due to go of its Fiesta and Focus 1.0-litre “Our new Fiesta and Focus on sale in America in autumn Ecoboost models next year. EcoBoost Hybrid models 2020. It should be in the UK The brand said its additions are examples of Ford’s before the end of 2021. will help Ford to offer “one commitment to deliver The firm said the mid-sized of the most comprehensive new, more environmentally SUV will come with two battery Combined, the front boot and compelling vehicle line- sustainable vehicles, options, with the standard and rear luggage area offer ups and bring the benefits sophisticated technologies battery offering a 230-mile a claimed more than 1800 of electrification to greater and valued services,” said range and the long-range litres of load volume. numbers of consumers”. Steven Armstrong, group alternative capable of 300 Tesla is quoting a starting Both models will feature a vice-president and president miles. There will also be dual price of $39,000, which 48-volt mild-hybrid system of Europe, Middle East and motor all-wheel-drive and equates to just under which, according to Ford, will Africa at Ford. Performance variants. £30,000 at current rates.

6 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK NEWS

Fleet first for Tata’s UK BITES

entry HIGHWAYS ENGLAND LANDS DISCO DEAL Land Rover has signed a fleet deal with Highways England to supply 70 Discovery vehicles. The Discoverys have been modified for the needs of traffic officers, including a roof-mounted light array, programmable rear LED board, the Battenburg livery and a cavernous reinforced load area.

Tata-badged cars could start RDE2 emissions to appear on UK roads as soon standards, while as 2020, with fleets first to be existing models, offered the range, according to already on sale CEO Guenter Butschek. before 2020 Tata Motors, which is owned won’t have by Jaguar Land Rover parent to meet this company Tata Group, has a standard HYUNDAI LAUNCHES FLEET- range of cars that it sells in until the FOCUSED DEALER NETWORK its home market of India and start of 2021. Hyundai has created a 15-strong elsewhere around the world, The corporate network of dealers that will but not in Europe. market is the key initial target The other three focus on fleet customers. The Speaking exclusively to for the brand when it launches production car launches centres have a dedicated fleet Company Car Today at the in the UK. “We could get to the at Geneva from Tata were structure, national fleet Geneva motor show last month, market much faster with fleet a conventionally powered delivery capacity and vast Butschek (pictured) revealed sales and with our electric car Altroz which goes on sale in pre-delivery inspection areas. that when Tata Motors begins a because setting up a retail its home market in mid- Hyundai has also launched a European sales operation it will network is extremely time- 2019, a seven-seat SUV Fleet Aftersales Charter. start in the UK because its cars consuming and expensive.” called the Buzzard, and a are already developed for right- However, Tata would still smaller five-seat Buzzard hand drive and it has access need a support network for Sport. The Buzzard and BMW CONFIRMS to the JLR facilities. those fleet sales. Buzzard Sport are based FORTHCOMING MODELS He said: “The focus for us is Tata, which produces more on the same platform as BMW will reveal a 2-Series Gran safety and emissions standards than 100,000 cars a year plus the Land Rover Discovery Coupe this year, confirming that before we can come to Europe. more than 200,000 LCVs, Sport and are powered by a it will add a smaller four-door We’re getting close to NCAP unveiled four global premiers 2.0-litre diesel engine. coupe below the 4-Series GC. and I am told by my engineers and one European debut at The Indian brand also The brand will also add to its we will be at the latest Euro6 Geneva. One of these was the revealed a city SUV electrified ‘i’ range in 2020 with standards by April 2020.” Altroz EV (pictured, top), an concept car called the the X3-based iX3, followed in All new models launched electric version of the firm’s H2X which is similar in 2021 by the standalone iNext from the start of 2020 will hatch, which is expected to size to a Suzuki Jimny. and the 4-Series-based i4. have to meet new, tougher, have a range of 150-200 miles. Tristan Young

RDE2 ENGINES FOR FACELIFTED GLC COUPE Seat promises six electrified models JLR 'recalls 44k Mercedes-Benz has revealed a facelifted version of its GLC Seat has pledged to launch Seat said that 2018 was cars' over CO2 Coupe. Updates include the six electric or plug-in hybrid the best year in its history addition of RDE2-compliant models by the start of 2021. by all financial and volume Jaguar Land Rover is diesels, as well as an upgraded The number will include measures, with sales rising recalling a reported multimedia system and new Seat's first two all-electric by more than 20% on 2017 44,000 cars after an driving assistance technology, cars – the el-Born, revealed to make it Europe’s fastest- issue was discovered with including a tail-end-of- in concept form at last growing brand. the emissions of models traffic-jam function. month's Geneva motor show with 2.0-litre petrol or (pictured) and an electric Mii. diesel engines. Plug-in hybrid versions of JLR declined to say which the next Leon hatch and the models are affected but the new Tarraco large SUV will BBC reported that it covers also come, along with the 2016-2019 Jaguar, Land performance Cupra brand’s Rover and Range Rover Leon and Formentor models.

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 7 NEWS

FLEET MANAGEMENT DUTY OF CARE

COST OF POTHOLE REPAIRS The theme for the event is DRIVERS USING HANDHELD to Venson Automotive HITS A HUGE £1.2BN Fleet Resilience – Managing MOBILES RISING – RAC Solutions. The company said The overall cost of repairing Uncertainty in the Current The number of people fleet managers need to be damage to vehicles caused Climate, and the football admitting to using handheld aware of the impact poorly by potholes has increased by theme is maintained by mobile phones has increased, maintained tyres can have on a third to £1.2billion in the past legendary commentator John the RAC has said. A quarter of the cost and safety of fleets. year, Kwik Fit has claimed. It Motson OBE being confirmed motorists admitted to using said 11m drivers damaged as the celebrity speaker. handheld mobiles while VOLVO SET TO INSTALL their vehicles in the past year The full line-up of speakers driving in 2018, up from 24% DRIVER MONITORS due to poor road conditions. It will be announced shortly. in 2017. Nearly half of all Every Volvo vehicle will be continues a trend; in the year motorists aged between 25 fitted with driver-monitoring to March 2016, the equivalent NEW BIRMINGHAM VAN and 34 admitted they make systems from the early total bill was £684million. SUPERSITE FOR EUROPCAR or receive calls while driving 2020s as the firm attempts Europcar has opened a new – up 7% on 2017. to combat drunken and ICFM OFF TO WEMBLEY so-called Van Supersite in distracted driving. Cameras FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE Birmingham. It will include TYRE WARNING AS 45% and sensors will allow the Fleet industry training body electric van rental to support DON’T CHECK PRESSURES vehicle to intervene if the ICFM has confirmed that its businesses as the city moves Almost half of drivers don’t driver does not respond to annual conference will take closer to introducing its clean check tyre pressures warnings. The intervention place in the Wembley Suite at air zone next year. regularly, according could involve limiting speed the world-famous stadium in or, as a final course of action, London on Tuesday 21 May. stopping the car remotely.

TECHNOLOGY account and tells them how ROUND UP much they can expect to spend over the next three years of FEWER THAN 100 BIDS ownership when selecting FOR ULEZ VAN GRANT vehicles. Using the tool, Fewer than 100 small motorists can find the cars that businesses have applied for hold their values, the cheapest funding to help scrap models to run, the best fuel polluting vans ahead of economy and the makes and London’s Ultra-Low Government’s ultra models with the lowest Emission Zone launch on 6 low emission vehicle grant. RUNNING COSTS maintenance and service costs. April. According to the Available directly from the Evening Standard, just 98 Korean brand, the Nexo – USED CAR VALUES ARE small businesses of up to 10 Hyundai’s second hydrogen ‘SPECTRUM OF ACQUISITION ON THE RISE, SAYS BCA employees have applied for vehicle – has a range of METHODS’ FOR FLEETS The average value of used cars incentives of up to £6000 to 414 miles between refills, A “spectrum of acquisition sold at auction increased by scrap non-ULEZ-compliant and its fuel cell powertrain methods” is available for 3.3% in February compared vehicles and replace them generates 162hp. fleets wanting to take on new with the previous month, with compliant vehicles vehicles in 2019, according to according to remarketing giant including electric vans. LARGEST CHARGING HUB Phil Jerome, the MD of BCA. It said the headline OPEN IN MILTON KEYNES medium-term rental company average of £9798 is the fourth HYDROGEN HYUNDAI The country’s largest Meridian Vehicle Solutions. He highest on record and reflects NEXO FROM £65,995 universal electric vehicle claimed that mid-length increased values for fleet and Hyundai has confirmed rapid charging hub has been renting is becoming established lease and dealer part-exchange that its Nexo hydrogen fuel officially opened in Milton as an alternative to more vehicles. Year on year, the cell vehicle will cost from Keynes. The site is located traditional methods, such as headline value increased by £65,995, including the within a minute’s drive of leasing or short-term rental. £300 (3.1%) during the month. the M1, and features eight 50kW chargers supporting CAP HPI LAUNCHES TOTAL all standards of EV charging. COST OF OWNERSHIP TOOL It has been funded by the Cap HPI has launched a total Office for Low Emission cost of ownership calculator Vehicles as part of a £9m aimed towards used car buyers package to promote uptake and grey fleet drivers. Called in Milton Keynes. TCO Check, the online tool allows drivers to take costs into

8 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK

NEWS ANALYSIS

IN-DEPTH Tips from the conference If you allocate company cars be an increased number of on the basis of mileage for applications after Brexit. your essential-use drivers, Fiona Kail – Clarity Travel check regularly that these Government drivers are still doing the Businesses using hotels in specified miles. the UK should allocate more Ashley Barnett – budget because prices are under fire at Lex Autolease expected to go up due to hotels experiencing staff At the start of May the shortages as European Committee for Climate workers leave the UK and ACFO event Change will release its recruitment costs rise. report on how the UK could Fiona Kail – Clarity Travel achieve the Government’s The lack of clarity from the We’re likely to see more change Road to Zero aim. This If you have staff planning to Government, Treasury and in the next five to 10 years than is expected to give an drive company cars abroad HMRC on the taxation of we have in the past 20,” he said. indication of where taxes in the next few months, the company car sector and Dicken, however, also could be applied to influence apply for green cards from the wider motoring arena sounded a note of positivity: car buying behaviour. your insurer now because dominated last week’s ACFO “We have been talking to Ashley Barnett – this will be needed in a no- Spring Conference, with Treasury about its fiscal policy Lex Autolease deal Brexit, or a deal that multiple speakers using the and have been working more doesn’t cover this. platform to call for more closely with it. We’re much less Fleets should review their Len Benson – information and leadership passive than we have been policy covering licence Peter Lole & Co from those in power. and hope we have the ear of checking of both EU and ACFO chairman John Pryor Government. The feedback non-EU/UK drivers as Contract hire and leasing hit out at the authorities we’ve given, we think, has Brexit comes in to make sure companies should running the country and the been well received.” it covers all employees. communicate with the multitude of issues faced by He said that highlighting Malcolm Maycock – drivers of their vehicles fleet operators, including low- some of the unintended Licence Bureau at least every year to emission zones, lack of taxation consequences of previous make them aware of their guidance and Brexit. He said: Government policy had been Staff travelling to the EU responsibilities in terms “Obviously, the Government is useful. Commenting on any after Brexit will need to of vehicle care to reduce unable to set the agenda so it is future benefit-in-kind make sure they have at end-of-term complaints up to us to do this.” system, he said he hoped it least six months left on their surrounding fair wear Referring to ACFO’s close would be much more graduated, passport. Renew passports and tear issues. relationship with ICFM and would avoid step changes early because there will Nora Leggett – BVRLA others within the company and wouldn’t single out diesel car industry, he said: “Working as a negative. together, we can do this.” Lex Autolease’s head of fleet “We can’t tell what the tax BIK taxation in the Spring He added: “The Chancellor consultancy, Ashley Barnett, situation will be from April 2021, Statement but he now believed certainly didn’t help matters also thought the Treasury was but we can say the Government this would not be forthcoming in the Spring Statement listening to the industry about is aiming for the road to zero.” until July, just ahead of earlier this month.” the need for greater future- However, he pointed out that Parliament’s summer recess. Some of Pryor’s comments proofing of BIK. He urged fleets the new car market needs to “I would expect the impact were echoed by speakers to focus on the things they can sell an additional 100,000 zero of the switch from NEDC- throughout the day. control, and said to look at what emissions-capable cars each correlated figures to WLTP for Jaguar Land Rover sales the Government has said so year to hit its target. CO2 to be ignored. However, the director Scott Dicken urged far regarding the aim of making “The road to zero is pencilled delay will mean that they are fleets to be ready for an era of 50% of all new cars sold zero- in by Government, and it’s more likely to have the time to change. “Sadly, we’re still in a emission capable by 2030 and 21 years away, the equivalent of focus on evidence provided by state of flux in the industry. 100% by 2040. seven fleet replacement cycles the industry.” away,” he said. One upside to the focus on Mike Moore of accountancy Brexit at the expense of other Obviously, the Government and consultancy firm Deloitte areas is that mileage-payment is unable to set the agenda, said he had been hoping rates are unlikely to be changed, the Chancellor would offer according to Moore. so it’s up to us to do this fleets some clarity on future Tristan Young

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 11

The most comprehensive The Big Test product review in fleet

HONDA CR-V Honda’s off-roader goes diesel-less for the new generation, offering either petrol or petrol-electric hybrid alternatives this time around

The third-generation CR-V 2011 to last year, to the to offer seven seats as an IN CONTEXT changed things when it current car. option, albeit only with the arrived in 2006; this was the Honda claims the CR-V is petrol version and not the The CR-V was launched a first of the Honda SUV models the world’s best-selling SUV, hybrid powertrain, which full 24 years ago as Honda’s to have a top-hinged tailgate, quoting cumulative 2013- constitutes the other entry into the sports utility rather than the previous 2016 sales figures from significant first. vehicle segment in 1995. arrangement of a side-hinged market analysis expert Jato, The second-generation car rear door with spare wheel helped a great deal by the (pictured, right) was more of a mounted upon it. brand’s status at the top of styling evolution than a full There’s a clear progression the retail chart in America. new car, and ran from of design from that car This new CR-V contains a 2001-2006 before being through the fourth generation couple of useful ‘firsts’, with replaced by a new model. of the CR-V, which ran from this new model being the first

14 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

Four adults will be as comfortable as they would be in anything from the class above

TEST NOTES

● As is the case with all Hondas, the collision warning system is more than a little oversensitive, going bonkers at cars turning out of its path or even parked cars on gentle curving urban roads. ● The system shows you easily where the power is coming from between engine and battery, but it’s a shame there’s no What there isn’t, is a diesel model. Despite the WHAT readout for how hard a introduction of a Civic diesel last year, the fact THEY push on the pedal will that most of Honda’s major markets (including kick-in the engine. the US and Japan) aren’t interested in diesel SAY... means the company is pressing ahead with hybrid ● The hybrid powertrain is power as part of its strategy of electrification – all The Honda impressive for refinement. models will have some electrification by 2025. CR-V is the The new CR-V is Honda’s fifth iteration of world’s most popular what is now a well-established nameplate, and medium-sized SUV. Our it becomes Honda’s only seven-seat option. all-new CR-V Hybrid adds That’s as long as you choose the petrol model, an intelligent and where all-wheel-drive SE or SR trim cars gain an highly-advanced The new Honda CR-V has two very distinct extra couple of seats in the boot in exchange for powertrain to the already characters, each of which is likely to account £1700. Unfortunately, the hybrids don’t have the impressive list of for around half of the car’s sales. same option because of the restrictions caused features. Both sporty and The 1.5-litre petrol model launched late last year, by packaging the batteries. luxurious, the CR-V is and has now been joined by the fleet model of Where comparable, the switch from two- to available with a range of choice, the 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid. It’s a four-wheel drive costs £1410 on the petrol, and finance options, a choice hybrid system that recharges itself using the engine takes emissions from 143g/km to 151g/km, while of either two- or and braking rather than being plugged in. the hybrid goes from 120g/km to 126g/km for four-wheel drive, a The strengths and weaknesses of the hybrid are two additional driven wheels at a cost of £1100. variety of seating options predictable to anyone familiar with the technology, Inside, Honda claims that the new CR-V “raises and an impressive 1756 in that emissions are lower but the cost is higher. In the bar in terms of quality, refinement and litres of boot space. this case the hybrid can get down to 120g/km in spaciousness”, and it definitely succeeds with The highly economical front-drive form, while the best the petrol can do at least two of those goals. fleet car raises the bar is 143g/km, but that flip-side is that the manual The final one is the easiest to deal with, when it comes to two-wheel-drive petrol model costs £3100 less because a quick jump into the rear seats advanced safety features, than the auto-only two-wheel-drive hybrid. highlights just how much space there is back boasting a whole host of Like-for-like, which is only possible with the there. Four large adults will be as comfortable as features as standard, four-wheel-drive petrol model, it’s an extra £800 they would be in anything from the class above, including parking sensors, to go from petrol to hybrid, which is more bridgeable such is the amount of passenger space, and the rear-view camera and the a price gap. Basically, if you’re happy with the doors open wider than many other cars’ (getting Honda Sensing package. manual, then the petrol’s higher emissions will be on for 90 degrees), which makes entry and Marc Samuel, offset by the price difference; with the auto that’s egress easy. Honda makes claims about class- fleet sales manager, not so easily the case. leading space that it’s difficult to argue with. Honda UK

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 15 SPACE On paper, the CR-V has a significantly smaller boot than its major rivals, but in reality it seems at least as useable and spacious as anything else

Safety kit is another area Honda has focused on, to impressive effect

COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING

How the Honda CR-V stacks up across the range, and against its key rivals MODEL PRICE ALLOYS SCREEN KEYLESS PANORAMIC BLIS/ HEATED SEAT METALLIC GAPS (INCH) SIZE (INCH) ENTRY SUNROOF HEAD-UP DISP. /WHEEL PAINT

S n/a 17/18 – – – – / – – £550 SE +£1860 18 7.0 – – – / – – £550 SR* +£2480 18 7.0 – / – / – £550 EX +£2710 18/19 7.0 / £550

*Model tested RIVALS (P) = Pack

Peugeot 5008 +£370 18 8.0 £350 £870 / – £560 (P) / – £575 Allure

Toyota RAV4 Excel +£185 18 8.0 £860 / – £545

VW Tiguan Allspace SEL +£535 19 8.0 £395 / £500 / £110 £580

PEUGEOT 5008 VW TIGUAN ALLSPACE

TOYOTA RAV4

16 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

SCREEN BUTTONS The steering wheel is Infotainment set-up positively loaded with is comprehensive buttons and rocker and easy to use, apart switches, allowing from a couple of minor you to operate much flaws that keep it from of the car’s kit. being among the best.

braking action, after which the system reverts to its Refinement is lowest level. It would be better to be able to help good, even under restore more energy into the battery by having a hard acceleration permanently settable braking mode, such as the likes of the Toyota Prius hybrid offers. Otherwise, the driving experience is pleasantly neutral and inoffensive, and for a hybrid powertrain The boot also feels much larger than the figures that’s more of a compliment than it sounds. The usual suggest, and it looks no different to rivals’ that are verdict of a petrol-electric model is that you have to supposedly over 100 litres larger. Even if the figures put up with a car that’s not enjoyable to drive but don’t lie, you’re well into the realms of it being large makes a load of sense on paper, but the CR-V enough to cope without breaking sweat for any sidesteps that and provides a fuss-free existence. It regular family or work deployment. rides well, particularly over larger bumps and holes, is The refinement question is also a reasonably refined at higher speed and offers the pleasant conclusive positive result. Petrol-electric hybrids contradiction of good acceleration when mated to CVT automatic gearboxes are rarely noted the petrol and electric motors combine for peak for being the most aurally pleasant of combinations, performance, yet around town in battery-only mode, but the CR-V does a better job than some of not low-speed progress is a silent and serene experience. sounding and feeling like a sewing machine is doing Apart from being spacious, the cabin has the the hard work under the bonnet. There’s plenty advantage of a huge centre bin with sliding shelf and of power on demand, and the worse strains of armrest; it is though a pity that the door bins are engine noise are well muted. It also runs nicely much smaller than could be expected. And the cabin for significant short periods on the battery alone, quality is good in places, but some of the materials although an easily readable needle on the dashboard aren’t as soft and high-quality to touch as they look to show just how hard you can push the accelerator at first glance. The 7.0-inch infotainment screen, before requesting enough power to have the car kick standard on all bar the entry S trim level, has a couple the engine back in would be appreciated around of minor usability flaws and some dated displays, town or in heavy traffic. especially the sat-nav map, that stop it being up with It’s also possible to adjust the level of brake the best on offer, although all the controls are easy to energy regeneration, and therefore the force of use and well located. the regenerative braking when you lift off the Safety kit is another area Honda has focused on, accelerator. It’s a shame it’s for only one solitary and to impressive effect, especially with regard to

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 17 It offers space, practicality, low running costs and a good hybrid powertrain

HEAD-TO-HEAD - the key stats SMR COST NEED TO KNOW 1 Peugeot 5008 £2251 Honda CR-V 2.0h 184 2WD SR eCVT 2 Honda CR-V £2295 (£33,235) vs THE RANGE 3Toyota RAV4 £2371 Peugeot 5008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 EAT8 4 VW Tiguan Allspace £2969 There are two powertrain options with (£33,605) vs the CR-V, the 1.5-litre petrol model Toyota RAV4 2.5h 218 Excel CVT BIK PER MONTH – 20%/40% (BANDING) and the 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid. (£33,420) vs 1 Toyota RAV4 £123/£245 (22%) Across the range there are four trims, VW Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI 150 SE Nav DSG 2 Honda CR-V £138/£277 (25%) and the petrol comes as a manual (£33,770) 3 Peugeot 5008 £168/£336 (30%) 4 VW Tiguan Allspace £180/£360 (32%) (front- or four-wheel drive) or auto EFFICIENCY LENGTH (4x4 only) while the hybrid is auto-only 1 Toyota RAV4 105g/km (51.1mpg) and comes with both drive options. 2 Honda CR-V 120g/km (53.3mpg) 1 VW Tiguan Allspace 4701mm 2 Peugeot 5008 4641mm FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 3 Peugeot 5008 129g/km (58.9mpg) 4 VW Tiguan Allspace 135g/km (55.4mpg) 3 Honda CR-V 4603mm The range is complete with the hybrid, 4 Toyota RAV4 4600mm POWER/0-62MPH PERFORMANCE which launched in Q1 of 2019, less than WIDTH (EXCL. MIRRORS) 1 Toyota RAV4 218hp/8.1sec half a year behind the petrol CR-V. 1= Honda CR-V 1855mm 2 Honda CR-V 184hp/8.8sec 1= Toyota RAV4 1855mm WHAT’S NEXT FROM THE RIVALS 3 Peugeot 5008 180hp/9.2sec 3 Peugeot 5008 1844mm 4 VW Tiguan Allspace 150hp/8.8sec The new RAV4 is arriving now, and most 4 VW Tiguan Allspace 1839mm rivals have launched relatively recently. WHOLE-LIFE COST HEIGHT PRICE RANGE 1 Toyota RAV4 66.3p 1 Honda CR-V 1689mm 2 Honda CR-V 69.5p £25,995-£37,255 2 Toyota RAV4 1685mm 3 VW Tiguan Allspace 70.3p 3 VW Tiguan Allspace 1674mm ENGINE LINE-UP* 4 Peugeot 5008 71.0p 4 Peugeot 5008 1646mm PETROL RESIDUAL VALUE BOOT (TO WINDOW) 175hp 1.5 -143g/km, 44.8mpg 1 Toyota RAV4 45.6% 1 Peugeot 5008 780 litres PETROL-ELECTRIC HYBRID 2 VW Tiguan Allspace 40.8% 2 VW Tiguan Allspace 615 litres 184hp 2.0 - 120g/km, 53.3mpg 3 Honda CR-V 37.2% 3 Toyota RAV4 580 litres *Emissions figures stated are lowest available in range 4 Peugeot 5008 37.0% 4 Honda CR-V 497 litres

Whole-life cost data courtesy of 18 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

VERDICT what is fitted as standard, given drivers’ reluctance to pay extra for safety equipment. All cars get the rather over-sensitive forward collision warning and DRIVE 7/10 mitigation system, as well as lane-keep assist, traffic Performance is decent if you sign recognition, road-departure mitigation and work the powertrain hard adaptive cruise control technology. Go up to SR trim enough, but it’s not a car built (the third of four trim levels), and blind spot and for enthusiastic cornering. cross-traffic warning systems are added. Overall equipment levels are pretty decent, EFFICIENCY 8/10 although few will choose the entry S model that is The petrol-electric powertrain is very much the poor relation of the range. All cars get more efficient than less powerful climate control, auto lights and 17-inch alloys on diesel alternatives, with added petrol models or 18 on hybrids, while going from S BIK savings, although diesel fuel to SE trim (a logical step given the extra kit) costs economy figures are better. £1860 where comparable. This adds improved 18-inch alloys, auto wipers, front and rear parking PRACTICALITY 9/10 sensors, rear camera and a seven-inch touchscreen Masses of space for rear with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. SR passengers, and the boot feels brings privacy glass, leather interior, heated front larger than the on-paper figures seats and roof rails for another £2480, while the suggest; it’s certainly plenty for top-spec EX is predictably well-loaded, including every reasonable use. head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and rear seats, hands-free powered EQUIPMENT 8/10 tailgate and powered driver’s seat, as well as Virtual absence of options is 19-inch alloys on the petrol model. a blessing and a curse; a much The new CR-V is a strong candidate in the simpler range but you have to go off-roader sector, offering space, practicality, low for pricier trims if you want certain running costs and a good hybrid powertrain. It’s not equipment such as heated seats. quite as efficient as the RAV4, but comfortably beats the diesel rivals for CO2, although it’s worth LOOKS 8/10 noting that hybrids are a break from the normal link Evolutionary over the previous between CO2 and fuel economy – diesels will return CR-V and with an American flavour better MPG figures so drivers doing higher mileages that’s unsurprising given that the will still find modern efficient diesels are a better bet US is such a big Honda market. despite the higher CO2, and therefore BIK tax. Ride quality is Still, it’s worth doing the maths because it will COMFORT AND comfortable on be a close-run thing, and the Honda, with its REFINEMENT 8/10 bumpy roads petrol-electric powertrain, is a sensible and The CR-V’s hybrid system scores attractive company car choice. well for refinement versus others, although it still sounds a little course under hard acceleration. THREE THINGS WE LIKE… Ride quality is good. 3 CABIN 8/10 The quality of materials is mixed, 1 with some plastics not feeling as nice as they look. But everything is logically laid out. INFOTAINMENT 7/10 Reasonable, but with a couple of small usability frustrations and graphics a little behind the times.

Boot space doesn’t necessarily impress WHOLE-LIFE on paper but feels huge to look at or use COSTS 8/10 The rear doors open much wider Pretty good all-round costs, with than other cars’; great for access reasonable pricing, good emissions and decent residual values. 2 CCT OPINION 8/10 Decent powertrain with good emissions in a big, sensible car.

VERDICT 79% Honda is playing to a company car audience with the new CR-V Hybrid, offering low emissions figures, masses of …AND ONE WE DON’T practicality and good spec if The huge central bin has a useful you go as high as the SR trim. sliding shelf-type element You can use the paddles to adjust the brake regen, but only for that single braking action

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 19 Paul Barker grabs a cuppa and a chat with one of fleet's Coffee with... most influential figures

SSANGYONG’S FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The new Korando (pictured below) is expected to be a huge step forward for Ssangyong in a number of ways, not least because next year the model will become the first electric vehicle in the Korean brand’s line-up. “It will appeal to a very different marketplace to the one that we traditionally have appealed to,” says Ssangyong UK managing director Nick Laird, declaring that the company will learn from other brands already in the plug-in marketplace. “We have not yet decided the final spec and price positioning of the vehicle but there are opportunities to look at it in a very different way from the way the majority do and to stay strong to the Ssangyong roots,” he continues. “We are known as a very strong value-for-money brand, and quite right too, because a lot of the other brands are better established and have stronger brand presence so therefore we need to continue to be better value-for-money, which always means better value-for-money with a bit more kit. We intend to remain very competitive on the price positioning NICK and I currently see no reason why we LAIRD wouldn’t do the same with the EV.” MANAGING DIRECTOR, SSANGYONG

Ssangyong’s UK boss Nick Laird has been really strong. If anything, the product is So how was 2018 volume-wise, busy since coming into the brand 18 better than the brand image, so that’s Q compared to where you expected months ago, redirecting the business away the thing that we know we need to work and wanted to be, and how is that looking from some of its previous issues and on to on over these coming few years because as we go forward through 2019? a path of growth. The new Musso pick-up the product deserves more than it’s Well, 2018 was a year of resetting the launched last year, and 2019’s big news is currently getting. A business for us. We pulled away from the smart-looking new Korando SUV. a number of bits of business that were not What do you do about the product profit-making and were disguising the true You’re now 18 months into the job, Q being better than the brand image? underlying performance of the business. In Q how’s it going at Ssangyong? We need to get the right dealerships 2018, we ended the year at just under In this past year what we’ve seen is A in the right areas of the country and 3250 registrations, which was a little A our core retail sales being up quite we are working very hard on that. We have disappointing for us, but we started the substantially year-on-year. We have taken some very positive steps to date year in many of our vehicle lines with the deliberately pulled away from some of the and have some more positive steps we wrong level and the wrong mix of stock. business that was being done previously are aspiring to this year. And as we get For example on our Tivoli B-segment SUV that was unprofitable, and then started to closer to the fleet market ourselves, the we had over 80% diesel mix and the realign our dealers into a new phase of reputation will grow through the product, market last year was 80% petrol. By the growth that involves some direct fleet so a lot of that is about getting the right beginning of this year, we had the right from us and some good-quality fleet from quantity and quality of product out on the level of stock in the UK and the mix on our dealers, backed up by a product that’s road and letting that drive the reputation. Tivoli, for example, is 75% petrol, which is

20 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK INTERVIEW exactly where we imagine our sales mix but is actively at the front of the sector, is going to be. Therefore, we are confident and the ride and handling are markedly of a year where we are going to grow improved over the old vehicle’s as well. It’s TOP PICKS volume, although not expecting to be just a huge step ahead in many areas and particularly ambitious with it; we are only takes Korando from being a vehicle that is NICK selects his expecting by 10 or 15%. But we imagine primarily bought for value for money into a stand-out cars for several reasons that in 2020 our vehicle that is properly competitive in the volume will start to grow in a much mainstream. That will bring us other more organic, strong, well-rooted way. challenges because it will bring us PAS T head-to-head with some of the big FORD SIERRA How’s it going with the dealer fleet names in the C-segment SUV market SAPPHIRE COSWORTH Q programme you started rolling out so we will have to up our own game in It’s because it’s a Q car. The one I 12 months ago? order to compete with them properly. had was the Sapphire, which I loved That’s one of the areas where we’ve for the same reason as the BMW M5 A had slower traction than we imagined. How important is the fleet sector I had; it was more subtle. Many of the dealers that we have across Q to what is a niche UK manufacturer? the country are smaller and very focused I have said that ultimately a third of on their retail markets. The kind of A our business might be business users; dealers that we are taking on now are we are not at a third yet, we are less than bigger, and by having other brands in that. I still see ultimately a third is the right their portfolio are more used to dealing number to aspire to, I don’t think we would with the full set of sectors in the want to sell more than that because much marketplace. And what we are finding of what makes a successful business car is a small number of our dealers, or a is the car being successful in retail as well. smaller number of dealers than we had That incorporates the number of dealers hoped, are being proactive with us already and accessibility, the competitiveness of on fleet. And we are learning to accept pricing and of servicing and the residual that for all of our dealers, that is not value of that car; a contract hire company going to be the right journey. needs that to then write a price. We always Certainly, what we are finding is that all imagine that the fundamentals of the of our top 15 dealers are regularly in business are about getting our retail contact with us about local fleet proposition right, and if we can then layer PRESENT opportunities, particularly for the Musso some good-quality business user volume ASTON MARTIN pick-up truck, and often with that will on top of that then we will be delighted. So DB11 CONVERTIBLE come a Rexton or two, but it’s really we are definitely heading in that direction; I’ll go for a convertible because Musso where we saw the majority of again a little slower that I would have we don’t do a convertible at fleet business going. We’ve got quite a thought this past year, but nevertheless Ssangyong! Aston Martin CCT lot of in-bound opportunities for 10 I see the basics coming. drop-tops are beautiful. vehicles here, 15 there; these are the kind of numbers that some of the large How big a deal was it for Ssangyong manufacturers wouldn’t get involved in, Q to be accepted onto the but for us that’s a significant sale and Government’s CCS buying framework? therefore we are trying to go the extra mile It was absolutely huge for us. We for those people to make sure they feel A know we have to fight hard against comfortable that we are a brand they can the bigger players that have been in there work with and the local dealer is a local for 10 or 20 years, and we’re delighted to dealer they car work with. be in there competing with them. We think that the vehicles we have are What is the opportunity with the new highly competitive for certain particular Q Korando? Why will it be more types of user, and the number and depth successful than the last one? of discussions we are having is great New Korando is an entirely new because these also suggest that the fit A vehicle with new powertrains. The is good. We’re not trying to sell tens of new vehicle is lighter, slightly lower, thousands of vehicles a year to the shorter and wider, but that means it has a Government, but again for the scale we FUTURE lower drag coefficient. It’s larger inside and are, we are making progress that will leave PORSCHE 911 has made a huge step ahead with the us with a meaningful-for-us presence. I still want to own a 911, just because interior. The new drivetrains are a 1.5-litre Hopefully, therefore, this will allow other of the purity of the brand. It’s stood turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel, customers to see those vehicles in good, for the same thing for 40 years – which are much more in line with where solid, well-renowned heavy-duty use superb engineering. the market is than the current Korando. and think that if it’s good enough for the The noise, vibration and harshness is that deployment, it’s probably good sector-leading; it’s not just a huge step enough for them.

Laird on… the Musso’s pick-up credibility It was clear last year that there were a number of actions that were done as a competitive reaction to the launch of Musso, which delighted me. I’m thrilled by the vote of confidence the trade gives us. We’re confident about the Musso and the mid-term possibilities with it.

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 21 Behind the wheel of CCT Review the latest fleet metal

DS 3 CROSSBACK PureTech 130

You can’t fault DS for ambition. PSA’s The 131hp engine (badged 130) is and sitting in the 21% BIK bracket, premium arm has been a stand-alone expected to prove the top-seller. It’s both pretty attractive numbers. brand only since 2015, but the company a cracking engine, matching strong We haven’t driven the least powerful bosses believe its new generation of pulling power with a willingness to rev. model, but we have the PureTech 155. It’s a models are credible rivals for the well Surprisingly it isn’t available with a little livelier than the 130, but not so much established premium players. manual gearbox, but the eight-speed that we’d rush to spend the extra £1500. The latest is the DS 3 Crossback, automatic shifts smoothly. With either engine, the DS 3 Crossback which is also the first PSA is an entertaining drive. The steering model to use the new is incisive and direct without feeling Common Modular Platform The ride is firm enough for nervous, and with the drive mode that’s been designed from a controlled feel, without system in Sport, the ’box is quick to the outset for electrification. select a lower gear, even blipping Initially it will be available with feeling harsh in town the throttle on downchanges. three petrols and one diesel The ride is firm enough for a engine, but by the end of this year there In BIK terms, the 130 is a sensible choice, controlled and secure feel at speed, will also be the E-Tense pure electric sitting in the 22% band with emissions without seeming harsh around town. model (see panel, far right). from 109g/km. That compares with a However, we’ll wait and see if the set-up DS expects the petrol models to be the minimum banding of 24% and emissions of feels as well judged on Britain’s notoriously most popular. All three are 1.2-litre at least 119g/km for the Audi Q2 petrol. pock-marked roads. PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder The PureTech 100 is even better on On motorways, the DS is refined and units, with 101hp, 131hp, or 155hp. CO2 emissions, putting out 105g/km quiet, with engine noise settling into the

22 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW SPACE It’s fine up front, but SPECS those relegated to the rear will feel short MODEL: DS 3 Crossback changed. Worse still, they PureTech 130 won’t be able to bring P11D: £24,330 much stuff because the boot is so small COMBINED MPG: 47.1mpg CO₂: 109g/km ON SALE: Now

ENGINES Mid-spec 131hp engine is the peach of the range, because it combines strength with decent economy. The 155hp version isn’t really worth the extra

CABIN There’s no denying the fact that it looks very stylish indeed, but logic and ease of use seem to have been given a little less priority by background and the little wind and road the designers noise kept in check. So far, so good, but we do have some reservations. The cabin design is striking and most of the materials are well finished, E-TENSE: THE but looks take precedence over logic in the layout of the switchgear. ELECTRIC B-SUV Head and legroom are fine in the front, but rear legroom is very tight. What’s An all-electric version of the DS 3 more, the boot’s 350-litre capacity is well Crossback called the E-Tense will go beaten by the Audi Q2’s (405 litres) and on sale around the end of this year. Mini Countryman’s (450 litres). The batteries sit under the front and Perhaps the biggest sticking point is rear seats rather than under the boot is brisk, especially in ‘sport’ mode which price. The range starts from £21,550 rising floor, and together with a different gives access to the motor’s full 100kW. to £33,950. It’s a good car, but that’s a lot design of rear suspension that’s In the ‘normal’ setting the motor is for a B-segment SUV. As we said at the specific to the E-Tense, this has allowed restricted to 80kW, and in ‘eco’ 60kW. beginning, you can’t fault DS for ambition... DS to retain the same 350-litre luggage DS quotes a range of 199 miles, and capacity as the standard 3 Crossback. the car will be fully compatible with VERDICT: Attractive, different and good We had a brief drive in a prototype. 100kW rapid charging. to drive, but the P11D values are high. Predictably, acceleration from standstill Pricing has yet to be confirmed. David Motton

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 23 YOU DO BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY. SHOULDN’T YOU DRIVE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF COMPANY CAR?

The new Honda CR-V CR-V The new CR-V has undergone a comprehensive redesign and CR-V 1.5 PETROL VTEC engineering overhaul. Now featuring the strongest and most TURBO SR AWD sophisticated chassis in it’s history, the latest CR-V comes in both ﬁ ve and seven seat options. There’s also two versions of the 1.5 petrol engine, with both 173PS or 193PS available. Then there’s the sporty new look - complete with muscular wheel arches, alloy wheels and a short rear overhang to allow for greater ground clearance.

FROM ONLY Advanced payment Contract mileage £293.99 £1,763.94 + VAT 10,000 miles per annum Contract term +VAT PER MONTH* Prices for model pictured CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo SR AWD (with Metallic Paint) 36 months £305.25+VAT per month plus an advance Excess mileage charge payment of £1,831.50+VAT. 3.9p per mile + VAT

Call us on 0800 294 0358 or visit honda.co.uk/civicﬂ eet

Fuel consumption fi gures for the 2019 CR-V petrol range in mpg (l/100km): Combined 31.4 (9.0) - 38.7 (7.3). CO2 emissions**: 162 – 143g/ km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only and you should only compare fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These fi gures may not refl ect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including accessories fi tted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Important information: *Contract Hire available to Business Users only, subject to status. Information correct at January 2019. Vehicles must be ordered between 1st January 2019 and 31st March 2019 with registration and delivery by 30th June 2019. Rentals exclude optional maintenance. Excess mileage and other charges may apply dependent on the mileage and return condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Contract Hire is provided by Arval UK Limited trading as Honda Contract Hire, Whitehill House, Windmill Hill, Swindon, SN5 6PE. For further information please contact your local Honda Dealer. **There is a new test for fuel consumption and CO2 figures (WLTP). Figures shown however are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. You can find out more about the changes brought in by WLTP at http://wltpfacts.eu/ REVIEW

VAUXHALL COMBO LIFE XL 1.5D 100HP ENERGY 7-SEAT SPECS The Vauxhall Combo Life launched middle row. Amusingly, removed and the backs drop flat, as do last year as part of a trio of MPVs P11D: £23,500 it’s actually easier and the middle row, but there’s no trickery. with van-related siblings across COMBINED MPG: more elegant to get The XL comes with a choice of 110hp the PSA Group’s Citroen, Peugeot 67.3mpg into the third row from 1.2 petrol and 100hp 1.5 diesels, although and Vauxhall brands. All arrived CO₂: g/km the boot rather than by the diesel is the only one that can be initially in shorter form, with the ON SALE: Now dropping the middle specced with the third row of seats; an longer versions following on early [first deliveries rather row, thanks to the low additional 130hp 1.5 diesel is available only this year, as is the case with this than orders] rear bumper lip and the with the shorter Combo Life model. Combo Life XL. gap between the two back The diesel’s emissions rise from 111g/km The XL boasts an extra 350mm of seats. And that’s despite the to 113g/km by going for the longer vehicle, length over the regular model, and costs sliding doors making for an easy landing and another 2g/km to 115g/km by adding an extra £900, but the extra practicality into the middle row. However, all five of the the extra seats. means boot space goes up from an already rear seats are lacking a little in support, The Combo Life looks bland, isn’t a huge 597 litres to an almost ridiculous with the seat back being shorter than particularly enjoyable drive and the cabin 850 litres up to the roof line. There are a might be ideally expected. plastics are durable rather than plush, but respective 571 and 806 litres of space to The Combo Life is now the only seven- it’s a car that performs the seven-people- the roofline behind the optional third row seater in the Vauxhall range (apart from the and-stuff-on-a-budget role with aplomb. of seats that is available on the Energy larger van-based Vivaro Life), because the trim; these cost £700 on the shorter rise of the SUV has killed off the traditional VERDICT: It’s completely utilitarian but Combo Life and £800 on the XL. MPV family wagon. Unfortunately, there’s does what it does well, offering genuine From a passenger point of view, the XL none of the clever flexible seating that seven-person carrying ability and has a surprising amount of space in row buyers of the old Zafira Tourer might luggage space in a compact vehicle. three, more in fact than the still-spacious expect; the third row of seats can be Paul Barker

ROOMY Even the short- wheelbase version has plenty of space for people and luggage, and that room becomes huge in XL models

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 25 PERFORMANCE YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH.

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO ALFA ROMEO GIULIA

BIK from 32% P11D from £36,920 CO 2 from 139g/km BIK from 30% P11D from £32,930 CO 2 from 129g/km

Created and crafted in Italy, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia are true masterpieces. They couple the most exciting driving dynamics with elegant Italian design. The technology behind Alfa Romeo is created to enhance performance and to give great driving sensations. Both models feature all the latest cutting-edge technology in safety and infotainment including Alfa™ D.N.A. driving mode selector, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and 8.8” Connect 3D Nav with DAB radio. All this combined

with exceptional fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 4072 or email alfaromeo.ﬂ [email protected]

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO RANGE MPG (L/100KM): COMBINED FROM 28.8 (9.8) TO 60.1 (4.7). CO2 EMISSION FROM 227 TO 123G/KM. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 VALUES ARE OBTAINED FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES AND MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF REAL LIFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. FACTORS SUCH AS DRIVING STYLE, OPTIONAL WHEELS, ADDITIONAL VEHICLE ACCESSORIES, WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS MAY ALSO HAVE

A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON FUEL CONSUMPTION. CO2 AND FUEL CONSUMPTION VALUES ARE DETERMINED ON THE BASIS OF THE MEASUREMENT/CORRELATION METHOD REFERRING TO THE NEDC CYCLE AS PER REGULATION (EU) 2017/1153

19-05 [Alfa Fleet - Q1 Deliverables] - Company Car_Range_297x210.indd 1 08/01/2019 14:36 REVIEW

BOOSTED Engine may be only a 1.0-litre unit, but it still generates 121hp and gives the car decent pace if you work it. It’s efficient, too, so the company accountant will like it

Engine-wise, the new unit is the similar-sized mainstream cars costing lower-powered of the two, with the thousands more do it a bit better. Which is SUZUKI 1.0-litre 111hp Boosterjet already used in kind of the point; the Vitara is very the Baleno, S-Cross and Swift models well-priced, especially given the levels of coming across to Suzuki’s largest car. standard kit. All cars get alloys, climate VITARA Despite the modest power output, the control, cruise control and roof rails, while 1.0 BOOSTERJET 111 SZ-T three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit the SZ-T driven here is still less than copes without fuss, although you need to £19,000 but adds sat-nav, smartphone Suzuki is a gently growing brand in the work it a bit if it’s to provide more than connectivity, 17-inch alloys, rear privacy fleet sector, riding a wave of petrol modest performance. Nevertheless, it’s glass and a rear parking camera. The engine popularity, having moved away also pretty efficient at just 121g/km, rising top-spec SZ5 is only available with the from diesel across the range. to 129g/km for either the auto or the more powerful engine, but adds a host of The Vitara is a good example of the Allgrip 4x4 options, figures helped by safety systems including blind-spot Japanese brand’s increased strength, and the car’s comparative light weight. warning, plus a panoramic roof, LED lights, the SUV has now reached mid-life, with the The other engine option is the 140hp adaptive cruise and keyless entry. company enacting a refresh that includes 1.4-litre that was previously offered only in Running costs are good, with a decent looks, interior and new engine options. the sportier Vitara S trim but which now 38.5% residual-value prediction from Kee The styling is, as is usually the case lands in the SZ-T and SZ5 models. Resources at three years and 60,000 miles. with facelifts, most obvious from The Vitara is a prime exponent the nose, with a redesigned of getting what you pay for in VERDICT: Slight improvements to the grille and lower bumper, while SPECS terms of driving experience looks and interior help the case of a the rear lamps have also P11D: £18,799 and cabin quality. There’s neat and well-priced little SUV. been redesigned. COMBINED MPG: nothing wrong with it, but Paul Barker The interior changes are 53.2mpg subtle, but include new CO2: 121g/km soft-touch material for the ON SALE: upper instrument panel, a Now colour information display for the centre of the instrument cluster and suede seat fabric for the top SZ5 model.

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 27 New RENAULT KADJAR SUV by Renault

Fixed Panoramic Glass Sunroof Front and Rear Parking Sensors Rear Parking Camera 19’’ Alloy Wheels Call Renault Business Hub on 0800 731 7066 / Search New KADJAR S Edition

P11d £25,235 BlK 27% CO2 113g/km Combined mpg 65.7

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Renault KADJAR S Edition are: Combined 41.5

(6.8) - 60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 134-111g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration.

WLTP is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures, however until April 2020 the CO2 figures are based on the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle which will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Please visit renault.co.uk/ configure for WLTP figures for any selected options.

Model shown is New Renault KADJAR S Edition Blue dCi 115 MY19. Renault UK Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. REVIEW

SPECS FORD P11D: £39,810 COMBINED MPG: 47.9mpg S-MAX CO2: 154g/km ON SALE: 2.0TDCI ECOBLUE VIGNALE Now 240HP 8SPD AUTO The Ford S-Max is still in a class of one in terms of being a large seven-seat people carrier that doesn’t look like a big box. That role is reserved for the S-Max’s Galaxy sibling, which is the larger of the two big people carriers, while the S-Max, Company Car Today’s reigning CCT100 MPV of the Year, is a more stylish and slightly less practical alternative for big families that don’t want to look like they’re driving a big family bus. Both S-Max and Galaxy have received a revamped engine and gearbox-wise, when you go for a quick shift when unless you’re towing something heavy or with the line-up now comprising a 165hp manoeuvring. The other thing the new spending much of the time fully loaded. 1.5-litre petrol engine and 2.0-litre diesels auto gearbox does is to enable the addition The new engines are refined, and the of 120hp, 150hp, 190hp and the top-spec of stop-and-go to the £900 optional S-Max remains the peak choice for those 240hp we drive here. adaptive cruise control. who want a larger car that handles well, The top three diesels can all now be This top-spec engine is pretty rapid, but looks smart and has seven seats. had with a new eight-speed automatic a little unnecessary in such a big family transmission, complete with slightly wagon, and doesn’t feel quick enough to VERDICT: Nice new gearbox and revised too-small rotary dial selector rather than be worth the £1235 extra and the hefty line-up of engines gives the already- the traditional big lever. It tidies up the 20g/km penalty for an additional 50hp. excellent S-Max a little boost. cabin a little, but is a touch too compact To be honest, 190hp is more than enough, Paul Barker

options, while the S-Line model gets SPECS extra bodywork differentiation. The low-slung and pleasantly cosy P11D: £38,085 cabin now gets heated seats as COMBINED MPG: 34.9mpg standard, along with folding door CO : 161g/km mirrors, while the S-Line now has 2 upgraded Super Sports seats. ON SALE: Now There’s no central display screen in a TT, so everything runs through the Audi Virtual Cockpit display, which now has a sports function, offering information on engine output and g-force figures. But under the bonnet is where the biggest changes occur; the long-standing 1.8-litre 180hp engine has been replaced by a 197hp 2.0-litre, while the 230hp 2.0-litre option has now been boosted to 245hp, and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The diesel has been dropped, which means the most efficient model is now the 197hp petrol at 138g/km, with the more powerful alternative ranging AUDI from 147-161g/km, depending on model. The TT will house a small person in the tiny rear seats that are mainly just for TT storage, and the 305-litre boot is practical 45 TFSI QUATTRO S-LINE S TRONIC enough for this type of car. An RV of more than 40% helps the numbers add up, too. An Audi TT is still one of the most The new engine drops the 0-62mph distinctive styles on the road, even as the time by a tenth of a second, and the TT car hits 20 years old. handles well, while the lower emissions of Now that the model is half-way through the 197hp version compensate for the its third generation, Audi has given it a marginal performance shortfall. refresh that takes in subtle design tweaks, power upgrades and extra equipment. VERDICT: The peerless TT is slightly The styling tweaks comprise a new improved, and still as stylish and singleframe grille, as well as larger inlets appealing, inside and out, as ever. and a range of new colour and wheel Paul Barker

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 29 FLEET TAX GUIDE The Company Car Today Fleet Tax Guide provides fleet managers and company car drivers with a single, accurate source of information needed to navigate the world of car taxation in the UK.

CUSTOMISE Developed with Detailed and UPDATED customisable BIK FULLY UPDATED vehicle tax and calculator TO REFLECT finance expert for every car ENACTMENT OF on sale THE FINANCE BCF Wessex, ACT 2019 the web app offers ● Live BIK calculator for every new car on sale ● Up-to-date tax tables for everything from AFRs to VED, writing down allowances and BIK ● Detail about OPTIMISED Government There are no app store downloads to plug-in car grants manage; the guide will update itself ● Contains the latest with any changes to the rules and Treasury budget regulations summary ● Full glossary of fleet-relevant terms ● Download it to your smartphone or tablet

ACCESS IT NOW: www.companycartoday.co.uk/fleet-tax-guide REVIEW

The latest news from READ MORE about what it’s like Our fleet our long-term fleet to live with these cars at companycartoday. co.uk/long-term- tests CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS 1.2 PureTech 110 Feel

TESTER’S NOTES

● This is a minor niggle, but the windscreen washer bottle is pretty small. I live in the country and need to clean the screen regularly in winter, which means I’m having to refill the washer fluid irritatingly often. C3 Aircross has a truly ● I’m a definite fan of the exuberant look slick clutch and gearbox action, because they make SPECS smooth gearchanges FIVE-MONTH usable indeed, extremely easy indeed. REPORT P11D: £17,190 because there’s I have to say I absolutely love OFFICIAL loads of space all Citroen’s latest design language. COMBINED MPG: around. My 58.9mpg The C3 Aircross looks so out of girlfriend’s sons OUR COMBINED MPG: the ordinary, both inside and out, 39.6mpg are 17 and 14, and that it truly stands out in a class 5ft 10 and 6ft 2 CO : 109g/km of cars that can be quite ubiquitous 2 respectively, but the and dull. Yes, I’m looking at you, four of us never have Volkswagen Group. any problem fitting in to However, while the dashboard may look the C3 Aircross. It must be fabulous, it isn’t what you’d call the last pretty comfortable because we never word in practicality. There’s a small central get the dreaded ‘Are we there yet?’ cries cubby that has two cupholders, although from the back seat. Best of all, there’s these can be removed to leave a more room for all of our stuff in the boot, too. practical space. However, the two If this combination of flair and remaining shelves are so small as practicality isn’t the epitome of good- to be almost unusable. quality design, I don’t know what is. Plenty of space That said, the rest of the inside is very Euan Doig for a family

VOLVO V90 T8 UPDATE I have a first-world problem with the R-Design Pro Volvo V90 T8, it could be just a bit too good. I say that because my mileage seems to have increased quite a bit since taking delivery of this PHEV. Typically, I do lots of short trips – perfect for a plug-in hybrid. However, because the V90 is such a fine automobile V90 is great in terms of luxury, comfort, performance on long trips and refinement I’ve taken it on more longer trips. Indeed, at Easter we’ll take it to the Outer Hebrides for a family holiday. 27.3mpg, but my current figure is 72.4mpg Hybrid As a result, the mpg figures are varying over the past 302 miles, and there’s still offers huge hugely. The worst (on a motorway run three quarters of a tank of petrol left. economy with a roofbox attached) has been Tristan Young

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 31 Figuratively Speaking All the key company car numbers at your fingertips

COMPANY CAR BENEFIT-IN-KIND BANDS What does it all mean? LEVEL 1 AUTOMATION CO2 emissions (g/km) 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 DEFINITION: This is the most basic level of automation, and has actually been around for some Zero 13% 16% 2% considerable time. It's when a solitary element 1-50 (EV range 130+ miles) 13% 16% 2% of the driving process is taken over by computer, and can include tasks such as keeping the car a 1-50 (EV 70-129 miles) 13% 16% 5% set distance from the vehicle in front using radar, 1-50 (EV 40-69 miles) 13% 16% 8% or even steering gently to keep the car in one lane. 1-50 (EV 30-39 miles) 13% 16% 12% 1-50 (EV sub-30 miles) 13% 16% 14% 51-54 16% 19% 15% VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY 55-59 16% 19% 16% FIRST-YEAR AND ANNUAL CHARGE (RIGHT COLUMN) FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED FROM 1 APRIL 2017 60-64 16% 19% 17% M G/K £ £ 65-69 16% 19% 18% 1-50g/km £10 £140 70-75 16% 19% 19% 51-75g/km £25 £140 76-79 19% 22% 20% 76-90g/km £105 £140 80-84 19% 22% 21% 91-100g/km £125 £140 85-89 19% 22% 22% 101-110g/km £145 £140 90-94 19% 22% 23% 111-130g/km £165 £140 131-150g/km £205 £140 95-99 20% 23% 24% 151-170g/km £515 £140 100-104 21% 24% 25% 171-190g/km £830 £140 105-109 22% 25% 26% 191-225g/km £1,240 £140 110-114 23% 26% 27% 226-255g/km £1,760 £140 Over 255g/km £2,070 £140 115-119 24% 27% 28% 120-124 25% 28% 29% Diesel cars not meeting RDE2 emissions regulations are, from 1 April 2018, moved up 125-129 26% 29% 30% one band to the maximum £2070 first 130-134 27% 30% 31% registration fee. Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less than the regular fee. 135-139 28% 31% 32% Then the flat rate of £140 per year (0g/km cars £0, 140-144 29% 32% 33% alternative fuels £130) applies, unless the car’s cost new 145-149 30% 33% 34% was over £40,000, in which case add £310 per year for years two to five. VED cost is £140 per year after that. 150-154 31% 34% 35% 155-159 32% 35% 36% VEHICLES REGISTERED 160-164 33% 36% 37% BEFORE 1 APRIL 2017 165-169 34% 37% 37% 170-174 35% 37% 37% CO2 EMISSIONS ANNUAL COST 0-100g/km £0 175-179 36% 37% 37% 101-110g/km £20 180 and above 37% 37% 37% 111-120g/km £30 4% penalty for diesels up to 37% max, if not meeting RDE2 standard 121-130g/km £120 131-140g/km £140 141-150g/km £155 KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS AND DATES 151-165g/km £195 CALENDAR 166-175g/km £230 6 APRIL 2019 21 MAY 2019 176-185g/km £250 New tax year - BIK and NI increases ICFM Conference, Wembley 186-200g/km £290 8 APRIL 2019 4 JULY 2019 201-225g/km £315 New ULEZ goes live, London BVRLA Future Mobility Congress 226-255g/km £540 30 APRIL-2 MAY 2019 12-22 SEPTEMBER 2019 Over 255g/km £555 CV Show, NEC, Birmingham Frankfurt motor show 16-19 MAY 2019 1 JANUARY 2020 Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less London Motor and Tech Show, Excel Birmingham Clean Air Zone launch than the regular fee

32 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK KNOWLEDGE

ADVISORY FUEL RATES, PER MILE ULEV GRANT The rates set to reimburse employees for fuel used in company vehicles The Government has a scheme to give money ENGINE SIZE PETROL LPG ENGINE SIZE DIESEL off the list price – although not the P11D value – of zero-emission vehicles. The grant is to the 1400cc or less 11p (12p) 7p (8p) 1600cc or less 10p value of 35% of the car, up to a maximum of 1401cc to 2000cc 14p (15p) 8p (10p) 1601cc to 2000cc 11p (12p) £3500 off the list price. It also covers hydrogen vehicles – currently just the Toyota Mirai. Over 2000cc 21p (22p) 13p (15p) Over 2000cc 13p (14p) Plug-in hybrids are no longer included, as of Advisory electric vehicle reimbursement rate: 4p per mile October 2018, though there is also still an £8000 grant towards the cost of ultra-low Rates valid from 1 March 2019 (Figures for 1 Dec.-28 Feb. in brackets if changed) emission light commercial vehicles. APPROVED MILEAGE ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS The rates to reimburse workers using their own vehicles for company business ELIGIBLE VEHICLES TYPE OF VEHICLE FIRST 10,000 MILES ABOVE 10,000 MILES Sub-50g/km and at least 70 miles of CARS AND VANS 45p 25p zero-emission driving range £3500 grant MOTORCYCLES 24p 24p Audi e-tron BIKES 20p 20p BMW i3 and i3s Citroen C-Zero Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Kona EV 2018/19 - FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE Hyundai Nexo fuel cell The taxable worth attached to the FUEL PRICES Jaguar I-Pace benefit of ‘free’ fuel March 2019 Kia Soul EV and e-Niro CAR FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE PETROL Nissan e-NV200 MULTIPLIER - £23,400 Nissan Leaf VAN FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE - £633 120.5p Peugeot Ion (+1.0p on February) Renault Zoe 2018/19 - VAN BENEFIT CHARGE Smart EQ Fortwo/Forfour The taxable worth attached to the DIESEL Tesla Model S benefit of regular private use of a company Tesla Model X light commercial vehicle 130.9p Toyota Mirai VAN BENEFIT CHARGE - £3350 (+1.4p on February) Volkswagen e-Up Volkswagen e-Golf SOURCE: WWW.GOV.UK CCT WHAT'S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?

CAR TAX FOOTPRINT HMRC P11D LICENCE VED & MOT COMPARATOR CHECK CALCULATOR UPDATE CHECK CHECK

EV CHARGE PARKING AFR AMAP BIK VED POINTS LOCATOR RATES RATES RATES TABLES To find out more go to: www.companycartoday.co.uk/toolbox FINAL WORD

Get the unfleety Fleet of fancy on to your fleet... THE FACTS

PRICE £48,000 (when new) POWER 377hp PERFORMANCE 6.2 seconds/176mph COMBINED MPG n/a

CO2 n/a

LOTUS CARLTON

WHY SHOULD I WANT IT? In its day, which was between 1990 and 1992, the Lotus Carlton was the fastest four-door car in the world. Only 286 UK examples were ever built, with the one we sampled surviving on Vauxhall’s treasured heritage fleet. The car caused a hefty controversy when launched, with the Daily Mail surprising everyone by leading a humourless campaign for the car to be banned due to its inappropriate top speed. Under the bonnet is a General Motors 3.6-litre straight six engine adorned with a pair of turbochargers, which was the engine of choice only after Lotus Engineering failed to squeeze in a V8 Corvette unit. WHY CAN’T I HAVE IT? There’s only one for sale in the country that we could find at the moment. And it’s up for £120,000. Plus, spares might be a little tricky to come by. ARGUMENTS TO USE ON MORE FLEETY ALTERNATIVE THE FLEET MANAGER Anything would be more fleety than Vauxhall’s peak of wonderful The Carlton was a sensible upper management car, albeit lunacy, but as near as the brand gets these days is the 210hp Insignia that was a little while ago. And it doesn’t look like a car GSi. It’s a four-wheel drive diesel automatic, so not that close to the with near-180mph potential. Really. Lotus at all, but it’s Vauxhall’s most potent way of carrying four adults. Paul Barker

34 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK YOUR INDEPENDENT SOURCE OF FLEET NEWS, REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS

Issue 44: 6 ebruary £5.99

cartodaycouk wwwcompany ● Knowledge - advice and best practice from our independent source of fleet news, reviewswww.company and interviews cartoday.co.uk PLUS Issue 48: 3 April 2019 £5.99 leading industry Test ie eiews: New Toyoya Rav4, experts to aid Honda Civic Saloon in managing Coffee With Your independent source of fleet news, reviewsPSA Group and fleet interviews your fleet boss Martin Gurney PROCEED ● TEST DRIVE REVIEW News - the very Kia’s sensible Ceed PLUS Coffee with: latest from the gets a suave sibling Ssangyong’s UK THREE boss Nick Laird UK fleet sector talks growth Analysis: Government ● Reviews - the WISHES under fire at TEST DRIVE REVIEW ACFO Seminar Is the DS 3 Crossback the most in-depth breakthrough car for the fleet reviews French premium brand? available from first drives, 6 page road tests Inside SIX PAGE and long term BIG TEST SUZUKI’S BABY BILLY GOAT: tests gives THE NEW JIMNY you the insight you need into the very latest models Inside NEWSAll-new Renault Clio FIRST PICTURES:EUROPEAN CAR ● SAFETY TECH Interviews - LAWS APPROVED FOR 2022 With the key movers and

BIG TEST: shakers in Honda’s new CR-V Hybrid SUV the sector

To continue receiving your FREE copy of Company Car Today, register at www.dmags.co.uk/companycartoday