Issue 61: 18 October 2019 £5.99 www.companycartoday.co.uk

Your independent source of fleet news, reviews and interviews

PLUS Coffee with Volvo fleet boss Steve Beattie

Analysis LITTLE GEM goes big with TEST DRIVE REVIEW its electric plans Can the new 208 continue the French brand’s recent good form?

PLUS BIG TEST SKODA SCALA GUNS FOR THE CORE FLEET MARKET

TESTED: Nissan’s long-awaited new Juke THETHE CHANGE CHANGE YOUR YOUR FLEETFLEET DESERVES NewNew selectable selectable drive drive modes modes for for different different road road conditions.conditions. Extended wheelwheel arches,arches, larger larger wheels wheels and and increased increased ride ride heightheight forfor a commanding drive. Plus,Plus, 575 575 litres litres of of storage storage space space – – all all you you need need toto movemove your business forward withwith confidence. confidence. Discover Discover more more at at ford.co.uk/new-focusford.co.uk/new-focus

ModelModel shown shown is isan an All All-New-New Focus Focus Active Active X X Estate Estate 1.0T 1.0T 125PS 125PS Petrol Petrol Manual Manual withwith optionaloptional LED Headlights and ConvenienceConvenience Pack. Pack. Fuel Fuel economy economy mpg mpg ( l/100km(l/100km) )( Combined(Combined)): :45.6 45.6 ( (6.26.2)). .* *COCO22 emissions: emissions: 111g/km.111g/km. FiguresFigures shown shown are are for for comparability comparability purposes; purposes; only only compare compare fuel fuel consumption consumption and and CO CO22 figures figures with with other other cars cars testedtested toto thethe samesame technical SEARCH:SEARCH: FOCUS FOCUS ACTIVE ACTIVE procedures.procedures. These These figures figures may may not not reflect reflect real real life life driving driving results, results, which which will will depend depend upon upon a a number number of of factors factors includingincluding the accessories fitted, variationsvariations in inweather, weather, driving driving styles styles and and vehicle vehicle load. load. *There *There is is a anew new test test used used for for fuel fuel consumption consumption and and COCO 22 figures.figures. TheThe COCO 2 figures shown,shown, however,however, are are based based on on the the outgoing outgoing test test cycle cycle and and will will be be used used to to calculate calculate vehicle vehicle tax tax on on first first registration. registration. FOREWORD CONTENTS

04 NEWS Accident stats show no fall; road- tolling enquiry; Birmingham WPL 9 AUDI’S EV PLANS Electric powertrains feature strongly in German brand’s future WELCOME 12 BIG TEST Last week was But there needs to be a clear pathway Skoda Scala: best of two worlds? to such a radical shift in something as another small fundamental as the way we travel. It’s 18 INTERVIEW step on the going to be politically unpopular, but if the Volvo business sales boss Steve route to electric Government is serious about a pathway to Beattie on the brand’s fleet rise electrical vehicles, then it needs to cars becoming happen, and it was good to at least see 20 REVIEWS mainstream. The the first signs of it being on the radar. Peugeot 208; Nissan Juke; Setting out exactly how it would work BMW 3-Series Touring; international and getting the public and businesses Audi Q7 PHEV; Renault Zoe drive launch event for the used to the idea is vital, but the Brexit pantomime of chaos is rendering all other LONG-TERM TESTS 29 Peugeot 208 took place (see issues redundant. How we pay for the Seat Tarraco copes with family demands; BMW 320d hits the tip p20) and for the first time roads and contribute those huge sums petrol, diesel and electric cars into Treasury coffers is important, and how that changes is a big issue that’s 32 THE KNOWLEDGE were side by side on one event. All the facts and figures you need stealthily creeping up on a distracted and Previously, even the few models that fragmented Government that has a have an electric powertrain alongside history, of which the company car sector 34 FLEET OF FANCY conventional internal combustion engines RC F: fast thunder is only too aware, of making knee-jerk have added the battery model a few reactionary decisions without months, or even more than a year, understanding the consequences. behind the entry models. But putting 04 the powertrains in one batch is another signal of the increasing normality of EVs. Which is why it was, to some extent, a relief to see the first Government moves towards accepting that a debate is needed on how to fill the black hole where once there was a pile of lovely fuel-duty cash. As people charge at home, it’s not going Paul Barker Editor to be possible to tax electricity, and road-user charging seems like the only Newspress Automotive 12 option, as an inquiry in 2020 is now set to Editor of the Year 2018 explore, according to the Transport Select Guild of Motoring Writers Committee announcement last week. Editor of the Year 2017

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

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 3 The big stories from the NEWS past fortnight in the fleet world

ROAD DEATH FIGURES REMAIN STATIC

The number of people killed fallen by 1%, from 5.43 in 2017 older age groups and on UK roads has remained to 5.38 in 2018. a spike in fatalities on static for the seventh year Responding to the data, RAC motorways – some in a row, according to the head of policy Nicholas Lyes worrying trends are Department for Transport. said more progress needs to be emerging here that require concern, saying: “Road safety In 2018, there were 1,784 made to reduce the number of immediate investigation, to is everyone’s responsibility reported road deaths, just fatalities on the roads. understand the reasons for and it is clear that working in nine fewer than the 1,793 “This data makes for these increases and what can partnership to promote it is the fatalities recorded in 2017 disappointing reading. In short, be done to reduce them,” he key to returning to long-term and 30 more than in 2012. there has been no meaningful continued. “In addition, the downward trends. DfT figures also showed that reduction in fatalities at government’s data suggests “More incentives for post- there were 160,597 casualties a national level for seven a rise in motorway collisions test training, consistent of all severities in reported road consecutive years now,” he where at least one driver has enforcement of new motoring traffic accidents in 2018, a 6% said. “While we welcome the been under the influence of laws, accelerating the uptake reduction compared with 2017 government’s renewed focus, illegal drugs. These figures of autonomous emergency and the lowest level on record. there needs to be a significant clearly show that there is no braking-equipped cars and But the number of serious shift in policy that will result in room for any complacency.” promoting best practice in injuries rose to 25,511. far fewer serious collisions. IAM Roadsmart director driving for work are just a few The rate of fatalities per “Of particular concern are of policy and research examples of quick gains that billion vehicle miles has though the rises in fatalities among Neil Greig, also expressed could be achieved,” he said.

Road charging consultation in 2020 acquires Inchcape in £100m deal The Transport Select Toyota has acquired leasing part of car retailing chain Committee has revealed that and fleet management Inchcape PLC, it will join the it will launch an inquiry into company Inchcape Fleet Toyota Fleet Mobility Europe road-user charging in 2020. Solutions for £100m, giving stable, a branch of Toyota The shift to electric vehicles the manufacturer an all-makes formed in 2018 to develop is set to leave a “fiscal black leasing offering. a European base for future hole” due to reducing fuel duty, Portsmouth-based Inchcape mobility services by providing and the inquiry will cover the have an opportunity for a ranks just outside the UK’s full-service leasing products. issues of road tolls, congestion much wider debate about top 10 leasing companies It already has subsidiaries charges, workplace parking our use of road space, with more than 20,000 cars in France, Italy and Spain, and levy, an HGV levy and low- cutting carbon emissions, and light commercial vehicles the acquisition of IFS is likely emission and clean-air zones. tackling congestion, modal across corporate, public, not- to lead to a rebranding once “We need to ask how we will shift and how we prioritise for-profit and SME sectors. the deal has received the pay for roads in the future and active travel,” said TSC chair IFS, which was previously necessary regulatory approval. in answering that question we Lilian Greenwood.

4 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK NEWS

BIRMINGHAM CONSIDERS BITES

WORKPLACE BENTLEY LAUNCHES FIRST PLUG-IN MODEL PARKING LEVY Luxury brand Bentley has begun deliveries of its plug-in hybrid Bentayga SUV. It can do 24 miles on electric power alone for a 79g/km emissions figure. The £133,100 model combines an electric motor with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, offering a 5.5-second 0-62mph time.

Birmingham City Council could Currently, only Nottingham monitor vehicles entering introduce a Workplace Parking has a WPL, with money from the zone meant it had to be Levy within three or four years, the scheme helping to fund an postponed to next summer. according to a report on the extension to its tram network. Operating all day every NAVIGATION SCREEN merits of such a scheme. Possible improvement day, diesel vehicles not UPDATE FOR CEED If implemented, the council schemes in Birmingham include: meeting Euro6 emissions has introduced a new 8.0- intends to charge businesses ● A metro expansion to legislation and petrol inch touchscreen system on the with more than 10 parking East Birmingham models not hitting Euro4 Ceed to replace the previous spaces £500 per space per ● Pedestrianisation of the standards will be charged 7.0-inch version. Trims that year, with the WPL sitting city centre and Moor Street £8 per day. There is a one- previously got the larger 8.0- alongside the Clean-Air Zone ● Investment in public year exemption for workers inch screen will now be fitted coming next year. However, transport who enter the zone and with a 10.25-inch unit. The Ceed the council intends to exclude ● Cycle routes and canal earn less than £30k per has also been named Driving educational facilities from the improvements year, as well as a £2000 Instructor’s Car of the Year by levy, while spaces used for ● Travel demand management contribution for a compliant Intelligent Instructor magazine. fleet delivery vehicles will (including behavioural vehicle or money towards a not be charged. change activities to enable travel card. The report said it expected sustainable travel) Specialist emergency DAIMLER FINED OVER there to be 14,587 chargeable The report said one concern vehicles will also be exempt EMISSIONS VIOLATION parking spaces, while it added would be that a scheme would for at least a year, and Daimler has been fined €870m the cost of the levy would rise “constrain economic growth residents within the zone (£781m) for a “negligent by 2% annually, with the council in the area”. However, it will have two years from violation of supervisory duties”, estimating it could bring in added there is “little evidence the scheme’s launch after German authorities £79 million in the first 10 years from Nottingham that such before being charged. concluded an investigation into of operation. It also said that outcomes have occurred.”. Nottingham introduced Mercedes’ parent company’s discounts for low-emission Birmingham was scheduled its workplace parking levy sale of diesel vehicles vehicles may be possible. to introduce its clean air in 2012, and now charges suspected of not complying Revenue from a WPL must zone on 1 January 2020, £415 per space per year for with NOx emission regulations be ring-fenced for public but Government delays in companies with 11 or more dating back to 2008. transport improvements. supplying technology to staff parking spaces.

LEXUS UPDATES RX SUV Lexus has introduced technical, Two score well in crash tests styling and equipment changes Auto Trader buys to its RX SUV, with a new 12.3- The BMW 1-Series and requirements in all areas Kee Resources inch touchscreen infotainment 3-Series have each achieved except the protection of system, subtle styling changes the maximum five-star vulnerable road users. Auto Trader has acquired and the introduction of Apple ratings in the latest round of The Jeep Cherokee also data giant Kee Resources. CarPlay and Android Auto Euro NCAP crash-tests. scored four stars with Euro Auto Trader said the firm smartphone connectivity. The seventh-generation NCAP saying it had “good but “will continue to operate in Engineering tweaks are claimed 3-Series scored the best unexceptional performance.” the same way that it does to make the car better to drive. safety performance of any today, but with access to large family car tested by Euro Auto Trader’s talent and NCAP against the 2018/2019 resources.” Kee Resources protocols, NCAP revealed. CEO Denis Keenan called The Peugeot 208 scored the deal “an exciting four stars, although opportunity to take our Euro NCAP said the new business to the next level.” model meets its five-star

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 5 NEWS

DUTY OF CARE FLEET MANAGEMENT

GREY FLEET ISSUE £8.8bn per year in employees USED CAR MARKET HAS businesses to plot estimated ‘BAFFLING’ BUSINESSES, taking time off through back TURNED A CORNER: CAP cost savings resulting from The issue of grey fleet trouble, according to Volvo. The used car market has adopting fleet software. is continuing to “baffle” The survey of 2000 people recorded a positive average Users are able to see whether businesses with many having who drive for work found that price movement for the first the likely monthly rental little, if any, awareness of 35% have taken at least one time in 18 months, rising 0.4% cost of adopting a system the implications of drivers day off work due to back pain. at three years and 60,000 will be outweighed by using their own vehicles miles in September, according financial benefits resulting for business purposes, SME MENTAL HEALTH to Cap HPI. But the company from accurate reporting and according to licence-checking ATTITUDES IMPROVE warned that Brexit, combined increased control. service Licence Bureau. The Attitudes towards mental with the seasonal slowdown, firm warned: “Almost all health are improving, with means the increase is unlikely LEX OFFERS TWO-WEEK businesses have some form 45% of UK SME businesses to be maintained. RENAULT EV VAN TESTS of grey fleet in operation saying views of the issue Lex Autolease has launched despite being unaware of the are getting better, according FLEETCHECK LAUNCHES a two-week trial programme potential implications it has to Close Brothers Asset ROI FLEET CALCULATOR of the Renault Kangoo on the business.” Finance. Among 933 SMEs Fleet software company ZE33 electric van, allowing questioned, 59% had taken FleetCheck has launched an businesses to gain a more POOR CAR SEATS COSTING steps to raise awareness online return-on-investment significant insight into how FIRMS £8.8BN A YEAR of the issue. calculator to help plug-in vehicles could work Uncomfortable car seats are on their fleet. The initiative costing businesses a claimed will initially run for 12 months.

GOVERNMENT “more senior role” within the ROUND UP VW Group, having led the fleet department since 2013. The job MOTORISTS WANT advert stated the successful ACTION ON IDLERS candidate will “develop and The majority of motorists implement a strategy to deliver would like councils to take the fleet sales volume, mix and action against drivers who market share”. leave engines running while parked, according to RAC an increase in EVs on MG CREATES FLEET ROLE research. From the firm’s the roads, while the PEOPLE MG has appointed Geraint Isaac poll of 2130 drivers, 72% implementation of 20mph to the newly created role of supported action, while 44% limits outside schools is also national fleet sales manager. said officials should tell them under consideration. NEW FLEET BOSS FOR FORD He joins the company from to switch off and then fine Ford has a new fleet director, Hyundai, where he held the them if they refuse. 2040 FOSSIL FUEL BAN with Neil Wilson moving from position of national residual MAY COME FORWARD his current role as dealer and value and remarketing 80MPH MOTORWAY LIMIT Also at the Conservative consumer marketing manager manager. According to MG, the UNDER CONSIDERATION party conference, transport to replace Owen Gregory. role will require Isaac to work Motorway speed limits could secretary Grant Shapps Gregory has been promoted to with MG’s dealer network, as be increased to 80mph as announced that the a European commercial vehicle well as major fleet operators, to motorists switch to electric Government could bring role within Ford after more than create packages to serve vehicles, according to forward the 2040 ban on the three years heading up the clients’ requirements. He will transport secretary Grant sale of petrol and diesel cars. company’s UK fleet operation. also be responsible for vehicle Shapps. He said increased “If we’re to become the Wilson has been with Ford for remarketing, residual values pollution from the higher world leader in green more than 11 years in previous and co-ordinating MG’s dealer speed limit will be offset by technology, we must always positions including fleet fleet programmes. be looking to expand our marketing manager and sales ambitions,” he said at the planning manager roles. party’s annual conference in Manchester. “I’d like to VOLKSWAGEN SEARCHES see government look again FOR NEW FLEET BOSS at the 2040 target, and Volkswagen has begun the explore the case for bringing recruitment process for a new it forward.” head of fleet to replace Michael O’Shea, who has moved to a

6 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK

ALL PETROL ALL ELECTRIC ALL 300HP ALL 204MPG ALL WHEEL DRIVE

GRANDLAND X HYBRID4 WE’RE ALL HYBRIDS

Class-leading 10%* BiK

P11D from £35,535 | CO2 34g/km Call 03305 878 222 Search Grandland X Hybrid4

#Official Government Test Environmental Data for Grandland X Hybrid4 AWD Range: Fuel consumption Combined

204mpg (1.4 l/100km). CO2 emissions 34g/km. Electric energy consumption 20.3kwh/100km (WLTP). Equivalent all-electric range 35 miles (WLTP). Model shown Grandland X SRi Nav 1.6 (300hp) Turbo/Electric AWD. The Grandland X Hybrid4 AWD is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. #Fuel consumption and CO2-emission data given are obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. 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. Forecasted *10% BiK applies to all vehicles registered after April 2020. Registrations prior to this date will be 16% BiK. 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. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. Information correct at time of going to press October 2019. NEWS ANALYSIS

from this platform will be the sector sized cars and upward Q4 E-tron; an SUV with the and across several of the VW exterior dimensions similar Group’s brands. IN-DEPTH to that of the Q3, but with At the tech day, Audi showed the interior space of similar a concept car based on the PPE to that of the Q5. platform that looked similar to Initially offered as a 306hp the A7 Sportback. Audi’s car with rear-wheel drive and engineers hinted the platform Audi reveals the option of all-wheel drive will spin off A6-sized cars and (thanks to a motor on the front upward, including estates and axle), the Q4 will be offered SUVs and, potentially, sportier with a choice of battery sizes. cars. To that end, PPE will be electric plans The MEB platform will also used by and Bentley. give rise to cars from sister The large-car platform will brands Seat and Skoda, and is be rear-wheel drive with the While Audi’s part in Dieselgate Audi has stated all of its PHEVs likely to be the VW Group’s option of all-wheel drive when continues to rumble on in the will have a battery-only range highest-volume BEV platform. fitted with an additional motor. German legal system, the of at least 25 miles. Though Audi said the underpinnings Engineers claimed the PPE brand is reinventing itself as not confirmed, they aren’t will also give rise to saloons, platform would have a single a provider of hybrid and likely to hit the next BIK band hatchbacks, SUVs and battery pack option giving a fully-electric premium cars. of 12%, which requires a range crossovers, including cars up range of 500km, and that the Over the next five years of 30-39 battery-only miles. to the size of the current A4. base was adaptable in length, Audi plans to put more than Next up the scale is the width and height. 30 electrified models on sale, PHEV TIMELINE E-tron’s platform, called MLB The fourth platform to be which will account for more IN SHOWROOMS NOW evo. The next car from this, used by Audi for its BEVs is than 40% of its sales volume. Q5 PHEV as 50 (299hp) & which will arrive in 2020, is the named J1. This was developed Initially, Audi will bring in a 55 (367hp) TFSIe Sportback version of the in conjunction with Porsche host of new plug-in hybrids E-tron. This will be a sleeker and has already delivered the (PHEVs), however these will ON SALE NOVEMBER version of the current BEV. Taycan. Audi’s sports car will be be joined swiftly by more (delivery early 2020) Audi will also have a large- called the E-tron GT, a low- battery electric cars (BEVs). A7 PHEV as 50 (299hp) & car platform for BEVs under slung four-door car with Audi’s ultimate plan is for a 55 (367hp) TFSIe the codename PPE. This base 590hp and all-wheel drive. 30% reduction in CO2 by 2025 Q7 PHEV as 55 (380hp) & will be used for executive Tristan Young (from a base point in 2015) 60 (455hp) TFSIe (see p28) and full decarbonisation by 2050, including production. The ON SALE DECEMBER company claims this is in line (delivery early 2020) BEV: WHAT AND WHEN with the Paris Climate Accord. A8 PHEV as 60 (449hp) TFSIe A6 PHEV as 50 (299hp) & E-tron – on sale now PHEVS 55 (367hp) TFSIe E-tron Sportback – on sale early 2020 The new batch of plug-in E-tron GT – on sale late 2020 or early 2021 hybrids are not Audi’s first ON SALE IN 2020 Q4 E-tron – on sale early 2021 PHEVs. Until WLTP killed them (deliveries in mid-2020) off in mid-2018, Audi sold the A3 PHEV GT E-tron A3 and Q7 as hybrids under Q3 PHEV the e-tron banner. First back to market is the BEVS Q5 PHEV, which is already in Audi’s plans for a range of fully showrooms in the UK. electric cars doesn’t stop with Audi expects the plug-ins to the recently launched E-tron. account for between 20-30% At a recent EV tech day in of UK sales in any range they Germany, Audi executives are available, with half of these dropped hints of a host of new for company car customers. electric cars that are likely to Q4 E-tron All of Audi’s PHEVs are be built in the near future. expected to have a CO2 figure What’s confirmed, so far, is below 50g/km which will allow that Audi’s BEVs will be based them to qualify for the current on four platforms, called MEB, lowest Benefit-in-Kind tax MLB evo, PPE and J1. band of 16%. MEB is the basis for smaller However, when the new tax cars. It’s the platform that bands come into play in April underpins Volkswagen’s 2020, this will drop to 14%. Golf-sized ID3. Audi’s first car

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 9

The most comprehensive The Big Test product review in fleet

SKODA SCALA An additional lower-medium hatchback gives Skoda a new core offering that goes head-to-head with the top hatches in the company car arena

The Octavia has always wanting the extra space. 33g/km CO2 figure. Skoda’s IN CONTEXT straddled conventional Skoda is also at pains to point first production plug-in hybrid sectors, falling somewhere out the Scala doesn’t replace comes early next year in the Skoda’s new Scala comes between the Ford Focus and the Rapid, a discontinued form of the Skoda Superb iV, into the VW-owned brand’s Mondeo sizes of vehicle, so smaller model between the toting a range of up to 34 line-up between the Fabia the new addition gives Skoda Fabia and Octavia. miles and a sub-40g/km supermini and Octavia a core competitor in the key The Scala was previewed emissions figure. models, sitting in the same lower-medium hatchback in the form of the Vision RS lower-medium sector that sector. It’s sized directly in concept car (pictured) at the the Octavia has inhabited, line with the big players in 2018 , although the Scala is sized the segment, while the Czech although the show car had more in line with the rest brand is still offering the larger a plug-in hybrid powertrain of the class. Octavia for customers with 46-mile range and a

12 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

In the boot, there are no fewer than four hooks to stop your shopping bags rolling around

TEST NOTES

● This is another reminder of the excellence of the VW Group’s small-capacity petrol engines – their performance and efficiency are both very useful. ● Going with a USB-C point in the front rather than a regular USB socket may make sense on some technological levels, but is a frustration when you don’t have the right adaptor lead. Fabia supermini and Octavia. Previously, it had WHAT the Rapid in similar space, although that was ● Isofix points in the front THEY a larger supermini rather than a core lower- seat is a surprisingly rare medium hatchback. SAY... fixture that will be So the Scala is slightly shorter than the Astra, appreciated by parents. Ford Focus or the Kia Ceed that are all key rivals, “Blending although Skoda’s addiction to offering ultimate new tech, an practicality means it still has a much larger boot emotive design, a high than any of its competition, with the 467 litres degree of functionality being more than 85 clear of the rivals and more and state-of-the-art than 120 above the Focus’s small offering. connectivity, the Skoda Skoda’s model range has historically been a touch The Scala launches with a range of three petrol Scala sets a new level. out of kilter, with the likes of the Fabia and in engines and a single diesel. The petrols are 95hp “It combines a particular the Octavia and Superb being large cars and 115hp outputs of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder, high-quality finish with for the classes into which the motor industry likes plus the top model, driven here, which is the plenty of space, and to pigeon-hole them. So the Octavia, which 150hp 1.5. The more powerful pair are both LED headlights and nominally competes against the likes of the Ford available with either a manual or a DSG automatic tail lights as well as Focus, Vauxhall Astra and the rest of the lower- transmission, as is the 115hp 1.6 diesel. dynamic indicators add medium hatchbacks, is larger in terms of interior The petrol engines are good for efficiency, and to the striking look. and particularly luggage space compared to its all three power levels sit at either 113 or 114g/km “Optional additions peers and likewise the Superb against the Ford for CO2 emissions. The diesel emits 108g/km, such as electric tailgate, Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and others that remain which means, thanks to the Government’s diesel panoramic glass roof in that diminishing upper-medium segment. penalty, it sits three Benefit-in-Kind bands higher with extended tailgate But as far as the Octavia goes, that is changing than the petrol alternatives, and given that the glass and virtual cockpit slightly, because it has some home-grown 150hp petrol is more than £250 cheaper than the make it feel it’s in a competition, at least in as much as the basket of 115hp diesel, and the 115hp petrol is over £1600 different class. segment rivals that manufacturers are never that cheaper, the diesel is a tricky car to make stack “The latest Amundsen keen on their cars being slotted neatly into. up financially for either a business or its drivers. infotainment system is The new Scala is more than 300mm shorter than Trim levels at launch are pretty straightforward. one of the largest in its the Octavia and has a boot 123 litres smaller, but There is an entry S, available only with the 95hp segment and fleets can compared to a Vauxhall Astra it’s 16mm shorter and 115hp manual petrol engines, then SE and always be online thanks and still outpoints its rivals for boot space. The SE L, both of which come with the full array of to its integrated eSIM.” dimensions put the Scala right in the heartland of seven engine and transmission combinations. Henry Williams, the sector, as does its pricing, and Skoda clearly A fleet-orientated SE Technology and a top Monte head of fleet, feels there is the space for another car between the Carlo trim are both due to be added next year. Skoda UK

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 13 SPACE As is common on the Skoda range, the boot space dwarfs that of any direct rival, and is often a match for the room offered by cars in the class above

There’s decent space and the ambience is helped by the big rear windows

COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING

How the Skoda Scala stacks up across the range, and against its key rivals MODEL PRICE ALLOYS SCREEN SAT-NAV AIRCON FRONT/REAR PRIVACY METALLIC GAPS (INCH) SIZE (INCH) PARK SENSORS GLASS PAINT

S n/a 17 6.5 – £700 (P) / £400 £165 £595 SE* +£1190 17 8.0 £1230 £400 / £165 £595 SE L +£1800 18 9.2 Dual-zone £400 / £595

*Model tested RIVALS (P) = Pack

Ford Focus +£590 16 8.0 £350 £375 (P) £400 (P) £550 Zetec

Kia Ceed 3 +£1655 17 10.3 Dual-zone – / £570

Vauxhall Astra Business Edition +£320 16 7.0 £480 £575

FORD FOCUS VAUXHALL ASTRA

KIA CEED

14 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

SCREEN INTERIOR Infotainment It’s all a bit prosaic set-up is a typical in the cabin, with VW Group offering little to entertain that’s comprehensive, the eye, but it feels quick to respond to nicely put together commands, and slick from decent-quality to look at materials

Scala actually feels pretty sporty Skoda describes the Scala as enjoying a “striking along a twisty road new look” and having a “dynamic appearance”, but to some eyes it’s actually a little on the plain side, and doesn’t offer any stand-out design that will ingrain on the memory. It is the first model to feature the word Skoda across the tailgate, rather The S is best ignored by all but the most pool-car than the brand’s badge, which is something that of fleet purchasers, because equipment levels are will follow across future models, but overall it’s pretty basic, although it does get 16-inch alloys and a fairly sensible and unassuming design. the lane-assist and front-assist safety systems. It’s That continues inside, where there are no major better to make the £1190 hop up to SE, which brings criticisms, but nothing that marks the Scala out much of the kit that fleet drivers will expect, from the competition. The dashboard is of reasonable including rear parking sensors, an 8.0-inch quality with a smart VW Group touchscreen system touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android that is the most modern-looking element of the Auto compared with the entry 6.5-inch, automatic cabin. Although Skoda’s decision to go with a USB-C lights and wipers, and a steering wheel with port in the front rather than regular USB port could infotainment control buttons on. lead to frustration for anyone who doesn’t having the Another £1800 up is the SE L, which looks like right lead to hand. good value in terms of the extra standard equipment There is decent rear space, and the roomy ambience fitted in return, including privacy glass, 17-inch is helped by the big, square rear windows that make alloys, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, keyless the rear-seat area a brighter and airier place than in entry and a larger 9.2-inch central screen, but at many rival hatchbacks. On top of that (or rather this price level drivers can probably manage behind it) the boot is huge for the class, helped in without the more premium of niceties. the practicality stakes by no fewer than four hooks The Scala also incorporates some of Skoda’s for hanging lighter loads to stop them rolling around. clever little features that the brand has made The VW Group’s widely used range of petrol engines a name for itself with, including the in-built funnel are generally corkers, and the 150hp 1.5 TSI in the for topping up the screen wash, the ice scraper Scala is no exception, feeling powerful enough for fitted inside the filler cap and, from the SE trim such a hatchback yet offering efficiency figures that upwards, an umbrella slotted into the driver’s door. few rivals can better. The ride quality is surprisingly

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 15 It feels like a return to the Skodas of old, which is in some ways a compliment

HEAD-TO-HEAD - the key stats SMR COST NEED TO KNOW 1 Vauxhall Astra £1444 Skoda Scala 1.5 TSi 150 SE DSG 2 Skoda Scala £1556 (£21,030) vs THE RANGE 3 Kia Ceed £1718 Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec Auto8 4 Ford Focus £1779 Skoda’s Scala has a choice of three (£21,620) vs trim levels and four engines, with Kia Ceed 1.4T-GDI 138 3 DCT BIK PER MONTH – 20%/40% (BANDING) all bar the entry 95hp petrol (£22,685) vs 1 Skoda Scala £91/£182 (26%) available with either manual or Vauxhall Astra 1.4i Turbo 145 Bus. Ed. Nav CVT 2 Vauxhall Astra £93/£185 (26%) DSG automatic transmissions. (£21,350) 3 Ford Focus £105/£209 (29%) 4 Kia Ceed £110/£220 (29%) FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS EFFICIENCY LENGTH 1 Vauxhall Astra 112g/km (54.3mpg) There will be a couple of new trims 2 Skoda Scala 113g/km (45.6mpg) 1 Ford Focus 4378mm coming in 2020, a fleet-orientated SE 3 Ford Focus 126g/km (42.8mpg) 2 Vauxhall Astra 4370mm Technology and the top Monte Carlo. 4 Kia Ceed 127g/km (45.6mpg) 3 Skoda Scala 4362mm 4 Kia Ceed 4310mm WHAT’S NEW FROM THE RIVALS POWER/0-62MPH PERFORMANCE WIDTH (EXCL. MIRRORS) 1 Skoda Scala 150hp/8.2sec Vauxhall’s facelifted Astra arrives in the 1 Ford Focus 1825mm 2 Vauxhall Astra 145hp/9.3sec UK next month, complete with styling, 2 Vauxhall Astra 1809mm 3 Kia Ceed 138hp/8.9sec infotainment and engine upgrades. 3 Kia Ceed 1800mm 4 Ford Focus 125hp/11.1sec 4 Skoda Scala 1793mm PRICE RANGE WHOLE-LIFE COST HEIGHT £16,370-£23,090 1 Vauxhall Astra 52.0p 1 Vauxhall Astra 1485mm ENGINE LINE-UP* 2 Skoda Scala 54.1p 2= Ford Focus 1471mm 3 Ford Focus 54.8p 2= Skoda Scala 1471mm PETROL 4 Kia Ceed 55.6p 4 Kia Ceed 1447mm 95hp 1.0 -114g/km, 50.4mpg 115hp 1.0 -113g/km, 50.4mpg RESIDUAL VALUE BOOT (TO PARCEL SHELF) 150hp 1.5 -113g/km, 45.6mpg 1 Kia Ceed 35.8% 1 Skoda Scala 467 litres DIESEL 2 Ford Focus 32.7% 2 Kia Ceed 380 litres 115hp 1.6 - 108g/km, 57.7mpg 3 Skoda Scala 32.7% 3 Vauxhall Astra 370 litres *Emissions figures stated are lowest available in range 4 Vauxhall Astra 30.9% 4 Ford Focus 341 litres

Whole-life cost data courtesy of 16 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

VERDICT

DRIVE 8/10 The set-up is a little more sporty and entertaining than might be solid, giving the car a sportier feel than expected. expected, and the 1.5 TSI engine That helps with handling, but makes for a firmer is a very decent unit. long-distance experience than the Octavia offers. And in many ways the Octavia is the Scala’s EFFICIENCY 8/10 biggest problem. It’s undeniably an older car that is The 150hp petrol is good, but it’s a due for replacement next year, but it’s priced at shame the lower-powered engines under £1000 more than the Scala with broadly and the diesel aren’t much more similar equipment levels, and much more interior and efficient than the powerful one. boot space. And though taste-specific, it’s also possibly the better-looking of the two. Slightly PRACTICALITY 9/10 poorer RVs mean it’s 2.0p per mile more expensive, Typical Skoda, with plenty of but it’s still a tough call between the sibling models. room for passengers and luggage Away from its own brand, the Scala nestles in compared with rivals. But if these among its main volume rivals in the fleet sector, with are your key desires then maybe residual value, whole-life cost, emissions and SMR the Octavia is a better bet. cost all better than some but behind others. Which makes for a good all-rounder, and the combination EQUIPMENT 7/10 of competitive pricing and low emissions means a Kit levels are reasonable rather than monthly BiK payment a couple of pounds cheaper outstanding. The top-spec model is than that of the equivalent Vauxhall Astra and well well loaded for the price. clear of the Ford Focus and Kia Ceed. In some ways, this almost feels like a return to the LOOKS 7/10 Skoda of previous years, rather than continuing the It’s not the most eye-catching brand’s attempts to become more a more stylish and of designs, although it sits in a emotion-led decision. The Scala is neutrally styled, sector where most rivals aren’t the above average inside for the class, and overall most innovative at the moment. something of a solid, sensible all-rounder. And in many ways that’s a real compliment – good COMFORT AND company cars don’t have to be exciting; sometimes REFINEMENT 7/10 they are just required to get on with the job with The ride quality is a little harsh, It’s not exciting minimal fuss, maximum financial sense, good although refinement levels are to look at, but efficiency and decent practicality. And although the good enough. is practical Scala isn’t thrilling in any major way, it carries off the more boring and sensible stuff rather well. CABIN 7/10 It’s all fine and functional, without being exciting or memorable. THREE THINGS WE LIKE… The front seats aren’t the most comfortable around and feel 3 a touch on the thin side. 1 INFOTAINMENT 8/10 The screen looks smart, especially with the increasing screen sizes of the middle and top trim levels.

WHOLE-LIFE COSTS 8/10 Good efficiency figures are helped by the very competitive pricing and The rear light cluster is the best RV and SMR figures that keep the example of neat Scala design Scala in the upper half of the class. Skoda loves clever touches, such as the ice scraper in the fuel flap CCT OPINION 7/10 Skoda’s latest addition is very much a car that appeals to the 2 head rather than the heart. It makes sense in all the logical ways, but doesn’t stir the emotions.

VERDICT 76% The Scala almost feels like a return to the Skoda of old in terms of good, solid, practical and sensible cars, but the …AND ONE WE DON’T Superb and its SUVs do more to move the brand forward. Big and square back windows mean plenty of light for rear passengers The crystal effect on the running lights looks a little too much like they’ve been shattered

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 17 Paul Barker grabs a cuppa and a chat with one of fleet's Coffee with... most influential figures

Steve Beattie has now spent more than 18 months heading up Volvo’s corporate sales channels, and is enjoying a 2019 in which the brand has claimed a 45% rise in true fleet sales. STEVE BEATTIE, What impact do you think you’ve HEAD OF Q had since you joined Volvo? BUSINESS When I came in, my brief was that we A needed to drive true fleet sales. We SALES, VOLVO had a product range coming, certainly with CAR UK XC40, that was going to be suited to the fleet market so my major brief was that we are not selling enough cars to enough corporate customers. So, the biggest change was the team and how they go to market; they need to add value to every customer meeting they go to because there’s no point in going to a meeting, doing a presentation of the new car we’ve got coming but not getting any information from that meeting about how we position the car to best enable drivers to be able to choose it.

DIESEL ISN’T DONE

Despite Volvo’s announcement that it won’t be developing any more diesel engines as it moves to electrification, the fuel is still an important part of its present, if not its future. Year to date, diesel accounts for around 55% of the brand’s corporate registrations, with 30% petrol and the remaining 15% plug-in hybrid. But fleet boss Steve Beattie says the numbers shift in terms of placed orders, showing plug-in hybrid up to 27%, petrol remaining static and diesel dropping away to well under half of registrations. “Although we always think of fleet as being a high-mileage driver, with plug-in hybrid you’re going to see perk drivers come back in, where they’ve gone away,” Beattie told Company Car Today. “But for us, certainly diesel is important next year.” For Volvo, 2020 is a quiet one on the product front, with the big news being the PHEV XC40 launching at the beginning of the year, and then the full electric XC40 build-up beginning in late 2020, ahead of a 2021 launch. Apart from that, increased mild hybridisation of the existing engine line-up is the main thing on the product line-up.

18 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK INTERVIEW

The government grant needs to be put back on plug-in hybrids. It’ll help TOP PICKS STEVE selects his people understand electrification stand-out cars What will constitute a successful because all of our range has a plug-in Q 2019 for you and the brand? hybrid now and that’s something we can PAS T Finishing the year with growth. go and talk to people about. VOLVO P1800 A Volvo’s total sales will be a growth We’ve just bought a heritage fleet – a on the previous year, and with true fleet How receptive are people to that car for every decade of the past 60 as a real major element of that now from Q message for plug-in hybrids? years, and the P1800 is the car that I’d a growth perspective. I think everybody’s fleet policy is love to be in. It’s the Coupe, I’m just And also by launching the XC40 PHEV A different. You have people that are like Roger Moore from The Saint! into the fleet market. That’s a really engaging and want plug-in hybrid and important car for us next year, with our you have people that haven’t put it on increased battery supply and with their policy. But this year, particularly that the XC40 winning a number of the past six months, since the awards, having a PHEV variant of that announcement with Government BIK, we car is really, really important to us. seem to have seen an acceleration in people asking ‘have you got a plug-in Does the new S60 PHEV make the hybrid; we need to know, we now need Q car more fleet-relevant given that to get this on the company car list’. there is no diesel in that model, or does the price still make it prohibitive? What is the fleet market’s view of I think it does make it more relevant Q plug-in hybrids and their acceptance A because clearly CO2 is very on company car lists? important. Where our car is positioned I think clarity is always a driving force, differently from the BMW 330e is that our A For me, the Government grant needs car has 390hp, therefore you’re going to to be put back in on plug-in hybrids. It’s PRESENT look at the 293hp BMW as a completely an important step to allow people to VOLVO XC90 different car. We’re not going to want to be understand electrification, we need to I have one of the new B5 Inscription pushing the volumes BMW are with that make those cars more accessible and models, and the mild hybrid has car, it’s bit of a niche car for us, hence why plug-in is a way of doing that. Maybe definitely improved my MPG. it’s a bit more of a cult, iconic, fast car. there needs to be a stipulation on how it is charged but for me we need to be CCT Where are your growth opportunities looking at making those cars more Q as you move forward and exhaust accessible. Because it’s that step-change, the pool of fleet and SME customers it’s very difficult to go suddenly from a new to Volvo? pure diesel or petrol engine and say I’m We have been growing in a declining going electric tomorrow. You’ve got to A market and our real growth is true take people on that journey – mild hybrid end-user customers. I think next year and plug-in hybrid are part of that journey I’d imagine we’ll be in a similar position to an electric and autonomous future. for numbers; I would like to always grow slightly year-on-year. But I still think With your recent growth, is there there is an opportunity with large Q still some headroom for you to corporate and SMEs. penetrate? And where in the company There has been a drop in company car car sector is that? drivers, but in that decrease we’ll sell From a sales perspective in fleet, another 2000-2500 cars into that market. A where we need to drive is SME and FUTURE We’re a third of the size of some of the big true fleet. I think it’s getting people to VOLVO 360C CONCEPT boys so there are still opportunities. I’m experience a Volvo car. You can still go and The car I’m most excited about is the still coming across fleets today that don’t talk to a number of people that haven’t automated 360C concept car because have a Volvo on fleet, so we’re still in that been around a Volvo for some time and of the amount of work I could get period – it takes a longer time for cars to when they really see the car, the done on the way to the office. That end up on people’s fleets. Volvo is a very conversation then is that I never realised would give me so much time back to different proposition from what it was about this car. It’s like the Pepsi challenge, spend with my family. five years ago, and there are still restricted there have been so many people that badges out there that we are not on; there haven’t tried a new Volvo that have a very are still opportunities for us to drive at. different view of it. Our big thing next year We’re going to open more doors again is to continue to drive change.

Beattie on… automation The thought of autonomy is what it can do for the driver. Imagine being able to do all your prep on the way to a meeting because you’re in a cabin where you can experience autonomy. Giving time back is so important to Volvo, to be sustainable and we’re all about people, so giving time back is really important, and that’s a great way of doing that.

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 19 Behind the wheel of CCT Review the latest fleet metal

PEUGEOT 208 1.2 PURETECH 130 ALLURE EAT8

The Peugeot 208 has had a total One notable new addition to the – hiding the climate controls away in reinvention, with the latest model instrument cluster is the 3D effect of the a separate menu on a touchscreen is designed to be able to offer an electric and display. It looks a little odd to start off infuriating. It takes far too much of the a conventional model, right from the start. with, with elements such as the speed driver’s concentration to change it on the Beyond the powertrains, though, the appearing closer than other less move. Having the ability to link up the changes are many, with a radical new style commonly needed figures, but it rapidly latest smart phones as standard is a and an interior that will win over many becomes entirely natural. Peugeot claims great bonus, though. potential buyers on its look and feel. the display helps improve reaction times, Space in the back is about par for the The small steering wheel and class – two average sized adults high instrument panel set-up will fit in ok while those six foot that is common to many modern The 208’s nimbleness or more will feel a bit cramped is present, and it will means it provides an for legroom. The middle seat is continue to appeal to many but pleasingly flat so it should be not all. It takes a bit more fiddling entertaining experience possible to squeeze a third person to get comfortable in the 208 than in for a short trip at least. There is it does in more conventional rivals, but but it’s difficult to see it as anything little that is exciting to report in the boot it is easier to do so than it was in the first other than a stylish touch. – at 311 litres it is bigger than that in the cars that had this arrangement. The quality of the dash and cabin is likes of the Fiesta but falls well short of Unfortunately, even after plenty of wonderful, with the swish looks backed up the new Clio’s huge offering. tweaking of the driving position, by some materials that feel very well On the road, the 208 takes an the gearlever will feel as though it is screwed together. The touchscreen is impressive step forward, too. The engine positioned awkwardly far back. swift to respond, but still frustrating to use range consists of a 1.5-litre diesel and a

20 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW SPACE There’s plenty up front, but taller people are likely to find the SPECS rear-seat area a touch MODEL: Peugeot 208 1.2 snug. Still, the rear PureTech 130 Allure EAT8 bench is quite flat in the middle, so a central rear P11D: £21,150 passenger will be fine FUEL ECONOMY: for short journeys 46.0mpg-51.9mpg

CO2: 103g/km ON SALE: January2020

DRIVING The 130hp 1.2-litre engine gives the new 208 decent punch, although the automatic gearbox can be a little hesitant off the line. INTERIOR Nevertheless, the car loves corners, and is Small steering wheel genuinely fun and high-set dials have become the Peugeot norm, and still take a little getting used to. It’s easy enough to get comfy, but the gearlever feels a touch too far back trio of 1.2-litre petrols, with 75hp, 100hp and 130hp power outputs. The latter of the three is only available with an PEUGEOT E-208: eight-speed automatic gearbox that is smooth on almost all occasions, although CURRENT THINKING it can feel a little too hesitant if you really floor the throttle. The 208 has been designed to offer The 208’s nimbleness means it provides petrol, diesel and electric power a fairly spirited and entertaining driving sources right from the start. experience, and the 130hp engine is quick It looks set to be a serious player in enough to provide some amusement and the UK, too, with as many as 20% of overtaking ability. However, this model’s UK sales predicted to be EVs – notable hefty price – it starts at mid-level Allure, when only 5% are expected to be It makes more sense to leave it in Eco with a £21,295 P11D – means it will be diesels, a prediction that would have or Normal, though, and the two braking relatively costly to buy, although the fact caused hilarity only a few years ago. modes means you can recharge on the that it is the highest-emitting model in the The EV is a fantastic option, too, move. The regen isn’t as strong as that range at only 103g/km means that BIK with an official range of 211 miles of the Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal, though. costs won’t spiral out of control. and a nippy driving experience. It is pricey, with the lowest trim There are three power modes, and starting at £25,050, but Peugeot VERDICT: A smart supermini that will win popping into Sport it will cover the reckons that lease rates will bring buyers with its looks and grown up drive 0-62mph dash in less than 9 seconds. TCO in line with the standard models. Tom Webster

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 21

REVIEW NISSAN JUKE 1.0 DIG-T 117 TEKNA+ The first-generation Nissan Juke followed in the tracks of its Qashqai bigger brother in establishing a new crossover sector of the market that other manufacturers have rapidly flocked to. In fact, small crossovers are the biggest growth area of the UK new car marketplace, and rivals such as Peugeot and Renault are already launching the second generations of their successful challengers in the forms of the 2008 and Captur respectively. So it was about time Nissan brought through a new version of a car that was launched back in 2010 and which has lived longer than SPECS a car’s typical life cycle. P11D: £23,895 And as successful as the first FUEL ECONOMY: Juke was (it has managed more 47.9mpg than a million sales across CO₂: 112g/km the nose is a more putting it much nearer the top of the class; Europe since launch), it was futuristic, almost concept- the Japanese brand also claims that there is ON SALE: more than beginning to feel its November car, design, while the rear an extra 58mm of rear legroom thanks to age. The new model brings big retains more of the first the new car’s increased dimensions. improvements in efficiency, Juke’s looks while being more Both areas certainly feel much more practicality, safety and connectivity in muscular, angular and sporty. acceptable, with the split-level boot particular, as well as Nissan’s focus areas On the inside, Nissan accepts that offering a decent space beneath if the of claimed agile performance, athletic rear-seat and boot space were key floor is in the higher position, while adults design and advanced technology. weaknesses of the previous model, and will find just about enough rear space for a The styling is certainly a striking has addressed that with a 20% increase in comfortable journey, although headroom difference, especially at the front where boot space (from 354 litres to 422 litres), isn’t particularly generous.

STYLISH The front of the new Juke could almost be lifted straight from a concept car, although it also contains cues that make it unmistakably a Juke. The rest of the car is more conventional

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 23

REVIEW

ENGINE There’s only one option – a 117hp 1.0-litre petrol, which is some way short of invigorating. And it’s even worse when linked to the auto gearbox. It’s efficient though, with a CO2 output from 112g/km

Up front, the infotainment system isn’t the quickest to react to prods of the touchscreen, and while quality is generally good, cheaper areas of hard plastic aren’t exactly tough to find. Nissan has kept it simple with the powertrain offerings, in that there’s just the one engine, a 117hp 1.0-litre petrol, and a choice of either six-speed manual or the seven-speed DCT automatic transmissions. |The latter is a £1400 option that is 2g/km more efficient at 110g/km, dropping it one Benefit-in-Kind tax band as a result. Nissan claims the new engine is 15% faster and 30% more efficient than its predecessor. It isn’t the most lively of units though, feeling sluggish if rapid acceleration is required, which will only be made worse by hills or heavier loads. That’s amplified by the automatic gearbox, and given the price premium, the manual is the logical choice. Apart from that, the Juke is a better driving experience. The ride quality is generally good, especially in the way it THE ONE AND ONLY soaks up bumps or potholes, although it can offer a jiggly vibration sense at higher Nissan has chosen to just go with the speed, like it’s feeling every ripple of the one petrol powertrain, pointing to the road. But the chassis and handling fact that with manual and automatic impress much more than the first Juke alternatives it covers 80% of the ever managed, and the steering is on compact crossover segment. the light side of well weighted, which Although admitting that choosing will be appreciated in a car that is likely not to have a diesel in the line-up to be fairly urban-inhabiting. at all was a Europe-wide decision, box for customers looking for a low- Nissan’s UK managing director, emissions model. VERDICT: Big improvements over a car Kalyana Sivagnanam, said there is Nissan is also set to add a plug-in that was rather showing its age. The “no requirement” for diesel from a hybrid Juke in the coming years. Its new Juke’s advances in efficiency, practicality, customer point of view, and that the crossover shares underpinnings with safety tech and driving experience more 30% reduction in CO2 emissions offered the new Renault Captur, a model that than counter the slightly lacklustre new by the new petrol engine means that has already been confirmed as having a petrol engine. the Juke is efficient enough to tick the PHEV model on the way in 2020. Paul Barker

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Dynamic, Direct, Expert – driving your business. Call us on 0370 50 50 100 or visit www.alphabet.co.uk REVIEW SPACE The cabin is a lovely place in which to while away the traffic jams, and the load area is better than ever, with a regular rectangular shape and less wheelarch intrusion than before

cover when not in use. Versus ability, the 320d does a fine the previous Touring, the new SPECS job of justifying itself in a BMW 320D car is 76mm longer, 16mm cost-conscious world, and P11D: £35,235 TOURING XDRIVE wider and 11mm taller. FUEL ECONOMY: jumps to the top of the class. The engine line-up from 49.6mpg The only negatives are The BMW 3-Series is a car that proves launch comprises 318d, 320d CO2: 124g/km those repeated from the that, despite the rise of the SUV, there’s and 330d diesels, the latter ON SALE: saloon; that the infotainment still demand for the right estate cars. The two with the choice of rear- or Now system seems to be reaching German premium brand expects its new xDrive four-wheel drive, while the limit of its complexity and Touring model to account for a significant the petrols are 320i, 330i and doesn’t integrate with a portion of 3-Series volume, selling at a M340i xDrive alternatives. The big seller smartphone as easily as most rivals, rate of one to every two-and-a-half will be the 190hp 320d, which is the smart and that the rear space isn’t brilliant. saloons to total more than 10,000 a year. fleet choice with emissions starting from But otherwise, the 3-Series Touring The company says that the growth of less than 120g/km. As experienced on looks great, especially in the dominant SUV popularity is bringing people into the various other models, it’s a great M Sport trim level, handles better than brand rather than eating away at too many powertrain, especially when mated to the anything else in class, is efficient, practical Touring sales, and the new model will prove eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s and an excellent all-round company choice. popular in the company car market, with optional on the lower two diesel engines 60% of cars going to corporate customers. and standard across the rest of the range. VERDICT: The Touring model reinforces Starting at the back, the boot area grows Although the more powerful 330d the new 3-Series’ position at the top of by five litres to take it to 500, and there reinforces its position as all the car one the class, with the added load-lugging are practicality improvements thanks could ever need, thanks to its powertrain, practicality of the estate. to a squarer space with less wheelarch handling, interior quality and load-lugging Paul Barker intrusion and a wider loading aperture. The clever opening tailgate window remains, so smaller loads can be dropped in without having to open the powered hatch, and BMW has also now engineered a space under the boot floor to stash the load

INTERIOR Simple lines, good- quality materials and plenty of technology. However, therein lies the issue, because iDrive can be frustrating to use these days

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 27 SPECS IN-CAR TECH The Q7 is filled with clever P11D: £75,000* systems, including a sat- FUEL ECONOMY: nav that reads the road 100mpg* ahead to maximise energy CO₂: 49g/km* regeneration, and a haptic AUDI ON SALE: touchscreen that lets you Early 2020 know you’ve hit a * estimate In ‘normal conditions’ seven seats; the ‘button’ Q7 PHEV this is distributed 40% to Q7 PHEV is only 60 TFSIe QUATTRO the front and 60% to the a five-seater. rear, although this can be adjusted While on the move, the transition As a rule-of-thumb, the larger the car, up to around 80% front or rear should between pure electric and hybrid drive the larger the CO2 emissions figure. That the Q7 detect a slippery surface . is almost imperceptible. It’s only under also means there’s significant savings to To give a range of more than 25 miles in full acceleration and higher revs of the be had with a plug-in-hybrid version and electric-only mode, the Q7 has a 17.3kWh petrol engine you can hear it’s working. that’s definitely the case with the Q7. battery that will charge from a typical As with Audi’s other PHEVs, the Q7 Since Audi dropped the previous plug-in 7.5kWh home charge in around 2.5 hours. doesn’t allow manual control of the Q7 from its range last year, the best CO2 As with the majority of premium PHEVs, brake-energy regeneration. Instead Audi’s figure for the current Q7 range is off the the driving experience is dominated by the systems control everything automatically. chart in terms of Benefit-in-Kind taxation refinement and the sheer performance. This includes a function that, when the and attracts the maximum 37%. The silent running in electric only mode sat-nav is in operation, will read the road However, the new Q7 PHEV, now badged just adds to the luxury experience of the ahead and adjust the regen function; for Q7 60 TFSIe quattro, should fall into the high-quality cabin, and as for the pace, instance, when approaching a roundabout. lowest non-battery EV BiK tax band of it’s close to that of the hot SQ7 model. It’s all these factors that mean Audi will 16% when it goes on sale at the start of The electrified Q7 isn’t perfect though. easily meet its expectations of selling up 2020 with CO2 below 50g/km, although While Audi hasn’t published official weight to 30% of the Q7 mix as plug-in hybrids, Audi has yet to release an official figure. figures, it feels like the heaviest in the of which 50% will be company cars. To achieve this, Audi has paired range, most noticeably when cornering its 340hp 3.0-litre petrol engine with an and under braking. The brakes are easily up VERDICT: The most fleet-friendly Q7. It’s electric motor to give a combined total of to the job, you just have to give them a also the most appealing to use thanks to 455hp. Power from the motor and engine proper shove to slow from higher speeds. great efficiency, impressive performance feed both the front and the rear wheels And on a practical note, the addition of and total refinement. But only five seats. giving proper, full-time all-wheel drive. batteries means there’s no option to have Tristan Young

REFINED Q7 PHEV is virtually silent when running in eletric- only mode, and isn’t a whole lot noisier when the engine is playing its part in proceedings. The two power sources also give it huge performance

28 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW

POWERFUL New 100kW electric motor gives the Zoe a range of 240 miles, and significantly improved performance. It now feels at home out of town, where its predecessor felt less so

CLASSY Interior trims have been improved, and are made of plastic from recycled seatbelts and plastic bottles. Upgraded infotainment set-up works well too

SPECS P11D: £32,065 slightly to 240 miles. RANGE: 245 miles on its sleeve, or in this case, Despite the capacity (WLTP) its dash, with fabric recycled RENAULT hike, the battery is the CO2: 0g/km from old seatbelts and same size, so the longer ON SALE: January plastic bottles. All models range doesn’t come at the 2020 have a 10-inch TFT instrument ZOE expense of passenger or cluster in place of dials, and the GT LINE R135 ZE 50 boot space. uprated Easy Link touchscreen With the 80kW motor, the Zoe has infotainment system is easy to use. With Benefit-in-Kind tax changes set to always felt lively around town, but less Being designed on a bespoke EV make electric cars more appealing to punchy on A- and B-roads. The 100kW platform pays off in terms of interior company car drivers, 2020 looks sure to motor addresses that. space, which is generous for a supermini. be a big year for EVs. A thorough update Urban roads may seem like the natural Even the boot, with its 338-litre capacity, for the Zoe means Renault is well placed habitat of a supermini-sized EV such as is competitive with those of to make the most of the 0% BIK banding the Zoe, but it’s surprisingly good fun to conventionally powered small cars. for zero-emission vehicles for 2020/21. drive on a twisting back route. There’s lots There’s more safety kit than before, Available to order now with UK deliveries of roll, but the relatively soft suspension although it’s a shame that autonomous in January, the new Zoe has a larger- makes for a comfortable ride. emergency braking isn’t available initially. capacity battery, a more powerful motor, Another change that makes the Zoe After a few months it will be standard on better interior quality and more safety kit. suited to life beyond city limits is GT Line, and optional on Iconic trim. From a practical perspective, the new compatibility with 50kW DC rapid battery is the most significant change. The chargers. However, to keep the price down VERDICT: The Zoe is a much-improved capacity increases from 41kWh to 52kWh, this feature is a £750 cost option on Iconic car, setting a high benchmark for the enough to give a WLTP range of 245 miles and GT Line spec cars. It’s not available forthcoming Peugeot e-208 and for cars with the 80kW motor. Opt for the on more basic Play models. Vauxhall Corsa-e. new 100kW motor instead, and that drops Inside, the Zoe wears its eco-credentials David Motton

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 Tarraco is excelling as family transport SEAT TARRACO 2.0 TDI 150 SE Tech

TESTER’S NOTES

● The AdBlue re-fill warning light has made its presence known. It first appeared with a 1500-mile range warning and now comes on every time I start the engine. ● The luggage rings in the back make it easy to strap in heavy items which could move around in the boot. FIVE-MONTH SPECS norm, the size of occupants REPORT using the third-row is When the Spanish P11D: £30,555 restricted due to the brand’s range-topping OFFICIAL reduced headroom, seven-seat SUV landed COMBINED MPG: meaning the two rear- The rear seats are best on our fleet, it was the 47.9mpg most seats are best suited for smaller children perfect opportunity OUR COMBINED MPG: to small or mid-sized to see it could cope as a 43.7mpg children – tall teenagers family car in addition to its CO2: 129g/km and adults will struggle. duties as my daily steed. Good slide adjustment to With three children (aged 7, 11 the middle row allows the and 14) and a one-eyed Jack Russell provision of extra legroom for those cross who likes his comfort, seven-seats in the back while making entry and exit is a must for us on family outings once the easier – helpful if mum or dad is trying to usual luggage etc is factored in. The clunk-click a child into a car-seat! Tarraco hasn’t disappointed, coping well There’s also a small amount of stowage with everything we’ve thrown at it so far. next to the rear-most left-hand seat for It’s worth noting, though, that like all drinks bottles – saves having to keep seven-seaters in this particular segment, passing drinks back and forth. where sloping rooflines tend to be the Dave Wallace

UPDATE BMW 320D Well, the BMW has now managed to negotiate that most important of Tip-run test – BMW passed humdrum tasks – the tip run. I filled the boot with a range of detritus, including an old mountain bike, some worn-out brake pads, a strimmer that my next-door neighbour had managed to drive over, and various other odds and ends. Normally, this lot could have posed 320d looks a problem for a four-door, but our car’s moody in black folding rear seats meant it was simple to get everything in. The last time I brimmed the tank, I’ve also taken to using Eco Pro mode the range to empty meter showed a more often, mainly when on the motorway, whopping 687 miles. and the result is impressive. Euan Doig

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? TACHOGRAPH CO EMISSIONS (G/KM) 2019/20 2020/21* 2021/22* 2022/23 DEFINITION: There are strict rules governing the 2 number of hours a commercial goods vehicle driver Zero 16% 0% 1% 2% can do in any given period, and the tachograph is 1-50 (EV range 130+ miles) 16% 2% 2% 2% how this time is recorded. A tachograph (digital from 2006) records all the vital information, including time 1-50 (EV 70-129 miles) 16% 5% 5% 5% spent at the wheel, miles covered, and breaks taken. 1-50 (EV 40-69 miles) 16% 8% 8% 8% This tachograph plays a vital part of an employer's duty of care to the employee and other road users. 1-50 (EV 30-39 miles) 16% 12% 12% 12% 1-50 (EV sub-30 miles) 16% 14% 14% 14% 51-54 19% 15% 15% 15% VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY 55-59 19% 16% 16% 16% FIRST-YEAR AND ANNUAL CHARGE (RIGHT COLUMN) FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED FROM 1 APRIL 2017 60-64 19% 17% 17% 17% M G/K £ £ 65-69 19% 18% 18% 18% 1-50g/km £10 £145 70-75 19% 19% 19% 19% 51-75g/km £25 £145 76-79 22% 20% 20% 20% 76-90g/km £110 £145 80-84 22% 21% 21% 21% 91-100g/km £130 £145 85-89 22% 22% 22% 22% 101-110g/km £150 £145 111-130g/km £170 £145 90-94 22% 23% 23% 23% 131-150g/km £210 £145 95-99 23% 24% 24% 24% 151-170g/km £530 £145 100-104 24% 25% 25% 25% 171-190g/km £855 £145 105-109 25% 26% 26% 26% 191-225g/km £1,280 £145 226-255g/km £1,815 £145 110-114 26% 27% 27% 27% Over 255g/km £2,135 £145 115-119 27% 28% 28% 28% 120-124 28% 29% 29% 29% Diesel cars not meeting RDE2 emissions regulations are, from 1 April 2018, moved up 125-129 29% 30% 30% 30% one band to the maximum £2,135 first 130-134 30% 31% 31% 31% registration fee. Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less than the regular fee. 135-139 31% 32% 32% 32% Then the flat rate of £145 per year (0g/km cars £0, 140-144 32% 33% 33% 33% alternative fuels £130) applies, unless the car’s cost new 145-149 33% 34% 34% 34% was over £40,000, in which case add £310 per year for years two to five. VED cost is £145 per year after that. 150-154 34% 35% 35% 35% 155-159 35% 36% 36% 36% VEHICLES REGISTERED 160-164 36% 37% 37% 37% BEFORE 1 APRIL 2017 165 and above 37% 37% 37% 37%

CO2 EMISSIONS ANNUAL COST Add a 4% penalty for diesels up to 37% max, if not meeting RDE2 emissions standard. 0-100g/km £0 *Cars registered from 6 April 2020 will get a two-band reduction in 2020/21 and one-band 101-110g/km £20 reduction in 2021/22 to compensate for increased CO2 figures as a result of the new 111-120g/km £30 WLTP emissions test regime. 121-130g/km £125 131-140g/km £145 141-150g/km £160 CALENDAR KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS AND DATES 151-165g/km £200 166-175g/km £235 5 DECEMBER 2019 6 APRIL 2020 176-185g/km £260 BVRLA Industry Outlook Conference New tax year, incl. 0% EV BIK rates 186-200g/km £300 1 MARCH 2020 28-30 APRIL 2020 201-225g/km £325 New '20' number plate launches CV Show, NEC, Birmingham 226-255g/km £555 5-15 MARCH 2020 1 JULY 2020 Over 255g/km £570 Geneva motor show Birmingham Clean Air Zone launches Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less 5 MARCH 2020 26 OCTOBER 2021 than the regular fee BVRLA annual dinner, London London ULEZ expansion

32 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK KNOWLEDGE

ADVISORY FUEL RATES, PER MILE The rates set to reimburse employees for fuel used in company vehicles NEW CARS ENGINE SIZE PETROL LPG ENGINE SIZE DIESEL COMING SOON 1400cc or less 12p 8p 1600cc or less 10p The pace of new model arrivals has never been hotter in the company car sector. 1401cc to 2000cc 14p (15p) 10p (9p) 1601cc to 2000cc 11p (12p) Here are some of the key new arrivals Over 2000cc 21p (22p) 14p Over 2000cc 14p that could be finding their way onto your Advisory electric vehicle reimbursement rate: 4p per mile fleet in the coming months. Rates valid from 1 September 2019 (Figures for 1 June-31 August in brackets if changed) 2019 Renault Clio - October APPROVED MILEAGE ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS The rates to reimburse workers using their own vehicles for company business Nissan Juke – November Facelifted Vauxhall Astra - November TYPE OF VEHICLE FIRST 10,000 MILES ABOVE 10,000 MILES Ford Kuga - Late 2019 CARS AND VANS 45p 25p Ford Puma - Late 2019 MOTORCYCLES 24p 24p Mazda CX-30 - Late 2019 BIKES 20p 20p Mercedes-Benz GLB - Late 2019 Peugeot 208 - Late 2019 Renault Captur - Late 2019 Skoda Kamiq - Late 2019 2019/20 - FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE FUEL PRICES The taxable worth attached to the 2020 benefit of ‘free’ fuel October 2019 Vauxhall Corsa - January CAR FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE PETROL MULTIPLIER - £24,100 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe - Early 2020 VAN FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE - £655 Peugeot 2008 - Early 2020 126.9p Kia Xceed - Early 2020 (no change from Sep) 2019/20 - VAN BENEFIT CHARGE Defender - Spring The taxable worth attached to the DIESEL Audi A3 - Mid-year benefit of regular private use of a company Seat Leon - Autumn light commercial vehicle 131.8p VAN BENEFIT CHARGE - £3430 (+0.4p on Sep) 2021 Tesla Model Y - Late 2021 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 £62,755 POWER 457hp PERFORMANCE 4.5 seconds/168mph COMBINED MPG LEXUS 23.9mpg RC F CO2 258g/km

WHY SHOULD I WANT IT? The RC F looks great, especially at the rear where the four large exhaust pipes make a serious impression. The visual upgrades versus the regular RC coupe really bulk up the looks, and the V8 engine noise builds very pleasantly with acceleration, rather than just on downchanges. WHY CAN’T I HAVE IT? The light steering makes it feel more like a grand tourer than a hardcore performance rival to the BMW M4, and the infotainment system is way off the pace of those in the best German performance coupes. ARGUMENTS TO USE ON THE FLEET MANAGER MORE FLEETY ALTERNATIVE It’s not as hardcore as it looks, especially at the rear, The RC coupe that swaps the 457hp V8 engine for 223hp hybrid power which makes it a sightly better day-to-day car than makes for a significantly more sensible proposition. The performance might be expected. Boot space is acceptable, and there is less sparkling, but the good news is that emissions plunge to just are two rear seats, not that they’re much use for adults. 114g/km, and in F Sport trim it’s £20,000 less that the RC F. Paul Barker

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

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CROSS ● News - the very TEST DRIVE REVIEW PLUS On the road in Volkswagen’s Coffee with latest from the Volvo fleet boss new T-Cross baby SUV LITTLE GEM Steve Beattie UK fleet sector Analysis TEST DRIVE REVIEW Audi goes big with Can the new Peugeot 208 its electric plans ● continue the French brand’s Reviews - the recent good form? most in-depth fleet reviews available from first drives, 6 page road tests and long term tests gives you the insight Inside DRIVEN you need into NEW AUDI A1 the very latest models 2019 Geneva motor show SPECIAL REPORT: ● PLUS Interviews - BIG TEST SKODA SCALA GUNS FOR THE With the key CORE FLEET MARKET movers and shakers in TESTED: Nissan’s long-awaited new Juke the sector

To continue receiving your FREE copy of Company Car Today, register at www.dmags.co.uk/companycartoday MEASURE DISTANCE IN EMOTIONS. NOT MILES.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

CO2 from 128g/km | BIK from 33% | P11D from £33,595 | MPG up to 53.3 CO2 from 138g/km | BIK from 35% | P11D from £37,745 | MPG up to 46.3

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 0808 168 5135 or email alfaromeo.fl [email protected]

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO RANGE MPG ’L“100KM— COMBINED: 53.3 ’5.3— TO 24.5 ’11.5—. CO2 EMISSIONS: 227 œ 123 G“KM.

Fuel consumption fi gures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017“1347. CO2 fi gures are determined on the basis of the NEDC outgoing test cycle and will be used to

calculate vehicle tax on fi rst registration. Fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not refl ect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors

including the accessories fi tted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures with other cars tested to the same technical procedure.

ALF019_ThisIsNot_NonFin_CompanyCarToday_210x297_AW_FAv2.indd 1 10/10/2019 10:01