Issue 59: 18 September 2019 £5.99 www.companycartoday.co.uk

Your independent source of fleet news, reviews and interviews

PLUS Coffee with Vauxhall’s fleet boss VW’S FRESH talks plug-in plans Test Drive Reviews Kia Xceed, revised START Hyundai Ioniq EV, Mercedes CLA, FIRST PICTURES BMW X7 Electric ID.3 branded the beginning of a ‘new era’ for the German giant

PLUS BIG TEST IN-DEPTH LOOK AT MG’S FIRST ELECTRIC CAR

FIRST PICTURES: New Defender is here THETHE CHANGE CHANGE YOURYOUR FLEET DESERVES NewNew selectable selectable drive drive modes modes forfor differentdifferent road conditions. ExtendedExtended wheel wheel arches,arches, larger larger wheels wheels and and increased increased ride height for a commanding drive. drive. Plus,Plus, 575 575 litres litres of of storage storage space space –– allall you need to move your businessbusiness forward forward withwith confidence. confidence. Discover Discover more at ford.co.uk/new-focus

ModelModel shown shown is is an an All All-New-New Focus Focus Active Active X X Estate Estate 1.0T 1.0T 125PS125PS PetrolPetrol ManualManual with optional LED Headlights andand ConvenienceConvenience Pack. Pack. Fuel Fuel economy economy mpg mpg ( (l/100kml/100km)) ( (CombinedCombined)):: 45.645.6 ((6.26.2)).. *CO2 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 andand COCO 22 figuresfigures withwith otherother cars testedtested toto thethe samesame technical 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 aa numbernumber of factors including the accessoriesaccessories fitted, fitted, variationsvariations in inweather, weather, driving driving styles styles and and vehicle vehicle load. load. *There *There is is a a new new test test used used forfor fuelfuel consumptionconsumption and CO 2 figures.figures. TheThe COCO22 figuresfigures 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 onon firstfirst registration.registration. FOREWORD CONTENTS

04 NEWS New Land Rover Defender revealed; new Nissan Juke 9 VW’S EV FUTURE ID.3 signals a fresh start for VW 12 BIG TEST WELCOME MG ZS EV under the microscope It’s going to be maximum efficiency, can provide a stepping stone in both powertrain and 18 INTERVIEW a fascinating driver mentality terms, educating users as Vauxhall fleet supremo James 2020 in terms to the ways of electric vehicle ownership Taylor on the brand’s plug-in plans without sole reliance on a new technology. of ascertaining But ‘where deployed properly’ is the 20 REVIEWS the real demand key. PHEVs are yet to shake the reputation New Kia Xceed; Mercedes CLA; for plug-in as a tax dodge that don’t see a charging Hyundai electric Ioniq; BMW X7 cable, and fleets have to ensure that these hybrid cars. cars are only offered to drivers that can 29 LONG-TERM TESTS Looking at both what was on stands at use them to the fullest extent, which Honda CR-V enjoys a holiday; Seat last week’s Frankfurt motor show and means home charging at a bare minimum, Tarraco helps out the air cadets announced by other manufacturers not and ideally workplace or public charging attending the event, plug-in hybrids whenever possible. Embracing the 31 THE KNOWLEDGE: BCA included the Kia Xceed and Ceed SW, technology means embracing the How emissions are affecting values Volvo XC40 (meaning the brand now has mentality too, and with the sheer quantity a PHEV of every model in its range), the of plug-in hybrid product coming, and 34 FLEET OF FANCY Mercedes GLE with an incredible 60-mile The Jaguar F-Pace SVR offers manufacturers desperate to cut their CO2 WLTP range figure, Renault Captur, BMW levels to hit EU targets and avoid huge an enticing blend of V8 grunt X1, X3 and 3-Series Touring, new Land and aggressively enhanced looks fines, the powertrain is set to move Rover Defender, Vauxhall Grandland X, squarely into the mainstream in 2020. Ford Kuga, Seat Tarraco and Skoda Superb were announced or confirmed, in what is 04 unlikely to be an exhaustive list. All this means it’s time to see whether fleets believe that plug-in hybrids can form an important part of the journey to electrification. There were pivotal full electric debuts in Germany too, with the VW ID.3 (see page 9) grabbing the attention in particular, but there has to Paul Barker Editor be an acceptance that higher-mileage drivers can still be reluctant to make the Newspress Automotive 12 lifestyle changes that battery—only Editor of the Year 2018 power entails. But plug-in hybrids, where Guild of Motoring Writers deployed properly and charged to achieve 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 18 20 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.

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

LONG- AWAITED HEIR TO DEFENDER THRONE REVEALED

Land Rover has finally revealed Important numbers from a plug-in hybrid Defender its new Defender, with the capability perspective include next year. replacement for the off-road 900kg payload, 300kg static All vehicles get heated legend on sale now with first roof load, 3500kg towing limit and semi-powered front deliveries coming in early 2020. and 900mm wading depth. seats, dual-zone climate Production of the prior The new Defender comes control, Apple CarPlay, Defender ended after 67 years with a choice of 200hp or 10-inch touchscreen and in early 2016, and Land Rover 240hp 2.0-litre diesels and full connectivity, while claimed that the new car, which 300hp 2.0 or 400hp 3.0 petrols, safety systems include 3D will come in short-wheelbase plus five trim levels, from basic surround camera, lane- 90 (pictured) and longer five- Defender through S, SE, HSE keep assist and adaptive speed Testing has encompassed door 110 forms, is a “world- and X, although the top one is limiter. Over-the-air software more than 745m miles including class expert, off and on-road”. only offered with the 400hp update capability is also fitted. 50 degree heat, sub-40 degree Initially, orders are only petrol at a cost of £78,800. The Defender 110 offers Arctic cold and altitude of being taken on the 110, which Land Rover said both diesel seating for five, six or seven, 10,000ft in Colorado’s Rocky costs from £45,240, with engines will offer an official thanks to the option of a small Mountains. A huge choice of the 90 following “shortly” 37.2mpg and 199g/km, central “jump seat” and the individual accessories includes with a £40,000 guide price, although the environmental ability to spec a 5+2 seating remote control electric winch, and commercial versions of offering will be markedly layout. Load space behind the rooftop tent and inflatable both models coming in 2020. improved by the addition of a second row is up to 1075 litres. waterproof awning.

XC40 plug-in completes Volvo range BVRLA sends Budget demands to Treasury Volvo has introduced a plug-in The BVRLA has written to ● Ensure the company car hybrid variant to its XC40 SUV, chancellor Sajid Javid asking market stays a source of meaning it now offers PHEV him to help fleets with his clean vehicles by monitoring options across its entire range. Budget 2019 statement. the impact of WLTP. The first deliveries of the Included in its list of ● Adjust CO₂-related taxes vehicle are due to commence demands, the organisation has and charges such as capital in February with prices called on the chancellor to: allowance and lease rental starting from £40,905 ● Make EVs more accessible restriction to account for for the entry-level car. powerful powertrain in the by removing the £320 VED the increase in WLTP-based The model marries the XC40 range. CO2 emissions surcharge or increasing the CO₂-emissions figures. company’s new 1.5-litre three- start from 38g/km. £40,000 threshold. ● Support rental companies to cylinder 180hp petrol engine The battery has a capacity ● Help fleet drivers by put cleaner vehicles on UK with an 82hp electric motor in of 10.7kWh, enabling providing clarity on company roads by making VED bands a hybrid system that delivers electric-only driving of car tax rates beyond 2023. more granular. 262hp, making it the most up to 28.6 miles.

4 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK NEWS BITES

HUGE ELECTRIC RANGE FOR NEW MERCEDES GLE PHEV Mercedes-Benz has confirmed new diesel and petrol plug-in hybrid GLE mid-sized SUV models with an electric range of more than 60 miles in official tests. The PHEVs goes on sale next month, with emissions figures of 29g/km and from 51g/km respectively. Second- generation Juke unveiled HMRC RELEASES NEW AFRS HMRC has released the latest Nissan has revealed the position and update to its Advisory Fuel latest version of its Juke more user- Rates, which were implemented crossover ahead of the friendly controls. from 1 September. The diesel first customer deliveries The company has fitted its ProPilot technology is on rate for company cars with commencing in November. NissanConnect infotainment the Juke for the first time. an engine size from 1601cc to Priced from £17,395, the system, allowing customers “The Nissan Juke is back 2000cc has decreased by 1p per model is offered with just the to use Apple CarPlay and with its unique identity, mile to 11p while petrol engines one engine from launch – a Android Auto to mirror their even more character, of 1400-2000cc and over three-cylinder 117hp 1.0-litre smartphone apps on the exciting performance 2000cc fall by 1ppm to 14ppm petrol unit that can be linked 8.0-inch touch screen display, and advanced technology and 21ppm respectively. to either a six-speed manual adding that drivers can also that responds to driver gearbox or seven-speed access TomTom Maps & Live needs,” said Ponz automatic transmission. Traffic or activate their on- Pandikuthira, Nissan SEVEN HIT FIVE-STAR Nissan claimed the new board wi-fi hotspot to allow Europe vice-president of CRASH TEST SCORE model has been “transformed passengers to connect product planning. Seven cars have been awarded on the inside”, saying it is laptops or tablets. “The new design and the maximum five-star result in roomier for both passengers Safety technologies, exciting driving experience the latest round of Euro NCAP and their belongings with meanwhile, include Intelligent will appeal to the growing crash test scores. The new Audi rear-seat kneeroom increased Emergency Braking with number of customers A1, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz by 58mm, and rear headroom Pedestrian and Cyclist opting for compact CLA and EQC, Skoda Kamiq and by 110mm. The boot capacity Recognition, Traffic Sign crossovers. The Juke Ssangyong Korando all hit the is now 422 litres, which Recognition, Intelligent Lane has grown up, while still top mark. Ford also retested its represents a 20% increase. Intervention, Rear Cross retaining the fun-to-drive Focus following improvements The new car is also claimed Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot qualities that have always to the seats and head restraints. to offer a better driving Intervention. The firm’s made it stand out.”

SUBTLE REDESIGN FOR REVISED AUDI A5 Plug-in Kia models on sale next year Audi’s revised A5 range of Tesla wins as Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet Kia has confirmed that plug- drivers to complete the new cars dip will arrive in the UK next spring, in hybrid variants of its Ceed majority of daily journeys with upgraded engines and mild Sportswagon and new XCeed on electric power. There was a 1.6% year-on- hybrid technology, plus the will go on sale next year. ● Kia Xceed test drive year drop in the number of latest Audi infotainment system, The models will have a review, p20 cars registered in August, all bringing the sportier model in powertrain that combines according to the SMMT, but line with the recent updates to an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer Tesla’s new Model 3 ranked the A4 saloon and Avant. battery pack, a 44.5 kW third in the new model electric motor, and a 1.6-litre chart with more than petrol engine, with a total 2000 registrations. power of 139hp. In total, 92,573 cars were Kia said it is targeting an registered last month, with all-electric range of around fleet registrations falling by 37 miles for both vehicles, 3.5% to 48,583 units. which it said will enable

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 5 NEWS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES FLEET MANAGEMENT

PLYMOUTH OFFERS FLEETS the new shareholder. The VRA SEMINAR FOCUSES workplace parking levy after CHARGING POINT FUNDING participation of new investors ON 2020 CHALLENGES council bosses admitted to a Fleets based in Plymouth in Ionity is a clear signal of The challenges facing the long-term goal for a charge have been invited to apply trust indicating that the work remarketing sector in 2020 on business parking spaces in for funding from the City of our young company is is the subject of a free the city. Plans are still vague, Council to help install EV already bearing fruit.” conference being organised but the Midlands city could charging points. The council by the Vehicle Remarketing follow Nottingham, with the said it wants to “hear from ECOTRICITY PRICE HIKE Association. “2020 Vision” goal of funding improvements businesses interested in a Ecotricity is to raise the cost will take a wide-ranging look to public transport and share of £200,000 available of using its charge points at issues likely to affect the managing congestion. for installing charge points.” to fund investments in its used car and van markets. infrastructure. From October The event will take place at BUREAU SEEKS BAN ON HYUNDAI AND KIA JOIN 4, it will cost 39p per kWh – The Slate, Warwick University MOBILE USE AT WHEEL IONITY CHARGE NETWORK up from 30p. The EV charging on Wednesday, 27 November, Driving licence checking Hyundai and Kia have invested arm of the business has been and there are 150 spaces. service Licence Bureau has in Ionity, the electric vehicle criticised for the network’s backed a call for a complete charging point company poor reliability. Ecotricity also LEICESTER WORKPLACE ban on mobile phone use backed by BMW, Daimler, Ford said it is planning to install CHARGING PLAN while driving. “It is absolutely and the Volkswagen Group. contactless “over the next Leicester could be the second the right thing to do – lives Michael Hajesch, CEO of couple of years”. city to implement a are being lost and it is long Ionity, said: “Ionity overdue,” said managing is pleased to welcome director Malcolm Maycock.

GOVERNMENT Webfleet Solutions following its ROUND UP acquisition by Bridgestone earlier this year. Webfleet SCOTTISH PUBLIC SECTOR Solutions has a customer base TO DITCH FUELS BY 2025 of over 1.2m vehicles across The Scottish Government the world, and was acquired by has vowed to phase out the the tyre company to allow it to use of petrol and diesel cars “provide a wider range of digital and vans from public sector mobility and fleet solutions”. fleets by 2025. As part of its England, following an plan to decarbonise public investigation. The Transport TECHNOLOGY VERIZON ADDS REMOTE sector fleets, the Scottish Committee criticised the VEHICLE IMMOBILISATION Government said it will also Department for Transport Technology firm Verizon “ensure that the public for “failing to take action on ADBLUE ‘REDUCES NOX Connect has added a new tool sector considers whether a pavement parking” adding EMISSIONS BY 80%’ that will enable fleets to vehicle genuinely needs to that MPs have been told it Volkswagen has developed a remotely immobilise vehicles be replaced like-for-like or has a detrimental effect on new AdBlue system which it that have been stolen or are whether it could consolidate people’s lives and can lead to said will cut diesel NOx being driven by unauthorised its fleet, move to a shared social isolation. emissions by up to 80%. persons, allowing them to be vehicle service or switch to The technology is already securely recovered. Integrated active travel”. MORE MONEY FOR BUSES used in the new Passat’s with the firm’s fleet The Government has 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine management platform, the MPS CALL FOR PAVEMENT allocated an extra £200 and the manufacturer said it system will also allow fleets to PARKING BAN million to improve bus will gradually introduce it to remotely disable the ignition A group of MPs have called services in the UK. all models with 2.0-litre diesel system and view a history of on the Government to Making the announcement, unit. The system involves a when a vehicle has been outlaw pavement parking in Chancellor Sajid Javid said ‘twin dosing’ process where mobilised or immobilised. the money would “put the Adblue is injected selectively wheels back on the Great upstream of two SCR British bus”. He added: (selective catalytic reduction) “We’re funding ultra-low catalytic converters. emissions buses and will trial new, on-demand TOMTOM REBRANDED TO services to respond to WEBFLEET SOLUTIONS passenger needs.” Telematics company TomTom has been rebranded to

6 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK The new Passat GTE. Feel free to be busy.

Official fuel consumption figures for the Passat range in mpg (litres/100 km): combined 176.6 – 217.3 (1.6 – 1.3). Electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 17.1 – 16.1. Combined CO2 emissions 39 – 34 g/km.

Model shown includes optional extras. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other vehicles 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 CO2 figures (known as WLTP). The CO2 figures shown however, are based on a calculation designed to be equivalent to the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Data correct at 09/19. Figures quoted are for a range of configurations and are subject to change due to ongoing approvals/changes. Please consult your retailer for further information.

460516-58198-Passat Print UK FY19Q3 COMPANY CAR TODAY Print Ad 210x297_GBE.indd 1 09/09/2019 14:04

NEWS ANALYSIS

IN-DEPTH ID.3 electric car the cabin, with only the electric on which it is based will also window and hazard light form the underpinnings for functions retaining tactile vehicles across the VW Group, ‘ushers in a new switches. The interior also including Audi, Seat and features a central 10.0-inch Skoda models, with the touchscreen system and full production version of Seat’s era’ for VW smartphone connectivity, El-Born concept car being while VW is claiming class- next when it launches in leading interior occupant space. summer 2020. The ID.3 is Volkswagen has welcomed the that is still in place by the “The ID.3 is an all-rounder also the first car to feature “first model of a completely time VW starts orders. that is suitable for everyday Volkswagen’s redesigned logo new generation of pure Volkswagen has already use,” said Silke Bagschik, head as part of the car’s role in, electric vehicles” with the taken the full quota of 30,000 of sales and marketing for the according to the company, unveiling of its ID.3 electric deposits across Europe for ID family of vehicles. “It is reflecting “the realignment of hatchback at last week’s the high-spec ID.3 1st compact, as such offering the Volkswagen brand”. Frankfurt motor show. launch-edition car that will the manoeuvrability of a small “With the ID.3, Volkswagen Coming to the UK next arrive a month or so before the car with the interior space of is heading towards the future,” summer, the ID.3 will be offered regular model next summer, a mid-range vehicle.” said Klaus Bischoff, head of with three battery power with that car expected to Volkswagen’s ID range of design for Volkswagen. “The options of 45, 58 and 77kWh, cost around £35,000. electric cars will expand over natural style and absolutely with respective ranges of The standard model is the coming years, with a intuitive driving experience 205, 258 and 342 miles. The expected to come in a single version of the ID Crozz SUV demonstrate a new, electric middle of the trio is expected trim level and gets an all-new concept car set to be next to way of thinking.” to be most popular. VW cockpit including touch- market. The MEB platform Paul Barker UK prices haven’t yet been sensitive buttons across announced, but based on the sub-€30,000 announcement in Europe, the entry-level ID.3 ID.3 is the start is expected to cost less than of VW’s move to £27,000 before the an electric future Government’s £3500 low-emission vehicle grant, assuming

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 9

The most comprehensive The Big Test product review in fleet

MG ZS EV The Chinese-owned British brand has taken its first step into the world of plug-in vehicles with the competitively priced full electric ZS SUV

2011, joined two years later by The ZS was previewed by Europe in which MGs are sold, IN CONTEXT the MG3 supermini that is still the MG CS concept car although this may change. part of the range today. (pictured) at the Shanghai MG has sold 7989 cars so MG is owned by SAIC Motor The brand moved into Motor Show in April 2013, and fat in 2019, 40.5% up on the Corporation, one of the big SUVs in 2016 with the Nissan the brand has also previously same period of 2018, taking a four state-owned Chinese Qashqai-sized GS, and in run development versions of 0.5% market share to put it automakers, which hoovered 2017 added the smaller ZS a supermini electric vehicle less than 1000 behind Lexus. up Nanjing Automobile in crossover, the car that now that never made it to market. 2007, a year after Nanjing has MG’s first electric MG is SAIC’s international acquired the MG marque. powertrain to go with its brand, with the company The UK’s first new MG for 16 pair of petrol engines. using its Roewe brand in its years, the MG6 upper medium A third MG SUV, the larger domestic market. At present, hatchback, was launched in HS, launches late this year. the UK is the only market in

12 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

Supply is said to not be an issue; MG has a factory capable of making 300,000 batteries a year.

TEST NOTES

● The rear seats fold, but it’s far from a flat layout, with a big step up from the boot floor to the dropped rear seats. ● There’s a distinct and useful difference between the three brake energy regeneration settings. ● The charge point is neatly stashed behind the large MG badge in the grille, although that means you need to go nose-first priced at £28,495 before the Government’s into parking spaces to WHAT £3500 plug-in car grant, and the Exclusive charge the car, rather than costing an extra £2000. That puts it in excess of THEY the more preferable and £2000 cheaper than an N-Connecta-spec Leaf, SAY... textbook reversing in. and a further £1000 beneath an electric VW Golf, both of which are in the same official mileage ball park; the Leaf can do five miles more and the “With an Golf will cover 19 less. MG is also offering a limited exciting £21,495 retail-only discount of a further £3500 as part of price point at launch, its launch into the electric vehicle sector. the ZS EV is a Another new brand has moved in to the electric But that doesn’t mean equipment levels have compelling option for vehicle arena, and MG has instantly jumped a budget feel to them, with the MG Pilot suite customers who want to ahead of many more established players by of safety kit, which includes autonomous switch from petrol and offering a comparatively affordable SUV. emergency braking, lane-keep assist and diesel cars and enjoy The MG ZS is a small crossover very much at the adaptive cruise control, among the standard kit all the benefits of budget end of the scale, as the British brand seeks list. Each ZS EV also includes keyless entry, electric motoring. to re-establish itself under Chinese ownership. The sat-nav via an 8.0-inch touchscreen, rear parking “ZS EV is here to foray into electric vehicles is, according to the brand, sensors, smart 17-inch alloy wheels and revolutionise the way a serious extension rather than a niche addition (see automatic headlights. Jump up to Exclusive trim people think about What They Say, right). The first 1000 cars sold out and blindspot detection, rear cross traffic alert, electric cars. With the within two weeks of the pricing announcement automatic wipers, heated front seats, panoramic first truly affordable, earlier this summer, and MG says supply won’t be sunroof, rear parking camera and silver roof rails family-friendly electric the issue it is for some other brands (Kia and are all added. The only item on the options list is car, MG is bringing Hyundai are quoting 12-month waits for cars) three colour choices over the basic white that’s zero-emissions because MG has a battery factory capable of free of charge. motoring within producing 300,000 EV batteries a year. The driving experience of the MG ZS EV isn’t everyone’s reach. The ZS EV has an official WLTP test range of the most impressive part of the package. The car “Make no mistake, 163 miles, which is less than the aforementioned feels a little like it’s early electric vehicle this car isn’t a brand Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona EV, but its pricing is technology, especially with the snatchy and statement or a vanity impressive when you compare it with the similar sensitive brake pedal that stands the car on its project, we’re here to range potential of the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen nose with little provocation, and the thumpy ride sell many electric cars.” e-Golf electric five-door hatches that also count as quality that makes it feel like the dampers and Daniel Gregorious, head key rivals while electric vehicles are still fairly sparse. suspension aren’t quite up to the job. The steering of sales and marketing, There are two trim levels of ZS EV, with the Excite is also a little numb, albeit weighty enough. MG Motor UK

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 13 SPACE Luggage space is great, and the ZS EV is seemingly unaffected by the packaging issues that afflict many rivals. Folded seats leave a step in the boot, though

It has the instant power surge that users of EVs will be fond of

COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING

How the MG ZS EV stacks up across the range, and against its key rivals MODEL PRICE ALLOYS SCREEN KEYLESS HEATED FRONT PARK/ BLIND SPOT METALLIC GAPS (INCH) SIZE (INCH) ENTRY SEATS REAR CAMERA ALERT PAINT

Excite n/a 17 8.0 – – / – – £545 Exclusive* +£2000 17 8.0 – / £545

*Model tested RIVALS (P) = Pack

Kia e-Niro +£6000 17 8.0 – £585 First Edition

Nissan Leaf N-Connecta +£2300 17 7.0 £575

Volkswagen e-Golf +£3345 16 8.0 £390 £410 (P) / £345 (P) £1135 (P) £595

KIA E-NIRO VOLKSWAGEN E-GOLF

NISSAN LEAF

14 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST

TECHNOLOGY QUALITY Unfortunately, some ZS EV is not short of of the trims you touch either luxury or safety regularly feel a bit on kit, but systems such as the cheap side, but the infotainment set-up this is offset by nicer betray their budget leather seats origins by taking too long to start up

under the driver’s elbow, two cupholders that have decent depth but will struggle to take larger cups or bottles, and larger door bins. The boot is a very good Bumpier roads size at 448 litres, the same as a petrol ZS and expose the poor outpointing most electric vehicles, seemingly ride quality unencumbered by the battery packaging, something that handicaps some rivals. The load area also has a handy small netted section each side of the load bay for protecting smaller fragile However, the ZS EV has the instant surge of items, although there are no luggage hooks. However, acceleration those familiar with electric vehicle when you fold down the rear row of seats for driving will be fond of, as well as the pleasantly silent increased luggage space, there’s nowhere near low-speed running that makes for a relaxed driving a flat floor; you’re left with a steep ledge where experience. Also positive is the ability to pick the back seats have dropped down. between three very distinct levels of brake energy The infotainment system isn’t great, taking a recuperation via a large toggle switch in the middle surprisingly long time to boot up and then not being of the cabin. The first level is unobtrusive but particularly user-friendly when it is running. That doesn’t replenish the battery to the same extent said, the screen is large and the ZS EV comes with as the higher levels, with level three allowing almost Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. single-pedal driving by offering enough regeneration Premium brands take note. to actively slow the car so that, with a bit of However, it’s cost where the MG is at its most awareness and forward planning on when to come impressive, and not just that low purchase price. off the accelerator, the brake pedal is rarely required. Kee Resources puts the residual value at 35.2%, The cabin is of mixed quality, with hard plastic which is strong for an electric vehicle and well above across much of an interior that’s interspersed, the residuals of EVs from more established brands. on the higher-spec trim level driven here at least, Insurance costs are also impressively low, which helps with nicer leather trim on the bits you spend the to counter the surprisingly high figure for servicing, most time touching, such as the steering wheel maintenance and repairs. and central armrest. And that’s all before you get to the cost to a Cabin storage is mixed, with a smaller central bin company car driver, which is clearer since the

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 15 It isn’t a cutting-edge EV, but the costs case is hugely persuasive

HEAD-TO-HEAD - the key stats SMR COST NEED TO KNOW 1 Volkswagen e-Golf £1038 MG ZS EV 44.5kWh Exclusive 2 Nissan Leaf £1377 (£30,440*) vs THE RANGE 3 Kia e-Niro £1445 Kia e-Niro 64kWh First Edition 4 MG ZS EV £1963 The MG ZS electric range comes with a (£36,440*) vs single battery and a choice of two trim Nissan Leaf 40kWh N-Connecta BIK PER MONTH – 20%/40% (BANDING) levels – Excite and Exclusive. All cars (£32,740*) vs 1 MG ZS EV £81/£162 (16%) are front-wheel-drive, and MG claims Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8kWh 2 Nissan Leaf £87/£175 (16%) to have few of the supply problems (£33,785*) 3 Volkswagen e-Golf £90/£180 (16%) 4 Kia e-Niro £97/£194 (16%) plaguing rivals’ electric offerings. EMISSIONS (RANGE) LENGTH FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 1 Kia e-Niro 0g/km (282 miles) 2 Nissan Leaf 0g/km (168 miles) 1 Nissan Leaf 4490mm Nothing more is planned for the line-up, 3 MG ZS EV 0g/km (163 miles) 2 Kia e-Niro 4375mm although MG is expected to expand its 4 Volkswagen e-Golf 0g/km (144 miles) 3 MG ZS EV 4314mm electric offering into other models. 4 Volkswagen e-Golf 4270mm POWER/0-62MPH PERFORMANCE WIDTH (EXCL. MIRRORS) WHAT’S NEW FROM THE RIVALS 1 Kia e-Niro 204hp/7.5sec 1 MG ZS EV 1809mm 2 Nissan Leaf 150hp/7.9sec Ssangyong will launch an electric 2 Kia e-Niro 1805mm 3 MG ZS EV 143hp/8.5sec version of its new Korando next 3 Volkswagen e-Golf 1799mm 4 Volkswagen e-Golf 136hp/9.6sec summer, while other electric 4 Nissan Leaf 1788mm crossovers on the way include the WHOLE-LIFE COST HEIGHT Kia Soul and Peugeot 2008. 1 MG ZS EV 51.6p 1 Kia e-Niro 1805mm 2 Nissan Leaf 58.2p PRICE RANGE 2 MG ZS EV 1636mm 3 Volkswagen e-Golf 59.1p 3 Nissan Leaf 1540mm £28,440-£30,440* 4 Kia e-Niro 62.8p 4 Volkswagen e-Golf 1482mm POWERTRAIN LINE-UP* RESIDUAL VALUE BOOT (TO PARCEL SHELF) ELECTRIC 1 MG ZS EV 35.2% 1 Kia e-Niro 451 litres 143hp 44.5kWh -0g/km, 163-mile range 2 Kia e-Niro 31.4% 2 MG ZS EV 448 litres 3 Volkswagen e-Golf 31.2% 3 Nissan Leaf 400 litres *Before Government £3500 ULEV grant 4 Nissan Leaf 30.0% 4 Volkswagen e-Golf 341 litres

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

VERDICT

DRIVE 7/10 The noise-free drive is relaxing, and the instant punch of acceleration pleasing, although the brakes are unpleasantly snatchy and the steering is a little numb. Government finally recently announced its plans for Benefit-in-Kind taxation for the coming years. EFFICIENCY 9/10 A 40% taxpayer will have a monthly BIK bill of £162 Zero emissions has clear tax until April 2020. But in the new tax year the figure, benefits from next April, although as is the case with all fully electric cars, drops to the battery range doesn’t match absolutely nothing for 12 months, and then £10 and those of more expensive EVs. £20 a month in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 tax years. By comparison, the figures for the 106hp 1.5-litre PRACTICALITY 7/10 petrol MG ZS are £166 per months this year and Good boot space and reasonable then £171pm for each of the four years after that. rear passenger room, and the Yes, that car does cost almost £12,000 less than range, while not the longest, seems the EV up front, but the tax savings are there to to drop in line with miles covered. see before you even look at the £1400 the company will save in National Insurance or the fuel cost EQUIPMENT 8/10 savings versus the petrol car. Good kit levels on both trims, given The ZS EV is a good debut into the world of the comparatively low purchase plug-in vehicles for MG, and is likely to help push the price. No options bar metallic paint. already-growing brand to wider recognition of its current line-up. Certainly, this new SUV isn’t the LOOKS 8/10 most polished or cutting-edge electric vehicle to The alloys and brighter paint drive, but the costs case is hugely persuasive, given colours help emphasise a smart this is a small crossover vehicle that has the boot if understated crossover. and rear passenger space to act as a primary vehicle in a household. In addition, the range is in line with COMFORT AND the ‘second division’ of electric vehicle battery REFINEMENT 6/10 capability – it can’t match the Hyundai Kona’s larger The ride quality isn’t great, tending battery or that of the Kia Niro, but is ahead of the to thump over bumps rather than new breed of small city car EVs coming from the working too hard to absorb them. ZS is silent at likes of Honda and Mini; a real-world 150 miles with low speed delicate driving should be plenty for enough users CABIN 6/10 to make the electric MG a success. Mixed qualities, with some nicer leather contrasting with plenty of cheap plastic. Varied sizes of THREE THINGS WE LIKE… stowage dotted around the cabin. 3 INFOTAINMENT 5/10 A bit of a weak point, portraying 1 the MG’s budget positioning. It’s very slow to boot up and not particularly user-friendly. Also, our car always reset the volume to louder on start up than it was set to when shut off.

WHOLE-LIFE COSTS 9/10 The higher Exclusive trim gets an Great residual values compared opening panoramic roof as standard with other electric models and the The big regeneration toggle makes tax benefits will step up hugely it easy to flick between modes from the 2020/21 tax year. CCT OPINION 7/10 2 An interesting budget addition to the EV ranks, the MG is a capable and practical alternative.

VERDICT 72% It has its flaws around the driving experience, infotainment and some areas of cabin quality, but the costs …AND ONE WE DON’T equation stacks up very nicely and it looks smart. The 17-inch alloy wheels on both trim levels are smart The infotainment system is slow to boot up and not the most user-friendly

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

JAMES TAY LOR, FLEET SALES, CV AND REMARKETING DIRECTOR, VAUXHALL

TRANSITIONAL TIMES

Vauxhall and Opel’s 2017 acquisition by PSA Groupe, parent company to Citroen, DS and Peugeot, is instigating a product line-up change as the brand moves over from previous owner GM’s platforms to those of the French company. “It’s been very much a year full of product launches, whether that is new models or new engines; and we’ve had quite a lot of launches on the commercial vehicle side as well,” Vauxhall’s fleet boss James Taylor tells Company Car Today. “There’s been a lot of transition, from the legacy GM platforms out of the business and the start of the move into the new PSA platforms. We always had Grandland X and The next 12 months will be pivotal for How important will the new PHEV Crossland X that were on a joint PSA Vauxhall, as it is about to embark on a road Q version be in terms of overall platform and we’ve now launched where plug-in vehicles take on greater Grandland X volume? Combo and new Vivaro. Equally, significance, especially in the business We’re looking at circa-5000 in terms you’ve seen Astra GTC and Zafira sector, as James Taylor discusses. A of volume aspirations. This year we will Tourer finish, then Cascada and over do circa-25,000 Grandland Xs, so I guess the next few months we’ll see Viva, Electric vehicles are going to be your you’re looking at 15-20% of mix. We should Adam and Mokka X end.” Q big story over the next 12 months do more Grandland Xs next year because The big new model news late this with the new Corsa E and Grandland X Mokka X is due to fall out of the model year is the new Corsa supermini, PHEV. It must be a relief to have these portfolio and probably more people will another platform-share with the vehicles coming through? migrate to Grandland X rather than new Peugeot 208, while the lower We are speaking to lots of people who Crossland X from that car. medium Astra has recently been A are interested. For electric cars, I would revised including RDE2-compliant say that 12 or 24 months ago, there wasn’t How important will the fleet market engines, with first deliveries coming that same enquiry about what the Q be for that plug-in hybrid car? in November. The Grandland X and solutions are. But that seems to have I would expect a significant majority Insignia will get new powertrains changed quite dramatically recently and to be company car drivers. There’s no next summer, with more details A expected in the spring. there does seem to be this interest in doubt that we will do some retail but the electric vehicles. majority of those sales are going to need

18 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK INTERVIEW to come from company car drivers everybody can do everything because choosing the vehicle. of the investment involved and trying The other part of it from a product to bring it all to market – you have to TOP PICKS perspective is that it’s an exceptional choose what you are going to do first. product; you’ve got four-wheel drive and JAMES selects his you’ve got 300hp equivalent with the four And plug-in vehicles are going to be stand-out cars electric motors so it’s kind of like a Q a big deal in terms of the company performance vehicle. It’s certainly not hitting its CO2 targets and avoiding the a vehicle that’s utilitarian from a buy- associated large fines? PAS T in-bulk point of view. What is critical is that we put all our VAUXHALL ASTRA The first vehicles will be on the road in A focus in to selling the Corsa battery CONVERTIBLE TURBO January, and one of the key things where EV in particular, and behind that the It would have been around 2004 that I hope we will have an advantage over the Grandland X PHEV because they have I had one and I loved that car, it was competition is people saying to me we without doubt the biggest impact on brilliant. I was out in the field at the want to order hybrids, electric vehicles etc, the brand’s average CO2. time and doing a lot of miles, and but there are exceptionally long lead times. It’s one of the things you clearly have I remember that it was so much We’re planning for deliveries of Grandland to do to hit your EU Café target, with fun to drive. X PHEV to begin in January and Corsa-E battery electric vehicles counting double, in March in significant volumes. rather than trying to tweak a little bit of I think we will have enough supply for a change from petrol to diesel. That what we require. The group feels that it makes in reality quite a small difference is in a good place with its supply chain for versus if you can sell more of the BEVs the manufacturing of both battery electric and PHEVs. vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. There do seem to be really long You’ve recently revised the Astra. lead times on some of the vehicles out Q What opportunities lie ahead for there today. I actually thought that was you with that car? just because those cars were being held I think in terms of the new RDE2- back for 2020, but it seems that the lead A compliant engines there is an times are being quoted well into 2020 absolutely massive change from the which says the customers are finding it existing car. Customers will see that when difficult to get hold of those vehicles. This they experience driving them and you can PRESENT is particularly the case for those that want see that from the stats. CO2 emissions are VAUXHALL INSIGNIA to buy a significant number, and hopefully down, both on the diesel and the petrol, The current Insignia is a great car, that should be one of our advantages that with the latter becoming more important even though you don’t necessarily we will be in free supply of the electric as people have moved back out of diesel. see as many on the road as its Corsa from March. In some cases BIK has been reduced by predecessors. To do a lot of miles it’s CCT up to seven bands on the new car, which is quiet, refined and looks really good. What sort of share of Corsa volumes enormous. You’re looking at significant Q will the electric version account for? real-world fuel savings for the new vehicle You’re probably looking at 10-15% mix over the previous one, and that helps A of Corsa, so it’s not a small number but cement the Astra as one of the core equally it’s not the same as having a whole choices in that segment. other car line to sell. Order take so far has been good on fleet, so I’m very excited Do you think the RDE2 message is indeed about it. Q getting through to fleets and drivers, given the significant BIK savings? You must be relieved that you now I’d say awareness is below where we Q have an answer to the electric A would like it to be, given we have vehicle question? already launched an RDE2 vehicle. Clearly, It has come at the just right time for everybody has got to launch over the next A us, because there is a massive nine months or so. That does give us a big opportunity today with the advent of advantage now but one of the key things electric motoring; a customer that has we have got to be able to do is get that FUTURE possibly been with a brand for a long time communication message out. It is VAUXHALL CORSA E but who just doesn’t see an electric a significant enhancement, given that I want to see what it’s like. solution in that portfolio will be forced to company car tax in general has Undoubtedly electric is the future, and look outside. Clearly that’s a risk for us as significantly increased over the past few once a customer has an electric car, well if we haven’t got certain products in years. People coming out of a car they they’re never going to go back to an certain segments, but I think there’s going were in for three or four years are looking ICE vehicle. This is the change I was to potentially be more change in what at a quite significant increase, especially told was coming 20 years ago. people buy in terms of brands than there if you don’t have an RDE2-compliant has been historically because not vehicle to offer them.

Taylor on… electric vehicle demand I think once the consumer gets used to it, they are going to want an electric car. The challenge is building the awareness and initial demand because from 2020 the industry has to sell this number of EVs and we may or may not be slightly ahead of where consumer demand is.

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

KIA XCEED

Kia hasn’t taken the easy route for its coupled with a generally softer set-up plus and is particularly good at absorbing larger latest model, the Xceed, an SUV- some additional tech to improve ride road imperfections from potholes and crossover based on the Ceed hatchback. comfort over potholes and uneven ground. speed bumps without noise or fuss in Where rivals have opted for the low-cost It all means the Xceed will better navigate terms of kick-back through the steering. route by simply raising the suspension and rougher terrain such as high kerbs and While Kia claims there’s no more body roll adding plastic around the wheelarches of large potholes than its sibling cars. than in the rest of the Ceed range, the a hatch or estate, Kia has designed an However, Kia hasn’t opted to change the Xceed is not a sporty car and does suffer all-new body shape including new LED car’s drive system. Power still goes marginally greater roll if you’re on a twisty headlights as standard. through the front wheels and there isn’t B-road. For the rest of the time, be that The Xceed sits among the motorway or town driving, the existing three Ceed shapes of Xceed is a very comfortable car. five-door hatch, estate and It’s much more appealing Power comes from a range of sportier Proceed. than the slightly staid two petrol engines (118hp 1.0-litre, At first glance, it looks a lot like 138hp 1.4-litre) and a 1.6-litre the Proceed has been down to the hatch on which it is based diesel in two power outputs off-road gym, however, the Xceed (114hp and 136hp). The 114hp is shorter, wider and taller, although it is even a clever traction-control system for 1.6 diesel in the lower specification, which longer than the five-door Ceed hatchback. added off-road grip, so don’t be fooled by is fitted with smaller wheels and hits a This means there’s more room in the the looks. In snow or slippery grass the CO2 output of 109g/km, is expected to be boot (426 litres) than the hatch, but less Xceed will have no more traction than the company car best seller. The diesel is than in the Proceed or the Ceed estate. the rest of the Ceed range. only available with a six-speed manual The new higher suspension also means But the effort Kia’s engineers have put gearbox in the UK, however, it is light and a greater ground clearance, up 44mm, over into the revised suspension works very accurate with a well-balanced clutch. five-door hatch. This extra height is well. The Xceed’s ride comfort is first-rate Other models are available with an

20 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW COMFORT Xceed looks like a funky and sporty SUV, but in reality it’s a bit of a SPECS softy, which translates into a sumptuous ride. MODEL: Kia Xceed 3 The downside is that 1.6 CRDi 136hp there’s a bit more body P11D: £25,325 roll than might be ideal MPG: 64.2mpg on a twisty road

CO2: 117g/km ON SALE: Now

STYLING Kia has chosen not to tread down the easy hatchback-on- stilts look for the Xceed. Instead, it has developed a car with a new body and high- tech details such as LED lights INSIDE Funky-coloured details abound, on the dashboard and in the patterns on the seats. optional double-clutch Technology proliferates, automatic, which is smooth to too, including a new infotainment set-up change in Normal mode, and in and digital dash Sport mode adds a faster kick-down and holds onto gears for longer. XCEED-ING Inside the Xceed, Kia has added a new infotainment and satellite-navigation THE NUMBERS system with connected car technology, plus a new digital dashboard. Kia plans to sell 9600 Xceeds in 2020 Overall, the new looks, revised with half going to the company car suspension and additional tech mean the market, mainly to user-choosers. This Xceed gives Kia a much more interesting would make the car the brand’s third- hatchback than the slightly staid-looking bestseller behind the Sportage and the car on which it’s based. And it’s no surprise Niro, slightly above the regular Ceed. that Kia expects the Xceed to outsell Kia admits the Xceed will have some Benefit-in-Kind tax band. However, the rest of the Ceed family combined. impact on Ceed sales, which in 2019 toward the end of the first quarter of is heading for more than 11,000 units. 2020, Kia will bring in a plug-in petrol VERDICT: The Xceed gives Kia a far more However, Kia expects next year’s hybrid on the Xceed and Ceed estate appealing car in the small family combined Ceed and Xceed total to and a self-charging diesel hybrid across hatchback market. The looks alone see hit approximately 18,000 cars. the Xceed and all versions of the Ceed. to this, but the softer suspension will Initially the lower-powered diesel Kia expects the plug-in version of the work well on UK roads and the additional will be the best seller within fleet, even Xceed to account for around 10-15% of tech is a welcome bonus. though the 1.0-litre petrol has a lower the fuel mix next year. Paul Barker

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 21 MEASURE DISTANCE IN EMOTIONS. NOT KILOMETERS.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

CO2 from 128g/km | BIK from 33% | P11D from £32,620 | MPG up to 53.3 CO2 from 138g/km | BIK from 35% | P11D from £36,920 | MPG up to 45.6

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 4072 or email [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 – 123 G/KM.

Fuel consumption figures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO 2 figures, based on the outgoing test cycle (NEDC), will be used to

calculate vehicle tax on first registration. 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.

ALF010_ThisIsNot_NonFin_CompanyCarToday_210x297_AW.indd 1 06/06/2019 16:55 REVIEW DRIVING The engine may be only 1.3 litres but it still gives the CLA a decent turn of pace. The handling is pretty sharp, too, albeit at the expense of a slightly firm ride quality

SPECS which is normally seen on P11D: £35,070 in the back. And those larger and more luxurious COMBINED MPG: needing to lean in to get MERCEDES Mercs. The huge 10.25-inch 42.8mpg small passengers in and out touchscreen that dominates CO2: 126g/km won’t thank the CLA for its the dash is the element that ON SALE: stylish lines either. CLA is impossible to miss when Now On paper the boot offers 200 AMG LINE PREMIUM PLUS you get into the plush and a large amount of space – at cocoon-like cabin. It might look 460 litres it is positively hefty. It’s The CLA is aimed at those buyers for fantastic, but there are elements that shaped and accessed like that of an whom the heart desires a coupe, but the will take a little adapting to – the clever old-school saloon, though, with a postbox- head, or fleet policy, refuses to consider augmented-reality element of the style opening, meaning it will never be as anything with less than five doors. sat-nav, which uses a forward-facing practical as a hatchback equivalent. Most This second-generation model marks camera, being the main one. The rest of the buyers won’t care about that, though, and a notable change from the first, being settings are easily learned with a few the CLA offers enough in the way of wider both front and rear and now only minutes playing with the different menus. entertainment on the road to mean they available from AMG Line trim as a bare Even with a sunroof in place there is are amply compensated in other areas. minimum. The range then carries on ample room for tall passengers in the front, The taut cornering ability, controlled if through AMG Line Premium and up to the with large range of adjustment on wheel slightly firm ride and peppy 190hp 1.3-litre AMG Line Premium Plus of this car. and seat, and there is a surprisingly engine of our test car mean the Mercedes The high level of trims – the SE decent amount of legroom in the offers an enjoyable, if not necessarily and Sport trims seen on the rear, too. It would be wishful out-and-out thrilling, driving experience. A-Class hatch are absent BOOT thinking to expect hatchback – means that the CLA The luggage area is huge levels of headroom, though, VERDICT: Style will win the CLA favour comes with a high starting for this size of car. The and it isn’t a wide rear over more sensible rivals, but it comes price but a fantastic downside is that the cabin so you won’t want to at a financial and practical price. amount of kit, the like of styling has dictated a be one of three passenger Tom Webster small opening, which hampers your ability to get stuff into it

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 23 GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG PLUG

SWITCH IT UP The new all-electric Corsa-e

Call 03305 878 222 or search Vauxhall Fleet

† Zero % BiK | CO2 from 0g/km* Charging time from 30 mins# | Range up to 205 miles

# Fuel economy and CO2* results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100kw (136PS). Combined mpg (l/100km): N/A.

CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 205 miles (WLTP). #These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The Vauxhall Corsa-e is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range 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 starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. †Zero % 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. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (September 2019). #DC charge time to 80% battery capacity, 100kw. REVIEW

INTERIOR SPECS Quality of the cabin P11D: £32,895 materials has been greatly improved, RANGE: 193 miles and there’s a higher CO₂: 0g/km standard of tech ON SALE: including the Bluelink HYUNDAI Now system that lets you control functions from that most EVs control and view IONIQ and feels easier to systems within the car ELECTRIC PREMIUM position accurately. from a mobile phone app. The claimed range seemed accurate on Included in the tech is remote locking, Even before this mid-life facelift the Ioniq our test with the battery dropping in line climate control and trip information, and in is Hyundai’s third best-selling model with miles covered, which is impressive EV cars it will also control the charging. after the Tucson and the i10, and three because this would mean the Ioniq is The system will eventually be rolled out to quarters of Ioniq sales are company cars. returning five miles per kWh. That’s much all Hyundais in the next few years. The entire range has been facelifted with higher than the 3.5mpkWh we saw in our However, rear visibility is still hampered a restyled front and rear and much long-term Nissan Leaf. Hyundai claims the by the spoiler, and there are too many improved dashboard including new improved efficiency, despite the extra dashboard reflections in the windscreen connected technology. However, it’s the weight, is down to a new 100kW motor. in sunny conditions. full-electric version that is upgraded the Hyundai has also introduced the system Against its Nissan Leaf main rival, the most with a new 38.3kWh battery pack from the Kona EV that lets the driver use Ioniq Electric is easily the better car. Not that extends the range by more than a the wheel-mounted paddles to bring only is it better equipped and has a greater third to 193 miles on the WLTP test regime. the car to a stop using brake energy range (from a smaller battery) than the The larger battery adds around 100kg, regeneration. It takes some getting used to Leaf, but it’s better to drive and simply which means Hyundai’s engineers have but works well once you’re familiar with it. feels like a more advanced vehicle. had to tweak the car’s suspension and The cabin in the revised Ioniq now has a steering. Those tweaks have hugely new higher-quality dashboard with all but VERDICT: The best small-family EV improved the way the car drives. The ride the entry-level car getting a 10.25-inch hatchback on the market. A very polished is still very good, but the steering now widescreen navigation system with product now with better range and feels more direct and in tune with the car. Hyundai’s new Bluelink connected car advanced connected car technology. The result is a drive that’s more engaging technology. Bluelink allows owners to Tristan Young

RANGE The presence of a bigger battery has given the Ioniq around a third- longer range, despite the extra 100kg it also brings. Plus, the suspension tweaks have made the car drive much better

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 25 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

SEVEN-UP The X7 is more than capable of carrying around seven adults, and the 3.0-litre turbodiesel is punchy enough not to be worried by the extra weight of all those people INSIDE Interior is beautifully trimmed in high-end materials, and full of technology, although the usability of the iDrive system suffers a little as a result

occupants, and it’s big enough SPECS glance, but the party trick can that there’s still luggage frustrate with the time taken P11D: £73,480 BMW space beneath the split to fold/unfold, and won’t COMBINED MPG: tailgate (which doubles up 33.6mpg always slide the middle row as a handy perching ledge). when required. CO : 171g/km X7 To drive, the X7 has the 2 Then there’s the small ON SALE: XDRIVE30D M SPORT impression of a decidedly Now matter of the looks. There’s large car, and feels its near- no getting away from the The German premium brands appear to 2.4-tonne kerb weight. It’s not as boldness of the huge grille, which be involved in a never-ending effort to nimble as smaller BMWs, rocking and may have been designed with create and fill every conceivable niche, rolling in the corners and it feels a heavy markets such as America and China in mind which is why BMW has added a seventh vehicle when slowing in particular, but it rather than the more conservative UK. It’s model to its SUV portfolio. And this one still has enough punch from our test car’s certainly not a car for those that want to sits at the top in every sense of the word, 265hp diesel engine to propel a full house avoid being noticed on arrival. with the X7 coming in above the X5/X6 of seven occupants at a decent pace. Still, the residual values and efficiency pairing to sit as a range-topping SUV BMW’s latest infotainment system has a are both good, and the X7 offers the alongside the 7-Series luxury saloon. very impressive breadth of capabilities, but practicality that nothing else in the A starting price of more than £70,000 the connectivity seems to be nearing the brand’s range, and not many cars from illustrates that this is a car competing with limit of what can be easily housed in a car anywhere else, can offer. the top-end of SUVs, such as the Mercedes system, and isn’t as navigable or user- GLS, while it undercuts a similarly powered friendly as early iterations. But the big VERDICT: Impressive at what it does, but Range Rover by around £10,000, and is the digital dashboard is excellent, and the large it’s a big beast at a high price with the same distance more than Audi’s Q7. front seats are comfortable for longer looks that many may find challenging, The X7 is a full seven-seater, which journeys. The electric folding of the five especially the brash front end. means that all seven seats can house adult rear seats seems impressive at first Paul Barker

COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 27 SUPPORTED BY

FINISHES LE MANS 24 In heat of over 30 degrees, CCT's two entries completed the Le Mans 24-hour cycle event at the famous racetrack in aid of automotive cancer charity WOMAC

Company Car Today’s two teams The event was not without distance without incident in completed the Le Mans 24-hour incident, with a nasty crash temperatures of over 30 degrees Velo event over the bank holiday forcing CCT Publisher Dave at the legendary circuit, crossing weekend. A CCT quartet completed Wallace out of the action at 3am. the line at 3pm on Sunday having 164 laps to finish 440th of the 535 Luckily, he suffered nothing more covered more than 426 miles. teams, while contributor David serious than cuts and bruises. The Company Car Today teams Motton rode solo, covering almost CCT Editor Paul Barker, Company took part to raise money for 330 miles over the 24 hours to Van Today Editor Tom Webster motor industry cancer charity finish in the top half of the 73 solo and automotive journalist Jon WOMAC, and you can still support entries on an incredible 126 laps. Quirk covered the rest of the our effort via the below link.

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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

CR-V is a bit HONDA CR-V of a looker 2.0 HYBRID SR 2WD

TESTER’S NOTES

● The boot lid only opens to a height of approximately 5ft 10in. I’m 6ft 1in, so I keep bumping my head when I forget to duck when loading the boot. Just a little extra height would have been hugely appreciated. ● The CR-V may be new, but the sat-nav mapping isn’t. The holiday to SPECS Northumberland revealed THREE-MONTH a few missing roads. P11D: £34,805 you ever put in the CR-V is petrol (it’s not a REPORT OFFICIAL A short week’s holiday in COMBINED MPG: plug-in hybrid) and that Northumberland has 40.9mpg you can’t guarantee it certainly shown up the OUR COMBINED MPG: will run purely on Honda CR-V hybrid’s 41.1mpg electricity even if you considerable strengths. CO2: 120g/km press the EV button, it’s The boot feels significantly really just a very efficient larger than the official claimed petrol car. And that’s the figure of 497 litres, and so can easily point. Honda has built a large accommodate our double dog cage. 2.0-litre petrol SUV that’s as efficient in There’s also plenty of rear-seat legroom, the real-world as the 1.6 diesel it replaces. which means the kids are less inclined to I’m getting an almost unwavering 41mpg kick the back of your chair. Or if you’ve left and paying petrol prices for the fuel, plus them with relatives you can stuff squashy the CO2 figure of 120g/km means the overnight bags into the footwell. car’s in a lower tax band (28%) than the The long motorway journey from Surrey outgoing diesel (31%). Dog carrier also gave me time to mull the whole A win for all concerned. fits easily ‘hybrid’ terminology. Given the only fuel Tristan Young

SEAT TARRACO UPDATE The Tarraco is proving to be a really 2.0 150 SE TECH flexible workhorse. During a recent weekend outing to a Steam Rally event aimed at raising funds for our local Air Cadet squadron, the Tarraco coped easily with the transport of cadets, equipment and tombola goodies and prizes to their destination in the middle of the North Essex countryside. Seat’s largest crossover is an extremely practical load-lugger and even when fully laden, the 150hp TDI engine never feels sluggish, pulling easily through all the Tarraco was Seat is large ratios in the six-speed manual gearbox. and capable top workhorse Dave Wallace

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 KNOWLEDGE

IN ASSOCIATION The joys of (Euro)6 WITH European emissions standards affect us all, and new clean- air zones mean six really is the number you need to know

City low-emission zones are Steve Botfield. “Without industry going to be increasingly big news knowledge in some instances, it EMISSIONS DECISIONS nationwide over the coming years, is impossible to distinguish the with Birmingham next to join London difference. On top of this, very few COO UK remarketing at BCA and others to follow. Many will draw manufacturers badged the vehicles Stuart Pearson shares his the line at Euro6 for diesel and Euro4 accordingly so it does cause some experience of the demand emissions standards for petrol. If confusion as identical vehicles on or otherwise for Euro6 your vehicle doesn’t meet those the same plate could have slightly standard vehicles levels of efficiency, you’ll face a differing Euro standards.” charge to enter the cities. “More could be done by Awareness is increasing, although Government,” agrees NAMA’s Wallis. NO NATIONWIDE “patchy in places” according to “They do need to make it clear that 1 PATTERN Louise Wallis, head of the National there are diesel options out there Around the BCA network, we are not Association of Motor Auctions. that meet the [ULEZ] criteria.” seeing any consistent evidence that Euro6 “The low-emission zone has had an But the motivation for switching to is currently a significant driver in price or impact in the London area,” she says. Euro6 remains financial, rather than demand across the board. For a sale in But that doesn’t mean the picking a greener vehicle, according Glasgow, Manchester or Measham, for industry as a whole is on board with to Wallis. “People aren’t worried example, the most important factors today the difference between Euro5 and about clean diesel unless it will hit remain age, mileage and condition and the Euro6. “Before the introduction of their pocket; people tend to choose market has not shifted dramatically away the [London] ULEZ in April, there was money over the environment,” she from Euro5 vans, for example. no focus from the buyer network continues. “They like to make a WIDESPREAD DEMAND MEANS on Euro5 to Euro6,” says Cap HPI green choice if they can but cost 2 EURO5 VANS STILL POPULAR senior editor, commercial vehicles, is the main driver.” Euro5 vehicles remain in demand across the UK and the market is robust due to the growth in demand for logistics, VAN VARIANCE BIGGER THAN FOR CARS construction projects and a host of other factors. Light commercial vehicles next two or three years, are more sensitive to the then you need to do some THE SOUTH EAST IS THE EXCEPTION, 3 FOR VANS IN PARTICULAR difference between Euro5 future-proofing, so there is a In the South East, it is becoming and Euro6 diesels, due to a knock-on effect nationwide increasingly important to be clear on the combination of factors, as well as in the south east.” engine variant for LCVs. The introduction including the increased But some of that of the ULEZ has focused some commercial vehicle buyers towards Euro6 models presence of diesel in the LCV geographical impact is and this is likely to spread gradually sector and the awareness of negated by increased buying across the country as the number of the business cost of going using web auctions. “With Clean Air Zones increase. into low-emissions zones. the introduction of online NEWER VANS NATURALLY MEAN “There is a clear difference routes to market, buyers and 4 HIGHER PRICES in values and particularly in second owners can source When looking at comparative values it is important to understand that Euro6 vans demand, there’s a very vehicles from any UK are newer and often lower-mileage, so strong monthly indication location,” says Cap HPI’s will naturally attract higher prices. More that CV sales are being Steve Botfield. “Sales buyers will look to replace their current driven by Euro6” says location has, to some vans as volumes increase over time and values settle to a more manageable and NAMA’s Louise Wallis. degree, become immaterial affordable level for small business end “If you’re buying for the provided it is the right van.” users and sole traders.

buyer drop-off. Although that’s not a struggling, it is impacting upon DIESEL DEMAND completely clear trend at this stage. both demand and values.” Moves to greener powertrains aren’t “Older diesel cars are under more “Diesel demand is actually still having a detrimental effect on diesel price pressure than their more recent reasonably OK”, adds NAMA’s Louise demand, as reduced supply of new counterparts,” says Derren Martin, head Wallis. “There are still people actively registered cars three years ago is now of UK valuations at automotive data looking for a diesel-powered vehicle; if feeding through into reduced supply expert Cap HPI. “Diesel cars that were you do a higher mileage then a diesel is that is broadly in line with any used produced prior to Euro6 are particularly the car you should be buying.”

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? CORPORATE CO2 emissions (g/km) 2019/20 2020/21* 2021/22* 2022/23 MANSLAUGHTER Zero 16% 0% 1% 2% DEFINITION: The offence of corporate manslaughter (corporate homicide in Scotland) is a relatively new 1-50 (EV range 130+ miles) 16% 2% 2% 2% one, having only become law in 2008. Under it, a 1-50 (EV 70-129 miles) 16% 5% 5% 5% corporation can be held liable, and so punished, for 1-50 (EV 40-69 miles) 16% 8% 8% 8% conduct that leads to someone's death, such as if health and safety procedures have been ignored. 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 90-94 22% 23% 23% 23% 111-130g/km £170 £145 131-150g/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 £145 110-114 26% 27% 27% 27% 226-255g/km £1,815 £145 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 165-169 37% 37% 37% 37% 170-and above 35% 37% 37% 37% CO2 EMISSIONS ANNUAL COST 0-100g/km £0 Add a 4% penalty for diesels up to 37% max, if not meeting RDE2 emissions standard. 101-110g/km £20 *Cars registered from 6 April 2020 will get a two-band reduction in 2020/21 and one-band 111-120g/km £30 reduction in 2021/22 to compensate for increased CO2 figures as a result of the new WLTP emissions test regime. 121-130g/km £125 131-140g/km £145 141-150g/km £160 KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS AND DATES 151-165g/km £200 CALENDAR 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 5 MARCH 2020 26 OCTOBER 2021 Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less BVRLA annual dinner, London London ULEZ expansion than the regular fee

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 BMW 1-Series - October APPROVED MILEAGE ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS The rates to reimburse workers using their own vehicles for company business Renault Clio - October Nissan Juke – November TYPE OF VEHICLE FIRST 10,000 MILES ABOVE 10,000 MILES Facelifted Vauxhall Astra - November CARS AND VANS 45p 25p Ford Kuga - Late 2019 MOTORCYCLES 24p 24p Ford Puma - Late 2019 BIKES 20p 20p Mazda CX-30 - Late 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLB - Late 2019 Peugeot 208 - Late 2019 2019/20 - FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE Renault Captur - Late 2019 The taxable worth attached to the FUEL PRICES Skoda Kamiq - Late 2019 benefit of ‘free’ fuel September 2019 CAR FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE PETROL 2020 MULTIPLIER - £24,100 Vauxhall Corsa - January VAN FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE - £655 127.9p BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe - Early 2020 (-0.3p on August) Peugeot 2008 - Early 2020 2019/20 - VAN BENEFIT CHARGE Kia Xceed - Early 2020 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 132.3p VAN BENEFIT CHARGE - £3430 (+0.3p on August) 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 £75,335 POWER 550hp PERFORMANCE 4.1 seconds/176mph COMBINED MPG JAGUAR 22.1mpg F-PACE CO2 272g/km SVR

WHY SHOULD I WANT IT? Jaguar describes its hot SVR version of the F-Pace as “sportscar performance, SUV design” and one look at the beefy front air intakes and bodykit confirms the point that this is a beast. Powered by a 550hp 5.0-litre V8 engine, it makes a particularly nice noise, but the SVR also offers a surprisingly composed and compliant ride for such a potent performance vehicle. WHY CAN’T I HAVE IT? It’s so much money! And then the overall efficiency is something of an issue compared with that of the 510hp BMW X3M, which is quicker as well as a couple of miles per gallon and 33g/km better. The interior is also lacking in something to turn a £40,000 regular F-Pace into a £75,000 range-topping performance machine. ARGUMENTS TO USE ON THE FLEET MANAGER MORE FLEETY ALTERNATIVE That decent ride quality joins the SUV practicality in The R-Sport trim level on a regular F-Pace is a styling statement that providing incredibly rapid space in a package suitable for isn’t too far away from the SVR, and in 163hp front-drive diesel form all the family. Residual values are over 40% over three that means 140g/km – almost half the emissions of the performance years and 60,000 miles of pretty crippling fuel cost. model – and a sub-£39,000 price tag. Paul Barker

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