Issue 75: December 2020 £5.99 www.companycartoday.co.uk
Your independent source of fleet news, reviews and interviews
INSIDE TEST DRIVES VW ID.3, Seat Leon and BMW 3-Series Touring PHEVs, plus Citroen’s crazy Ami INTERVIEW Go Ultra Low’s Poppy Citroen C4 Welch on EVs and 2030 ANALYSIS ENTERS THE EV WORLD Car-to-car communication Test Drive Review: Electric importance for new mainstream Citroen hatch
PLUS INSIDE: GREEN C OMPANY CAR
FIAT 500 DRIVEN: Fiat’s new baby, and it’s electric!
FOREWORD CONTENTS 04 NEWS New BMW iX revealed; industry reacts to 2030 fossil-fuel ban 11 CAR2X TECHNOLOGY Why cars must learn to share 12 BIG TEST WELCOME We drive funky new Toyota Yaris So at least how much one market, even the second biggest one in Europe and sixth in the 18 COFFEE WITH… now we know. world, can influence the thinking and Go Ultra Low boss Poppy Welch Whatever your development budgets of worldwide car companies, and there is such a strong 21 GREEN COMPANY CAR opinion on the move to electrified powertrains that the EVs vs PHEVs; focus on Renault; plan to phase out odds on being able to buy a non- 2021’s big electric car arrivals the sale of new electrified petrol or diesel engine by 2030 seem pretty long anyway. 30 REVIEWS petrol and diesel The only concern is the more specialist New Citroen e-C4; Fiat 500; VW ID.3; Seat Leon PHEV; BMW 330e cars by 2030, everyone now applications. While heavier trucks will be Touring; Citroen Ami; Hyundai i30; subject to a separate consultation, larger has something to plan for. SUVs, pick-ups and vans used for towing Mercedes GLA PHEV; Audi E-tron Up to a point. It wouldn’t be a Government or inter-city high-mileage daily use are Sportback; Ford Fiesta MHEV announcement without a degree of going to need careful consideration. confusion, and this came in the phrasing of Likewise, the few high-mileage drivers 40 LONG-TERM TESTS new hybrids that can drive “a significant Volvo XC40; Kia XCeed; Audi A7 that don’t have off-street parking to distance” on electric alone being allowed Sportback; Ford Puma updates install a charge point are going to rethink until 2035. Whether that means full plug-in how they work in a decade’s time. By hybrids or ‘self-charging’ hybrids such as KNOWLEDGE which point a lot will have changed. 43 the Toyota Prius is still to be defined, and will What are Covid’s lasting effects But for the rest of the company car be investigated via consultations in the parc, the infrastructure and vehicle tech coming years. 46 FLEET OF FANCY should develop quickly enough to make But the path is clear, and electric is the Rapid Audi estate kicks RS the changeover reasonably painless. way to go within two or three car cycles for pretty much every company car driver. 04 While from a car enthusiast angle it’s sad to see the end of an era that’s lasted more than 100 years, and all that the internal combustion engine has done for us as society, but progress needs to be made, and cleaning up transport is vital. And the key point that was lost in the Paul Barker Editor noise around the announcement is that the car industry would most likely have pretty Newspress Automotive much got there anyway. It’s questionable Editor of the Year 2018 12
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COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 3 The big stories from the NEWS world of fleet this month
BMW REVEALS i X 'PURE' EV
BMW has revealed its first car saying the car is able to width, and developed solely as an electric process data at 20 times the almost the same vehicle, with the iX due on sale rate of previous models. height as the late next year. “We are setting new coupe-SUV X6. Described by the brand as its industry standards with the The prominent “new technology flagship”, the technology in the BMW iX. The kidney grille is iX will offer a range of more iX has more computing power partially a than 300 miles, according for data processing and more styling feature, to the provisional figures of powerful sensor technology and is blanked a car that BMW said is still than the newest vehicles in our off because EVs undergoing development. current line-up, is 5G-capable, require such a It will also offer the capability will be given new and improved small amount of cooling, but experience, the feeling of of 75 miles of additional range automated driving and parking the camera technology, radar interior space and the in just 10 minutes via charging functions and uses the functions and other sensors relationship between a vehicle of up to 200kW, although high-performing fifth are integrated behind a and those on board”. finding public charging at that generation of our electric transparent surface. Although BMW has other level isn't easy. drive system,” said Frank BMW said its new model will electric models, this will be the The iX is also a “platform for Weber, member of the “redefine the successful sports first of a new breed on a pure significant progress in the board of management of activity vehicle concept”, and EV platform not shared with areas of automated driving and BMW AG, development. “is the first representative of a PHEVs or internal combustion- digital services”, according to The car is comparable with trailblazing generation of cars engined vehicles. the manufacturer, with BMW the X5 in terms of length and poised to redefine the driving Paul Barker
EV price cut and spec tweak for Corsa BVRLA responds to spending review Vauxhall has cut the price of The British Vehicle Leasing supporting the transition to the Corsa-e electric model by and Rental Association has zero-emission road transport,” up to £1000 and made changes welcomed the Government’s said BVRLA chief executive to engine, specification and inclusion of electric vehicle Gerry Keaney, focusing on the styling on the petrol version. infrastructure in its spending need to invest in infrastructure The Corsa-e price drops on priorities following chancellor ahead of demand. all models, with the entry SE Rishi Sunak’s Spending Keaney also called for the Nav model down by £1025 to launched with, available with Review announcement. Government to work with £29,640 before the £3000 SRi and Ultimate Nav trims. “Amid some sobering news the fleet sector to ensure Government grant, while the With the petrol and diesel on UK debt, unemployment tax revenues alter in a “timely top-spec Elite Nav has dropped models, Vauxhall has added and economic growth, it is and proportionate way” as by £265 to £33,045. a new Elite trim, costing reassuring to see that the more electric vehicles hit A new 130hp petrol engine £500 less and deleting sat- Government is still willing to the roads and reduce fuel is added to the Corsa, sitting nav. All SRi models now get invest billions of pounds in duty and BiK income. above the 100hp petrol the car Vauxhall’s Light Pack.
4 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK NEWS
they’ll have just over two replacement cycles to make the shift. Today’s announcement makes this transition much more pressing and firms will BITES need to start to act now." Jon Lawes, managing director, Hitachi Capital Vehicle NEW SPEC AND EQUIPMENT Solutions: “Building demand FOR TOYOTA COROLLA for EVs to meet the revised Toyota has improved the 2030 target must go hand specification of its Corolla, with in hand with delivering the the entry Icon model getting infrastructure needed to make a new seven-inch dashboard rapid charging a reality.” cluster, as well as new LED Mike Hawes, chief executive, front foglights. All cars gain an SMMT: “Success will depend EV drive indicator, plus added 2030 petrol and on reassuring consumers that functions for the MyT app, they can afford these new including stolen vehicle tracking. technologies, that they will diesel ban: the fleet deliver their mobility needs and that they can recharge as easily as they refuel”. industry reacts Simon King, director of Prime Minister Boris Johnson Predictably, there has been sustainability and social value, has confirmed that the UK will plenty of reaction from the Mitie: “With the biggest barrier ban the sale of new petrol and fleet industry: to our EV rollout being a lack diesel cars and vans in 2030, Gerry Keaney, chief executive, of on street charge points, this although hybrids “that can BVRLA: “2030 is an extremely further investment will help us drive a significant distance aggressive phase-out target, go further, faster and give our NEW VW ID.3 TOPS with no carbon coming out of but one that will be embraced drivers peace of mind.” EUROPEAN EV SALES CHART the tailpipe” will be permitted by many drivers and fleet Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Volkswagen’s new ID.3 was until 2035. operators. The 2035 extension Low: “Fast-tracking the end of Europe’s best-selling car in The move is part of the for plug-in and full hybrids sale of new petrol and diesel October, beating the Renault Government’s 10-point 'Green provides an essential lifeline for cars to 2030 is both a positive Zoe with more than 10,000 Industrial Revolution' to turn those facing a greater and ambitious step. From 2035 registrations. The Toyota Yaris the UK into “the world’s zero-emission challenge.” all new cars and vans will have and Mercedes A-Class topped number one centre for green Alfonso Martinez, managing zero tailpipe emissions and until the hybrid and PHEV categories. technology and finance” director, Leaseplan UK: “The then PHEVs will be available as ● VW ID.3 driven, p34 that also includes goals of plans to bring forward the ban a stepping stone technology enough offshore wind farm on new fossil fuel vehicles to for drivers." capacity to power every UK 2030 are ambitious, and a Jamie Hamilton, head of electric BP CHARGEMASTER home by 2030, and electric welcome sign that Government vehicles, Deloitte: “The sector REBRANDED TO BP PULSE vehicle advances that include is taking the nation’s transition is already on a sharp upward BP Chargemaster and the Polar a £2.8bn investment in “lacing to EVs seriously. However, trajectory, with EV sales poised public charging network have the land with charging points the Government still needs to to overtake diesel imminently. both rebranded to BP Pulse as and creating long-lasting address the elephant in the As an increasingly viable option of the beginning of December. batteries in UK gigafactories”, room: what happens to EV for consumers, any additional BP acquired the Polar and said Johnson. Cleaner public supply post Brexit?” boost to the EV sector could Chargemaster brands in 2018, transport, zero-emission Ashley Barnett, head of see the sales of electric and the company's app has been planes and ships, greener consultancy, Lex Autolease: vehicles challenge petrol rebranded, along with the new homes and schools and “2030 will come around quickly alternatives. However, this will www.bppulse.co.uk website. replanting of 30,000 hectares for businesses with large fleets only happen if consumers are of trees every year by 2025 are of traditionally fuelled cars convinced that the charging also on the agenda. and vans. With the new target, infrastructure is in place." HYUNDAI CONFIRMS FUTURE ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLANS Hyundai Motor Group says its next-generation battery Oxford zero-emissions pilot date set New PHEV DS electric vehicle line-up will include vehicles capable of over A pilot scheme creating able to drive in the zone coming in 2021 310 miles on a charge. The new a zero-emissions zone in for free, and other vehicles E-GMP electric vehicle platform Oxford City Centre is now charged between £2-£10 Premium Peugeot and is part of a strategy in which set for August 2021, having per day between 7am-7pm, Citroen sister brand DS Hyundai and sister brand Kia been delayed from an with the fee doubling in will launch a new premium will launch 23 battery electric original proposal to start August 2025. C-segment plug-in hybrid vehicles and sell one million EVs at the beginning of 2021 model next year, with worldwide by 2025. due to the pandemic. the DS 4 E-Tense capable The scheme, which of more than 30 miles in is subject to a formal electric mode. consultation running until 17 It combines 180hp petrol January (and can be found and 110hp electric motors. at www.consultations. More information will follow oxfordshire.gov.uk), will see early next year. only zero-emission vehicles
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 5 NEW CAR NEWS
TOYOTA REVEALS SECOND- GENERATION MIRAI FUEL CELL
An all-new Toyota Mirai previous model, the only Toyota said that it has also numbers in the UK, costing hydrogen-powered fuel cell car tailpipe emission is water. incorporated a catalyst-type over £65,000. has been revealed, with the Toyota described its new car filter into the air intake, giving Green Tomato Cars is one of Japanese brand targeting a as a vehicle that “takes fuel cell the Mirai “negative emissions”. the biggest UK customers, 10-fold increase in global sales. electric vehicle technology to a In other words, the air is having added a further 25 cars The new platform allows for higher level”. cleaner once it has passed to its fleet of 27 in autumn an additional third hydrogen To that end, the Mirai’s through the car than it was 2019, at which point it had tank to be fitted, increasing the all-new underpinnings are beforehand, removing 90- covered more than one million car’s range by 30% to around claimed to give the car a lower 100% of particulates of collective miles. Other notable 400 miles. Packaging has also centre of gravity and improved between 0-2.5 microns in fleets using the car include 21 been improved, thanks to body rigidity, which help the diameter as they pass through vehicles deployed by the “significant” reductions in the dynamic performance, while the system. Metropolitan Police. size and weight of the efficiency is improved by better The first-generation Mirai Toyota has not yet said when powertrain’s principal aerodynamics and lower- was launched in 2014, and has the new Mirai will arrive in the components. As with the rolling-resistance tyres. been sold in severely limited UK or how much it will cost.
NEW QASHQAI HYBRID ADDED DRIP-FEED TO FORD KUGA BEGINS LINE-UP Nissan has begun to drip- Ford has added a fourth feed information about powertrain option to its Kuga its new third-generation SUV line-up, with the full Qashqai, a car due to be hybrid model joining petrol, unveiled next spring. diesel and plug-in hybrid, The crossover will when the car passes into a although the PHEV battery for a 130g/km use a new e-Power hybrid lower limit zone. is currently on pause pending emissions figure, and is system, as well as the next “The Qashqai will change a recall and battery- capable of running for what generation of Nissan’s what customers can expect replacement programme. Ford described as “short ProPilot driver assistance from a family car,” said The 190hp full hybrid periods” on electric only. technology, which will Gianluca de Ficchy, chairman, Kuga combines 2.5-litre The new model is priced include speed control Nissan Africa and Europe. petrol engine and 1.1kWh from £33,600.
MILD HYBRID REVISED TECH FOR NEW HONDA CR-V DISCOVERY GOES HYBRID POWER ONLY Land Rover has revised its Discovery large off-roader, Honda has deleted the with the facelifted model petrol versions of its getting new bumpers and CR-V SUV, so the car has LED lights front and back, only a petrol-electric 151g/km in front-drive form, and a larger infotainment three of the four engines, with hybrid powertrain, as part of and 161g/km for the all- screen running Jaguar only the entry P300hp 2.0 a refresh that also includes wheel drive version. Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro petrol not getting the facility. slight styling tweaks and Spec changes include infotainment system. Prices start from £53,050 specification changes. privacy glass from SE level The new car is also said for the passenger versions, The 184hp 2.0-litre petrol upwards, and the range- to have more comfortable and the changes also apply to engine combines with an topping EX gains wireless second-row seats, while mild- the Commercial model that electric motor, emitting phone charging. hybrid tech has been added to accounts for 25% of sales.
6 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK Plug into the all-new Vauxhall electric and hybrid range
ULEZ and congestion charge exempt Reduced or zero % BiK Reduced service maintenance and repair costs
03305 878 222 | [email protected]
Contact your local Fleet Sales Manager for more information on our exciting new electric range.
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vivaro-e Life range 100kW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 144 miles (WLTP). Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Grandland X Hybrid range 165kW – 221kW (225 – 300PS).
Combined mpg (l/100km): 192 (1.5) – 204 (1.4). CO2 emissions: 29 – 31g/km. Electric range: up to 35 miles (WLTP). Fuel economy and
CO2 results for the Mokka-e range 100kW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles
(WLTP)*. Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Corsa-e range 100kW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP). *Provisional data. The range and electric consumption figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure, on the basis of which new vehicles are type approved from 1 September 2018. They may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: vehicle load, accessories fitted (post registration), speed, thermal comfort on board the vehicle, driving style and outside temperature. The charging time depends in particular on the power of the charger on board the vehicle, the charging cable and the type and power of the charging station used. Please contact your Vauxhall Retailer for further information. Vauxhall Motors Limited reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw sales allowances and/or amend pricing at any point in time in anticipation of any tariffs, duties taxes or other costs that Vauxhall Motors believes may increase its cost of importation and/or supply of vehicles after the 31 December 2020. All-New Renault MEGANE
Plug-in hybrid Fuel
Choose between Hatch, Sport Tourer and Sport Tourer Plug-in Hybrid Call the Renault BUSINESS Hub on 0800 731 7066 Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New MEGANE Hatch and Sport Tourer petrol and diesel range:
44.8 (6.3) – 62.8 (4.5) and CO2 emissions are 142 – 117g/km. Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the All-New
MEGANE Sport Tourer 160 Auto Plug-in-Hybrid: 217.29 (1.3) and CO2 emissions are 30g/km. Figures based on Euro Standard 6-d TEMP testing.
WLTP fi gures for comparability purposes. Figures obtained a er the ba ery was fully charged. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on various factors such as accessories fi ed a er registration. 5 year warranty – 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes fi rst). Exclusions apply visit renault.co.uk/warranty.
18162_REN_Megane_Fleet_And_Mobility_Press_Comp_Car_Today_297x210mm_1.0.indd 1 29/09/2020 10:01 NEWS
ELECTRIC VEHICLES LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
PUBLIC CHARGING NOT VW-owned Audi and Porsche, NEW SUMMER DATES FOR van capable of up to 217 miles KEEPING UP WITH DEMAND with drivers of cars from the 2021 CV SHOW between charges. Ford said The number of public EV brands offered significant The 2021 Commercial Vehicle it will offer cargo volume charging points per electric discounts on charging cost. Show will take place from capacity of up to 15.1m3, vehicle has fallen to its lowest June 8-10 at the NEC in the same as the rear-drive level since Cornwall Insight BR PULSE INCREASES Birmingham. Organisers diesel Transit, while payload started recording the stat in 150KW CHARGE COST claimed to already have is targeted at up to 1616kg for early 2018, to 0.28 points per Leading UK charging network more than 200 exhibitors on the panel van and 1967kg for EV. The figure is enhanced BP Pulse - formerly Polar - the plan, including Citroen, the chassis cab. by Covid suppressing has announced a 7p per kWh Peugeot and Vauxhall, as well installations while EV price increase on its fastest as the likes of Isuzu, Iveco, NEW RENAULT KANGOO numbers rose sharply in 2020. chargers, with the 150kW LEVC, and Toyota. Online VAN COMING NEXT YEAR charging stations costing visitor registration will open in Renault Pro+ has revealed HYUNDAI JOINS IONITY EV up to 47p per kWh from 4 January at www.cvshow.com the all-new Kangoo that CHARGING NETWORK December. For Polar Plus will arrive in 2021. The new Hyundai and Kia have joined subscribers the cost rises FORD CONFIRMS ELECTRIC model will again feature a full Ionity, a joint venture between to 27p per kWh, while Polar TRANSIT FOR 2022 electric Kangoo ZE model, manufacturers to build a Instant members pay 35p and Ford will add an electric Transit and will come in two vehicle Europe-wide network of contactless card payment to its line up in spring 2022, lengths, offering 3.3-3.9m3 high-powered EV charging 47p per kWh. with the new large of volume in the regular van stations. The brands join and between 4.2-4.9m3 in the BMW, Mercedes, Ford and longer wheelbase.
FLEET DEALS its DAVIS risk management ROUND UP product to address a huge increase in grey fleet drivers SEAT ANNOUNCES ITS due to the pandemic. The BIGGEST FLEET CONTRACT company said the audit can Seat has agreed a new confirm the driver and vehicle contract with Morrison they are using, confirm Data Services in which it will ownership, distance driven, deliver 700 Ibiza FR models. times of day, types of road and The agreement builds on geofencing feature accident history to give a total an existing relationship being made available on FLEET risk score. with the cars replacing the Custom PHEV, which 500 outgoing Seats on the switches the vehicle to MANAGEMENT FLEETS WARNED TO KEEP fleet of the data division of electric mode when entering CARS SERVICEABLE infrastructure firm M Group. specified emissions zones. Fleets have been warned not AFP URGES FLEET to allow vehicle downtime SKY ADDS 151 TRANSIT 600 PEUGEOT AND DS EVS MANAGERS TO AUDIT SKILLS and driver safety to be CUSTOM PHEVS TO FLEET JOIN SUBSCRIPTION FIRM The Association of Fleet compromised by the tiered Television giant Sky is adding Electric vehicle subscription Professionals is calling on lockdown and reduced business 151 Ford Transit Custom company Onto has ordered fleet managers to audit their travel. Venson Automotive PHEV models to its fleet by 300 Peugeot e-208s skills to ensure they “have the Solutions recommends a policy the end of this year, having and 300 DS 3 Crossback expertise needed to tackle of preventative measures run one of the 20 prototype E-tense models for its the challenges 2021 is likely to and checks on cars and vans models Ford placed with service. Users can rent a bring”. AFP chair Paul Hollick including daily or weekly fleets for a 12-month trial vehicle for a month with named the change from fleet to maintenance checks of fluid ahead of the vehicle’s a 1000-mile limit and all mobility manager as a long- levels, screen damage, lights launch. The trial led to a costs, including charging standing gradual shift, as well and tyre pressure and condition. and insurance, covered. The as issues around the pandemic, e-208 will cost from £449 Brexit and the move to electric per month including VAT, and vehicles as pressures on fleet the DS 3 from £499. “Onto managers’ time and skills. provides a way for motorists to drive electric cars,” said LICENCE CHECK MODULE TO Peugeot UK managing DEAL WITH GREY FLEET RISE director David Peel. Licence Check has launched a new online audit module within
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 9 When you can’t wait to get back to your mobile office The exciting new Tiguan
Official fuel consumption figures for the new Volkswagen Tiguan model range in mpg (litres/100km): Combined 37.2 (7.6) – 50.4 (5.6). Combined CO emissions 181 – 143 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 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. Data correct at 15/10/20. 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.
506039-64985-Tiguan version A COMPANY CAR TODAY print ad 210x297_GBE.indd 1 29/10/2020 10:35 NEWS ANALYSIS
BLIND DATA A side effect from all the “At the moment if an data cars are collecting and incident happens just before communicating could be its a loop, the traffic has to be worth to the likes of the 500 metres back before you Department for Transport, know. Loops are expensive Highways England and and work in a hostile the local authorities. environment, plus they’re Motorways are fitted with not entirely reliable and loops every 500 metres to expensive to repair.” count vehicles and speeds. Vermaat admits that this “But it would be far better sort of use will be subject to do that with the vehicles to the kind of battle the reporting themselves,” industry is already seeing IN-DEPTH TRL’s Peter Vermaat tells over ownership and use of a Company Car Today. vehicle’s data stream.
and therefore the wider information to be of use to the Warning sign network, of problems. driving population. But for “Everything you need is vehicle-to-grid, there are Cars that can warn the driver of around 800 metres; a faster, there except the software to ITSV5 and DSRC systems that about evolving incidents or although more locally pull it all together; for example, are competing to become the approaching emergency restricted format. During every car since 2011 has had VHS, rather than the Betamax. service vehicles might sound testing by German automotive ESP,” Peter Vermaat, principle a little futuristic, but they are association ADAC, a Golf fitted consultant at TRL, tells IN THE FUTURE already becoming a reality. with the tech was sent into Company Car Today. Ford has said that future Systems capable of offering a eight hazardous situations, and ‘’What’s missing is the will developments and expansions 360-degree non-line-of-sight in each one the driver was to pull it all together. It’s to its technology are warning mechanism are about warned of a hazard at least chicken and egg – a lot of guaranteed, including the to take a jump in numbers to 11 seconds before they these services need significant ability to alert drivers to an start along the road to real encountered it. penetration so the second or approaching emergency safety benefits. The system is standard on all third owner will benefit and service vehicle, making for It’s very early days for new Golf models, and will be the first owner pays for it.” safer and more rapid passage car-to-car or car-to- rolled out as VW launches Because of that, Vermaat to its emergency. That would infrastructure technology all-new versions of its line-up. says car-to-car or car-to- most likely work car-to-car but Ford and Volkswagen It operates at speeds above infrastructure technology will transmitted by the emergency are among the big-name 50mph, although future only ever work when it’s fitted vehicle, but other additions brands bringing this type of developments should see it as standard equipment – including geofencing for development to market. applicable in city environments. buyers will never option it. low-emission zones, as BMW is Ford claims that by the end There is the hope though already capable of doing on its of 2020 it will have enabled COMPATIBILITY that an EU framework DG886 PHEV models following a around 400,000 vehicles The tricky thing, as always will at least harmonise data recent over-the-air update, will across Europe to communicate with new technology and protocols to allow different also become widespread. up to 11 types of hazards to different companies trying to manufacturers’ systems to Peter Geffers, Ford’s each other. That’s all cars built be at the cutting edge, is communicate with each other, manager of connected vehicles since September 2019 (bar compatibility, because the something that will be vital if platform and products, says: the Mustang) receiving an systems will be of most use car-to-car, or car-to- “There is a lot of possibility, over-the-air update to enable with huge numbers of different infrastructure technology is invention and agility”. the tech that communicates cars all informing each other, going to get a critical mass of Paul Barker between the vehicle and base to then alert other nearby road users of an issue. The problem could be anything from flooding, slippery roads and tailbacks to an accident or stranded vehicle, and Ford will use activities such as windscreen wiper and light operation, hazard lights, ESP and airbag activation to ascertain that an incident has occurred. Warnings will flash up on the dashboard of drivers in the vicinity that may be impacted, providing a more rapid and accurate warning than the likes of today’s radio traffic reports. Volkswagen’s system is slightly different, using wifi to locally communicate between nearby vehicles across a range
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 11 The most comprehensive The Big Test product review in fleet
TOYOTA YARIS The fourth generation of Toyota’s supermini has a better low-emission hybrid system than ever, and mates it to a much-enhanced visual package
2001 and a diesel a year later, petrol-electric ‘self-charging’ 2007 before declining to just IN CONTEXT the Yaris replaced the Starlet hybrid powertrain, coming into over 140,000 in the end of the model and proved to be a the range in 2012, two years car’s life cycle in 2010. The Yaris dates back four much bigger seller. after Yaris number three went That recovered to more generations to 1999, and the The second-generation on sale in Europe. than 210,000 in the past two first generation of the Yaris followed in late 2005, The period around 2007 years, the car’s best results hatchback became Toyota’s becoming the first car in its was the Yaris’s best in terms in a decade. It accounts for first European Car of the Year class to hit the maximum of annual European sales, more than 22% of Toyota’s winner in 2000 thanks in part five-star Euro NCAP crash hitting more than 250,000 in European new car sales. to its excellent packaging. test rating, and in 2009 Initially sold with 1.0 and 1.3 stop-start was introduced. petrol engines, before a 1.5 T The third Yaris was the one Sport model was added in that added Toyota’s famous
12 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST
The hybrid system is 22% more efficient than the old, and power is up from 100hp to 114hp
TEST NOTES
● The hybrid powertrain is much-improved in terms of performance and refinement, although it’s not always the quietest. ● The cruise control won’t engage when the car is set to ‘Brake’ mode rather than Drive, which means you have to keep flicking between the two rather than leaving it in Brake. ● The Yaris doesn’t always much over 30mph. That said, the Yaris will run feel the most premium of WHAT on the battery for decent periods in its native cars, for example the door THEY urban environment. handles feel flimsy and The new system offers emissions of just SAY... the doors shut with a 92g/km for the lower two trim levels, which run cheap-sounding clang. on 16-inch alloy wheels, rising to 98g/km for the “Yaris is our higher trims that use 17-inchers. That means fuel best-selling UK economy figures of up to 68.9mpg, and BiK bands model and has always of either 21% or 22% depending on the trim level. performed well as a There are five of those trim levels, including a fleet model even though lavish range-topping Launch Edition model sitting sales have traditionally The striking and muscular styling marks out the nearly £2000 clear at the top of the range. The been retail-led. We new Toyota Yaris, with the Japanese brand moving lesser trims kick off with Icon, and run through expect this to increase to make its fourth generation of supermini carrying Design and Dynamic to get to the Excel spec that further with this model the nameplate a more distinctive model. will top the range once the Launch Edition dies. which uses our The new car is actually 5mm shorter than its Decent levels of safety kit has long been one of fourth-generation predecessor, but that combines with a 40mm the Yaris’s strong suits, and the new model takes hybrid technology to reduction in height and 50mm increase in width to that to a new high with adaptive cruise control, provide much greater change the proportions into a more squat and lane-trace assist, traffic sign assist and auto high all-electric capability. sporty-looking stance, especially when combined beam all standard on every car, while the Excel “Key areas of fleet with the bulky front and rear bumpers. trim adds blind spot assist. appeal include class- The line-up is a simple one, with the sole All cars also get climate control, a reversing leading CO2, a higher powertrain being a new version of Toyota’s hybrid camera (but no parking sensors until you get to safety specification and system; this combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with the top trim level), Apple CarPlay and Android reduced running costs a small electric motor that’s capable of powering Auto, which Toyota is belatedly on to the thanks to better fuel the car on its own in short bursts before bandwagon with, and automatic lights and wipers. economy and lower recharging either by recuperating energy under Stepping up by £1060 to Design brings a digital VED, even though the deceleration or via the petrol engine. speedo on a colour display, as well as a new model is more According to Toyota, the new hybrid system is touchscreen media system that goes up by an powerful. This all 22% more efficient overall, and power is up from inch to 8.0 inches, nicer alloys, LED headlights and contributes to one 100hp to 116hp, improving the 0-62mph rear lights and rear privacy glass, while another of the highest RVs acceleration time by 15% over the old car’s. £950 to Dynamic adds the 17-inch wheels, front in the segment.” The company claims the Yaris can run at up to sport seats, keyless entry and start, dual-zone Stuart Ferma, 80mph on battery alone, although in practice it’s climate control and an uprated audio system. general manager fleet, tricky to persuade the car to stay in EV mode at The extra £300 up to Excel brings front and rear Toyota and Lexus GB
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 13 SPACE It’s not sporty, but the light Yaris has a diminutive footprint but can still steering is great in the car’s accommodate four adults in decent comfort. natural urban habitat The boot isn’t the biggest in the class but is fairly deep
COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING
How the Toyota Yaris stacks up across the range, and against its key rivals MODEL PRICE ALLOYS SCREEN KEYLESS CLIMATE FRONT PARK / PRIVACY METALLIC GAPS (INCH) SIZE (INCH) ENTRY CONTROL REAR CAMERA GLASS PAINT
Icon n/a 16 7.0 – – / – £585 Design* +£1060 16 8.0 – – / £585 Dynamic +£950 17 8.0 Dual £750 (P) / £585 Excel +£300 17 8.0 Dual £585 *Model tested RIVALS (P) = Pack
Ford Fiesta -£1160 16 8.0 – Aircon £900 (P) £500-£750 Titanium
Honda Jazz SR -£405 15 9.0 – Climate / – – £550-£650
Renault Clio Iconic +£25 16 7.0 Aircon £400 (P) £560-£660
FORD FIESTA HONDA JAZZ
RENAULT CLIO
14 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST
DIALS STANDARD The instrument Equipment levels are cluster is a kind of extremely generous, old-meets-new blend with kit such as climate with two spaces for control being standard, dials but digital info plus a reversing camera contained in each and smartphone roundel mirroring
also small, and can only display one set of trip or car information at once, on top of the speed and gear selection in flanking roundels, rather than more complex offerings from competitors. New Yaris can From the outside, Toyota has done an excellent job drive on electric of making the Yaris look more sporty and eye- power for more catching, compared to what was a fairly sober and of the time anonymous predecessor. The new car already looks like the hot-hatch-styled version rather than the regular model, which is a strong look. The drive will never quite match those sporty parking sensors with automatic braking, auto-fold pretentions, once you realise it’s packing just 116hp, mirrors and blind spot monitoring. although that’s not to say the driving experience is The cabin is a story of several parts. It looks good anything to criticise. The ride quality impresses over and offers plenty of stowage spots for a small car, bigger bumps and thumps, especially on the smaller but there are various elements that make the Yaris alloys of our Design-spec test car, and the powertrain, feel cheaper than some of its rivals. The door sounds while still not aurally perfect, is a big improvement on tinny when slammed, and the door handles give the Toyota’s previous hybrid system. same slightly flimsy feeling, while plenty of the The car still offers a bit too much noise when hard plastics in the cabin are to be filed under solid and acceleration is requested, but it’s a slicker system now durable rather than soft and plush. The steering and doesn’t feel like power is escaping through the wheel also thumps harshly against the lock-stops racket generated rather than being translated into when going for maximum turn. But the space isn’t pace, as has sometimes been the case with older bad at all for four, given the Yaris’s small footprint, Toyota hybrids. Fuel economy seems to get closer to and although the boot is a touch smaller than most the official figures than many cars manage, too. rivals’, it is at least decently deep. The light steering is great for more urban settings, The touchscreen system is not the most advanced where the Yaris is most at home, and it’s not tricky in terms of design or functionality, but has a to keep the car ticking over on the battery alone in simplistic charm to it, and Apple CarPlay and Android traffic, allowing for a quiet and relaxed journey in Auto are welcome additions, especially as an in-built heavier traffic. sat nav system isn’t available – which makes the While Toyota is a leader in hybrid tech, it no longer presence of a ‘Map’ button on the multimedia has the area to itself, with Honda’s Jazz and, controls strange. The central dashboard display is imminently, Renault’s Clio, also offered as petrol-
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 15 The looks and hybrid powertrain are key to drawing business users
HEAD-TO-HEAD - the key stats SMR COST NEED TO KNOW 1 Honda Jazz £1488 Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-h 116 Design 2 Ford Fiesta £1700 (£20,790) vs THE RANGE 3 Renault Clio £1787 Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost MHEV 125 Nav 4 Toyota Yaris £2028 A simple line-up of just the one 1.5-litre Titanium (£19,630) vs petrol-electric ‘self-charging’ hybrid Honda Jazz 1.5h 107 SR BIK PER MONTH – 20%/40% (BANDING) powertrain, with four trim levels, plus (£20,385) vs 1 Toyota Yaris £73/£146 (21%) the lavishly equipped Launch Edition Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech 140 Iconic 2 Renault Clio £76/£153 (22%) model sitting £1865 above the top (£20,815) 3 Honda Jazz £78/£156 (23%) 4 Ford Fiesta £85/£170 (26%) regular trim level Excel. EFFICIENCY LENGTH FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 1 Toyota Yaris 92g/km (68.9mpg) 2 Renault Clio 98g/km (64.2mpg) 1 Renault Clio 4050mm The only thing set to join the line-up in 3 Honda Jazz 102g/km (62.8mpg) 2 Honda Jazz 4044mm the near future is the 257hp four-wheel 4 Ford Fiesta 114g/km (56.5mpg) 3 Ford Fiesta 3969mm drive GR Yaris hot hatch, which is a very 4 Toyota Yaris 3940mm POWER/0-62MPH PERFORMANCE different proposition of a car. WIDTH (INCL. MIRRORS) 1 Renault Clio 140hp/9.9sec 1 Renault Clio 1836mm WHAT’S NEW FROM THE RIVALS 2 Ford Fiesta 125hp/9.4sec 2 Toyota Yaris 1745mm 3 Toyota Yaris 116hp/10.3sec Hyundai’s new i20 lands imminently, and 3 Ford Fiesta 1735mm 4 Honda Jazz 107hp/9.4sec Renault is about to commence deliveries 4 Honda Jazz 1694mm of its hybrid Clio, but otherwise there’s WHOLE-LIFE COST HEIGHT not a lot in terms of new superminis. 1 Toyota Yaris 45.8p 1= Ford Fiesta 1495mm 2 Renault Clio 46.7p PRICE RANGE 1= Honda Jazz 1495mm 3 Honda Jazz 46.8p 3 Toyota Yaris 1470mm £19,730-£22,060 4 Ford Fiesta 47.7p 4 Renault Clio 1440mm ENGINE LINE-UP* RESIDUAL VALUE BOOT (TO PARCEL SHELF) PETROL-HYBRID 1 Toyota Yaris 36.7% 1 Honda Jazz 304 litres 116hp 1.5 -92g/km, 68.9mpg 2 Honda Jazz 35.6% 2 Renault Clio 301 litres 3 Renault Clio 34.0% 3 Ford Fiesta 292 litres *Emissions figures stated are lowest available in range 4 Ford Fiesta 32.4% 4 Toyota Yaris 270 litres
Whole-life cost data courtesy of 16 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK ROAD TEST
VERDICT
DRIVE 8/10 The steering is light, but that helps around town, and the powertrain is much slicker than previous hybrid units. EFFICIENCY 10/10 One of the most efficient non-plug-in cars on sale, and real-world figures seem to electric ‘self-charging’ hybrids. But the Yaris’s easily hit 60mpg on mixed use. 92g/km compares favourably with 98g/km for the admittedly more powerful Renault and 102g/km for PRACTICALITY 7/10 the Honda, which translates to an advantage of Comparatively small boot, 4.7mpg in official fuel economy figures at 68.9mpg. although rear space isn’t too bad By comparison, a regular petrol model such as the given the car’s compact footprint. Ford Fiesta – which now has mild-hybrid tech for a small emissions boost – sits at 114g/km and EQUIPMENT 8/10 56.5mpg, although the Ford is more than £2000 The Yaris offers sensible cheaper thanks to the absence of complicated walk-ups in price and spec battery tech. But that all loops round on whole-life terms and a decent level of costs, where the hybrids perform well. standard equipment. The Yaris’s biggest strengths are at opposing ends, with the sporty looks and economic hybrid LOOKS 9/10 powertrain being its top calling cards, and both are The big area of improvement over key to attracting business users. There are an anonymous predecessor. The drawbacks – the boot isn’t massive, some of the regular Yaris now looks like a cabin quality isn’t up with others in the class and the performance version of the car. infotainment is fine rather than class leading, but the Yaris offers clever cabin stowage, an excellent ride COMFORT AND quality and a driving experience that is more REFINEMENT 8/10 rewarding than previous iterations have managed. The Yaris rides bumps very well, Overall, it’s a very positive change, and, like previous and electric running is obviously recent new Toyotas, such as the Corolla and C-HR, refined. Although improved, Yaris deals with is a new model that should only increase in appeal the engine is still vocal under bumps really well by adding some emotional desire to the rational acceleration, as is the case with sensibility that has always been there. all petrol-electric hybrids. CABIN 7/10 THREE THINGS WE LIKE… There are lots of little stowage slots in the cabin and it all looks 3 great as long as you don’t look too closely at some of the quality 1 of more durable plastics. INFOTAINMENT 7/10 Apple CarPlay is a welcome addition at last, but otherwise it’s all fairly basic but sensible and functional. The dash display is a bit small and can only show one set of info at once. Apple CarPlay is finally making its welcome way across the Toyota range WHOLE-LIFE The new Yaris looks great – a big COSTS 9/10 step forward from its predecessor Great running costs only let down slightly by high SMR. 2 CCT OPINION 9/10 A successful refresh makes the Yaris striking as well as sensible.
VERDICT 82% Good looks, great emissions figures and a decent level of standard specification are all major plus points, although it …AND ONE WE DON’T doesn’t always feel the most The shelf above the climate controls premium of superminis. is just one useful stowage space The dash display is a bit small and can’t show as much info at once as other systems
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 17 Paul Barker grabs a cuppa and a chat with one of fleet's Coffee with... most influential figures
THE RISE OF THE EV MARKETING ARGUMENT
Companies are finding that the economic and environmental arguments for switching to electric vehicles are being joined by a third benefit – marketing. “We know that consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability, so businesses that show they’re doing their bit by switching to electric vehicles can use that as a marketing tool,” head of Go Ultra Low Poppy Welch tells Company Car Today. “I was talking to the CEO of DPD, and they’re introducing quite a lot of electric vans to their fleet. He was saying they’re a good marketing tool; both their business clients and their individual customers see it as POPPY a really good thing and they say that in particular individual customers WELCH show a lot of interest if their parcel is delivered by an electric van. HEAD OF “Although it’s quite a big deal for GO ULTRA them to change to electric, they are finding that among the other LOW benefits it can be a PR tool as well.”
Go Ultra Low is funded by a combination thing. They can be something that people giving advice to people on what’s the best of the Department for Transport and car can try before you go fully electric. option for them and answering questions. manufacturers through the plug-in car The other thing is, a lot of people are We must also help to clear up some of grant, and its role is to encourage the saying “oh my gosh, 2030 is only nine the confusion that there is out there; there adoption of plug-in vehicles across fleets years away, how on earth are we going are still quite a lot of myths and, if you and private buyers. That’s even more to get there?”. And don’t get me wrong, don’t know a huge amount about electric important now the countdown to the 2030 there is an awful lot to be done to make vehicles, genuine concerns about charging. petrol and diesel new car sales ban has that transition. But if you look at where So, we also see our role as clearing up begun. Poppy Welch has headed the we’ve come from nine years ago, the some of the confusion, and ensuring we’re campaign for the past five years. chasm is vast; in 2011, there was one giving good advice. Our role is varied but electric vehicle on sale – the Nissan Leaf we want to build people’s interest and The best place to start is the 2030 – and there were barely any chargers. willingness to consider electric next time Q new petrol and diesel sales ban. There were only 34 rapid charging points they’re buying. What’s your reaction and how realistic back then, but we’re on 3000 now. So, if do you think it is? we look at how far we’ve come, I think What are going to be the key issues It’s certainly a positive thing. We know getting to 2030 is achievable, with lots of Q around increasing the adoption A there is the target beyond that of zero work from the manufacturers, from rate of electric vehicles? by 2050 and there are big changes across government, and from everyone else We say there are four main potential all sectors that need to be made. within the industry. A barriers, and those are range, as in how Obviously, as Go Ultra Low we’ve far the car goes on a single charge; range, been trying to encourage people to switch What is Go Ultra Low’s role and as in the number of vehicles available; to electric for six or seven years now so Q where can you help? charging availability; and cost. And there for us I guess this is a good acceleration Go Ultra Low was set up about seven are good things happening in all of those of that. A years ago with the main objectives of areas, but they’re not all perfect yet. I also think it’s good that plug-in hybrids initially raising awareness of electric There needs to be movement across all have been given a bit longer, because I vehicles, and then encouraging uptake. of those areas. Whenever we do research think they are an important stepping stone Our objectives haven’t changed a huge into the things that top people’s concerns, technology. We very much recognise that amount, although we don’t generally say cost has always come out first, followed by for many people switching to electric is that we’re raising awareness any more how far the car will go on a single charge. quite a daunting prospect; the habit of because it’s already there. We’re trying to But actually, I think people are starting to driving petrol and diesel is so ingrained now capitalise on that, and build people’s understand some of the cost benefits like that it can seem quite scary and difficult excitement and interest in electric vehicles, the cheaper running costs, and some of and not as convenient. So I think that move whether it’s consumers or businesses or the other tax advantages and things like to keep plug-in hybrid until 2035 is a good fleets. And then we also have a role in access to cleaner-air zones.
18 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK INTERVIEW
I think there is understanding of that more with the scheme. and also that if you pay for your car We would want to use companies we monthly, which the majority of people do, engage with a lot more for case studies TOP PICKS you can actually just work out what you because I think, particularly when it comes can afford. And that’s the same whether to SMEs, one of the things that people POPPY selects her it’s electric, or petrol or diesel. want to see are other companies that have stand-out cars As the costs are gradually coming done it and examples of how to do it, so down, it’s worries over infrastructure we would want to work with companies that have become number one in people’s that would become Go Ultra Low PAS T concerns. But that said, even there we are companies to help us spread those NISSAN LEAF seeing huge increases in terms of messages and give really good advice to It’s a pioneering mass-market charging. For example, each month others who are potentially further back in electric car and has been a success there’s probably between 400-500 new that process. As well as that, we have for 10 years now, and it’s still one of chargers going in, and the government is other plans in the pipeline and we know the best-selling electric vehicles. obviously still providing grants for we need to do more. installation of chargers, whether that’s at home, on the street or at work. So Do you think we’re now at the point there’s all sorts of good things happening Q with electric vehicles where it’s more in the infrastructure space. about the practicalities of how to adopt So although people do talk about it as a them than telling people that they exist? concern I think over the next nine years to Yes I do, and businesses are further 2030, so much will happen and there are A along than individuals. I mean, yes, so many good things happening in terms most people are aware, but in terms of of innovation in types of charging, there’s getting them interested and excited about all sorts of good stuff happening to help the prospects of buying one, businesses people without access to off-street are a bit further along because the parking, pop-up chargers, lamppost economic argument for changing to an chargers and things like that. Oxford, electric vehicle is pretty strong. which is one of our Go Ultra Low Cities, has trialled all sorts of quite innovative How important and influential are the new ways to charge on streets. Q various grants and tax savings? PRESENT I think they’re all important to be MINI ELECTRIC How important are fleets to Go Ultra A honest, and then together I think it The Mini Electric is great if you love Q Low and the adoption of EVs? shows to the general public that the your classic British car, and it’s iconic We think very, and particularly when government is serious about this. If isn’t it. Although I test drove the Volvo A it comes to SMEs. Where large they’re investing all these billions of XC40 plug-in hybrid the other day and businesses often will have dedicated pounds to help consumers and I really liked that. CCT fleet managers whose job is to be businesses move to electric vehicles, knowledgeable about the best options then they must be pretty serious about available, Go Ultra Low doesn’t necessarily it. Overall, the point is that, yes, electric have a huge role to play. But in small and vehicles are still a little bit more expensive medium-sized businesses that don’t than their petrol and diesel counterparts have a dedicated fleet manager, we hope from a pure cost point of view, so these that we can help those businesses things do help people to make that understand. To first of all, get them decision. Whether it’s the £3000 off the interested in electric cars, but then cost of a car or £8000 off a van, or the also help them understand what the £500 towards the charging point cost, benefits are in switching. when you’re doing the sums all of those things add up. What do you offer fleets from a Then you look at the further detail Q resource perspective? You launched around clean-air zones coming in in your the Go Ultra Low Companies scheme town or city, and you know that you a couple of years back but do you have wouldn’t have to pay those charges. And any new plans specifically around fleet? of course the fuelling costs is a good One of the things we have done is message, because it’s so much cheaper FUTURE A the Go Ultra Low Companies scheme, to fuel. Plus, for businesses, they’re only BENTLEY EV which was about showcasing companies having to reimburse 4p as opposed to 12, The dream car? You keep hearing that either had already or were planning 14, or 18 pence a mile for petrol or diesel Bentley saying they’re going to have to introduce EVs on to their fleets. And we depending on engine size. a pure electric car quite soon [due in do have a new version of that in the That is a big advantage for electric. But 2025], which would be pretty smooth! pipeline. We realised that as time has in terms of the incentives I think the moved on, the criteria that we’ve set was whole package is important to show increasingly easy to meet. We plan to that the government is serious about toughen it a little bit, and also do a bit making the change.
Welch on… The increase in electric vehicle choice The thing that will encourage uptake over the next few years is all the new models that are coming out. That will probably be one of the key drivers , when people feel that they don’t have to stray far from the type of car that they want.
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 19
The GREEN PAGES GREEN
FOCUS ON... Your monthly special report on all things green in fleet RENAULT POSITIVE THINKING Why we should be excited by next year’s electric cars
Guest opinion Tim Dickson, Ecomore Training boss talks learning to ‘drive green’
PHEVs: Why plug-in hybrids aren’t dead yet THE FUTURE FOR PHEVS
WHAT IS THE PHEV POSITION? With Benefit-in-Kind taxation favouring full EVs over PHEVs and the Government deciding to bring forward its plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars, is there still a role for the plug-in hybrid? Just two years ago, almost three times as brisk overtake of PHEVs, one being the a BEV?” but many plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) as battery availability of new models. At the start of “why wouldn’t I electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in 2020, the Society of Motor Manufacturers choose a BEV?”. Britain. But so far in 2020, BEVs have and Traders expected 23 new pure-electric However, the outsold PHEVs by more than 50%. cars to launch, but just 11 plug-in hybrids. BVRLA’s director Where does this leave the PHEV? Is it a However, the decisive factor in terms of corporate stop-gap technology that’s already had its of fleet demand has to have been April’s affairs, Toby day? Or are there still enough compelling tax changes. The move to a 0% tax rate Poston, believes reasons to choose a plug-in hybrid for for zero-carbon vehicles for the 2020/21 that one reason business use? tax year has generated huge demand for to still favour Company Car Today has put these electric vehicles, and made them far more a hybrid is to questions to industry experts as we move tax-efficient than a PHEV. ease the Toby Poston inexorably towards the Government’s Depending on their electric range and transition from revised 2030 deadline for ending the sale official emissions figures, many PHEVs petrol or diesel of petrol and diesel cars. now sit in the 10% or 12% tax band. For to a fully electric vehicle. anyone deciding between a BEV, a PHEV, He says: “For many people, a PHEV does TAX CHANGES or a conventional ICE-powered car, the provide an ideal ‘transition vehicle’ that A number of factors has fuelled BEVs’ question is no longer “should I choose gets them used to driving and charging an electric vehicle. However, the increasing PHEVs can be a good way of affordability and range of pure BEVs is making it easier and more appropriate for getting people to experience electric drivers to make the bigger leap straight from an ICE to a BEV.” motoring for the first time Paul Hollick, chairman of the Association
22 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK on thesaleofnew dieseland petrol cars to Government hasbrought forward theban to beavailable asnew cars. Whilethe be crucialto how long PHEVs continue performance andzero-emission ranges.” going straight to pure EVnow.” few years, thereality ispeopleshouldbe good source ofEVadoptionfor the past day. Whileplug-inhybrids have beena people whodomore than250milesina miles plus,Ithinknot.There aren’t many generation ofEVs thathave arange of250 stone afew years ago, butwiththenew stepping they were a passed. a BEVhas switching to stage before in-between hybrids asthe seeing time for thinks the Professionals, of Fleet which isresulting inever-improving CO new modelsandinvest inhybrid platforms, so,” says Poston. “They continue to launch PHEVs stillhave theirplace. within theirmonthlyleasing budget, car butstrugglesto findasuitableEV someone whoneedsalarge andpractical a larger vehicle.” in urbanareas, orsomeonethatneeds mileages butoccasionally needs to drive best for “someonethatdoeslonger people to touch anEVfor thefirsttime.” vehicles. Itcan beagood way ofgetting says Hollick.“They are stillusefulaspool that stillplay to aPHEV’sstrengths, a BEV, there are somecircumstances Despite thetaxadvantages ofchoosing THE FUTURE OF PHEVS In thelong-term, increased range will “Maybe “Vehicle manufacturers seem to think So, for thesehigh-mileage users,or Poston believes thePHEVnow works 0% 4% 3% 5% 2% 1% MARKET SHARE OF PLUG-IN HYBRIDS
2018 Paul Hollick Paul AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
2019
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10 years isaround three company car fleet procurement policies.“For mostfleets, immediate effect oncompanies’ not expect the2030deadlineto have an PHEVs are stillquite attractive.” towards anEV;intheconsumer space consumers whowant to take astep he says. “They’re desirable for private holding theirresale value relatively well,” robust for sometime.“They are still hybrids ontheusedmarket to remain leasing rates? soon beginto affect resale values and is ticking. Will the2030and2035 dates technology hasashelflife, andtheclock government hasunderlinedthathybrid By setting atimelimitonPHEVsales,the Government hasannounced. defined through consultation,” the not yet beendecided,but“willbe amounts to “asignificant distance” has distance” onelectricpower alone.What they have can drive “asignificant THE IMPACT ON RESALE a stay ofexecution until2035–provided 2030, PHEVs andotherhybrids willhave not for along timeyet PHEVs willdieoff,but From afleetperspective, Poston does Hollick expects demandfor plug-in 2020 YTD PHEVs EVs
Source: SMMT month lessthanthehybrid. the pure EVcan cost around £50per on aleasecomparison site shows that F-Pace PHEVandaJaguar I-Pace BEV comparing theleasing rates for aJaguar PHEV andBEVmodels.For example, reflected intheleasing rates for equivalent battery ranges are brought to themarket.” vehicle technology accelerates andgreater unlikely to change asbattery electric sales volumes, butthispositionis fewer inthemarket dueto lower new in partdueto thefact thatthere are PHEVs. Thisis Cost New) than OCN (Original percentage of retain ahigher speaking, BEVs “Generally PHEVs. values than stronger resale already have that BEVs Cazana, sees insight at pressure to stop offering ortaking PHEVs.” of 2030shouldnotcreate any imminent cycles away, soanICE phase-outtarget David Motton gamechanger inourworld.” hitting atthesametime,that’sa 250 milesplusonacharge. With both is thenew generation ofEVs thatcan do rates changing over on1April, theother symmetry,” says Hollick.“OneistheBiK two things have happenedinperfect as the2030deadlinelooms. sales terms, andwillstretch furtherahead However, BEVs have overtaken PHEVs in 91.5% compared with2019,year-to-date. in hybrids have stillincreased salesby tax-efficient asaBEV, buteven soplug- PHEV justyet –they may notbeas It would bepremature to write offthe CONCLUSION Strong BEVresale values are already However, RupertPontin, thedirector of “PHEVs aren’t ontheway outyet, but
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23 CC T Adding EVs to your fleet?
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Explore fleet charging with us here: pod-point.com/fleet MANUFACTURER PROFILE The GREEN PAGES GREEN FOCUS ON: ✪ STAR CAR Zoe
WHAT IS IT? Renault’s electric supermini, the Zoe is one of the longest- established electric cars on the market, and was revised 12 months ago to offer longer range, more tech and a subtly tweaked styling.
CO2 EMISSIONS? 0g/km HOW QUICK IS IT? The revision added a new 100kW The French brand has recently brought (135hp) motor alongside the the Captur PHEV to market, followed in existing 80kW (110hp) one, swift fashion by the Megane Sport Tourer although the little hatchback is Renault plug-in hybrid, and a Megane hatch PHEV still not a performance car, with a EV pioneer is now will be the third part of the triumvirate. The best 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds. Captur (pictured, above) is expected to be branching out and the most popular of the three, given the WHAT’S THE RANGE? small crossover is Renault’s biggest selling It has an official range figure of between 238-245 miles, depending model. The PHEV comes with figures of offering a range of on the spec level and electric motor. 34-36g/km of CO2 and an electric-only green powertrains official range of 30 miles, scraping it into IS IT TAX-EFFICIENT? the 10% BiK band. The figures are the There will be zero company car BiK, Renault was at the forefront of electric same for the Megane Sport Tourer, which employer National Insurance or vehicles at the beginning of the last uses the same 9.8kWh battery mated to a VED this year. BiK goes to 1% next decade, with the Fluence, Kangoo ZE Van, 1.6-litre petrol. year and 2% for the three after that. Twizy and then Zoe all coming onto the The Captur comes in S Edition and ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? market in the early days of the technology. Launch Edition trims, costing from Renault has now dropped the However, aside from a couple of updates £30,995, while the Megane estate is battery lease option that caused a to the Zoe, that was it for quite some time. offered in Iconic and RS Line specifications, degree of industry confusion, and But a flurry of activity is now taking also costing from £30,995. the most recent update added a ‘B’ place, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid function for greater brake-energy powertrains finally joining full electric HYBRID regeneration and one-pedal driving. in the Renault line-up. As well as fully electric and plug-in hybrid, The Zoe supermini received an update at Renault has also completed powertrain the beginning of 2020, with the key thing bingo with the Clio E-Tech Hybrid. being a new 52kWh battery that gives The E-Tech Hybrid is a 140hp the car an official 245-mile range (see combination of 1.6-litre petrol engine and Star Car, right). Electric-wise, the brand two electric motors powered by a 1.2kWh also has the Kangoo and Master ZE light battery that’s capable of keeping the Clio commercials, with a new Kangoo coming in going for up to a claimed two-and-a-half 2021, as well as the Twizy quadricycle, and miles at up to 28mph. The car’s CO2 figure a new van version of the Zoe. is as low as 98g/km, The sub-100g/km emissions compares PLUG-IN HYBRID with a best of 109g/km for the 85hp diesel Having taken quite some time to develop and 119g/km for the 100hp petrol, both plug-in hybrid technology, Renault has of which are significantly down on power done that bus-like thing and two E-Tech against the hybrid. That said, they are PHEVs have come along at once – and £1500 and £3400 cheaper respectively two will become three early next year. than the ‘self-charging’ hybrid model.
coming next… Renault recently revealed a concept car Renault has also confirmed that the that it says is 95% of the way to the Megane, Captur and forthcoming Coupe- electric Megane it will launch in 2022. SUV Arkana models will all get the hybrid The company is quoting a range figure powertrain already seen in the Clio. of 260 miles from the 60kWh battery, The company has also revealed the and the 217hp electric motor will make Dacia Spring Electric, which will have a the Megane EV one of the brand’s range of 140 miles. However, there are no most powerful models. plans to bring the hatchback to the UK.
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 25 EVS ON THE WAY EXCITING EVS TO BRIGHTEN 2021 With the petrol and diesel sales ban from 2030 recently confirmed, electric cars are now under the spotlight. Which means it’s a good job there’s such a great selection of interesting new models hitting the UK
We’re now well past the point halo model that arrives in The classic Mustang name where it’s clear that electric the first half of 2021. goes electric next year, with vehicles are here to stay, and The Q4 E-Tron is slightly the slightly delayed arrival of increasing numbers of buyers smaller than a Q5 SUV; the the Mach-e, which is a car looking at an increasing concept measures 73mm that will push the Ford to the quantity and quality of electric shorter and 49mm lower forefront of the EV market in products means the growth is than its petrol, diesel and terms of range, getting on for bound to accelerate into 2021 plug-in hybrid sibling. 400 miles per charge. and beyond. First pre-ordered cars of the As well as the likes of the fully-loaded £58,080 First KIA EV BMW iX (see news, p4), and the Edition are due in March, and Range: 310 miles Citroen C4, Fiat 500 and VW the 379-mile range two-wheel Price: TBC ID.3 (see test drive reviews, drive and 335-mile all-wheel Due: Q4 2021 p30), there are new electric drive models follow a few Kia’s first stand-alone electric cars of all shapes, sizes, ranges weeks later. vehicle will be unveiled early and budgets arriving in 2021. A high-performance next year. It is described as Here are a dozen of the best. Mustang Mach-E GT will a coupe-SUV “which blurs follow late next year, capable the boundaries between BMW i4 of covering the 0-62mph passenger car and SUVs”. Range: 360 miles (est.) dash in just 3.7 seconds. Detail is relatively scarce Price: TBC but it will come with a range of Due: late 2021 more than 300 miles. Reports The i4 will be the third of a new suggest that the as-yet- breed of electric vehicles from unnamed model will take BMW, following on the iX3 in design cues from both the the spring and the larger iX in Futuron concept car unveiled the second half of the year. 12 months ago (pictured), and AUDI Q4 E-TRON But the i4 – previewed by the Imagine by Kia concept RANGE: 280 miles the BMW i4 Concept (pictured) revealed at the 2019 Geneva PRICE: TBC in early 2020 – will sit in motor show. DUE: June 2021 BMW’s heartland and is IONIQ 45 The Q4 is described by Audi’s a car that, according to the Range: TBC fleet boss James Buxton as a company, “combines driving Price: TBC “game-changer” and “huge dynamics, sporty and elegant Due: second half of 2021 opportunity”, with the German design, premium quality and Hyundai says that is going brand pinning significant the spacious comfort of a to use 2021 to launch a new volume hopes on its new EV. four-door Gran Coupe”. brand entirely devoted to Audi has already shown a Q4 The new products are part electric vehicles. E-Tron Concept (pictured) that of BMW’s rapid moves to This new spin-off will be the production version should launch 25 electric or plug-in called Ioniq, and it will spawn deviate little from when it hybrid models by 2023. three models over the next MERCEDES-BENZ appears. That car had a quoted four years, beginning with EQA 279-mile range from its the Ioniq 5, a mid-sized SUV Range: 240 miles (est.) 82kWh battery. based on the Hyundai Price: TBC With the Q4 Sportback 45 Concept (pictured) that Due: spring 2021 following a few months behind, was revealed last year. Mercedes has confirmed six the Q4 gives Audi a new and “The Ioniq brand will change new models under its EQ much cheaper electric vehicle the paradigm of EV customer banner by the middle of 2022, entry point than it currently experience,” said Hyundai’s and the first is probably the has with the E-Tron, the car global chief marketing officer, most fleet-relevant. The the brand entered the EV Wonhong Cho. EQA will be an electric small marketplace with last year. FORD MUSTANG “With a new emphasis on crossover based on the GLA The Q4 is also another step MACH-E connected living, we will offer model, although it will look on Audi’s journey to having 12 Range: 335-379 miles electrified experiences that different from its petrol/ all-electric models by 2025, Price from: £40,350 are completely integral to an diesel/PHEV sibling, in the which includes the E-Tron GT Due: March 2021 eco-friendly lifestyle.” same way that the EQC model
26 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK The GREEN PAGES is related to the GLC, but has its will also be offered, giving own look. First pictures and lower range and price points. VANS GATHERING VELOCITY details will appear at the The car will spawn a more beginning of 2022, with little by sporting Cupra El Born sibling It’s not just cars where the full-size Transit with way of range or powertrain using the same powertrain. acceleration in interesting selected fleets ahead information currently available. new electric models is of a 2022 launch. That said, the Concept EQA car increasing, with the light van These are added to vans (pictured) revealed in 2017 had market building rapidly. already in the marketplace a range of around 240 miles. Electric van pioneer including the Nissan The other new Mercedes EVs Renault will launch the eNV200, Renault Master will be the EQB SUV, EQS and second-generation Kangoo ZE and Zoe van and the EQE saloons and the EQS SUV next year (pictured) while Maxus EV80. and EQE SUV off-roaders. the PSA Group will expand Plug-in hybrid light its EV programme into the commercials qualify for the SKODA ENYAQ small van trio of Citroen Government £8000 grant, Berlingo, Peugeot Partner which includes the LEVC Range: 242-316 miles and Vauxhall Combo VN5, Ford Transit Custom Price: From £33,450 respectively, while the and Mitsubishi Outlander. Due: spring 2021 Citroen and Peugeot large Skoda’s first car to be offered vans will also get an electric purely as an electric vehicle is version via an official one of the first ones here to third-party conversion. arrive in the UK, with early The Mercedes eSprinter NISSAN ARIYA examples due on sale in the will join the electric Vito Range: 211-310 miles next three or four months. early next year, and the Price: TBC first half 2021 The Enyaq will come with Maxus eDeliver3 is also Due: second half of 2021 62kWh or 82kWh batteries. imminent, while Ford will Nissan will finally build on the The smaller of the two will begin trials of its electric success of its Leaf with a offer 180hp and a 242-mile second EV next year, in the range, while the larger brings form of the Ariya SUV. 204hp and a 316-mile range, There will be two battery plus £5500 on the cost. options, a 63kWh pack or an Either model will be offered authorised for use on the road. complete with leather, 87kWh option, and range in three trim levels, on a car The car will also get a hefty massaging front seats figures from 211 miles for the that is just shy of the Kodiaq 15-inch touchscreen and a and park assist. smaller battery in four-wheel- seven-seat SUV in size. Skoda panoramic glass roof. CCT drive form, up to 310 miles for describes the interior as the larger battery in two- “spacious”, and the boot wheel-drive form. offers 585 litres of space. The new EV is 45mm shorter and 50mm lower than an X-Trail, and the two-wheel- drive car will have 466 litres of boot space. However, the four-wheel-drive model’s luggage capacity is reduced VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 by 58 litres. VAUXHALL Range: Up to 323 miles MOKKA-E Price: TBC Range: 201 miles Due: first half of 2021 TESLA MODEL Y Price: from £33,840 Volkswagen’s second ID- Range: 298-314 miles Due: early 2021 branded electric car follows the Price: £65,000 (est.) The Mokka-e is Vauxhall’s ID.3 hatchback (see test drive Due: late 2021 second full electric car after review, p34). It will come with A little brother to the Model X the Corsa-e that was launched eight variants across the SUV, although without the at the beginning of this year 52kwh or 77kwh battery falcon wing rear doors, the (although it arrives at around options, and three power levels Model Y is an optional seven- the same time as the electric of between 148hp and 204hp SEAT EL BORN seater that will come with versions of the Vivaro Van and from the electric motor. Range: up to 310 miles Performance and Long-Range Vivaro Life passenger models). So far, Volkswagen has only Price: TBC AWD versions, offering The Mokka will be the first revealed that the maximum Due: late 2021 0-60mph acceleration of Vauxhall to offer an electric range configuration will be Seat has moved into plug-in 3.5 and 4.8 seconds powertrain from launch, just over 320 miles, but hasn’t hybrids with the arrival of the respectively, and 298- and alongside petrol and diesel given information on the Leon PHEV and already sells 314-mile official range figures. versions of the new crossover. smaller battery or different the fully electric Mii, but its EV According to Tesla, the Model There’s just the one electric power levels. offering gets serious next year Y will come with “full self- powertrain, a 136hp 100kW However, it has confirmed with the arrival of the El Born. driving capability, enabling motor using a 50kWh battery, that the new car is rear-wheel Previewed by the concept self-driving on city streets and which offers an official range drive, and it is around 100mm car of the same name in 2019 highways pending regulatory of 201 miles. Four trim levels longer than a Tiguan SUV, (pictured), the production approval”, operated via a dozen are being offered at launch, although it offers around version is confirmed to use an ultrasonic sensors, although it running from the entry 70 litres less boot space at 82kWh battery, although other remains to be seen how long £33,840 SE Nav Premium up 543 litres. options with smaller batteries before the technology is to the £37,970 Launch Edition, Paul Barker
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 27 The GUEST OPINION GREEN PAGES
OPINION Responsibility: why our greener new cars need Tim Dickson, Director, Ecomore Training & Consultancy greener drivers
Putting out the rubbish used to be wary of making the change. They adopters have bought into the easy. One bin for everything; no remain confused by the growing technology and made the necessary thought required. But in recent range of efficient new powertrain adjustments to their mindset and years we have all bought in to a technologies, and they don’t always driving style in order to live with the more sustainable way of dealing know which to choose or how to get idiosyncrasies of an EV. with our waste. the best out of it. However,that initial pool of keen, It’s less convenient than before – it A hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, an EV with environmentally savvy buyers is now takes a bit more time, we have to think switchable brake regeneration settings being diluted by drivers who are being a little more – but it’s now the normal or even a conventional petrol or diesel incentivised into an EV, perhaps for thing to do. We’re also thinking more car with selectable driving modes or a different reasons. carefully about the environmental gearbox coasting function (did you As take-up grows, more of these impact when we shop for our food, even know it was in there?) won’t be at consumers – many of them our clothes and even, during more its most efficient without some driver company car drivers, encouraged by normal times, our holidays. interaction. There are too many the attractive financial incentives – The same is happening with our variables for the car’s systems to make will simply be hoping for a like-for-like driving. The raised awareness of the best of every situation. Left to its replacement for their conventional climate change and local pollution own devices a plug-in hybrid will petrol or diesel model. It’s means the car is in danger of being manage just fine, but if the driver disingenuous to suggest that an EV demonised. So, to protect the freedom carries on regardless is absolutely right for everyone – that motoring affords, we are being – and if they don’t recharge at every among other factors, vehicle encouraged – some might say forced available opportunity – they’re as choice may be limited and at-home – to take a more considered approach likely as not to feel somewhat charging might not be an option – so to what we drive and how we drive it. shortchanged by any official claim without an adjustment to their mindset The industry is helping us to do just of efficiency or electric range. and the way they drive, they could end that, with massive strides taken The technology is in there, but up thoroughly dissatisfied with towards more sustainable ways of sometimes the driver needs to work the experience. driving. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and with it to maximise efficiency and Low- and zero-emission cars bring EVs are gaining acceptance, and range, so we need to take a bit more compromises, inconveniences and nowhere more so than across the fleet responsibility when we get behind the challenges, but only when compared sector, bolstered by the financial wheel. A change in mindset is required. with the ease of use of a conventional incentives of reduced BiK tax along More and more people are taking petrol or diesel car – a convenience we with the associated cost savings for the bold step of switching to a fully have all come to take for granted. But businesses. But many drivers are still electric car. Enthusiastic early by better understanding these new technologies and adjusting our approach to driving, we should be Without an adjustment to mindset, able to continue to enjoy the freedom many could end up thoroughly of the car – and some of the financial incentives they bring – for some dissatisfied with the EV experience time to come.
28 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK KNOWLEDGE The GREEN PAGES Figuratively Speaking All the key green company car information at your fingertips
PHEVs and NEW CARS ULEV GRANT BENEFIT-IN-KIND TAX The Government has a scheme to COMING SOON give money off the list price – but Plug-in hybrid vehicle company car Benefit- not the P11D value – of zero- in-Kind tax is, from April 2020, defined by FULL ELECTRIC emission vehicles. This is to the the official electric range, across five bands value of 35% of the car, up to a for cars under 51g/km. While none yet on MG 5 Late 2020 maximum of £3000. It also covers sale can break the 130-mile or 70-129-mile Vauxhall Mokka Late 2020 hydrogen vehicles, although none levels, it defines the tax paid on PHEVs Vauxhall Vivaro Life Late 2020 get under the current £50,000 across the three other bands. Citroen C4 Early 2021 grant threshold. Plug-in hybrids 40-69 miles – 6% BIK Skoda Enyaq Early 2021 are no longer included as of BMW X5e 54 miles October 2018, and there is also an Volvo XC40 Recharge Early 2021 Mercedes A-Class 44 miles £8000 grant towards the cost of Mercedes B-Class 44 miles VW ID4 Early 2021 ultra-low emission LCVs. 30-39 miles – 10% BIK Lexus UX300e March 2021 Audi A6 34 miles Audi Q4 E-tron Spring 2021 ELIGIBLE VEHICLES BMW 225xe 32 miles BMW 330e 35 miles Audi E-Tron GT Spring 2021 Sub-50g/km costing under £50,000 BMW 530e 37 miles Fiat 500 Spring 2021 with at least 70 miles of range: 35% grant to maximum of £3000 BMW 745e 36 miles Mazda MX-30 Spring 2021 BMW i3, i3s BMW X1e 32 miles Ford Mustang Mach-e May 2021 BYD e6 BMW X2e 32 miles BMW iX3 Summer 2021 Citroen e-C4, e-SPaceTourer Citroen C5 Aircross 31 miles Audi Q4 E-tron Sportback Mid 2021 DS3 Crossback E-Tense DS 7 Crossback 36 miles Ford Mustang Mach-e Ford Kuga 35 miles BMW i4 2021 Honda e Hyundai Ioniq 32 miles BMW iX Late 2021 Hyundai Ioniq electric, Kona electric Kia Niro 30 miles Mercedes-Benz EQA Late 2021 Kia e-Niro, Soul EV Land Rover Discovery Sport 38 miles Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric CCT Mercedes C-Class 35 miles Seat El-Born Late 2021 Drive, eVito Tourer Mercedes E-Class 34 miles Tesla Model Y Late 2021 Mazda MX-30 Peugeot 508 39 miles MG 5, ZS Peugeot 3008 30 miles PLUG-IN HYBRID Mini Electric Range Rover Evoque 34 miles Nissan e-NV200, Leaf Renault Captur 30 miles Audi A3 Sportback Late 2020 Peugeot e208, e2008 Skoda Superb 37 miles Seat Leon Late 2020 Polestar 2 Vauxhall Grandland X 35 miles Renault Zoe Seat Tarraco Late 2020 Smart EQ Fortwo, EQ Forfour Volvo S60 37 miles Toyota RAV4 Late 2020 Tesla Model 3 Volvo S80 37 miles Volkswagen Golf GTE Late 2020 Vauxhall Corsa e, Vivaro e-Life Volvo V60 36 miles Volkswagen e-Up, e-Golf, ID.3 Volvo V90 36 miles DS 9 Early 2021 Sub-30 miles – 12% BIK Hyundai Tucson Early 2021 LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LCVs that have CO of under 75g/km BMW X3e 28 miles Seat Ateca Early 2021 2 Mercedes GLE 29 miles and can travel for at least 10 miles on Mini Countryman 26 miles Jaguar E-Pace Spring 2021 electric are eligible for an £8000 grant Mitsubishi Outlander 28 miles Jaguar F-Pace Spring 2021 off the purchase price, up to 20% Volvo XC40 28 miles BD Auto eTraffic, eDucato (3.5t van) Kia Sorento Spring 2021 Citroen e-Dispatch NOTE A Range figures quoted are the best in the Land Rover Defender Spring 2021 Ford Transit Custom PHEV model line-up and in some cases will drop with higher-spec models on larger wheels. Range Rover Velar Spring 2021 LDV E80 NOTE B Range figures taken from manufacturers’ Renault Megane hatch Spring 2021 LEVC VN5 websites and are for cars registered from April 2020. MAN eTGE See p44 for full company car Benefit-in-Kind tax tables. Ioniq 45 Late 2021 Maxus eDeliver 3 Mercedes-Benz eVito, eSprinter Mitsubishi Outlander Commercial Nissan e-NV200 BY DEFINITION: THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWERTRAIN Peugeot e-Expert ELECTRIC Powered own for between 20-50 hybrid systems provide DIESEL Still a logical Renault Kangoo ZE, Master ZE by battery alone, with miles. Sub-50g/km an additional source of choice for higher- Vauxhall Vivaro-e a range varying from cars get a big company power to give a small mileage drivers, VW ABT e-Transporter just over 100 miles to car tax advantage. efficiency boost. especially now with Zero-emission motorcycles and around 300 between RDE2-compliant diesels scooters that can travel 31 miles charges. These cars sit SELF-CHARGING PETROL The most that can avoid the four- or 19 miles respectively between in a 0% BiK tax band for HYBRID Doesn’t need popular fuel for more band BIK tax penalty. charges are also eligible for a £1500 2020/21. to be plugged in, but can than a century, petrol grant, up to 20% of the price. There generally only propel is enjoying a resurgence FUEL CELL Hydrogen are currently 25 motorcycles and 32 PLUG-IN HYBRID the car under battery in the wake of diesel’s fuel cell vehicles emit mopeds listed on the DfT website. Combines a petrol or power for around a mile. environmental nothing but water and For information on all the eligible diesel engine with a criticism. Downsizing can be refuelled in the vehicles and ULEV grants, see www. battery capable of MILD HYBRID Either and turbocharging has same time as a petrol or gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants powering the car on its 12-volt or 48-volt, mild increased efficiency. diesel. Still rare though.
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 29 Behind the wheel of CCT Review the latest fleet metal
CITROEN e-C4 SHINE PLUS
The C4 nameplate is back, and adorns The C4 is certainly not a shrinking violet In the cabin, it’s a relief to see a bar of Citroen’s return to the lower-medium of a design, and has plenty of familiar climate control buttons, rather than the sector of the market, in the shape of Citroen styling cues at the front in settings being embedded into a a slightly raised five-door that hits particular, and also lots going on in terms touchscreen menu, and the interior trim the middle ground between being a of creases and lines, especially as you get is of decent quality with some attractive conventional hatchback and entering the towards the back of the car. Citroen calls it gloss black touches in this top-spec big-selling crossover territory. Shine Plus model. The new C4 launches with There’s no denying this is The C4 is launched under petrol and diesel powerplants Citroen’s new trim naming as well as the pure electric a comfortable cruiser, not system, which runs from Sense model driven here. and Sense Plus to Shine and The petrols are 110, 130 and one for back-road blasts Shine Plus trim levels. All cars 155hp versions of the 1.2-litre get the 10-inch central turbo, while the diesel alternatives are an energetic and aerodynamic silhouette touchscreen and 5.5-inch driver’s cluster, 110 and 130hp variations of the 1.5-litre and an assertive design, and it’s certainly while all electric C4s and all bar the engine. This EV is the powertrain already busy, but in general works well. It’s a entry-level ICE models get the head-up seen in the likes of the Peugeot e-208 and shame there was the need for the bracing display, sat-nav and rear camera. e-2008, and Vauxhall Corsa-e. It’s a bar across the rear window as it hinders Citroen has long been synonymous with 100kW motor mated to a 50kWh battery, visibility, while also ruling out a rear wiper, comfort, and the C4 is firmly on that path, offering an official range of 217 miles. which is annoying in winter. whether it be the ICE or electric version. It
30 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW
SPECS MODEL: Citroen e-C4 Shine Plus P11D: £34,275 RANGE: 217 miles
CO2: 0g/km ON SALE: Early 2021
COMFORT No matter what engine powers your C4, the driving experience is relaxed and comforting. Hot hatch fans need not apply
INTERIOR ELECTRIC The dash is quite striking, with the No question, other large touchscreen EVs are more front and centre. powerful and punchy, Good news is that but the e-C4 is the climate controls strong enough and are separate can cover up to 217 miles on a charge
starts with the very cushioned seats, and from behind the wheel it only takes until the first roundabout to sense quite how comfort-orientated the set-up is. The steering is incredibly light and the car makes it clear it’s not one that’s going to enjoy being hustled along. It feels like the driving experience you’d expect from a taller crossover or SUV. The petrol model also has a slightly rolly ride quality to it that seems to be settled down by the increased weight of the e-C4 and its and the 155hp version could be deemed means it doesn’t suffer a reduction in batteries. It’s not unpleasant, but leads unnecessary. The electric powertrain, capacity compared with its internal to a feeling that it’s not as cosseting as meanwhile, isn’t quite as punchy as some, combustion-engined siblings a C5 Aircross, for example, and takes a as already noted in other PSA applications. little getting used to. There’s no denying But, as with the 130 petrol, it’s enough to VERDICT: Stand-out styling and a this is a comfortable cruiser, not one for keep the C4 busy. reasonable range for the electric model back-road blasts. Boot space is adequate rather than help make the C4 an eye-catching return That at least means the 130hp petrol outstanding at 380 litres although at to this core fleet segment. engine is well equipped to power the C4, least the positioning of the EV’s batteries Paul Barker
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 31 This is a big one for Fiat, and for electric from hatchback to the 500 Convertible. Luckily, the car isn’t unsettled by taking vehicles as a whole. The new version of The range-topping La Prima Convertible corners or roundabouts slightly faster Fiat’s best-selling model, one of the most costs £32,995 before the grant. than anticipated. The light and relatively recognisable cars on the road, will arrive Fiat hasn’t strayed far from the winning uncommunicative steering does leave the next March as only an electric car. styling formula that has made its current driver a little unsure about how far the car Well, two electric powertrains, because 500 such a runaway success over the past is from its limits, but it has plenty in hand. the company is offering “city range” and 13 years. The new 500 is clearly still a 500, The electric car also rides significantly “long range” models – the former with a although it has swapped Fiat badge for a better than the previous 500. It’s not 24kWh battery, 95hp and perfect, but it’s certainly more official 115-mile range, the Performance is certainly than acceptable overall. latter a 42kWh battery, 118hp The Fiat has three drive modes and a range of up to 199 miles. perky, giving the new 500 of Normal, Range – which Entry level for the new 500, increases the regeneration to after the £3000 Government a sharp turn of speed become driveable on (and off) plug-in car grant, is a shade just the accelerator – and below £20,000, thanks to the 24kWh simple 500 on the nose, and the lighting at Sherpa, which is designed to maximise battery coming only in the entry-spec the front has a more modern LED effect. electric range using measures including Action model. From there, all cars get the Performance is certainly pleasantly cutting the power, limiting top speed to bigger battery and it’s a £3500 rise to the perky from the 87kW electric motor, 50mph and disengaging the air-con, Passion model, plus another £2700 to go giving the new 500 a sharp turn of speed. heated seats and heated mirrors. FIAT 500 ELECTRIC
32 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW
The infotainment system is much- RIDE improved over the previous 500, at least above the Action entry model that gets a The suspension on phone cradle rather than a touchscreen, the electric 500 feels but it’s not much of a search to find much classier than cheaper hard plastics in the cabin, that of the ‘Classic’ model, so the EV although the large dashboard insert does deals with all but lift the ambience, along with the dashboard the worst bumps ring encircling the main dash area. However, the cabin is small, so one adult won’t easily sit behind another, and the boot is also rather compact, although matches the petrol version’s 185 litres.
VERDICT: A very likeable and good-to- drive little electric car. It’s not cheap for the version with the more usable range, but the cut-price urban-range model is a handy extra offering. Paul Barker
SPECS MODEL: Fiat 500 P11D: £30,590 RANGE: 186 miles
CO2: 0g/km ON SALE: March 2021
INTERIOR It all looks pretty stylish, neatly blending the new with the traditional, but unfortunately the cheaper plastics are easy to find
‘CLASSIC’ 500 TO CONTINUE – FOR NOW
Fiat will continue to sell its current petrol 500 model for at least the next couple of years, and that car will continue to be the brand’s biggest seller ELECTRIC despite the arrival of the shiny new electric sibling. There are two models, a city model with an The 500 Classic is expected to hit official range of 115 volumes of around 20,000 in 2021, significantly on sales of the old car in miles, and a long- while the number of electric new 500 the first year, given the big price gap range model that can models is set to be production-limited between the two potentially means do up to 199 miles to around 5000 units next year, with different types of customer. Just 14% of between charges first deliveries expected in March and the early pre-order interest in the new order books opening this month. car has come from current 500 owners. The Italian manufacturer is not Fiat also expected a richer mix of higher expecting the new model to impinge trim levels for the new electric 500.
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 33 VW ID.3 1ST EDITION PRO POWER 58KWH
The ID.3 has been long-coming, having first been shown in concept form four years ago, and is a big step on the road to electrification for VW, because it’s the first of a whole family of ID-branded EVs. The ID.3 is incredibly close to the Golf in dimensions, being just 23mm shorter and 3mm narrower, although it is 77mm taller, and its 385-litre boot is just four litres up on the Golf’s. The ID.3 has launched only in this INTERIOR pricey top 1st Edition trim level, SPECS Cabin looks unusual, but is which costs a juicy £38,880 bright and airy with lots of before the Government’s P11D: £38,825 stowage spots. However, £3000 plug-in car grant is RANGE: with the 263-mile official screen gives all the touch-sensitive deducted, but the range will 260 Miles figure for the 58kWh Pro the main driver controls are too easy to then quickly develop into seven CO2: 0g/km Performance models. information, activate by accident, and models. The range-topper will ON SALE: The Pro Performance although it feels the instrument pod be called Pro S and will be Now will start from £32,990 like it could do with feels a touch basic powered by a 77kWh battery that (before the plug-in car grant) being a bit more will offer a 336-mile range, compared for the Life trim, rising to advanced in terms of £42,290 for the Pro S ID.3 Tour. information display. The touchscreen The ID.3 is distinctive, with its system itself also feels like it’s not quite the rounded front end and large glass complete package, trying to do a little too area, leading round to a flat rear. much, especially with the climate controls That glass area makes for an now within screens, while the touchpads airy cabin that feel spacious on the steering wheel and to control the up-front, helped by a minimalist door mirrors are too easy to brush. dashboard dominated by the But taking buttons and controls out of 10-inch colour touchscreen that, the centre of the car has increased the including the screen surround, feeling of space and allowed VW to design houses almost all the controls. in more stowage areas. The lighting is on a little Rear space is also pretty good and, as switchpad behind the steering mentioned, the boot is fractionally larger wheel, and the gear selection is than that in the Golf. controlled via a handle on the The ID.3 is set up as a relaxed and right-hand end of the dash. comfortable car, although the ride is a tiny A 5.3-inch dashboard bit lumpy over rougher roads, and the steering feels slightly sterile. Responses from the 150kW/ DRIVING 204hp electric motor are Even the lower-powered typically instantaneous, and 204hp motor gives the you can feel the difference in ID.3 instant responses off performance compared with the line. On the open road some rivals with less powerful the car is comfortable motors. But switch to Sport over long distances, mode and the throttle albeit with a slightly sterile feel response is sharpened to the point of being horribly oversensitive to foot twitches. The ID.3 looks expensive in early 1st Edition form, but doesn’t feel like a highly specced range-topper on the inside, so it will be interesting to try the more affordable versions early next year. It’s a great all-round electric vehicle, but doesn’t take any great strides to move the sector on significantly against what’s out there already or coming soon.
VERDICT: Nice package and a welcome addition to the mainstream EV offering to broaden fleet’s choices, but not a step change in the technology. Paul Barker
34 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW
DRIVING The hybrid powertrain gives the Leon genuinely startling pace, although it’s too relaxed to feel like a hot hatch. Business users are better going for the lower trims, to increase the range and save the most in BiK
SPECS 40 miles so the BiK shoots up. P11D: £36,115 touchscreen system isn’t The PHEV system mates a FUEL ECONOMY: the most approachable, 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine 217.3mpg and isn’t quite intuitive SEAT with 85kW electrical motor enough to easily flick CO2: 28g/km and 13.1kWh battery to ON SALE: between screens until LEON PHEV produce an overall 204hp, Now you’re used to the workings. with the drive mode engaged The 10.25-inch driver dash E-HYBRID FR FIRST EDITION using the stubby gear lever in the information layout is neater, centre console. It pulls well on battery with an attractive graphic design Seat has been quick to enhance its new power alone, and adding the engine makes and plenty of information available. Leon with not only the usual petrol and it a genuinely a quick car in a straight line. It The boot is notably smaller thanks to diesel engines, but also mild hybrid and isn’t a complete hot hatch, because the battery packaging, although the hatchback now plug-in hybrid powertrains. comfortable ride and handling set-up are doesn’t feel quite as tight as the 270-litre And the PHEV contains some good news more mainstream-mile-muncher than official figure states – down from the for company car drivers, because two of performance-hatchback. regular hatch’s 380 litres. The Estate drops the five trim levels – those that don’t get It’s a shame there is no adjustment to by 107 litres to 470. the upgrade to 18-inch wheels – offer a the regeneration levels, which are very 40-mile official electric range figure that mild by the standards of a car with VERDICT: The lower trim levels make the means the car sits in the 6% company car electrification. Still, the shift between most sense for corporate drivers, thanks Benefit-in-Kind band, rather than 10%. powertrains is seamless when in hybrid to the big BiK advantage of the extra mile This makes the monthly tax bill for a mode, which is the best setting unless or two of range as well as the lower price 40% taxpayer £62 on an FR, rather than drivers want to save energy for urban tag for a decent level of equipment. It’s the £108 a month on the FR Sport. driving later in a journey; this can also an attractive car, to look at and That’s a lot of money to pay for be set in 10% increments. from behind the wheel. some nicer alloys, heated seats The new Leon’s 10-inch Paul Barker and a couple of interior style EFFICIENT upgrades. The same is true The best way to use the with the step from Xcellence PHEV model is to charge it to Xcellence Lux, just the one up as often as you can, and additional g/km, but the run it on electric power. range drops to just below Only then will you start to approach the official economy figure of 217.3mpg
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 35 EFFICIENT As long as you charge the 330e up as often as you can, and make the most of the electric-only range, the car will prove an efficient companion. Better still, it produces 292hp in total, so is decidedly rapid
The Touring offers an impact on practicality, with the electric-only range of 32-37 boot floor flat and a useful miles depending on spec, SPECS shape. It’s underfloor where BMW and emissions go from P11D: £42,985 the space is gone, which 32-40g/km for a model FUEL ECONOMY: only really matters when 330e TOURING range of eight options that 201.8mpg it comes to stashing the run from rear-drive SE up to CO2: 32g/km charging cables. M SPORT PHEV xDrive 4x4 M Sport Pro ON SALE: The only real PHEV estate Edition. The CO2 is a touch Now rival is Mercedes’ C300e, BMW has introduced a whole batch of behind the saloon, but not which is slightly more expensive, plug-in hybrid additions to its range during enough to make any difference to slightly less efficient, has a smaller 2020, including a number of its X-branded the BiK tax bands, with the 330e Touring boot, a worse residual value and has a SUVs and, coming soon, a more powerful sitting in the 10% band for this tax year. higher cost per mile. Which makes the second PHEV for the 5-Series. With most PHEVs, boot space is BMW a rather handy company car arrival. However, the addition to the 3-Series impacted by the need to package the line-up could prove to be a popular one, batteries as well as a petrol powertrain, and VERDICT: Another BMW PHEV joins because for the first time, the 3-Series the 3-Series Touring is no exception; the the range, but this one offers useful Touring has a PHEV alternative to the luggage space drops from 500 litres to the practicality to match the tax and fuel regular petrol and diesel models. PHEV’s 410 with the rear seats in place. efficiency (when charged as often as The tech is, unsurprisingly, the same as When the seats are down, it drops by 90 possible), and the performance. the powertrain already well established in litres to 1420, although there’s no visible Paul Barker the 3-Series saloon, which means 292hp from a combination of 184hp 2.0-litre petrol and electric motor. It’s plenty rapid CABIN enough, and once the battery is exhausted, Large central screen which will be just shy of 30 miles with dominates the dashboard, sensible driving in the real world, the PHEV and you can control the will pretty much match the economy you’d iDrive system using expect from a BMW 320d. Which is the touchscreen or the significantly less powerful, and will attract rotary controller by the significantly more tax. gearlever. It all feels beautifully built
36 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW CITROEN AMI Not many test drives begin with a message from the manufacturer not to review it like it’s a car, but then the Ami is a bit different in many ways. Citroen claims the fairest comparison is to look at the Ami as an alternative to a moped, Boris bike or underground train, in that it’s more of a mass-mobility solution INTERIOR than a car. The French company is currently assessing whether to bring the The word ‘basic’ doesn’t Ami to the UK, and has set up a website even begin to describe the for expressions of interest, as well as inside of the Ami, but it feels like it will put up with bringing over a couple of cars to plenty of abuse. One door test the water. SPECS has hinges at the rear, the The Ami is full electric and other has hinges at the has an official range figure of P11D: £6000 (est) front. Weird 43 miles, as well as a 28mph RANGE: on repair parts and but not as bad as top speed that means you 43 miles costs; ditto the doors. expected, and it’s pretty have to be careful not to stray CO2: 0g/km One opens noisy when you get to that from low-speed urban roads. ON SALE: conventionally and the sub-30mph top speed. Which stalls at just It’s a two-seater of the most Possibly 2021 other is a rear-hinged over 20mph uphill. But at least it means no-frills variety possible. There is a ‘suicide’ door so they can you can pretty much drive everywhere flat radio, if you option the Bose Bluetooth both be the same shape. out without speeding! There’s plenty of speaker that links to your smartphone, and There’s no boot, but a decent- visibility ahead thanks to the huge square the doors open via a tug on a fabric lever. sized hand luggage suitcase will fit in the glass screen, although the seats are built Everything has been designed to keep passenger footwell space. In France, the with durability in mind. Think bus seats. costs down, including the front and rear Ami is available for short-term hire on Paris As part of a city mobility solution or bumper being the same shape to cut down streets via a pay-per-minute app, like a sign-written for food delivery or such Boris bike. It can also be bought similar very urban operation, the low cost for 6000 Euros, or leased for 20 of the Ami makes it seem pretty sensible. Euros per month. A similar set of It’s sealed and has a semi-effective heater, arrangements is likely if the Ami so is big step up from the Renault Twizy, comes here. It can also be driven the only even remotely similar vehicle. by 16-year-olds in France. To drive, the little ‘car’ is pretty VERDICT: Ridiculous in a good way and crude, but is different enough fun, if not pleasant to drive, but you can’t from anything else to raise argue with the ultra-low cost. Will only smiles, or at least second and suit selected applications, but nothing else third glances from everyone that suits those applications quite as well. sees it. The ride is a bit lumpy, Paul Barker
DRIVING The Ami is certainly no ball of fire but its top speed of 28mph is high enough for it to be able to keep up with traffic. If you stay in town, the range of 43 miles is likely to be enough
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 37 SPECS P11D: £20,475 COMBINED MPG: 53.3mpg CO2: 121g/km ON SALE: Now
make for a more measured look, while the Efficiency is lifted by the introduction of sporty style of the N Line trim level has new mild hybrid engines across the range, HYUNDAI been accentuated with greater with 48-volt back-up now on the 120hp differentiation from the rest of the range. 1.0-litre and 158hp 1.5-litre petrol engines i30 On the inside, technology is improved and the 136hp 1.6 diesel. The 1.0-litre with a pair of attractively detailed screens petrol driven here is punchy enough for a 1.0 T-GDI 120 SE CONNECT – 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and sensible hatchback while matching the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia more powerful diesel for emissions, The headlines for the revised i30 read system, although the latter does look a therefore costing less in Benefit-in-Kind better efficiency, new equipment and a little stuck to the dashboard, rather than tax thanks to its lower P11D price. redesigned front-end, all helping to give completely integrated. Apple CarPlay and Refinement is decent too, although the the lower-medium hatchback, fastback Android Auto are included, and from next ride quality is a touch on the harder side of and estate a mid-life refresh. summer i30 models will be fitted with average, but nothing too offensive. The nose is the most obvious update, wireless phone mirroring, so a cable isn’t . with a sharper look replacing the previous needed to use the phone systems. Cars VERDICT: Sleeker new front-end design more rounded effect, and it’s more striking equipped with satellite-navigation now is an enhancement, and increased for it. The wider grille is still not as overt as get the Bluelink app, offering a range of efficiency and spec are welcome additions some other manufacturers have decided services including remote unlock and to an understated and underrated core to deploy, and the more slender headlamps sending a destination to the vehicle. lower-medium model.
MERCEDES SPECS P11D: £39,940 COMBINED MPG: GLA PHEV 188.3mpg CO2: 32g/km 250E EXCLUSIVE EDITION ON SALE: Now The arrival of the GLA plug-in hybrid takes Mercedes’ small car PHEV line-up to six models with the A-Class saloon and hatch, the CLA coupe and shooting brake, the B-Class and now the GLA small crossover. All deploy the same 218hp combination of 1.3-litre petrol engine and 75kW electric motor. The GLA is the least efficient of the six due to its higher ride height and poorer aerodynamic efficiency, so has an electric-only range of up to 38 miles and CO2 emissions of up to 42g/km. new GLA handles tidily and looks more Mercedes’ small car family, which The PHEV is only available in three grown-up, with a very distinct mini-GLC comprises A-Class, B-Class, CLA, and GLB. plug-in specific trim levels that start with feel to it. It’s a bit more anonymous and It’s classy, with the top-spec model the Exclusive, which costs a shade under not as characterful as a result, with the getting the 10.25-inch digital instrument £40,000, roughly in line with a GLA220d previous GLA having more of an individual cluster to go with the same-sized AMG Line Premium; it’s slightly less well crossover look to it, where this is much infotainment screen that dominates the equipped but significantly cheaper in tax, more part of the Merc SUV family. cabin. The rest of the cabin is a touch cosy. running costs and fuel, as long as it’s The boot space drops by 50 litres to 385 . charged properly. litres to accommodate the PHEV bits and VERDICT: PHEV makes company car The powertrain itself isn’t always the pieces, but is still a reasonable space for sense financially, and the plug-in is priced smoothest, occasionally stuttering when the class, while the interior shares its within reach of the regular petrol and switching from electric to petrol, but the fixtures and fittings with the rest of diesel models
38 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW
SPECS P11D: £78,245 RANGE: 241 miles CO2: 0g/km ON SALE: Now AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK 55 S LINE
Audi has doubled the size of its all-electric equipment, driving experience and drivers and they also make parking offering with the addition of a Sportback performance, sharing a 6.6-second manoeuvres more tricky because leaning body style to the e-tron EV. It is offered 0-62mph time for the more powerful forward or back doesn’t change the angle with the same 71.2kWh or 95kWh electric motor and 6.8 seconds for the less of view as would be the case with the motors (badged 50 or 55) and has range powerful alternative. perfectly fine mirror set-up. And that’s figures of 193 and 248 miles respectively. The driving experience is one of relaxed without mentioning the cost of repair if The Sportback will be chosen for purely performance; the Sportback has no one takes a hit. Technology answering a aesthetic reasons, because it’s £1600 sporting ambitions, and is instead a question nobody asked, and a waste of more expensive than the regular e-tron, composed and comfortable long-distance money in an otherwise excellent, if has a slightly lower range figure from the steed with a range that will easily hit 200 already expensive, car. same battery and loses 45 litres of boot miles with the larger-battery model. . space to that lower roofline. However, Something to avoid is the £1250 VERDICT: The looks may sway it over the whole-life costs are very close, thanks to optional door mirror cameras that display regular e-tron, and a good range, pleasant the Sportback’s better residual values. on screens mounted into the door panels. driving experience and high-quality The looks are subjective in terms of The system’s benefits are slightly better interior are strong draws for what is still whether the Sportback improves on the visibility in the rain or at night, as well as a an expensive up-front cost that will of e-tron’s understated styling, and the two small aerodynamic improvement, but the course benefit from low BiK payments for cars are otherwise very similar in terms of screens can be nausea-inducing for some the next few years.
the dashboard that shows when the car is SPECS harvesting energy under deceleration. It’s a useful small aid to efficiency, even if P11D: £22,285 trying to describe it as electrification is COMBINED: 52.3mpg something of a stretch compared with proper hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully CO : 122g/km 2 electric powertrains. ON SALE: Now The mild hybrid system is already offered on the Puma small crossover and is also heading for the Focus. It’s available with either 125hp or 155hp and can be specified on all eight regular Fiesta trim levels. It becomes part of a five-engine petrol-only line-up alongside the non- mild-hybrid 125hp that’s now only available as an automatic, plus the entry 75hp and 95hp engines. The diesel has been dropped from the range. Other updates include an improvement The mild-hybrid system is claimed to to the Sync3 infotainment system, access offer a 5% efficiency boost via its Belt- to the FordPass Connect app for vehicle FORD Driven Integrated Starter/generator. This information, automatic stop and go for the replaces the regular alternator and automatic gearbox fitted with adaptive recovers energy otherwise lost under cruise control on the top-spec Vignale FIESTA deceleration to recharge the 48-volt Edition and optional on others, and a battery, which then offers increased wireless charging pad offered on higher- 1.0 MHEV ST-LINE X EDITION performance for the same fuel use, or spec models. supplements the petrol engine to offer . Ford has added a 48-volt mild hybrid the same performance for less fuel. VERDICT: The Fiesta remains a good- system to its biggest selling model in The system allows the car to coast with looking and fine-handling car, and the mild Europe, the Fiesta, offering efficiency the engine off below 15mph when slowing. hybrid has a small efficiency merit, but benefits bundled in with an update to The tech’s input is almost imperceptible isn’t a significant or notable upgrade from the car’s technology. from behind the wheel, save a graphic on behind the wheel.
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 39 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 VOLVO XC40 R-Design T5 PHEV TESTER’S NOTES
● When you do want Sport mode, it’s at least one too many presses on the infotainment screen. ● Remote pre-heat function on the Volvo app is coming into its own on Volvo has a calm colder mornings. and relaxed gait SPECS FIFTH REPORT Leatherhead and Reigate 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds. We’re now a few thousand miles into our where the resonance is P11D: £40,850 Despite the power the life with the XC40 and we’ve written about well below ‘first rate’. OFFICIAL COMBINED XC40 is not an involving car to the technology, the efficiency and the Obviously, when the MPG: 134.5mpg drive. Instead, the power is practicalities, but what we’ve not yet car’s in full-electric mode OUR MPG: 83.0mpg used to make the driving discussed is the way the car drives. there’s no engine noise CO2: 48g/km experience a relaxing and easy Initial impressions are good. If there whatsoever, and very little one. No conditions will find the is such a thing as a premium driving electric motor whine. SUV labouring. It will keep up with experience the Volvo comes very close. If you trigger the three-cylinder quick traffic and overtake slower Refinement is first rate for a car in this 1.5-litre engine with a heavy foot, the vehicles with ease. Just don’t expect fun. class. Assuming you’re not hammering the result is a characterful thrum. Of course, more often than not this is no accelerator, there’s minimal road noise at There’s plenty of power available too bad thing, the Volvo is all about getting to either town or motorway speeds. With the for a small SUV. Indeed, the combination your destination with the minimum of fuss, only exception being an unpleasant a of the electric motor and petrol engine which it does with ease. concrete section of the M25 between provides 262hp, which is enough for Tristan Young
As my new Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown (rather than the usual 7kW) will probably KIA XCeed 1.6 hairstyle will attest, I don’t have an have EV fans guffawing in their hairshirts, intimate knowledge of household electrics, but I can live with the slower charging GDI PHEV ‘3’ but even I know that 2.3kW isn’t far off times and something is better than 3kW – the rate of a slow charger charging nothing, right? Progress at last. EIGHTH REPORT point offered by Podpoint. Even better, a Nat Barnes After the rant of my previous report quick chat with a local electrician found regarding the problems of fitting a that a 3kW charger could be easily fitted charging point for our long-term Kia on a separate fuse spur and without the TESTER’S NOTES XCeed for my home, it was a tiny picture need to unloop our house from our that might suggest a glimmer of hope. neighbours or pull up our ● Having previously undertaken Actually, it was a tiny part of a tiny kitchen floor. picture. While taking a photo of the XCeed I realise that the plenty of motorway journeys, the charging, I noticed the charging rate at the excitement of a SPECS lack of longer journeys in favour bottom of the display – 2.3kW – from a 3kW charger of shorter, electric-only ones has standard three-pin plug. P11D: £30,640 seen our average mpg rise again. I’m OFFICIAL COMBINED determined to crack 100mpg before MPG: 201.8MPG the Kia gets collected in January. OUR MPG: 97.8mpg ● CO2: 32g/km The off-side rear suspension seems to have developed a slight creak now and again.
40 COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK REVIEW
FOURTH REPORT Buried within the My Car menu is a series AUDI A7 The parking brake fault message of displays showing everything from managed to clear itself and, touch wood, real-time driving stats detailing your 55 TFSIe hasn’t made a return since, saving me current trip, combustion engine / EV a journey to my local Audi dealer. usage, to a nice graphic showing the flow of However, I’ll keep an eye on this and charge / combustion engine power use if the message re-occurs I’ll book the A7 layered over an image of your A7, through in for a once-over. to my favourite screen showing your There are plenty of differing menus long-term stats. and information feeds which can be While I religiously charge the A7 every viewed on the central day (as should be the case with a hybrid or screen in the Audi A7, EV), I was pleasantly surprised to note that and to be fair, it will over 4911 miles of motoring, 52% of my take you a good bit SPECS total mileage has been spent using the playing around to P11D: £71,720 electric motor. That’s substantially find them all! OFFICIAL COMBINED more than I thought it was going to be. MPG: 141.2 mpg Now to work out the saving over petrol! OUR MPG: 66.4mpg Dave Wallace CO2: 46g/km TESTER’S NOTES
● The max EV only range reduces to around 18 miles when using the heated seats and heated door mirrors on cold mornings ● The seats in this A7 are one of most comfortable I’ve come across. The multi-directional electric The A7 receives more adjustment means you really can admiring glances at the get your driving position spot-on golf club than Dave's swing
FORD Puma 1.0 125 EcoBoost ST-Line X
SPECS TESTER’S NOTES P11D: £22,740 OFFICIAL COMBINED ● On four or five occasions now, MPG: 60.1mpg the hybrid system has switched OUR MPG: 45.6mpg off the engine as I slow down CO2: 99g/km approaching a roundabout, then jump-starting back into life as I lift the clutch. Which takes a bit of getting used to. ● The sports seats in the Puma are great, because they hold me in corners and are comfortable on straights. Shame they’re not heated, mind.
SECOND REPORT the MegaBox compartment in the boot is The Ford Puma is fitting into my life perfect for storing muddy boots at the (such as it is at the moment!) rather well. end of a (usually rain-sodden) traipse. MegaBox is great for You see, I love getting outdoors at every However, sometimes life gets in the way muddy wellies opportunity, be it on two wheels or two of such pursuits, but still the Puma has legs. So, for the past few weekends the shown its mettle. My cooker recently went Puma has ferried myself and my girlfriend to that great kitchen in the sky, and I was to the back end of nowhere for us to trudge concerned that I wouldn’t be able to get it through the wilderness. No need for social to the tip. I needn’t have worried, because distancing when there’s no one around, is my measuring tape showed cooker would my way of thinking! fit into Puma, and so it proved. The boot lip has proved to be at an ideal Now, where did I put my ordnance height for me to sit on when donning warm, survey maps? rugged footwear for such expeditions, and Euan Doig
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 41
KNOWLEDGE
IN ASSOCIATION Reflecting on 2020 WITH In the most tumultuous year in memory, what has the sector learned, and what changes are here to stay?
A global pandemic has the power flexible and adaptable in working to leave quite a mark, and the practices to meet the changing GOING VIRAL remarketing sector is no different to needs of the marketplaces.” any other area of life this year. He says conversion rates also BCA’s COO UK Remarketing Necessity has been the mother remain high, and that over 5000 Stuart Pearson on five of invention in terms of digitising a bidders log in most days across the impacts Covid has had on whole sector pretty much overnight, company’s online sales programme. the remarketing arena while values have predictably failed “The remarketing industry learned to follow traditional patterns and that the used car is extremely THE BASICS STAY agility has been vital to success. But resilient,” adds Glass’s Chief Editor, 1 THE SAME what lessons have been learned? Cars and Leisure Vehicles, Jayson Good remarketing practise hasn’t “The single biggest shift will be Whittington, who describes the changed – the vast majority of vehicles the embracing of online and digital post-lockdown period as “very in the remarketing process,” says surprising”. He predicts that values are still sold in a competitive bidding Vehicle Remarketing Association will continue the trend over the environment and it is important to board member Cliff Dellar. “This has past couple of months and fall maximise saleability with effective been a question of not just adopting in December, but staying above pre-sale preparation, accurate and the technology but an accompanying December 2019 levels. detailed descriptions, realistic grading change in attitudes.” Pearson concludes: “It is this and sensible valuations that reflect BCA COO UK remarketing Stuart strength in depth that has been market conditions. Pearson adds: “The pandemic integral to the industry trading so highlighted the importance of being effectively throughout Covid-19.” RETAIL-READY IS LIKELY 2 TO REMAIN KEY The best-graded cars tend to remain in PRESENTATION IS PARAMOUNT high demand whatever the market is Best practice has moved into four cars into grade three doing, and this accelerated during the sharper focus during this and below.” pandemic. Dealers are likely to continue year, according to Glass’s Looking ahead, he says the to focus their attention on vehicles that Jayson Whittington. market won’t fundamentally are offered in ready-to-retail condition “Vehicle preparation has change, even if the way we in the months ahead. always been important, do business does. GOOD GROOMING IS GREAT but now that most auction “It is like a living, breathing 3 With many retailers having sales are online, condition entity that is constantly furloughed mechanics and body shop reports and photography changing and evolving,” he staff it was noticeable that higher will be scrutinised to a comments. “We have a love grade, well-presented vehicles with full greater degree by buyers,” of cars in the UK and that is histories and clean BCA Assured he says. “It is worth vendors unlikely to change any time reports have been at a premium. investing in refurbishment, soon, so I do not expect a big with a view to turning grade change in the market.” SHIFT FROM BUDGET 4 TO PREMIUM Demand for lower-value, budget THE ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATIONS vehicles was incredibly buoyant in the first days of lockdown and resulted in The Vehicle Remarketing Association quite rightly some unprecedented price increases. points out that the various trade associations There has been growing interest in upper executive, luxury and had a important role to play during the lockdowns performance vehicles throughout and reopenings of 2020. “For example, the VRA, the late-pandemic period. National Association of Motor Auctions and 5 ONLINE ONLY FOR NOW National Franchised Dealers Association played a Currently, all BCA sales remain online only and – as we move into the key part in lobbying to get clarification on exactly winter months – we are keeping what the industry could do during lockdown,” says abreast of the fast-changing and VRA board director Cliff Dellar. “They also prepared evolving Government guidance in order to protect our people, industry standards for a Covid-safe environment customers and suppliers. designed to protect customers and staff.”
COMPANYCARTODAY.CO.UK 43 Figuratively Speaking All the key company car numbers at your fingertips
COMPANY CAR BENEFIT-IN-KIND BANDS What does it all mean? HILL START ASSIST CO EMISSIONS (G/KM) 2020/21* 2021/22* 22/23-24/25 DEFINITION: Hill Start Assist detects when the 2 car is on a slope and holds it on the brake Zero 0 1% 2% to keep it still, even after the driver has taken 1-50 (EV range 130+ miles) 0% (2%) 1% (2%) 2% their foot off the pedal to shift over to the accelerator. It is designed to remove the stress of 1-50 (EV 70-129 miles) 3% (5%) 4% (5%) 5% a car rolling backwards when pulling away, and 1-50 (EV 40-69 miles) 6% (8%) 7% (8%) 8% where fitted to manual vehicles, it will hold the car until the driver releases the clutch. 1-50 (EV 30-39 miles) 10% (12%) 11% (12%) 12% 1-50 (EV sub-30 miles) 12% (14%) 13% (14%) 14% 51-54 13% (15%) 14% (15%) 15% VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY 55-59 14% (16%) 15% (16%) 16% FIRST-YEAR AND ANNUAL CHARGE (RIGHT COLUMN) FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED FROM 1 APRIL 2017 60-64 15% (17%) 16% (17%) 17% M G/K £ £ 65-69 16% (18%) 17% (18%) 18% 0g/km £0 £0 70-75 17% (19%) 18% (19%) 19% 1-50g/km £10 £150 76-79 18% (20%) 19% (20%) 20% 51-75g/km £25 £150 80-84 19% (21%) 20% (21%) 21% 76-90g/km £110 £150 85-89 20% (22%) 21% (22%) 22% 91-100g/km £135 £150 101-110g/km £155 £150 90-94 21% (23%) 22% (23%) 23% 111-130g/km £175 £150 95-99 22% (24%) 23% (24%) 24% 131-150g/km £215 £150 100-104 23% (25%) 24% (25%) 25% 151-170g/km £540 £150 105-109 24% (26%) 25% (26%) 26% 171-190g/km £870 £150 191-225g/km £1,305 £150 110-114 25% (27%) 26% (27%) 27% 226-255g/km £1,850 £150 115-119 26% (28%) 27% (28%) 28% Over 255g/km £2,175 £150 120-124 27% (29%) 28% (29%) 29% Diesel cars not meeting RDE2 emissions 125-129 28% (30%) 29% (30%) 30% regulations are moved up one band to the 130-134 29% (31%) 30% (31%) 31% maximum £2,175 first registration fee. Alternatively fueled cars charged at £10 less. 135-139 30% (32%) 31% (32%) 32% Then the flat rate of £150 per year (0g/km cars £0, 140-144 31% (33%) 32% (33%) 33% alternative fuels £140) applies, unless the car’s cost 145-149 32% (34%) 33% (34%) 34% new was over £40,000, in which case add £325 per year for years two to five. VED is £150 per year after that. 150-154 33% (35%) 34% (35%) 35% 155-159 34% (36%) 35% (36%) 36% 160-164 35% (37%) 36% (37%) 37% VEHICLES REGISTERED 165-169 36% (37%) 37% 37% BEFORE 1 APRIL 2017
170 and above 37% 37% 37% CO2 EMISSIONS ANNUAL COST 0-100g/km £0 (£0) Add a 4% penalty for diesels up to 37% max, if not meeting RDE2 emissions standard. 101-110g/km £20 (£10) *(xx%) = Rates for cars registered before 6 April 2020. 111-120g/km £30 (£20) 121-130g/km £125 (£115) 131-140g/km £150 (£140) 141-150g/km £165 (£155) CALENDAR KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS AND DATES 151-165g/km £205 (£195) 1 MARCH 2021 8-10 JUNE 2021 166-175g/km £240 (£230) New '21' registration plate CV Show, NEC, Birmingham 176-185g/km £265 (£255) 186-200g/km £305 (£295) 4 MARCH 2021 19-22 AUGUST 2021 201-225g/km £330 (£320) BVRLA Dinner, London British Motor Show, Farnborough 226-255g/km £565 (£555) 6 APRIL 2021 1 AUGUST 2021 Over 255g/km £580 (£570) New tax year Oxford zero-emissions zone 1 JUNE 2021 26 OCTOBER 2021 (Alternatively fueled cars in brackets) Birmingham Clean Air Zone launches London ULEZ expansion
44 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 10p 7p 1600cc or less 8p The pace of new model arrivals has never been hotter in the company car sector. 1401cc to 2000cc 11p (12p) 8p 1601cc to 2000cc 10p Here are some of the key new arrivals Over 2000cc 17p 12p Over 2000cc 12p that could be finding their way on to your Advisory electric vehicle reimbursement rate: 4p per mile fleet in the coming months. Rates valid from 1 December 2020 (Figures for 1 September-31 November in brackets if changed) 2020 Audi Q5 facelift - Late 2020 APPROVED MILEAGE ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS The rates to reimburse workers using their own vehicles for company business Peugeot 3008 facelift - Late 2020 Vauxhall Insigna facelift - Late 2020 TYPE OF VEHICLE FIRST 10,000 MILES ABOVE 10,000 MILES Vauxhall Mokka - Late 2020 CARS AND VANS 45p 25p Volkswagen Arteon Shooting MOTORCYCLES 24p 24p Brake - Late 2020 BIKES 20p 20p VW Golf GTD/GTI - Late 2020 2021 2019/20 - FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE Citroen C4 – Early 2021 The taxable worth attached to the FUEL PRICES DS 9 - Early 2021 benefit of ‘free’ fuel December 2020 Hyundai Tucson - Early 2021 CAR FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE PETROL Mercedes-Benz S-Class - Early 2021 MULTIPLIER - £24,500 Toyota Highlander - Early 2021 VAN FUEL BENEFIT CHARGE - £666 112.6p Toyota Yaris Cross - Early 2021 2019/20 - VAN BENEFIT CHARGE (-0.5p on November) Vauxhall Crossland facelift - Early 2021 The taxable worth attached to the DIESEL BMW 4-Series Convertible- Spring benefit of regular private use of a company Jaguar E-Pace facelift - Spring light commercial vehicle 117.4p Nissan Qashqai - Mid 2021 VAN BENEFIT CHARGE - £3490 (-0.7p on November) Renault Arkana - September Alfa Romeo Tonale - 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 £95,440 POWER 600hp PERFORMANCE 3.5seconds/155mph AUDI COMBINED MPG 283g/km RS6 CO2 22.6mpg
WHY SHOULD I WANT IT? This is the ultimate estate car. It’s exceedingly rapid, super-refined and has a huge boot. Classy and imposing looks, an understated soundtrack from the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and a prestige interior make the Audi the thinking person’s fast estate. WHY CAN’T I HAVE IT? The obvious issue with the RS6 is the whopping CO2 figure of 283g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 22.6mpg. However, on a (very) long motorway run we saw an average fuel figure of 27.3mpg, so all is not lost. The RS6 is also just north of £100,000 once you’ve added a few choice options. ARGUMENTS TO USE ON THE FLEET MANAGER MORE FLEETY ALTERNATIVE Super-safe all-wheel drive, a very sensible 565-litre One step down from the V8 petrol RS6 is the 350hp 3.0-litre diesel S6 boot and the fact that it’s a (very mild) hybrid all play in Avant. Still quick with a 0-60mph time of 5.1 seconds and still as roomy the RS6’s favour. And it really is a very sensible family car and refined as its big brother but with an efficient diesel engine capable that can be used without issue for the daily commute. of 35.8mpg and a CO2 figure of 206g/km, plus a £62,650 price tag. Tristan Young
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