COMPANY
CAR AND VAN The motoring magazine for SME fleets
NX450h+ First PHEV for Lexus
CONVERSION SPOTLIGHT
KIA EV6
Growth sector offers a myriad of options and opportunities
Entry-level electric Air equals superb value
VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC
Ford E-Transit
Face-lifted best seller offers style and substance
Prices announced for sector game-changer
June 2022 • Issue 73
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Contents
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Time to switch your fleet on to the latest cars and vans Despite the continued problems with supply, new cars and CVs are still rolling off the production lines and SME fleets are adjusting their vehicle cycles accordingly. One area that has seen continual growth in recent years is the van conversion sector, with manufacturers and convertors alike offering a plethora of options for your van or pick-up. Cherry-pickers, refrigerated vans, tippers, it’s all on the menu from the manufacturers inside. Our cover star is the Lexus NX 450h+, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid. We had an opportunity to put one through its paces and you can read all about how we got on, on pages 18-19. Kia’s EV6 is our reigning Medium Electric Car of the Year for good reason, and we were delighted to have a chance to review the new entry-level version, the EV6 Air. Like the rest of the range, it really impressed. Also impressive was the Toyota RAV4 plug-in, which comes with one of the best pure electric ranges in the sector. We spent some time putting its claims to the test – and came away pleasantly surprised that the range maths added up. Elsewhere, Volkswagen has launched an improved T-Roc – prices and model line-up
inside – while Mazda has entered the plug-in fray with the CX-60 PHEV. BMW has updated its 2 Series Active Tourer, the plug-in of which offers big tax savings to SMEs. On the commercial front, Ford has announced details for the highly anticipated E-Transit, there’s a buzz about the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo and MercedesBenz has greatly improved the range of the electric e-Vito. Finally, the Fiat Professional Scudo has arrived and we give it a once-over, and MAXUS, which is forging ahead in the electric market, also offers a large diesel van, the Deliver 9, which we drive this time. Enjoy! Andrew Walker, Editor and Publisher
Van Sales UK
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CONVERSIONS SPOTLIGHT Isuzu Vauxhall & Volkswagen FIAT Professional MAXUS & Peugeot Renault Trucks Citroën
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ROLEC Electric Charging
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LEASING Europcar Northgate
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CARS & REVIEWS LEXUS 450h+ BMW 2 Series Active Tourer KIA EV6 Air Mazda CX-60 PHEV Volkswagen T-Roc Toyota RAV 4 PHEV
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COMMERCIALS MAXUS DELIVER 9 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Mercedes-Benz eVito FIAT Professional Scudo HTC Manchester Ford E-Transit
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Company Car & Van is wholly owned and published by: Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd 12 Oakwood Lane, Bowdon, Cheshire WA14 3DL t: 07734 264735 e: andrewmaxwalker@icloud.com w: www.companycarandvan.co.uk Follow us at twitter.com/andrewmaxwalker and www.linkedin.com/in/companycarandvan Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, the publisher can accept no responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The carriage of adverts in this publication should not necessarily be viewed as an endorsement of the products or services advertised. All articles within this publication are copyright of Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd. Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced, either in printed form or electronically. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 03
NEWS
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Van Sales UK shakes up the new vehicle market with hassle-free online order system Van Sales UK could be the answer to your CV supply issues In these uncertain times, with global supply chain problems and the continuing impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, what many van buyers want most of all is speed and simplicity. Independent supplier Van Sales UK offers just those qualities – with access to new vehicles of all brands and a slick, quick online system that allows the customer to complete an entire transaction and even arrange delivery from any location with internet access or a mobile phone signal. Van Sales UK, a division of parent company Vanaways, is an internet-based business. There’s no big shiny showroom or yard full of vans waiting to be sold, so overheads are kept to a minimum. Instead, its sales experts work over phone and email networks, taking inquiries and orders and matching customers up with their perfect vehicle selections without ever needing to have contact with either. The intention is to make the buying process
as easy as possible – and to provide access to the widest range of vans – to ensure customer get the vehicles they need to keep their businesses rolling. All vans are backed by full manufacturer warranty and after sales packages and a range of finance options are available. Van Sales UK can even take away
older vehicles in part-exchange. Director Chris Jakeways said: “Our aim was to disrupt the marketplace and offer van customers something new – and that’s what we’ve achieved. Our business model is entirely driven by having the best technology to make the process of buying new vans as quick and
It’s a perfect 10 from the Wring Group Demolition expert Wring Group turned to independent supplier Van Sales UK for a new fleet, with a rapid lead time that knocked down all competitors. The Bristol-based operator needed 10 small vans urgently, to replace ageing vehicles that were becoming uneconomical to keep on the road, and Van Sales UK pulled out all the stops to source and supply the fleet to a very tight timeframe. Director Dean Wring explained: “We run 45 vans of various sizes but these smaller vehicles are our day-to-day workhorses, and vital to keep our operation running smoothly. They’re used by plant machinery operators and supervisors to get to and from sites, and for a host of other requirements. “Some of the vans we had been using were reaching an age where they were giving us problems, so we needed replacements and could not afford to wait a long time to get them in. I spoke to several suppliers, including manufacturers’ franchised dealers, but none could provide what I needed anywhere near as quickly as Van Sales UK.” Now all in service, the vans are Citroen Berlingo BlueHDi models with 1.5-litre engines, which each generate 100ps. Their
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‘I spoke to several suppliers, including manufacturers’ franchised dealers, but none could provide what I needed anywhere near as quickly as Van Sales UK’ Dean Wring, Wring Group
specification includes air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, cruise control and touch screen displays. Each has a third passenger seat and a protective bulkhead with load hatch for carrying long items. “We’ve had Berlingo vans before and they suit our needs well – but there are other, equally good vehicles on the market,” said Mr Wring. “That’s why the choice of brand was less important than finding a supplier who could provide the vehicles we wanted quickly, and with minimum fuss. “We’ve dealt with Van Sales UK before, so were not surprised when they gave by far the
keenest response to our request. As ever, their Sales Executive Stuart Meale came back very fast with a highly competitive quote, and the order was processed extremely smoothly – all done over the phone, without me needing to leave my desk. “The vehicles were delivered to our premises in perfect condition, exactly as ordered – including full interior plywood lining – within less than three weeks from my initial inquiry. That’s exemplary service,” he added. Family-owned Wring Group was established in 1926 by Sydney Joseph Wring, the grandfather of current Directors Dean and John Wring. The company carries out a wide range of demolition, decontamination and waste management services, including asbestos removal, across the UK. In addition to its vans the Wring Group fleet includes 20 trucks and 50 pieces of plant machinery.
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NEWS
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easy as possible, with the minimum time and admin requirement from the customer.” Vanaways has been trading since 2017, but in its early days mainly dealt in used vans. The shift to focusing on new vehicles under the Van Sales UK brand, and the creation of its streamlined, paper-free buying system, was initially a response to upheavals in the marketplace over the last couple of years. “Things really started to change with the Covid 19 pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns,” recalled Chris. “Obviously customers couldn’t visit our forecourt, but with auction houses closed it also became very difficult for us to source more used vehicles. As our stock dried up we started to look increasingly at new vans, and set up channels to source vehicles direct from the manufacturers. “More recently, there has been pressure on the new van market too, caused by the global chip shortage and supply chain issues. But, because we’re not tied to any one brand we’re less affected by this than most franchised dealers. Combined with our super-slick online acquisition process, it means that for many customers the quickest and easiest way to get hold of a new van is through Van Sales UK.” Growth has been rapid. The company is now
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supplying 250 new vehicles per month on average, and volumes continue to climb steadily. Used vans are still offered, but only those that have been taken in part-exchange for new models. In most cases they are collected from the customer’s premises when the new van is delivered, so interruption to the operator’s business is kept to an absolute minimum. “We can source any vehicle a customer wants, but for many people these days the brand of their new van is not a primary concern – especially as, under the skin, in many cases two or even three models from different manufacturers can be nearly identical,” said Chris. “What’s more important is to make the process of getting that new van on the road as painless as possible. That’s where we score, by cutting the number of steps a vehicle takes between rolling off the production line and arriving at the customer’s premises, and by slashing time-consuming paperwork. Our system is so simple that we even sold a new van to a roofer, who completed the whole transaction from a roof, using his mobile phone, during his lunch-break. With Van Sales UK, it’s that easy.” See Vansalesuk.co.uk or Vanaways.co.uk
Used van prices soar as shortage hits CV sector The pandemic and well-documented parts shortages have forced used van prices to record highs, with used Ivecos costing 39 per cent more today than in 2021. Other popular used van models to see their values soar include the Mercedes Sprinter, which now costs 31 per cent more than in 2021. New van registrations are down 23.6% year-to-date (March), with used van values up 20% (£23,632 from £19,692) compared to the same month last year. Increased workloads in 2021 contributed to the new van market growing 21.4% year on year. However, semiconductor shortages and resulting shipping delays meant demand far outstripped supply. This resulted in inflated prices across the used van market as businesses looked to fill gaps in fleets. Dan Powell, chief editor at Desperate Seller, says: “There has never been a better time to cash in on your old van. Partexchange values are at record highs, with Euro 6 and Euro 5 vans both commanding strong money.” He promised, though, that “new vans will arrive.”
Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 05
CONVERSIONS SPOTLIGHT One area of the commercial vehicle world that has recorded continual growth in recent years is the van conversion sector, with manufacturers and convertors alike offering a plethora of options for your van or pick-up. Cherry-pickers, refrigerated vans, tippers, it’s all on the menu for small businesses to customise mainstream vehicles to match their needs. Here we take a look at some of the main contenders Conversions profile: Isuzu
Isuzu offers businesses a unique take on conversions Isuzu UK’s designated National Fleet Department, which is mainly located at the brand’s Birmingham HQ, prides itself on providing excellent customer service and working in conjunction with the Isuzu homologation and technical teams, and the dedicated Fleet Conversion Centre, to ensure Isuzu UK is in a unique position to offer fleet customers a specialised build-to order service. And all this is done while retaining the manufacturer warranty and ensuring that the capability and safety of the vehicle are not compromised in any way. The dedicated Fleet Conversion Centre is at a 32-acre site in Sheerness, which holds upwards of 6,000 vehicles at any one time, with five workshops, and its own onsite body shop. The centre is staffed by fully trained and certified Isuzu technicians and carries a VCA second stage accreditation. This means it is capable of carrying out a vast array of vehicle conversions, tailored to the needs of individual fleet customers. The fully Type Approved vehicles can then be prepared and delivered directly to customers, ready to be put straight to work. Isuzu UK’s fleet department provides an expert design consultation process for customers, taking into consideration best practices, vehicle capabilities and requirements, weights and all health and safety legislation to ensure a fleet customer’s vehicle
The Sheerness site can host upwards of 6,000 vehicles at any one time
will meet the stringent sign-off process. All elements of the process and build are overseen by Isuzu UK’s Homologation and Technical Director, ensuring that every conversion fully complies with the VCA National Small Series Approval and N1 enhancement process. To assist with this, Isuzu UK has a dedicated fleet prototype facility and the ability to build a fully operational prototype vehicle for final customer sign-off. Uniquely, this also enables Isuzu UK to provide a full three-year warranty on all elements of a conversion, with the vehicles also being supported when ‘in the field’ by the 104 Isuzu dealers in the UK network. Neil Scott, National Fleet Sales Manager, Isuzu UK said: “Our fleet team and our dedicated Fleet Conversion Centre demonstrate
the versatility and professional approach that enables us to provide a one-stop-shop for Isuzu fleet customers. “We have produced a number of vehicles for numerous customers that demonstrate the adaptability and flexibility of not only the Isuzu D-Max pick-up but also the service that we can provide to meet the varying demands of our current and future customers. “We believe this one-stop-shop approach means that we can help to minimise not only the overall cost of a vehicle and conversion but also any potential future vehicle downtime when it comes to repairing or replacement of any components.” Contact Neil Scott at nscott@isuzu.co.uk or call 07785 618 142.
D-Max boost as new variants added to range Isuzu UK has introduced six new variants to the award-winning D-Max range, expanding customer choice from 11 to 17 models. The new versions mainly fall within the Business range, with auto transmission now available for Utility Extended Cab, Utility Double Cab and DL20 Extended Cab vehicles, which were previously only offered as manual. In addition, a rear differential lock is now available for Utility Single Cab, Utility Extended Cab and Utility Double Cab models, meaning the rear differential lock is now available across all levels of the range. The Utility models are ideally suited to hard-working environments, with features such as an easily-cleanable vinyl floor covering and robust steel wheels, while the
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bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from hard-wearing and durable black plastic. Utility models also feature a wide range of safety features to ensure drivers are as productive, safe and as comfortable as possible, resulting in this award-winning pick-up being anything but basic. Comfort and convenience are assured in this versatile
pick-up thanks to automatic headlights with high-beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, DAB radio and a start&stop system. With safety of paramount importance, the Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are standard on all models and include autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter and lane departure warning & prevention included. Double Cab models further benefit from rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and emergency lane-keeping assistance. These class-leading systems resulted in the Isuzu D-Max being awarded five stars in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, a unique achievement for a pick-up.
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CONVERSIONS SPOTLIGHT
Conversions profile: VAUXHALL Vauxhall has a long history of supplying specialist LCV conversions to businesses, covering everything from Movano chassis and crew cabs, Vivaro platform cabs right through to police cell vehicles. So, whether you’re in the market for a tipper, box van or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Vauxhall can help every step of the way. And that legacy is about to be further enhanced with the launch of new Movano and fully-electric Movano-e. The range of all-new Movano Chassis and Crew Cabs are already available, so look no further than this van for a comprehensive, versatile and reliable base for any conversion. The Movano Chassis Cabs have been engineered to provide a solid base for a host of conversions, with particular emphasis paid to the needs of specialist converters. Platform cabs are due for release later this year. Movano Chassis Cabs Movano Chassis Cab models feature rugged box section chassis rails, with wide top sections and built-in mounting points. The bolted rear under-run bar provides additional in-built safety, as well as ample margins for additional bodywork while retaining outstanding payloads. • Two load lengths • Two GVWs (3500kg or 4000kg) • Front-wheel drive, or “heavy” front-wheel drive with uprated rear axle loading. Movano Crew Cabs The FWD Crew Cab models offer similar specifications to the Chassis Cab versions but introduce added versatility by providing space for four additional crew members.
‘We’ve a long history of giving the customer what they want’
• One load length (L3) • Two GVWs (3500kg or 4000kg) • Front-wheel drive, or “heavy” front-wheel drive with uprated rear axle loading . A comprehensive range of complete factory conversions will arrive from August, featuring Tippers; Dropsides; Low-Floor Luton Box (Platform Cab based); Luton Box (Chassis Cab based); and Curtain-sider (Chassis Cab based). Vauxhall-approved conversions Besides the factory-based conversions, we’ll also be offering a full range of Vauxhallapproved conversions. For complete peace of mind, all approved conversions are supplied with EC WVTA (European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval) from long-standing conversion partners. The transaction process is being refined to ensure it’s the simplest in the business. And in many cases, it will involve just one invoice direct from the Vauxhall retailer.
Electric vehicles Already established as the biggest selling all-electric LCV brand in the UK, Vauxhall has even bigger plans for the future. These include, induction charging, compact refrigeration boxes and hydrogen-powered models. Working with a large supermarket fleet, Vauxhall Vivaro-e models are being fitted with high powered wireless charging systems to utilise induction charging. Batteries are automatically topped up while parked over the charging plate. Vivaro Hydrogen models will be available in 2023. It will offer a range of approximately 250 miles with a re-fuelling time of just three minutes and absolutely no compromise to load space. So, whatever your business needs, we have the specialist solution, with a comprehensive warranty on every vehicle and the support of one of the UK’s largest dealer networks for total peace of mind.
Conversions profile: VOLKSWAGEN
YOUR VEHICLE, NO COMPROMISE Van conversions provide customers with the opportunity to create a vehicle that suits the needs of their business without any compromise on quality, reliability, or efficiency. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, conversions come in all shapes and sizes, from wheelchair-accessible Caddys, to refrigerated Transporters, and Crafter welfare vans, dropsides, tippers and many more. The Engineered To Go scheme provides off-the-shelf conversions, built in partnership with Premium Partner Ingimex: Dropsides, tippers and Luton vans are all available straight from the brochure under Engineered to Go. In addition, each vehicle can also be adapted for unique conversions, such as a refrigerated box van, crane dropside, mobile workshop or parcel delivery van
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with bespoke racking, giving customers complete flexibility. All conversions completed by any of the Recognised Converter partners are fully covered by a warranty that matches the term of the base vehicle warranty, while
customers can liaise with a single point of contact at their Van Centre for all servicing and aftersales support for a seamless ownership experience.
The entire Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range is compatible for conversions, with each vehicle also available with a range of efficient diesel and petrol engines. The Caddy, which offers class-leading connectivity, can be converted into a refrigerated van or wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The Transporter, which balances comfort, practicality, and reliability, is also highly flexible and can be transformed into a number of conversions such as refrigerated van. Finally, the Crafter has the widest range of conversions that go beyond just the panel van, thanks to the chassis cab and flat frame versions. A strong, extendable ladder frame underpins the chassis, which enables the Crafter to be easily converted into Dropside, Tipper and Luton variants.
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Conversions profile: FIAT PROFESSIONAL scope. We are increasingly starting to see conversions on our E-Ducato (pictured below), most notably I recently saw a caged Tipper and Dropside with a tail lift that will be used by a local council. The vehicle perfectly lends itself to this application in an urban environment.
FIAT Professional’s Head of Commercial Vehicles, Richard Chamberlain, pictured earlier this year with two Company Car & Van awards for the Ducato and eDucato
Ducato conversion options mean it’s the ‘King of Versatility’ Company Car & Van caught up with FIAT Professional’s Head of Commercial Vehicles, Richard Chamberlain, to learn more about conversions available on its range. Company Car & Van: Fiat Professional was a double winner in our awards, with Ducato and eDucato. How well have both models been received by British businesses? Richard Chamberlain: Both vehicles have been extremely well received. The latest version of the highly successful Ducato has received a significant upgrade to the level of equipment on board and our customers have acknowledged the additional benefit from these features, whether it be the easier access of the electric parking brake, additional safety features that allow up to level 2 autonomous driving to be achieved, as well as upgrades to the in car entertainment system. New engines and enhanced refinement have also reduced running costs and allow the cabin to become a quieter working environment. On E-Ducato, the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly, the impressive battery range provides customer confidence in being able to complete work cycles, alleviating range anxiety with customers now adjusting to operating in an EV world. CC&V: In this issue, we’re taking a look at conversions. What conversion options are www.companycarandvan.co.uk
available on Ducato and eDucato and how quickly are these taking to build in the current climate? RC: We have a number of off-the-shelf conversions on the Ducato range – Tipper, Dropside, Luton Box and Low floor Luton – however, the Ducato range of vehicles is incredibly versatile for all types of conversion. Today, Ducato is used for a wide spread of applications from front line A&E Ambulances through to horse boxes, motor homes, traffic management vehicles, minibuses, welfare vehicles, car transporters, grounds maintenance vehicles, the list is endless. We also supply Ducato as a back-to-back chassis that allows a customised low floor chassis to be added, providing increased operational
CC&V: The eDucato offers an increased battery range over its competitors. Has this been a factor in persuading customers to opt for your large electric van over your competitors? RC: Uptake on the 79kWh battery has been very high as customers appreciate the benefit of the enhanced range and versatility that this provides rather than compromising on the vehicle’s application. In the large van sector, the availability of vehicles – especially those with an extended range -– has been limited. E-Ducato provides the versatility to have a payload up to 1900 KG – the same as its ICE counterpart – or a range up to 230 miles in urban use. Clearly the larger battery is key to delivering this range. CC&V: The new Scudo has just been launched, giving the brand a massive opportunity in the medium van sector. What are your hopes for Scudo and will there be supply in 2022? Scudo has just been launched in the medium van sector, which is the largest segment of the commercial vehicle market, so clearly, it’s a strong opportunity for Fiat. The Fiat Scudo is a sister product to Vauxhall Vivaro, Citroen Dispatch and the Peugeot Expert with all brands under the ownership of Stellantis. The other products have been in the market for a couple of years and have performed extremely well and taken many industry awards, therefore we anticipate a similar level of success for the Scudo. Production for the Scudo started in March and we are now starting to see a strong order book develop. Also launched at the same time is the e-Scudo, which has a range of over 200 miles and is available with a 50kWh or 75 kWh battery and up to a 1.2t payload. CC&V: The industry has experienced a roller-coaster ride since March 2020. Are you hopeful that 2023 will finally see things settle down, with CV supply improving? RC: Since the start of the pandemic, we have experienced challenging circumstances from showrooms closed, to limited supply of components and the geo-political tensions in Europe which brings further challenges. For sure, 2022 will remain challenging, however we are hopeful that the situation in 2023 will be normalised. Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 09
CONVERSIONS SPOTLIGHT
Conversions profile: MAXUS
Converted? You will be with a MAXUS Versatile, durable and flexible, MAXUS offers a broad range of conversions and Special Vehicle Options (SVOs) to suit every type of business. While many of us might be dreaming of a coastal road trip in a converted campervan, the most popular commercial conversion types for MAXUS customers are tippers, dropsides, Luton vans and chiller vans. Other popular requests from businesses include curtain siders, milk floats, three-way tippers, welfare vehicles and M2 minibuses, all of which are catered for by a network of MAXUS specialist convertors. Typically, when it comes to conversions, business owners purchase standard vehicles and take them to after-market specialists to customise the model for their needs. At MAXUS the process is simplified in a bid to reduce the time between placing an order and having a vehicle ready to use. The company works closely with its network of convertors to ensure that the bespoke requirements of each customer is met – without compromise. Working with MAXUS also offers your business the reassurance and guarantee that every step of the way your design needs will be dealt with by professionals.
GM Coachwork is one of MAXUS’ preferred convertors in the UK market. Right now, MAXUS is working with GM Coachwork to convert the e DELIVER 9 into a 14-seater zero-emission minibus. The conversion on the e DELIVER 9 platform features a ply lined and carpeted interior and 14 seats including the driver. Passenger entry is made easy with an electric side-step which comes out from underneath the side of the vehicle and a second step inside the bus. High visibility passenger handrails are fitted to assist with entry. In the rear cabin, GM fitted
11 seats with integral belts to give the bus a capacity of 14. A non-slip floor adds another safety measure to the vehicle while LED lighting illuminates the rear cabin to create a pleasant passenger area. Wheelchair accessibility was a key consideration for this conversion and this specialist minibus comes with a wheelchair lift and removable seats to create space to carry up to three wheelchair passengers. This conversion, and other conversions up to 14 seats, are also available on the dieselpowered DELIVER 9 model. You can find out more about this model on page 36.
Conversions profile: PEUGEOT
Easing the pressure as you go electric The PEUGEOT Boxer van has a wealth of practical features designed to support businesses, while offering both a diesel and an electric powertrain. Off-the-shelf conversions include a Tipper, Dropside, Luton Box, Low floor Luton and Curtainsides. However, the Boxer range is so incredibly versatile for conversion there are a host of other options available: PTS Ambulances, horse boxes, motor homes, traffic management vehicles, minibuses, welfare vehicles, car transporters and grounds maintenance vehicles. Peugeot can also supply Boxer as a back-to-back chassis that allows a customised low floor chassis to be added, increasing operational scope. Conversion interest is growing on the e-Boxer Chassis Cab Professional and
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plans are in place to fit a caged tipper and a dropside with a tail lift onto e-Boxer, meaning that the vehicle perfectly lends itself to this application in an urban environment. The new 75kWh battery will add up to 15 miles to the electric range of the van, allowing drivers to travel up to 154
miles (WLTP) without loss of loadspace. In the large van sector, the availability of vehicles with an extended range has been limited. The new 75kWh battery is paired with a 122bhp electric motor with maximum torque of 350Nm delivering instant responsiveness with no vibrations and a smooth driving experience. As well as the Boxer, e-Boxer and the range of conversion options, the Peugeot LCV line-up includes the award-winning Peugeot Partner and Peugeot Expert, both of which are available with fully electric powertrains. As it stands, Peugeot is the number one e-LCV manufacturer in the UK by sales, which is testament to the growing number of businesses now making the switch to electric motoring.
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Conversions profile: RENAULT TRUCKS
‘Tailor-made CVs are what we do best’ Did you know that 92 per cent of all Renault Trucks Masters in the UK and Ireland are now supplied with some form of conversion? And that 72 per cent are on the platform or chassis cab base vehicle? We take a closer look at why sales of Renault Trucks Masters with tailored solutions are gathering momentum. Whatever you’re moving – from people to dry goods, waste or service related – a vehicle that’s tailormade for your business makes all the difference. “It’s what we do best,” says Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV & Municipal at Renault Trucks UK (below). “We listen, we understand the customer’s requirements and operational demands, we use our heavy truck experience and technical expertise, and we work in partnership to create a bespoke solution tailored to their application.” Exacting quality and technical standards are assured from the Renault Trucks roster of approved converters, notes Grahame. “They ensure that all work is undertaken in line with our engineering requirements, is legally compliant and will give longevity and excellent service.” For Renault Trucks, sales performance has been strong across van, chassis cab and platform cab variants, and in both diesel and fully electric E-Tech powertrains. “The versatile Renault Trucks Master Red Edition range offers a wide range of body variants, wheelbases, heights and drivelines, always delivering excellent payload and productivity,” says Grahame. Sales of the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master range more than doubled year on year, highlighting the growing importance of cleaner, quieter vehicles in highly sensitive urban environments and last mile delivery applications. The addition of the 3.5 tonne E-Tech Master in platform and chassis cab base models in 2021 has opened up low carbon electric vehicles to more applications, further strengthening Renault Trucks’ appeal to a wider customer base. Demonstrating its versatility, Renault Trucks has launched a new multimodal last mile e-mobility concept, which combines three types of electric transportation in one vehicle. The E-Tech Master OptiModale consists of an electric van; an electric cargo bike; and a parcel-carrying drone on a specially commissioned Low Loader Luton body. According to Grahame, on a more corebased need, low height Luton bodies and www.companycarandvan.co.uk
traditional Curtainsiders still account for a high percentage of conversions, with many truck clients looking to Renault Trucks to offer something created with the same level and depth of understanding as their truck bodies. He cites Glasgow-based logistics specialists Keedwell, Scotland as a classic example of this; the company has recently added six Renault Trucks Master Red Edition with Truckcraft curtainside bodies to its 50-strong fleet. “We’ve been running Renault Trucks Ts and T Highs for some time, so it was the natural step to turn to Renault Trucks when we needed the latest additions,” says Keedwell Scotland’s Director, John McLellan. The Master Red Edition Chassis Cabs L3 145 bhp were bought in for general haulage pallet collections and deliveries across Scotland and the vehicle’s exceptional carrying capacity was fundamental to the purchasing decision. “The main reason for purchasing the Master
The E-Tech Master OptiModale
Red Edition is its high load capacity in combination with the tail lift,” John said. “Fitting tail lifts usually reduces the vehicle’s carrying capacity, but the Red Edition can take 800kg whilst competitor vehicles only achieve 500kg. This reduces the overall number of runs, and helps considerably in creating a more efficient and economical business,” he adds. The exclusive Master Red Edition features chrome radiator grille and high power headlights with LED light signature while the interior boasts a new dashboard with chrome accents and carbon fabric upholstery with white stitching. Projecting a professional image was high on the list of Keedwell Scotland’s requirements. Equipped with air conditioning, 6-speed gearbox and reversing sensor and camera, it was the Red Edition that caught their attention. “In my opinion it’s one of the best looking vehicles on the road. It is perfect for our business application and the new design allows our drivers to work more efficiently and in greater safety,” says John McLellan. Running a busy 24/7 general haulage business requires a first class back up service and Keedwell Scotland is full of praise for its local dealer. “Renault Trucks Scotland bends over backwards to facilitate our service requirements. ”Our operation is demanding and it’s imperative that we keep downtime to a minimum and our vehicles out on the road. “As well as providing the vehicles, Renault Trucks Scotland really does offer the full package; they never let us down when it comes to aftersales either,” concludes John. Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 11
CONVERSIONS SPOTLIGHT
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Conversions profile: CITROËN
Citroen’s programme will have your fleet ‘ready to run’ in no time Citroën understands that business customers require vehicles that meet individual needs, with around a quarter of customers purchasing light commercial vehicles requiring specialist variations. To better serve its customers, Citroën was among the first LCV manufacturers to offer ready-bodied conversions through the introduction of its pioneering ‘Ready to Run’ programme. Since its inception, Citroën has continued to add and update the ‘Ready to Run’ line-up with an array of robust and reliable conversion models that include a Tipper, Dropside, Luton Van and many others, including a Curtainside. All Citroën converted vehicles are designed to meet European standards and are built on the Plus range of Relay 35 Chassis Cabs. A maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg offers optimum practicality for all businesses, whether they need to seat up to seven occupants and carry cargo, or have easy loading with a Dropside or Tipper, or need to move bulky items with a Luton Van or Curtainside version. Citroën’s ‘Ready to Run’ converted vehicles are all equipped with Euro 6 BlueHDi Diesel engines to ensure they offer fuel efficiency as well as practicality. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, the BlueHDi 140 engine provides optimal power output when shifting those heavy loads, while remaining easy to drive and offering maximum manoeuvrability. Low emissions from Euro 6 BlueHDi engines mean users will be able to enter Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) without additional charges. The ‘Ready to Run’ range’s gross vehicle weight allows operators to drive the converted vehicles without a specific HGV licence and thus providing businesses with greater flexibility. TIPPER The Citroën Tipper is available as either an L2 Single Cab or L3 Crew Cab version. Single Cab models are fitted with a dual passenger seat as standard, while the Crew Cab variant can provide seating for the driver and six passengers. The payload ranges from 1,033kg for Crew Cab models to 1,222kg for single cab versions. The bulkhead/gantry and platform are constructed from high tensile steel to resist denting from bulky loads, whilst allowing the vehicle to be as light and robust as possible. Completing the Tipper is a full-width steel tailboard, including full “Chapter 8” highvisibility markings. DROPSIDE The Citroën Dropside is available as an L2 Single Cab, an L3 Crew Cab and an L3 Single 12 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
Cab. Featuring a robust, yet lightweight construction, these models offer three different deck lengths and provide payloads between 1,253kg and 1,441kg. The practical, open bodywork can transport a mix of loads as required and offers two bodies in one. By removing the sideboards, tailboard and the rear corner posts, the Dropside can be transformed into an open flatbed body. LUTON VAN AND LOW-FLOOR LUTON VAN Citroën’s Luton Van offers a high volume capacity, fully enclosed bodywork and comes with useful additional storage space above the cab. The ‘Ready to Run’ Luton range includes two variants based on the Relay L3 and L4 Single Cab versions. The longer L4 models provide a high-volume body offering up to 20m³ of load space, with payload from 979kg to 1,147kg. For increased interior space and payload, customers can select Citroën’s Low-Floor Luton Van. Thanks to a lower floor, interior space increases to 22m³ and payloads rise to 1,300kg over the standard Luton Van. CURTAINSIDE Two body lengths are provided, based on the Relay L3 and L4 Single Cab chassis with L4 models offering up to 20m³ of load space. Using the standard weight body, L3 models offer payloads up to 965kgs. The Citroën Curtainside body’s construction adopts a galvanised steel and aluminium frame that carries composite body panels, a construction
method chosen for durability and optimum payload. BOX VAN Citroën Box conversions are offered on the Relay L3 and L4 Single Cab models. L3 versions provide up to 16m³ of load space, while the longer L4 models provide a plentiful 20m³. Based on the standard construction, the payload is 983kg for L4 models and 1,051kg for L3 variants. Box Van bodies are built using light, but strong composite panels fitted to a galvanised steel and aluminium frame offering durability, and a highly competitive payload. The optional tail lift can make loading goods by a pallet truck a simple and easy job. READY TO RUN All conversion models from Citroën’s ‘Ready to Run’ programme are available from the brand’s dedicated Business Centre network. Business customers can benefit from a specialist team that is ready to offer expert advice about sourcing the right products and services for their individual needs. For peace of mind, Citroën Assistant comes free of charge for an entire year, operating 24 hours a day to provide users with rapid roadside assistance in the case of an emergency. In addition to this, a 3-year/100,000 miles manufacturer warranty is included as standard on all Citroën converted vehicles. And this is all backed by a network of dedicated LCV Specialist Centres across the UK dedicated to large or converted commercial vehicles, with dedicated workshop facilities with specialist diagnostic equipment. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
EUROPCAR
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Sharing is caring: Maximising car use is best for business and the planet
Ticking all the boxes On-demand corporate car sharing not only means business mobility keeps moving; it helps reduce reliance on grey fleet and it’s good for the environment too. Research from CoMoUK, the shared transport charity, shows that a car share scheme can have significant benefits in reducing congestion and emissions. Each shared vehicle can take 18.5 vehicles off the road and typically shared vehicles are more environmentally friendly, emitting on average 26.5 per cent lower carbon emissions compared to the average UK car. Businesses that create their own corporate car share scheme could be part of that sustainability story. But how easy is it to set up? Tap and Go Right now, businesses need simplicity – and that’s what Europcar’s innovative ‘Tap and Go’ on-demand car sharing technology delivers. It can be installed into a company’s existing pool cars with minimal disruption and the system, accessible via a mobile app, can be used by all authorised drivers. It’s 100% digital – there’s no need for manual form filling. And keyless access – a tap on the windscreen with any mobile device will do the trick – means there’s no worry about keys collection or lost keys! Drivers can book their own rental and access the vehicle in the car park when they’re ready to start their journey. Returning the vehicle is just as easy. 14 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
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And keyless access – a tap with any mobile device will do the trick – means there’s no worry about keys collection or lost keys!
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The working from home/office hybrid is changing the mobility needs of business travellers. For many businesses, the current new car supply shortage has left them with a curious dilemma. New vehicles are not available to replace company cars at the end of their lease or contract. But there’s a car park full of pool cars not being used by employees who are now working from home. Pool cars are often ring-fenced for those one-off, one day turn-around trips and not available for those who usually have access to company cars. But with company cars on fixed lease agreements needing to be returned, clever thinking is needed to keep businesses on the move. The fact that the average vehicle is parked 96 per cent of the time, or 23 hours a day, further illustrates that pool car fleets could be put to better use. It could be the answer to the supply drought. Yet, for many businesses, the thought of making significant investment to make better use of pool cars, replacing manual processes, is daunting and potentially cost-prohibitive. That’s where Corporate Car Sharing fits in.
But easy doesn’t mean a loss of control. Corporate Car Sharing from Europcar gives fleet and business travel managers the insight they need to stay in control of employee mobility. Monitoring and reporting via the platform provides real-time updates on bookings, vehicle utilisation, cost and even CO2 consumption. It’s a well-managed and clever way to keep employees mobile when they need to be, without relying on their own vehicles. Fit for purpose Europcar is offering three different packages – each fit for purpose – to put on-demand car sharing in the company car park. n Sharing Tech: We supply the tech for your cars to maximise utilisation. There’s no need to rent vehicles from us. n Sharing Fleet: If you need cars too, we can supply the fleet with the tech built-in, plus roadside assistance.
n Sharing Pro: Or for hassle-free car sharing, there’s our full corporate car sharing package which includes vehicle maintenance and cleaning, safety checks, fuel card and roadside assistance. Getting rid of the Grey Europcar Corporate Car Sharing provides a neat solution to grey fleet challenges, too. Driver wellbeing is a moral obligation as well as a legal one for any business. Knowing that employees are using well maintained and serviced vehicles is a given. But the current vehicle supply challenges mean that some businesses may revert to a reliance on grey fleet – employees’ own vehicles – simply because new vehicles are delayed. This not only means a lack of visibility over vehicle condition, it also reduces the opportunities to address driver training. With Corporate Car Sharing those risks can be eliminated. Fleet and travel managers will know that employees are in the right, wellmaintained, vehicle for the job and they’ll know when and how the vehicle is being used. Want to know more? Tap into Europcar’s wealth of fleet expertise and technology with a purpose to create a Corporate Car Sharing solution that addresses your current – and future – business mobility needs. To find out more about how Europcar can help with your business mobility challenges visit https://www.europcar.co.uk/business/ corporate-car-sharing. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: LEXUS NX450h+
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Andrew Walker
The Lexus NX was originally launched in 2014 and quickly became the brand’s most popular car. However, when the NX was updated, Lexus didn’t offer a plug-in hybrid or full electric version, but the all-new model put that omission right. For those who don’t know, the NX is a five-door SUV, powered by either a 2.5-litre self charging petrol in FWD or AWD or a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid petrol engine. Both feature a CVT gear box. You can choose from the self-charging NX 350, with starting price of £39,760, in Sport or Takumi trim, or the plug-in NX 450h AWD + in Premium, Premium + or Takumi trim. The entry level of the 450h is £50,950 so it’s quite a big jump, price-wise, from the cheapest self charging version. Our test was in the most fleet-friendly model, the NX 450h+, and the specs here are based on the plug-in version only. Equipment All plug-in hybrid NXs feature wireless smartphone charging, a reversing camera, dualzone climate control, heated seats, LED headlights, keyless go and the ‘Lexus Safety System+’. The main interior change is that Lexus has got rid of the infotainment track pad used on the previous NX, replacing it with a smarter, simpler and cleaner touchscreen. Entry-level NX 450h+ features a 9.8” central 18 | June 2022 | Company Car and Van
Lexus NX450h+ is a welcome entry to the premium PHEV party touchscreen, while F Sport and Takumi trims get the larger 14” version and 10” digital driver’s display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are also included and overall, it’s a massive improvement over what came before. Engine and company car benefits The 450h+ shares its TNGA-K underpinnings with the latest Toyota RAV4. This hybrid system comprises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with CVT transmission, tagged to an 18.1kWh battery and electric motor. Lexus says that 43 miles is possible on battery power alone. For fleets, the CO2 is as low as 20g/km which equates to just seven per cent in BIK and big tax savings for its fleet drivers. Fuel economy and performance Lexus claims combined economy to be as high as 256.8 mpg and, if you only ever drive
your NX locally for 20 miles per day, that is possible. However, take a longer trip and this will drop. For example, in our test week, by utilising the electric range until we reached the motorway and plugging the NX in to charge overnight, we drove the 450h + over 200 miles in a week and averaged 58.7 mpg, which is still impressive. With 302bhp, top speed is 124mph and 0-62mph takes just 6.3 seconds, which isn’t bad at all. Exterior and interior The latest NX is 20mm longer and comes with a 30mm longer wheelbase. Outside, it’s less angular than the previous version, with slim LED headlights and the familiar Lexus spindle grille. At the rear, there’s now a full-width tail-light and overall the cars shape and lines feel simpler, cleaner and more pleasing on the eye. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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TECH DATA Model Tested: Lexus NX 450h+ Takumi OTR Price: £61,200 Engine: 2.5-litre 4 cylinder petrolelectric plug-in hybrid Power: 302bhp Transmission: CVT auto 4WD 0-62mph: 6.3 seconds Top speed: 124mph Economy: 256.8mpg CO2: 26g/km BIK: 7%
The first thing you’ll notice inside is that the dash and cabin feel less cluttered. We’ve already mentioned the new touchscreen, which is excellent. You still have separate climate controls sitting beneath the touchscreen, but in effect, there’s actually half as many buttons as on its predecessor and mirroring the outside, it feels more modern and on-trend, too. The quality you expect from Lexus is still there though, with all surfaces brilliantly put together and all finished in a mix of high quality and soft touch plastics. Our Takumi test car also featured leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats and an extra with a sunroof. Boot space and cabin practicality Front seat passengers won’t be disappointed by the head and leg room on offer in the NX 450h+. You also get a decent-sized glovebox, twin USB ports, large door bins, twin cup holders a cubby under the armrest and space for your phone with wireless charging. The extra 20mm length of the latest NX, makes quite a difference to rear legroom, although the centre rear passenger still has to contend with a transmission tunnel. Head room is good as well. Rear passengers also benefit from twin USBs and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders. Both the self charging and plug-in NXs offer 545 litres of boot space. Fold the seats down and you get 1,436 litres of load capacity. The boot finish and carpet used are exemplary and there’s the added bonus of space underneath the useful flat floor to hide the charging cable. Driving modes The NX 450h+ features three driving modes: Eco, Sport and Normal. All three are accessed via a knob in front of the gear lever. Twist for
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Eco or Sport, push for Normal. You can maximise your battery range by utilising the EV save mode button next to the electric handbrake. This means that you can save your electric range for when it’s most economical, low-speed urban driving. Furthermore, the plug-in does also offer some other range-saving aids. For example, you get the bonus of battery-assisted driving in the hybrid drive modes. When the battery is fully depleted, the NX reverts to being a normal hybrid. So you still get electric assistance at low speed, which adds to the economy. On the road Perhaps unsurprisingly, if you take the NX on to the motorway, you’ll have little to complain about. The built-in radar-controlled cruise control is simple to work and the plethora of third-generation Lexus safety systems, such as Lane Keep Assist, Lane Trace Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert, make it one of the safest cars you can own. Cabin noise is minimal and all passengers will enjoy the cosseting, comfortable seats. Our only complaint is that when you push down hard on the accelerator pedal, the CVT gearbox whines as it spins into action and this can be heard in the cabin. In town we were able to make use of the car’s pure electric range and managed four days of local driving before we needed to plug in. Talking of which, charging on our 7kWh Rolec Smart Charger, the NX’s 18.1kWh battery took between 2.5 and 3 hours to charge from empty. When our Octopus Go night time rate between 00.30 hrs and 04.30 hrs is just 7.5p a kWh, we could replenish the NX’s battery for just 20p, and as we were seeing a pure electric range of 32 miles, that’s cheap motoring and another feather in the cap for Lexus’s first plug-in.
Pros All NX models are extremely well built and equipped. The new infotainment system elevates the new NX to a point where it’s now far more competitive with similar systems on offer from the German premium car makers. With just 7% BIK, company car drivers will save plenty. The latest NX feels bigger inside and looks better as well. Cons The CVT gearbox doesn’t offer the driver any great performance and its loud when pushed hard. The plug-in is expensive so is better considered as a company car offering. Conclusion While we don’t especially like the CVT gearbox, we had no complaints about how the 450h+ transitions from electric to petrol and back. It is, frankly, as smooth as you like and one of the best we’ve come across. Furthermore, this Lexus is much more refined and comfortable than its predecessor. For company car drivers lucky enough to be in the 50k car bracket, the personal tax savings are brilliant and reason enough to select one. And, perhaps most importantly, it now feels like its earned a place at the top table with Volvo’s XC60 Recharge, BMW’s X3 xDrive30e and Mercedes-Benz’s GLC 300e plug-in models.
CC&V VERDICT Great to see a car as good as the NX gain a PHEV option at last. Superb quality that now sits with the Premium big boys
CC&V RATING: NNNN
Company Car and Van | June 2022 | 19
NEW CAR REVIEW: BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER
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Plug-in boost as BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer hits the market BMW 2 Active Tourer range features new architecture designed for both electrified and conventional powertrains Expanded range of driver assistance systems sets the benchmark for sector Plug-in technology coming to the range this summer
BMW’s completely re-engineered 2 Series Active Tourer range offers a host of new features to create an even more tempting proposition in the premium compact segment – with the additional good news that plug-in hybrid technology joins the range this summer with the BMW 230e xDrive and 225e xDrive Active Tourer The models also mark the debut of BMW Operating System 8 and the new generation of the BMW iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display in a compact-class BMW – an advanced system only featured in the fullyelectric BMW iX and BMW i4 until now. In addition, an expanded range of driver assistance systems as standard sets a new benchmark both for the BMW model line-up and the sector. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer’s all-new architecture is designed to accommodate both electrified drive systems and conventional engines. New engines, the second generation of 48V mild hybrid technology from BMW, the seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission fitted as standard in all model variants, and extensively updated chassis technology take both efficiency and agility to new heights. At present cCustomers can choose from two petrol engines and one diesel until the two plug-in hybrid models arrive. A choice of Sport, Luxury and M Sport variants, plus extensive individualisation options, ensure the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer appeals to a wide number of drivers. Its style, interior packaging, advanced technology and efficient drivetrains are destined to continue the original’s popularity: the first-generation model sold more than 430,000 units with, significantly, around 80 per cent of sales to customers who were new to the BMW brand. The overall look of the 2 Series is sporting elegance with increased presence. At the front of the car is the iconic BMW kidney grille, which has a radar sensor for the optional driver 22 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
assistance systems integrated into the central section. The addition of full LED headlights as standard adds to the front end’s fresh look. A new interpretation of the distinctive light graphic divides the headlights into three clusters for low beam, high beam and daytime driving light, the latter also performing the role of turn signal indicators. Adaptive LED Headlights, available as an option (or standard on the M Sport models), include a cornering light function, non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban lights, a motorway beam pattern and bad weather light. When viewed from the side, two precisely drawn character lines underscore the car’s surfaces. The upward tick, the forward-leaning BMW kidney grille, raked A-pillars, stretched side window graphic and slim C-pillars not only increase the appeal but improve all-round visibility. The rear of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer features slim light units with LED technology for all light functions, arranged – if the optional Adaptive LED Headlights are specified – in a striking L shape. Driving pleasure, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions are key features of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Two latest-generation petrol engines are available from launch, starting with a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit. Its output of 156hp is assisted by a 19hp electric motor for a combined output of 170hp and peak torque of 280Nm. As a result, the new BMW 220i Active Tourer accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit powering the BMW 223i Active Tourer develops 218hp (204hp plus 19hp) and 360Nm. It sprints from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds, yet emits just 137-149g/km and achieves 42.8-47.1mpg. The new BMW 218d Active Tourer is offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel
engine that has undergone extensive development. With 150hp and 360Nm, the new 218d accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 8.8 seconds, while returning 53.3-58.9mpg with emissions of just 125-138g/km. Mild hybrid technology has enabled the BMW 223i and 220i Active Tourer models to deliver improved driving dynamics and optimised efficiency. The 48V electric motor acts as a starter generator and power booster for the engine and is now integrated into the automatic transmission. It delivers an extra 19hp when pulling away from a standstill, or during mid-range acceleration. The starter generator enhances the smoothness of the Auto Start Stop function, with the energy required stored in a 48V battery located underneath the boot, charged by recuperation during overrun and braking. The plug-in options arriving this summer will enhance the 230e xDrive and 225e xDrive Active Tourer. The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology consists of a current-excited electric motor installed in a single housing along with the power electronics and transmission plus the latest battery and charging technology. In both models, the electric motor acts on the rear wheels while a three-cylinder petrol engine drives the front wheels. With the aid of an intelligent powertrain management system, this results in all-wheel drive that delivers exceptional sportiness, directional stability and traction in all driving situations. Maximum output is 326hp (150hp plus 177hp) for the BMW 230e xDrive Active Tourer and 245hp (136hp plus 109hp) for the BMW 225e xDrive Active Tourer. Charging capacity is up from 3.7kW to 7.4kW, meaning that a full charge can be delivered in around 2.5 hours, or just under 8 hours via a conventional household socket. Electric range is now up to 49 miles. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: KIA EV6 AIR
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KIA EV6 is a breath of fresh Air
Andrew Walker was so impressed by the KIA EV6 he made it his Medium Electric Car of the Year. Can the entry-level Air match that achievement We got to drive the Kia EV6 last October and came away impressed enough to name it as our Medium Electric Car of the Year for 2022. What we didn’t get to do, however, was to spend anytime in the entry level EV6 Air. As it’s the cheapest EV6 proposition we felt this was an oversight, especially if you are considering one as your next company car. We put this oversight right with a week-long loan recently. Exterior The front comes with a new sequential dynamic light pattern. Below this sits a low air intake for optimum aerodynamics. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors and at the back, there’s a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert, a roof spoiler and rear lights that wrap around the edges of the boot hatch. Check out the photo above – it’s a great looking car. Equipment Even if your company car outlay will only 24 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
stretch to an EV6 Air, have no fear, it comes nicely equipped. So factor in 19” alloys, automatic LED headlights, heated front seats with adjustable driver lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air con, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and vegan leather upholstery. The more expensive EV6s add goodies such as a power boot and electrically adjusted seats. The dashboard is dominated by the infotainment and instrument cluster screens, which stretch across two-thirds of the car. Below the central touchscreen sits a new multi-mode display which replaces physical buttons with a dedicated ‘haptic’ touchscreen, with shortcuts to control climate control, SatNav and infotainment. The good news is that you don’t need to delve into too many sub-menus to choose what you want, a problem associated with many existing car infotainment systems. It’s easy to work, featuring a small arrow which when pushed, switches from climate to functions and frees up dashboard space. The cabin features a range of sustainable materials and quality-wise, it’s excellent to the point that even premium car customers won’t be disappointed. Practicality Up front there’s a storage tray, a glovebox, twin drinks holders, two USB inputs, a normal and a C version and in the rear, twin C USB inputs located on the inside edges of the front seats. There’s also a plug socket which sits in
the centre rear and two rear drinks holders. Another design feature is the floating front centre binnacle, with additional storage space underneath. The boot offers 490 litres of storage and if you fold down the rear seats this increases to almost 1,300 litres. The EV6 also offers a ‘frunk’, 52 litres of storage under the bonnet, and space underneath the rear boot floor. Battery range and performance The RWD EV6 can travel up to 328 miles on a single charge. With a power output of 226bhp and maximum torque of 350Nm, it can sprint to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and will go on to reach a maximum speed of 114mph. To clarify the range, we drove 95 miles to the Stellantis HQ in Coventry and back in the EV6 Air, 180 miles of which was on the M6. At a steady 70mph we used 193 miles of range, to travel 190 miles. Without question, after the outside temperature, driving on motorways is the biggest factor in reducing an electric vehicle’s range, and this was the first time we had come close to a 1:1 ratio of distance travelled to battery range used in a motorway test run, so hat’s off to Kia! Charging The EV6 comes with a multi high-speed charging system which means that the system is compatible with both 800V ultra-fast charging and more mainstream 400V fast charging, without the need for a special adapter or additional on-board charger. Continued on page 26 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: KIA EV6 AIR
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A breathe of fresh EV6 Air Continued from page 24 The Air is fitted with a Type 2-to-Type 2 charger, as well as a Type 2-to-Domestic three-pin plug charger. A 7kW home charger will recharge the EV6 Air from 10 – 100% in 7 hours 20 minutes. A 50kW rapid charger will take the car from 10-80% in just 1 hour 13 minutes. Plug in to a 350kW ultra-fast charger and it will only take 18 minutes to recharge from 10-to-80%. Driving modes and regeneration Electric and plug-in hybrid cars, come fitted with several driving modes, ostensibly to save the cars battery and increase the vehicles range. In the EV6 there’s three: Eco, Normal and Sport Sport. Each does what it says on the tin. Which brings us to the i-Pedal... Alongside the driving modes, the EV6 has several levels of regen, Zero, 1, 2, 3 and then the i-Pedal. Being someone who wants to get as much range out of my electric cars battery as possible, I spent my week in the Air driving almost always in Eco mode. However, when selecting i-Pedal, which offers the highest level of regen and reduces your need for the brake, we found that it’s quite heavy and was best for stop-start urban journeys. Venture on to 30mph roads and Level 2 or 3 gives you bit more zip, while on the motorway, Level 3 or Zero allows you to drive the EV6 unhindered. Plainly, when battery range isn’t your paramount concern, turning off the regen and driving in Sport mode opens up the performance one associates with electric cars and the EV6 Air definitely doesn’t disappoint. Its ability to iron out the shakes associated with large battery EVs also shines through. The battery weight can be felt but Kia has done a great job of masking its effects on the ride and it handles nicely. Out and about As electric cars become more and more mainstream, without a doubt the EV6 is a car that showcases what’s best about EVs. The cabin is one of the best out there, the interior is incredibly spacious and the car features all of the on trend tech that you’d expect. The massive 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system is easy on the eye while working extremely well. Family members had no complaints about the amount of head and leg room, which is very impressive in the rear. The rear seat USB inputs, located in the inside edges of the two front seats, are a nice touch and easily reached with a USB cable, as 26 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
is the pull out storage, also located on the rear of the front seats. The control functions, most of which are selected using the touchscreen and the menus located within, are well designed and quick to respond, and the graphics are also crystal clear. The small arrow located underneath the screen switches between the climate controls and the car’s functions, such as SatNav, and works really well. It also takes no time to get used to. Pros The EV6 Air uses 800-volt technology, meaning the battery can charge much faster than most other electric cars. For the company car driver, it’s low BIK and 300+ driving range adds appeal. It’s also the cheapest way into an EV6, costing £40,945. Cons The i-PEDAL will aid battery range but makes your right foot work hard for it. GT Line and GT Line S EV6s are better equipped and the AWD version is better to drive.
Conclusion When we drove the EV6 GT Line and GT Line S we couldn’t help but be impressed by how good they look and drive. The EV6 Air looks the same and drives the same as the RWD GT versions. Where the Air differs is with its lower price and, in our test car’s case, the colour, metallic grey, which is not available on GT versions. And it’s not quite as generously equipped. Of course, like its GT siblings, where the EV6 really shines is with that 300-mile range and fast on-board charging. Even in basic Air form, the EV6 really is an exceptional electric car.
CC&V VERDICT Anyone looking to access the qualities of the EV6 but reluctant to pay top dollar for the privilege can rest assured: the Air, while cheaper, doesn’t miss out on the key things that make the EV6 so great, such as the ride, the looks and, of course, the range.
CC&V RATING: NNNNN www.companycarandvan.co.uk
NEW CAR: MAZDA CX-60
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Mazda’s flagship SUV adds PHEV technology to legendary quality
alloy wheels finish the stand out exterior look. At the top of the all-new Mazda CX-60 range is the £48,050 Takumi, which features 20-inch black machined alloy wheels and body-coloured mirrors, combined with chrome plated signature wing grille treatment and side window surround, while the gloss black bar type radiator grille design is another feature
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The all-new CX-60 PHEV represents everything that Mazda has built into its DNA over the past 100 years, from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest craftsmanship
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The all-new CX-60 will arrive in the UK this autumn to expand Mazda’s award-winning SUV range. Joining the UK line-up above the ever-popular 2022 Mazda CX-5, the Mazda CX-60 flagship SUV is launched with Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid technology powertrain, which combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. This combination of engine and motor delivers a total system output of 327ps and an abundant torque output of 500Nm – making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced. Mazda’s first PHEV also displays outstanding environmental credentials with WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and WLTP combined CO2 emissions of only 33g/km. The Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV offers 39 miles of combined electric motor-powered driving with the vehicle running at 62mph or less and 42 miles of city EV range, while the performance of the combined drivetrain delivers a 0-62mph performance of just 5.8 seconds. Demonstrating Mazda’s commitment to a multi-solution approach to sustainable mobility and the principal of the right solution at the right time, the CX-60 meets the growing needs of the segment by combining strong environmental performance with the driving pleasure inherent in every Mazda. The all-new CX-60 PHEV represents everything that Mazda has built into its DNA over the last 100 years, from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest Japanese craftsmanship, plus the latest innovations in human-centric technologies and world-leading powertrains. The imposing strength of the Mazda CX-60’s beautiful and dynamic styling conveys the intelligence and elegance of the latest developments in Kodo design woven into the toughness of the striking front-engine, rearwheel drive SUV architecture. Offered in the UK in three highly specified trim grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi, customer choice is further enhanced with the ability to add two option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, with a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line. An additional option to specify a Panoramic roof on Homura and Takumi models is also unique to the CX-60. With an entry-level price of £43,950, the Mazda CX-60 Exclusive-Line can be matched to all three of the option packs to offer maximum customer choice and complement the extensive CX-60 standard equipment tally. The £46,700 Homura is visually distinguished from the Exclusive-Line by body coloured wheel arch mouldings and a dark plated signature wing grille surround, plus gloss black mirrors and honeycomb grille treatment, while 20-inch black
unique to this flagship grade. Like the Homura, there’s the option to add the Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack. Highlights in the £1,000 Convenience Pack include privacy glass, 360 view monitor with see through view and wireless phone charging, while the Driver Assistance Pack adds a large tally of additional active safety technology for £1,100.
NEW CAR REVIEW: VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC
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Sharp T-Roc cuts a stylish line The enhanced Volkswagen T-Roc, T-Roc Cabriolet and T-Roc R are available to order, offering a suite of enhancements to further bolster the universal appeal of this compact SUV. Among the many improvements are a sharp new look, an even greater level of luxury applied to the interior and a sharper focus on technology. The new T-Roc Life – the generouslyequipped entry-level model – starts from £25,000, while the T-Roc Cabriolet in Style trim is priced from £30,530, and the T-Roc R, £40,445 (all prices RRP OTR). T-Roc The T-Roc, of which more than one million units have been sold worldwide, has entered the second phase of its life cycle, with enhancements right across the model family. Particular attention has been paid to the model’s interior, which benefits from both a redesigned dashboard and the use of even higher-grade materials throughout. The T-Roc is available in three specifications – entry-level Life, luxury and comfort-focused Style, and sportily-styled and driver-focused R-Line – as seen on a number of other Volkswagen models. Even the Life benefits from LED headlights; an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit; wireless App Connect through its 8.0-inch Ready 2 Discover infotainment system; a suite of driver assistance systems including Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist; and 16-inch ‘Chester’ alloy wheels, black roof rails and interior ambient lighting.
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The T-Roc Style, starting at £27,635 RRP OTR, majors on comfort and technology, bolstering the T-Roc Life’s equipment package with the larger Digital Cockpit Pro; Discover Media navigation infotainment system; sports comfort seats finished in ArtVelours microfleece; privacy glass from the B-pillar backwards; and LED ‘Plus’ headlights with different light modes for poor weather. From the outside, a bespoke rear bumper and 17-inch ‘Johannesburg’ alloy wheels mark out the Style from the rest of the new T-Roc range. The Style is predicted to be the top-selling trim in the model range, with more than one in three T-Roc customers expected to opt for this model. With R-Line specific body styling, 17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels, sports suspension, silver roof rails and an interior featuring sportier elements such as a black roof lining and R-Line badging, and gloss black design trim in the dashboard, the T-Roc R-Line lives up to its billing as a sportier alternative to the Life and Style versions. Over the equipment of the Life specification, the T-Roc R-Line also gains features such as progressive steering for additional driver focus; selectable driving modes which can alter the car’s character to suit the driver’s mood; stainless steel pedals, and other interior enhancements contributing to a sporty ambience. The new T-Roc R-Line starts at £30,435 RRP OTR. Nine engine and gearbox options are available across the standard T-Roc range, with both three- and four-cylinder units, petrol and
diesel options, 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG variants, and power ranging from frugal 110 PS units, to a highly capable 190 PS TSI. The extra ability of Volkswagen’s acclaimed 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is available on the highest-powered models – the 150 PS TDI, and 190 PS TSI. Technical and pricing data for the full range of T-Roc engines is available below. The diesel engines bring twin-dosing technology, with dual-injected AdBlue, while the 1.5-litre petrol engines feature cylinder deactivation technology, to boost fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 output by allowing the car to run on only two cylinders under certain loads. T-Roc Cabriolet The T-Roc Cabriolet, the latest in an illustrious seven-decade history of Volkswagen soft-top heritage, returns with its blend of all-round appeal, SUV utility and wind-in-thehair feel-good factor, and now benefits from many of the enhancements applied to its five-door, hard-top sibling. These include a refreshed design, additional interior luxury, the availability of IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and new paint colours, as well as a new ‘Style’ trim to replace the previous Design specification. Two petrol engine options continue for the T-Roc Cabriolet: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit producing 110 PS, and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine with 150 PS. The T-Roc Cabriolet range starts at £30,530 RRP OTR for the Style trim.
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ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV 4
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Toyota takes plug-in hybrid range to another level with the RAV 4 Andrew Walker gets to grips with another ‘new entry’ to the PHEV ranks, the Toyota RAV 4 Toyota – the ‘Kings of the self-charging hybrid’ – finally launched a PHEV last year, in the form of the RAV4 Plug-In. On the down side, it’s expensive, with the range starting at £46,495, so this may not be the retail car for you. On the plus side, it’s class-leading, with Toyota claiming a 46-mile pure-electric range. Couple this to CO2 emissions of just 22g/km, which attracts a BIK of just 7%, and corporate customers should be salivating at the thought of buying one as this clever car really makes financial sense. The RAV4 PHEV is offered in a choice of three specs. Plug-In Design, which retails at £46,495 and features, 18” Grey Machined-face five-spoke alloys, 9” Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with Smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote controlled dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a 32A Mennekes fast charger.
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Plug-In Dynamic from £47,395, with 19 Black Machined-face five-spoke alloys, a black bi-tone roof, wireless mobile phone charger and the 32A Mennekes fast charger Or range topping, Plug-In Dynamic Premium, which costs £50,895 and adds a Toyota Skyview panoramic roof, JBL Premium Sound System, driver and front passenger air ventilated seats and also comes with a 32A Mennekes fast charger. Engine The Plug-In RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 182bhp and an 18.1kWh battery, which powers two electric motors. The front motor offers 134kW (176bhp) and the rear 40kW (53bhp). The engine and electric motors don’t produce maximum output at the same time, so peak power is 302bhp, plenty enough for a 0-62mph time of just 6 seconds. Top speed is 112mph or, in pure electric mode, 84 mph. Most of the time the plug-in RAV4 drives through its electric motors, only occasionally driving the front wheels. The engine is there to mainly generate charge and it will only occasionally send power directly to the front
wheels. The driver can flick through three modes – EV for pure electric running, EV/HV, which shuffles between fully electric and hybrid power automatically, and HV for solely hybrid running. There’s also a charging mode through which the engine tops up the battery on the move. You can select this option from a button next to the gear lever, which is easy to do and a bonus when in many other plug-ins, you need to scroll through numerous touch screens to select this option. Electric and combined range If there’s enough battery charge, the RAV4 defaults to EV mode, only switching as required. Home charging means it takes 2.5 hours to charge to full on a 7.2kWh wall box, (http://www.rolecserv.com/home-charging) which, when compared to many other plug-ins, is quick. Toyota claims up to 46 miles of pure-electric driving is possible. We averaged 36 miles; that’s lower but is still, in the immortal words of Wayne Campbell, ‘way’ better than most other compatible plug-in’s pure electric range. Continued on page 32
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ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV 4
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Continued from page 30 The trick is to save the EV charge for urban driving, go full hybrid on the motorway and utilise EV/HV in slower moving traffic. The RAV’s digital display shows you just how well or how bad you’re doing in this regard and improving on this becomes a bit of a challenge for each journey as you try to do better then the previous one. Toyota claims fuel economy of 282.5mpg, which is nigh-on possible to achieve. On a wet and windy May drive of 300 miles on combined roads, with 200 miles of that on the motorway, we averaged 56mpg. Plug-in on a daily basis, drive locally or in town, and this could easily reach 70mpg.
Interior We were testing the range-topping Dynamic Premium, which comes with a pair of comfortable red-stitched front leather seats and some matching dash trim. Toyota’s general build quality on fixtures and fittings has certainly improved and almost all of the plastics you touch and feel in the RAV4 are of good quality. Cheaper plastics are used on the door pockets and lower down on the centre binnacle. The latest Toyota infotainment system now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are both simple to access through a USB. And our Dynamic Premium test car also featured a Wireless Mobile charger in front of the gear stick, where you can leave your smart phone
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Transition between petrol-hybrid and pure EV is smooth enough for you not to notice, which makes driving very relaxing
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Exterior There’s not much to differentiate the PHEV RAV4 from its hybrid sibling. There’s dark plating at the bottom of the car, a dark mesh grille and ‘Plug-In’ has been added above Hybrid on the badging, but that’s about it.
while on the move. Storage options include a cubby under the front armrest, four decentsized door bins, twin cup holders, space for keys or your phone in the dashboard front, average-sized glovebox and rear seat pockets as well. Thanks to the larger electric battery,
you lose 60 litres of boot space over the standard hybrid RAV4, so 520 litres are on offer. There’s plenty of room inside for five adults to get comfortable. The rear seats are split 60:40, not individually, and tilt, but don’t slide. The boot doesn’t feature quick-release seat lowering, which could put some off. Driving The CVT gearbox can be a bit whiney on the Toyota-Lexus self-charging range but in the plug-in the transition between petrol-hybrid and pure EV is smooth enough not to notice, which makes driving it very relaxing. Continued on page 34
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ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV 4
Continued from page 32 Around town and in slower traffic the RAV4 really shines. Start the engine and well ... there’s nothing, it’s so quiet, and as you pull away the car moves forward on battery power. As your speed increases and you switch to Hybrid mode the petrol engine kicks in. In traffic it’s sublime and ever-so quiet. On the motorway there’s enough power on offer to comfortably join the carriageway at motorway speeds and plenty of power to overtake slow-moving vehicles. Some wind and road noise does enter the cabin but it’s not loud enough to prevent the use of your Bluetooth device or Apple CarPlay to make hands-free calls.The excellent JBL sound system fitted to the Dynamic Premium model allowed me to listen in clarity to my favourite DAB radio stations.The built-in SatNav was easy to programme and the touchscreen functions worked well, but as with rivals’ SatNavs, Google Maps via Apple CarPlay looks and works better. It’s hard to criticise the dashboard and its functionality except to say that it’s a little bland. We took to the motorway in Eco mode, which dulls the throttle but increases fuel economy. Sport mode adds a bit of fun and when you put your foot down, this plug-in feels rapid, with screeching tyres from a standing start a testament to this. Like all cars with batteries, the RAV4 plug-in is heavy and so it feels a little more sluggish into and out of tight corners than you’d like, and
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is a little less forgiving at slower speeds, especially when you’re driving over pot-holed roads. On the plus side, the power steering is light and with the rear view camera, it’s easy to park. It’s built for comfortable city dawdling and straight line relaxation – and at this it excels. Conclusion With a retail price close to £50,000, the RAV4 plug-in is most definitely a company car proposition and not one for retail. With just 7% BIK, any business customer who selects one, will pay a lot less to the Treasury – around £1,250 – £1,500 per year as a 40% tax payer – than a standard self-charging RAV4 would set you back. Inside it’s spacious, well put together,
features on-trend safety and the latest tech. Toyota’s rock solid reliability is a given. Most importantly, it’s pure electric range of 35-46 miles puts it right at the top of the tree compared to many other PHEVs, especially when you consider it’s a large SUV built to carry a family of five.
CC&V VERDICT If you’re a fleet driver looking for a well built family car that’s practical and has rocksolid pure EV range, it’s a given you’ll be looking at the RAV4 PHEV
CC&V RATING: NNNNN
New lease of life for Aygo as it adopts crossover stance The all-new Toyota Aygo X – pronounced Aygo cross – offer a crossover unique in the A-segment, and one that’s designed to meet urban and suburban life demands. Whether in the city or on open roads, this A-segment car stands out as being compact and agile, inspiring driver confidence. It also has technological advances that make it economical to run. Toyota took a bold decision to switch the Aygo from a hatchback to a crossover, but its designers felt the new look was more in keeping with modern European motoring trends. The bonnet silhouette and rocker mouldings express the “high lift” look of an urban crossover and the front has been brought closer to the wheels which, with the 34 | June 2022 | Company Car and Van
slanted rear windows, creates a condensed, compact look. Flared wheel arches and mouldings emphasise the large-diameter tyres and give a confident road stance, while the edged roof line, shoulder axis and rear door shape will
make it a distinctive car on urban streets. Designed for the narrowest city streets, Aygo X has an exceptionally small turning radius of just 4.7m despite the width increasing by 125mm to 1,740mm. As a result, the front seats are set 20mm further apart, increasing shoulder space by 45mm. Luggage space is also segment-leading 231 litres up to 829 litres. Powered by Toyota’s multi-award winning one-litre, three-cylinder engine it has a fuel consumption rating of 56.5-58.85mpg and 109-110g/km CO2 (manual transmission), or 56.5mpg and 109-114g/km (CVT). Aygo X takes up Aygo’s role as Toyota’s most accessible model for European customers. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
CV NEWS: MAXUS DELIVER 9
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MAXUS focus delivers vans that get the basics right
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number of variants, including Chassis Cab. The main exterior dimensions of the chassis cab, prior to conversion are: • Maxus e Deliver 3 Chassis Cab exterior length: 5,144mm • Maxus e Deliver 3 Chassis Cab exterior height: 1,885mm • Maxus e Deliver 3 Chassis Cab exterior width (excluding door mirrors): 1,780mm • Maxus e Deliver 3 Chassis Cab wheelbase: 3,285mm • Maxus e Deliver 3 Chassis Cab payload: 1120kg The e DELIVER 9 is a large zero-emission vehicle with an impressive 150Kw / 310Nm high power low energy motor. This van comes
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The e DELIVER 9 is a large zero-emission vehicle with an impressive high-power, low-energy motor... it produces a WLTP city range of up to 219 miles and a fast charge of 80 per cent in 40 minutes
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MAXUS has a simple premis that drives it forward: get the basics right and the rest will follow. Right now, MAXUS offers customers three premium products: the large diesel DELIVER 9, the electric e DELIVER 9 and a smaller e DELIVER 3 model. All three model lines come in van and chassis cab variants and are ideal for conversion. The DELIVER 9 is an all-new platform vehicle powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and 150ps and 375nm of torque. All models include electric power steering and autonomous emergency braking, while a manual DPF regeneration button in the diesel range ensures the van runs at optimal levels. MAXUS offers a number of variants in the DELIVER 9 range including a crew cab, a 14-seater minibus, and a chassis cab which is available in two lengths. Additionally, our network of specialist converters can also create a bespoke vehicle, be it a drop side, tipper, ambulance, wheelchair accessible minibus or camper van. The e DELIVER 3 marked MAXUS’ move into the small commercial vehicle market in 2020. Designed from the ground up for electric power only, the e DELIVER 3 offers 213 miles (city range WLTP) / 151 miles (combined WLTP) on a single charge (50.23 kWh battery) and comes with a 90KW /255Nm motor. The Maxus e DELIVER 3 also comes in a
in three battery options, a 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh or 88.55 Kwh battery configuration which produces a WLTP city range of up to 219 miles and a fast charge of 80 per cent in 40 minutes. The e DELIVER 9 is available to order as a crew cab, chassis and drop side. Cargo volume varies depending on the variant you choose, with the chassis cab and low floor Luton offering up to 20 cubic meters. The e DELIVER 9 can also be converted into a minibus model which MAXUS has collaborated with GM Coachwork to create. Over the past two years, MAXUS has witnessed a rise in the number of requests for specialist delivery vehicles due to the pandemic. The demand for doorstep grocery services together with a compelling need for chilled transport solutions for COVID-19 vaccinations and other pharmaceuticals were key factors in this rise. MAXUS vans are ideally suited to refrigerated transportation and can be modified to achieve sub-zero temperatures. Last Year, leading fleet management company VMS purchased 1,000 commercial vehicles from MAXUS, including 500 e DELIVER 3s and 150 e DELIVER 9s. A number of these vehicles were converted into temperature-controlled vans so that VMS Fleet customers in the pharmaceuticals and food sector had additional support where required. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: MAXUS DELIVER 9
Deliver 9 sets a new standard So what’s our view of the MAXUS DELIVER 9? Andrew Walker tested one last year, and here’s what he thought about this CV disruptor... To say Maxus has taken great strides from its days as the successor to LDV is a massive understatement, and today its Deliver line-up does exactly that... delivers. The biggest of a great bunch is the Deliver 9, which comes equipped with a new 2.0-litre diesel engine with 163hp and DPF regen capability. It comes in two specs, Standard and Luxury, and three body lengths, with three heights and three wheelbases, as well as a crew cab, chassis cab and minibus. Load ranges from eight cubic metres to 13 cubic metres, with load lengths from 2,650mm to 3,413mm and with a loadspace height from 1,724mm to 2,114mm. Overall width is 1,800mm. The Deliver 9 measure’s 1,366mm between the wheel arches. There are a couple of longer chassis cab options for conversions and rear-wheel drive (RWD) is offered on the longest versions. A side loading door is fitted as standard. This
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measures 1,075mm in width on the Short van, 1,269mm on the Medium and Long versions. The rear door opening is 1,570mm wide and these open to 236 degrees. The rear features an easy to clean cargo space, eight tie-down points and two lights. Options include LED lighting and an electric side step.
Deliver 9 also features standard safety technology such as lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist and driver and passenger airbags. UK models offer a 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW), with payloads of 1,360kg for the FWD Short model up to 1,110kg for the
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The dash looks and feels high-end... and a quick tap of the body panels reveals a more rigid panel van than you’d expect...
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largest RWD version. Braked towing capacity is 2,500kg for the smallest versions, 2,800kg for the rest of the range and every model will tow 750kg un-braked. In the flesh the Deliver 9 looks a lot like a Ford Transit, with its large front grille, high bonnet and LED headlights, also stealing from the last Volkswagen Crafter. Inside, Maxus has plainly thought long and hard about the cabin and in terms of quality and finish, it’s a million miles away from the old LDV V80. There’s plenty of top notch black and chrome plastic on show and generous cabin storage, including a large glove box, deep storage space in the doors, hidden space under the bench seating, a foldable seat back with two cup holders and a built-in tablet holder. The dashboard also includes cup holder storage along with a selection of other storage options above the glove box and windscreen visor. You also get twin USB’s and mini jack port, a 12v power socket and on medium and high roof versions, overhead storage too. Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, central locking, AirCon, electric windows, a multifunction steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and an eight direction adjustable driver’s seat. Move up to the Luxury version and this adds a 10” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with guide assist
and no key entry and start. More good news is that the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, unlike the outgoing LDV V80, meets the latest Euro 6d emissions requirements, while also matching a number of European vans on power, with 163hp and 375Nm’s of torque on the more powerful version. We spent a couple of hours in a Luxury Deliver 9 Short, with medium roof height, courtesy of Chadderton Motor Company. The dashboard looks and feels high-end and it not only looks good, it works well too, especially the 10” touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, which allowed us to sync our iPhone quickly and utilise Google Maps. Outside and a quick tap of the panels reveals a more rigid panel van than you’d expect. On the road, the Deliver 9 is easy to drive, offering nimble steering and a light clutch. The gear change is a little longer than we’ve found
in some competitors, but this isn’t a major issue. On the motorway and once up to speed, we engaged cruise control and this allowed us to relax into the ride. Even in the heavy rain we drove through, the cab remained relatively quiet, with only some road noise causing us to turn the DAB radio up a touch. Driver visibility is good as well, with the side mirrors offering a good view of what’s behind when overtaking. On urban roads the Deliver 9 continued to impress, negotiating stop-start traffic and some ubiquitous road works. We reverse parked the van in a supermarket car park and the parking sensors and rear view camera definitely made this task easier. Overall, an enjoyable drive. A check of the fuel found we’d hovered just above 28mpg which, as we’d driven unladen, is distinctly average, however.
CC&V VERDICT A smooth drive and stacks up well on price, with the FWD LH Standard costing from £28,200 ex VAT.
CC&V RATING: NNNN
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CV NEWS: VW ID. BUZZ
The exciting new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo make up Europe’s first all-electric bus and transporter range as Volkswagen provides yet another solution to sustainable and CO2-free mobility. Both come with the latest ID. software and set new standards for safety, comfort and charging. Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman, Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “The ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. A car, the likes of which only Volkswagen can build. In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving. With this car, we are bringing together the core themes of our ACCELERATE strategy in one product for the first time.” As is the case for all the models in Volkswagen Passenger Car’s ID. family, the ID. Buzz is also based in engineering terms on the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). The world’s first scalable mass production platform for all-electric cars provides the cross-brand basis for all sorts of different models and segments. Its architecture allows for an evolutionary further development of software and technology, which not only benefits new models such as the ID. Buzz, but also models that have already been delivered, by means of over-the-air updates. Latest generation ID. software The new model line’s assistance systems perfect ease of driving and safety. Included as standard in the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo is the ‘Car2X’ local warning system, which utilises signals from other vehicles and the transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real time. Also included as standard: the ‘Front Assist’ emergency braking function and, in the MPV, the ‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant. With new software, new assistance functions are also making their way into the ID. family. Available as an option is ‘Travel Assist with swarm data’, which facilitates partially automated driving across the entire speed range and, for the first time, assisted lanechanging on the motorway. Also new: the ‘Memory Function’ for automated parking on a previously saved route. Up to 170 kW charging power The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are launching across Europe with a 77 kWh battery (gross energy content: 82 kWh). It provides current to a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the T1 – drives the rear axle. The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. Both factors optimise the handling and agility. The lithium ion battery can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11 42 | June 2022 | Company Car & Van
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VW’s latest CV is creating a real Buzz kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current) the charging power increases to as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80% in about 30 minutes. Using the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the ‘Plug & Charge’ function in the future. Via this function, the ID. Buzz authenticates itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard. It also exchanges all necessary data with the charging station in this way – an added convenience. Bidirectional charging enables the ID. Buzz to feed unneeded energy from the battery into the customer’s home network (Vehicle-toHome). The power transfer and communication take place via a special DC bi-directional wall box. New face of a sustainable mobility The visual frame around these future-oriented technologies is formed by the unique design of the ID. Buzz. “The T1 – an icon of the 1950s – enabled people to gain mobility and freedom. With the ID. Buzz, we are transferring this T1 DNA to the present day and thus into the era of electric mobility,” says Jozef Kaba, Head of Volkswagen Design. “The ID. Buzz brings a lot of sympathy and proximity to people back to the road,” the chief designer continues. And it is the proportions that make the ID. Buzz so unique. Adds Kaba: “In the T1 you are practically sitting on top of the front axle – there’s no front overhang. For all its safety relevance and technology, the ID. Buzz has super short overhangs.” The designer sums up:
“The ID. Buzz is timeless, sustainable and yet also extremely functional – that makes it unique.” Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel between the charismatic LED headlights. That goes for the optional two-tone paintwork too. Thoughtfully designed, spacious interior ID. Buzz drivers and passengers experience the new Bulli feeling in a spaciously designed interior. Typically Bulli: the layout is very clear, the concept well thought through and utilisation of space optimal. In the lounge-like, friendly ambience of the MPV version, five people have ample room for travelling and for their luggage (1,121 litres of capacity). If the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases to up to 2,205 litres. Two or three seats up front, as the customer desires, and a fixed partition separating off the 3.9 m3 cargo space are distinctive features of the ID. Buzz Cargo. The zero-emission cargo version can take two loaded euro pallets, loaded in transversely. Long wheelbase, compact body One feature of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo is the long wheelbase of 2,988 mm, roughly the same as that of the current T6.1. The length of both versions is 4,712 mm. By virtue of what, in relation to the overall length, is a very long wheelbase, optimal use is made of the vehicle footprint. Including roof aerial, the two versions of ID. Buzz measure 1,937 mm or 1,938 mm in height, a width of 1,985 mm and a turning circle of just 11.1 metres. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
CV NEWS: MERCEDES-BENZ eVITO
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AC fast charging to 100% capacity takes sixand-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger...
eVito has the range to impress The all-new, fully electric Mercedes-Benz eVito has arrived, bringing significant advances in efficiency, reliability and connectivity. It also offers an impressive 162-mile range, making electric mobility a feasible proposition for many businesses that have yet to switch from diesel. What’s more, its 66 kWh lithium-ion battery can be restored to 80% of full usable capacity in just 35 minutes, using a publicly available rapid charging point. As a result, a short stop to recharge can extend the vehicle’s range by approximately 105 miles (WLTP combined). AC fast charging to 100% capacity takes six-and-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger, and approximately 20 hours using a regular domestic power outlet. eVito customers can take advantage of MercedesBenz Vans’ home charge point offers, which are redeemable via its infrastructure partners EO and New Motion. EO charging can also support customers with depot and business charging rollouts. As with previous eVito models, gearshift paddles allow drivers to adjust the recuperation
mode by which battery charge is extended through the recovery of energy when decelerating. The eVito’s electric motor drives the front wheels, delivering peak and steady outputs of 116 hp and 95 hp respectively, and up to 360 Nm of torque. The 3.2-tonne vehicle offers a payload allowance of up to 807 kg and a maximum load volume of 6.6m3 – the battery is safely housed beneath the floor, so does not impinge on the available space. The cargo area is easily accessed via sliding doors on body sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear. Safety features include Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition technology; Attention Assist, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks
when tired; and Cruise Control with Adaptive speed limiter function. The new van is also equipped as standard with an intuitively-operated, seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and comes with a three-year subscription to the Mercedes me app. This provides connectivity via digital devices to a variety of services, including remote eCharging, Navigation with Electronic Intelligence, which allows routes to be plotted with reference to public charge points, and live tracking and remote locking. Prices for new eVito panel van start at £ 43,600 for the L2 PROGRESSIVE variant, excluding VAT and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant contribution, which is currently worth £5,000.
eVito Panel Van eVito Van L2 PROGRESSIVE 66kW *Price includes ply lining and metallic paint
Finance Monthly Rental
£ 399.00
Advance Rental
£3,700.00
Annual Mileage
6,000 miles
Excess Mileage Charge ex. VAT Duration of agreement
20 pence per mile 36 Months 3 year lease on Contract Hire. Rentals exclude VAT at 20%. Figures excluding VAT are for customers who may be able to reclaim VAT or are VAT exempt. Offer ends 30/06/2022. Conditions apply. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd. MK15 8BA. Prices are correct at time of going to press 04/2022. All prices are subject to any fiscal or legislative changes.
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info@eurocommercials.co.uk Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 43
CV NEWS
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Compromise-free all-new Scudo is the professional’s choice The new Scudo from Fiat Professional is the perfect companion of professionals, offering smart use of space, top-level capabilities, payload and volume all packed into compact external dimensions. The all-new LCV is based on Stellantis’ mid-van platform and available with a 100% electric powertrain alongside four diesel units. The E-Scudo has a best-in-class range of up to 205 miles (WLTP), ideal for those who work in the city and inner suburbs. It also boasts unique flexibility with two battery sizes – 50 and 75kWh – an AC charging capacity of up to 11kW, and up to 100kW in DC, to charge the battery to 80% in just 45 minutes. There are also four diesel powertrains: • 1.5l with either 100hp or 120hp and 6-speed manual transmission; • 2.0l 145hp unit combined with either an 8-speed manual or automatic; • 2.0l engine with 180hp paired with the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. But there’s no compromise on load capacity, whichever power format you choose: up to 6.6m3 loading bay volume, payload up to 1t and a towing capacity of 1t.
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Another aspect carefully considered in the design phase of New Scudo was comfort. The aim is to offer a stress-free experience at work, via various measures such as a car-like driving position and top level soundproofing, to minimise jolts and vibrations. The car-like driving position ensures an excellent comfort level, while the elevated seating position ensures optimal road visibility. Easy accessibility is provided by an ergonomic step in the cabin. Road holding, comfort and suspension
filtering are ensured in any driving condition thanks to the four independent wheel suspensions enhancing variable stiffness springs, with load adaptive variable damping (AMVAC) shock absorbers, a system which varies the damping with the ride height. Safety features include 14 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features including: automatic road sign recognition; automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning; and blind spot alert.
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DEALER NEWS: HTC VAN CENTRE, MANCHESTER
LEVC continues to expand dealer network as it adds Manchester base The LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has continued to expand its UK dealer network with the appointment of a new sales partner, HTC Van Centre, providing complete sales support for the TX taxi and VN5 electric van across the Greater Manchester region. HTC Van Centre, which is based in the Trafford area of the city, brings the number of UK-based LEVC sales locations to 17, along with more than 31 additional service centres
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across the country. Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We are delighted to welcome HTC Van Centre to our UK network, expanding LEVC’s presence in Manchester. LEVC provides the leading solution for businesses looking for a no-compromise, flexible, purpose-built and green vehicle.” Justin Seal, HTC Group General Manager Vans, said: “We’re extremely proud to add
LEVC to our commercial vehicle business. LEVC is a world-leading manufacturer of EVs and HTC is looking forward to showing the fantastic TX and VN5 products with our existing customer base, as well as introduce them to new customers along the way.” LEVC’s electric TX taxi eliminates range anxiety, minimises CO2 emissions and optimises profitability thanks to its unique eCity technology. It offers a pure electric, zeroemission range of 64 miles (103km) and is capable of a total range of up to 318 miles (512km) thanks to its innovative rangeextending technology. Regardless of age, gender or disability, TX is an accessible and inclusive vehicle for all passengers. It also qualifies for the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PITG), reducing its price by £7,500. The VN5 electric van is based on the same innovative architecture and proven eCity technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi. With a pure EV range of over 60 miles and a total flexible range of 304 miles, the VN5 is ideally suited to urban deliveries in zero-emission mode, as well as longer journeys outside of town.
Company Car & Van | June 2022 | 45
CV NEWS: FORD E-TRANSIT
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Ford sets a new CV benchmark as E-Transit gets ready to roll E-Transit is latest model to emerge from Ford’s electrification programme, with range of 197 miles
Ford Pro Vehicles is introducing a new benchmark for electric vehicle productivity, value and ownership experience with the new all-electric E-Transit. With its class-leading battery size, range, motor power and unique ProPower Onboard exportable power feature, the all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van offers unmatched performance for commercial customers. This capability is complemented by an enhanced level of standard equipment featuring Euro NCAP-commended intelligent driver assistance and safety systems, as well as end-to-end charging support from Ford Pro Charging and an entire integrated suite of Ford Pro solutions to optimise efficiency and cost of ownership. E-Transit is also extremely competitively priced in the marketplace, to help accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, starting from £47,700 excluding VAT in the UK. The new vehicle spearheads the European introduction of Ford Pro – the manufacturer’s new worldwide sales and servicing business centred around improving commercial vehicle customers’ productivity with world-class vehicles and cutting-edge products and services.
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Comprehensive standard specification E-Transit provides every customer with a comprehensive standard specification and advanced technologies to make electrifying their fleets easier and more beneficial than ever before. The vehicle is designed to satisfy a wide range of customer use-cases, with a 68kWh usable battery capacity as standard, providing a competitive range of up to 197 miles WLTP. True Transit capability is delivered by the powerful motor offering 430Nm of torque and a choice of 135kW or 198kW maximum outputs. Payload is up to 1,758kg on the van model, and the comprehensive range totals 25 variants of van, double-cab-in-van and chassis cab body styles with multiple lengths and roof heights, as well as GVMs from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes.
E-Transit also features Ford’s unique ProPower Onboard feature, delivering up to 2.3Kw in the cab and load area to power conversions and equipment while out at work. E-Transit is offered in two series – Leader and Trend – and all vehicles offer significantly higher specifications than the equivalent diesel model. The Base series includes Electronic Air Temperature Control, Keyless Start, heated seats, Quickclear windscreen and heated power mirrors. Award-winning driver assistance E-Transit has already earned a Gold Award from independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP for its comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. The available technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Warning & Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, and Junction Assist. Key new driver assistance systems that help minimise repair costs include Reverse Brake Assist, 10 which uses a camera and sensors to detect pedestrians, cyclists and static obstacles when reversing and can deliver a warning before automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver does not react. Drivers also benefit from a new 360-degree camera, 10 giving a birds-eye view of E-Transit’s surroundings on the 12-inch dashboard screen to help avoid obstacles when manoeuvring in tight spaces with a limited view.
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