Our June print and digital issue takes a look back at the CV Show, which took place at the NEC in mid-April. Manufacturers and suppliers were there in good numbers, including Ford, Iveco, Nissan, Isuzu and Maxus, and we spent some time talking to all of these – and more – to find out what their plans are for the future. We’ve a special section inside.
As fleets ponder how quickly they can switch to an EV, we’re working with a number of companies who offer different solutions to help you transition your fleet to electric motoring. EV fleet management, EV charging solutions, EV rental and EV leasing are all covered, with contributions from Rolec, Sevadis, Europcar, Northgate and Corparison. And for those of you hoping to get that new commercial vehicle when you want it, Vanaways may offer a solution, while when it comes to commercial conversion, CPL has got you covered as well.
If you’re crying out for some car news, don’t worry, because this issue also contains road tests on our Medium Electric Car of the Year, the Cupra Born, and Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid, the CX60 SUV. We also have news on the face-lifted Jaguar I-Pace and Lexus RX450h +, both
premium PHEVs. There’s also a look at the Volkswagen ID.4 and news on the entry-level BMW i4 35, offering a cheaper entry point to an EV car that we really like.
Continuing our commercial focus, this issue also contains a number of electric van reviews, including the Mercedes-Benz eVito, which now comes with a much improved electric range, the Toyota Proace City Electric and the new VW Amarok. Also for pick-up customers we take a first drive in the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and review the Isuzu D-Max DL40. Finally, we spent an enjoyable time at Renault Truck HQ in Warwick, with Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV & Municipal UK & Ireland Commercial Sales, who kindly showed us around the conversions options they offer on the Renault Truck Trafic.
To close out this edition, we’ve stories on Citygate Volkswagen’s new Van Centre in St Albans and Auto Services Perth, which sells both Maxus and Isuzu D-Max to our readers in Scotland. Enjoy.
Andrew Walker, Editor and Publisher
printed form or electronically.
One of Europe’s leading electric vehicle chargepoint manufacturers, Rolec EV, has entered into a strategic partnership with end-to-end EV charging provider, Wattif EV, offering both of their customer bases with a sophisticated hardware solution paired with accessible funding options.
Earlier this year, Wattif EV secured 50m Euros from a leading pan-European investment fund to underpin its strategy to become one of Europe’s leading destination charging providers. This new collaboration between Wattif EV and Rolec EV enables greater accessibility for landowners to install EV charging on their property and provides Wattif EV with a more diverse range of chargepoint hardware to further expand their offering.
Wattif EV’s flexible net revenue sharing model provides businesses, local authorities and land owners a fully scalable and cost-effective solution for the adoption of EV charging infrastructure and aims to make the uptake of zero-emission travel simple and low risk. When partnered with Rolec EV’s comprehensive range of hardware solutions, Wattif EV has the capacity to provide their service to businesses of varied size and structure to widen their offering and further improve the success of the Government’s net-zero initiatives over the coming years.
Wattif EV will be making two funding options available to Rolec EV customers:
Turnkey solution: a fully funded complete turnkey solution, including hardware, chargepoint installation, maintenance and software. Meaning no risk of investment for the business.
Joint venture: Wattif EV will share the upfront capital cost. Wattif EV will take responsibility for installation, maintenance and operation but as equal partners, net revenue will be shared equally with the customer.
Together, Rolec EV and Wattif EV are championing accessibility within the electric transport sector via Wattif EV’s unique funding solution, driving the sustainable travel movement through a combined philosophy of quality and affordability.
Frankie Mellon, sales director at Rolec EV, said: “We are delighted to announce that Rolec EV’s hardware has been approved to support the rollout of Wattif EV’s network throughout the UK and Ireland.
“As approved chargepoint supplier for Wattif EV, Rolec EV will provide a comprehensive range of funded charging solutions to be integrated with Wattif’s software, allowing Wattif EV to provide a fully turnkey solution to customers.
“Our collaboration with Wattif EV means that Rolec EV will now be able to provide a variety of funding options to our customer base, with a focus on making the adoption of electric vehicle infrastructure more accessible to the wider market.”
Steve Rees, Wattif Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, added: “Rolec’s smart EV charging hardware, combined with Wattif’s turnkey solution and funding options, is the perfect solution to enable everyone to install and operate EV charging in their car park.
“Improvements to charging infrastructure and access to charge points play a key role in EV adoption, the elimination of range anxiety and the achievement of legislative targets for 2030. Wattif EV UK is keen to address the EV charging demands across all sectors. Together, as Rolec’s approved funding provider, I know we have a very convincing proposition for both new and existing installations to be managed on smart charging networks.
“This partnership for Wattif EV provides Rolec clients and installers with turnkey funding models to help them on their route to net zero and transition to electric vehicle adoption.”
“When partnered with Rolec EV, Wattif EV has the capacity to provide their service to businesses of varied size and structure to widen their offering and further improve the success of net-zero initiatives”
As the NEC played host to another successful Commercial Vehicle Show, it was the debuts of several exciting new additions that pointed to a promising electric future for the LCV market, with the likes of the new eDeliver7 from Maxus and the Iveco eDaily that got crowds talking.
There were also impressive new vehicles on display from Nissan in the form of the electric Townstar, and even a new hydrogen-electric HGV from Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS).
It was no surprise to see global giants Ford dominate the headlines with the unveiling of the much-anticipated E-Transit Courier compact van, which is due to enter production in 2024, while the new Ranger and Raptor models were also on display.
“Ford’s latest models looked fantastic, and it was great to see them line up alongside one another,” said Ben Banks, Corparison’s National Business Development Manager, who was in position at the CV Show to discuss all things fleet management and salary sacrifice.
Responding to the newly unveiled electric vehicles, Banks spoke positively about the impact that these emerging options will have in a developing electric LCV market, commenting: “The rapid growth of the electric car market has left the commercial market some way behind.
However, following promising releases from the likes of B-ON and HSV, it’s clear to see that manufacturers are doing all they can to create efficient options in every sector and field of the commercial market.
“Range remains a key consideration for businesses looking to transition to an EV fleet, but as we see more exciting additions come to market, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see high-range, affordable electric commercial vehicles become the norm.
“At Corparison, we’re trusted by an extensive panel of the industry’s most respected funders. With multiple funding options and a range of in-stock vehicles, we support businesses looking to expand their fleets.”
Transitioning to an electric fleet is not
something you can do overnight. It’s an extensive task that requires logistical and financial considerations before your business can successfully make the switch, but that’s where Corparison comes in.
As procurement specialists, the company understands that supplying the electric car can be only half the battle. With the help of its industry-leading partners, Corparison puts sustainable solutions in place for your business to ensure a seamless transition.
From insurance to charging and energy infrastructure, Corparison’s comprehensive consultancy process leaves no stone unturned. It will streamline your fleet’s operational costs, maximise efficiency and solidify your business’s long-term approach to sustainability.
Experts in fleet management, electrification and salary sacrifice, the Corparison team can help your company effectively enter a new era of eco-friendly and cost-effective motoring.
Trusted by a leading panel of funders, Corparison can access every make and model of car at the most cost-effective price for your employees.
For more information on how Corparison can help your business, contact Ben Banks on ben@corparison.co.uk, call 03308182668 or visit www.corparison.co.uk.
It’s no wonder that reducing emissions is creeping higher up the list of priorities for businesses of all size. Europcar recently spoke to 300 professionals responsible for fleet management and business travel decisions, including those working for SMEs, to uncover what the future holds as they work to reduce the impact of their business mobility.
The results of the study have been published in a report ‘Switching sustainability from buzzword to business benefit’ and reveal that more can be done to lower mobility emissions.
There’s no question SMEs are making great strides in their sustainability journey. They run relatively young and therefore fuel-efficient fleets; 46% already have some fully electric vehicles (EVs) on fleet. Given the financial pressures SMEs face it’s encouraging to see that these enterprises are only a few percentage points behind organisations of all sizes when it comes to starting the EV journey.
Tackling the range-anxiety that is often cited as a reason not to switch is also a priority for SMEs. Perhaps suggesting SMEs can be more agile than bigger firms, 54% are offering charging facilities at their business premises compared to 53% for all businesses. The same proportion are also making contributions to at-home charging and providing company charging cards to
use on the go.
The businesses taking the initiative to install their own charging infrastructure should be applauded. But, of course, charging infrastructure is not the only barrier to EV adoption by businesses. The well reported supply issues and lack of understanding about the total cost of ownership also play their part in putting the brakes on decarbonisation plans, as well as the need to win the hearts and minds of the drivers themselves.
So, where do SMEs go from here? The cost of buying hybrid and electric vehicles remains too rich for the budgets of smaller businesses with the current economic uncertainty making it hard to commit to
long-term financial agreements. There are also too many unknowns undermining both business and driver confidence.
What they need is a risk-free way to start on their decarbonisation journey, and rental is proving to be a great way for small businesses to not only run more sustainable fleets but understand the real-world implications of EV motoring.
Providing access to the newest, most environmentally friendly vehicles as and when required, rental allows SMEs to try-before-they-buy. It is commitment-free and can help provide reassurance that the investment in a greener fleet will work with operations and bring business benefits. Renting electric vehicles can dispel concerns drivers have regarding charging infrastructure and driving range as well as help businesses understand what is right for them now and in the future.
To find out more about how Europcar can help your organisation on its sustainability journey watch our video interview with Mark Newberry, Europcar Commercial Director and Sustainability spokesperson, at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=rf_Ro_ynbfw
Alternatively, see www.europcar.co.uk/business 0371 384 0140
Company Car & Van caught up with CUPRA UK’s James Jetten to discuss the company’s emergence as a major player in the fleet sector
CC&V: CUPRA has emerged from within the Seat brand and is now a standalone. Your first electric car, the Born, our Medium Electric Car of the Year, impressed greatly. What’s next on the electric agenda for CUPRA?
The CUPRA Tavascan is set to launch in 2024. It’s our first electric SUV Coupé and our second fully electric model after the Born. It’s an athletic and sporty concept.
The Terramar will also be added to the range in 2024, with conventional ICE powertrains and as a next-generation plug-in hybrid.
We’ve also announced the UrbanRebel concept, the production version of which will launch in 2025. This is a key project in CUPRA’s transformation to become a fully electric brand. The front-wheel drive urban electric car uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB small platform to deliver its high performance, while sustainability sits at the core of the car’s design through the integration of advanced polymers and bio-based materials.
CC&V: For many SMEs, plug-in hybrid is a more attractive way to achieve a greener fleet and lower BIK than fullelectric. You have a PHEV, in the form of the Cupra Formentor. How has this been received by SME fleets, and have you seen success in the form of sales in our sector?
Our current e-HYBRID PHEV models, the CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon, have both been very well received by our fleet customers. Our year-on-year UK fleet sales grew by 42% in 2022, despite the decline in registrations overall in the fleet industry, and we’re following suit with a strong order bank for 2023. For the Formentor, the majority of fleet orders (70%) are for the e-HYBRID, with the same being true too for the CUPRA Leon (60% e-HYBRID variant).
CC&V: With the EU back-tracking on the sell-by date of combustion engine cars, what new plug-in and petrol models do Cupra have in the pipe line that will attract corporate customers?
The Terramar PHEV SUV will use the next generation of Volkswagen Group’s plug-in hybrid technology, accommodating the majority of average daily commutes and urban journeys, while also focusing on performance.
This model, as well as the rest of the e-HYBRID range, is part of a bigger journey as CUPRA fulfils its transition to full electrification – CUPRA will become an EV-only brand by the end of the decade. The Terramar will be the final CUPRA launched with an ICE engine. In addition, the entire current CUPRA line-up is due to be refreshed by 2025.
CC&V: As more electric cars enter the market place, why should customers consider a Cupra EV or Plug-In as their next company car?
There are numerous benefits to the CUPRA, including strong residual values and low running costs which result in ultra-competitive TCOs.
For example, the CUPRA Born (204PS 58kWh V1) has a TCO of just 28.6p/mile (3 years/60,000 miles), while retaining almost half (48.8%) of its value. Additionally, electrified CUPRAs benefit from low BiK ratings – CUPRA Born has a BiK rating of just 2 per cent, while the Formentor e-HYBRID sits at 12 per cent (2022/2023). The entire CUPRA range also has a five star Euro NCAP rating and distinctive, stand-out design, accompanied by cutting-edge safety technology and driving assistance systems.
CC&V: Does Cupra have a corporate retailer network, and what help can customers expect?
Nationwide, CUPRA has 120 service centres and more than 50 retailers, of which 12 are Fleet Specialist Retailers. For fleet customers, CUPRA has a dedicated fleet area on the website, including fleet
specific guides and tools, as well the opportunity to explore the CUPRA range in the virtual showroom with an expert on hand to answer any questions. Afterwards the CUPRA host can connect the customer with either a CUPRA Business Centre or dedicated Area Fleet Manager to discuss next steps. This may include CUPRA’s five-day test drive programme, called ‘CUPRA Experience’, with door-to-door delivery to ensure decision makers can familiarise themselves with the car and make an informed choice.
CUPRA also launched a leasing company portal this March, which offers quick and self-serve access to vast brand-dedicated information, enabling users to view and request vehicle terms.
A customer-oriented portal similar to this will be launched in the second quarter of this year.
CC&V: SMEs are still suffering from range anxiety and access to charging points. While full-electric has to be the way forward, do your ‘plug-in-hybrid’ models, have an important role to play in the transition to cleaner fleets?
Yes, absolutely. PHEVs enable a large proportion of journeys in electric-only mode. This is particularly advantageous in urban environments. However, they also benefit from the flexibility to do long journeys without needing to rely on the developing charging infrastructure network.
All CUPRA models, except for the Ateca, are available as an electrified variant, and they will continue to play a crucial role for fleets as CUPRA transitions to becoming an EV-only brand by 2030.
Independent vehicle supply specialist Vanaways has teamed up with leading convertor CoolKit to give customers a one-stop-shop for top-quality temperaturecontrolled vans.
Operators can now take advantage of Vanaways’ speedy, simple ordering system – in conjunction, if required, with CoolKit’s online configurator for insulated body options – to create their perfect refrigerated van.
“The partnership is yet another extension of our service to busy van operators,” said Vanaways sales director Paul Cox. “By working in partnership with CoolKit we aim to make the acquisition process for these specialist vehicles as quick and easy as possible, while ensuring that conversion work is guaranteed to a high standard.
“Our two companies share a very strong customer service ethos and we’re determined to show our customers that the best way to get a first-class chilled van on the road fast, is to order through Vanaways and CoolKit.”
CoolKit-converted vehicles will be offered by Vanaways’ retail sales division, which trades as Van Sales UK, as well as to larger fleet customers through its business development team. Vans of all makes are typically sourced direct from manufacturers, and will be fitted with insulated bodywork and refrigeration units
at CoolKit’s manufacturing plant in Burnley, Lancashire.
CoolKit chief executive Rupert Gatty added: “Like Vanaways we pride ourselves on being an innovative, dynamic business. We’re both fully focused on quality, customer care and making the purchasing process as easy it can be. Our recently launched online configurator is a perfect example of this ground-breaking approach.”
A serial award-winner for its range of pioneering body options, CoolKit employs more than 100 people who between them can work on as many as 60 vans simultaneously in its 70,000 sq ft premises.
Recent innovations include a body system using composite panels with no timber frame – which reduces unladen weight, and therefore boosts payload potential, by five per cent.
Vanaways is an internet-based sales
specialist whose consultants work over phone and email networks to quickly match customers up with their perfect selections.
Vehicles are typically ordered and supplied, to tight timeframes, without the customer ever having to leave their place of work. The absence of an expensive showroom or large standing stock also keeps overheads to a minimum, so pricing is highly competitive.
Managing Director Chris Jakeways said: “We can source any van a customer wants, but for many people these days the brand is not their primary concern. What’s more important, especially for fleet customers, is to make the process of getting those new vehicles on the road as painless as possible. That’s where we score; by speeding up the journey from production line to the customer’s premises, and by providing the best value for money with minimal paperwork.
“Working in conjunction with the experts at CoolKit means we can bring that same approach to the acquisition of temperaturecontrolled vehicles, and offer our services to a wider range of customers than ever before.”
Urban areas are constantly evolving and bustling with activity, making it crucial for industries to adapt to the changing demands of these environments.
Recognising a gap in the market for a small, one-person lift tailored for urban areas, CPL developed the KL21B, an innovative Single Man Lift, utilising the versatile Renault Trafic van. Here we explore how the KL21B addresses the unique challenges of urban environments, and how the Renault Trafic enhances its capabilities.
The KL21B was purposefully designed to excel in urban environments. By eliminating outriggers, which are typically used in larger lifts, the Trafic allows for efficient work in congested and narrow streets. With a constant width, the KL21B Trafic remains agile and manoeuvrable, ensuring easy navigation through tight spaces. The absence of outriggers also improves productivity, as the operator can focus solely on their tasks without the need for additional set-up time.
Despite its compact size, the KL21B boasts remarkable lifting capabilities. With a working height of 11.2 metres and a working outreach of 6.0 metres, it enables access to a wide range of areas, including hard-to-reach locations. The lift’s all-around
rotating boom of 360 degrees further enhances its versatility, allowing operators to efficiently manoeuvre and position themselves precisely. This flexibility makes the KL21B an ideal choice for various industries such as rental, maintenance, construction, telecoms, and more.
The Renault Trafic, serving as the base vehicle for the KL21B, incorporates modern driver aid technologies to ensure safety during operation. These advanced features,
including electronic management for challenging terrain, contribute to improved vehicle control and stability. Additionally, the Trafic offers driver assistance systems like hill start assist and blind spot warnings, further enhancing safety of both the operator and surrounding pedestrians.
With a larger payload capacity of up to 400Kg, the KL21B enables operators to carry a broader range of tools, ensuring they have everything they need at hand. This efficient utilisation of space maximises productivity and minimises the need for multiple trips or additional resources.
The Renault Trafic’s design contributes to this efficiency, allowing for seamless integration of the lift system without sacrificing cargo space or compromising the vehicle’s overall performance.
The KL21B successfully closes the gap identified by CPL in the market, providing operators with a highly manoeuvrable lift that excels in crowded urban areas.
With its impressive working height, outreach, and payload capacity, along with the advanced safety features of the Renault Trafic, the KL21B is poised to revolutionise the way industries operate in urban settings, enhancing productivity and ensuring safety for workers and pedestrians alike.
Renault Trucks launched its Trafic medium van last summer, and true to form has made it available in a number of conversions, as well as a panel van. Company Car & Van popped down to Warwick for chat with Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV & Municipal, UK & Ireland Commercial Sales Department, Renault Trucks UK, who showed us around several of these key models...
Grahame began by telling us that in order to differentiate the Renault Trucks Trafic from the standard RSA Trafic, they decided to sell a range of models that were not only different to the Renault retail offering, but which appeal more to the professional operator.
This means Trafics with different specs and roles for potential customers.
For instance, they decided to tackle one of tradespeople’s top concerns, theft from the vehicle, by launching a reinforced Trafic Van to combat van break-ins.
To safeguard your tools and equipment, the Trafic can now be specified with a Cat 1 alarm, fully lined interior and floor, and a unique internal security system and fully sealed steel mesh internal door system with an internal five-point locking mechanism fitted to rear and side, with apertures finished off with an externa high impact clear Perspex covering.
It is something that’s really needed: according to recent research, van theft costs tradespeople £264 million per year, with tool thefts costing tradespeople £5,584 on average, each time their van gets broken into. Additionally, a van break-in also puts the average tradesperson out of work for 30 days, costing them a further £5,982 in missed jobs, on top of the cost of replacing tools and materials.
Grahame told us that: “For builders, carpenters, plumbers and heating engineers, van break-ins and tool theft can seriously impact their business financially.
“We have designed this vehicle to deter thieves in the first instance, protect valuable content and to offer total peace of mind for our tradespeople who rely on their tools for the continuity of their business.”
Available on the Trafic L1H1, L2H1 & L2H2 Red EDITION and EXCLUSIVE models, the on-board tool safe is flush-mounted into the vehicle, reducing internal space by only 30mm and weighs just 105kg.
Alongside this and based on the Renault Trucks Trafic Red EDITION Platform cab, customers can also choose a Trafic Red EDITION Caged Dropside, which is suitable for a variety of applications, including
construction, municipal, parks, arborists, and rubbish clearance.
With a typical payload of 900kgs with caged side or 1,000kgs without, it is available as either a Caged Dropside body or in a standard Dropside body and features an L2 wheelbase, Single H1 cab, Euro 6 Step E 150ps engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.
This latest vehicle boasts an impressive array of unique features including sloping alloy plank floor for easy evacuation of the load, cab high drop-down mesh sides in addition to the conventional alloy dropsides, full height rear mesh doors and underfloor tool storage with lockable doors either side, as well as being fully Chapter 8 compliant including LED and Strobe lighting and chevrons.
And for those business requiring a refrigerated van, the Red EDITION CHILLER is fitted with a refrigerated chiller box body and is also available as a freezer or dual compartment. Suitable for food, plant or pharmaceutical products required to be transported in a chilled state, the new vehicle provides a larger space than a standard refrigerated van, together with a typical 865 to 1000kgs payload, while still offering nearside access via a single door as well as well as twin doors to the rear.
The Red EDITION CHILLER also features an L2 wheelbase, single H1 cab, moveable bulkhead for dual temperature, electric standby facility and Euro 6 Step E 150ps engine with 6 speed manual gearbox.
Both conversions have been provided by approved convertors P.D.Stevens & Sons Limited, Market Drayton, for the caged dropside, and Gray & Adams on the chiller box.
Moving away from the business side of life, you can now also get yourself a Renault Trucks Trafic Red EXCLUSIVE Roadtrip Campervan.
Developed in conjunction with approved converter Sussex Campervans Limited, and based on the Trafic Red EXCLUSIVE, the Roadtrip comes in L2 wheelbase and H1 single cab form. The version pictured right is finished in metallic comet grey with red and silver accents and offers an exceptionally high-level camper van and holiday experience.
The vehicle is available in any colour from the Red EXCLUSIVE range along with any of the standard options ex factory as well as a completely bespoke interior.
Unique features include a fully-electric lifting and retracting roof system activated by a remote-control hand fob, especially suitable for those with limited strength and upper body movement, a four-berth
sleeping facility and two-tone leather interior in cream and raspberry (with a multitude of other colours and fabrics available).
The new Red EXCLUSIVE Roadtrip can be specified to suit all tastes and requirements and includes swivelling front seats, rear toilet system, integrated full induction cooker, on-board electric system, 50-litre fridge freezer, maximum roof size
solar panel, rear-mounted bike carrier and low-profile side awning as standard. It can also be specified in the slightly shorter L1H1 version too as well as being offered with rear tailgate doors. Roll on ‘Festival Season!’
Grahame also told us about some exciting telematics and insurance plans for the brand, across both Trafic and Master models, more of which we’ll be talking about in CC&V later this year!
Slowly but surely, car manufacturers are bringing cheaper electric cars to market, and about time too, as for mass adoption to take place, we need more electric choice under £40,000. Renault has experience in the EV sector with the electric Kangoo and ZOE, and that knowledge has been used to good effect with the introduction of the Megane E-Tech, an electric car that starts at £36,000.
Like its ICE counterpart, the E-Tech is a five-door family car fitted with a 60kWh battery. It competes with the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Citroen eC4, Vauxhall Astra-electric and Peugeot-308 in a sector that is rapidly expanding. It uses the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya, but comes fitted with Renault’s own motor, which has some pleasing green credentials, with no earth metals used.
The 60kWh battery and e-motor produce 217bhp and 300Nm, so it’s no slouch, offering a thrilling electric power surge when overtaking. The single-speed automatic transmission makes driving simple and with front-wheel drive coupled to that torque, you also add some proper old fashioned wheel spinning as you exit a wet junction.
Model range and price
Renault is keeping the range simple, with one powertrain and four trim levels. Entry level is the Equilibre, which costs from £35,995 and includes a 12.3” driver’s display, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel.
We were testing the mid-range Techno with prices starting at £38,495 and extra features including a Google-based infotainment system, wireless phone charging, front parking sensors, blind spot warning and active lane centring.
There’s also a ‘Launch Edition’, which adds 20” wheels, Harman Kardon audio with nine speakers, a digital rear view mirror, a gold front bumper and surround parking cameras, which rolls in at £39,995.
Finally, there’s the Iconic: it costs £41,995 and has with 20″enos alloys, around-view 3D camera, a heat pump and gold bumper.
Outside – and in
All models are striking. They sit low and squat to the ground, mimicking a crossover with its highish-riding stance. The front showcases the retro large Renault logo in the grille-less front. Smart triangular LED lights sit on each corner, while cool pop-out front door handles emerge as you approach the car.
Quality-wise, it’s a big step up from what you’ll find in an ID.3, with a selection of well chosen finishes adorning the surfaces. Highlights include grey fabric seat finishes and matching dashboard top and handily placed floating phone charger.
Practicality comes in the from of a small armrest and under area storage, large glove box and front door pockets, with a huge storage space low down between the front seats and twin USB C ports front and rear.
Renault has beautifully designed the curving 9” infotainment and 12.3” driver information display which merge into one, very much like on a Mercedes-Benz. Titled OpenR-Link, it’s a highlight and way ahead of VW’s ID offering. You also get Google Assistant with over-the-air updates, and wirelessly connected Apple Car Play or Android Auto. The touchscreen is a little on the small side but works perfectly well, with clear, sharp graphics.
Top speed is 99 mph with a 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds. The WLTP claimed range is 280 miles. When we fully charged our test car in February, the display at 100% showed 203 miles. On a really cold morning, this was showing just 150 miles, so be aware of the inevitable EV range ups and downs.
The E-Tech has four driving modes: Eco, Personal, Normal and Sport. Normal was best for everyday movement as the Eco limits the top speed to 70mph, but it’s a useful range saver. Sport adds some oomph but the set-up is quite harsh and we didn’t like it very much.
There are four regeneration levels to boost the battery. On a winding B-road through the Peak District, the constant speeding up and slowing down through villages provided the perfect scenario to experience how well this works, and we
added double digits miles to our range, even in February.
A week and 250 miles of mixed motoring left me with a big smile on my face, as the Megane is super-fun to drive, perhaps accounting for my poorly 3.0mp/kWh. Plugging in at night and pre-selecting the 00.30-04.30 charge time meant that as we never let the range fall below 50%, our Megane was fully charged or close to, every morning, for a cost of £2.20 a pop. The 60kWh battery isn’t the largest but we reckon that if you drive cleverly and not above 70mph while utilising the on-board regen, 200 miles is infinitely achievable, perhaps moreso in summer.
Pros
It’s the most accomplished car to drive in its class. Design and build quality are first rate. The on-board tech is bang up to date and with over-air updates, should remain so. Price-wise it’s extremely competitive, and BIK is just 2%.
Cons
Fidgety ride over poor road surfaces. Rear passenger space is adequate only.
The Megane E-Tech missed out on our Awards for 2023 as we didn’t get to drive it in time for it to be considered. On this showing, it’s very much a contender next time, offering boundless fun. Not the cheapest family EV, but cheaper than most. Your money gets you a great-looking car with good tech and safety. Only negatives are bumpy ride on poor surfaces and it doesn’t have the biggest range. Neither quibble are enough to not make it class-leading, however.
CC&V RATING:
The Mazda CX-60 is the brand’s flagship SUV and it comes with the company’s first plug-in hybrid technology powertrain. The plug-in petrol version is very much aimed at the corporate sector, with a diesel derivative targeting retail.
It’s Mazda’s second electrified vehicle. It combines Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. This combination delivers a total system output of 327ps and 500Nm of torque, making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever built.
The plug-in engine comes in three trims; Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi. All are well equipped though you can add two option packs.
The base Exclusive-Line is £43,950 and features Mazda’s 12.3″ infotainment system with Bluetooth, DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto and a 12.3″ digital dash. You also get Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign recognition, push button start, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and steering wheel.
The Homura, at £46,700, and Takumi, priced at £48,050, add features ranging from 20″ black machined alloy wheels and body-coloured mirrors on the former and the Mazda Driver Personalisation System on the latter.
To our eye, the CX-60 looks like a larger CX-5 and as we really like the way the CX-5 looks, this is a good thing. Compared to a BMW X3 or Audi Q5, the CX-60 is more rounded and features smoother lines, narrow front and rear light clusters, an indented front bumper, large Mazda grille and a high rear window.
The cabin features twin central cupholders, four door pockets with room in each for drinks, under armrest storage, with two C USBs up front and two in the rear. The interior is generous and five adults will sit on board in some comfort, with very good head and leg room all around. Boot space is a generous 570 litres, 1726 with the rear seats folded
The quality inside is excellent and with Mazda hoping to make inroads into the premium sector, it needs to be. Soft touch plastics adorn all visible surfaces. Even the lower down finishes and glove box front quality are very good, as are the seat fabric, door finishes and the chrome and black instrumentation.
With a WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and CO2 emissions of only 33g/ km, the plug-in CX-60 makes a strong case as a company car. Add in the 12% BIK, 2.5 hour charging time on a home 7 kWh charger and it’s 39-mile pure electric range, and the case gets even stronger. Utilise your home smart charger at night when rates are lower and you’ll be fully charging your CX-60 up for just £1.50 per night.
Even with its large 20″ wheels, the CX-60 makes a really good fist of hiding the weight of the battery underneath the car. On uneven roads the wheel size and battery weight does make an appearance, which is common in all plug-in and electric vehicles. Over smooth surfaces, it rides excellently, with only a little road noise entering the cabin.
Around our test route in picturesque Snowdonia, the CX-60 proved agile, with its well-weighted steering and body control impressive for a car weighing 2140kgs. It is less dynamic than a CX-5, but if you compare it to the large SUV plug-in competition it fares better, with the likes of Volvos XC60, Mercedes GLE and Audis Q5 all less fun to drive.
Getting to and from Snowdonia meant some time spent on the A55, where the car’s performance was never in question. Put your foot down to overtake and the 270Nm of torque on offer brings a swift
overtaking manoeuvre. The 2.5-litre petrol engine does sound a little coarse when revved, but perhaps that’s a good thing, reminding the driver that there is a petrol engine there after all.
Handsome and beautifully crafted, the CX-60 definitely has kerb appeal. With its low BIK, decent electric range and short charging times, it’s an entry into the company car sector. Furthermore, it’s also competitively priced, spacious and comfortable. One of the best in class.
We’re not sold on the Mazda click-wheel to access the infotainment. Just one mile more of electric range, 39 miles to 40, would have resulted in a lower BIK of 8%. And the claimed combined economy of 188mpg, is more likely to be 45 mpg in hybrid mode.
We really like the CX-60 plug-in. Company car drivers now have a viable alternative to the plug-in SUV German marques and to Volvo. Looks-wise, we think that the CX-60 is the business
CC&V RATING:
JAGUAR’S I-PACE has been subtly enhanced, with a more distinctive design, richer specifications, the addition of R-Dynamic models and – for the first time – striking satin paints in a choice of two metallic colours.
It delivers an unrivalled balance of performance, refinement, agility and technology with impressive real-world range and day-to-day usability – up to 292miles (WLTP) from a full charge and up to 33miles of range/ hour (WLTP) from an 11kW AC wall box and three-phase electricity supply
A new flagship 400 SPORT variant is introduced, enhancing I-PACE’s sleek visual appeal and fitted as standard with a range of advanced features, including slimline 14-way heated and cooled Ebony Windsor leather seats.
The I-PACE’s cab-forward profile, short overhangs and taut, muscular haunches are instantly recognisable and set it apart from other all-electric SUVs. This awardwinning design has now evolved, with subtle, carefully considered enhancements which deliver even greater presence.
The front ‘shield’ grille now has a smooth form, in striking Atlas Grey. Replacing the previous gloss black lozenge pattern, this gives a simpler, cleaner finish to the front of the vehicle while strengthening its inherently electric DNA. Atlas Grey is also applied to the vertical blades at the outside of the front apertures. A further detail change is the new black and silver Jaguar badge in the grille.
The front bumper finishers, lower door finishers and rear diffuser are now body-colour instead of Gloss Black. This treatment serves to simplify and refine the design while taking away visual mass.
Models including the 400 SPORT feature a discreet tailgate spoiler, subtly reflecting I-PACE’s performance potential and dynamic character (also standard on all other models equipped with 22-inch wheels).
All wheels offered on I-PACE R-Dynamic models as standard equipment are now diamond-turned, while a newly introduced striking 22-inch Style 5069 wheel now has a Satin Grey finish to complement its carbon fibre inserts. All 22-inch wheels may be specified with self-sealing All-Season tyres.
Perfectly complementing these updates is the exterior Black Pack. Now standard
on all models from the R-Dynamic SE Black and above, the Gloss Black finish is applied to the grille surround, window surrounds, door mirror caps and rear badges.
There’s also the option of a contrast panoramic roof, which for the first time enables customers to specify a black finish for the rear section of the roof – until now body-coloured – to complement the sweeping glass panel.
Customers can also specify satin paints for the first time. Offered in a choice of Eiger Grey or new Carpathian Grey, these finishes give I-PACE a sophisticated, contemporary look.
The UK-only 400 SPORT now sits at the top of the I-PACE range, adding additional styling and
convenience features above and beyond the R-Dynamic HSE Black, including a bootlid spoiler and adaptive air suspension as well as 22-inch Style 5056 Gloss Black alloy wheels. The 400 SPORT also features I-PACE’s most advanced slimline performance seats, with fine Windsor leather and 14-way adjustable heated and cooled driver memory seats.
I-PACE delivers a true Jaguar
driving experience. With light, compact and efficient electric motors integrated into the front and rear axles, I-PACE can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds and up to maximum speed of 124mph.
Delivering comfort and agility without compromise is what has always made Jaguar unique. I-PACE’s advanced double wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension are fundamental to this dynamic capability, together with the low centre of gravity and light, stiff aluminium body structure. Air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics electronically-controlled damping enhances ride and handling still further. This Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics is fitted as standard to the 400 SPORT, along with Adaptive Surface Response for the ultimate dynamic driving experience.
Range and Charging
I-PACE’s 90kWh Lithium-ion battery delivers a range of up to 292mile range (WLTP)3. When charging using the fastgrowing network of public chargers, a 100kW DC charger can add up to 78 miles of range (WLTP) in just 15 minutes. Customers with three-phase electricity and an 11kW home wall box can add up to 33 miles of range (WLTP) per hour; a full charge takes only 8.6 hours. Customers in single-phase markets using 7kW wall boxes can achieve up to 22 miles of charge per hour and a full charge in 12.75 hours.
To maximise the benefits of off-peak energy there’s the Low Cost Hours Only feature: just set start and stop times that match your tariff – typically overnight – and charging will only take place during that period.
Customers can also set charging to stop when the battery reaches a specific level – 80 per cent for example. This is especially useful when using public chargers because you can add only the range you need to reach your destination.
Preconditioning is another easy-to-use technology that enhances the driving experience.
While the vehicle is plugged in it automatically heats or cools the battery to its ideal temperature and does the same for the interior, ready for the start of your journey. Using power from the mains instead of from the battery is more energy efficient and maximises range. Together with the timed charging functions, preconditioning can be set either using the vehicle touchscreen or the Jaguar Remote App – this has now been updated, making it even simpler to use.
I-PACE drivers have also access to Jaguar Charging a growing Pan-European public charging network that brings them easy access to a network of over 400,000 charging points stretching across 27 countries and over 700 separate charging point providers including the newly added Ubitricity as part of a growing network –which will see even more network operators being added in 2023.
Inside I-PACE’s spacious interior there’s all the technology you need to make every journey more enjoyable. Every model in the range has the fast, intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering seamless connectively through wireless Apple CarPlay®, Wireless Android Auto™, integrated Alexa voice control, Spotify, and
what3words navigation. Pivi Pro – together with other systems throughout the vehicle – is always up to date thanks to softwareover-the-air updates.
The 2024 Model Year I-PACE range comprises: R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE Black, R-Dynamic HSE Black, and 400 SPORT.
We recently popped along to our local Lexus Centre, Lexus Stockport, to test drive the new RX450h+, the brand’s flagship plug-in hybrid.
Lexus’s smaller NX450h+ is our current Premium Plug-In-Car of the Year, so we knew we would be on familiar ground, as the two models share the same set up; a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and plug-in hybrid system and GA-K platform.
The RX is available in three specs; Premium, Premium Plus and range topping Takumi. Starting price is £64,950.
All models are very well equipped. So all feature Lexus Safety System+, Lexus Link Pro multimedia with cloud-based and embedded navigation, voice assistant, 14″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USBs, Lexus Link connected services with a four years’ connected services subscription, power windows, rain-sensing wipers, smart entry and push-button start, front and rear parking sensors and a wireless smartphone charger.
Premium adds Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking (RCTAB). Premium Plus goes further with the addition of two-way Power Lumbar Support for Driver and an eight-way electrically adjustable driver seat.
The range-topping Takumi then adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), BladeScan™ Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) plus a 10-way electrically adjustable
driver and front passenger seat.
We were driving the Takumi and this also features triple-zone climate control with S flow and Nanoe-E air quality system, a panoramic roof, 21″ alloys, heated front and rear seats and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system.
The RX450h+ 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.
It offers a decent 304bhp with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.
The 18.1kWh battery offers up a 43-mile of pure electric range. Claimed overall fuel economy is a whopping 235.4-256.8 MPG. We’d surmise that driving daily and plugging in regularly should see you hit about 50mpg.
Plug your NX450 h+ in and the 6.6kW on-board charger will allow you to charge the battery back up to full in 2 hours 45 minutes. If you’re lucky enough to have a home charger like our own 7kWh Rolec Smart Charger coupled to a cheap EV overnight charging plan such as one from Octopus Go, where a night time rate between 00.30 hrs and 04.30 hrs is just 9.5p a kWh, you can replenish the RX’s battery for just £1.35 per night.
There’s more good news. The RX features a second battery that allows the 450h + to run as a self-charging hybrid, just like the other RX models. You are, in effect, always using the car’s efficient hybrid benefits and if you’re the kind of plug-in driver who doesn’t plug-in regularly, then at least you’ll have a back-up.
All this adds up to a great deal for company car drivers. With low CO2 emissions of just 25-26g/km and an electric range of 43 miles, you get a benefit in kind of just 8%.
The RX450h+ features three driving modes; Eco, Sport and Normal which are accessed via a knob in front of the gear lever. Twist for Eco or Sport, push for Normal. You can maximise your battery range by utilising the ‘EV Save’ button located next to the electric handbrake. This means that you can save your electric range for when it’s most economical, low speed urban driving, while switching back to hybrid mode for the motorway.
Outside, the new RX is 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.
Like all Lexus models, the inside has been put together brilliantly. Top quality finishes adorn every surface; arguably, Lexus builds the best quality interiors of any premium brand. The dash and cabin feel less cluttered than before and the overall ambience is of calm and relaxation.
The highlight now is Lexus’s new operating system and touchscreen which together are superb. While getting to know the minute intricacies of the menus would take some time, the simple things such as connecting an iPhone wirelessly were simple and easy to perform.
There’s SO much safety fitted that you’ll need to access the vehicle safety systems via the touchscreen to turn off Lane Departure and the function that controls the unlocking of the doors while the engine is still on.
Special mention to the clearest reversing camera we’ve ever come across!
There’s a very bright and clear Heads-Up display on the RX so you’ve no excuse to exceed the speed limit. You still have separate climate controls sitting beneath the touchscreen and our Takumi test car also featured leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats – oh, and a panoramic sunroof to brighten up a slate grey Mancunian sky.
Front and rear seat passengers won’t be disappointed by the head and leg room –nor the amount of storage. Rear passengers also have a quality fold-down armrest with storage space within and two cup holders. Twin pull-out seat back storage is also offered and on Takumi, rear passengers also get their own climate and heated seat controls.
Three adults will sit side by side in the back in plenty of comfort as well.
Both the self charging and plug-in RX’s offer 461 litres of boot space loaded to the tonneau cover or 612 litres to the roof. The
boot finish and carpet used are exemplary, with a rubber protection mat included to protect the bottom of the boot area.
You do get a small underfloor storage area, but the charging cables need to be stored in a circular bag supplied, which does eat into available boot space.
Take the RX on to the motorway and you’ll find 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 you’ll 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. To be fair, we’re being a little picky, because this only occurs when you’re really pushing the throttle for an overtake and the RX is a car that begs to be driven in a relaxed fashion, so this shouldn’t happen very often.
In town, we switched to EV mode and the RX glides silently around. If you need a shove there’s instantaneous torque on offer which gives the RX a boost if required.
Thanks to thicker glass and better sound proofing the only noise entering the cabin is from the infotainment system and the adaptive damping smooths out the bumps, making the RX float rather than glide.
Head out on to some faster winding country lanes and you’ll find that not much changes. The steering is nicely weighted and for a heavy car, all 2,240kgs of it, it tackles undulations and tight corners at speed comfortably. No shocks here and while some may be disappointed that the RX doesn’t bare its teeth every now and then, it’s just not that type of car.
Pros
All RX models are extremely well built and well equipped. The new Lexus infotainment system elevates the RX from last to equal first place in the premium infotainment sector. With just 8% BIK, company car drivers will love it. A real world range of 50 mpg is infinitely achievable.
Cons
The plug-in is significantly more expensive than the self-charging hybrid to buy outright, so leasing is the best way into one. The CVT gearbox is noisy when pushed hard. The boot space is distinctly average for a car of it’s size.
Beautifully built and amazingly comfortable, with low BIK, makes the RX450h+ a winner in our book. It’s competitively priced and pushes Lexus ever closer to the German marques the sector. Can’t be beaten on reliability and a really safe pair of hands that’s got a lot going for it.
CC&V RATING: N N N N N
The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV and the brand’s first global electric vehicle. Like the ID.3, it’s based on the brands modular, electric drive matrix (MEB) and its entry into the compact SUV market has given Volkswagen a competitor in a sector that sees no sign of slowing
Entry model is the 109kW City Pure 52kWh costing £34,650, with eight more specs; Life, Style, Life Edition, Style Edition, Family, GTX, Max and GTX Max versions offered, right up to the range-topping 220kW 4Motion GTX Max 77kWh which will set you back £58,415.
The smaller 52kWh batteries come with a range of 213-223 miles. The larger 77kWh batteries offer 288-322 miles and the largest 82kWh batteries, available on Life Edition, Style Edition and GTX versions will give you 301-325 miles of range.
Unlike the ID.3, which looks very much like a Volkswagen, the ID.4 is a bit more of a generic SUVs, so think Vauxhall Grandland, Nissan Qashqai and KIA Sportage. The front features narrow, sweeping front lights and a large windscreen. Mirroring the latest Audi EV trend, the rear light cluster spreads right across the back of the car. The VW badge is prominently located centre front and rear with the ID.4 logo located on the centre rear.
Inside it is almost identical to the ID.3, so factor in a centrally mounted 10″ infotainment touchscreen, a 5.3″ dash panel display, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a gear lever on the right end of the centre console that you twist to select from Drive, Reverse or Neutral.
Build quality is pretty good, although there are some cheaper, harder plastics located lower down.
Many of the advanced features on the ID.3 and ID.5 are shared with the ID.4, namely ID.Light (the intelligent strip of light below the windscreen that communicates with the driver), the central airbag that prevents front seat occupants colliding in a side-impact or rollover and Car2X, a system that allows the car to wirelessly exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure.
Our test car came with electronic parking brake, a Driver Alert system with fatigue detection, ESC (Electronic Stability Control Programme) including traction control, 2-Zone ‘Air Care Climatronic
air-con, with keyless entry and starting.
Infotainment and tech isn’t bad, with driver profile personalisation allowing you to set multiple pre-set profiles to your favourite radio stations, phone connectivity and contacts.
Charging
Using a standard 7.0kW home charger, it will take 11 hours to fully charge the battery from zero. All ID.4s use a 3-point 32-amp / 7.2kW charging cable, with a three-year mobility guarantee in case of breakdown
It can also be fast charged, either via a 125 kW DC (direct current)or 11 kW AC (alternating current). Using the former means charging to 80% capacity in just 25 minutes.
The 77kWh battery has a 201bhp electric motor which offers 150kW or 204PS and 310Nm of torque. It makes it quick in a straight line, but on country roads it’s a little more cumbersome than the ID.3. Thanks to its single-speed automatic transmission and rear wheel drive set-up, it is best enjoyed dawdling in traffic or on the motorway, with both tasks undertaken in supreme quiet and relaxing comfort.
Regenerative braking boosts range. Unlike some, the strength isn’t that high, but that does help make the ID.4 better to drive than some of its competitors.
As far as driving modes go, you can select from Eco, the best for saving battery range, limiting you to a top speed of 80mph, Comfort, Sport or Individual.
An 85-mile motorway journey at motorway speeds saw us use up 100 miles
of range. In town, the B regenerative braking kicks in and you’ll likely see at least a 1:1 ratio of miles travelled to range used. We reckon the larger 77kw/h battery is good for 250-mile range without having to work too hard to achieve it.
We estimate that if you do 10,000 miles a year and charged your ID.4 regularly from your home wall box, it would cost £500£600 to charge through the cheapest home tarifs. Zero emissions means you’ll pay only 2% BIK.
Pros
The pros for a company car driver are impossible to ignore. Good savings on fuel bills and reduced BIK; what’s not to like?
Cons
It’s heavy so not as fun to drive as a petrol Tiguan. Some of the plastic fixtures and fittings were disappointing.
While the ID.3 impressed, the ID.4 is more impressive. It’s a proper family five-seater with loads of practical space, on-trend tech and the latest safety features. Furthermore, the BIK benefits are immense. If you’re a company car driver who needs a large family car and can live with a real world 250-mile electric range, it’s time to consider the ID.4
CC&V RATING:
Form an orderly queue: the BMW i4 eDrive35, has been added to the fullyelectric BMW family.
Available in both Sport and M Sport trim, the four-door Gran Coupé offers a fullyelectric range of up to 299 miles (WLTP), and features the same BMW Curved Display with BMW iDrive and Operating System 8 found in all BMW i4 models, as well as the BMW iX and iX1.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 Sport includes an impressive level of equipment as standard, including LED Headlights, 18” alloy wheels, as well as eye-capturing elements in blue design. Inside, Black Cloth/Sensatec upholstery is offered as standard with Front Heated Seats also included. Customers choosing the BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport add the M aerodynamic exterior styling as standard, High-gloss Shadowline exterior, 18” M Aerodynamic alloy wheels, M Sport leather steering wheel and Alcantara/ Sensatec interior upholstery with Black/ Blue contrast stitching.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is built at BMW Group Munich Plant alongside the eDrive40 and M50 models and it is expected that the production volume share of fully-electric cars at the plant will increase to 50 percent of the total manufactured volume in 2023.
BMW’s portfolio of fully-electric vehicles is continuing to grow, with BMW i5 set to join the BMW iX1, BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW iX
tripled on the previous year to 21,481 registrations, meaning one-in-five BMWs sold was a fully-electric vehicle, making it the fastest-growing BEV brand in the UK.
Steve Roberts, General Manager, Corporate Sales, BMW UK, said: “Following the huge success we have seen with BMW i4 in the Corporate and Fleet markets since launch, we are very pleased to bring the eDrive35 model to the UK portfolio.
“We’re offering this model in Sport and M
Sport trims, which both include an impressive level of standard equipment, including 18” alloy wheels, alongside a range of up to 299 miles. This latest model to join the i4 range will make electric driving accessible to even more of our customers.”
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is priced from £49,995 (OTR) and is available to order now in the UK, with expected delivery starting in summer 2023.
“Power, poise and performance, all wrapped up in a distinctive BMW design – and offering a fully electric range of up to 299 miles on the WLTP scale”
FORD
Ford had the largest stand at the CV Show, as we were offered the first glimpses of the new Transit E-Custom and E-Courier, both due in the very near future. Our cover star, the new Ford Ranger, was there in various guises, as were a number of Ford specialist conversions. Ford Pro was also very much to the fore as the brand focuses on helping commercial operators transition to an electric future, something we asked Mandy Dean, Director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain & Ireland, about. More on page 34
IVECO
There’s our exciting times ahead for Iveco, which was at the Show displaying its all-new eDaily, which offers operators unrivalled choice in the electric van sector.
We’ve an interview with Mike Cutts, Light Business Line Director, to find out more.
More on 49
ISUZU
NISSAN
Nissan returned to the CV Show for the first time in a few years to give us a look at the new Townstar EV, a replacement for the hugely successful eNV200. There was also an opportunity to view the other two vans in Nissan’s van line-up, the Primastar and Interstar. We also put some questions to Nissan’s Allan Newman
See pg 38
Isuzu, whose D-Max retained our Pick-Up award this year, was another star of the CV Show, with a stand that featured a myriad of D-Max models including conversions, a sector that Isuzu is very strong in, and several new electric vehicles. Isuzu’s Neil Scott told us how the brand’s use of social media and sponsorship is spreading the D-Max message far and wide.
OHM
The OHM 35 BEV is an advanced chassis design for electric vehicle integration with a unique two- tonnes payload capacity, a light-weight chassis, a compact electrification system and high battery density.
Watt Electric Vehicles and ETRUX
Commercial vehicle specialist ETRUX and electric vehicle pioneers Watt Electric Vehicle Company
exhibited a prototype WATT eCV1 3.5t electric light commercial vehicle chassis cab at the CV Show, with body conversion from first development partner, ETRUX
MEV
MY Electric Vehicle introduced the 100% electric MEV CARGO and PICK-UP, which are compact urban movers. It’s designed to give the user rear space and easy access to small parking spaces, enhancing your access to tight and restricted zones.
Ford’s stand-out presence at the CV Show was a sign of its strength in the commercial vehicle sector, as Mandy Dean, Director, Commercial Vehicles Ford of Britain & Ireland, explains
CC&V: Your stand was, once again, many people’s highlight at this year’s CV Show. How did the event go and were you able to judge how the industry was feeling towards EV CV adoption?
Mandy Dean: We’re very pleased with how the event went. As UK market leader the CV Show is a great opportunity to speak directly with new and existing customers, and I think the industry is as excited about the adoption of EVs as we are.
As we edge ever closer to zero-emission vehicles our role is to provide the best products and services for our customers. The E-Transit has been very well received, accounting for 63% of the two-tonne electric commercial vehicle sector. And, of course, we have the one-tonne Transit Custom and all-new Transit Courier to come, both of which will also be available with all-electric powertrains.
CC&V: Twelve months ago you launched Ford Pro. A year on, how have your CV customers benefitted from it, and has it attracted new sustomers?
Ford Pro is only just getting started. It’s based on five pillars – vehicles, servicing, charging, software and finance. We’re seeing rapid growth in the number of connected vehicles – we have more than 141,000 connected commercial vehicles in the UK and this data contributes towards vehicle uptime. We estimate that around 147,000 days of downtime has been spared, saving our connected customers an estimated £60 million.
We’re continuing our rollout of Mobile
Service Vans, too, which further supports vehicle uptime by carrying out routine maintenance on vehicles without having to visit a dealer – this can be done at the roadside or at a depot.
We’ve also seen a six-fold increase in commercial lines of credit since Ford Pro was established, so we’re definitely seeing an upward trend in new customers.
CC&V: By 2035, all new vehicles sold must be zero-emission. This is quite a task. CV operators are now waking up to the fact that they need to go electric, but many remain reluctant or just unsure on how to proceed. What can Ford offer to help operators understand that the switch to electric will not be as difficult as many of them think?
This is what Ford Pro is all about. We want to make running commercial vehicles simple, and that includes the switch to electrification and the required charging solutions.
We provide tools to help operators calculate their EV readiness and requirements – such as E-Switch Assist –outlining which vehicle is the right specification for the job and what their potential cost savings could look like.
We also offer vehicle trials to test that EV readiness in the real world; provide driver training to maximise the range of those vehicles and provide free consultations to determine the best charging infrastructure set-up for their business, from home to depot.
We then help these businesses to
simplify the servicing and maintenance of those connected vehicles through our E-Telematics software.
CC&V: The CV Show was a platform for you to show the industry your new E-Transit Courier and E-Transit Custom. Can you tell our readers when these will be arriving?
E-Transit Custom arrives early 2024, while the E-Transit Courier arrives in Q3 2024. Both are very important additions to the Transit family as we embrace an electric future.
CC&V: We were lucky enough to drive the new Ranger Wildtrak this month, a review of which appears in this issue. You’ve described it as ‘Ford’s Global pickup.’ It currently accounts for 57% of the UK pick-up market. Can Ford sell even more Rangers in the UK, and why should customers be excited by your latest version
Absolutely. We’re expanding the Ranger line up to seven models and introducing three new trim levels – Platinum, a luxurious take on the pick-up truck ideal for those who like to tow; and Tremor and Wildtrak X, both of which feature Bilstein dampers and are designed for those who like to take their trucks off-road.
We’re confident we have a Ranger for everyone, as its popularity suggests.
Ranger has been Europe’s best-selling pick-up truck since 2015, and we hope to continue that run for many more years to come.
New pick-ups don’t come around very often, so Andrew Walker was delighted to get to grips with the all-new Ford Ranger at a test event at The Belfry. Here’s how he got on.
Model range
There are a good few options. The Entry level XL comes as a single or double cab, followed by the XLT – a double cab. Both are aimed at the agricultural, utility and construction sectors. Next up is Tremor, followed by the perennial favourite and the model we drove, the Wildtrak. The range is rounded off by two new premium models, Platinum and Wildtrak X, and the mad-ashell Raptor to top it off.
Exterior
C-shaped daytime running lights are the Ranger’s new signature at the front. At the sides, you get wheel arch cladding and an all-new step built into the bodywork behind the rear wheel.
You can tell it’s a work vehicle: the tailgate edge features measurements along it and holes for clamps so it can double as a work bench. The load space is larger and wider than before, and easily takes a loaded pallet.
Interior
The highlight inside is the 12″ touchscreen display. Centrally located it runs Ford’s latest SYNC 4 connected infotainment and dominates the dash. In front of the driver sits a configurable 8″ digital instrument cluster with climate controls underneath. There are steering wheel controls for the media and cruise control.
Between the front seats you’ll find the gear lever, electric handbrake, off-road settings and twin cup holders. The leather upholstery is very nice, as are all the panel finishes. The quality shines through.
There’s a choice of fuel-efficient 202 bhp 2.0-litre twin turbo diesels with six-speed manual or auto, or ten-speed auto transmission. You can even have a 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. The Wildtrak comes with Ford’s 10-speed auto and features a four-wheel drive transmission that can shift from 2WD to 4WD on the fly.
Safety
It’s a case of what’s not included with the latest Wildtrak, ‘cos it has it all. ABS with Stability Control, ETC, ESC, Electronic Brake Booster, Integrated Electric Trailer Brake Controller, Roll Stability Control, Traction Control System (TCS) ... it’s all there. Plus you get front driver and passenger air bags, seat mounted air bags and one interaction airbag between the front passengers.
There’s a host of driver tech too, including Driver Assist Technologies with Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Collision Mitigation System and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Lane Centring.
It’s as practical as they come. An onboard inverter offers power to the box, with 400W of available power and an AC outlet in the tray. New clamp pockets are built into the tailgate so you can hold materials down for clean cuts and precision work. Other useful touches include durable plastic caps to protect the load box edges and tailgate upper edge; to fit a canopy or crossbars you simply remove the access caps to reveal Ranger’s structural attachment points. The bed liner features moulded slots for dividers, to stop the load sliding around.
For practical purposes, the Wildtrak Double Cab offers a 1,575mm load length, a load width of 1,560mm and a 541mm load depth. Payload is 1,041kg and you can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg.
We were testing the 3.0 litre diesel. This offers 240PS, emits 265g/km of CO2 with economy of 28mpg. To compare, the smaller 2.0 litre diesel offers 32.1mpg. Top speed is 111 mph with a 0-62mph time of just 7.9 seconds.
The latest Wildtrak did not disappoint. It handles our current malaise of poor UK road surfaces with aplomb, and at 30mph it’s quiet and calm inside.
Driving through Staffordshire on small A- and B-roads, the latest Wildtrak offers steady progress, with the 10-speed auto box hanging onto gears as the revs rise, before things settle down. Accelerate hard and the
diesel engine roars into life and is audible in the cabin, that’s for sure. The changes between gear ratios is done smoothly and once up to motorway speed the noise dies down and you’re piloting a very quiet vehicle with little or no wind noise entering the cab.
All pick-ups come with compromised ride. If it has a one-tonne payload but it’s been driven with an empty load bed, then some bouncing will occur. I have to say that our unladen drive was very impressive, with only the largest road bumps noticeable. Despite its size, the steering is light and you get a good feel for the vehicle in and out of corners. It’s actually very easy to drive and you can clearly see that the latest Ranger is an evolution up from the previous model.
Pros
Great to drive. The cab quality is highly impressive. And the thinking outside the box, for example the inclusion of a rear wheel side step, shows how thorough Ford have been with the design.
Average fuel economy is poor, but it is a pick-up. The gear lever takes a bit of getting used to.
A triumph. Pricey at £42,701, but with monthly BIK from £66 – £132, you’ll lease one and get a remarkably capable vehicle for your money. Safety and spec are impressive. With higher specced Platinum and X also in the range, customers are spoilt for choice. Made our heart sing!
CC&V RATING: N
CC&V: Nissan was at the CV Show for the first time in a while. What made you decide to come along this year?
Allan Newman: This year the CV Show provided the perfect platform to launch our all-new electric van, the Nissan Townstar EV, and demonstrate our refreshed All-Star LCV range as well.
As with the CV Show itself, the theme in 2023 was about the transition to the electric vans (‘Commercial Vehicle Show 2023 to showcase net zero ambition with next generation trucks and vans’), and we thought we had a perfect answer in our all-new Townstar EV.
That enabled us to connect and engage with the attendees while sharing how Nissan can support their evolving transportation needs.
CC&V: Your new small van, the Townstar, is here, offered with an
electric powertrain as the Townstar EV. What percentage of Townstar sales in the UK are likely to be electric and do you already have any electric sales that you can tell us about?
Our focus is to provide the right product at the right time to our customers while considering policy and the regulatory environment.
As a company we are committed to electrification, so our focus will be the sales of the Townstar EV version, with over 90% of the Townstar volumes.
In terms of sales, we are not aiming for a specific target, as we have shifted our company culture from chasing volumes to delivering value to customer, as reiterated in Nissan NEXT transformation plan. Nevertheless, the Townstar EV is the heir of our successful e-NV200, a vehicle which
sold up to 10k units in its life and up to 2.4k units in a single year.
Our aim is to empower our customer journeys through exciting human technologies and exhilarating products.
CC&V: Interestingly, on the Townstar, you aren’t offering a diesel engine, just a turbo petrol version.
What made you decide to go petrolelectric only, and do you think that diesel customers not yet ready for electric can be persuaded to switch to a petrol drivetrain?
As we support our customers in the transition to electric mobility, we continue to carefully consider their daily usage requirements, offering a range of efficient and dependable powertrains that meet their needs. For the all-new Townstar, the
“Our focus is to provide the right product at the right time to our customers ... we are committed to electrification, so our focus will be on the Townstar EV, with over 90% of the Townstar volumes...
portfolio of fully electric and petrol powertrains is optimised primarily for urban usage. The diesel powertrains featured with Interstar and Primastar offer solutions for drivers whose focus is on longer journeys.
CC&V: The Nissan network has a number Fleet & Business Centre specialists. How are they able to help small businesses when choosing their next commercial vehicle and are they also set up to offer CV customers after sales and van servicing, too?
Our Dealer Fleet Programme has just been reinvigorated in the form of specialist Van Centres. This new approach encompasses a holistic approach to both sales, aftersales and servicing. Each of our Van Centres will have a dedicated sales specialist whose primary focus will be to develop customer relationships with their local SME businesses.
Each Van Centre will be working towards delivering a specific set of standards to ensure their customer base receives a class leading customer experience.
CC&V: Your larger Primastar and Interstar were also at the show. How are these model’s performing, sales wise?
A: Despite the well-known challenges around the supply shortages of semiconductors and raw materials, both
Primastar and Interstar have performed extremely well in a turbulent and volatile situation. Primastar has shown the most growth in terms of sales, +147% year on year, on fiscal year basis. While Interstar has also shown a strong sales growth year on year, +60%. This is a good reflection of genuine customer confidence in our products and supply conditions starting to normalise.
CC&V: Finally, many of our readers are looking for a van conversion, rather
than just a panel van. What kind of conversions does Nissan offer and are they available on all of your CV range?
A: Our customers can choose from ready-made Nissan Conversions or more bespoke conversions from one of Nissan’s certified specialist body builders.
From the factory, the Interstar is available with a Dropside, Tipper or Box body and thanks to the low and robust chassis, the Interstar is the ideal basis for a wide range of bespoke conversions either with the chassis or platform cab.
The all-new electric Townstar took centrestage on Nissan’s CV Show stand as Nissan took its all-star LCV line-up to the CV Show in Birmingham in April
Visitors to the stand were able to view Nissan’s brand new electric commercial vehicle, which was joined by the mid-size Primastar and larger Interstar models. The trio ensured there was a Nissan model for everyone wanting to future-proof their business operations.
Michael Auliar, sales director at Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “The event provided an excellent platform for us to demonstrate our new-look LCV range.
“We very much enjoyed connecting with attendees and sharing how Nissan can support their evolving transportation needs.”
The all-new Townstar EV is an innovative electric van that helps customers adapt to changing emissions regulations, increased urbanisation, and the rapid shift towards electrification.
Allan Newman, LCV product manager at Nissan GB, said: “Offering two efficient powertrain solutions, practical design and unique Nissan technologies, the Townstar EV is comprehensively equipped to meet customers’ ever-changing needs.
“With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions, and everincreasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations.
“We’re confident Townstar will meet their every need.”
Priced from £30,000 (CV OTR after PiVG*) the Townstar EV boasts a cutting-edge electric powertrain that has been optimised with intelligent energy management and battery thermal cooling technology.
This advanced system delivers a classleading zero-emission range of 183 miles WLTP Combined (or up to 269 miles on the City Cycle), making it one of the most capable and versatile commercial vehicles on the market today.
The Townstar EV’s 45kWh battery offers
both AC charging (11 kW or 22 kW) or DC CCS quick charging, the latter of which enables users to charge the battery from 15% to 80% in as little as 37 minutes. Battery thermal cooling combined with the 22kW AC and 80kW DC CCS charging is standard from Acenta grade onward.
Every Nissan LCV boasts an industryleading five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, demonstrating Nissan’s continued commitment to quality. The Townstar EV expands on this offering with an eight-year warranty on the battery state of health up to 70%.
With the LCV market expected to shift rapidly towards electrification, Nissan is ready to help businesses future-proof their operations
Andrew Walker caught up with Isuzu UK’s Neil Scott to find out how his company had fared at the CV Show
CC&V: Isuzu was back at the CV Show this year. How did you get on?
Isuzu UK had a good show at the CV Show this year, but footfall seemed to be down on other years. We were able to showcase our range of vehicles and fleet solutions, and engage with customers, but the overall number of visitors was lower than in previous years.
Despite this, we are still committed to attending industry events such as the CV Show which provides a platform to showcase our great products and services.
CC&V: The D-Max was our Pick-up of the Year again. How are sales in the SME sector going and which of your models are proving the most popular?
Sales of the D-Max range are performing well in the SME sector, and all models are proving to be popular, especially the Utility and V-Cross models. The D-Max offers SMEs a reliable, durable and versatile pick-up truck that can be adapted to their needs. As the CC&V Pick up of the Year for
the second year in a row, the D-Max has been recognised for its quality and value to small businesses.
CC&V: One of the reasons we love D-Max is that you offer a myriad of conversion solutions on it. Which of these are leading sales in the conversions sector, and are there any plans to introduce anything new to the conversions range? Isuzu UK offers a wide range of conversion solutions on the Isuzu D-Max, and we work with customers to design bespoke conversions to suit the needs of their business.
Therefore, there is no one solution that is leading sales in the conversions sector, as we are committed to working with customers to provide customised solutions that meet their unique needs. While there are no immediate plans to introduce anything new to the conversions range, Isuzu is constantly reviewing and updating its offerings to ensure they meet the evolving needs of its customers.
CC&V: The Isuzu dealer network has a number of Fleet & Business specialists. How are they able to help small businesses when choosing their next
pick-up, and are they also set up to offer pick-up customers after sales and servicing too?
All our dealers can deal with local fleet and business customers and offer excellent sales and servicing for all customers. As Pick Up Professionals, our dealers can offer the best advice for this sector but Isuzu UK also has a fleet department which can offer a bespoke fleet service for any businesses looking to order 25 + vehicles.
Isuzu UK’s dealer network has a number of Fleet & Business specialists who are equipped to help small businesses choose their next pick-up. They offer expert advice on the features and benefits of the different models and help customers choose the best one for their needs. In addition to sales, Isuzu’s dealers are also set up to offer after-sales and servicing to pick-up customers.
As Pick-Up Professionals, Isuzu UK’s dealers have the expertise to provide top-notch service to their customers. For businesses looking to order 25 or more vehicles, we also have a dedicated fleet department that can offer a bespoke fleet service to meet their specific requirements.
CC&V: Finally, Isuzu has become old hands at sponsorship and publishing social media posts to promote your pickup. How are these relationships going, for example your sports sponsorships,
and what do you feel that you gain from this type of exposure?
We are extremely happy with our ongoing sports partnerships, which are now covering the entirety of the UK. This type of exposure increases Isuzu UK’s positive reputation as a brand, particularly thanks to members of the dealer network who have been getting actively involved in local sports sponsorships and ultimately giving back to their communities.
Additionally, our partnerships with esteemed events such as Badminton Horse Trials have helped propel Isuzu into the lifestyle market, allowing more customers in the outdoor lifestyle sector to learn about the Isuzu D-Max range.
We are also expanding our social media following by utilising each social channel, having recently started an Isuzu UK TikTok to reach more potential consumers and improve brand awareness.
ANDREW WALKER
As a commercial vehicle brand only, Isuzu feels that it knows a thing or two about pick-ups, and got off to a good start with the new D-Max when it became the first pick-up to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating under the latest testing regime.
The previous D-Max range had a reputation for toughness, reliability and durability. What it lacked was a little finesse: it need more car-like interiors, on-trend-tech and safety features to rival some of its competition. The good news is, those missing ingredients are now present.
For a start, there’s electric power assisted steering, which makes a big difference both on and off road. The seats have also been redesigned and are now more comfortable, plus the dashboard is more upmarket with a new touchscreen infotainment system. There’s height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a 4.2” multi-information display.
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The D-Max load bed is 30mm deeper than it used to be, so a step has been added to make access easier. And, thanks to Euro 6D emission standard, the All-New Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide levels, so it has succumbed to AdBlue.
Every version has a payload rating of at least 1,070kg, which is important for commercial vehicle tax purpose. There’s also a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity, and it weighs under 2,040kg so it’s subject to normal passenger car speed limits. That’s something many double cab pick-ups –Ranger & Hilux included – don’t achieve, and you need to be aware of.
For all the urbane manners, it’s still got the grit for off-road work. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar the Utility have a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that now include hill descent control and hill start assist.
Having spent a week in the V-Cross back in February, we weren’t disappointed by the DL40 whatsoever. The engine roars into life with a noticeable diesel growl. Select D in the automatic gear box and away you go. Despite it’s size the latest D-Max is actually quite nimble, with the electronic steering making it easy to manoeuvre. It handles more like a large SUV than the previous D-Max, showcasing how much more refined this latest version is over its predecessors.
It’s more comfortable too. The seats are way better than before and coupled with the improved body structure, there’s far less body roll. Rear passengers get more leg room and the rear seats are angled to make the rear more comfortable as well.
Safety options include adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving, so in all motorway situations the D-Max feels impressively safe.
We undertook a 100-mile round trip up on the M6 and the DL-40 didn’t skip a beat. True, on tight roundabouts and in small parking spots you’ll need to flex your arm muscles a bit more to control the large wheels, but the reversing camera means fitting into tight spots is really quite simple. Parking at my local supermarket meant a slight front overhang from the parking spot but otherwise it fits into most parking spaces.
Isuzu switched to a smaller 1.9 diesel unit
on the previous D-Max range and it’s still here. It’s fine, but it’s lack of out-and-out pull could be an issue if you’re towing a heavy load up a very steep hill. There’s still some cheap plastics in the cabin, but overall, but it’s solid.
While other manufacturers have shied away from the pick-up sector, Isuzu is to be congratulated on the choice across the range: single, extended and double cab models, and lots of conversion options. There’s a D-Max priced for everyone.
Looks and drives better than before, with class-leading safety, on-trend tech and a better passenger experience. All while doing what a pick-up is meant to do.
Auto Services Perth Ltd is a family-run garage business situated in Perth, Scotland, known as the gateway to the Highlands. It has three sites within the Inveralmond Industrial Estate, and in November 2021 celebrated 40 years in business.
Stephen Crozier started the business in 1981 with his father Jim, now deceased. They initially worked from a rented lock-up in Perth town centre. Stephen, his wife Elaine, and their son Mark are the current company directors with Mark being the driving force behind the recovery side. They now operate 14 recovery trucks and five roadside service vans, and hold contracts with the AA, Green Flag, RAC and Call Assist as well as working for the Police, and all the main dealers in the area. Have a look the website, at www.asp.scot
Stephen purchased the first property in Ruthvenfield Place, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, in 1992. Moving from a town centre out to an industrial estate was a huge move – and they wondered if their customers would follow them. Fortunately, they did, but it was challenging times. By 2008 Auto Services Perth Ltd had outgrown its base in Ruthvenfield Place despite being extended, and so a purpose-built workshop was added at Bertha Park View, but 12 years later it too was bursting at the seams, so a third site at Ruthvenfield Way has been added, with planning permission for another new workshop.
Over the years the workforce has increased and its recovery operation expanded and diversified. The company currently has over 60 employees, and its workshops are open from 7am-midnight, Monday to Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturday. These hours are obviously beneficial to commercial vehicle drivers who need their vans during the day. They can drop off their vehicle when they finish work and collect it, serviced and/or repaired, at 7am the next morning, with no downtime. Recovery is 24/7, with drivers working a shift pattern.
Steve has always been a believer in not having all his eggs in one basket and moved from mainly car repairs to specialising more on commercial vehicles, and has expanded into vehicle sales and rental. Auto Services currently has sales and service Franchises for Isuzu pick-ups and Maxus, as well as aftersales servicing and repair for Iveco, Mercedes Benz vans, Fiat Professional, VW Commercial and Vauxhall Light Commercial. A Mercedes technician based in Inverness
provides cover as far north as Wick and over to Orkney, Shetland, Skye and the Western Isles for Mercedes Service 24.
Mark, now 33, has worked in the garage since he was 14 and gained his HGV licence aged 18. Despite having an honours degree in Civil Engineering, he decided working in the family business was more exciting. He is driving the recovery operation, and has trained two apprentices in-house, as there is currently no training scheme available.
Things are also changing with more electric vehicles on the road and Auto Services is investing in training for its technicians, to enable them to service and repair these vehicles. Three charging points have been installed at Bertha Park.
40 years is a remarkable achievement and Auto Services Perth is already planning for its 50th anniversary. It has bought its own barrel of whisky which is currently maturing, ready for 2031 when it will bottled for staff, customers and franchise associates as a way of celebrating 50 years in business.
Company Car & Van finds Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris Maxus, in a confident mood after a well-received launch of the electric eDELIVER 7 at this year’s CV Show. Andrew Walker asked the questions
CC&V: One of the highlights at this year’s CV Show was the unveiling of the electric eDELIVER 7. How was it received and do you think it will now be your biggest electric selling van?
Mark Barrett: We’re thrilled with how the eDELIVER 7 was received at this year’s CV Show following its official unveiling at the MAXUS stand. The eDELIVER 7 is our third electric van to be launched in the UK market in the last three years and will be the first vehicle in the MAXUS EV range to enter the mid-size van market, fitting snugly between our smaller eDELIVER 3 van and larger eDELIVER 9 option. The eDeliver7 offers three bodystyles and two battery pack options targeting the largest sector of the UK CV market – the onetonne payload van sector. This is the vehicle our customers have been waiting for and we are certain it will prove popular with fleet managers and business owners alike. There’s a gap in the market for this type of electric van and we plan to take full advantage of that.
CC&V: At last year’s CV Show, you launched your T90EV pick-up. A year on can you tell us how sales of T90EV are going and has it resulted in MAXUS adding new customers to the brand?
The T90EV is the first electric pick-up to enter the market here in the UK and it
received a fantastic welcome following its unveiling at the CV Show last June, so much so that we had over 1,000 dealer orders by the end of August 2022. Sales of this pick-up are still growing steadily, and it has certainly opened us up to a new customer base. Dealers are very active with demonstrations and customer test drives at present. It’s the first electric pick-up to hit the market here and customers are welcome to trial it at their local MAXUS dealership before deciding to purchase.
The T90EV is sporty, stylish, and powerful with a range of 219 miles and is available for immediate delivery. The commercial market is a huge focus for us, but this vehicle and our MIFA 9, both of which were unveiled at last year’s CV Show, announce our arrival into the passenger vehicle sector as well. We see the T90EV as the perfect on-road pick-up for drivers who like style AND function – it features a one-tonne payload catering to those who need a workhorse. Offering zero BIK tax, it is also the perfect company car option. However, its contemporary exterior and high level of spec also allows us to attract drivers who simply want an eye-catching truck that they can enjoy on the daily.
CC&V: CV operators are slowly realising that they need to go electric and MAXUS are well placed to help with your full
electric van range. The eDELIVER 3 and eDELIVER 9 have been around for a while now. Do you have any plans to introduce new versions of either any time soon?
We have no immediate plans to introduce new versions of the eDELIVER 3 or eDELIVER 9 for the simple reason that both these van variants are performing very well in the marketplace and are among the best in class in performance and range capabilities. Their coverage of the market is further enhanced with the availability of chassis-cabs for bespoke requirements in addition to the van models. Our newly launched eDELIVER 7 vehicle sits in between both vans in terms of size and means we can cater for any type of customer, regardless of their needs or requirements.
CC&V: We drove your electric MPV the MIFA 9 last month. Which business sectors are you targeting with this vehicle?
Predominately, our target market for the MIFA 9 is the Chauffeur industry, those who drive people around for a living, be it hotel transfers, executive travel, airport collections etc, plus the luxury taxi sector. The MIFA 9 is ideal for large families too, however, businesses will remain a key focus for us when pushing sales of this vehicle. After all, we understand that not every family is ready to switch to EV just yet and we appreciate that not all families have the money for this type of vehicle right now.
CC&V: The CV Show enabled you to show the industry your full electric van ranges include conversions. How important is the electric van conversion sector to MAXUS and which of your conversions are proving the most popular?
Electric vehicle conversions are critical to the success of MAXUS. Our refrigerated conversion vehicles have been highly sought after by fleet managers in the grocery and pharmaceutical sectors over the part number of years. Additionally, our eDELIVER 9 electric tippers, drop-sides and luton-bodied vehicles are in high demand with local councils and public bodies, as are our electric minibus/WAV conversions.
It’s a sector we’re very much conscious of nurturing and will continue to focus on conversion offers as we grow the brand range and evolve in the years to come.
“The eDeliver7 is the vehicle our customers have been waiting for and we are certain it will prove popular with fleet managers”
MAXUS once again electrified this year’s CV Show with the unveiling of its newest all-electric commercial offering for right hand drive markets – the eDELIVER 7.
Pitted as a medium-sized eLCV, the eDELIVER 7 will bridge the gap between MAXUS’s current eLCV offerings, the smaller eDELIVER 3 and big brother, the eDELIVER 9.
The latest MAXUS eVan offers superb range, clocking up to 226miles / 365km (WLTP combined) on a single charge (88kWh battery).
Available in three size configurations, with a payload of up to 1200kg, the eDELIVER 7 features a 150kW /330Nm high power, low energy motor with an acceleration time of 0-100km in 11 seconds.
The eDELIVER 72 offers three driving modes, Eco, Normal and Power and a one-touch start. Safety features include blind spot detection, lane change assist, AEBS (autonomous emergency braking system), fatigue driving monitoring, plus front and rear parking sensors and 360 degree cameras. A 12.3” touch screen infotainment system is also included as standard with Apple Carplay & Android Auto available.
Speaking at the launch of the eDELIVER 7, Mark Barrett, Director of Harris MAXUS said: “The CV Show is a key date in the MAXUS calendar. In 2016 we launched our first all-electric commercial vehicle, the EV80, at CV Show. This year’s show was our fourth vehicle launch at the NEC Birmingham, and our sixth EV vehicle launch in just seven years. In that time, we
KEY DETAILS
Battery configurations: 77kWh and 88kWH
Dimensions:
L1H1 Cargo Van (L*W*H mm): 4998x2030x1990mm
Cargo volume: 5.9m3
Wheelbase: 3000mm
have positioned ourselves as a market leader when it comes to electric vehicles and the eDELIVER 7 builds on our EV range, securing our position in this regard.
“Our electric vans have proven popular with businesses in the delivery, pharma and grocery/retail sectors, as well as being the number one choice for many local councils that are looking to switch to electric. Our latest addition is pitched at those who need more payload capacity than the eDELIVER 3, but who may not need the full-size capabilities of our eDELIVER 9.”
MAXUS is a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corp (formerly Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), a Chinese state-owned vehicle manufacturer, considered one of China’s ‘Big Four’. SAIC is recognised as a
L2H1 Cargo Van (L*W*H mm): 5364x2030x1990mm
Cargo volume: 6.7m3
Wheelbase: 3366mm
L2H2 Cargo Van (L*W*H mm): 5364x2030x2390mm
Cargo volume: 8.7m3
Wheelbase: 3366mm
Charging time: DC + AC dual charging mode
DC mode: 43 minutes charge time for 80% battery charge
global leader in the technical revolution, particularly in terms of battery technology, and has invested £2 billion into innovation in recent years with particular attention given to the MAXUS range of zero-emission vehicles.
MAXUS’ full range of EVs were on display at the CV Show, with the brand offering visitors a pure EV experience for the third consecutive year with 12 zero emission vehicles on the stand, including the eDELIVER 3 and eDELIVER 9 cabin van and chassis variants and an eDELIVER 9 minibus.
Also on display at the show were the MAXUS MIFA 9 MPV and the T90EV on-road pickup truck, which launched at the CV Show in 2022.
CC&V: Iveco launched the all-new eDaily at this year’s CV Show. As more electric vans enter the marketplace, why should SMEs consider an eDaily over its rivals?
Mike Cutts: eDaily offers the widest line-up of models in its segment, and with class-leading 3.5T and up to 15kw on board power, there are many reasons to choose IVECO. For the SME we offer specific connectivity packages with epro and support with charging through our CPO partner, Pod Point. This also offers remote connectivity via a smart phone app for the smaller fleet operators.
To assist with funding we offer HP at 2.5% and contract hire via our dealer network.
CC&V: What are your hopes for eDaily sales this year, and will supply of your new model be an issue?
In 2023 we are focusing on supplying seed units into the market for customers to test and learn, with the aim to secure larger volume commitments in 2024. Lead times are competitive, at nine months for new factory orders.
CC&V: Do you expect your eDaily chassis cab and conversions range to be a good fit in the electric conversions sector ?
Our truck-based chassis is perfect for conversion, with the modular battery system giving choice to the customer on the application. The class-leading 15kW epto in both electrical and mechanical operation allows for a wide range of conversions.
The body builder mounting points are the same as the diesel Daily and our body builder partners already have access to the technical data of our eDaily chassis cab, which can also be ordered as a crew cab, chassis cowl and minibus.
CC&V: For many SMEs, a diesel is still the go-to engine for their commercial fleet. Your diesel Daily has plenty of admirers, so will Iveco be investing in any cleaner diesel technology for Daily in the coming years?
We will launch Euro 7 diesel for Daily in line with the future legislation.
CC&V: While full-electric vans offer a solution for some customers, do you think that other forms of power, such as hydrogen, may offer a better solution long term?
We are developing hydrogen powertrains for the Daily and will look to launch this in the future to complement the new eDaily range.
For longer distance and heavier payload missions hydrogen will offer a great alternative.
We met up with Mike Cutts, Iveco’s Light Business Line Director, at the CV Show, to chat about the new eDaily electric van
“Our truck-based chassis is perfect for conversion, with the modular battery system giving choice to the customer on the application...”
The new Amarok is finally here, making a clear statement for its drivers: All roads are the destination.
Fundamentally reimagined, the new Amarok defines the premium segment at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with its modern technology and redesigned styling.
No matter where or when, the new Amarok, equipped with its various modern driving assistance systems offers more support than any of its predecessors.
Its premium character is underlined by features such as ambient lighting and a top-end sound system from Harman Kardon.
As an outdoor companion, it stands out with improved off-road capability and optional V6 power.
For those looking for a robust and reliable commercial vehicle, its broad variety of new features, such as the 3.5t trailer coupling for all automatic transmissions and other convenient details,
are ready for any challenges. Whatever the requirements may be: The new Amarok meets them effortlessly.
The new Amarok comes with a cargo bed-load of remarkable highlights, such as modern “IQ.Light” LED matrix headlights, optional wheels up to 21” in size, completely new exterior styling packages with newly designed styling bars and steps.
The radiator grille, which – depending on the version – merges into a horizontal division of the front section or into an X-shaped design, in the top trim levels, is another eye catcher.
Speaking of highlights, the loading area between the wheel arches offers enough space for a Euro pallet to be loaded crosswise and lashed in place thanks to the sturdy eyelets.
Another new feature is the roof load capacity of 350kg. Never before has it been possible to pitch a tent on a nicer surface!
Design features of the new Amarok:
• new radiator grille
• “IQ.Light” LED matrix headlights1, and LED taillights4,
• wheels 16”/17”/18”/20”/ 21”2, all-terrain tires up to 18”
• embossed Amarok lettering on the tailgate
The new Amarok is 5,350mm long –96mm longer than its predecessor. A wheelbase of 3,270mm corresponds to an increase of 173mm - which means there is more space in the crew cab.
Since the wheelbase grows more than its overall length, the body overhangs are reduced. This adds to an increased slope angle and a better off-road capability.
The new Amarok has the right answer for almost every driving situation. It also has the right transmission for almost every
The Volkswagen Amarok has been extensively revised and upgraded... with more modern tech, a new style and a better driving experience –but without losing the load-lugging skills it has always been known for
drive preference: from rear-wheel drive to selectable and permanent all-wheel drive. Three different diesels with four to six cylinders and 2.0 to 3.0 litres of displacement ensure the right strength development.
The preconfigured driving modes are new and come in many variations to support drivers in special off-road situations in several stages. More than 25 assistance systems, over 20 of which are completely new on-board the Amarok, provide additional driving comfort on request.
Master of versatility – the new Amarok Reliability and versatility for almost any business? The new Amarok has it in its genes and is proud to show it, with the “AMAROK” lettering embossed across the entire width of the loadbay flap. With a broad variety of new features, it is more usable every day, making it a versatile and reliable commercial vehicle.
• Loading area with LED lighting, lashing eyes, 12-volt socket, load compartment cover/electric load compartment rollcover system available as an accessory.
• Towing weight of 3.5t, now for all automatic transmissions
• Sufficient space on the loading area between the wheel housings for a Euro pallet to be loaded crosswise, which can be lashed there with sturdy eyelets
• Assistance systems and mobile online devices. For example, online voice control in the ‘We Connect Basic’ package. With the “VW Connect Navigation” package, you get additional mobile online services –including navigation maps that can be updated online, current traffic information for Europe and access to certain points of interest.
• Smart Speed Limiter
• Smart Speed Assist in conjunction with ACC (automatic distance control) and traffic sign recognition “Side Assist” and the lane change assistant (also for trailers)1
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Lane Assist
• Multicollision Brake
• Dynamic Light Assist
• City Emergency Call System
• Area View Camera
• We Connect Basic Functions
• Various We Connect basic or premium packages to choose from
• In Car Shop & Online Updates
There are three models available: the Amarok Life, ; the Amarok PanAmericana with all-terrain tyres on 18” light-alloy wheels, and for premium driving experience, the Amarok Aventura.
Citygate is the commercial vehicle provider for St Albans and the surrounding area, with a wide range of vehicles to suit any need and expert advice and guidance from knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a small or a large business owner, Citygate St Albans Van Centre has something to suit your needs.
The team provides a range of services and maintenance options to ensure that every vehicle remains in top condition, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. This level of support makes us the first choice in the local community.
Our team are experts in helping customers find the right vehicle for their specific requirements and are always available to provide knowledgeable advice and guidance.
On site, we also have a state-of-the-art Bodyshop specialising in accident, cosmetic, paintwork and bodywork repairs. Our experienced technicians work with the latest equipment to ensure that every
repair is completed to the highest standards.
Citygate St Albans is also an approved repair centre for many leading car manufacturers including Volkswagen, VW Commercial Vehicles, Seat/Cupra, Skoda, Kia, Audi and Volvo, so you can trust that your vehicle is in good hands.
The dealership has just launched a new van rental service, including the full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range. This means finding a vehicle to get you where you need to go has never been easier, with flexible rental periods from one day to six months or more.
Whatever your needs, the team at Citygate Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles St Albans will be happy to help with any of your automotive needs, with the sales team available online and via telephone to assist with your commercial vehicle purchase. Contact the team at Citygate today on 01727 542429 or head to citygate.co.uk for further assistance.
Andrew Walker runs his eye over the latest e-van, the e-Scudo
Fiat Professional Scudo has added an electric version of its new Scudo, to target those looking to an electric van future.
It uses the same running gear as its electric Stellantis group stablemates the Citroen e-Dispatch, the Peugeot e-Expert and the Vauxhall Vivaro-e, plus the Toyota Proace Electric. So you get a 134bhp electric motor powering the front wheels and a battery located under the cargo floor.
There are two battery models: a 50kWh with a 141-mile range, or the 75kWh version we tested, with a 202-mile range.
Prices start from around £40,000 with a £4,000 premium for the bigger battery version in standard wheelbase format.
There are two trims, Tecnico and Business, one roof height with close to 1.9 metres with standard or long wheel base versions. Standard offers a cargo volume of 5.3m3, Long 6.1 m3
Tecnico comes with a full steel bulkhead, twin side sliding doors, 16” alloys, a laminated windscreen and storage under the front seats. Business adds body coloured bumpers, rear parking sensors, a leather multi function steering wheel, a 7” infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and some useful extra safety features including blind spot assist and road sign recognition.
As with the other Stellantis vans, the e-Scudo comes with a rapid-charging option. Plug in to a fast charger and a 0-80% charge for the 50kWh E-Scudo takes 32 minutes, with the larger 75kWh battery coming in at 45 minutes. Plug in at home using a 7.4kWh charger and these times increase to 7 hours and 11 hours respectively. As ever, use discounted night-time electricity rates to charge at home overnight and if you keep the battery
at 50 per cent, you can top up to at least 80 per cent in just four hours.
The e-Scudo features twin side sliding doors with twin rear opening doors to 180 degrees. Payloads are from 1,002kg to 1,226kg, with a 1 tonne towing capacity. You also get Fiat Pro’s ‘Magic Cargo’, with a load-through bulkhead for carrying longer items, ( 3.67m or 4.02m in the Long version) a central passenger seat that can flip down to be used as a table or workspace, storage underneath, large door bins, twin dash top cup holders, and a cubby in front of the passengers and another in the centre dash.
The finish is predominantly black and grey, with good quality plastics and fabric throughout.
The dashboard and switchgear is very car-like. The dashboard is dominated by the 7″ Colour touchscreen, while the general layout of buttons, switches and steering wheel controls, are all logically located and are easy to reach. You’ll need to enter the touchscreen for most functions, but the setup is very intuitive.
As with all EVs, the e-Scudo is good fun to drive in town. All models use an auto gear change with three driving settings: Sport, Normal and Eco. Each is a balance betweem fun and frugality. So Sport is best utilised when you are carrying a heavy load, Normal works well for every day use and Eco reduces the power output to give you an increased battery range.
The regen braking system is well balanced and adds real miles to your range when used efficiently, especially in slow moving traffic or on roads with plenty of traffic lights and roundabouts.
Driving on urban roads is really enjoyable as the e-Scudo offers swift progress at lower speeds. The ride doesn’t feel too harsh and
the battery which is located underneath the loadspace, doesn’t make the van feel cumbersome.
At speeds of up to 50mph driving in Eco mode, the e-Scudo will comfortably return one mile of distance travelled to one mile of battery range. However, if you’re used to making rapid progress on the motorway in a diesel van, you’ll need to re-think how you drive on the motorway in the e-Scudo. Range drops off sharply at over 60 mph. In order to conserve the battery range, it’s best to stick to speeds of no more than 55-60mph and as you’ll discover, you’ll keep a 1:1 ratio of miles driven to range used.
Utilise cheaper charging tariffs between 00.30 and 04.30 am and you’ll put 30kWh of range into your battery for £2.25 a go. Electric Scudo offers the same load space as a diesel Scudo and all e-Scudos come very well equipped.
Cons
Ostensibly identical to four other electric vans. Expensive. Our test van will set you back upwards of £45,000, so you’ll need to run your e-Scudo for a while before the extra cost levels itself out. Better to lease.
Range anxiety may still put many off an electric van, but if not all your vans are being driven long distances all of the time, this is a great option. A 200-mile range is more than adequate and coupled to tax saving zero emissions and cheaper running costs, it makes the decision to change to an EV that much easier.
CC&V RATING:
The Toyota Proace City Electric is a great package for van operators: a small electric van, with a cargo area of up to 3.3 cu. m3 and a useful battery electric range of 161 miles. Like the larger Proace Electric, it is built in conjunction with the Stellantis small electric vans from Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, and gives Toyota another string to its bow in the electric van marketplace.
Model range, specification and equipment
SWB and LWB panel van versions are offered. The shorter wheelbase models have an 800kg payload, while longwheelbase models have a 750kg payload, but come with a larger loading area. Both versions feature the same 50kWh battery, with a WLTP range of 168 miles.
In SWB or LWB versions, the City is offered only in Icon spec. It does offer plenty of kit, including two sliding side doors, a reversing camera, smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front parking sensors, a reversing camera, DAB, two USB’s, air-con and cruise control.
The 50kWh battery uses a 100kW electric motor, putting out the equivalent of 136bhp. It gives you top speed of 80 mph, but it’s the instant torque that’s most impressive, making forward progress smooth and silent.
Fast charging as standard means that City Electric tops up the battery from 0-80 per cent in just 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger. That can be expensive, so do your charging at home, where using a 7kW charger, like our own Rolec Smart Charger, charging the 50kWh battery from 0-100 per cent will take 7.5 hours. Toyota also offers the option to upgrade from 7kW Type 2 charging capability to 11kW, so a home charge can take as little as 4.5 hours.
So who are the rivals? Its siblings Peugeot, Vauxhall and Citroen have their own versions of the City Electric, and
Renault’s new Kangoo E-Tech, MercedesBenz eCitan and Nissan’s electric Townstar are also rivals, as is the Maxus eDeliver 3. All are worth a look but the City Electric has got a touch of something special about it. Our Proace City Electric Icon L1 50kW model has a car-like feel to its interior, finished in nicely textured plastics, with the grey seat fabric looking and feeling hard wearing.
My test van featured the Toyota Smart Cargo bulkhead with a hatch, allowing a longer load length to fit into the cargo area and into the front rear left passenger footwell – big enough, as I found, to carry two 3m lengths of wood. There’s also under-passenger seat storage, large enough for a small bag, two decent door pockets, storage between the front seats, twin drinks holders on the dash top and space lower down for odds and ends.
The only negative is that the centre front seat doesn’t offer much legroom, though the twin sliding side doors and 180° opening rear doors make getting in and out easy.
City Electric drives like a small electric family car. Steering is light and the auto box, located just to the left of the driver, is easy to operate. Here you can select from Park, Reverse, Neutral or Drive with another setting, ‘B’, that adds two levels of
regenerative braking to the equation. There also three drive modes: Eco, which slows everything down and turns of the heating; Normal, in which we drove all week; and Power, useful if your van is heavily laden.
In Power mode, you get the van’s full 134bhp and the most fun, with quick acceleration from a standing start. The downside is that it reduces the range. The 108bhp you get with Normal mode is the level we used, primarily because it was cold. This gives you a good amount of throttle response. Selecting ‘B’ mode in the gear selector puts some energy back into the battery when coasting. It’s not really noticeable and certainly doesn’t offer anything strong enough to allow for single-pedal driving.
On the motorway, City Electric drives nicely. The cabin is quiet thanks in part to the full steel bulkhead, and the seats offer a firm, supportive ride. The driver’s view is good and all of the switches and buttons fall easily to hand.
The Icon comes with cruise control, which in turn aids battery range. The City Electric also does a good job of masking the battery weight under the floor plan, making it a fun small van to drive, especially in town.
Range
Once I had charged the City Electric fully
at home on my Rolec charger the range was up to 161 miles in Eco and 151 miles in Normal. Some local journeys saw us achieve the holy grail of a 1:1 ratio of distance travelled to range used. As with all EVs, though, the range falls at over 65 mph or in low temperatures. We took a 50-mile motorway spin when it was just 3 deg C, and used up 68 miles of range.
Pros
Excellent payload, great to drive, top-notch cabin, on-trend tech and if driven carefully, expect a range of 130 miles. As with the firm’s passenger cars, the
Proace City Electric is covered by Toyota’s 10-year service warranty, which should bring added peace of mind to business users tempted to make the switch to electric. It’s worth noting that its Stellantis competitors are not as generous with their warranties.
Cons
The Proace City Electric Icon comes supplied with a higher spec than the Stellantis versions, which makes is a little more expensive. Like all EVs, be aware that very cold weather and a heavy right foot will affect your vehicle’s range.
If you drive the length and breadth of the UK, any electric van is not going to be for you. The range is too small and at motorway speeds, the battery drains far faster.
However, if your van use is local, even regional, then the Proace City Electric could be a solution. An electric van is plainly cleaner, you don’t pay VED and EVs are currently Congestion Charge exempt. And we haven’t even mentioned the fuel savings you’ll achieve in an electric van, which will typically cut your monthly expenditure on diesel by 75 per cent.
Furthermore, the Proace City Electric offers a competitive payload, comes complete with the latest tech and safety features and offers the reassurance of Toyota’s 10-year service warranty.
A great van to drive, good range if you are focused on short-run urban deliveries and gives you the ecocredentials you may be looking for. Will also save money in the long run in the charging v petrol/ diesel debate.
Mercedes has massively improved the battery range of its eVito, making it far more attractive prospect. Andrew Walker got to grips with one recently...
The upgraded eVito looks and feels the same as a diesel model, except that it’s powered by an 114bhp 85kW electric motor offering 300Nm of torque. There is a 66kWh battery with a WLTP range of 162 miles – up from the 93 miles of its predecessor – with AC charging to 11kW and DC to 80kW both standard.
Model range and sizes
We were testing the PREMIUM eVito. It costs from £46,900, though a cheaper PROGESSIVE is also available. eVito comes in two lengths, L2 or L3, with the smaller model offering 6.0 m3 cargo volume, the larger one 6.6 m3
Specs and safety
eVito PROGRESSIVE offers colour-coded bumpers, full wheel covers, front fog lights, Headlight Assist, a 75mph speed limiter, Audio 30, lumbar support and electrically foldable mirrors. PREMIUM adds Hyacinth red metallic paint, a spare wheel with jack and a leather steering wheel, PARKTRONIC, reversing camera, hate insulting glass, TEMPMATIC semi auto air-con and cruise control.
From the outside it looks like a standard Vito and you’d be hard-pressed to know it’s electric unless you spot the discreet eVito and eLECTRIC badging.
Inside you’ll find the updated Vito interior, which includes two USBs and a heated front driver seat. There’s a threeseat configuration up front, with some top-of-the-dash storage, a decent glove box and two handy deep door pockets.
The ignition is on the left of the steering column, with the gear lever on the right, meaning the headlight and wipers are both on the right stalk. Cue changing into neutral a lot when it rains!
Power steering is standard and the wheel is both rake and reach adjustable. The driver’s seat is flexible and easy to get comfortable in.
In the centre of the dash and higher up than in some vans are the Audio 30 infotainment system and heating controls. The infotainment screen is slightly awkward to reach for the driver, as are the USB inputs on the left of the dash. For a left-hand driven Vito this location would make perfect sense, but not so for UK right-hand-drive versions.
The front windows are electric and keeping the cabin quiet is a full width bulkhead.
The quality is top-notch but it’s not as practical a cab as some competitors.
The rear load space is easily accessed as the L2 Vito we drove comes with left and right hand slide-opening side doors and twin rear doors that open 180 degrees.
It’s easy to drive and very relaxing on the motorway. The gear lever offers Neutral, Reverse or Drive options and even with the battery weight underneath the floor, the eVito handles pretty well for its weight.
As with most electric cars, the eVito offers several levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted using the paddles on either side of the steering wheel. D- is the strongest regenerative level, but also the most noticeable. You decrease the strength of regeneration by pulling on the right hand paddle, moving through the options of D, then D+ and D++ – best for motorway driving. There are three drive modes: E+, E or C. E+ is the most efficient, but C is the most fun.
The eVito was delivered with a full charge, and the gauge said we had a 157-mile range. We covered 30 miles at 70mph driving to Chester via the M56, using drive mode E. On arrival we charged up while we shopped.
Our journey had decreased the range from 157 miles to 118 and after an hour charging was up to 126 miles for the return leg. Thirty miles later and back home, the range now showed 98 miles.
We repeated the journey the following day and concluded that if driven unladen with just a driver, at mostly motorway speeds, the eVito has a 140-mile range. At lower speeds of up to 50mph the range increased to 157 miles, as you can really take advantage of the regenerative braking to top the battery up.
That means eVito can now match, or even surpass, Stellantis vans’ claimed WLTP battery range of 143 miles.
Pros
That much improved battery range now gives the eVito a competitive range. The cabin is hewn from granite, top quality and very comfortable. The addition of proper air-con is also an improvement. The overall build quality puts the competition to shame.
Cons
The infotainment system isn’t as good as you’ll find on some other vans. Similarly, neither is the payload.
Increase in range is a real game changer; you can expect 150-160 miles, which makes long journeys less stressful and puts paid to our biggest criticism of earlier models’ biggest fault. Add in the handling and comfort levels, and it’s one to consider
CC&V RATING: N N N N N
