Mobility News. July – August 2020

mobilitynews

The Publication For Disabled Motorists

What’s inside?

AUTOMATIC CARS WITH NO ADVANCE PAYMENT

• Latest prices for the Motability Scheme • Volvo’s first all-electric car

• Hyundai announces i10 N Line • Is a diesel vehicle right for you?

• Challenges in the motoring industry

JULY / AUGUST 2020

Advanced payment

from only £799*

The A-Class

The shape of the A-Class is not based purely on

function, but emotions too. The new, intuitive interface

has been made exclusively for just one person – you.

You can adapt every detail to exactly meet your driving

style, with one swipe on the touchpad, steering wheel or

on the new touchscreen. The A-Class is equipped with

the latest active safety and driver assistance systems to

ensure your safety and provide maximum convenience.

Price

A 200 Sport

Civilian Advanced Payment £799.00

Technical Data

Transmission

Weekly Rental

Petrol - 1332cc, 163hp, 5 door,

Hatchback

Manual

T/A

For more information or to speak to a

Motability Specialist, please call today on

0330 1780365.

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke

Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

Mercedes-Benz of Poole

0330 1780365

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

Mercedes-Benz of Farnborough

www.sandown-group.co.uk

*Whilst every reasonable precaution is taken in the preparation of catalogues, technical circulars, price lists and other literature, these documents are for the buyers general guidance only and do not

constitute any representation by the Company. Alterations to the information may have been made since the time of publication and the purchaser should consult a local Mercedes-Benz Retailer for current

information. These vehicles are only available through Motability accredited participating Mercedes-Benz Retailers and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. The prices shown in this

price list are those recommended by the manufacturer. This price list cancels all previous issues (07/2020). All standard metallic paint colours are available at no extra charge. The indicated values are

from official EU regulated test data and are provided for comparison purposes. Actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Owing to legal changes to

the underlying test procedures, it is possible for higher values to have been entered on the vehicle’s certificate of conformity, which is authoritative for vehicle registration and, where appropriate, motor

mobilitynews

2

vehicle tax. The figures do not refer to an individual vehicle and are not part of the offer; they are provided solely for the purposes of comparison between different vehicle models. The values will vary

depending on the chosen optional extras. Images are used for illustrative purposes only.

mobilitynews

The Publication For Disabled Motorists

Highlights

10 Latest prices for the

Motability Scheme

16 Volvo’s first all-electric car – the

XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

Views expressed by contributors

are not necessarily those of Smart

Fleet Media Limited.

Every effort is made to

ensure Mobility News’ contents

and information are accurate.

Information is published in good

faith, but no responsibility can be

accepted for loss or inconvenience

arising from error or omission.

Contributors must ensure that

all material submitted is not in

breach of copyright.

While every care will be taken

with material submitted, no

responsibility can be accepted for

loss or damage.

No part of this publication can

be reproduced without the written

permission of the Editor.

24 Hyundai announces i10 N Line

26 Automatic cars with Nil

Advance Payment

Contact:

admin@mobilitytoday.co.uk

Published by:

Smart Fleet Media Limited,

Suite F111,

Fence House,

Fence Avenue,

Macclesfield,

Cheshire SK10 1LT

Tel: 01625 800625

38 Is a diesel vehicle right for you? 44 Challenges in the motoring

industry

Company Registration No 09843386

mobilitynews

3

COVID-19 update: When should I

order my next car?

We’ve had lots of questions

from customers who have had

their leases extended during

lockdown, or who are now

approaching the end of their

lease, about when they can

place an order for their next

car. We’ve tried to answer

some of your questions here.

I had my lease extended

during lockdown can I place

an order now?

The short answer to this

is yes, you can place an

application now if you wish.

Of course we know there

may be some reasons why

you can’t, or don’t want to

order a new car just yet. Your

dealer may still be closed,

you may be shielding and

therefore unable to visit a

dealership or you may just

want to stay in your car until

the end of the six-month

extension. Whatever your

reason, if you’re not quite

ready to order your car now

you can stay in your car for

the full six-months. You don’t

have to call us to let us know.

When you are ready, just get

in touch with your dealer and

make an appointment to see

them.

I am approaching the end

of my lease, when should I

order my next car?

You will be able to place

an order for your next vehicle

when you are in the final three

months of your lease.

Don’t worry if you’re not

ready or able to place another

order, we will automatically

lease extend your vehicle

for six-months if you haven’t

placed an order when your

lease is due to end. You do not

need to contact us to let us

know as we will automatically

apply this extension if you

don’t place an application.

I need to apply for a grant,

before I can order my next

vehicle, what should I do?

Unfortunately due to the

COVID-19 situation, the

Grants team at Motability (the

Charity) are currently unable

to process new applications

for financial help. As and

when this situation changes

they will publish information

on their website motability.

org.uk/grants.

If you’re waiting for a

decision on a pending grant

or need to apply for financial

assistance and therefore not

able to place an application

we will automatically extend

your current lease for six

months, you do not need to

contact us to let us know.

I’m ready to order my next

car, what do I do next?

If you’re still undecided

on the car you want to

order you can browse the

vehicles currently available

on the Scheme by using

our car search tool. Once

you’ve narrowed down your

choice you will then need to

contact your local dealer to

make an appointment. We

would always recommend

making an appointment

to visit a dealership so the

Motability Scheme specialist

can dedicate enough time

to helping you choose the

right car. But it’s particularly

important now with social

distancing measures in

place. When you make the

appointment, the dealer will

be able to let you know how

COVID-19 is affecting their

services. You can find out

more about this in our ‘Social

distancing and dealership

visits‘ article.

I do not want to place a

renewal application at the

end of my lease, how do I

hand my car back?

Please contact your

dealership to find out whether

they are open and make an

appointment to return the

vehicle. If you have not yet

reached the original lease end

date you will not be able to

return your car early, however

if you are now in your sixmonth

extension you will be

able to make arrangements

with your dealer now. If

your dealership is closed

please contact us on 0300

456 4566 so we can discuss

arrangements.

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4

UK motorists get

extension for photocard

driving licences

New customer

applications

from 1 July

2020

The DVLA is making it

easier for drivers who need

to update their photocard

license with a new photograph

by offering a seven-month

extension. Read this article

from the PA Motoring Service

to find out more.

Drivers with a photocard

driving licence which is about

to expire have been granted

an automatic seven-month

extension in new rules

announced in June.

Those with photocards that

were due to expire between

February 1 and August 31,

2020, will now be granted

an automatic seven-month

extension from the point it

was set to expire. Motorists

will also be sent a reminder to

renew before their extension

period ends.

Drivers usually have to

renew their licence every

10 years, with bus and lorry

drivers renewing every

five years.

The move, which affects

1.4 million UK drivers who

would have had to renew their

licences, allows motorists

to make necessary journeys

without having to obtain a new

photograph in order to renew

their licence.

The DVLA has stated that

motorists over 70 who renew

their licence every three years

must continue to do the same,

however.

Julie Lennard, DVLA chief

executive, said: “This extension

will make it easier for drivers

who need to update their

photocard licence with a new

photograph. This means as

long as they have a valid

licence, drivers will be able to

continue to make essential

journeys.

“The extension is automatic

so drivers do not need to

do anything and will be sent

a reminder to renew their

photocard before the extension

ends.”

This article was written

by Jack Evans and PA

Motoring Reporter from PA

Motoring Service and was

legally licensed through

the NewsCred publisher

network. Please direct all

licensing questions to

legal@newscred.com.

Now that handovers

for cars ordered before

lockdown and new orders

from existing customers are

underway, we are pleased

to announce that we will be

open for new customers

from 1 July 2020.

Current Scheme prices

are now available, meaning

that customers can choose

their new car from the range

of almost 2,000 makes

and models. Pricing will be

updated as usual on 1 July

2020. Please bear in mind

that some dealers remain

closed and all dealers are

likely to be busier than usual.

Your dealer will have social

distancing measures in

place, so you must contact

your dealer to make an

appointment and find out in

advance how COVID-19 is

affecting their services. You

can find contact details and

opening hours for all Scheme

dealers here.

If your chosen car isn’t in

stock it may well take longer

to deliver than usual, so it

may be worth considering

alternative manufacturers

with similar cars. If your new

car isn’t ready when you’re

due to return your current car

we will extend your lease to

ensure you stay mobile.

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5

Volvo extends reimbursed electricity

offer for plug-in hybrid buyers

Volvo Cars UK has

extended its innovative Take

Charge electricity offer, which

allows buyers of new plug-in

hybrid cars to benefit from a

year’s reimbursed electricity

to charge their car*. The offer

applies to every plug-in hybrid

model in the Volvo range,

from the funky XC40 premium

compact SUV to the luxurious

seven-seat XC90.

The campaign was

originally launched in

November 2019, and

automatically applied to

all plug-in hybrid Volvos

purchased until 30 June 2020.

It has now been extended to

benefit customers buying a

new plug-in hybrid Volvo until

30 September this year.

Encouraging change

Volvo’s aim is to encourage

drivers to make full use of

their car’s electric power,

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6

thereby maximising the

potential fuel and emissions

savings the technology allows.

By plugging in their car as

often as possible to ensure

the hybrid system’s battery

is kept charged, customers

are always able to travel on

electric power, reducing petrol

consumption and tailpipe

emissions on every journey.

Analysis by Volvo has

shown that plug-in hybrid

customers are already

adopting an eco-conscious

approach to driving, with

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7

owners in Europe using

their car in Pure mode –

which priorities electric-only

operation to maximise driving

on battery power – for 40 per

cent of the time.

Sales of plug-in hybrid

Volvos are also increasing

rapidly in the UK. From

January to May 2020, sales

nearly trebled compared with

the same period in 2019,

accounting for 12.4% of UK

Volvo sales (2019: 4.7%).

How the offer works

The electricity costs for

charging the car will be

calculated from June 2020

and repaid to customers at

the end of the 12-month

period, based on a thirdparty-provided

average cost

of electricity in the UK**.

How much electricity each

customer uses will be

monitored via the Volvo On

Call app, which also allows the

driver to monitor the charge

status of the car’s battery via

their mobile device.

The offer is open to

both private and business

customers. Since Volvo’s

intention is to encourage

drivers to get into the habit

of regularly plugging in their

car to keep its hybrid battery

charged, it is the company car

driver who will receive the

refund at the end of the year

as opposed to their employer.

Industry-leading plug-in

hybrid range

Volvo leads the UK market

in offering a plug-in hybrid

version of every model in its

range, so the Take Charge

offer applies to all Volvo

customers, no matter which

model they are interested in.

The newest addition to

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid range

is the XC40 Recharge Plug-in

Hybrid. Combining a 180hp

petrol engine with an 82hp

electric motor, it offers CO2

emissions from just 47g/

km and official fuel economy

of up to 134.5mpg (WLTP

Combined cycle). Its highvoltage

battery also allows

it to travel up to 27 miles on

electric power alone, making

it possible to complete many

journeys without using a drop

of petrol.

Volvo’s carbon-reduction

ambitions

The reimbursed electricity

offer is just part of Volvo’s

wide-ranging plans to reduce

the lifecycle carbon footprint

of all its new cars by 40 per

cent by 2025. The introduction

of electrified powertrains –

including full battery electric

in the recently announced


– will help Volvo bring down

the overall tailpipe emissions

of its cars by 50 per cent

by 2025. Other short-term

ambitions include a 25

per cent reduction of CO2

emissions related to its global

supply chain by 2025, and

a 25 per cent reduction of

carbon emissions generated

by the company’s overall

operations, including car

production and logistics.

These targets all go towards

Volvo’s goal of becoming a

climate-neutral business by

2040.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo

Car UK Managing Director,

said: “Sustainability is crucial

at Volvo, and that involves

helping everyone to do what

they can to drive in the most

environmentally friendly way

possible. The extension of our

Take Charge offer allows us

to cover a year’s electricity

charging costs for even more

plug-in hybrid customers,

helping them make the most

of their new car’s electric

potential, and saving them

money along the way.”

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8

volvo cars shrewsbury

FROM £899 ADVANCE PAYMENT

ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME

THE VOLVO XC40 T3 FWD R-DESIGN

COME AND SPEAK TO OUR MOTABILITY SPECIALISTS

TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK A TEST DRIVE

Volvo Cars Shrewsbury

Featherbed Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 4PP

or visit www.volvocars.com/uk/find-a-dealer/retailers/shrewsbury

Fuel consumption and CO 2 ** figures for the Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Combined 37.2 – 41.5 (7.6

– 6.8). NEDC CO 2 emissions 146 – 142g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life

driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. **There is a new test used for fuel

consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.

*Advance Payment of £899 is for the Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must

be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility

Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years; excess mileage

charges may apply. Offer available from 01/07/2020 to 30/09/2020 subject to availability at participating retailers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change.

For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House,

22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

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9

Latest prices for the

Motability Scheme

Our range of around 2,000

vehicles available through the

Motability Scheme has now

been updated for July- October

2020. Every three months, we

renegotiate our prices with

manufacturers so that we can

offer you a choice of vehicles

that are both affordable and

suitable for your needs. And

with such a wide variety

available, we’re sure you’ll be

able to find one that’s right for

you.

The Motability Scheme

enables disabled people to get

mobile by exchanging their

mobility allowance to lease a

new car, scooter or powered

wheelchair. A typical lease

lasts for three years, and we

take care of running costs

like insurance and breakdown

cover as part of our all-inclusive

package. All you need to do

is add fuel and go: it’s simple,

affordable, reliable.

If you’re new to the

Motability Scheme, request a

free Scheme information pack

which gives a snapshot of

the latest cars and highlights

the value for money options

available on the Scheme.

How much does leasing

through the Scheme cost?

When you lease a car

through the Scheme, there are

three pricing options available.

Take a look at a small selection

of what’s available below:

1. Cars that cost less

than your mobility

allowance:

There are over one

hundred cars that cost less

than your mobility allowance,

giving you money back to

spend as you wish. The

amount you pay is fixed

during your lease and the

remainder is paid directly to

you by the Department for

Work and Pensions.

• SEAT Ibiza 1.0 MPI 80bhp

FR 5dr where you keep

£3.20 per week

• Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i 111bhp

Y20 5dr where you keep

£1.20 per week

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10

2. Cars that cost

all of your mobility

allowance:

There are almost 300 cars

that cost the same as your

allowance, which means you

swap the whole of your weekly

mobility allowance for the car

of your choice. There is no

Advance Payment on these

models. These cars will display

the words ‘Total Mobility

Allowance’ on the specifications

page for weekly rental amount

on the Car Search tool.

• Smart forfour EQ 82bhp

Prime Exclusive 5dr with

reversing camera and 22KW

onboard charger with rapid

charging

• Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T

160bhp Acenta Premium 5dr

5st with Apple Carplay and

touch screen navigation

• Peugeot 308 SW 1.2

PureTech 131bhp Allure

Estate 5dr with panoramic

roof and front and rear

parking aids

• Vauxhall Combo Life 1.5

130bhp Energy 5dr with front

and rear parking sensors and

lane keep assist

• Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI 115bhp

SE L 5dr with virtual cockpit

and blind spot detection

• Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2

PureTech 131bhp Flair 5dr

with reversing camera and

satellite navigation

3. Cars that cost

all of your mobility

allowance and have an

Advance Payment:

You can increase your choice

further by paying a one-off, nonrefundable

upfront payment

which we call an Advance

Payment. The Advance Payment

covers the cost between your

higher rate mobility allowance

and the total cost of your lease.

• From £449 Advance Payment

Renault Zoe E 109bhp i

Iconic 5dr with automatic

lights and wipers and Apple

car play and Android auto


Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI

130bhp Life 5dr with Car2x

and adaptive cruise control

• From £1295 Advance

Payment Ford Kuga 1.5

120bhp Zetec 5dr 5st

with Ford Sync3 with sat

nav and quickclear heated

windscreen


Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE

120bhp Night Eagle II

5dr with 8/4 touchscreen

navigation and 6 speakers


Mercedes-Benz A-Class

1.3 163bhp A200 Sport 5dr

with 180 Degree reversing

camera with parking

guidelines and 7 touchscreen

media display

Search the full range

If you’d like to join the

600,000 customers already

enjoying the benefits of a worryfree

lease package through the

Scheme, start exploring the full

range of cars available using our

Car Search tool to narrow down

your options.

Interested in joining

the Scheme?

About the Scheme


offers an all-inclusive package

that allows anyone in receipt of

higher rate mobility allowances

to use their mobility allowance

to lease a car, scooter, powered

wheelchair or Wheelchair

Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme

provides flexible and hasslefree

access to a brand new,

reliable vehicle of your choice.

As well as a great choice of

cars, we also provide a wide

range of Wheelchair Accessible

Vehicles, scooters and powered

wheelchairs.

Eligibility

To join the Scheme, you

must be in receipt of a higher

rate mobility allowance (such

as the Enhanced Rate of the

Mobility Component of Personal

Independence Payment or

the Higher Rate Mobility

Component of Disability Living

Allowance)

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11

Boot hoists

More than 50,000

customers have adaptations

fitted to their Motability

Scheme cars; adaptations can

help if you’re finding driving or

travelling is becoming more

difficult or uncomfortable –

from getting in and out of your

vehicle to helping you stow

your wheelchair or scooter. And

it’s the stowage element we’re

focusing on in this article.

Indeed, the simplest way to

lift your wheelchair or scooter

into your car is with a stowage

system, such as a boot hoist.

A boot hoist adaptation could

even offer you an alternative

to a Wheelchair Accessible

Vehicle (WAV).

First, though, you need to

decide which boot hoist is

best for you. This should be

straightforward, as there are

only two main types: a fourway

hoist and a two-way hoist.

Four-Way Hoist

Simply put, a four-way hoist

moves four ways- up, down,

in and out. If you need to

transport a larger wheelchair

or scooter, a four-way hoist

is the one for you as these

hoists can carry more weight

than two-way hoists due to

the increased movement they

allow. It works at the touch of

a button, taking the weight of

your wheelchair or scooter,

helping you maneuver it gently

by hand into your car boot.

Two-Way Hoist

A two-way hoist only moves

up and down, this means you’ll

need to maneuver your product

more than you would have to

do with a four-way hoist, so it is

best suited to those who have

a lightweight wheelchair. You’ll

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12

need to push the wheelchair

into the boot, then ensure it’s

secure using tie-downs.

Things to consider

Bear in mind; you may

have to fold one or more of

your rear seats down, or even

remove the seat to get your

wheelchair or scooter into

your car. Therefore, if you

frequently need to carry rearseat

passengers, a boot hoist

might not be the best option

for you. Additionally, due to

the complexity of boot hoists,

you must ask your adaptation

installer to clarify how they

work.

If you feel you could benefit

from a boot hoist, then you’ll

undoubtedly have a few

questions you’ll want to ask

before you come to a decision.

We spoke to the Motability

Scheme’s adaptations team

to answer your most pressing

questions.

Why choose a boot hoist at

the start of the lease?

“It’s important to note that

not all adaptations work with

all cars. So, it’s best to choose

a boot hoist at the start of your

lease so that you can ensure it

works with your preferred car.

Your adaptations installer or

dealer should be able to assist

with this.”

“It’s also the most costeffective

way to arrange

adaptations. What’s more, the

hoist is covered by a three-year

warranty and comes with a

restraint and lifting bracket.”

How do you obtain a boot

hoist via a car dealer?

“When you go into the

car dealership to place your

application for your new

vehicle, you should be asked

by the Motability Scheme

specialist if you require any

assistance with driving,

access, or stowage. It’s at this

point that the car dealer can

select an adaptation installer

and place a boot hoist onto the

application.”

Can you transfer boot hoists

between Scheme cars?

“Yes – as long as the hoist

is transferred within three and

a half years from the original

fitment. However, if the hoist

is older than three and a half

years, you’ll have to select a

new one. It’s also important to

note that a hoist can only be

transferred once.”

“And just like when you

choose a boot hoist for the

first time, you’ll have to ensure

that your existing hoist works

with your new car should you

wish to transfer it.”

Can you get a boot hoist

part way through a current

lease?

“Yes, absolutely, you can –

but please be aware this will

be more expensive.”

Whether installing a boot

hoist at the time of ordering

your new car, or transferring

it when you renew your

lease, we aim to make it as

inexpensive as possible for

you to get the best solution for

your needs.

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13

Your lease at a glance

Social

distancing

measures

at dealerships

“There’s lots of cleaning

yeah”.

Most car dealerships are

now open but are operating

with strict social distancing

measures in place as per

Government guidelines.

Watch our new video to see

what to expect, and how to

prepare, if you’re planning to

visit a dealership.

In the video below, Gary

Rumsby, the General Sales

Manager at Toomey Vauxhall

in Southend, explains

the new measures his

dealership has adopted to

ensure that customers and

staff alike stay safe, from

changes in the showroom

and test drives to servicing

appointments.

While all dealerships

are following government

guidelines, different

dealerships will have slightly

different practices in place.

Please contact your local

dealer in advance of your

visit to ask about their

specific social distancing

measures.


aims to provide you with

worry-free motoring, so

as a customer, we hope

that you and your families

are enjoying the freedom

and independence that the

Scheme brings.

Helpful information

We’re here to help and

support you throughout your

lease, so in case you’ve

missed a few things, we’ve

summarized a list of key

points to remember.

1. Customer handbook

On collection of your new

car, you would have received

a copy of your customer

handbook from your dealer,

which includes all of the

information that you need

to know about your lease. If

you’d also like an electronic

copy of this, you can

download it here.

2. Requesting a V5c

A V5c is sometimes required

for toll exemptions or parking

permits. If you need a copy of

your V5c, please complete the

online form. Please note, this

could take up to three weeks,

as the DVLA need to send us

the registration certificate.

3. Updating your

details online

If any of your details change

throughout your lease, you

can update these at

www.motability.co.uk/contact/

update-your-details.

4. Useful contacts

Along with our Scheme

partners, we’re here to

support you throughout your

lease. You can save some

useful numbers to your phone

in just a few seconds, by

downloading the contacts.

We aim to provide you

with worry-free motoring,

so for any further questions

you have about your car and

your Scheme lease, go the

customer area on our

website or see the list of

top customer FAQS.

Keeping in touch

Are you receiving our

monthly e-newsletter packed

full of the latest Scheme

news, useful motoring tips

and technology, accessible

days out and much more? If

not, update your details to

make sure we have your email

address or if you’re not a

customer, you can sign up to

our monthly e-newsletter.

Not a customer but want to

find out more?


offers an all-inclusive

package that allows anyone

in receipt of higher rate

mobility allowances to use

their mobility allowance to

lease a car, scooter, powered

wheelchair or Wheelchair

Accessible Vehicle. The

Scheme provides flexible and

hassle-free access to a brand

new, reliable vehicle of your

choice – giving you greater

freedom, everyday.

mobilitynews

14

Scooter and powered wheelchair

driving tips

Whether you’re driving a car

or a scooter, it’s important to

follow the rules of the road and

practice road safety. Here are

our top driving tips for scooter

and powered wheelchair

users.

Don’t forget the speed limit

Many Class 3 products

have a maximum speed of

8mph, however It’s important

to remember that you should

only travel at 8mph if you’re

travelling on the road. If you’re

travelling off-road, which

includes travelling on the

pavement, then the speed

limit is 4mph. 4mph may not

seem like much, but when

you compare it to the average

human walking speed, which

is only 3mph, it’s quite fast.

Driving at a reduced speed

off-road ensures you have

control of your product and

reduces risks of any accidents,

to yourself and pedestrians.

Some scooters even have an

option to set the maximum

speed to ensure you don’t

accidentally drive too fast,

your dealer should be able to

advise if your product has this

capability.

Watch out for kerbs

When you chose your

scooter or powered

wheelchair, your dealer should

have explained the maximum

kerb height that your product

can climb. You should always

be careful, and reduce your

speed, when mounting or

dismounting pavements and

kerbs, and if you have the

option, use dropped kerbs

where possible.

If you don’t know the kerb

height which your product

can climb or descend, then

please ask your dealer or refer

to the manufacturer’s manual

supplied with your scooter.

Driving on the road

If you have a Class 3

product, and would like to

drive it on the roads, then

make sure that you follow the

rules of the road, and adhere

to the scooter highway code:

• Only Class 3 scooters which

have been fitted with front

and rear lights, indicators

and a horn are permitted on

the road.

• Scooters and powered

wheelchairs are not

permitted to drive in bus or

cycle lanes

• You must follow all road

signs, signals and traffic

lights

• Make sure you stay visible,

you could wear fluorescent

clothing to help with this

Don’t forget that breakdown

cover is included as part of

your worry-free lease. If your

scooter or powered wheelchair

breaks down while you are

out and about, or you have

an accident, then Motability

Assist are available to help 24

hours a day, 365 days a year.

Motability Assist can be

contacted on 0800 953 5000,

why not save the number

on your mobile phone, or

download the app, so you’re

prepared in advance?

mobilitynews

15

Volvo’s first all-electric car – the


The Volvo XC40 Recharge

Pure Electric – Volvo’s first allelectric

car – is now available

for UK customers to order.

The first of five fully electric

cars to be launched by the

Swedish company over the

next five years, the XC40

Recharge Pure Electric P8

is capable of travelling more

than 249 miles on a single

charge, and can be charged to

80% of its battery capacity in

as little as 40 minutes using a

fast charger. Being an electric

car, it will deliver significant

savings to owners in running

costs, as well as tax benefits.

Inside, the car benefits

from the company’s brandnew

infotainment system

powered by Google Android,

as well as taking the XC40’s

already renowned use of

interior space even further.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo

Car UK’s Managing Director,

said: “For Volvo Cars, the

future is electric. The batterypowered

XC40 spearheads

our ambitious sustainability

strategy, while bringing the

huge benefits of electric

driving – and more – to

an already award-winning

package.”

A milestone in one of the

automotive industry’s

boldest electrification

strategies

Volvo’s first entrant into

the compact premium

SUV segment when it was

launched in 2018, the XC40

mobilitynews

16

has seen unprecedented

success, winning a host of

prestigious awards – including

European Car of the Year in

2018 – and quickly becoming

the firm’s best-selling model

in the UK. The Recharge Pure

Electric variant comes at the

perfect time, with almost

three quarters of consumers

considering an all-electric car

for their next purchase1.

The XC40 Recharge

Pure Electric marks a major

milestone in Volvo Cars’

electrification strategy, which

is one of the boldest from

any traditional car maker. As

part of a long-term ambition

to be climate-neutral by 2040,

the company aims to reduce

tailpipe emissions by 50%

per car, and for half of all new

vehicles it sells globally to be

pure electric, by 2025.

The all-electric XC40 also

expands Volvo’s already

comprehensive range of

plug-in vehicles, now sold

under the Recharge brand,

with customers already able

to purchase a plug-in hybrid

version of every model in the

Volvo range.

While the recently launched

plug-in hybrid XC40 is ideal for

those making the transition

to electric driving – its 28-

mile electric range is backed

up by a petrol engine for

greater distances – the Pure

Electric is the perfect car

for those ready to commit

to all-electric motoring. The

average distance driven each

day by UK motorists is 30

miles2, so its 249-plus-mile

range more than covers most

people’s daily requirements

– especially if home or

workplace charging is installed

meaning a full charge at the

mobilitynews

17

start of each journey.

The XC40 P8’s long range

does not come at the expense

of performance, with its twin

electric motors producing

408hp to deliver a 0-62mph

time of only 4.9 seconds.

Interior design: making

clever even cleverer

While the XC40 already

follows the principle of doing

more with less, the Recharge

Pure Electric version takes

this even further. The lack

of an internal combustion

engine frees up space for

an additional 30-litre storage

compartment or ‘frunk’

under the front bonnet,

while the placement of the

batteries under the centre of

the car means space is not

compromised elsewhere.

As with any other XC40,

the battery-powered version

comes equipped with clever

interior touches such as

a removable waste bin, a

fold-out hook in the glove

compartment for bags, and a

useful boot divider complete

with hooks for keeping

shopping bags separate and

upright. A pair of sizeable front

door bins come courtesy of

the traditionally door-housed

speakers being moved to the

base of the windscreen.

The interior of the batterypowered

XC40 also carries

over the strong focus on

sustainability from other

variants, with the door linings

and carpets made from 97%

recycled plastic bottles.

Rethinking infotainment

The all-electric XC40

marks the debut of Volvo

Cars’ brand-new Androidpowered

infotainment

system, which gives

customers unprecedented

personalisation increased

intuitiveness and new

embedded Google

technologies and services.

Total integration of Android

Automotive OS, Google’s

open-source Android

platform, means services

such as Google Maps,

Google Assistant and other

automotive apps will be built

in.

For the first time on a Volvo

car, software and operating

system updates will be

available over the air, meaning

an XC40 Recharge Pure

Electric will improve over its

lifetime rather than being at

its peak on leaving the factory.

One of the safest cars on

the road

In spite of the challenges

presented by the lack of an

internal combustion engine,

the electric XC40 is one of

the safest cars on the market.

Volvo Cars’ safety engineers

have totally redeveloped

the frontal crash structure,

while introducing a new and

unique safety structure for

the passengers and battery –

helping to keep occupants as

safe as they are in any other

Volvo.

The XC40 Recharge Pure

Electric is also the first Volvo

to feature a new version

of Pilot Assist, the driverassistance

technology that

deploys steering, acceleration

and braking support to help

take the strain during long

motorway journeys and

sitting in traffic. The system

now uses Google Maps for

information such as speed

limits and curves in the road

to improve its functionality.

A new Emergency Stop

Assist function is now

included, meaning that if

the driver is not holding the

steering wheel while Pilot

Assist is activated, the driver

will be warned in different

stages until the vehicle is

brought to a safe stop.

Initially offered in R-Design

specification, the XC40

Recharge Pure Electric is

available from £53,155, with

UK deliveries expected to

start in early 2021.

mobilitynews

18

Assurance for

wherever life takes you

The Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual

from £899 Advance payment

Experience a car that’s designed to put you first - for less. With our

Motability Scheme offers, you can drive away our multi-award-winning

XC40 T3 FWD R-Deisgn Manual with an Advance payment of £899

Discover a comprehensive range of features

Intuitive 9-inch Touch Screen | Volvo On Call | Rear Park Assist

Voice activated control for key functions | Power Operated Tailgate

Euro NCAP five-star safety rating

Holden Volvo, Norwich | 01603 756655 | holdengroup.co.uk

Metallic Paint Included. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. DLA, PIP or AFIP holders: These prices are applicable for recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMS) of

the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component (ERMC) of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Armed Forces Independence Payment. WPMS Holders:

These payments are applicable for recipients of War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS). Advance Payment is the non-refundable amount payable up front to your Retailer in addition to your

weekly mobility allowance. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years. Offer available from 01/07/20 to 30/09/20 subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer not available with other Promotions

mobilitynews

19

and may be subject to change. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No.

1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB

New electrified Focus EcoBoost

Hybrid delivers 17 per cent better

fuel efficiency, new comfort and

connected tech

The enhanced Ford Focus

featuring a fuel efficient

EcoBoost Hybrid electrified

powertrain is now available to

order for customers across

Europe, Ford today announced.

Sophisticated 48-volt mild

hybrid technology enables the

new Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost

Hybrid to deliver 155 PS of

power alongside 116 g/km

CO2 emissions (WLTP) – a

17 per cent fuel efficiency

improvement compared

with the outgoing equivalent

combination of 150 PS 1.5-litre

EcoBoost petrol engine and

six-speed manual transmission

(NEDC).

In addition to the new

electrified powertrain option,

the enhanced Focus also

delivers a more premium

driver experience with a new

“true colour” 12.3-inch LCD

instrument cluster, and the

improved connectivity and

ownership experience enabled

by a standard FordPass

Connect modem – including

innovative Local Hazard

Information available later

this year.

A new Focus Zetec Edition

variant delivers standard

specification to benefit

business and private drivers

including a wireless charging

pad and navigation for the

SYNC 3 voice-activated

connectivity system with

8-inch touchscreen. Front and

Rear parking sensors and

Powerfold mirrors are also

fitted as standard.

Focus also continues to

be offered in stylish Focus

Titanium Edition, SUV-inspired

Focus Active Edition crossover,

sporty Focus ST-Line Edition

and luxurious Focus Vignale

Edition specifications, in fivedoor

and wagon depending

on variant. EcoBoost Hybrid

powertrains are available

across the range.

“Our electrified powertrains

are designed not just to save

drivers money on fuel, but

also to boost the fun-to-drive

character of our vehicles,”

said Roelant de Waard, vice

president, Marketing, Sales

& Service, Ford of Europe.

“The Focus EcoBoost Hybrid

seamlessly integrates electric

and petrol power for efficiency

and performance that would

have seemed the stuff of

dreams just a few years ago.”

Focus join Ford’s Puma,

Kuga, and Fiesta passenger

cars as well as Ford Transit and

Transit Custom commercial

vehicles in offering mild hybrid

technology for enhanced fuel

efficiency. Ford is committed to

offering an electrified version

of every passenger vehicle

it brings to market in Europe

and will grow its range of

electrified vehicles in Europe

to 18 on sale before the end

of 2021, including mild hybrid,

full hybrid, plug-in hybrid and

battery electric vehicles.

EcoBoost Hybrid efficiency

The 155 PS 1.0-litre

EcoBoost Hybrid Focus

delivers more than twice the

power density of a 145 PS

2.0-litre petrol engine available

for Focus just 10 years ago.

Also available in 125 PS

power output, Focus EcoBoost

Hybrid models replace the

1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol

engine’s standard alternator

with a belt-driven integrated

starter/generator (BISG),

enabling recovery of energy

usually lost during braking and

coasting to charge a 48-volt

lithium-ion air-cooled battery

pack.

Locating the 48-volt battery

beneath the front passenger

seats has allowed the mild

hybrid powertrain to be

integrated with no loss of

cargo or passenger space for

Focus customers.

The BISG also acts as a

mobilitynews

20

Fiesta

Ford

ST-Line

£245

Advance Payment

ADVANCE

PAYMENT £45

EcoSport

Ford

ST-Line

on

all

ADVANCE

PAYMENT £45

Focus

Ford

ST-Line

ADVANCE

PAYMENT £295

FORD PUMA HYBRID

FORD PUMA HYBRID

From

£100 CASHBACK

Motability Orders

rom

From

From

mobilitynews

21

www.saltmarine.com

To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners Mobility

Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) applications must be made and cars registered before 30/09/20.

motor, integrating with the

engine and using the stored

energy to provide torque

assistance during normal

driving and acceleration, as

well as running the vehicle’s

electrical ancillaries.

The intelligent, selfregulating

mild-hybrid system

continuously monitors how

the vehicle is being used to

determine when and how

intensively to charge the

battery for optimal benefit,

and when to utilise the stored

battery charge using one of

two strategies:

• Torque substitution, which

deploys the electric motor

functionality of the BISG

to provide up to 24 Nm

of torque – reducing the

amount of work required

from the petrol engine

and contributing to CO2

emissions from 116 g/km

(WLTP) and fuel efficiency

from 51.4 mpg (WLTP).

• Torque supplementation,

which deploys the electric

motor functionality of the

BISG to increase the total

torque available from the

powertrain by up to 20 Nm

above the level available

from the petrol engine alone

at full load – and deliver up

to 50 per cent more torque

at lower rpm – for optimised

performance

The BISG also has enabled

Ford engineers to lower the

1.0-litre EcoBoost engine’s

compression ratio and add a

larger turbocharger for more

power, by mitigating turbo-lag

using torque supplementation

that also rotates the engine

faster for maintained

turbocharger boost response.

The more powerful BISG

enables the Focus EcoBoost

Hybrid’s Auto Start-Stop

technology to operate in a

wider range of scenarios for

even greater fuel savings. Able

to restart the engine in just

350 milliseconds, Stop-in-Gear

functionality can switch off

the engine when coasting to

a stop even when the vehicle

is in gear with the clutch

pedal depressed, and can be

adjusted to activate from 9

mph, 12 mph, or 16 mph.

In addition, Focus EcoBoost

Hybrid powertrains feature

the fuel-saving cylinder

deactivation technology

that continues to support

the available Focus 1.0-litre

EcoBoost.

Cylinder deactivation further

enhances fuel efficiency by

automatically switching off

one of the cylinders when full

capacity is not needed, such as

when coasting or cruising with

light demand on the engine.

The system can disengage

or re-engage one cylinder

in 14 milliseconds with no

compromise in performance or

refinement.

Customers can also

continue to choose from

1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre

EcoBlue diesel engines,

with advanced eight-speed

automatic and six-speed

manual transmissions available.

Easier to stay focused and

connected

New technologies including

a 12.3-inch digital instrument

cluster and, coming later this

year, Local Hazard Information

make the enhanced Focus

easier to drive than ever.

The fully configurable

LCD cluster uses 24-bit

“true colour” technology

to generate detailed, high

definition, more intuitive

images and icons in the full

colour spectrum, making them

brighter, less tiring on the

eyes and easier to read. The

cluster also allows drivers to

prioritise the information on

display according to personal

preference.

The 12.3-inch digital

instrument cluster for the

Focus EcoBoost Hybrid also

features a unique theme and

clear graphics to keep the

driver informed about their

electrical energy usage. Drivers

can see how much electrical

power has been generated

by the mild-hybrid system,

and track whether energy is

currently being returned to the

battery or deployed to assist

fuel efficiency or performance.

Crafted using free-form

technology originally developed

for optical lens manufacturing,

the screen’s curved upper

edges are sculpted for

seamless interior design, while

circuitry embedded across the

entire surface of the display

enabled designers to mould

the screen into shapes beyond

the traditional rectangular

design.

A standard FordPass

Connect modem will allow

Focus drivers to benefit

from available Local Hazard

Information notifications for the

first time. The technology can

inform drivers of a hazardous

situation on the road ahead,

even if the incident is not

mobilitynews

22

visible due to a bend in the

road or other vehicles.

Local Hazard Information

notifications are delivered

independent of sat-nav –

sourced from local authorities,

emergency services, and

driving data from other vehicles

connected to “the cloud”.

Notifications of hazards

including road works; broken

down vehicles; animals,

pedestrians and objects in

the carriageway; and even

hazardous driving conditions

are delivered to the vehicle

over-the-air, giving drivers

advanced warning of

developing situations beyond

their field of vision.

“What makes Local Hazard

Information different is that it

is the cars that are connected

– via the Internet of Things.

There is no reliance on third

party apps,” said Joerg Beyer,

executive director, Engineering,

Ford of Europe. “This is a

significant step forward.

Warnings are specific, relevant

and tailored to try to help

improve your specific journey.”

FordPass Connect also

allows customers to remotely

control a selection of vehicle

features from any location

via their smartphone and the

FordPass app. In addition to

helping drivers plan faster, less

stressful journeys with Live

Traffic updates for the available

navigation system, customers

can operate Door Lock/Unlock,

Remote Start for Focus models

with eight-speed automatic

transmission, Vehicle Locator,

and Vehicle Status for checking

fuel level, alarm status, tyre

pressures, oil life and more.

Distinctive personalities.

Innovative technologies

The Focus line-up continues

to offer distinctive personalities

that reflect individual customer

preferences.

The new Focus Zetec variant

is offered with an advanced

suite of standard technologies

designed to give drivers

confidence behind the wheel

and help them to stay focused

while on the move, including a

wireless charging pad, SYNC 3

with navigation, front and rear

parking sensors.

Focus ST-Line Edition and

Focus Active Edition are now

offered with additional standard

equipment, auto-dimming

rear-view mirror, rain-sensing

wipers and keyless entry.

Advanced available driver

assistance technologies

include Adaptive Cruise Control

with Stop & Go, Speed Sign

Recognition and Lane Centring

for effortlessly negotiating

stop-start traffic, and Active

Park Assist 2 that operates

gear selection, acceleration

and braking to enable fully

automated manoeuvres simply

by holding down a button.

Pre-Collision Assist with Active

Braking is standard – helping

drivers avoid or mitigate the

effects of collisions with

vehicles, pedestrians and

cyclists.

mobilitynews

23

Hyundai announces i10 N Line

Hyundai Motor UK has

announced the pricing and

specification of the i10 N Line,

the latest addition to Hyundai’s

multi award winning city car

range, which goes on sale on

the 30th July.

Along with Hyundai’s other

N Line models, the i10 N

Line introduces a number of

external and internal design

features influenced by the

lauded i30 N, as well as chassis

enhancements specific to

the model. i10 N Line also

introduces the 1.0 T-GDi petrol

engine, offering 100PS and

172Nm of torque from only

1500rpm.

N Line styling changes

over the rest of the i10 range

include exterior features such

as a bespoke N Line front grille

with integrated LED daytime

running lamps, unique design

N Line 16” alloys, N Line

badging to the front wings,

dual chrome exhaust tips, rear

LED combination lamps and

red stripe finishing to the front

and rear bumpers. Interior

design features include N

branded steering wheel and

gear stick, N Line cloth seats

with red stitching, rear privacy

glass, black roof liner and red

air vent details.

As well as styling, i10 N

Line also introduces a number

of powertrain and chassis

changes over the standard

model. These include the

introduction of the 3 cylinder

1.0 T-GDi petrol engine with

100PS and 172Nm of torque,

giving a 0-62 time of 10.5

seconds and a 115mph top

speed. Chassis changes for i10

N Line include an increased

spring rate, longer rear bump

stops and new rear shock

absorbers with enhanced

compression control.

Whilst i10 N Line features

different styling features, the

model still follows the rest of

the i10 range with a high level

of standard connectivity in the

form of standard Bluetooth ®

with steering wheel controls

and voice recognition and

an 8” display audio system

with subscription free Apple

CarPlay and Android Auto .

An optional Tech Pack adds

both navigation and Hyundai’s

Bluelink ® telematics system

which carries a free of charge

5 year subscription. Bluelink ®

is a smartphone app based

connected car service that

enables drivers to carry out a

number of different functions

whilst away from their vehicle,

including remote central locking

activation and vehicle parked

location information. In addition

to the driver convenience

features, Bluelink ® serves as

a convenient diagnostic tool

which will notify the driver

of any vehicle maintenance

issues that require attention.

In addition to the above,

the optional Tech Pack also

offers wireless charging for

compatible devices.

i10 N Line also includes

the same comprehensive

SmartSense safety package

found as standard across the

i10 range. The SmartSense

safety package includes Lane

Departure Warning System

with Lane Keep Assist (LKAS),

Driver Attention Warning

(DAW), High Beam Assist

(HBA) and Forward Collision

Warning System (FCWS)

with integrated Autonomous

Emergency Braking (AEB), and

eCall, which can automatically

dial emergency services in the

event of a serious accident,

shortening response times

and improving post-accident

protection. Customers

choosing the optional Tech Pack

also benefit from Intelligent

Speed Limit Warning (ISLW).

mobilitynews

24

SATISFACTION AT

SALTMARINE

from

Hyundai Tucson Range

£nil

Advance

Payment

Exchange your Higher Rate

DLA or PIP for a new car.

Hyundai KONA

Hyundai IONIQ

Premium Hybrid

Automatic

Hyundai IONIQ

Premium Electric

Automatic

From

£NIL £299 £1,099

ADVANCE

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Hybrid Automatic

ADVANCE

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mobilitynews

25

To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners Mobility

Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) applications must be made and cars registered before 30/09/20.

Automatic cars with Nil

Advance Payment

Many Motability Scheme

customers really appreciate

the simplicity and convenience

Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI SE

of automatic cars. Instead of

a clutch pedal and gearstick,

drivers simply move the

automatic lever into ‘D’, press

the accelerator, and they’re

away. It is an effortless,

relaxing and smooth way of

driving.

Automatic cars are usually

more expensive than regular

manual models though.

This can push up Advance

Payments and put them out

of reach for some motorists

– but here, we’re going to

prove that’s not always the

case. Every automatic here

is available for no Advance

Payment (July-September

2020) – and we’ve made

sure there’s something for

everyone.

mobilitynews

26

Skoda Kamiq

1.0 TSI SE

What sort of car is it?

The Kamiq is Skoda’s

smallest crossover-style

SUV, sitting below the Karoq

and seven-seat Kodiaq (and

carrying the same confident

design cues). Nevertheless,

it is a roomy and practical car,

one that’s great for growing

families, or simply those who

occasionally need a big boot

and ample rear-seat space.

Why is it so popular?

Skoda is well known for

its robust, cleanly-designed,

super-functional cars.

The Kamiq lives up to this

reputation with a simple, well

laid out dashboard, excellent

driving position and great

visibility. We love the Skoda

‘Simply Clever’ features, from

an ice scraper in the fuel filler

flap to an ingenious ‘easy

open’ cup holder in the centre

console.

The punchy turbo petrol

engine is super-smooth and

quiet, and you can barely feel

the DSG automatic changing

gear. The Kamiq has a smooth

ride in town, is stable at

speed and, overall, is a really

able small SUV that’s easy to

manage in town, yet more

than able to take on a long

journey.

Vauxhall Crossland X

1.2T 130 Elite


The Vauxhall Crossland X

is the smaller SUV sibling to

the family-focused Vauxhall

Grandland X. The range is

based around an efficient

choice of engines, with

the 1.2-litre turbo being the

most impressive. With 130

horsepower, it responds

confidently to the accelerator

and the automatic gearbox is

fuss-free.


The Crossland X is a smart

car with an understated,

upmarket appearance. It’s not

too big or cumbersome in

terms of dimensions, making

it easy to drive in town. With

a high seating position and

good visibility, it feels confident

behind the wheel.

The boot is excellent, with

an ample 410-litre capacity

that’s bigger than some family

hatchbacks. It’s easy to use, as

the load sill is flat and the boot

opening is low. Elite trim also

brings a good haul of standard

equipment, including climate

control, ambient LED lighting

to make the interior welcoming

at night, plus the convenience

of rear parking sensors,

Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2T 130 Elite

mobilitynews

27

Kia Niro Hybrid 2

automatic headlights and rainsensing

wipers.

Kia Niro Hybrid 2


The Niro crossover is Kia’s

electrified range of cars –

choose from either hybrid,

plug-in hybrid, or fully electric

(the e-Niro). Here, we’re

looking at the regular hybrid

which, despite being a familysized

car with a spacious

interior, is available on the

Motability Scheme for no

Advance Payment.


Under the bonnet, the Niro

links a petrol engine with

an electric motor, plus a set

of self-charging batteries,

You don’t have to plug it in:

the batteries are charged up

automatically when you brake.

It allows a small degree of

low-speed pure electric driving,

the engine kicking in by its own

when required.

Drivers like it because it’s

so convenient. They don’t need

to worry about plugging it in,

yet still benefit from much

greater miles per gallon than a

regular car (particularly in urban

motoring), and the refinement

of low-speed EV driving. The

Niro also has a very spacious

interior, with plenty of space

front and rear, a big boot, a

good level of equipment and

a high-quality feel throughout.

The commanding seating

position is appealing, too.

MG ZS 1.0T Exclusive

MG ZS 1.0T Exclusive


The ZS is currently MG’s

most popular car in the UK. It

is a crossover SUV that has

recently been facelifted: it has

a smarter, smoother front end

and an improved touchscreen

system inside that pairs up

more easily with mobile

phones.


The responsive 1.0-litre

turbo engine in the ZS sounds

on the small side, but it

performs well in practice. It is

smooth and refined, and the

automatic gearbox helps make

it feel alert and nippy.

The ZS is a roomy car,

given its relatively compact

dimensions. The driving

position is good, and MG has

created a decent amount of

rear seat space. Drivers like the

contemporary styling, which

is even fresher for 2020, and

the high-up seating position

feels nice and safe. The car

mobilitynews

28

Smart Fortwo EQ Electric Pulse Premium

also comes as standard with a

good amount of equipment in

upmarket Exclusive trim.

Smart Fortwo

EQ Electric Pulse

Premium


The Smart Fortwo EQ is a

fully electric car – and one of

the most cost-effective ways

to make the switch from a

regular petrol or diesel into an

emissions-free EV. As with a

regular two-pedal automatic,

there’s no gearchanging

involved, making it really easy

to drive. The safe and stylish

Smart even comes with a

home charging point or access

to a network of charging

points, so you have everything

you need to start motoring

electric.


The Smart Fortwo is a car

perfect for the city. It is just 2.7

metres long (that’s less than

nine feet!), yet has two roomy

seats that are positioned

high up for a great view

out and safe, commanding

feel. It comes with plenty of

gadgets handed down from

parent company Mercedes-

Benz, while the electric drive

is really straightforward and

surprisingly punchy.

It has a driving range of

around 70 miles on a full

battery charge, perfect for

zero-emissions city use – and,

remember, it can be charged

on your driveway, so you never

need to visit a petrol station.

Plug it in each night and it will

always have a full range at the

start of the day.

What’s more, not only is

the Smart available for zero

Advance Payment, it also costs

less than your full allowance

with a weekly rental of less

than £60. For a car that will

cost pennies to run on electric

instead of petrol, it’s a really

tempting future-proof car

indeed.

mobilitynews

29

Volvo On Call Smartphone app now

gives plug-in drivers insight into

electric driving patterns

Call it a step counter for

electrified cars: drivers of Volvo

plug-in-hybrid cars can now gain

new insights into their electric

driving patterns, as Volvo Cars

introduces a range of new

features on its Volvo On Call

smartphone app in all Volvo On

Call markets.

With the additional

functionalities, Volvo Cars aims

to further encourage drivers of

Volvo plug-in hybrids to charge

and drive fully electric as much

as possible, and more generally

boost interest in the benefits

of electric cars and sustainable

mobility.

The new and improved

Volvo On Call app allows drivers

to see how much distance

they have driven in fully

electric mode, along with their

electricity and fuel consumption,

among other metrics. Later this

year the service will also give

drivers the possibility to see the

impact of their driving on their

CO2 footprint, as well as the

estimated fuel costs saved by

driving in fully electric mode.

“We want the Volvo On Call

app to make life easier for you

as a user and create a more

personal experience,” said

Ödgärd Andersson, Chief Digital

Officer at Volvo Cars. “As the car

becomes ever more connected,

the potential of the app

increases and we intend over

time for it to be as much a part

of the Volvo as the car itself.”

For applicable Volvo Recharge

models, bought during the

offer period, the platform will

also inform drivers on the

status of the electricity refund

launched last year. Recharge

is the overarching name for

all chargeable Volvos with a

fully electric or plug-in hybrid

powertrain.

The new Volvo On Call

functionalities are available for

all Volvo plug-in-hybrid models

built on the SPA and CMA

platforms sold after 2015, in the

47 countries around the globe

where Volvo On Call operates. In

China, similar functionalities will

be integrated into the popular

WeChat platform.

“Just like a step counter

helps people exercise more, I

believe that by giving people

better insight into their driving

patterns, it will help them to

drive in a more sustainable

way,” said Björn Annwall, Head

of EMEA at Volvo Cars. “We

see plug-in hybrids as ‘part-time

electric cars’ that encourage

changes in people’s behaviour

and help pave the way for a

transition towards fully electric

cars.”

Volvo Cars was the first

established car maker to

commit to all-out electrification

and a long-term future

beyond the traditional internal

combustion engine. It is already

now a market leader in plug-in

hybrid sales, which comprise

almost 25 per cent of the

company’s total sales in Europe.

Over the next five years,

Volvo Cars will launch a range

of fully electric cars, in line with

its ambition to make all-electric

cars 50 per cent of global sales

by 2025, with the rest hybrids.

Its first fully electric car, the

XC40 Recharge P8, will go into

production later this year in

Ghent, Belgium.

Every Volvo model in the

current range includes a

Recharge option, from the small

XC40 SUV through the 60 series

cars to the company’s flagship,

the large XC90 SUV. Volvo Cars

is the only car maker to offer a

plug-in variant of every model in

its line-up.

The updates to Volvo On

Call announced today were

informed by customer feedback,

and Volvo Cars will continue

to develop the platform going

forward, designing the service

around customers.

mobilitynews

30

volvo cars Havant

AU

FROM £899 ADVANCE PAYMENT

ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME


STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE

9” Touchscreen, Voice Activated Control, Satellite Navigation, High Performance

Sound Audio System, 18” Alloy Wheels, Keyless Start, Cruise Control, Rear Park

Assist and a range of connected features through the Volvo on Call app.

Other variants are also available on Motability.

COME AND SPEAK TO OUR MOTABILITY SPECIALISTS TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK A TEST DRIVE

Volvo Cars Havant

Cambridge Garage, 23 Bedhampton Road, Bedhampton, Havant PO9 3ES

or visit www.volvocars.com/uk/find-a-dealer/retailers/havant

Fuel consumption and CO 2 * figures for the MY20 Volvo XC40 T3 Manual, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Combined 37.2 (7.6) – 41.5 (6.8).

NEDC CO 2 emissions 142g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life

driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel

consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Preliminary data. Please contact

your retailer for latest information.

*Advance Payment of £899 is for the Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual. Metallic Paint is included free of charge. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. To be eligible to

join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence

Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mile allowance

over three years; excess mileage charges may apply. Offer available from 01/07/2020 to 30/09/2020 subject to availability at participating retailers. Offer not available with other promotions and

may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company

No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB

mobilitynews

31

Niro family does the triple in

Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50

The versatile Niro family

has won three awards in the

Diesel Car & Eco Car Top 50,

taking home Best Hybrid,

Best Plug-in Hybrid and Best

Medium Electric Car. It also

came in at position 23 on the

list of the Top 50 new cars.

The Niro is available

with three alternative fuel

powertrains; hybrid, plug-in

hybrid or fully electric. The first

model of the Niro family, the

Niro HEV is capable of fuel

economy of up to 58.9mpg.

With the ability of travelling up

to 36 miles on battery power

alone, the Niro PHEV delivers

low-cost, high-efficiency

motoring in a stylish crossover

package. The award winning

fully electric e-Niro now

comes in a three grade lineup

offers up to 282 miles and

three-phase charging.

Ian Robertson, DieselCar

& EcoCar Editor commented

on the Niro’s wins: “For

anyone who thinks alternative

fuel cars like the Prius and

Leaf look too quirky, the Niro

makes a great alternative

thanks to its on-trend SUV

styling. Hidden under its

bodywork are hybrid, plugin

hybrid or all-electric

powertrains, and each of

them are best of the breed.

A mid-life update earlier this

year brought modest tweaks

to the exterior, together with

a significant uplift in quality

inside the cabin. We love

the Niro for its roominess,

its affordability and high

equipment levels, not to

mention the comprehensive

seven-year warranty.”

Elsewhere on the list, the

popular Sportage placed at

number 14 and was Kia’s

highest ranking model in the

Top 50. The Sportage was

praised for its equipment,

pricing and engines. The

Ceed was at number 22 for

its stylish design, long list of

standard kit and low running

costs, while the ProCeed was

applauded for it striking design

and boot capacity, coming in

at number 32.

Paul Philpott, President and

CEO of Kia Motors UK) Ltd.

commented: “Having such

a diverse product range to

suit all our customer needs is

and asset we and our dealer

network partners thoroughly

enjoy. It’s particularly humbling

when our products are

recognised by high profile UK

awards and seeing so many

of our products ranked highly

in the Diesel Car and Eco Car

Top 50 again in 2020 is a true

testament to the popularity

and quality of our vehicles.”

mobilitynews

32

mobilitynews

33

Your annual WAV check explored

One of the benefits of

leasing through the Motability

Scheme is knowing that

your vehicle is maintained to

ensure it is kept as reliable

as possible throughout your

lease. For our Wheelchair

Accessible Vehicle (WAV)

customers this reliability is

not only required from the

engine and driving aspects of

the vehicle, but it’s also critical

that any conversion items

that allow the wheelchair user

access to the vehicle are kept

in reliable working condition

as well.

That’s why we offer an

annual check for all the

conversion aspects of the

WAV to ensure all the working

parts on your WAV are kept

maintained, minimising the

chance of things going wrong.

How does it work?

While some car

manufacturers only require

the engine, brakes and

other items to be checked

at certain mileage points,

your conversion items will be

checked every 12 months.

Your WAV supplier will

contact you about a month

before the anniversary of

when you took delivery

of your WAV to arrange a

convenient time to visit and

carry out the service. The cost

of the annual check and any

repairs needed due to general

wear and tear is included in

the cost of your lease, so it

really is worth ensuring that

you have the annual service

every year without fail.

On the day of the annual

check, your supplier will come

to your home and check

all the conversion items,

including the ramp or lift and

its operating mechanism,

your wheelchair tie-downs,

winch, if fitted, and any other

parts that allow you to access

your vehicle.

If the service of your base

vehicle, as required by your

manufacturer, is needed at

the same time, some WAV

suppliers may also be happy

to take care of arranging this

on your behalf. Speak to your

converter if this is something

that you would prefer they

take care of for you.

What happens if I need

a repair?

If the supplier identifies

that some of the conversion

items need to be maintained,

where possible, and if they

have the parts with them,

they will take care of the

repair then and there. If

they need to order in parts,

your supplier will arrange a

convenient day with you to

carry out the work. Where

possible any maintenance

work will be carried out at

your home, if this is not

possible they will arrange for

your WAV to be collected and

the work carried out at their

workshop. Your WAV supplier

may be able to provide you

with a temporary courtesy

vehicle whilst your repair is

being completed. If however

your repair will take longer

than 48 hours and you require

a vehicle to make essential

journeys we will support your

continuous mobility. This

could either be through the

use of accessible taxis or

where possible, and suitable,

we will supply an adapted

hire vehicle.

mobilitynews

34

Callum’s story: “The Motability

Scheme has impacted all of us”

16-year-old Callum is a

wheelchair racer and has been

on the Motability Scheme

since 2008. He lives with his

parents and two brothers,

Ewan and Jamie, in Fife,

Scotland.

When it came to choosing a

car there was a lot to consider;

with three growing boys, and

all of Callum’s equipment, the

family needed a car with plenty

of space. Before settling on

a SEAT Alhambra, the family

went on a test drive and took

Callum’s racing wheelchair

with them to ensure that it

would fit in the boot; in fact,

they even used their Scheme

car to drive to Callum’s first

wheelchair race in London!

Gail explains how the

Motability Scheme has

positively benefited the whole

family:

“The Motability Scheme

has impacted all of us. It

allows us to have a car that

suits Callum’s needs and the

family’s needs… we have a

car that’s reliable, it’s safe, if

anything happens they [the

Scheme] look after you, they

sort the servicing… there are

a lot of things you have to

manage when you have a child

with a disability, but this is one

less thing to worry about.”

Now, Callum is just starting

to learn how to drive; so, the

family are looking at new cars

to find a vehicle that would

best suit Callum. Callum

has a spinal cord injury, and

is paralysed from the chest

down, so when considering

his new Scheme car, he’ll also

have to consider adaptations

that will allow him to drive

without using his legs. Gail

can’t wait for Callum to start

driving: ‘The freedom, the

independence it’ll give him, it’ll

make such a difference…it can

be isolating to have a disability

but having his own car will

make a huge difference to his

live’

Callum shares his mum’s

enthusiasm and says that

once he gets his license he

plans to drive to Edinburgh

with his friends: ‘I’m definitely

looking forward to driving and

my parents not having to take

me everywhere; I can just go

myself, which will be good!’

About the Motability

Scheme


helps you to get mobile by

exchanging your mobility

allowance to lease a new car,

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle,

scooter or powered wheelchair,

all of which come with our fully

inclusive lease package, so you

can get on the road and enjoy

everyday freedom: it’s simple,

affordable, reliable.

If you’d like to find out more

about the Scheme, request

an information pack below

and we’ll send you all the

information that you need to

make the right choice.

mobilitynews

35

Volvo Cars takes steps to help keep

its UK customers safe

Volvo Car UK is supporting

its customers during the

coronavirus pandemic with

actions to improve its online

buying experience for new

and used cars, prolong

service intervals to delay nonessential

work, and apply social

distancing measures that

protect those with urgent repair

and maintenance needs.

Already one of the most

comprehensive offered by any

car manufacturer in the UK,

Volvo’s online sales service now

incorporates a live chat function

for an even more personalised

and convenient experience.

Designed from the outset

with flexibility, security and

convenience in mind, the

platform now offers customers

a complete way of buying a

new car from the safety of their

own home. Customers can

now opt for contactless home

delivery of their new car, in line

with government guidelines.

Meanwhile, Volvo continues

to keep its customers,

including essential workers and

emergency services moving

during the crisis through its

service and repair outlets, while

it also minimises unnecessary

retailer visits for those staying

at home by extending servicing

timelines. Strict hygiene and

social distancing policies are in

place throughout the company’s

network.

Kristian Elvefors, Managing

Director, Volvo Car UK, said: “At

Volvo, everything we do starts

with safety. While we are here

for all of our customers and

their varying requirements –

whether buying a car online or

keeping their existing vehicle

running – we want to reassure

them that they can interact with

us safely at every step.”

Online sales: flexible,

convenient and safe

For those buying a car

online, flexibility is at the core

of the service: customers can

configure their car of choice

from the entire Volvo range,

from powertrain and equipment

to colours and accessories.

With their choice made,

customers can select their

preferred payment option. Most

payment types are available,

including personal contract

purchase (PCP), conditional sale

and cash purchase.

Customers can even partexchange

their old vehicle, apply

for finance and finally sign their

agreement via e-signature. It’s

quick, too: the whole process

can take as little as 20 minutes.

But while the process

removes the need to visit a

physical retail outlet, customers

can still be assured of support

where they need it, as their

retailer will guide them through

each step to help them find the

best package for them. The new

live chat function means even

more support on hand for those

who need it.

Used car buyers can

also benefit from a safer,

streamlined experience, with

the Volvo Selekt approved used

car scheme now including an

electronic finance signature

option for the first time1.

Keeping the essential

workforce moving and

ensuring safety for all

While many people are

rightly staying at home, for

others including the emergency

services and key workers,

their car is a lifeline during the

pandemic. Many Volvo retailer

workshops remain open to

ensure these vehicles are kept

safe and running.

For those who don’t need

to drive during the lockdown

period, Volvo is helping them

avoid any unnecessary trips

to their retailer with a threemonth

extension to servicing

time limits. The same extension

has also been applied to new

car warranties2 and roadside

assistance packages.

All servicing, maintenance

and deliveries will be carried out

using stringent social distancing

and hygiene measures, and in

line with government advice as

far as possible. This includes the

application of covers to steering

wheels, gearlevers and seats,

with keys handed over in sealed

bags. First-time deliveries will

include a brief video handover,

with a detailed digital guide

sent afterwards.

mobilitynews

36

HSF GROUP

From £899 advance payment

on the Motability Scheme


STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE

9” Touchscreen, Voice Activated Control, Satellite Navigation, High Performance

Sound Audio System, 18” Alloy Wheels, Keyless Start, Cruise Control, Rear Park

Assist and a range of connected features through the Volvo on Call app.

Other variants are also available on Motability.

COME AND SPEAK TO OUR MOTABILITY SPECIALISTS

TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK A TEST DRIVE

Parkside

306 Court Road,

Orpingto, Kent, BR6 9DA

01689 878000

Volvo Cars Tonbridge

Vale Rise, Tonbridge

Kent, TN9 1TB

01732 832424

Squire Furneaux Guildford

Guildford Road, Pirbright,

Guildford, Surrey, GU24 0DA

01483 485900

Squire Furneaux Leatherhead

7 Barnett Wood Lane,

Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7DL

01372 371900

Fuel consumption and CO₂ figures for the MY21 Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP

Combined 37.2 (7.6) - 40.4 (7.0). WLTP CO₂ emissions 173 - 158g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO₂ figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving

results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

*Advance Payment of £899 is for the Volvo XC40 T3 FWD R-Design Manual. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you

must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’

Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over three

years; excess mileage charges may apply. Offer available from 01/07/2020 to 30/09/2020 subject to availability. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change.

For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876),

mobilitynews

37

www.hsfgroup.co.uk

City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

Is a diesel vehicle right for you?

There’s a lot of things to

consider when choosing your

next car. Accessibility, vehicle

size and number of seats

are popular deciding factors;

however, it’s also important

to think about which fuel type

would be most suitable for

your needs.

Currently, around 30% of

Motability Scheme customers

select a diesel car. However,

in the last few years, diesel

vehicles have had a lot of

bad publicity, this is largely

attributed to societies’ growing

concerns with environmental

issues and diesel’s reputation

for being a pollutant. With

the introduction of clean air

zones across the country,

including London’s Ultra Low

Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the

forthcoming Clean Air Zone

(CAZ) in Birmingham, many

Motability Scheme customers

are worried about choosing

a diesel car. In this article

we explain what to consider

if you’re thinking of a diesel

vehicle and dispel some of the

misconceptions.

Euro 6 emissions

Drivers must pay a charge

when driving within the ULEZ

zone if their vehicle doesn’t

meet the emission standards.

Currently there’s a compulsory

charge of £12.50 for most

diesel vehicles entering central

London, and forthcoming clean

air zones are likely to follow

suit. Understandably those

whose undertake a lot of city

driving, and are likely to drive

through these zones, may then

be reluctant to opt for a diesel

vehicle.

However, since September

2015, manufacturers have

been obliged to ensure that

new car emissions do not

exceed Euro 6 emission

standards. Scheme customers

get a new vehicle every three

years, or every five if they

have a Wheelchair Accessible

Vehicle (WAV). Because of this,

almost all Motability Scheme

vehicles are compliant with

Euro 6 emissions standards,

so they’re the cleanest diesel

vehicles available on the

market.

Vehicles which are Euro 6

compliant are exempt from

ULEZ and CAZ charges. This

means that you won’t be

charged to drive your Scheme

vehicle in these zones. In

addition, TFL have confirmed

that non Euro 6 vehicles

registered with ‘disabled’ tax

class will benefit from a grace

period and will be exempt

from the ULEZ charge until 26

October 2025.

mobilitynews

38

Diesel Particulate Filters

So, the introduction of

clean air zones shouldn’t

pose problems for Scheme

customers. However, those

with diesel vehicles still may

need to avoid driving solely in

urban areas; this is because

of Diesel Particulate Filters

(DPFs).

DPFs catch bits of soot in

the exhaust and stop harmful

particulates being released. As

with any filter (think of the bag

in your hoover) they have to be

emptied regularly to maintain

performance. This process

is called ‘regeneration’ – the

accumulated soot is burnt

off at a high temperature to

leave only a tiny ash residue,

therefore reducing the number

of particulates emitted.

Regeneration is a process

controlled by the engine

management system in

your car, whereby a slightly

increased amount of fuel is

used to increase the exhaust

gas temperature. This typically

happens automatically during

continuous periods of driving

at higher speeds, 40mph or

above, and if there is more

than a quarter tank of fuel

in your car. If you mainly

carry out short or stop-start

journeys your vehicle may

not be reaching the required

temperature needed for

regeneration to take place,

and the DPF warning light on

your dashboard may become

illuminated. This does not

necessarily indicate a fault with

the vehicle – it is illuminated

to give the driver a warning

to adapt their driving style,

so regeneration can occur.

A single, longer journey can

be all that is required for the

DPF to regenerate. However,

if you continue to drive the

vehicle for an extended period

with the warning illuminated,

you risk causing irreparable

damage to the DPF leading

to a costly replacement.

Therefore, if you are

unsuccessful in regenerating

the DPF, it is important that you

seek help from your dealer.

Is a diesel vehicle right

for you?

Because of the regeneration

process, diesel cars tend to be

suited to high-mileage drivers

who regularly drive at speeds

over 40mph. So, if you mainly

drive-in built-up areas with low

speed limits, then a diesel may

not be the best vehicle for you

and you may want to consider

a petrol, or even an electric or

hybrid, vehicle instead.

When you’re looking for

your next car and deciding

between fuel types, make sure

you think about which engine

is most suitable for your driving

habits. Remember that if you

are at all unsure as to what’s

right for you, your local dealer

will be more than happy to

help and answer any questions

you may have.

mobilitynews

39

All-new Honda Jazz includes new

front centre airbag technology

Exemplifying Honda’s

commitment to occupant

safety, the all-new Jazz is the

first of the brand’s models in

Europe, and the first model in

its class to market, to feature

new front-centre airbag

technology as standard. The

newly introduced passive

safety feature is just one

element of a comprehensive

package of safety features and

driver aids for the all-new Jazz,

further reinforcing the car’s

reputation as one of Europe’s

safest.

New front-centre airbag

system

The new front centre airbag

is fitted within the back of the

driver’s seat and expands into

the space between driver and

passenger. This new airbag,

one of 10 in the new Jazz,

helps to avoid direct contact

and reduce impact between a

driver and a passenger in the

event of a side-on collision.

In order to ensure the airbag

is accurately placed to deliver

maximum protection during

deployment, the airbag uses

three attachment tethers which

guide the airbag around the

driver in a curve. To realise this

new feature, the engineering

team developed the airbag unit

to fit within the upper bolster

of the newly designed driver’s

seat.

The new front centre airbag

works in concert with two

other features in the event of a

side on collision. The seat belt

pre-tensioners for both driver

and passenger work to reduce

lateral occupant movement

and are further supported by

the centre armrest which has

increased in height. Overall the

impact of this new approach

can reduce injury to the

head by 85% for near-side

passenger and 98% for farside

passenger (Honda internal

testing).

Further improvements for

new Jazz include the rear

seat i-side Airbag System.

This unique double-structure

airbag, installed in the rear

seat pad, activates to protect

rear occupants from impacts

against the door and C-pillar in

the event of side-on collisions.

The airbag is also designed in

compact size in order not to

detract from the unique magic

seat function of Jazz.

These new advancements

in occupant safety come as

mobilitynews

40

The Honda Jazz Hybrid

Motability enables you to turn your mobility allowance into

a brand new Honda. Sounds like real magic.

Hybrid technology delivers seamless driving. Based on driver input,

our intelligent system will alternate between three modes for

optimal efficiency.

Discover a comprehensive range of features

7'' digital driver display | 9'' Honda CONNECT touchscreen | Parking Camera

Honda Personal Assistant | Wireless Apple CarPlay

Euro NCAP five-star safety rating & so much more!

Holden Honda, Norwich | 01603 664411 | holdengroup.co.uk

Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No.1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southward Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you

must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), The War

Pensions Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 01 July 2020 to 30 September

2020. Prices are correct at time of print. Models listed are subject to availability and may be removed during this period.

mobilitynews

41

Euro NCAP, the European

consumer protection

organisation for vehicle

safety, introduces new test

requirements in 2020 in

recognition of the severe

effects of side-on collisions.

The new assessments

will expand the scope of

investigations into side-on

collisions from the far-side.

“Occupant safety is of

the utmost importance for

our designers when we

develop a new car,” said

Takeki Tanaka, Large Project

Leader for Honda. “We

completely redesigned the

latest generation Jazz from the

ground up, which meant that

we were able to incorporate

new advanced structural

technologies and the latest

passive safety features to

provide exceptional protection

from all kinds of accidents.

With the addition of an

upgraded suite of advanced

safety features and driver aids

as standard, we are confident

that the all-new Jazz remains

one of the safest cars in its

class.”

In addition to the new frontcentre

airbag, an SRS airbag

system in front of the driver’s

knee reduces impact on the

lower limbs and contributes to

the improvement of occupant

protection performance for the

head and chest by supressing

forward movement of the

entire body.

Passive safety engineered

into vehicle structure

The all-new Jazz

incorporates Honda’s

proprietary Advanced

Compatibility Engineering

(ACE) body structure

technology that forms the

foundation for excellent

passive safety performance,

enhancing occupant crash

protection.

A network of connected

structural elements distributes

crash energy more evenly

throughout the front of the

vehicle, reducing the forces

transferred to the passenger

compartment. ACE not

only protects the car and its

passengers by dispersing the

collision energy throughout

the body structure, but it also

reduces the collision energy

against the other vehicle

too. Its safety performance

helps protect occupants from

collisions with large and small

vehicles alike.

Enhanced active safety

technologies as standard

The passive safety

features on the new Jazz are

complemented by the Honda

SENSING suite of active safety

and driver assist technologies

which have been enhanced for

the latest model. A new wider

angle, higher definition camera

replaces the multi-purpose

camera and City-Brake Active

System (CTBA) sensor set-up

of the previous-generation

Jazz. The camera recognises

a more comprehensive

range of road surface and

traffic characteristics. These

include detecting if the vehicle

approaches the outer edge of

a pavement (into a grass or

gravel border), an oncoming

vehicle, or drifting into another

lane without indicating and,

road signs. The camera is also

able to eliminate fogging for a

constantly clear field of view.

The enhanced Honda

SENSING suite of technologies

includes:

• Collision Mitigation Braking

System with improved

night-time operation to also

detect pedestrians when

there is no street lighting.

The system also alerts the

driver when it detects a

cyclist cutting across. In

addition, the system now

applies the brakes when the

Jazz cuts across or turns

into the path of a oncoming

vehicle. This is enabled by

the newly-developed front

wide view camera.

• Adaptive Cruise Control

which manages the gap to

the car in front automatically

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42

and allows the car to follow

traffic at low speeds in

congestion (Low Speed

Follow).

• Lane Keeping Assist System

operates from 72km/h urban

and rural roads – as well as

multi-lane highways – for

increased safety in more

situations.

• Road Departure Mitigation

System assists the driver

to not stray from the

road. It alerts the driver

if it detects the vehicle

approaching the outer edge

of the pavement (into a

grass or gravel border), an

oncoming vehicle, or drifting

into another lane without

indicacting.

• Traffic Sign Recognition

System uses the front wide

view camera to detect

road signs whenever the

vehicle is moving forward.

The system automatically

recognises and displays

the signs via the seveninch

LCD display once

the vehicle has passed

the sign. The system is

designed to detect circular

road signs displaying speed

limits and ‘No Passing’

information. Two road signs

can be displayed at any

one time – the right side

of the display only shows

speed limit signs while the

left shows ‘No Passing’

signs and speed limits with

additional information; such

as weather conditions, for

example.

• Intelligent Speed Limiter

recognises traffic speed

signs and sets the speed

limit. If the traffic sign

shows a slower speed

compared to the actual

vehicle speed, an indicator

on the display flashes with

an alarm sound and the

system gradually decreases

the vehicle speed.

• Auto High-Beam works

at speeds of more than

40km/h to switch High

Beam head lights on/off

automatically depending

on oncoming/preceding

vehicles (cars, trucks and

motorcycles), bicycles and

environmental brightness.

• Blind Spot Information,

complete with Cross Traffic

Monitor is standard on

Executive grade.

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43

Challenges

in the

motoring

industry

The motor industry is among

the manufacturing sectors

that have been most badly hit

by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The global industry virtually

shut down when the crisis

was at its peak, with April

new car production in the

UK plummeting a staggering

99.7%. Just 197 new cars

rolled off the production

lines – in a normal April, well

over 70,000 new motors are

normally built.

This considerable decline,

to a level not seen since the

Second World War, shows

the challenges car brands

have been presented with.

It’s not just UK car plants that

have been affected either,

with global new car supply

significantly impacted by the

far-reaching effects of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

While new cars are once

again being built in many

countries, including the UK,

social distancing and disrupted

supply chains means few

factories are producing much

more than 50% of their

regular output. This is going

to result in a shortfall of new

car supply in the near future

– and unfortunately Motability

Scheme customers may not be

immune from this.

It’s possible that deliveries

of some new cars may be

delayed. Others may simply not

be available for the foreseeable

future. And prices of other cars

may, sadly, have to rise.

Those involved in delivering

the Scheme are doing all

that they can to mitigate the

challenges being faced by the

motor industry.

Keeping customers mobile

is the Motability Scheme’s

top priority – that is why they

have automatically extended

leases where customers are

faced with a delay. They are

also working closely with all

car manufacturers to ensure

any such delays are kept to a

minimum. It is the Scheme’s

aim to offer the widest, most

comprehensive range of cars

possible, so customers can

find exactly the right vehicle for

their needs. Unfortunately, as

manufacturer costs increase

this is likely to be reflected in

prices. You might find some

cars on the Motability Scheme

are a little more expensive in

this quarter than previously.

Despite this, the Scheme

continues to include a great

selection of affordable cars

with a wide range of options to

suit different needs.

Indeed, despite the many

challenges the Motability

Scheme currently offers 500

cars with an Advance Payment

of less than £500 – and 300

cars have nil Advance Payment.

There are even more than 100

cars on the Motability Scheme

available for less than the

higher rate mobility allowance.

The Scheme has also been

able to secure strong deals on

greener vehicles, for customers

who want to do their bit for

the environment. This quarter’s

pricing for the Toyota Prius is

among the most affordable

ever, and other ultra-efficient

vehicles also benefit from

lower prices. The global new

car market is challenging, and

is likely to remain so in the near

future as factories only slowly

get back up to speed. Rest

assured though, the Motability

Scheme is doing everything

possible to collaborate with

manufacturers and ensure

delays are minimised and the

choice of cars is as vast as

possible. And where there

are any delays, don’t worry–

you’ll be kept mobile with an

extension of your current lease.

Despite the challenges of

COVID-19, the Scheme’s focus

first and foremost remains

keeping you mobile throughout,

and beyond, your lease.

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44

FordStore

FORDTHORNE

YOUR LOCAL FORD

MOTABILITY DEALER

Fordthorne is Cardiff’s official FordStore dealership and has been a main car dealer

franchise in Cardiff, South Wales for decades.

Winners of thirteen prestigious Customer Satisfaction awards from Ford Motor Company

and we are proud to be national award winners for customer care.

As a family owned company our values and culture of service are based on your personal

needs, and we have had thousands of repeat customers all happy to recommend our services.

Contact one of our Motability specialists

for more information

Elliot Farmer Lee Peterson Sam Ward

FordStore

281 Penarth Road, CARDIFF CF11 8YZ

02920 223100

mobilitynews fordthornemotorpark.co.uk

FORDTHORNE

45 Open 7 days a week

THE FUTURE

IS ELECTRIC.

INTRODUCING THE BMW i3.

Not all journeys are the same. Experience the all-electric BMW i3, now available

on the Motability Car Scheme. The i3 features wide-opening coach doors, which

make for easier access and loading. It also comes equipped with a suite of the latest

BMW technologies such as Cruise Control and BMW Professional Navigation, with

Real-Time Traffic Information displayed on a 10.25″ screen. With a range of up to

193 miles, when you take to the road, all you need to do is enjoy your drive.

Please contact our Motability Sales Specialist, who would be delighted to help you

with your choice of car on the Motability Scheme, on 01782 572100 or visit our

website: www.knightsnorthstaffsbmw.co.uk

Search: Knights North Staffordshire BMW

The Ultimate

Driving Machine

Fuel economy and CO 2

results for the BMW i3 range: mpg N/A. CO 2

emissions: 0 g/km. Electric range: 193 miles.

Electric energy consumption: 16.5-11.1 kWh/100 km.

These figures are for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving results which depend on a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in

weather, driving styles and vehicle load. They were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The BMW i3 range are battery electric vehicles requiring mains electricity for charging. The electric range and the electric

energy consumption were determined according to a new test (WLTP). Only compare fuel consumption, CO 2

and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedure.

Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB.

To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War

Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

mobilitynews

46

Knights North Staffordshire BMW | 01782 572100 | knightsnorthstaffsbmw.co.uk

Mobility News. July – August 2020

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