Mazda announces low emission in-line six-cylinder diesel engine for Mazda CX-60

Motoring

• The Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv D powered by an all-new 3.3-litre in-line 6cyl diesel engine.  
• Choice of 200ps or 254ps – up to 550Nm, emissions as low as 127g/km.  
• 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D engine features all-new DCPCI clean burn combustion technology.  

Mazda has revealed that a powerful, clean and efficient all-new e-Skyactiv D diesel engine will be added to the Mazda CX-60- line-up in 2023, joining the PHEV CX-60, which is available to order now.

Another demonstration of Mazda’s ‘Multi-Solution Approach’, the new diesel is designed to meet the needs of customers who want an efficient, long distance driving car with great towing capacity.

The company’s multi-solution strategy offers different products and technologies – including more efficient internal combustion engines and a wide range of electrified powertrains,  that best suit the local market and society’s demand for sustainability.

The new diesel powertrain that will make its debut in the CX-60 is a Mazda first – a 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D diesel engine that features Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology. This highly innovative advanced combustion technology makes the new e-Skyactiv D unit one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world, achieving a thermal efficiency of over 40%.

Developed using the ‘right sizing’ concept which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the all-new 3,283cc longitudinally installed common rail electric direct injection six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D unit will be offered with a choice of two power outputs: 200ps with rear-wheel drive and 254ps with Mazda i-Activ AWD (all-wheel drive).

Featuring a new 48v Mazda M Hybrid Boost system, the all-new diesel engine combines high output with excellent fuel economy. The new DCPCI technology is a highly innovative, advanced combustion system that improves engine efficiency, emissions and fuel economy. These two technologies contribute significantly to the CX-60’s outstanding driving range, performance, frugal fuel consumption and low emissions.

The 254ps e-Skyactiv D delivers impressive performance of 0-60mph in only 7.4 seconds and returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg with CO₂ emissions of 137g/km. The 200ps variant returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 57.6mpg with CO₂ emissions of only 127g/km.

The in-line six-cylinder configuration produces less vibration due to its characteristic ‘perfect balance’, for a smooth and quiet engine tone, whilst delivering a clean and engaging sound. The engine’s high torque delivery gives the CX-60 a 2,500kg trailer weight towing capacity, while as a result of its lightweight construction, the engine weighs similar to the 2.2-litre Mazda Skyactiv D four-cylinder diesel engine used in the Mazda CX-5, which helps handling balance.

An in-line straight-six 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv petrol engine will join the e-Skyactiv D and e-Skyactiv PHEV to complete the Mazda CX-60 powerplant line-up at a later date, offering customers the wide choice of technologically advanced, highly efficient powertrains appropriate to the outstanding levels of craftsmanship and on-board technology offered by the CX-60 model range.

With the launch of the CX-60, Mazda takes another important step in its fleet’s emission reduction on its way to become entirely carbon neutral by 2050. In all, Mazda is launching five new electrified products in the next three years that feature its multi-solution platform architecture. After 2025, the company will launch its brand new Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture  which will allow Mazda to efficiently build electric cars of all sizes using one common platform.

In 2023, the company will launch a new model, the Mazda CX-80, which is larger than the Mazda CX-60 and features three rows of seating. With the all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV available to order now for September delivery, the all-new Mazda CX-60 diesel will arrive in the UK in the first quarter of 2023.

Feeling the crunch: being out of pocket and losing time are two of the biggest electric van concerns in new report from Ford

Motoring

• Van drivers currently underestimate the range of electric vans with an assumed average range of just 67.5 miles
• 71% percent of drivers are concerned about being out of pocket for charging costs of company owned vans
• Over one-third (37%) believe that van drivers should make the switch to electric as soon as possible
• Encouragingly, 6-in-10 admit they still plan to switch to electric in 6 months

Ford’s latest Go Electric report has uncovered that, while there are more electric vehicles on the road, the UK’s knowledge of electric vans still lags behind.

The report includes the views of 500 van drivers* in the UK and found considerable gaps in their knowledge of electric vans and the benefits to their businesses, leading to barriers preventing full electric adoption. This comes as the first jumbo E-Transits are delivered and the smaller E-Transit Custom is announced.

Range anxiety is seen as one of the main concerns of van drivers, with the average range of an electric van thought to be under 70 miles. This is three times less than the actual range of the E-Transit, offering a range of up to 196 miles.**

The pressures around time management continue, with almost half (44%) of van drivers believing they wouldn’t be able to fit charging time into their working schedule. This may stem from a lack of charging options available, with only 20% of respondents saying there are always charging points available at work, and over half (52%) saying they don’t have access at home. On top of this, only 42 per cent of van drivers said they knew how to charge an electric vehicle.

Drivers of company owned electric vans were concerned about being out-of-pocket with 7-in-10 (71%) flagging they’re unsure how they’d get reimbursed for electricity costs if they charged their company vehicle at home. As the UK edges closer to 2030, when the ban on the sale of new combustion engine powered vehicles will come into force, cost still remains a concern among van drivers, with the outright cost of new vehicles (16%) being the biggest financial concern.

For businesses, almost one-third (29%) stated that the initial infrastructure cost of introducing electric vans would be too much of a burden for themselves or their business. In fact, recent statistics from the SMMT revealed that commercial vehicles account for 13% of vehicles on the road (4,604,861), yet data from 2021 showed only 0.3% were fully electric or plug in hybrids (source: SMMT, May 2021).       

Despite some drivers having concerns, there is optimism around the future of electric vans too, with almost half (49 per cent) believing electric vans will be the most common type of van on Britain’s roads within the next 10 years – with only nine per cent disagreeing. On this, more than a third (36%) said they or their employer plan on switching to electric vans within the next four to six months and nearly two-fifths (38 per cent) said they thought it was a smart investment.

Showcasing the power of the green pound, over a quarter (26%) of van drivers believed their company would be perceived more positively for driving electric vans. Similarly, almost half (48%) believed if their colleagues or friends were to buy an electric vehicle, it would positively impact their work and lifestyle.

Over half (52%), also agreed with the statement that they, or their company, is planning on making the switch to an electric van because they’re “really cool”!

Mandy Dean, Commercial Vehicle Director, Ford of Britain, said: “With the Ford Transit being the best-selling vehicle in the UK, tackling the concerns of Britain’s workforce is an important task in helping the nation go green and make the switch to electric. Understanding people’s perceptions of electric vehicles is vital to making sure we’re all on board, including within the vital commercial vehicle segment which is so important for keeping the UK’s economy growing. Our research report shows while there are concerns about the switch, van drivers seem willing to embark on the journey to go green and Ford Pro has the capabilities to make the switch easier.”

“With concerns around being out pocket a key worry for drivers, we’ve introduced simplified billing and administration via Ford Pro Charging software which means that fleet drivers can charge at home and the energy cost will be exactly calculated and sent to their business for your reimbursement.”

Busting some of the misconceptions around range anxiety and reducing vehicle down time, the newly introduced Ford Pro software, available on E-Transit and E-Transit Custom to come, has a host of new features to help support van drivers:

• Ford Pro Intelligence includes integrated features within their vehicles that enable customers to better manage and maintain their fleets, such as live vehicle health and telematics data, improved vehicle uptime, safety, and security, and improving overall productivity
• Ford Pro also helps businesses setup and map out the charging infrastructure, be it at home, depot or on the public network, and Ford telematics tools keep an eye on range, nearest charge points and any required maintenance on an individual vehicle
• Charging network operators combine into one “Blue Oval” network, helping fleet systems to identify at home charging and reimburse drivers
• Digital dashboards help businesses manage when to start and stop charging vehicles, to avoid peak times. Charging can also be assigned per route, so vehicles aren’t fully charged when they won’t need it
• Smart support through FordLiive can access the latest 60 days of vehicle health to provide the best advice, anticipate upcoming maintenance needs and reduce turnaround times

*Ford surveyed 500 UK based adult van drivers or owners, the research was conducted by OnePoll, this sample size is representative of UK van drivers and was recommended by OnePoll. Of the 500, 61% own the van they drive, 32% stated their employer owns the van, while 7% responded with “other”. 40% of respondents were female, 59% male, and 1% were “other or prefer not to say”.
** The quoted range of up to 196 mile range relates to the 2-tonne E-Transit, the 1-tonne E-Transit Custom has a range of up to 236 miles

***The main barriers to going electric are:

1. Charging time (16%)
2. Outright cost of the vehicle (16%)
3. Running out of charge (15%)
4. Charging point access at home, on the road and at work (13%)
5. Cost of maintenance (12%)

All-new MG4 EV confirmed for September debut on new MSP platform

Motoring

• All-new MG4 EV due for UK launch in September – the first of a series of MG models using advanced Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) architecture
• Flexible platform delivers outstanding safety, efficiency, and driver engagement
• Innovative MSP will also be prepared for future technologies, showcasing MG’s forward-thinking design strategy

MG Motor UK has revealed the first official UK images of its all-new MG4 EV, ahead of the launch in September.

The key new model will utilise MG’s innovative Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) – state of the art battery architecture that will underpin the next generation of MG models.

Designed for a wide range of vehicles, the MSP can be used flexibly in models across different vehicle segments, from hatchbacks to SUVs and sports cars – suitable for wheelbases ranging from 2,650 to 3,100 mm. The manufacturer has also revealed its new integrated battery structure has a height of just 110mm, enhancing roadholding and driver engagement even further.

The MG4 EV marks a bold new direction for MG Motor UK, with the company underlining an enhanced driving experience derived from a new rear-wheel drive platform which allows 50:50 weight distribution.

The new MSP has been designed to maximise battery efficiency, with concerted efforts to further reduce weight and allow scalable range and performance for a wide variety of customer requirements, offering enhanced interior space and luggage capacity. Initially available with battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV will be capable of between 218-281 miles range on the WLTP cycle.

MG has adopted a progressive strategy when designing its new platform; the architecture allows integration with future technologies including battery swap systems, while the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) will enable vehicles to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates throughout their lifecycle.

David Allison, Head of Product & Planning at MG Motor UK, said: “The MG4 EV is a key part of the next phase of growth for MG. Our new MSP architecture will enable us to offer multiple options for the rapidly expanding UK electric car market, with all choices reinforcing our reputation for outstanding design, market-leading technology, and excellent value for money.”

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for MG, following the sales success of its existing range of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the brand growing by 83% in the first five months of 2022 in market which has contracted by 8.7%* during the same period.

Further details on the new MG4 EV will be released soon, including announcements on UK pricing, full specifications and official first UK viewings.

For more details about MG or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mg.co.uk

Limited Edition is Honda e to the Max

Motoring

• Honda e Limited Edition exclusively finished in Premium Crystal Red and unique black alloys  
• Available from £38,120.00 OTR and order books are open
• Formula One™ World Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen takes the Limited Edition on its first drive 

Following the overwhelming success of its award-winning all-electric urban EV, Honda has unveiled a new Honda e Limited Edition, offering unique exterior styling for enhanced stand-out individuality.

On sale from £38,120.00 OTR, the Honda e Limited Edition is based on the Advance Grade and is available for the first time in Premium Crystal Red paint with a host of contrasting black accents. Black badges have been introduced at the front and rear, and unique 17” black alloys, to further elevate the sleek and emotive styling of this urban EV.

Restricted to only 50 units across Europe, the new Limited Edition offers the most exclusive Honda e experience yet. Since being launched in Europe and Japan in 2020, the Honda e has received critical acclaim worldwide, applauded for its innovative design and progressive technology. It has won numerous awards, including World Urban Car of The Year and the Red Dot Design Awards.

Just before his victory at the FORMULA 1 ROLEX GRAN PREMIO DEL MADE IN ITALY E DELL’EMILIA-ROMAGNA 2022, Max Verstappen drove a Honda e Limited Edition in nearby Dozza, which is internationally renowned for its eclectic street art. The reigning World Drivers’ Champion was impressed with the Honda e Limited Edition’s electric performance and eye-catching style as he manoeuvred through the tight and twisty streets of the medieval village.

“The Honda e Limited Edition is simply lovely,” said Verstappen. “It has funky looks, a compact design and is fun to drive. It’s a great electric urban vehicle.”

The Honda e Limited Edition goes on sale today and customers can contact their local dealership at https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/new/honda-e/honda-e-limited-edition.html 

New all-electric Citroën ë-C4 X to launch in the UK: four-door fastback elegance with added SUV attitude

Motoring

• Citroën unveils all-electric New ë-C4 X – an elegant, desirable and accessible alternative to many mainstream mid-sized hatchback and SUV models.
• New ë-C4 X achieves over 200 electric-only miles of range with its 100kW, 136hp electric powertrain, supported by 100kW rapid charging.
• All-electric New Citroën ë-C4 X confirmed for launch in the UK – New C4 X petrol and Diesel-powered models offered in other selected markets.
• Features next-generation MyCitroën Drive Plus infotainment system first seen on New C5 X.
• Drivers and passengers can relax in optimum ë-comfort thanks to 100%-electric power, plus exclusive Citroën Advanced Comfort® Suspension and Advanced Comfort® Seats.

Citroën proudly revealed the all-electric New ë-C4 X.

Following in the footsteps of the stylish New Citroën C5 X, the design of New ë-C4 X offers customers a cross-segment design that combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern attitude of an SUV, whilst maintaining the timeless refinement and spaciousness of a four-door model.

With a 100kW powertrain, New ë-C4 X is capable of a range up to 223 miles (WLTP-certified), whilst allowing drivers to benefit from advanced ë-comfort – thanks to the virtual silence of electric powertrain – and saloon car spaciousness, with a 510-litre boot that is ideal for everyday use, especially for families. 

Vincent Cobée, Citroën Global CEO, said: “Many customers have told us they want an affordable, responsible and elegant alternative to the mass of hatchback and SUV offerings in the volume compact car segment, and this is our best interpretation of that need – a forward-looking, distinctive cross design that delivers all the comfort, technology, safety and value you expect from Citroën, but also outstanding roominess and limousine versatility, with the benefit of zero-emission, all-electric power”.

The 100kW full-electric drivetrain is powerful and energetic, with 136hp and 260Nm of torque that is instantly available, a 0-62 mph time of 9.5-seconds in Sport mode and a top speed of 93 mph (where legally permitted). Furthermore, regenerative braking enables the driver to partially re-charge the 50kWh battery pack and increase range while on the move.

Three driving modes are available – Eco, Normal or Sport – activated by a mode selector on the centre console. Eco mode offers the highest levels of efficiency, Sport mode offers the highest levels of performance, while Normal mode balances the two.

Drivers can charge New ë-C4 X at public charging stations and at home. From a 7.4kW Wallbox, charging takes 7½ hours with a single-phase supply or as little as 5 hours with a three-phase electricity supply and the optional 11kW onboard charger. From a 100kW rapid public charger, the battery can charge from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Vehicle charging and pre-conditioning can be pre-programmed using the car’s MyCitroën Drive Plus touchscreen interface or via the MyCitroën app. For added customer peace of mind, the battery warranty for New ë-C4 X is eight years or 100,000 miles, for 70% of the original charge capacity.

NEXT-GENERATION CONNECTIVITY
New ë-C4 X benefits from Citroën’s new-generation infotainment interface, which was first seen on New Citroën C5 X. MyCitroën Drive Plus offers a highly intuitive new interface using a 10-inch HD screen that can be fully personalised by customers.

The new interface also features natural speech recognition – with a digital assistant prompted by the command “Hello Citroën” – to answer questions and carry out vocal instructions. The natural voice recognition system can understand 20 languages, provide visual feedback and respond to commands relating to vehicle systems, such as the climate control, audio media, phone and connected speech services.

Advanced Profile Management means the system can store up to eight profiles, with each profile paired with up to two smartphones. The system will wirelessly identify smartphone profiles when they enter the car. The system also features Over-The-Air Map Updates via TomTom, which ensures navigation maps are automatically updated monthly to provide the latest information to drivers. This service is provided free of charge for three years.

New Citroën ë-C4 X comes fully equipped with up to four USB sockets for easy phone or tablet recharging – two in the lower centre console and two in the rear of the centre console for easy access by rear-seat passengers. In each case, one USB type A and one USB type C socket is fitted.

Connected Services
For added comfort and safety, a package of Citroën Connect Services is available, which complements the MyCitroën Drive Plus interface:

MyCitroën Assist: provides peace of mind with free geolocated emergency calls and an assistance service that customers can access 24-7, whether that is in case of emergency or needing technical assistance. MyCitroën Assist also enables drivers to use the MyCitroën App on their smartphone as an e-remote control system to manage their vehicle remotely.

MyCitroën Drive: offers real-time traffic information through TomTom Traffic, including the location of points of interest, weather information and the location of electric charging stations to facilitate trip planning. It can show a visual representation of the radius of the car’s range depending on the charge level. Drivers will also benefit from visible and audible Danger Zone alerts.

MyCitroën Play Plus: allows drivers and passengers to safely enjoy their favourite smartphone apps. The service offers wireless connectivity and is compatible with Apple CarPlay (including SIRI voice control) and Android Auto. Compatible apps are displayed directly on the central touchscreen so that they can be accessed safely with drivers not needing to take their eyes off the road.

CALM, COMFORTABLE AND SPACIOUS

CITROËN ADVANCED COMFORT PROGRAMME®
Whenever drivers and passengers climb into New Citroën ë-C4 X, they can expect a supremely comfortable, stress-free and calming experience, thanks to Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Programme®, which exists to provide the best possible feeling of well-being for everyone onboard.

New Citroën ë-C4 X features the brand’s exclusive Advanced Comfort® Seats. Wide and welcoming, they feature an extra 15mm layer of special memory foam for a unique blend of visual, postural and dynamic support. High-density foam at the core of the seats ensures optimal comfort, particularly on longer journeys, The wide front seat backrests in New ë-C4 X have reinforced support, lumbar and height adjustment, and the availability of electric adjustment. Citroën’s innovative and exclusive Advanced Comfort® Suspension provides further comfort and serenity with a ‘magic carpet’ ride effect when out on the road. 

REAR SPACE
One benefit of the Citroën Advanced Comfort Programme® is particularly noticeable when riding in the rear. Best-in-class 198mm of second-row knee room and a more reclined (27-degree) rear seatback, plus an exterior width of 1,800mm, means three people can comfortably sit side-by-side across the rear bench, with a total of 1,380mm of width at the shoulders and 1,440mm at the elbows.

Along with the 510-litre boot, additional space below the floor is provided for carrying extra items, and for neatly housing the charging cables. The rear seat backrests also fold forwards for additional carrying capacity, and a ‘ski hatch’ in the fold-down armrest allows for loading of particularly long objects so they can extend into the cabin. Up to 16 open and closed compartments add a total storage volume of 39-litres throughout the cabin.

THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE
To make sure all occupants are comfortable, even in the most extreme conditions, a comprehensive climate control package is available. This includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system with dual controls for ease of use, along with heated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Rear seat passengers can control airflow through vents located in the rear of the centre console. 

LIGHT AND TRANQUILITY
Inside New ë-C4 X, the emphasis is on creating a tranquil, positive atmosphere with warm materials and a generous glass area, which includes small rear quarter side windows to maximise the amount of light for occupants. Light-coloured roof lining and interior pillar trim add further brightness and warmth. Customers may wish to specify the large electric opening panoramic sunroof, which is available as an option on New ë-C4 X.

At night, the atmosphere inside is equally pleasant and reassuring, thanks to LED ambient lighting on the digital instrument panel, which is designed to match seamlessly with the front and rear interior lights, and the onboard comfort functions.

Front passengers benefit from access to Citroën’s Smart Pad Support™, a retractable tablet holder built directly into the dashboard, which enables the front passenger to make the most of time spent on the move. Below this is a Dashboard Tray, a large sliding drawer with a cushioned action.

Rear passengers can relax or work, with access to cup holders and storage space for smaller items in the central rear-seat foldaway armrest. There are useful document pockets on the backs of the front seats, and all passengers have access to wide and deep door bins.

UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
New Citroën ë-C4 X is designed to stand out from the crowd and offers something new and unique for customers looking for stylish alternatives to the mass of existing hatchback and SUV body styles already available.

With an overall length of 4,600mm, New ë-C4 X slots neatly into the Citroën line-up between the C4 hatchback at 4,360mm long, and New C5 X at 4,800mm. Its wheelbase at 2.67m, is the same as a C4 hatchback, both use the same ‘Common Modular Platform’ (CMP).

Aerodynamic efficiency is optimised through the body’s sleek, crisp roofline, which results in an impressive drag coefficient of cd 0.29, which benefits the all-electric range. When viewed in profile, the car’s dynamic roofline flows effortlessly and seamlessly, while the rear overhang cleverly disguises the length required to package the large 510-litre boot.

Distinctive new LED taillights carry through into the sculpted lines of the boot lid, pushing around the corners and along the sides of the car, complementing the distinctive front lamps and finishing in an arrow shape before the rear doors, which further amplifies the silhouette’s dynamic appearance. 

Large, 690mm diameter wheels combined with a short front overhang give the car a raised ride height that results in an elevated driving position, reassuring drivers with excellent visibility over the road ahead. Matt black protective wheel arches and lower body skirts, featuring Airbump® panels with coloured inserts, enhance the feeling of robustness and protection.

The familiar front end incorporates Citroën’s assertive rounded design signature. The high, horizontal bonnet features concave indentations. Trademark chrome chevrons stretch across the width of the body, connecting with double-height front lamps using Citroën LED Vision lighting technology to reinforce the vehicle’s high-tech credentials and to provide maximum visibility for drivers.

The matt black lower skirt on the front bumper links to the side and rear protective elements, while air intake grilles use a ‘macro chevron’ pattern similar to that used for the Citroën AMI One and 19-19 concept vehicles. The hexagonal lower grille is flanked on each side by distinctive fog lamp bezels.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE
Up to 20 Citroën Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are available on New Citroën ë-C4 X to help improve safety while driving and to make life behind the wheel or inside the cabin less stressful.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include:

• Active Safety Brake
• Collision Risk Alert and Post Collision Safety Brake
• Highway Driver Assist: Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Active Lane Positioning
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Additionally available technologies are:

• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Active Lane Departure Warning System
• Coffee Break Alert
• Driver Attention Alert
• Intelligent Beam Headlights
• Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Recommendation.

The suite of Citroën technologies designed to enhance comfort and reduce stress includes:

• Colour Head-up Display
• Reversing camera with Top Rear vision
• 360-degree vision
• Additionally available – Proximity Keyless Entry and Start, Park Assist, Hill Start Assist, Static Cornering Light Function, Automatic Electric Parking Brake and Lateral Parking Sensors.

This latest Citroën model will be launched in selected markets with petrol, Diesel and battery-electric powertrains. In the UK, customers will be able to order the all-electric New Citroën ë-C4 X early in 2023.