Fleet Europe’s top 10: from GenEVa, with love

For the first time in Geneva, electricity is definitely in the air. It is the first motor show where nearly all brands put an electrified model in the spotlight. Let there be no doubt about it: the e-wave is about to crash down on the fleet shore, filling the gaps that existed until now.

Tradition has it that Fleet Europe present their top 10, based on the value that the new cars bring in terms of sustainability, connectivity, safety and shareability. This is our 2019 selection:

1. Peugeot e-208

The most fleet-relevant premiere is unquestionably that of the electric all-new Peugeot 208. It is the first vehicle in its segment that gets you more than 300 km of WLTP range (450 NEDC). The battery holds 50 kWh and can be fast-charged using a 100-kW CCS plug.

2. Renault Clio

The fifth generation of Europe’s best-selling car evolves conservatively on the outside, but underneath things are very much up to date. The vertical tablet in the dashboard is the biggest ever built by Renault. Rumour has it a non-pluggable hybrid model will follow in 2020.

3. Honda E

The concept of a quirky electric city car presented in Frankfurt in 2017 has gained two doors and is now approaching production-readiness. Its body-wide hi-res display hints at advanced connectivity and personalisation.

4. Audi Q5 TFSI-e

Audi is betting big on plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in the coming years. These can be recognised by the TFSI-e moniker. The new Q5 TFSI-e is a long-awaited addition to the range and will take on the Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine.

5. BMW 330e

The second-generation 330e still makes use of a 2-litre 4-cylinder unit but sees its battery increased to enable an e-range of 60 km. At 39 g/km (NEDC 2.0), its C02 rating is best-in-class. The connected sat nav helps you locate charging stations and indicates availability.

6. Polestar 2

Volvo’s electric performance brand Polestar fits 78 kWh in its Tesla Model 3 rivalling ‘2’ for 500 km of WLTP range. It is amongst the first vehicles to feature Android OS for the infotainment system and offers phone-as-key technology for easy sharing. Deliveries will start in 2020.

7. Mercedes GLC

The successful midsized crossover gets mild hybrid powertrains and adopts the MBUX infotainment system. The GLC will also be offered with a plug-in diesel and petrol units. (photo: Mercedes-Benz)

8. VW Passat

It may not be all-new, but the revamped Passat adopts lots of new technology and it is the first VW that will be able to maintain a cruising speed semi-autonomously under certain conditions. The revisited GTE gets a bigger battery for 55 km of range under WLTP conditions.

9. Seat El Born

The VW I.D. Neo will get a Spanish cousin in the shape of this El Born. A 62-kWh battery should allow you to drive 420 km if you follow the WLTP protocol. Production is expected to start in early 2020.

10. Mazda CX-30

What some had expected to be called CX-4 will carry the CX-30 badge. Indeed, this crossover slots between the CX-3 and CX-5. All petrol units come with mild hybrid technology featuring not a 48-volt but 24-volt battery.

All photos and footage: Fleet Europe unless otherwise stated