Autocar is the car nut’s weekly fix, delivering you a unique mix of the latest news, opinion, features, first drives of new cars and in-depth road tests – all complemented by the best photography in the business. No other magazine covers the subject you love with such enthusiasm, insight and quality every week of the year. Autocar stands for the highest quality in car journalism – and is rewarded with access to the best new cars and the biggest news stories before any of the opposition which we share with you, our readers, every week.
DACIA KNOWS ITS PLACE – AND IT’S THE DAKAR RALLY
AMG’S NEW SUPER-SUV TO PACK OVER 1000BHP • Electric GT SUV will use advanced tech to take on Eletre and Cayenne EVs
ALL-NEW CLA SIGNALS STEP CHANGE FOR MERCEDES EVs • We ride shotgun in the car set to usher in what Merc calls its ‘EV 2.0’ era
BABY MERCS TO GET PETROL TOO
C-CLASS AND GLC GEAR UP FOR ELECTRIC REINVENTION
URBAN CRUISER RETURNS AS EV TWINNED WITH eVITARA • Toyota’s new Volvo EX40 rival will be built beside Suzuki sibling in India
UK FIRM PLOTS LIGHT, FUN, SAFE ELECTRIC MICROCAR
MUSTANG OUTRUNS 911 AT ’RING
JLR CRACKS THE CODE FOR RECYCLING SEAT FOAM
SOLID-STATE BATTERIES SET TO GO MAINSTREAM • New, lighter battery tech boosts range and is close to making production
Grapevine
FACING FINES OR FEELING FINE? THE ZEV WINNERS AND LOSERS • Some manufacturers easily hit or even exceeded the UK government’s 22% EV sales target for 2024, but others fell well short
OVERALL NEW CAR MARKET SHARE
Steve Cropley
Matt Prior
Damien Smith
YOUR VIEWS
LOVE FOR ONE’S COUNTRY
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SKODA ELROQ • One of the best crossover EVs arrives in a smaller form
FORD CAPRI • Does new electric crossover live up to its name more in rear-driven form?
RENAULT RAFALE • New SUV-coupé is the modern equivalent of a Safrane. BMW beware?
VOLVO EX90 TWIN MOTOR • EV equivalent of XC90 is meant to embody calmness, comfort and safety
KIA EV3 AIR • Lighter, quicker, cheaper – better?
VOLKSWAGEN ID 7 TOURER PRO • Electric estate in entry-level spec
KIA EV3 • Kia amps up compact EV price war with long-range Cupra Born rival
TEST RESULTS
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATION
VERDICT • Rationally compelling, but not a game-changer
RANKING RIVALS
BMW 1 SERIES • Munich’s fourth-generation hatchback gets a mild-hybrid powertrain
TEST RESULTS
VERDICT • Credible and complete junior BMW still lacks distinguishing driver appeal
Testing, testing
An alien encounter • The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it has come from outer space. Aversion and confusion naturally abound. MARK TISSHAW musters the courage to make first contact
25 FOR 25 • What is going to happen in the year ahead? Here are 25 cars, events, racing stars and big stories to keep an eye on
The riddle of the sands • Dacia is hoping to crack the Dakar Rally first time out with Prodrive and a star line-up. DAMIEN SMITH finds out more
A wish called Honda • Honda has a history of pursuing dreams until they come true – as the prize exhibits in its Heritage Hall show. JAMES ATTWOOD takes a nosy
SKODA KAMIQ • It’s official: petrol SUVs still have a place in the automotive firmament
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK • Hatchback? Diesel engine? Buttons on dash? Our new car has them all
MG 3 • Two alarming experiences in only our first week together
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QV • What better companion for seeking out an exciting local driving route?
MINI COOPER • Is our car too small, too big...