Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Jaguar’s scrapped electric XJ pictured in production spec for first time

Pictures have surfaced of an almost production-ready version of Jaguar’s electric XJ, the car that was tipped to lead the brand’s electric reinvention before it was scrapped in 2021. The electric XJ was first previewed by the brand in 2019 and was spotted several times road testing in the advanced stages of its development. But… Continue reading Jaguar’s scrapped electric XJ pictured in production spec for first time

Are we at the top of the supercar S-curve?

So McLaren has launched not simply a new flagship supercar but, in its own words, “the real supercar”. A supercar created with a “World Championship mindset”; “multiple patents filed”.  It’s a punchy press release, the copywriters at the MTC mothership understandably milking the chance to go as big as they damn well please. The W1… Continue reading Are we at the top of the supercar S-curve?

Abarth won’t launch another combustion model

Abarth won’t produce any more pure-combustion cars, focusing instead on electric cars, its European boss has told Autocar.  The brand last year launched its first EV with the 500e, and recently its second, the larger 600e, while the petrol 595 and 695 were taken off sale in August. Citing increasingly strict emissions rules, European head of Fiat and Abarth… Continue reading Abarth won’t launch another combustion model

New Mercedes CLA gets 1.5-litre petrol with diesel-level efficiency

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will be revealed in the coming months with the choice of two battery-electric powertrains or an all-new petrol engine that promises diesel levels of efficiency. The first car on Mercedes‘s new MMA platform has been engineered as an EV first, with heavy technical and design influence from the record-breaking EQXX concept,… Continue reading New Mercedes CLA gets 1.5-litre petrol with diesel-level efficiency

1950s British cars’ export prospects as seen by a foreigner

“If you chance upon a new Austin with foreign numberplates, it isn’t really chance at all. For since the war tens of thousands of Austins have gone abroad. Why so? Two reasons mainly. “First, because Austins are very properly known as the dependable cars. Second, because there’s something young and very lively about them.” Those… Continue reading 1950s British cars’ export prospects as seen by a foreigner

Meet the world’s most hardcore off-road bus

Travelling by bus can be a mixed bag. You’ll either glide quickly to your stop, or you’ll be stuck next to someone unfamiliar with deodorant. You’re also trapped on normal, Tarmac-clad roads. But what if there was a bus that could take you up a volcano without breaking a sweat? Meet the Torsus Praetorian and… Continue reading Meet the world’s most hardcore off-road bus

I love planes, but driving is just better

Steve Cropley recently said he’d rather have driven than flown home from an event, even though it would have taken longer. He absolutely, resolutely, talked my language. As I write I’m on an aeroplane. I love planes, enjoy being in the air and think modern aviation is one of humankind’s greatest achievements, shrinking the planet,… Continue reading I love planes, but driving is just better

Benefit-in-kind reporting for company cars to be phased out

HM Revenue and Customs is phasing out annual benefit-in-kind reporting for company cars. The reforms come into effect from 6 April 2026 and, with draft legislation not due until 2025, many fleets are facing short deadlines to comply with those changes. Starting with the 2026/27 tax year, employers must report the value of any workplace… Continue reading Benefit-in-kind reporting for company cars to be phased out

Car of the Year 2025 shortlist announced

The Car of the Year (CotY) shortlist for 2025 is dominated by small electric cars. Among the seven shortlisted models are the Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën ë-C3, Hyundai Inster and Renault 5. The shortlist is completed by the Cupra Terramar, Dacia Duster and Kia EV3. The winner will be announced at the Brussels motor show on 10 January. Sixty jurors from 23 countries selected seven… Continue reading Car of the Year 2025 shortlist announced