Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Volvo’s line-up to swell as it eyes more hybrid models

Volvo‘s line-up could swell to an “abnormal” number in the coming years as a result of the firm abandoning its target of going electric-only by 2030, according to the firm’s deputy CEO – who insists the firm is “well-placed” to handle that. The Swedish brand pledged in 2021 that it would sell only electric cars from… Continue reading Volvo’s line-up to swell as it eyes more hybrid models

JLR to launch new Indian-built model that sits on Tata platform

A new Indian-built JLR model based on a new platform being created by parent firm Tata Motors will be launched next year.  Confirmed by Tata Group boss Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the platform will also underpin a “high-end” Tata model. Both will be built in an all-new factory in India, and there are plans to export them… Continue reading JLR to launch new Indian-built model that sits on Tata platform

Alpine to unveil electric Porsche Macan rival on 11 October

Alpine will reveal the A390 Beta concept on 11 October, providing a first look at its upcoming Porsche Macan rival. It will be an electric crossover with a rakish coupé-like silhouette, set to closely resemble the A390 that’s due to enter production next year. The concept make its public debut at the Paris motor show, which opens its doors on 14 October. It will be… Continue reading Alpine to unveil electric Porsche Macan rival on 11 October

Genesis G80 EV gets more range, more room and Chauffeur Mode

Genesis has given its Electrified G80 saloon a hefty update by extending its wheelbase, adding a larger battery and refreshing its interior. The updated model will arrive in the UK, and other global markets, next year, after first launching in the brand’s home market of Korea The first-generation electric saloon arrived in 2021, spawned from… Continue reading Genesis G80 EV gets more range, more room and Chauffeur Mode

What is traction control and how does it work?

Traction control, often referred to as a traction control system (TCS), is a piece of tech that has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. You’ve probably seen the TCS symbol light up your dashboard when driving on an icy road or accelerating or braking sharply in heavy rain.  Autocar’s first record of TCS was at the 1982… Continue reading What is traction control and how does it work?

BMW to launch hydrogen cars in 2028

BMW will launch its first mass-market hydrogen-powered car in 2028, followed by multiple other fuel-cell variants of existing models, making it the first manufacturer to do so in what it has called “a milestone in automotive history”. It is likely the first model to benefit will be the X5 SUV, given the German brand has already been testing a modified… Continue reading BMW to launch hydrogen cars in 2028

New car sales slow in August ahead of September’s new plate month

UK new car sales slowed slightly in August as buyers held out for September’s numberplate change. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed registrations dipped by 1082 (1.3%) compared with August 2023. Despite the dip, the market remains on course to beat its 2023 total of 1.9 million sales. So far this year, sales are… Continue reading New car sales slow in August ahead of September’s new plate month

MG Cyberster

One of the things that MG Motor’s Longbridge engineering team fought hard for on this car, they say, was a low driving position. Would they have fought that little bit harder. The car’s driving position is otherwise good, and its standard for material quality is surprisingly high for something competing with Alpines and lower-end Porsche… Continue reading MG Cyberster

Safer in 10 minutes: Our Land Rover Defender gets a security boost

A nice man arrives one morning after a few phone calls and an “I’m half an hour away” text to carry out what has variously been described as an ‘update’ and a ‘recall’ to the Land Rover Defender 130. Most of its updates happen over the air, but not this one, which requires plugging in… Continue reading Safer in 10 minutes: Our Land Rover Defender gets a security boost