The new Smart #5 is not just the brand’s largest model yet, but by far its most powerful, putting out more than 600bhp in its most potent guise. The new Volkswagen ID 4-rivalling crossover was shown in concept form at the Beijing motor show earlier this year, but official specifications remained under wraps. Now, the… Continue reading New Smart #5 electric SUV packs up to 637bhp
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Labour would reinstate 2030 ban on new ICE car sales
The Labour Party has pledged to reintroduce the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars if it wins the 4 July general election. The Conservative government last year delayed the end of sales of non-hybridised combustion cars from 2030 to 2035. Prime minister Rishi Sunak cited the need for extra time to… Continue reading Labour would reinstate 2030 ban on new ICE car sales
Everything you need to know about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Despite being heavier and larger than the first generation car, it takes just 8.7sec to travel from 0-62mph, and 25.5sec to hit 100mph. That’s thanks to a powertrain that produces 180bhp and 221lb ft of torque. However, the Mirai wasn’t cheap when it launched in 2021. It commanded a price tag of £64,995, and you… Continue reading Everything you need to know about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Editor’s letter: Why Chinese EV tariffs could backfire on Europe
The European Commission’s four-week countdown to impose additional tariffs as large as 38% on Chinese electric cars could ultimately do more harm than good to European car makers. While the EU tariffs may protect European car makers in the short term from a price war with lower-cost Chinese cars in Europe, and in the medium… Continue reading Editor’s letter: Why Chinese EV tariffs could backfire on Europe
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Against our timing gear, the 161bhp A200 was more than half a second quicker than its predecessor despite having roughly the same power. That’s a performance hike big enough for upgrading A200 owners to clearly perceive at the wheel – and it makes the latest version feel like a car of enhanced responsiveness and drivability, as… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Alpine A290 hot hatch unveiled with 215bhp and 236 miles of range
The video game-style Challenges mode gives drivers a number of tasks to complete based on agility, power and endurance, with a new challenge unlocked every time one is achieved. The A290 is set to be priced from £36,000 when it goes on sale towards the end of the year and the first deliveries are due… Continue reading Alpine A290 hot hatch unveiled with 215bhp and 236 miles of range
The Brits to watch at Le Mans 2024
Nick Tandy Tandy, like the other contenders here chasing a second Le Mans win, is a trusted pair of hands within the Penske run Porsche works team. But the 39-year-old has spent much of his frontline sports car career in GTs rather than top-class prototypes. After a gritty grass-roots career that began in Ministox on… Continue reading The Brits to watch at Le Mans 2024
The Brits to watch at Le Mans 2024
Nick Tandy Tandy, like the other contenders here chasing a second Le Mans win, is a trusted pair of hands within the Penske run Porsche works team. But the 39-year-old has spent much of his frontline sports car career in GTs rather than top-class prototypes. After a gritty grass-roots career that began in Ministox on… Continue reading The Brits to watch at Le Mans 2024
Explained: Nissan’s solid-state battery that could double EV range
The manufacturer that brought us the first mainstream electric cars could also be about to become the first to bring us the next big thing in EVs: a car with double the range for less money. The secret lies in the much-talked-about solid-state battery technology, which, if it lives up to the hype, should yield batteries… Continue reading Explained: Nissan’s solid-state battery that could double EV range
2026 Renault Twingo: China deal boosts profit, cuts R&D spend
Renault has partnered with a Chinese engineering firm to develop its sub-£17,000 Twingo city car after talks with Volkswagen about a potential collaboration proved fruitless. The two firms had been evaluating the prospect of co-developing their respective entry-level city EVs. But Volkswagen will now work independently to bring its similarly conceived ‘ID 1’ to production… Continue reading 2026 Renault Twingo: China deal boosts profit, cuts R&D spend