The EU’s leaders recently accepted an industry proposal for a new class of small, low-cost cars as European manufacturers struggle to remain competitive while being forced into electrification. Named E-car, this takes inspiration from Japan’s thriving kei jidosha (‘light vehicle’) class, which arose from a very different scenario in 1949. Pre-war Japan lagged far behind… Continue reading ‘Kei jidosha’: How tiny cars had a massive impact in Japan
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
India cracks open car market, but new deals protect local giants
India’s famously closed automotive market is now slowly opening up after free trade agreements signed by first the UK and now the European Union promise to lower some of the formidable barriers erected to protect the country’s industry. It is an important market because last year India sold so many cars it came within 100,000… Continue reading India cracks open car market, but new deals protect local giants
‘Experimental’ new Citroen C4 to be radically different from rivals
Citroën will go “as far as possible” to ensure the next-generation C4 stands out from its rivals and range-mates as part of a push for more ‘experimental’ designs across its line-up. The third generation of the French brand’s C-segment hatchback is entering its sixth year on sale, making it the oldest model in the line-up,… Continue reading ‘Experimental’ new Citroen C4 to be radically different from rivals
Renault 4
While the original 4 was almost unbelievably basic inside, the new 4’s cockpit is nearly identical to that of the lauded 5, which is anything but. Here you’ll find a variety of playful materials and interesting ideas that, within the class, only the Mini Aceman attempts to match. Think ribbed stitching on the passenger side,… Continue reading Renault 4
Chery confirms Lepas to launch in UK this year as its fourth brand
Chinese car maker Chery has confirmed it will bring its new Lepas brand to the UK later this year, having already launched Omoda, Jaecoo and the Chery brand itself here in the past two years. Conceived for the European market – with a name that’s said to be a portmanteau of ‘leopard’, ‘leap’ and ‘passion’ – Chery’s fourth UK-bound brand will offer a… Continue reading Chery confirms Lepas to launch in UK this year as its fourth brand
Campaign for calm: why are new cars so sensitive?
Modern car steering is a very complex dance between shafts and cogs, software, suspension geometry and flexing tyres. But you would hope that operating it should be simple, as subconscious as breathing: turn the wheel clockwise to go right, turn it twice as much to turn twice as sharply. Same with the accelerator pedal. Particularly… Continue reading Campaign for calm: why are new cars so sensitive?
A 90% CO2 reduction: Why ‘drop-in’ fuels could save diesels
When the discussion around greenhouse gases from the transport sector really got going years ago, it was often said that the quickest way to reduce CO₂ emissions was not to change the powertrain technology but the fuel. Introducing a new model from scratch takes several years. Then add to that the ongoing debate as to… Continue reading A 90% CO2 reduction: Why ‘drop-in’ fuels could save diesels
Exotic Italian convertible for £5k? It’s time to buy a Fiat Barchetta
Now, these are cheap. I’ve just found a 50,000-miler for £5000, and you can shave at least a grand off if you don’t mind doubling that mileage. One major reason for the cheapness, apart from age, is that the Barchetta was offered only with left-hand drive – although specialists DTR turned six examples into right-hookers. … Continue reading Exotic Italian convertible for £5k? It’s time to buy a Fiat Barchetta
My Week in Cars podcast: Driving the NEW Jag and more!
In the latest episode of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars Steve Cropley and Matt Prior talk about driving the new electric Jaguar prototype, the revised Ineos Grenadier and ADAS. Plus, the pair talk about the French classic car show Retromobile, massive body lean from Renault 14s, Andy Wilman, and much more, including your… Continue reading My Week in Cars podcast: Driving the NEW Jag and more!
Driven: The £135k Ford Mustang with an 800hp punch
In the modern context, you probably wouldn’t describe the Ford Mustang as ‘sanitised’. Roaring naturally aspirated V8, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive: as mass-produced cars go, this is about as old-school as it gets. But the latest versions actually handle and, while certainly not underpowered, they’re not stupidly overpowered either. Which is all good for gathering… Continue reading Driven: The £135k Ford Mustang with an 800hp punch