The BMW 1 Series will return for a radically reinvented fourth generation within the next three years, as the German brand goes against its rivals in committing to its entry-level model. As Mercedes-Benz prepares to retire the A-Class for good at the end of its current generation and Audi winds down production of the A1 and… Continue reading Radical new BMW 1 Series due with EV power in 2028
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Leapmotor B10: £30k, 260-mile Ford Explorer rival driven
Under the floor is a 67.1kWh battery giving an estimated 260-mile range (WLTP test pending), and a single motor on the rear axle gives 215bhp and 177lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of 6.8sec. Maximum charging speed is pegged at a faintly lethargic 80kW, which means a 30-80% fill takes around 20 minutes.… Continue reading Leapmotor B10: £30k, 260-mile Ford Explorer rival driven
New Skoda Elroq vRS brings 335bhp for £46,560
The hot vRS version of the new Skoda Elroq will be priced from £46,560 when it arrives in the UK this summer. The vRS brings a number of changes over the standard Elroq, including a 52bhp bump in power to 335bhp, a stiffened chassis and a series of visual additions. The extra reserves are supplied by the same dual-motor… Continue reading New Skoda Elroq vRS brings 335bhp for £46,560
Euro NCAP standards threatening small, affordable cars
However, Euro NCAP board member and Thatcham Research chief technical offi cer Richard Billyeald argues that the higher standards demanded by regulators, and the star ratings that come attached to them, are important to buyers of new cars. “Euro NCAP has always pushed way beyond legislation, and that’s what it’s designed to do,” he said. “Legislation… Continue reading Euro NCAP standards threatening small, affordable cars
Chinese firms almost double UK market share on electrified demand
Sales of cars from Chinese brands in the UK grew 88% in March, as brands including BYD, MG, Omoda and Jaecoo expanded their footprint here. Chinese brands sold 28,883 cars in March to give them a market share of 7.5%, up from 4.0% in March 2024, according to figures published by the Society of Motor… Continue reading Chinese firms almost double UK market share on electrified demand
MG Cyberster 2+2 coupé due for launch later this year
MG has confirmed plans to put the four-seat hard-top version of its Cyberster sports car into production. The fixed-roof Cyberster GTS was revealed as a running prototype at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, but there has been no word on a likely launch date since then – despite suggestions that it could arrive as… Continue reading MG Cyberster 2+2 coupé due for launch later this year
Boxy new MG Cyber X SUV revealed at Shanghai motor show
MG has taken to the Shanghai motor show to reveal a rugged, boxy SUV concept that previews the second model in its fashion-focused Cyber line-up. The Cyber X is a bold, two-box, 4×4-inspired crossover measuring 4.3 metres long – making it roughly the same size as the Land Rover Defender 90 and slotting it in below… Continue reading Boxy new MG Cyber X SUV revealed at Shanghai motor show
DVSA promises 10,000 extra driving tests a month to cut wait
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will boost driving test capacity by 10,000 slots per month in a bid to cut the months-long wait faced by learners across the UK. According to DVSA figures, learners face a wait of more than half a year at 57% of test centres. Moreover, the number of centres with an… Continue reading DVSA promises 10,000 extra driving tests a month to cut wait
Jaecoo owner Chery to launch third brand in UK to challenge Dacia
Jaecoo and Omoda parent Chery is gearing up to launch its third brand in the UK, called Lepas – with a Dacia Duster rival tipped to arrive later this year. The Chinese manufacturer, which is the world’s largest exporter of cars, has already had success with its first two ventures in the UK, recording more… Continue reading Jaecoo owner Chery to launch third brand in UK to challenge Dacia
Leapmotor confirms VW Golf and Renault 4 rivals plus small SUV
Chinese electric car maker Leapmotor will expand its global line-up in the next two years with a pair of hatchbacks and a small SUV. The firm, which is partnered with Stellantis, currently sells the T03 supermini and C10 SUV in Europe and will add the B10 crossover by the end of the year. Not long after… Continue reading Leapmotor confirms VW Golf and Renault 4 rivals plus small SUV