Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 to return as 500bhp EV with axial-flux motors

This is claimed to play a crucial role in the dynamic behaviour of the new CLA 45 4Matic+, allowing it to direct power to each individual wheel for more predictable cornering characteristics. It also provides scope for AMG to alter the handling, offering either more front-driven or rear-driven properties depending on the driving mode. As with… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 to return as 500bhp EV with axial-flux motors

Mercedes rethinks electric cars with game-changing 492-mile CLA

The CLA EV can be rapid-charged at rates of up to 320kW, thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, allowing for a 186-mile top-up in just 10 minutes. In addition to the 85kWh battery, a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack will be added to the line- up shortly after launch. This will almost certainly bring a significant… Continue reading Mercedes rethinks electric cars with game-changing 492-mile CLA

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero’s increased wheelbase means rear-seat passengers get more leg room. There’s a very competitive amount of passenger and luggage space on offer here – which, when you consider that this is a B-segment supermini that costs less than some A-segment city cars (Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo X) is a real selling point.… Continue reading Dacia Sandero

Seat won’t launch an EV until 2030s, confirms CEO

Seat won’t launch an electric car this decade – but the brand will need one if it’s to survive in the future, CEO Wayne Griffiths has confirmed. The Volkswagen Group-owned brand will make a decision on an EV timeline “at the end of the decade”, said Griffiths. However, speaking at Seat and Cupra’s 2024 results conference, Griffiths… Continue reading Seat won’t launch an EV until 2030s, confirms CEO

Mercedes-AMG G63

The biggest change is the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system. Hydraulics replace torsion-bar cross-stabilisers and the shock absorbers gain hydraulic connections. Essentially, you can decrease stiffness for off-roading and increase it to reduce roll while cornering on road. This makes for the sweetest handling G-Class ever. One of Mercedes’ engineers was perhaps damning it with… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG G63

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore

So here we are with a £185,000, four-seat electric cabriolet that will do 0-62mph in 2.8sec – as fast as the Ferrari 296 GTB, despite the fact that it weighs 2.4 tonnes. How does that translate to UK roads? Well, despite the vaguely nauseating headline figures, the Grancabrio is an enjoyable GT. Forget the outright pace. Between the adaptive air… Continue reading Maserati GranCabrio Folgore

Skoda previews Kodiaq-sized electric seven-seater for 2026

Skoda will launch a new electric seven-seater to rival the Kia EV9 next year as the flagship of its expanding line-up of bespoke EVs. Previewed today as part of the Czech brand’s 2024 results presentation – in which it outlined record sales and profits – the new model will be evolved from 2022’s bold Vision… Continue reading Skoda previews Kodiaq-sized electric seven-seater for 2026

Skoda Octavia EV to be previewed with concept in September

However, there are no plans to launch a Skoda version of the recently unveiled Volkswagen ID Every1 concept car, which will arrive as an entry-level VW electric city car in 2027 and be priced from around £17,000. “We have decided not to be part of that segment,” said Zellmer. “Within the Volkswagen Group, VW [will… Continue reading Skoda Octavia EV to be previewed with concept in September

Toyota planning electric Yaris – but now is ‘not the right moment’

An electric successor to the Toyota Yaris is in the company’s plans – but now is not the right moment for it, bosses have told Autocar. The supermini is the Japanese brand’s best seller in the UK and second best in Europe. It sold some 22,000 examples here last year, making up around 21% of its sales. When… Continue reading Toyota planning electric Yaris – but now is ‘not the right moment’