Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Allroad to Nowhere: what happened to lifted estates?

I can’t quite believe it: there are now no lifted estate cars on sale in the UK. With confirmation that the new Subaru Outback won’t be coming here, they’re all gone. What ever happened to the Seat Leon X-Perience, Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer and Toyota Corolla Trek? Then there was the Skoda Octavia and Superb Scout… Continue reading Allroad to Nowhere: what happened to lifted estates?

Second-hand car buyers go for superminis over SUVs

Nine of the 10 best-selling used cars in the UK are still traditional hatchbacks and superminis, in stark contrast to the popularity of SUVs among buyers of new cars. The greater sales potential and profitability of crossovers and SUVs – together with the arrival of margin-slashing safety and emissions regulations – have threatened the commercial… Continue reading Second-hand car buyers go for superminis over SUVs

Citroen C3

Like the exterior, the interior of the new C3 is identical to that of its ë-C3 electric counterpart. This means there are some very welcome physical switches and buttons for the heating and ventilation and a 10.25in touchscreen left simply for the navigation, music and wireless smartphone mirroring (either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).  The new C3… Continue reading Citroen C3

First look at new VW T-Roc ahead of imminent reveal

Volkswagen has released the first official image of the new second-generation T-Roc ahead of its imminent reveal, showcasing the new car’s sharply raked roofline. As previously reported by Autocar, the second-generation T-Roc is due to be unveiled in the coming weeks, ahead of an expected debut at September’s Munich motor show – where Volkswagen is also tipped… Continue reading First look at new VW T-Roc ahead of imminent reveal

10 models in three years: decoding VW’s new car blitz

Volkswagen is preparing for one of the most comprehensive product offensives in its 87-year history, with 10 new electric and combustion-engined models due to be launched over the next three years as it reshapes its core line-up. Against a backdrop of stalled sales, deep cost cuts and workforce layoffs at home, the aim of VW’s… Continue reading 10 models in three years: decoding VW’s new car blitz

Are electric vehicles dead in the US?

Prospects for electric car sales look gloomy in the US after president Donald Trump’s government killed purchase incentives and ripped up legislation forcing ca rmakers to improve their average fuel consumption. But does that mean EVs are dead over there? The recent push by car makers to launch more EVs in the US is definitely… Continue reading Are electric vehicles dead in the US?

Government extends Plug-in Van and Truck Grant until 2027

The government has extended its Plug-in Van and Truck Grant, which discounts the price of a new commercial EV by up to £25,000, until 2027. Originally due to end next April, the grant launched in 2012 for vans and 2016 for trucks as Westminster tried to tackle one of the UK’s largest sources of emissions:… Continue reading Government extends Plug-in Van and Truck Grant until 2027

Experts think only a few car makers will survive – but I’m not buying it

I’m told a television programme called You Bet! still exists, which some of you might remember from the 1980s, while some others among you might not quite believe existed. A contestant would come on – a scientist, perhaps – and tell a panel of celebrity judges that they reckoned they could do something unlikely, like… Continue reading Experts think only a few car makers will survive – but I’m not buying it

How the next Corvette could be designed in the UK

“Of course there were some tough times,” says Thomson. “I remember being in Thailand once, turning on a Teams call late at night and being confronted by a grid of about 10 angry builders wanting to talk about drains and electrical supply. But we worked it out. That was just a low point. We’re really happy… Continue reading How the next Corvette could be designed in the UK