Author: Autocar Magazine UK

WATCH: Defender Octa v Ariel Nomad v Mustang Mach-E Rally – what’s fastest off-road?

[embedded content] We wanted to do a simple test – of all the most extreme off-roading vehicles you can buy, the new Land Rover Defender Octa, the Ariel Nomad and Mustang Mach-E Rally really are the cars to beat. But of these, which is the fastest of them all? All are very different vehicles. The… Continue reading WATCH: Defender Octa v Ariel Nomad v Mustang Mach-E Rally – what’s fastest off-road?

Omoda 9

It’s an intriguing thing to drive, and a big improvement on the disappointing Jaecoo 7 sister car – perhaps unsurprisingly, as the 9 sits on a different platform. And because it’s all-wheel drive (unlike the Jaecoo), with the front wheels powered by both petrol and electric motor and the rear wheels powered by electric only,… Continue reading Omoda 9

The Rotary Correction: Notorious Mazda RX-8 now a sensible bargain

It was one of the most exciting and intriguing cars to be launched into the new century. Here was a decidedly stylish, highly distinctive coupe with the novelty (for most buyers at least) of a smooth-spinning rotary engine, four seats and a quartet of doors that opened like clamshells to reveal an unexpectedly spacious interior.… Continue reading The Rotary Correction: Notorious Mazda RX-8 now a sensible bargain

Exclusive: Kia commits to hatchbacks with wave of Golf rivals

While Kia sales in Europe did slip back slightly year-on-year in 2024, they have still grown more than 30% since 2020. In the UK, Kia has sold more than 100,000 cars for three years running, and it is currently the third best-selling brand in 2025, less than 300 units behind second-placed BMW. Increased competition in… Continue reading Exclusive: Kia commits to hatchbacks with wave of Golf rivals

“Have we gone too far?” Dacia boss says cars must get smaller

“It’s ridiculous to buy a C-segment car just to take to school or the supermarket. You’re using tonnes of metal and lots of screens just to go to Tesco. It’s fair and intelligent to ask: ‘Have we gone too far?’” Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot certainly thinks so, as does his boss, Renault Group CEO Luca… Continue reading “Have we gone too far?” Dacia boss says cars must get smaller

Nearly four in five UK government cars are still petrol, diesel or hybrid

Almost four in five cars used by the UK government remain petrol, diesel or hybrid-powered, despite it having previously pledged to “lead by example” and transition to a completely electric fleet by 2027. Data uncovered by Autocar sibling title What Car? via Freedom of Information requests reveals that just 22% of the cars used by… Continue reading Nearly four in five UK government cars are still petrol, diesel or hybrid

Volvo software boss to join free Autocar-Siemens webinar on 25 June

Technology giant Siemens has been named as the sponsor of the 2025 Autocar Awards, which will celebrate the people and organisations shaping the future of automotive – as well as the best cars on sale. This year’s awards ceremony takes place on 24 June, where Autocar and Siemens will name the industry’s most innovative and… Continue reading Volvo software boss to join free Autocar-Siemens webinar on 25 June

Volvo reinvents seatbelts – again. Now they know your size

Volvo has invented a new type of seatbelt that could dramatically improve in-car safety – again. The firm, which pioneered the use of the three-point belt, has revealed a new ‘multi-adaptive safety belt’, which uses sensors to analyse an occupant’s height, weight, body shape and seating position and responds accordingly in the event of a crash. … Continue reading Volvo reinvents seatbelts – again. Now they know your size

Inside Alpine’s 20-year plan to become a proper Porsche rival

“The business case flies with the US, because [the US is] 40% of the market in [the E-segment]. So until we have it clearly, it’s a bit risky for us to push the button,” de Meo said. It also means sourcing a platform from outside Renault – likely Chinese partner firm Geely. The other global market that welcomed Audi was… Continue reading Inside Alpine’s 20-year plan to become a proper Porsche rival