Autocar UK
New Vauxhall Astra confirmed by 2030 with less "traditional" shape
Next Astra will be built in Germany on new platform; could become a crossover but will keep estate The Vauxhall Astra will be reinvented for a new generation by the end of the decade, morphing into a less "traditional" shape as it aims to maintain market share in the face of soaring SUV demand. Vauxhall-Opel has confirmed the new Astra is one of "at least" four new models it will launch by 2030,
Autocar UK
Why the Skoda Superb Estate is the best estate car you can buy
The Skoda Superb has reclaimed its crown as What Car?’s Estate Car of the Year. Here’s why it’s so hard to beat... There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from a car doing exactly what it says on the tin – superbly. The Škoda Superb Estate has been doing precisely that for years, delivering class-leading space, a refined and comfortable ride and tremendous value, and the the judges a
Autocar UK
If Porsche's GT boss likes virtual gearshifts, you can too
After years of dismissing synthetic gearshifts as "gimmicks," Porsche has been won over by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N This week my brain dredged up Dr Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham. In it the unnamed narrator insists to Sam-I-am that the titular dish disgusts him, only to eventually try it and, sure enough, love it. For green eggs and ham substitute an electric car with synthetic gearchanges, and for our
Autocar UK
The best ever shooting brakes
Everyone loves a fast wagon - and in this story we're rounding up the very best you've ever been able to buy What’s the difference between an estate and a shooting brake? A lot has been lost in the mists of time and marketing, but the latter has to have some sass to its styling. Practicality isn’t the overriding concern of most shooting brakes, but added load space is certainly handy. Here’s ou
Autocar UK
What actually is a car platform, anyway?
Volkswagen's MQB is among the most prominent platforms, spawning a variety of models The word is commonly used in automotive circles, yet its meaning isn't widely understood – and is highly variable One thing the car industry is renowned for is jargon – and the problem with jargon is that terms can be interpreted differently depending on who's using them. Electric vehicles' traction motors are
Autocar UK
Setting sun: Japan's car makers deprioritise Europe as China races in
Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi are among the Japanese firms to look to other global markets for growth Nissan’s announcement that Jaecoo owner Chery is ready to take over one of the two production lines at its underutilised Sunderland plant neatly illustrates a wider trend: that Japanese car companies are facing an existential crisis in Europe as their fingertip hold on a difficult market is now st
Autocar UK
The finest cars of Buick
Buick: the story of America’s oldest auto firm still running Small to large. By a small margin, Buick is the oldest North American company still building cars today, was the first to be incorporated into General Motors, and marked its 120th birthday in 2023. To have survived so long, Buick has clearly been doing something right for the last 120 odd years, which is as good a reason as any for us
Autocar UK
The rise of the virtual gearbox: Why EV sports cars are faking it
Simulated sequential 'boxes, pioneered by Hyundai, are the hottest new trend in high-performance EVs The sign of any great new technology is how quickly it smoothly slips into your life. When was the last time you actively thought about making a contactless card payment? The speed at which I defaulted to using the faux gears of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's N e-Shift system after making first acquainta
Autocar UK
My 1992 V8 Range Rover only costs me £100 in repairs each year
It's rare to find a Mk1 Range Rover used as intended, but this one is "It's a genuine Chelsea tractor," says Mike Hurst, pointing to the Chelsea & Kensington parking permit on the windscreen of his 1992 J-reg Range Rover 3.5 V8 Vogue SE auto, finished in Ardennes Green. It's not his permit: it was there when he bought the car 19 years ago, unbelievably from a chap at the roadside. Mike recalls: "
Autocar UK
Inside the Leapmotor-Stellantis deal that's changing the car world
Stellantis and fast-moving firm Leapmotor joined forces three years ago – what's next? European manufacturers have faced significant disruption and challenges in recent years, but the rapid expansion of Chinese firms into the region presents the biggest existential threat to their survival yet. How can legacy car firms, already struggling with the cost of electrification and ever-shifting legisla
Autocar UK
The world’s coolest police cars
Cop a load of these... Not all drivers appreciate the sight of a police car behind them, but at least these will get your attention for the right reasons… Imagine how much more interesting it would be if the roads were patrolled by Porsche 911s, or Audi R8s, or Honda NSXs? Or a hot-hatchback like the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, pictured, which saw service in the UK? Well, the police in one part of
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