This week in Autocar, Land Rover introduces the baby Defender, we drive the new Mercedes E-Class and take the Kia Picanto for a spin around Ireland.
News
Land Rover has given approval to its long-awaited and highly anticipated ‘baby Defender’ – a rugged and compact 4×4 that will be released as a sibling model to the next-gen Evoque.
Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf next year by launching the facelifted eighth-generation model. We analyze why this could be the best Golf yet.
Meanwhile, Toyota plans to replace the GR86 with a redesigned hybrid version that will use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris.
We also cover the new Hyundai Santa Fe, discuss why the adoption of electric vehicles is slowing down, and much more.
Reviews
The Dacia Spring, priced below £20k, is set to become the UK’s first affordable electric car from the popular value brand. We test it before it goes on sale next year to find out if it really lives up to the hype.
Mercedes is upping the luxury and technology in its new E-Class saloon. We have it on test in Austria and question if you really need an S-Class.
Audi’s long-awaited Q6 E-tron is the electric sibling of the Q5, boasting impressive efficiency. We’ve had the chance to test prototypes of both the Q6 E-tron and the new SQ6 to see how they perform.
In road test 5634, we review the Mercedes-AMG SL63 to determine if a sportier direction is the right move for Stuttgart’s classic car.
We’re also testing the Skoda Superb Prototype, Hyundai Kona EV prototype, the electric Vauxhall Astra, the Honda ZR-V, and Mercedes B200d.
Features
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic 1500-mile route along the west coast of Ireland. Matt Prior takes a Kia Picanto on the southern section of the route and shares his experience, revealing why he’s already planning a return trip.
Donkervoort introduces the F22, a powerhouse with a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 622bhp per tonne. Richard Lane tests this speed demon and sees how it stacks up against the fastest supercars.
The McMurtry Spierling stunned the automotive world a year ago with its Spéirling, an ultra-lightweight electric fan car with 1000bhp. Now, it’s headed for production. Will Rimell meets the person in charge.
Opinion
Matt Prior takes a stand against unsolicited local opinions about the traffic congestion caused by the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He humorously suggests that the best way to enjoy roads is by not sharing them with others.