Tag Archives: Autocar

News

My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 41)

On the latest episode of the Autocar motoring podcast, My Week In Cars, Steve Cropley and Matt Prior share their adventures driving to Le Mans and enjoying a thrilling race. They also discuss their excitement about the next Bentley created by the special Mulliner coachbuilding team and dive into a range of motoring topics. Plus, they answer listener questions in the correspondence segment.

To stay updated on all Autocar podcasts, be sure to subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

News

2026 Lotus Type 135: Electric Elise still in works after Alpine split

Lotus is continuing its legacy of excellence in dynamics, aerodynamics, and lightweighting with the upcoming release of the Type 135, an all-electric sports car. Although it will have a different propulsion system, Lotus aims to maintain its signature qualities while also benefiting from features like instant torque, easier cooling, and better packaging. As a result, the Type 135 will offer ample storage and packaging benefits.

The E-Sports platform, which will underpin the Type 135, will support both single- and twin-motor powertrains. The power output is expected to range from 469bhp to 872bhp, offering significantly more power than the current Elise models. The higher-powered versions of the Type 135 could even fill the gap left by the track-focused Exige.

The E-Sports platform is designed to accommodate both rear- and four-wheel-drive powertrains. Although the showcased concepts have so far featured rear-mounted drive systems, Lotus remains open to the possibility of offering a torque-vectoring setup similar to the one found in the flagship Evija. As a result, certain defining features from the Evija may find their way into future Lotus sports cars.

Lotus is also focused on making the Type 135 as aerodynamically efficient as possible. Taking inspiration from the Venturi tunnels of the Evija, the car will feature aerodynamic aids that run throughout its design. This design approach takes advantage of the compact nature of an electric drivetrain. However, while the Type 135 will have similarities to the hypercar, it will be far more accessible and affordable.

Lotus plans to leverage the efficiencies within the broader Geely group, which includes Volvo, Polestar, Lynk&Co, and LEVC, to keep development and retail costs down. By utilizing components and systems from other brands, Lotus aims to deliver affordable performance. While it may not be possible to offer the Type 135 at the same price as the entry-level Elise, the cost of necessary materials and components is expected to decrease significantly. This could potentially position the Type 135 in the price range of the retired Exige line-up, estimated to be between £80,000 and £100,000.

News

Autocar magazine 21 June: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we have some exciting coverage for you. We take a look at Mercedes’ newest hypercar, the Vision One-Eleven, which pays tribute to the iconic C111. Only 16 of these will be produced.

In other news, Toyota Gazoo Racing has started testing its first battery-powered prototype, with chairman Akio Toyoda personally involved in the development. We have exclusive information on this.

Renault has launched its flagship coupé-SUV, the Rafale, promising an exhilarating driving experience. Volkswagen’s upcoming SUV, the Tayron, will be the successor to the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace and is set to be available in the UK in 2025.

Reviews

This week, we review the Honda ZR-V, a hybrid-powered family crossover designed to compete in a tough market. We also have an exclusive drive in a prototype of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, set to be released in June 2024. Our reviewer, Felix Page, reveals that there is more to this crossover than meets the eye. Additionally, we put the Ford Ranger, DS7, and facelifted Mazda 2 to the test.

Features

Bentley has launched the Batur, a £2 million hypercar and a swansong to its iconic W12 engine. Our reviewer, Matt Prior, believes it deserves a full five-star rating. We also take a trip to Skoda’s museum to explore their collection of classic cars. Additionally, we cover the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours race, discussing the special significance of this event.

Opinion

In this section, Matt Prior speculates on what Bentley might do next after the Batur, suggesting the possibility of a Mulliner-edition Bentayga or Flying Spur. On the other hand, Steve Cropley shares his experience of returning to Le Mans after a six-year hiatus, including witnessing parades, the unveiling of Alpine’s new A424 Beta racer, and an encounter with an incredibly bad driver.

Used

In the used car section, Oliver Young examines the second-generation Honda Integra Type R and provides insights on why it’s a great choice if you’re considering buying one.

JeepUk

Jeep® Avenger named ‘Best Small Car’ at Autocar Awards 2023

  • All-new, fully-electric Jeep® Avenger is named ‘Best Small Car’ at the Autocar Awards 2023
  • Panel of expert judges praise the Avenger’s compact form and sophistication
  • Prestigious Autocar Awards recognises the best new cars on sale in the UK
  • Latest award from Autocar adds to the Avenger’s expanding collection of international accolades – including European Car of the Year
  • Available to order now; designed and built in Europe, the Jeep Avenger compact SUV is the brand’s first-ever battery-electric vehicle (BEV)

 

The all-new, fully-electric Jeep® Avenger has added to its collection of international accolades after being named ‘Best Small Car’ at the Autocar Awards 2023.

The Autocar Awards, which celebrates the finest new cars on sale in the UK today, are curated by some of the most informed and experienced automotive journalists in the industry, hand-picking the best of the best in highly competitive categories.

Commenting on the Avenger’s win, Mark Tisshaw, Editor, Autocar, said: “Spend time with the team that made the Avenger and you’ll be aware just how committed these passionate individuals have been and how they have worked hard to create a car that brings something truly different to the small SUV class.

“The Avenger’s design is every bit a true Jeep, and it has a real rugged character. The proportions are spot on, and, like the best small cars, it has real charm and character. Those qualities transfer to the way the Avenger drives. There’s a maturity to its ride, handling and steering, and the electric power is a boon around town. It feels far more sophisticated than a car this small has any right to. While the Avenger might be small on the outside, it never really feels it inside.”

Jules Tilstone, Managing Director, Jeep UK, commented: “We are delighted to see yet another highly respected automotive publication recognise the Avenger’s exceptional customer offering in the compact car sector. The Avenger is rich with Jeep DNA, now in compact form with no compromise on interior spaciousness. We are charging forward with the next generation of electrified Jeep vehicles, and the Avenger is at the forefront of this exciting new chapter.”

The new Avenger is an all-electric compact SUV that, at just four metres in length, is positioned in the rapidly growing B-SUV segment. Aimed at active people who are looking for an SUV with compact dimensions, the Avenger offers plenty of room and storage possibilities. Designed and built as a Jeep vehicle from day one, the Avenger packs the Jeep DNA into a compact SUV with a unique combination of capability, style, functionality and technology.

With a range of up to 250 miles* in the WLTP cycle, a new electric powertrain combines a unique 400-volt electric motor with 115 kilowatts, 260 Nm of maximum torque and a new 54 kWh battery.

The introduction of the Avenger in Europe marks the beginning of the next phase of the electrification of the Jeep brand – the BEV wave. By the end of 2030, the Jeep brand’s European sales will be 100% pure electric.

The all-new, fully-electric Jeep Avenger is available to order now from £34,800 OTR.