Autocar magazine 30 September - on sale now
This week: 197bhp Ford Puma ST revealed, McLaren 765LT driven, Porsche Cayman twin test and much more
Ford has bolstered its performance model line-up with this week’s cover star: the Puma ST.
The first ST-branded SUV lands with 197bhp, thanks to an engine shared with the Fiesta ST, and features an array of chassis trickery.
For the full lowdown on the Blue Oval’s hot new crossover, have a peek inside this week’s Autocar.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Volkswagen says its new ID 4 electric SUV represents a “milestone” in its EV line-up, as it will be the first to be offered globally. We get our first look at the finished product and explain why, for VW, this is the big one.
Peugeot also unveils the 508 PSE as its most powerful production car yet, and Audi gives us a new Sportback variant of the Q5. Featuring a coupe-influenced profile and a raft of bespoke additions, Audi is counting on it to ramp up the Q5’s sporting appeal.
Meanwhile MG is on track to achieve a 50% plug-in car sales share in 2021, driven largely by the successful ZS EV, and Volvo’s offshoot Polestar has confirmed that it will put its Precept concept into production. The Dacia Sandero gets a major update, and Tesla has revealed details on its new battery technology: expect 16% more range for less cash.
In this week’s Autocar Business section, Polestar lifts the lid on the real-world CO2 emissions that come from electric car production. Finally, Jim Holder ponders the legacy of dieselgate.
-Reviews-
First to face our testers in a bumper issue for new metal is the McLaren 765LT. Longtail staples such as more power and Senna-inspired aero add much to the 720S on which it is based, but does it deliver on a circuit?
Then, we go niche-busting with the MG 5 electric estate and enjoy fiery performance from the Volkswagen Tiguan R. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate stands out with revised looks, suspension and aerodynamics, the Kia Sorento takes another leap upmarket, and the Lexus LC 500 Convertible impresses with its concept car styling.
Finally, the Peugeot e-2008 steps up to the gauntlet of the Autocar road test. Could the French brand’s new electric compact crossover become an EV sales heavyweight?
-Features-
Porsche’s Cayman GT4 and Cayman GTS 4.0 now both use a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six engine, which made us wonder if the Weissach-developed car is still worth the extra. A back-to-back test was the only way to know for sure.
Then, we go in search of good vibrations - the cars that just leave you feeling good when you drive them - and ponder where that elusive feelgood factor comes from. We also head to Coventry to meet the people putting what was once Europe’s Motor City back on the map.
We also meet car-fanatic dealers Bell Sport & Classic to find out how their meticulous restorations also keep great cars alive, and get the inside line on Maserati’s revival plan.
Opinions
Yes, an AMG saloon can drift, says Matt Prior, but that’s not really the point. Our veteran tester explains why an AMG car’s real skill is its ability to shrink distances. Then, Steve Cropley makes the case for the underacknowlegded hillclimbing abilities of the Abarth 695, shares his first impressions of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet and gives his tips for keeping track of MOT deadlines.
-Deals-
James Ruppert reckons a Toyota Auris or a Nissan Qashqai offers the ideal used car for young families in this week’s Bangernomics column, while our nearly-new guide sings the merits of a nearly new Mercedes C-Class. Finally, our used buying guide shows you how to catch a good Fiat Panda.
-Where to buy-
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