Autocar magazine 23 February 2022: on sale now
This week: BMW M2 leads M division’s six-model blitz, VW ID Buzz driven, future classics named and more
BMW’s best-selling M Division performance sub-brand is preparing to transition to an electric future - but is going to go out with a bang, courtesy of six new models this year.
To mark the division’s 50 year anniversary, the new M2 coupé will lead a line-up that will also include the practical yet potent M3 Touring, track-focused M4 CSL, and XM hybrid SUV. The latter will be the firm’s most powerful model to date, and only the second bespoke model since the legendary mid-engined M1.
We have more details on all the upcoming models, only in this week’s issue of Autocar.
-News-
This week saw Ford pull back the curtain on the new Ranger Raptor. The hardcore pick-up truck will be the first version of the new-generation Ranger to arrive in the UK, and will do so with a petrol V6. We spoke to the engineering lead to learn more about how if the previous Raptor was an ST, this latest one is a full-blooded RS.
We also cover Jaguar Land Rover’s partnership with technology specialists Nvidia on autonomous driving technology, and ask whether the time has come for the UK to embrace road pricing as an alternative to fuel duty and road tax, in light of wider EV adoption.
Then in the Autocar Business section, we bring news of Lotus’ plans to float its Lotus Technology division on the stock market, find out how Ineos can sidestep CO2 rules with its commercial Grenadiers, and discover why car dealers are facing an EV-related revenue loss.
-Reviews-
Camper van fans have been eagerly awaiting Volkswagen’s electric Type 2 microbus revival for what feels like years. The ID Buzz is finally almost here, and we’ve driven a prototype version to find out what customers can expect when it lands in the UK later this year.
We also sample BMW’s second-generation 2 Series Active Tourer - can the divisive, front-driven MPV impress on a new platform and with an interior inspired by the high-end iX? Peugeot’s 308 family hatchback gets driven on UK roads for the first time, and we drive the Volkswagen ID 4 in its entry-level trim. Is it good value? The Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid also gets tested in prototype form.
Finally, the Skoda Kodiaq vRS performance SUV has made the switch from diesel to petrol power. We put it through the Autocar road test to see if the change has been for the better.
-Features-
It’s hard to believe, but the R35 generation Nissan GT-R has now been on sale for 15 years. We take the best of the breed, the Nismo, for a valedictory drive and consider Godzilla’s lineage.
We also celebrate the launch of Autocar’s sister brand Move Electric by trying to set some EV lap records at Brands Hatch. Some entrants you might expect, and others you definitely won’t.
Then we try some of the latest and greatest simulators, which are becoming increasingly important in the car world - and not just in motorsport.
Elsewhere, our mission to determine which of today’s new cars are most deserving of future classic status is now at an end. Our reviewers rate the final five ahead of their induction at the National Motor Museum.
-Opinions-
It’s a milestone this week (if you count such things) as Steve Cropley marks 30 years since he started writing his weekly column. What’s changed in three decades, and what’s stayed the same? Our man gives his view, and takes another spin in Bentley’s Continental GT.
Elsewhere, Matt Prior asks why we find the old ways so appealing. His central heating works perfectly well, and yet he still loves a log burner - and EVs might be the future, but Toyota is working on one with a manual transmission. Prior puzzles over the parallels.
Deals
When is a VW Golf not a VW Golf? When it’s a Jetta. Our second-hand car expert James Ruppert thinks the usefully bigger boot and more upmarket interior makes it a compelling used buy.
Our cult hero this week is the Mercedes-Benz CL, a properly luxurious two-door coupe that can be had for not-ridiculous money if you follow our buying advice. Prefer something a bit newer (and more fuel efficient)? The Toyota Corolla’s hybrid powertrain makes it a tempting choice.
Where to buy
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