Autocar magazine 17 January: on sale now

This week in Autocar..

The car to change Mini forever, a five-star Toyota that's just been made better, and road testing China's Model 3

This week in Autocar, we cover the radical car that'll change Mini forever, drive a five-star Toyota that's just been made even better, and road test China's Model 3.

*News*

Mini is preparing to round off its line-up of three all-new core models later this year with the unveiling of the Aceman crossover - we have all you need to know about the predicted best-seller.

Over in Japan, Honda has revealed a bold new look for its future EVs, kicking off in 2026 with a striking large saloon that majors on driver engagement.

Meanwhile, we welcome back the return of the Volkswagen Up as an entry-level EV based on the ID1 concept car, providing essentials for first-timers and city use.

We also cover Xpeng's new aircraft carrier, Kia's rival to the Ford Transit, Merc's attitude to big screens, and the UK's first airport EV hub.

*Reviews*

The unexpected popularity of Toyota's GR Yaris has paved the way for this new ‘Evo’ model. Has Toyota made a five-star car even better? Matt Prior finds out.

Bold moves from Hyundai, meanwhile, as its facelifted i20 swims against the tide by ditching mild-hybrid power. The right decision?

The Renault Clio has regained a petrol option with the TCe 90 - our editor explains why it's now the default small car recommendation.

For road test 5657, we get behind the wheel of China's answer to the Tesla Model 3 - the ambitious new BYD Seal.

*Features*

Porsche’s latest hot 911 is the new frontier for on-the-fly chassis adjustability, offering the driver a world of configuration – but is it worth the hassle? Richard Lane decides how best to set one up.

Cars appearing in films and TV shows can be of much greater value to their makersthan conventional advertisments. We delve into the secrets of product placement.

Meyers’ Manx hits 60 this year but its maker is looking to the future, with a new EV on the cards. Felix Page visits its HQ in California to find out more.

What is it really like to live with an EV? Three years after making the switch, Jesse Crosse shares his top tips.

*Opinion*

Matt Prior recounts his chat with the chief engineer of the Toyota GR Yaris, and decides it's fine to hook around in your car, so long as you don't do it in public.

Steve Cropley, meanwhile, riffs on the wonders of driving a Bentley Continental, updates us on his Dacia Duster just as it's had a service, and why the Golf GTI without a manual gearbox doesn't annoy him.

*Used*

The Audi A3 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so what better time than to assess its merits as a used buy? John Evans is your guide.