Autocar magazine 10 April - on sale now

Elsewhere, we hear why all future Mercedes-AMG models will make the shift to four-wheel-drive, why Audi is re-establishing its hydrogen development programme, what to expect from McLaren’s upcoming grand tourer and loads more.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Reviews

This week, we’ve been behind the wheel of Mercedes-AMG’s answer to the Porsche 911 GT3: the GT R Pro. The track-prepped two-seater makes use of the same 577bhp 4.0-litre V8 as the standard AMG GT, but will aerodynamic tweaks and weight shavings make it a track day weapon of choice?

At the other end of the spectrum is the Skoda Scala, which is taking the fight to the Ford Focus, armed with the Czech brand’s new design language, a roomy interior and a competitively low price tag. A stint in the new BMW M850i convertible, meanwhile, determined whether Munich has created a practical continent crusher with the ability to excite when needed. 

This week’s road test subject is the new Jeep Wrangler, which will need to offer the brand’s class-leading off-road competence alongside more everyday usability to make sense on UK roads.

Features

How many four-door saloons would you need to gather for a combined 1300bhp? The answer, this week, is two. We took the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door to a suitably twisty B-road to see how it stacks up against its closest rival, the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Both weigh over two tonnes, both are propelled by 4.0-litre turbocharged V8s, and both can nudge 200mph, but which has the edge? 

Next, we examine Honda’s decision to shut its Swindon factory. The British car-buying public once viewed the Japanese car maker as a genuine BMW rival, and idolised icons like the NSX sports car, but times are changing. We ask what happened, and what could come next.

Ever been put off a second-hand car by its high mileage? The 10-year-old Ford Mondeo we’ve been driving this week has covered the distance to the moon, but demonstrates just how far a modern car can go and still look fresh. 

That Mondeo’s extreme opposite is the Lister Knobbly continuation model, which is a brand new car built to resemble a 60-year-old icon. The two-seater packs a 3.8-litre Jaguar twin-cam motor good for 0-62mph in four seconds and a top speed of 180mph. Find out what it’s like to drive. 

Finally, we spoke to 19-year-old Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, who steps out of his McLaren MCL34 after each race, and into a student-spec Volkswagen Polo. Autocar hears about what it’s like to go from F1 superfan to championship contender in the space of a few years.

Opinions

Matt Prior, this week, is convinced that the increasing number of quieter, slower and more practical cars being launched is a sign that we’re nearing the age of automotive ‘perfection’. Steve Cropley, meanwhile, is just happy his own motor is finally clean again. 

Deals

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone came into force earlier this week, which prompted James Ruppert to consider which frugal family-haulers would suit parents in the city. If you’re seeking some country road thrills, however, perhaps you should consider a still-fresh 981-generation Porsche Boxster, which can be had for under £30,000.

Sports cars can be had for much less money however, as evidenced by the Nissan 350Z and MG TF we found in the classifieds this week. If you’re willing to consider a classic, the Porsche 928 in our used buying guide is an oft-overlooked option.

Where to buy

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