This week’s issue of Autocar magazine, dated 12 November, kicks off with details of the all-new Porsche Panamera, which the German manufacturer is currently developing ahead of a launch in 2016.
Based on a new, advanced rear-drive and all-wheel-drive platform, dubbed MSB, the Panamera will incorporate multiple weight-saving measures and an all-new family of V6 and V8 petrol engines that promise a muscular power delivery to cement the Panamera’s position as the world’s sportiest premium saloon.
We've also got a hot hatch mega-test featuring two of the harder-edged cars on the market right now, as the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG takes on the new Renault Mégane RS 275 Trophy R.
Enthusiasts will love the Mégane RS 275 Trophy-R, a track-focused special shorn of its rear seats and much else besides. But you’d be nuts to buy one when an extra £1760 bags the more powerful, plusher, five-seat A45 AMG, right?
The Nissan Pulsar is the subject of our exhaustive road test. Nissan has enjoyed great success with the Juke and Nissan Qashqai, but to force its way in among Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Audi and BMW in sales terms, the Japanese manufacturer must return to the part of the market it left when it killed off the Almera. Our expert testers determine whether the Pulsar is up to the task.
We test the new Smart Fortwo and Forfour on the streets of Barcelona. The diminutive cars have always been among the most distinctive on our roads, but past iterations have always been found somewhat wanting when it came to the driving experience. Has Daimler's brand hit the mark with its latest models, which share underpinnings with the Renault Twingo?
As the rallying world gears up for Wales Rally GB, the final round of the World Rally Championship, Steve Sutcliffe tests Kris Meeke's Citroën DS3 WRC and finds out just why rally drivers are a very special breed indeed. You can also watch the video of that test here.
There's an update on the BMW i3 that's part of our long-term test fleet, while this week's used buying guide offers hints on how to buy a rally-bred Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 from as little as £3000.
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"Ah! The return of Editor Jim
Is there a story to go with that?
The return of Editor Jim Holder.
That is a surprise . . . .
You thought we wouldn't notice his return?!
(Page 9, this week's issue 12 November).