Autocar May 29, 2019

JUST HOW FAST is a McLaren F1? In May 1994, an eager 14-year-old picked up a copy of Autocar that promised to reveal all. Inside, an in-depth road test – sorry, the only road test – of the F1 answered that question, and so much more. The mind-boggling performance statistics stole the headlines, but it was the detail that captured your attention. It left you in no doubt that the McLaren F1 wasn’t merely a car: it was an engineering milestone, a work of art. (The review was very good, too!) Twenty-five years later, a still-eager 39-year-old picked up a proof copy of an Autocar feature (page 44) and quickly found himself lost in the majesty of the F1 – and Autocar’s incredibly talented writers – all over again. That the F1 still…

BMW has revealed the completely re-engineered 1 Series, with the range-topping 302bhp M135i model given all-wheel drive for the first time to directly rival the Volkswagen Golf R and Mercedes-AMG A35. While the premium hatch has been rear-wheel drive since it was first launched in 2004, BMW has taken the significant step of switching to a front-wheel-drive platform with the new third generation, in order to improve the car’s interior space and practicality. The new model is based on the FAAR architecture, also used for the X1 and X2 SUVs, and the Mini Countryman. Despite the switch, product manager Jochen Schmalholz said BMW was determined to ensure the car offered a dynamic driving experience, especially for the range-topping M135i hot hatch. “We put a lot of effort into producing a car that…

In an increasingly homogenised world, variety is always welcome – and from that perspective alone it’s a shame that BMW has abandoned rear-wheel drive for the 1 Series. But, from a business viewpoint, it makes sense: BMW’s research suggests family hatch buyers care more about space and practicality than which axle is putting the power down. And while the size increases might be small on paper, BMW believes they make a substantial difference in the real world. Thankfully, BMW also knows that performance and handling can help the 1 Series stand out in a crowded market, and has put genuine emphasis into ensuring it offers dynamic handling, notably with the use of all-wheel drive on the M135i range-topper. A recent drive of an M135i prototype showed it offered strong performance and confident handling.…

Why switch to front-wheel drive? “When we asked customers where they see room for improvement, interior size – seating comfort, rear seats, front seats, shoulder width – kept coming up. So when we had to decide on the architecture it was an easy decision, because front-wheel drive addressed exactly what customers have been complaining about.” Rear-wheel drive made the 1 Series unique in its class, so how will it stand out now? “Customers loved the sporty design and driving dynamic, so this was something we had to keep. The major challenge was bringing out driving characteristics similar to a rear-drive car, and a lot of time, money and effort went into this process.” Why so much emphasis on technology in the interior? “It’s important for younger customers, and the 1 Series has the youngest customers…

SKODA HAS OFFICIALLY unveiled its first pure-electric car: the Citigo-e iV. The new city car comes with headline figures of 81bhp, 155lb ft of torque and a range of up to 164 miles under the WLTP testing protocol. The Citigo-e iV is in effect Skoda’s updated version of the Volkswagen e-Up. It will reach the UK early next year after orders open in the autumn. Skoda promises it will be one of the most affordable EVs on the market and UK prices are expected to start at around £15,000. Although Skoda promises that the two upcoming models that will sit on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB pure-electric architecture are more adventurous, the Citigo-e has a much more traditional design. The body-coloured grille is the biggest visual difference from the petrol model. All Citigo-es…

The Skoda Superb will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time as part of a series of revisions to the Czech firm’s flagship saloon and estate. The hybrid will be named the Superb iV in recognition of the new sub-brand that will be used for Skoda’s bold electrification plans. The firm launched the Superb alongside the pure-electric Citigo-e iV (below) at an event in Slovakia. The Superb iV features a 154bhp, 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a 114bhp electric motor, which sends drive to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The peak system output is 220bhp, with 295lb ft of torque. The Superb iV will be capable of completing 34 miles of pure-electric running, identical to the similar Volkswagen Passat GTE. Skoda has yet to release performance figures,…