Description

Polestar has just confirmed that its O2 concept car will be put into production and called the 6 Roadster, and it’s set to arrive in the UK during 2026. We’ve also got first pictures of the MINI Aceman concept car, a vision of a new baby SUV that will be launched by the British brand soon, similar in size to the MINI Hatch. We have news of a one-off MINI Electric Convertible that is set to gauge reaction to an electric version of the next-generation soft-top, and completing the set, we have pictures of the Alpine E-Ternité, a convertible edition of the A110 sports car in battery electric guise.

In the October issue, we’ve been driving the brand-new Vauxhall Astra in turbodiesel guise and put the BMW X3 M40d put through its paces on UK roads. We have also been testing the Kia Niro PHEV, the Honda Civic Hybrid, Volvo C40 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This month’s twin test sees the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class go head-to-head – which luxury saloon gets the nod by the Diesel&EcoCar test team?

This month’s used car buyer’s guide is all about the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC and we present to you photographs and details about the second-generation Volkswagen Phaeton that was killed off before it was launched. We also take a trip around the world to explore what Toyota models are available in other countries and examine the world of GAP Insurance – should you consider it when choosing your next car?

Tested:

• BMW X3 M40d Automatic
• Honda Civic e-HEV Advance Automatic
• Kia Niro 3 1.6 GDi Plug-in Hybrid Automatic
• Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line Premium Plus Automatic
• Vauxhall Astra GS Line 1.5 Turbo D Automatic
• Volvo C40 Twin Recharge Plus Automatic

Twin test:

• Audi A8 L Sport 50 TDI Automatic vs Mercedes-Benz S 350 d L AMG Line Premium Plus Automatic

Long-term test reports:

• Citroen C3 Aircross Shine Plus BlueHDi 110
• Cupra Born V3 58kWh 201bhp
• Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition PHEV Automatic
• Honda e Advance Automatic
• Mazda CX-5 GT Sport Nav 2.2D Automatic
• Peugeot e-Rifter Long Allure Premium Automatic
• Skoda Scala Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI
• Vauxhall Grandland Ultimate 1.5 Turbo D Automatic
• Volvo V60 R-Design T6 PHEV AWD Automatic

Features:

• Current affairs – How do I get home without recharging, if I haven’t got enough range?
• GAP Insurance – should you choose it for your next car?
• The Volkswagen Phaeton Mk2 that never was

Tuning & Modifying

• Tuning for more power

Used Car Buyer’s Guide

• Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

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