Welcome to the first of our December double issues! 

This week, we've packed 148 pages of news, advice, road tests, and page-turning features into one magazine.

We cover everything including BMW's'Neue Klasse' iX3 and its tech secrets, a road test of the Pelican of London, recount our best motoring memories of 2023, go highland camping in a Porsche 911 Dakar, check out pick-up truck racing, and so much else besides...

News

The first model to be based on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform is taking shape ahead of a planned UK launch during the latter half of 2025 - we have all you need to know on the first car in a spectacular model blitz from Munich.

Toyota is preparing to launch five new electric cars in Europe within the next two years, including a small urban SUV and a range-topping luxury fastback - we've got the lowdown.

Meanwhile, the electric-only Nissan Juke and Qashqai Nissan, both of which will be designed, engineered and built in Britain, are set to cost the same as the current combustion-engined models. With insight from Nissan's CEO and its European R&D chief, we offer all you need to know.

Elsewhere in the UK, a brand new super-luxury brand is on the cusp of being launched, set to bring heritage appeal to the world of coachbuilding.

Reviews

The undercooked Smart #1 electric crossover introduced the brand reimagined under Geely. Now it's time for the larger, coupé-styled #3 to go under the Autocar scalpel.

The Range Rover Evoque has been given a redesign, with exterior styling tweaks and an 'reductive' interior design. Are the changes a help or hindrance?

We also test the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric, and the (five-cylinder!) Cupra Formentor VZ5 BAT.

Features

Our features section is bursting at the seams this week, starting out with our annual road testers' lunch, where the testers pick their most underrated models of 2023. 

It's then time for the Autocar team to pick their motoring highlights of 2023 - from people and places to some very special cars our team cover it all.

Fancy treating yourself to a stylish, bargain-basement used buy this Christmas? James Ruppert has you covered, counting the best second-handers and what you should look for.

Meanwhile, Richard Webber takes to the Scottish highlands in a Porsche 911 Dakar to try winter camping in style (and test its £6000 roof box).

Our annual Christmas road test arrives once more and this time it's an elegant tall ship with a criminal past that now enables young people to sail the high seas - Matt Prior takes to the seas in the Pelican of London.

Opinion

Matt Prior riffs on manufacturer strap lines and why they must stick with them to allow them to become treasured associations in the mind of the customer.

Meanwhile, Steve Cropley recounts his highlights of 2023, from borrowing a BMW i4 M50 for the annual Watergate Bay sprint in Cornwall to slipping behind the wheel of the 1180bhp Ariel Hipercar.

Used

Some cars are so ubiquitous everyone knows exactly what they are when they hear their name, just like the Vauxhall Corsa. It’s comfortable, reliable and easy to own, so what’s not to like? John Evans is your guide.