Diesel Car – December 2018

One of the most iconic cars in history is being recreated by Land Rover, with the first spyshots of the next Defender caught by our eagle-eyed photographers. It may still have its disguise and camouflage attached, but it’s clear that Land Rover’s designers are going for an evolutionary look to the next-generation car.

We’re also reporting live from the Paris motor, with the hottest news on the debutees, and some that weren’t present. There’s the first information on BMW’s new 3 Series and X7, as well as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, SEAT Tarraco, Volvo V60 Cross Country and Hyundai’s facelifted i40. We’ve even got a sneak preview of the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up that makes its debut next month. In EcoCar we’ve got the first information on all the new models from Toyota, from Corolla to RAV4, as well as all the other hot metal that was on display at the Portes de Versailles showground.

Sue Baker has been driving the new Audi Q3, and Iain Dooley has been testing the latest A6 Avant on UK roads. Mazda’s CX-3 gains a new 1.8-litre diesel engine and James Fossdyke has been behind the wheel. Our editor, Ian Robertson has put the Peugeot Rifter and new 508 Fastback through its paces and driven the Volkswagen Touareg on UK tarmac for the first time. And finally, the Volvo V60 has arrived in D3 guise. Other new models on test this month include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet and the SEAT Arona in SE Technology Lux specification. In EcoCar, Vicky Parrott has been driving the electric Renault Zoe R110.

This month’s issue has a tuning and economy flavour to the content, with Andy Goodwin targeting his five tuning heroes. We also look at Celtic Tuning’s new automatic gearbox remapping, explore StarTech’s solution to the offset number plate on the rear of the Land Rover Discovery, and examine the upgrade options available to owners of alternative fuel vehicles. And finally, Phil Huff has taken the Hyundai Kona Electric on a rally with a difference.