Autocar magazine 2 January preview

This week’s Autocar magazine stars every new car being launched in 2013 – 164 new models in total.

The rundown includes details of all the star cars, plus prospective launch dates and the latest information from every manufacturer.

The news section is led off by a scoop on the next Mercedes-Benz C-class, which is set to get bolder styling and class-leading technology, while there’s also the lowdown on the new 202mph drop-top Bentley Continental GTC Speed, Dacia’s no discount policy and the end of plans for an electric Audi A2.

Our features include a four-page analysis of every manufacturer’s UK sales in 2013, looking at the big winners (Audi, BMW, Hyundai) and losers (Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall). 

The revised Ariel Atom 3.5 heads up our first drives section, sitting alongside an eclectic mix including the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, Mercedes CLS63 Shooting Brake, Porsche Cayenne GTS, Toyota Auris Hybrid and Audi RS5 Cabriolet. The full eight-page road test covers the new Ford B-Max, explaining why it is the best of its breed.

Long-term updates include the Audi A6 Allroad, Alpina D5 Biturbo, Caterham Seven, BMW 330d Touring, Fiat Panda, Vauxhall Astra VXR and Subaru XV.

Our used car coverage includes a buying guide for the Volkswagen Passat, James Ruppert on why we should buy the least reliable cars in Britain and an investigation into whether you’d be better spending £25,000 on a new Toyota GT86 or used Aston Martin Vantage.

We also introduce two new columnists. Joe Saward takes the reins of our Formula 1 coverage, while road test editor Matt Prior writes the first of a new series of weekly columns.