In this week’s 148-page Christmas issue we drive a JCB monster truck, compete to build the best Lego car and predict what will happen in the automotive world in 2025. 

Plus our road testers sit down for their annual Secret Santa lunch and we interview Grand Prix and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert.

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News

Volkswagen announces a Clubsport makeover for its flagship Golf R, with an expected output of 345bhp. 

DS enters a new era with its N°8, as the firm looks to rebuild sales after a 25% drop to 35,000 units in Europe in 2024. 

Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E concept car promises to transform agility, reaching speeds of 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds. 

The Ford Mk1 Escort is getting a high-tech makeover alongside petrol power, developed by Boreham Motorworks it has received backing by Ford. 

Lamborghini continues to push on with their EV model plans- announcing a four-seat electric GT which is set to arrive in the next five years.

Reviews

Following the Citroen C3, the Vauxhall Frontera Electric is based on Stellantis’s new Smart Car platform; we take it, and its hybrid version for a drive in Spain. 

The JCB Digatron monster truck is the star of this year's Christmas road test (5713).  Matt Prior tests the 5.6 tonne beast alongside Monster Jam driver Tristain England.

Features

Ever wondered which member of the Autocar team is the best Lego builder? Sam Phillips, Felix Page and Matt Prior go head to head armed with nothing but Lego and a suspicious Mega Bloks imposter. 

The Autocar team shares their highlights from the past year, featuring a drive to Spa Francorchamps, sports car racing and a Korean car camping craze. 

Our road testers gathered for a very exciting Secret Santa lunch, gifting each other with carefully curated motors. 

Stargazing powered by a car? Yes, that’s right, Genesis invited Autocar to Exmoor for a stargazing trip, powered by the Electrified GV70, John Evans shares his experience. 

Richard Webber sets out to recreate Scottish explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchinson‘s journey to bring the first Christmas tree to the remote island of Tiree, with the help of an Ariel Nomad 2. 

Also in features: The gay motorcycle club paving the way for inclusive motoring, the rubber duck craze dominated by Jeep, radio-controlled motorsport and the used car market’s seasonal picks. Plus A to Z of car names, The Tannistest and the most luxurious garages. 

Opinion

Steve Cropley shares his highlights from the year including attending the last Geneva motor show and his thoughts on the JLR Type 00. 

Matt Prior discusses how we judge people based on their car preferences and whether we extend the same judgments based on kitchen appliances. 

Used

Perhaps you’d like to treat yourself this Christmas? With Sam Phillips' guide to buying a Ferrari FF you might be able to. 

Also in the used section: My Car and I, Our Cars, Caught in the Classifieds and Head to Head.