On this week’s 148-page Christmas version, we drive a JCB monster truck, compete to construct the very best Lego automotive and predict what’s going to occur within the motoring world in 2025.

Plus our street testers sit down for his or her annual Secret Santa lunch and we interview Grand Prix and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert.

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Information

Volkswagen is asserting a Clubsport facelift for its flagship Golf R, with an anticipated output of 345bhp.

DS is getting into a brand new period with its N°8 because the agency appears to be like to rebuild gross sales after a 25% drop to 35,000 models in Europe in 2024.

Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E idea automotive guarantees to rework agility, reaching speeds of 62 mph in lower than 3.5 seconds.

The Ford Mk1 Escort will get a high-tech facelift together with petrol energy, developed by Boreham Motorworks and supported by Ford.

Lamborghini continues with their EV mannequin plans – asserting a four-seat electrical GT that may arrive throughout the subsequent 5 years.

Evaluations

Following on from the Citroen C3, the Vauxhall Frontera Electrical is predicated on Stellantis’ new Good Automotive platform; we take it, and its hybrid model for a drive in Spain.

The JCB Digatron monster truck is the star of this yr’s Christmas Street Take a look at (5713). Matt Prior assessments the 5.6 ton beast with Monster Jam driver Tristain England.

Traits

Ever marvel which member of the Autocar workforce is the very best Lego builder? Sam Phillips, Felix Web page and Matt Prior go face to face armed with nothing however Lego and a suspicious Mega Bloks impostor.

The Autocar workforce share their highlights from the previous yr, with a visit to Spa Francorchamps, sports activities automotive racing and a Korean automotive camp craze.

Our street testers gathered for a really thrilling Secret Santa lunch and gifted one another with rigorously curated automobiles.

Stargazing powered by a automotive? Sure, that is proper, Genesis invited Autocar to Exmoor for a stargazing journey, powered by the Electrified GV70, John Evans shares his expertise.

Richard Webber proposes to recreate Scottish explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchinson’s journey to deliver the primary Christmas tree to the distant island of Tiree, with the assistance of an Ariel Nomad 2.

Additionally in options: The homosexual bike membership that paves the best way for inclusive motoring, the Jeep-dominated rubber duck craze, radio-controlled motorsports and the used automotive market’s seasonal choices. Plus A to Z of automotive names, The Tannistest and probably the most luxurious motorhomes.