Autocar magazine 28 December – out now

This week: next Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi's BMW 8 Series rival, best and worst of 2017, Hyundai i30 N road test

In this week’s Autocar we celebrate 2017’s best and worst from the world of motoring, before remembering some of our own personal standout moments.

But before we start to reminisce it’s business as usual as we bring you a world exclusive scoop on the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a car that wants to obliterate its competition with new tech, tweaked looks and an even more luxurious character.

Not content with one exclusive, we also reveal details of Audi’s intent to produce a rival to the upcoming BMW 8 Series. The brand’s design boss wants one – but what would it be like?

Also in this issue

Hyundai’s hot hatch market-shaking i30 N is subjected to a full Autocar road test, where our experienced drivers examine the Ford Focus ST rival’s full list of credentials to determine whether it really is the full package.

Our road testers then take Audi’s raucous RS4 Avant and Porsche’s multifaceted Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid for a spin. Ford’s 1.0-litre Ecosport is also tested, as is the Nissan Micra in 1.0 Acenta form. The Ford Mondeo 180 ST-Line S completes the review list for the week.

Our cars

The year is nearly over and so is our relationship with the McLaren 570 GT, which leaves us wondering if money can really buy a more exciting high-performance all-rounder.

The LPG life of our Dacia Sandero also continues, while the Seat Ibiza, Honda Civic and Mercedes-Benz E-Class all star as winter’s cold weather sets in.

Deals

Our used car experts reveal why you shouldn’t shy from second hand automatic cars, despite the negative light often shined to them from traditional driving enthusiasts.

BMW’s race-inspired 320si is also taken for a Past Master test drive, while we consider the pros of exchanging £300 for a Hyundai Coupé.

Where to buy

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