I've been test running four of the latest Hornby Class 92 releases, reputed to have the newer five-pole pancake motors inside. I haven't actually taken one apart to check for five poles as yet (I will!) but running qualities are certainly improved over previous versions of the 92. The locos are far more controllable at lower speeds than before, whether using DCC or older DC control, and a lot smoother in operation at all speeds. Performance is not on par with a proper, centrally mounted drive system such as those used by Heljan or Bachmann, however.
I'm hoping to be able to produce some interim modern motive power using these locos and will be experimenting with twin power bogies and extra weight in the next couple of days. I regard the performance of Hornby & Lima as generally unacceptable for serious operation, but perhaps with the five-pole design I might be able to achieve something that's tolerable in service, if not as good as I'd like.