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Alastair Crooks

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews. Days off are also car-related for Alastair, regularly attending car shows and track days.

Alastair says…

“As a Staff Writer for Auto Express I speak with leading figures in the automotive industry and see what changes are in store for the future. It’s fascinating to see how different firms are planning ahead, especially with the switch to electric cars. I also get the opportunity to test the latest cars, which is always a real honour. The unique benefit of working for Auto Express is our strength in depth, we cover everything from vans to supercars!”

Alastair’s main areas of expertise

  • News writing
  • Reviews
  • Feature writing 
  • Social media

Alastair Crooks Q&A 

Q: What was your first car?

A: “My first car was a Mk1 Ford Focus. It was a Zetec model with a 99bhp, 1.6-litre petrol under the bonnet. It wasn’t fast by any means but it felt solid enough and had a great balance to it. I’d like to think my skills behind the wheel have improved since I parted with my Focus so I’d love to revisit it again to see if the driving experience still holds up.”

Q: What is your dream car? 

A: “I won’t ever give a straightforward answer to this question because it’s purely mood dependent. I simply have to drive an E46 M3 at some point to see if it lives up to the hype (although the same could be said of every JDM icon from the 1990s), but I also love estates and the king of the genre is undoubtedly the V10 M5 Touring.” 

“Away from BMWs, I drove a Ferrari 458 many years ago and that is a car that’s always stuck with me. The Speciale version would probably do me just fine.”

Q: If you could change one thing about cars, driving or the car industry today what would it be?

A: “Whenever I come back from driving in Europe I’m always reminded that UK roads are atrocious. I’m not just talking about poor driving etiquette but rather actual road surfaces simply inadequate for cars. Oh, and if fuel prices could come down a bit as well that would be nice.”

Social media and e-mail 

e-mail: alastair_crooks@autovia.co.uk

Bullseye: Lamborghini ‘renews’ its iconic badge
Lamborghini logo
News

Bullseye: Lamborghini ‘renews’ its iconic badge

Lamborghini has changed its logo for the first time in 26 years, unveiling a new simplified version of its badge
28 Mar 2024
Brexit benefit: Porsche Boxster and Cayman axed in Europe, but survive in the UK!
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS - front cornering
News

Brexit benefit: Porsche Boxster and Cayman axed in Europe, but survive in the UK!

Cybersecurity regulations mean the Porsche 718-generation sports cars will be killed-off this year on the continent
27 Mar 2024
McLaren lifts the lid on how its future road cars will look
McLaren design sketches
News

McLaren lifts the lid on how its future road cars will look

With plans to enter new segments and all-electric power on the horizon, McLaren has reaffirmed its design strategy
27 Mar 2024
Massive Genesis Neolun concept previews all-electric GV90 flagship SUV
Genesis Neolun concept on display at New York Motor Show - front static
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Massive Genesis Neolun concept previews all-electric GV90 flagship SUV

The Neolun is Genesis’ first “full-size electric SUV concept” and comes with a host of advanced technological features
27 Mar 2024
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New Ford Explorer: prices, specs and full details for the all-electric SUV
Ford Explorer - front static
News

New Ford Explorer: prices, specs and full details for the all-electric SUV

Ford’s new SUV combines an old name with fresh technology
27 Mar 2024
New Land Rover Defender OCTA spotted: twin-turbo V8 flagship out in the open
New Land Rover Defender Octa testing - front cornering
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New Land Rover Defender OCTA spotted: twin-turbo V8 flagship out in the open

The Defender OCTA will bring off-road prowess with an even more potent powertrain
27 Mar 2024
SEAT electric car: latest on VW Group’s entry-level EV
SEAT small EV exclusive image - front
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SEAT electric car: latest on VW Group’s entry-level EV

A new all-electric SEAT could be in the works to keep the brand alive
26 Mar 2024

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New Cupra Terramar spotted on the road to a 2024 reveal
New Cupra Terramar - front tracking
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New Cupra Terramar spotted on the road to a 2024 reveal

Cupra’s latest offering will be a mid-size SUV with plug-in hybrid power
26 Mar 2024
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New Mercedes G-Class facelift retains retro design but gains electrification
Mercedes-AMG G 63 - front
News

New Mercedes G-Class facelift retains retro design but gains electrification

The iconic Mercedes G-Class off-roader has been updated with a new range of powertrains and a subtly tweaked look
26 Mar 2024
Fiery hot Genesis GV60 Magma Concept launches new name in EV performance
Genesis GV60 Magma Concept - front reveal
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Fiery hot Genesis GV60 Magma Concept launches new name in EV performance

The GV60 Magma Concept will spawn a hot production car that will come to the UK
26 Mar 2024
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Audi Q5 review
Audi Q5 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Audi Q5 review

The Audi Q5 is refined and comfortable, but other SUV rivals offer a bit more involvement and agility
25 Mar 2024
Fiat Doblo, Scudo and Ducato vans go on sale with 2024 style and tech updates
Fiat Doblo, Scudo and Ducato vans - front tracking
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Fiat Doblo, Scudo and Ducato vans go on sale with 2024 style and tech updates

All three of Fiat’s vans are available with pure-electric power
25 Mar 2024
New Nissan Juke 2024 facelift review: welcome changes inside, but dull to drive
Nissan Juke - front
Road tests

New Nissan Juke 2024 facelift review: welcome changes inside, but dull to drive

The Nissan Juke has been updated for 2024 with a host of interior upgrades, however the driving experience remains unchanged
22 Mar 2024
Cupra Formentor SUV to go electric in its next generation
Cupra Formentor - front cornering
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Cupra Formentor SUV to go electric in its next generation

Cupra’s CEO Wayne Griffiths has confirmed that the Formentor’s future will be electric
21 Mar 2024
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First sighting of new Ferrari 812 replacement complete with V12 power
Ferrari 812 Successor - front
News

First sighting of new Ferrari 812 replacement complete with V12 power

Fiorano’s V12 will live on in another flagship grand tourer
21 Mar 2024
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front
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BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV

This Neue Klasse X concept showcases the design inspiration for next year’s Neue Klasse SUV
21 Mar 2024
New Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2024 review: sets the standard for performance EVs
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front
Road tests

New Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2024 review: sets the standard for performance EVs

The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a stunning electric car, offering sensational performance wrapped up in a family-friendly package
20 Mar 2024
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio - main image
In-depth reviews

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is one of the best sporty SUVs around, with a raucous engine, sharp handling and handsome styling
20 Mar 2024
New Isuzu D-Max BEV breaks new ground as firm’s first all-electric pick-up truck
New Isuzu D-Max BEV prototype - front
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New Isuzu D-Max BEV breaks new ground as firm’s first all-electric pick-up truck

A prototype version of Isuzu’s electric pick-up highlights design and technological tweaks
20 Mar 2024
Vision Neue Klasse X concept will preview BMW’s new all-electric SUV on 21 March
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
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Vision Neue Klasse X concept will preview BMW’s new all-electric SUV on 21 March

The concept will showcase the production car’s design and technological features
18 Mar 2024
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New Mazda 2 Hybrid 2024 review: efficient supermini has a new face
Mazda 2 Hybrid - front
Road tests

New Mazda 2 Hybrid 2024 review: efficient supermini has a new face

The Mazda 2 Hybrid’s new look helps to further separate it from its Toyota Yaris twin, but so does the price
15 Mar 2024
New Bugatti V16 hypercar: Mate Rimac gives us our first look
Bugatti Chiron successor teaser
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New Bugatti V16 hypercar: Mate Rimac gives us our first look

The successor to the Bugatti Chiron has been teased under the covers
13 Mar 2024
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New Brabus 930 fuses opulence and performance for 917bhp of autobahn eating limousine
Brabus 930 - front
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New Brabus 930 fuses opulence and performance for 917bhp of autobahn eating limousine

Brabus has cooked up a Mercedes S-Class with 917bhp and looks to match
13 Mar 2024
New SEAT Arona FR Limited Edition aims to sound as good as it looks
SEAT Arona FR Limited Edition - side static
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New SEAT Arona FR Limited Edition aims to sound as good as it looks

Bespoke styling and an uprated sound system should help the FR Limited Edition stand out
13 Mar 2024
New quad-motor BMW i4 M spy shots remind us the EV super saloon is coming
New BMW i4 M Quad motor - front
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New quad-motor BMW i4 M spy shots remind us the EV super saloon is coming

BMW is working on an EV with supercar-beating performance and four-door practicality
13 Mar 2024
New Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Chassis Cab is a “blank canvas” for business and leisure
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster chassis cab - front
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New Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Chassis Cab is a “blank canvas” for business and leisure

Ineos looks to have turned its retro-inspired off-roader into a real workhorse
13 Mar 2024
New BMW M2 CS to be the ultimate compact performance BMW
BMW M2 CS
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New BMW M2 CS to be the ultimate compact performance BMW

The BMW M2 is set to gain a more potent CS variant and it’s going to be something special.
12 Mar 2024
Volkswagen ID.4 review
Volkswagen ID.4 - front
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen ID.4 review

The Volkswagen ID.4 will appeal to EV buyers with a focus on family practicality and a decent range
8 Mar 2024
New Audi Q6 e-tron will launch on 18 March, ready to take on Porsche’s Macan EV
Audi Q6 E-tron - teaser
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New Audi Q6 e-tron will launch on 18 March, ready to take on Porsche’s Macan EV

The Q6 e-tron will represent a new era of electrification for Audi with the brand’s first use of an advanced EV platform
7 Mar 2024
New Volkswagen Passat PHEV 2024 review: the most versatile estate VW has ever made
Volkswagen Passat PHEV - front action
Road tests

New Volkswagen Passat PHEV 2024 review: the most versatile estate VW has ever made

Pricing will be key, but for now the plug-in hybrid Volkswagen Passat is an impressive all-round car
5 Mar 2024
New Volkswagen Passat 2024 review: VW’s trust in Skoda was a wise move
Volkswagen Passat - front
Road tests

New Volkswagen Passat 2024 review: VW’s trust in Skoda was a wise move

The new Volkswagen Passat has been developed by Skoda alongside the new Superb and it’s all the better for it
5 Mar 2024
New Rivian R2 info surfaces as US firm’s third all-electric model gets ready for launch
Rivian R2 teaser - rear
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New Rivian R2 info surfaces as US firm’s third all-electric model gets ready for launch

An online post appears to have leaked some information on the electric SUV ahead of its 7 March unveiling
5 Mar 2024
Touchscreen backlash? Euro NCAP says physical buttons will be “incentivised” in car safety tests
Audi A7 Sportback - infotainment screen
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Touchscreen backlash? Euro NCAP says physical buttons will be “incentivised” in car safety tests

Car makers have been advised not to have important car functions on touchscreens
5 Mar 2024
New car registrations hit 20-year high in February after 19 months of growth
DVLA V5C document and car keys
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New car registrations hit 20-year high in February after 19 months of growth

The UK car market sees continuous growth despite the rapid diesel decline. EV sales to private buyers are up 21% year-on-year
5 Mar 2024