Darren Wilson

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Darren Wilson

As Creative director, Darren predominantly looks after the Auto Express magazine; whilst consulting for LRM, Evo and Enzo. He manages everything from photography briefs to layout and logo design. Darren has worked in the motoring industry for over 25 years and loves it.

Volvo EC40 Plus long-term test: clever infotainment helps avoid jams

Fleetwatch: the Volvo EX40's smart navigation, charging information and speed camera warnings come in useful

Long-term tests

1 Apr 2025

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MINI Countryman SE ALL4 JCW long-term test: groovy SUV is tarnished by troublesome tech

Final report: we’ll miss our small electric SUV, despite the occasional sat-nav wobbles

Long-term tests

22 Jan 2025

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Unsure about electric cars? Don’t let others make up your mind

Darren Wilson explains why you should stick to the facts when it comes to EVs

Opinion

19 Dec 2024

Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson's family standing next to the Hyundai Kona

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Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate long-term test: our Car of the Year continues to impress

Final report: our electric SUV again shows why it was our Car of the Year in 2023

Long-term tests

24 May 2024

Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson standing with the Lexus RZ in a charging bay

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Lexus RZ 450e long-term test: high quality at a high price

Final report: we bid farewell to our impressive electric crossover

Long-term tests

21 Dec 2023

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Nuna Todl NEXT child car seat review

The Nuna Todl and NEXT base are a good combination for parents looking for a versatile child car seat, but it does have some limitations

Product reviews

30 Oct 2023

Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson's family standing next to the Citroen C5 X

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Citroen C5 X Shine: long-term test

Final report: comfort-focused hatchback is perfect for our creative director and his family

Long-term tests

3 Aug 2023

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Dacia Jogger long termer - standing next to Jogger

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Dacia Jogger: long-term test

Final report: We’ll miss our practical, value-for-money budget seven-seater

Long-term tests

20 Jan 2023

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Citroen e-Berlingo: long-term test review

Final report: We’ve learned to love our pure-electric MPV

Long-term tests

22 Jul 2022

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Toyota RAV4 Design PHEV: long-term test

Final report: our Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid is put to good use as an ambulance

Long-term tests

11 Mar 2022

SEAT Leon e-Hybrid long termer - second report static

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SEAT Leon e-Hybrid: long-term test review

Final report: Staycation displays our hybrid hatch’s strengths perfectly

Long-term tests

11 Oct 2021

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Renault Clio 1.0 TCe Iconic: long-term test

Final report: the virus limited our time in the French ’mini, but its qualities still shone through

Long-term tests

8 Feb 2021

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Toyota Corolla Hybrid Excel: long-term test review

Fourth report: Toyota Corolla family hatchback’s credentials get put to test with a new arrival in Wilson clan

Long-term tests

21 May 2020

Mercedes A 200 AMG Line long termer - final report header

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Mercedes A 200 AMG Line: long-term test review

Final report: We’re going to miss our sporty, tech-packed Mercedes A-Class hatchback

Long-term tests

5 Apr 2019

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Peugeot 5008 GT Line: long-term test

Final report: Seven-seat Peugeot 5008 SUV saddles up for rural break, and is more at home than in town

Long-term tests

26 Oct 2018

Volvo S90 long-term - second report front

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Long-term test review: Volvo S90

Final report: it’s time to say goodbye to our classy luxury Volvo S90 saloon, and we’re really going to miss it

Long-term tests

17 Apr 2018

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Long-term test review: Suzuki Ignis

Final report: the Suzuki Ignis has departed our long-term fleet, and we’re already missing the little SUV

Long-term tests

21 Feb 2018

Citroen C4 Picasso long termer third report - header

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Long-term test review: Citroen C4 Picasso

Final report: Citroen C4 Picasso MPV evokes memories of much loved seven-seater

Long-term tests

2 May 2017

Volkswagen Passat Estate main image long-term test

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Long-term test: Volkswagen Passat Estate (2015-2024)

Final report: as the VW Passat Estate leaves our fleet, we reflect on how much else it had to offer beyond style and practicality

Long-term tests

17 Feb 2017

Suzuki Vitara (long term) - final report header

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Long-term test: Suzuki Vitara

Final report: Practical and efficient Suzuki Vitara SUV has proven a smash hit for all the family

Long-term tests

21 Apr 2016

MINI Cooper 5-door (2014-2024) - goodbye header image

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MINI Cooper 5-door (2014-2024): long-term test

Final report: Reluctant farewell to blooming brilliant family hatch

Long-term tests

27 May 2015

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Long-term test review: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Final report: We say au revoir to stylish MPV after 8,000 miles, two countries and countless passengers

Long-term tests

28 Oct 2014

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VW Jetta: Fifth report

The VW Jetta deserves more recognition, says our man after nine months and 8,000 miles

Long-term tests

18 Mar 2013

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VW Jetta: Fourth report

Our man has been spending hours behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Jetta – and he loves it...

Long-term tests

24 Dec 2012

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Volkswagen Jetta: Third report

Family camping trip is an ideal test of our VW Jetta saloon’s practicality

Long-term tests

24 Oct 2012

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Volkswagen Jetta: Second report

Practical, classy VW Jetta saloon has really grown on our family man

Long-term tests

5 Sep 2012

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Volkswagen Jetta: First report

The new VW Jetta joins our fleet, but will it be as easy to live with as a hatch for our family man?

Long-term tests

18 Jul 2012

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Ford Focus: Final report

We travel back in time to rate seventies star against the latest Ford Focus hatch

Long-term tests

4 Jul 2012

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Ford Focus EcoBoost: Fifth report

Hatch’s hi-tech safety kit has helped us avoid prangs – plus, it’s saving us money

Long-term tests

16 Apr 2012

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Ford Focus: Fourth report

Family man traded up from hatch to seven-seater for festive break. Has he been persuaded to make the switch permanent?

Long-term tests

6 Feb 2012

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Ford Focus: Third report

Five-door Focus has won over our family man with its entertaining drive as well as its gadgetry

Long-term tests

16 Nov 2011

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Ford Focus: Second report

Hatch packs in a lot of technology, but is it too clever for its own good? Even we were stumped...

Long-term tests

19 Sep 2011

MINI Countryman Cooper D All4 rear tracking

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MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4: Final report

It’s a fond farewell to our MINI, which has wowed young and old alike...

Long-term tests

29 Aug 2011

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MINI Countryman Cooper D

Four-wheel-drive Brit arrived on fleet just in time for big freeze – and there was ‘snow’ stopping it...

Long-term tests

11 Feb 2011