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Dean Gibson

Dean is our senior test editor and lead commercial vehicle reviewer. He's part of the team responsible for reviewing new cars from across all classes, both on launches and in comparison tests, and is part of the New Car Awards judging panel. But with more than 20 years of experience working at Auto Express, there's a lot more that Dean can do.

He looks after our van and pick-up truck content, takes on the odd motorbike review and has had plenty of features to his name, too. His first decade at Auto Express was spent working in subbing and production roles, so he knows inside out how the magazine comes together each week. He's transferred those skills to the online side of Auto Express, too. In fact, about the only part of Auto Express Dean hasn't worked on is advertising...

Dean says...
"A lot of changes have taken place in the car industry over the past 20 years, but for me that moment of getting behind the wheel of a brand-new car for the first time never gets old. It doesn't matter if it's big or small, petrol, electric or somewhere in between, driving a new car and getting a feel for it is always a pleasure, and knowing that our test verdicts will help hundreds of buyers choose their next car is a great responsibility to have."

Dean’s main areas of expertise

  • New cars
  • New vans and pick-up trucks
  • Racing sims
  • Motorsport
  • Model cars

Dean Gibson Q&A… 

What was your first car? 

"That would be a Volkswagen Polo Mk2, in the old three-door squareback body. It did the job. I drove it to Bristol and back, and the downpipe on the exhaust snapped as I got off at Junction 3 of the M4. I tried to use as little throttle as possible so as to not draw attention on the way home through north-west London. It was squashed by a tree branch in a storm a couple if years later."

What is your dream car? 

"It's a constantly changing list. Ferrari F40 is pinned at the top, but also a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500, Audi Sport Quattro, BMW M635 CSi, TVR Sagaris, Ducati 916, Bugatti EB110, Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3, Torsus Terrastorm camper conversion, Unimog, Alfa Romeo GTV6..."

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

"I was shocked at a story we ran that said the UK's roads are resurfaced on average once every 100 years. Maybe if maintenance was to a higher standard, then driving would be a more pleasurable experience for everyone."

Social media and e-mail

Pick-up of the Year 2025: Ford Ranger
Pick-up of the Year 2025: Ford Ranger

Pick-up of the Year 2025: Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is the 2025 Auto Express Pick-up of the Year, with the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Electric Van of the Year 2025: Renault Master E-Tech
Electric Van of the Year 2025: Renault Master E-Tech

Electric Van of the Year 2025: Renault Master E-Tech

The Renault Master E-Tech is the 2025 Auto Express Electric Van of the Year, with the Ford E-Transit Courier and Ford E-Transit Custom commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Small Van of the Year 2025: Stellantis small vans
Small Van of the Year 2025: Stellantis small vans

Small Van of the Year 2025: Stellantis small vans

The Stellantis small vans are the 2025 Auto Express Small Vans of the Year, with the Ford Transit Courier and Renault Kangoo commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Mid-size Van of the Year 2025: Ford Transit Custom
Mid-size Van of the Year 2025: Ford Transit Custom

Mid-size Van of the Year 2025: Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom is the 2025 Auto Express Mid-size Van of the Year, with the Stellantis medium vans and Volkswagen Transporter commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Dacia Jogger review
Dacia Jogger - main image

Dacia Jogger review

The Dacia Jogger is one of the cheapest routes to seven-seat transport in the new-car market
In-depth reviews
27 Jun 2025
Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer - front tracking

Ford Explorer review

The Ford Explorer electric SUV has striking, chunky looks and appeal that’s more than skin deep
In-depth reviews
26 Jun 2025
Renault 4 review
Renault 4 - front

Renault 4 review

The Renault 4 isn’t just a more practical R5, it has a unique retro charm all of its own
In-depth reviews
25 Jun 2025

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McLaren Artura review
McLaren Artura Spider - main image

McLaren Artura review

The McLaren Artura is a Brit-built supercar that combines hybrid technology with turbo power for a thrilling drive
In-depth reviews
24 Jun 2025
Audi Q3 (2011-2018) review
Audi Q3 - front cornering

Audi Q3 (2011-2018) review

The Q3 offers Audi's premium feel in a high-riding compact crossover package
In-depth reviews
20 Jun 2025
New Ford Ranger PHEV 2025 review: plug-in pick-up sets the standard
Ford Ranger PHEV - front tracking

New Ford Ranger PHEV 2025 review: plug-in pick-up sets the standard

Ford’s pick-up is losing traditional diesel power in favour of a PHEV setup, but it’s no less capable
Road tests
19 Jun 2025
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New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived

Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
News
18 Jun 2025
Kia EV6 GT review
Kia EV6 GT - front

Kia EV6 GT review

Flagship of the EV6 range has been given more power, updates to the driving experience and a price cut
In-depth reviews
18 Jun 2025
Citroen e-C4 vs Volkswagen ID.3: which affordable EV is best for the family?
Citroen e-C4 and Volkswagen ID.3 - front tracking

Citroen e-C4 vs Volkswagen ID.3: which affordable EV is best for the family?

Electric car prices are falling, as seen on the facelifted Citroen e-C4 and brand-new entry-level VW ID.3. But which is the better buy?
Car group tests
14 Jun 2025
Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster long-term test: characterful 4x4 is a guilty pleasure
Ineos Grenadier Trailmaster long-term test - header image

Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster long-term test: characterful 4x4 is a guilty pleasure

Final report: we pitch up with our 4x4 to put the Ineos’s optional camping accessories to the test
Long-term tests
12 Jun 2025
Citroen Relay van review
Citroen e-Relay - front cornering

Citroen Relay van review

It’s not the most advanced large van around, but the Citroen Relay gets the job done
In-depth reviews
11 Jun 2025
Volkswagen ID.3 review
Volkswagen ID.3 - main image

Volkswagen ID.3 review

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a decent electric hatchback with a few niggles that hold it back
In-depth reviews
6 Jun 2025
Citroen e-C4 review
Citroen e-C4 - main image

Citroen e-C4 review

The all-electric Citroen e-C4 family crossover offers decent space and tech for a great-value price
In-depth reviews
4 Jun 2025
Nissan Qashqai vs Dacia Bigster: big-selling SUV faces a brand-new threat
Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Bigster - front tracking

Nissan Qashqai vs Dacia Bigster: big-selling SUV faces a brand-new threat

The Bigster is Dacia’s largest model yet. How does it compare with the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai?
Car group tests
31 May 2025
Citroen Dispatch van review
Citroen e-Dispatch - main image

Citroen Dispatch van review

The medium-sized Citroen Dispatch mixes car tech with van versatility in a compact package
In-depth reviews
30 May 2025
Dacia Bigster review
Dacia Bigster - main image

Dacia Bigster review

The Dacia Bigster is what it says it is – a big Duster. But that’s far from being a bad thing
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025
Land Rover Defender Hard Top van review
Defender Hard Top - front tracking

Land Rover Defender Hard Top van review

The cargo-carrying Defender Hard Top offers a premium image for businesses in need of a vehicle that stands out from the crowd
In-depth reviews
19 May 2025
Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - main image

Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

Striking Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV has received a mid-life makeover and remains as competitive as ever
In-depth reviews
15 May 2025
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BMW i5 Touring review
BMW i5 Touring - main image

BMW i5 Touring review

The electrified 5 Series Touring is a fine car with a wonderful cabin, but its range is compromised
In-depth reviews
14 May 2025
New Mercedes-AMG E 53 Estate 2025 review: understated looks disguise its pace
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Estate - front

New Mercedes-AMG E 53 Estate 2025 review: understated looks disguise its pace

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Estate is a competent all-rounder, with stylish looks, a premium finish and impressive performance
Road tests
13 May 2025
Audi A6 Avant e-tron review
Audi S6 Avant e-tron - main image

Audi A6 Avant e-tron review

There are flaws in terms of packaging, but the Audi A6 Avant e-tron’s dynamic performance and range are excellent
In-depth reviews
13 May 2025
Mazda CX-30 review
Mazda CX30 - front tracking

Mazda CX-30 review

Mazda’s smallest SUV is fun, safe and boosted by extra power and torque from a bigger engine
In-depth reviews
8 May 2025
New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet 2025 review: performance to match its looks
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet - front

New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet 2025 review: performance to match its looks

Does the hottest CLE model yet signal a return to form for the AMG brand? We get behind the wheel to find out
Road tests
6 May 2025
Citroen Berlingo Van review
Citroen Berlingo Van - main image

Citroen Berlingo Van review

The French brand’s Citroen Berlingo small van is a strong contender in a competitive class
In-depth reviews
6 May 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Renault Trafic, Goelette and Estafette vans make CV Show debut
Renault Trafic on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New Renault Trafic, Goelette and Estafette vans make CV Show debut

All three Renault vans are all-electric - sitting on a new architecture developed by Ampere
News
29 Apr 2025
New Isuzu D-Max EV matches diesel version for off-road and payload ability
Isuzu D-Max EV on display at 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show - front

New Isuzu D-Max EV matches diesel version for off-road and payload ability

The electric pick-up market is gradually gathering pace, and Isuzu has finally thrown its hat into the ring
News
29 Apr 2025
Suzuki Vitara review
Suzuki Vitara - main image

Suzuki Vitara review

An SUV in the traditional mould, the Suzuki Vitara is showing its age in some key areas
In-depth reviews
28 Apr 2025
BYD Sealion 7 review
BYD Sealion 7 - front

BYD Sealion 7 review

The Chinese, electric family SUV is strong on space and kit but doesn’t drive as sweetly as some in this competitive segment
In-depth reviews
22 Apr 2025
Dacia Jogger vs Ford Tourneo Connect vs Toyota Proace City Verso: 7-seat family MPVs put to the test
Dacia Jogger vs Toyota Proace City Verso vs Ford Tourneo Connect - group tracking shot

Dacia Jogger vs Ford Tourneo Connect vs Toyota Proace City Verso: 7-seat family MPVs put to the test

We put hybrid, PHEV and electric MPVs from Dacia, Toyota and Ford to the test to discover which makes the best seven-seat family car
Car group tests
19 Apr 2025