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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."


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Renault Kangoo van review
Renault Kangoo E-Tech - front
In-depth reviews

Renault Kangoo van review

Renault’s Kangoo small van adds car-like tech and offers more space than ever
18 Mar 2024
Renault Kangoo E-Tech long-term test: a surprisingly sophisticated small electric van
Auto Express senior road test editor Dean Gibson standing next to the Renault Kangoo in full work gear
Long-term tests

Renault Kangoo E-Tech long-term test: a surprisingly sophisticated small electric van

Third report: Our Kangoo's workmanlike exterior hides a van that’s ready for business
14 Mar 2024
Mercedes GLA vs Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 twin test: premium plug-in hybrids go head-to-head
Mercedes GLA and Alfa Romeo Tonale - front tracking
Car group tests

Mercedes GLA vs Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 twin test: premium plug-in hybrids go head-to-head

Updates to the Mercedes GLA include a longer range for the plug-in hybrid version – does that put it ahead of the Alfa Romeo Tonale?
9 Mar 2024
Best cars for £5,000 or less
Best cars for £5000 - header
Best cars & vans

Best cars for £5,000 or less

Got £5k burning a hole in your pocket? These are the best used cars for your budget
8 Mar 2024
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New MS-RT Ford Ranger goes lower and meaner in ‘ultimate street truck’ bid
Ford Ranger MS-RT - front action
News

New MS-RT Ford Ranger goes lower and meaner in ‘ultimate street truck’ bid

The second-generation MS-RT Range model offers 'street truck' sophistication, according to Ford
13 Feb 2024
Sporty new MS-RT Ford Transit Custom targets van drivers in a hurry
Ford Transit MS-RT - front
News

Sporty new MS-RT Ford Transit Custom targets van drivers in a hurry

The range-topping version of latest Ford Transit Custom mid-size panel van has been given a motorsport makeover
13 Feb 2024
New Nissan Interstar large van revealed with Interstar-e electric version
2024 Nissan Interstar - front
News

New Nissan Interstar large van revealed with Interstar-e electric version

Hot on the heels of the new Renault Master comes its sister van, Nissan’s Interstar
7 Feb 2024

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Mercedes Vito van review
Mercedes Vito Crew Van 119 CDI Premium Night Edition - main image
In-depth reviews

Mercedes Vito van review

The Mercedes Vito isn't the newest mid-sized van around, but it is a comfortable and dependable machine
7 Feb 2024
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Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V: hybrid SUVs battle for supremacy
Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V - front tracking (Hyundai leading)
Car group tests

Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V: hybrid SUVs battle for supremacy

Is the Hyundai Kona a strong contender in hybrid guise? We compare it with the Honda HR-V to find out
3 Feb 2024
Car tax refunds: how to claim yours
Tax disc
Tips & advice

Car tax refunds: how to claim yours

We guide you through the rules around getting a refund on your road tax when you sell your car
31 Jan 2024
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Mercedes’ 'digital luxury' vision means immersive media, autonomous driving and big screens
Mercedes MBUX and AI - interior
News

Mercedes’ 'digital luxury' vision means immersive media, autonomous driving and big screens

We find out how connectivity will shape the upmarket Mercs of the future
12 Jan 2024
Is there a place for hydrogen in the zero-emissions future? Hyundai has the answers
Hydrogen pump
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Is there a place for hydrogen in the zero-emissions future? Hyundai has the answers

The Korean firm is forging ahead with hydrogen, showing off its latest hydrogen technology at CES 2024
12 Jan 2024
Hold tight! Xpeng Aeroht says flying car concept is only months from production
Xpeng Aeroht Land Aircraft Carrier on mountain
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Hold tight! Xpeng Aeroht says flying car concept is only months from production

The eVTOL pure 'flying car' takes centre stage, but the modular Land Aircraft Carrier EV will be first to production and on sale this year in China
11 Jan 2024
Part helicopter, part plane, all electric: Hyundai’s Supernal S-A2 is as quiet as a dishwasher and ready to fly
Hyundai Supernal S-A2 - front
News

Part helicopter, part plane, all electric: Hyundai’s Supernal S-A2 is as quiet as a dishwasher and ready to fly

Korean maker is expanding its mobility portfolio with new eVTOL personal transport
10 Jan 2024
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BMW augmented reality driving glasses give a fresh perspective on your car journeys
BMW iX - front
News

BMW augmented reality driving glasses give a fresh perspective on your car journeys

We try augmented reality glasses, while remote valet parking and in-car AI and games were showcased
10 Jan 2024
New Kia PV5, PV1 and PV7 set to storm the electric van sector
Kia electric commercial vehicle concepts - line-up
News

New Kia PV5, PV1 and PV7 set to storm the electric van sector

Kia's modular PBV architecture brings flexibility to cover a wide range of uses
9 Jan 2024
"Class defining" digital and audio tech showcased by Mercedes at CES
Mercedes MBUX and AI - dash
News

"Class defining" digital and audio tech showcased by Mercedes at CES

The German firm has upgraded MBUX with AI and collaborates with will.i.am for new immersive sound experiences
9 Jan 2024
Off-road driving tips: how to make the most of your 4x4
Auto Express senior test editor Dean Gibson standing next to a Jeep Wrangler
Tips & advice

Off-road driving tips: how to make the most of your 4x4

There’s great fun to be had taking a 4x4 off road, but our advice here can help you in everyday driving, too
1 Jan 2024
The Kia van is coming! We'll see it at CES 2024
Kia electric vans
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The Kia van is coming! We'll see it at CES 2024

The Korean firm will reveal its new PBV platform tech at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
14 Dec 2023
New Mercedes E-Class 2024 review: a technical tour de force
Mercedes E-Class UK - front
Road tests

New Mercedes E-Class 2024 review: a technical tour de force

The all-new Mercedes E-Class executive saloon piles on the tech to take on the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6
13 Dec 2023
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Jeep Avenger vs Mazda MX-30: left-field electric SUVs face off
Jeep Avenger and Mazda MX-30 - front tracking
Car group tests

Jeep Avenger vs Mazda MX-30: left-field electric SUVs face off

The Avenger electric SUV is on a mission to grow Jeep sales – how does it fare against the Mazda MX-30?
2 Dec 2023
Ford Transit Custom van review
Ford Transit Custom turning left
In-depth reviews

Ford Transit Custom van review

The latest Ford Transit Custom is as easy to drive as a car, and has a very versatile cargo area
30 Nov 2023
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Land Rover Defender vs Ineos Grenadier vs Ford Ranger Raptor: the ultimate off-road shootout
Land Rover Defender, Ineos Grenadier and Ford Ranger Raptor - front action
Car group tests

Land Rover Defender vs Ineos Grenadier vs Ford Ranger Raptor: the ultimate off-road shootout

The Ineos Grenadier takes on the Land Rover Defender and Ford Ranger Raptor to see where it fits in the 4x4 sector
11 Nov 2023
How a 50-year-old Volvo became a Hot Wheels legend
Auto Express senior test editor Dean Gibson standing next to 'Ain't no Saint' while holding its Hot Wheels replica
Features

How a 50-year-old Volvo became a Hot Wheels legend

We find out how a Volvo-based drag racer conquered the world to become a diecast metal car in the Hot Wheels Legends series
8 Nov 2023
All change at Stellantis: Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat vans get a fresh new look
2023 Stellantis van lineup
News

All change at Stellantis: Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat vans get a fresh new look

A total of 12 new models spearhead Stellantis' bid for greater commercial vehicle success
23 Oct 2023
New Ford Tourneo Custom 2023 review
Ford Tourneo Custom - front
Road tests

New Ford Tourneo Custom 2023 review

The new Tourneo Custom redefines Ford’s MPV offering, hiding its van roots supremely well
12 Oct 2023
New Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue 150 2023 review
Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue 150 Limited - front
Road tests

New Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue 150 2023 review

The all-new Ford Transit Custom combines a car-like driving experience and a clever use of cargo space
12 Oct 2023
New Jeep Avenger Summit review
Jeep Avenger - front
Road tests

New Jeep Avenger Summit review

The all-new Jeep Avenger electric SUV opens up a new chapter for the US firm in the UK
20 Sep 2023
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo van review
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo - front cornering
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo van review

Golf underpinnings mean the Caddy is one of the most comfortable small vans around
13 Sep 2023
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo: long-term test review
Auto Express senior test editor Dean Gibson sitting in the side of our long-term Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
Long-term tests

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo: long-term test review

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo adds a splash of colour to the small van class
8 Sep 2023
Fiat Doblo van review
Fiat e-Doblo - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Fiat Doblo van review

The Fiat Doblo builds on the class-leading capabilities of its Citroen Berlingo sibling, but offers an extended aftersales – for a price
7 Sep 2023
Suzuki S-Cross review
Suzuki S-Cross - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Suzuki S-Cross review

The Suzuki S-Cross offers a lot for the money, but its utilitarian interior and unrefined hybrid system let it down
5 Sep 2023
New Ford Ranger Raptor diesel 2023 review
Ford Ranger Raptor - front tracking
Road tests

New Ford Ranger Raptor diesel 2023 review

Is the hot Ranger still as much fun with diesel power?
1 Sep 2023
Volkswagen Amarok pick-up review
Volkswagen Amarok - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Amarok pick-up review

The second-generation VW Amarok is a classy, upmarket alternative to the best-selling Ford Ranger
31 Aug 2023