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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@carwow.co.uk

Fiat Doblo, Scudo and Ducato vans go on sale with 2024 style and tech updates
Fiat Doblo, Scudo and Ducato vans - front tracking

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
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Nissan Juke N-Sport hybrid 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
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Cupra Formentor SUV to go electric in its next generation

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New Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Chassis Cab is a “blank canvas” for business and leisure
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster chassis cab - front

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Volkswagen Passat PHEV - front action

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New Rivian R2 info surfaces as US firm’s third all-electric model gets ready for launch
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An online post appears to have leaked some information on the electric SUV ahead of its 7 March unveiling
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Touchscreen backlash? Euro NCAP says physical buttons will be “incentivised” in car safety tests
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Touchscreen backlash? Euro NCAP says physical buttons will be “incentivised” in car safety tests

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New car registrations hit 20-year high in February after 19 months of growth
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New Mercedes EQV 2024 review: electric V-Class is classy but expensive
Mercedes EQV - front action

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4 Mar 2024
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Mercedes V-Class - front action

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This is the first time we’ve spotted a possible all-electric Velar replacement in action
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Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf is a proper family EV for £185 per month
Nissan Leaf - front

Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf is a proper family EV for £185 per month

Well-built, practical and refined are all great reasons to get a Nissan Leaf - our Deal of the Day from 1 March
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Microlino Lite - Geneva front

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Porsche 718 Boxster EV on track for 2025 reveal

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Toyota Proace and Proace City van updates arrive with prices from under £24,000

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New Tata Gigafactory all set for Somerset: Britain’s biggest battery plant to create 4,000 jobs
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2024 Alfa Romeo Milano - front

New Alfa Romeo Milano tests its mettle ahead of April 2024 launch

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