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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

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Maserati Project24 - front

New Maserati MCXtrema hypercar to be unveiled 18 August

Public debut imminent for MC20-based track-only hypercar
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Toyota Land Cruiser (beige) - front static

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Honda e:Ny1 - front tracking

New 2023 Honda e:Ny1: UK pricing and specs revealed

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Lexus RX review
Lexus RX - front tracking

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The new Lexus RX is more efficient than ever, with much improved technology on board, but it comes up short in terms of practicality
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Lexus RX 500h - front tracking

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Lexus calls the RX 500h a performance SUV but this isn’t entirely accurate
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Mercedes-AMG SL 63 - front tracking

New Mercedes-AMG SL 63 2023 review

The powerful new SL 63 swaps luxury grand touring appeal for sportiness
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Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance - front

New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance 2023 review

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Kia Sorento front

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25 Jul 2023
New Mercedes-AMG SL 43 2023 review
Mercedes-AMG SL 43 - front cornering

New Mercedes-AMG SL 43 2023 review

The four-cylinder SL 43 offers more usability than its V8-powered siblings, but it lacks true AMG excitement
Road tests
25 Jul 2023
New Lexus LM luxury MPV priced from £89,995
Lexus LM - Shanghai front

New Lexus LM luxury MPV priced from £89,995

The upmarket Lexus people-carrier comes with hybrid power and plenty of equipment
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24 Jul 2023
New Mercedes-AMG A 35 2023 facelift review
Mercedes-AMG A 35 - front action

New Mercedes-AMG A 35 2023 facelift review

The A 35 is still one of the most refined hot hatches you can buy, but its new facelift isn’t a particularly thorough one
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Police cars: the world's best and worst
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Police cars: the world's best and worst

We delve into the magical world of the police car, taking in the fastest, most exotic and most inappropriate police cars on Earth
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21 Jul 2023
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New Skoda Superb prototype review
Skoda Superb Estate prototype - front

New Skoda Superb prototype review

We hit the road in the new Skoda Superb ahead of its official arrival later this year
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SEAT Leon review
SEAT Leon e-Hybrid - front tracking

SEAT Leon review

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18 Jul 2023
New Subaru Forester 2023 review
Subaru Forester - front tracking

New Subaru Forester 2023 review

The latest Forester is one of the most capable compact SUVs when it comes to off-roading, but it’s far from being a class-leader
Road tests
17 Jul 2023
New 2023 BMW i5 makes Goodwood appearance
BMW i5 Goodwood 2023

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All-electric executive car comes with up to 593bhp
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14 Jul 2023
New MG EX4 concept makes Goodwood debut
MG EX4 at 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed - front action

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The MG EX4 takes inspiration from the MG Metro 6R4 rally car
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14 Jul 2023
New Fiat Panda set for 2024 reveal: latest details
2024 Fiat Panda render (watermarked)

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Fiat will launch a new series of cars with the unveiling of a new electric Fiat Panda in the summer of 2024. Here’s what we know so far…
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13 Jul 2023
New Maserati Levante V8 Ultima to be revealed at Goodwood
Maserati Levante V8 - side

New Maserati Levante V8 Ultima to be revealed at Goodwood

Special edition super SUV will showcase Maserati’s final V8
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12 Jul 2023
New 207mph Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima V8 announced
Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima V8 - headlight

New 207mph Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima V8 announced

Maserati’s final V8 models will be rolled out this year and the Ghibli 334 Ultima V8 has been created to give them a fitting send-off
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12 Jul 2023
New 2023 Renault Arkana facelift unveiled with tweaks inside and out
Renault Arkana facelift - front

New 2023 Renault Arkana facelift unveiled with tweaks inside and out

The Renault Arkana coupe-SUV has been updated in line with the brand’s ‘Renaulution’
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12 Jul 2023
New Koenigsegg Gemera: specifications and powertrains revealed
Koenigsegg Gemera - front static

New Koenigsegg Gemera: specifications and powertrains revealed

Koenigsegg has unveiled the revised Gemera with the option for a V8 engine
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11 Jul 2023
New Ferrari KC23 is a one-off track-only supercar
Ferrari KC23 - front static

New Ferrari KC23 is a one-off track-only supercar

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11 Jul 2023
New My Porsche App allows car controls within Apple CarPlay
My Porsche App integration

New My Porsche App allows car controls within Apple CarPlay

Porsche has managed to integrate vehicle functions within Apple’s popular infotainment system
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11 Jul 2023
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New Fiat Topolino: latest details and prices for the retro EV runabout
Fiat Topolino - front

New Fiat Topolino: latest details and prices for the retro EV runabout

The Fiat Topolino is the Italian brand’s take on the Citroen Ami, and gets retro styling with an opening fabric roof
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10 Jul 2023
New Lotus Emira: Mercedes-AMG four-cylinder version to debut at Goodwood
Lotus Emira - Shadow Grey

New Lotus Emira: Mercedes-AMG four-cylinder version to debut at Goodwood

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10 Jul 2023
New Nio ET5 to make UK public debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed
NIO ET5 - front

New Nio ET5 to make UK public debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The all-electric Nio ET5 comes with up to 366 miles of range
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6 Jul 2023
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Ford Tourneo Custom - front static

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The new Tourneo Custom van-based MPV comes with up to nine seats
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6 Jul 2023
New Ford Transit Custom van priced from £32,350
Ford Transit Custom - front static

New Ford Transit Custom van priced from £32,350

Ford’s popular mid-sized panel van, the Transit Custom, is now on sale
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6 Jul 2023
New AIM EV Sport 01 supercar to debut at Goodwood
AIM EV Sport - front and side profile

New AIM EV Sport 01 supercar to debut at Goodwood

The AIM EV Sport 01 has over 600bhp and a rear-wheel drive setup
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6 Jul 2023
New 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross facelift brings big redesign
New Volkswagen T-Cross - front

New 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross facelift brings big redesign

Volkswagen’s baby SUV has received its mid-life update and the facelifted T-Cross will be on sale later this year
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5 Jul 2023
New Mercedes EQE 300 2023 review
Mercedes EQE 300 - front cornering

New Mercedes EQE 300 2023 review

The entry-level Mercedes EQE has all the key qualities of the pricier versions but still suffers in comparison to executive car rivals
Road tests
5 Jul 2023
New Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition line up expands
Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition - front

New Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition line up expands

The Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition trim level will be available with hybrid power
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3 Jul 2023
New Porsche 911 Carrera T 2023 review
Porsche 911 Carrera T - front tracking

New Porsche 911 Carrera T 2023 review

The Porsche 911 Carrera T is simply the one of the best models in the 992-generation’s range
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28 Jun 2023