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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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Toyota Land Cruiser (beige) - front static

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Honda e:Ny1 - front tracking

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Lexus RX - front tracking

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Lexus RX 500h - front tracking

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Mercedes-AMG SL 63 - front tracking

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Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance - front

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Kia Sorento front

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Mercedes-AMG SL 43 - front cornering

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Lexus LM - Shanghai front

New Lexus LM luxury MPV priced from £89,995

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Mercedes-AMG A 35 - front action

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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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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

The SEAT Leon offers the tech and driving experience of the VW Golf, but for a lower price
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Subaru Forester - front tracking

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BMW i5 Goodwood 2023

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MG EX4 at 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed - front action

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2024 Fiat Panda render (watermarked)

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Maserati Levante V8 - side

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12 Jul 2023
New 2023 Renault Arkana facelift unveiled with tweaks inside and out
Renault Arkana facelift - front

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12 Jul 2023
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Koenigsegg Gemera - front static

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Ferrari KC23 - front static

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

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Fiat Topolino - front

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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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NIO ET5 - front

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Ford Tourneo Custom - front static

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Ford Transit Custom - front static

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AIM EV Sport - front and side profile

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New 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross facelift brings big redesign
New Volkswagen T-Cross - front

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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
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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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New Porsche 911 Carrera T 2023 review
Porsche 911 Carrera T - front tracking

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The Porsche 911 Carrera T is simply the one of the best models in the 992-generation’s range
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Nissan Leaf Shiro

New Nissan Leaf Shiro brings starting price down below £29,000

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