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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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Senior News Reporter Alastair Crooks has got the off-road bug and wonders what’s stopping people from exploring the limits of their SUVs
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Aston Martin V12 twin turbo

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It’s just a concept for now, but the EV Magma previews the latest addition to Genesis’ hot Magma program
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The Evija X has set the third-fastest time ever around the Nurburgring
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MG Cyberster front 3/4

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New Volkswagen ID. Code concept is an insight into the brand's EV future
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Aimed at ‘younger customers’, the ID. Code launches a new design and technology era according to VW
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New Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is the 1,071bhp hypercar nobody expected
Skoda Vision Gran Turismo - front

New Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is the 1,071bhp hypercar nobody expected

It’s destined for the Gran Turismo video game series but a Skoda hypercar is still a turn up for the books
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25 Apr 2024
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Celebrate the Ibiza’s 40th birthday with our Deal of the Day for 24 April
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The 55 TFSI e plug-in powertrain has returned to the range-topping Q8’s line up
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24 Apr 2024
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All-electric version keeps iconic G-Class profile but gains the latest Mercedes EV technology
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24 Apr 2024
New Tesla Model 3 Performance arrives with sub 3-second 0-60mph time 
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The range-topping Performance model comes back to Tesla’s Model 3 range
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23 Apr 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Toyota Aygo X is a sharp looking little city car for £191 a month
Toyota Aygo X Undercover - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Toyota Aygo X is a sharp looking little city car for £191 a month

The Toyota Aygo X is well-equipped and fun to drive - making it our Car Deal of the Day for Tuesday 23 April
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23 Apr 2024
New Audi Q7 facelift brings back plug-in hybrid power
Updated Audi Q7 in Silver

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Fresh technology has been added to Audi’s largest SUV for 2024
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23 Apr 2024
Car Deal of the Day: ever-popular Vauxhall Corsa for only £167 a month
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: ever-popular Vauxhall Corsa for only £167 a month

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Skoda Fabia goes for bigger slice of supermini sales with 2024 updates

Skoda has given its Fabia updated powertrains and equipment
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Skoda Karoq SUV updated with power gains for 2024
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The Karoq’s trim level structure remains the same as before, but with more equipment as standard
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Aston Martin DBX707 gets chassis tweaks to match its stonking 697bhp V8
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Aston Martin DBX707 gets chassis tweaks to match its stonking 697bhp V8

The Aston Martin DBX707 is updated for 2024 with changes to technology and interior design
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It’s lift off for Vauxhall’s Astra Electric as it looks to be a family-hatch hit. We test it against a Cupra Born
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New Vauxhall Mokka Griffin lowers small SUV’s price to £21,555
Vauxhall Mokka Griffin front 3/4

New Vauxhall Mokka Griffin lowers small SUV’s price to £21,555

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The Corsa Yes Edition lowers Vauxhall’s petrol-powered supermini price to £18,505
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Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Explorer in £380 per month early bird offer
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Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Explorer in £380 per month early bird offer

Ford’s upcoming Explorer is well worth a look if you need an all-electric family SUV - making it our Deal of the Day for Tuesday 16 April
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16 Apr 2024
New Nissan Micra EV: latest details and exclusive image of the Renault 5’s sister car
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The Micra will return with all-electric power and feature distinctive styling cues together with a low price
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New Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer aims to be the do-it-all family EV from £52,240
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Mercedes’s EQC showed that the German firm was serious about electric cars and it’s our Car Deal of the Day for Monday 15 April
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