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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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Alfa Romeo Junior - front static

Remember the Alfa Romeo Milano? Now it’s the Alfa Romeo Junior

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Abarth Classiche 1300 OT render - front

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New Mazda CX-80 teaser Image

New Mazda CX-80 range-topper SUV will be revealed on 18 April

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Mercedes EQS - front 3/4 static

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Morgan Plus Four - front action

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Renault Clio - front cornering

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Facelifted Volkswagen Golf - front static

New Volkswagen Golf 2024: facelifted hatchback icon on sale from 11 April

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Skoda 'flagship EV' patent images

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Skoda’s new Kodiaq is bigger than before and will be offered with plug-in hybrid technology
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Car Deal of the Day: KGM Tivoli at £194 a month one of brand’s many enticing spring offers
KG Mobility Tivoli

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2024 Mercedes GLE (camouflaged) - front cornering

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Vauxhall Frontera leak

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Facelifted Suzuki Vitara - front tracking

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New Vauxhall Mokka Electric Griffin comes in at a £7,000 discount on standard Mokka

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Rimac Nevera EV hypercar - Dynamic front 3/4

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Can an electric car be a genuine grand tourer? We take a Nevera to the Alps to find out
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Bullseye: Lamborghini ‘renews’ its iconic badge
Lamborghini logo

Bullseye: Lamborghini ‘renews’ its iconic badge

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SEAT small EV exclusive image - front

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New Cupra Terramar spotted on the road to a 2024 reveal

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Mercedes-AMG G 63 - front

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Audi Q5 - front tracking

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