Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

Matt is an expert in:

  • Engineering and technology
  • Road testing
  • Vehicle dynamics

Matt Prior Q&A

What was your biggest news story?

Matt is consistently among the first journalists to drive the world’s most important new cars. Nearly 2m people have watched his thoughts on the McLaren F1, P1, and Senna specials. Was first to break the news that Mitsubishi was cancelling the Evo and pivoting to electrification, a story picked-up (and initially disbelieved) worldwide.

What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?

Arguably not a McLaren F1, nor a Bugatti Chiron or Bentley Batur, but a 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec S. So much fun on the road, in a compact package with a superb ride and handling mix, brilliant steering, and all for under £15,000 at the time.

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

For most of us, the car will still be the quickest, easiest and most cost-efficient way to get around.

Opinion

Why hasn't the Vauxhall Frontera gained classic car status?

The Frontera has yet to graduate from Facebook Marketplace fodder to drool-worthy auction house clickbait

Why hasn't the Vauxhall Frontera gained classic car status?
Car review

Toyota Prius

The Prius we were told we couldn't have goes on UK sale after all – and it's good

Toyota Prius
News

Safer in 10 minutes: Our Land Rover Defender gets a security boost

Gary and his laptop go places that an over-the-air update simply can’t...

Safer in 10 minutes: Our Land Rover Defender gets a security boost
Car review

Kia EV6

Low-key facelift aims to keep fashionable electric family SUV near the top of the pile

Kia EV6
Car review

Used Audi A3 2012-2020 review

With a diverse mix of engines, fine ride and superb interior refinement, the third-gen A3 should be on your used hatchback shortlist

Used Audi A3 2012-2020 review
Opinion

Electric cars are good, but we need e-fuels as well

Not all industries lend themselves to battery electrification, making sustainable fuels a relevant solution

Electric cars are good, but we need e-fuels as well
Car review

Hyundai Santa Fe

Modernised SUV brings all-new design and a tech-filled interior in a bid to impress UK buyers

Hyundai Santa Fe
Car review

Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin's Vantage enters a new age with an old-school sports coupé demeanour

Aston Martin Vantage
Opinion

Will car buyers be excited about the return of Proton?

Prior discusses how new brands can capture the attention of UK drivers with an element of familiarity

Will car buyers be excited about the return of Proton?
News

Caterham creates separate company to fund Project V EV

CEO Bob Laishley tells Autocar the electric sports coupé is “progressing”, with prototypes expected soon

Caterham creates separate company to fund Project V EV
Opinion

Why new cars aren't always "better than the old one"

Matt Prior questions whether brands should be bolder with performance models as electrification takes hold

Why new cars aren't always "better than the old one"

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