Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events.

When he's not out getting sunburnt in his Mk4 Mazda MX-5, he's usually found typing up a story for the magazine or Autocar website. 

He’s also a regular contributor to Autocar’s social media channels, providing video content for its Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and X channels.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association. He previously contributed to The Intercooler and placed second in Hagerty’s 2019 Young Writer competition with a feature on the MG Metro 6R4.

Before training to become a journalist, Charlie studied History at the University of Winchester. He wrote his dissertation on the impact that more affordable cars and motorcycles had on British society in the mid-20th Century.

Charlie is an expert in:

  • The UK’s car industry
  • Electrification and alternative fuels
  • New car news
  • Issues for new and young drivers

What was your biggest news story?

Thus far, it was probably covering the death of the Ford Fiesta, but I’m sure my biggest story has yet to be written. Maybe it’ll be the return of the Fiesta in 20 years’ time. Who knows?

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

The Alpine A110 GT. It’s become something of a cliché among motoring hacks, but I do think it’s about as close to perfect as anything I’ve driven.

It’s rapid but doesn’t overwhelm, and the steering feels wired directly into your brain. It helps that it’s great at all the mundane day-to-day stuff too: I averaged 44mpg on the motorway driving one from London to Spa-Francorchamps and back! 

I don’t mind its lack of a manual gearbox, either. The auto is plenty snappy and meant that it was one of very few cars I’ve driven that didn’t frustrate me driving the length of London’s perma-gridlocked North Circular road.

My only real complaints about it are those inherent to mid-engined sports cars, in that I can’t take all my family out in it, and that I can’t afford one.

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

Who knows? In recent years it looked dead set that battery-electric cars would be the only option that we'd be offered in a couple of years’ time. However, multiple manufacturers have since thrown their weight behind hybrids, so there might be life in the old internal-combustion engine yet.

I reckon EVs will still eventually win over most buyers as prices fall and charging infrastructure improves, but I'd like to think there will also be genuinely sustainable ways of keeping petrol-powered sports cars and classics on the road, too.

News

Skoda Favorit reimagined as ‘minimalistic’ EV for new age

Skoda designer Ljudmil Slavov reveals new take on the 1980s hatchback – without overtly retro cues

Skoda Favorit reimagined as ‘minimalistic’ EV for new age
BMW i4 eDrive40 2025 front quarter tracking
The i4 eDrive40 (pictured) now gets a silicon-carbide inverter, boosting energy efficiency
News

New BMW i4 M60 brings more power than petrol M4 CS

New version of electric saloon replaces the i4 M50; can dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 3.7sec

New BMW i4 M60 brings more power than petrol M4 CS
News

Land Rover Defender update brings styling tweaks, new touchscreen

Smoked rear lights and gloss black grille bar now standard, with prices starting at £57k

Land Rover Defender update brings styling tweaks, new touchscreen
News

Official: BMW M2 CS brings 523bhp for £87k

BMW's junior sports coupé gets the Competition Sport treatment, with more aggressive styling

Official: BMW M2 CS brings 523bhp for £87k
News

First look at Alpine A110 EV due next year

Brand's sporting flagship swaps circular running lights for hexagons and will be lighter than rivals

First look at Alpine A110 EV due next year
News

TfL plots congestion charge increase to £18 per day

Changes to London driving rules could also see residents' discount become exclusive to EVs

TfL plots congestion charge increase to £18 per day
News

New Vauxhall Frontera Electric gets 4x4 makeover

All-terrain tyres, roof rack and tow winch transform the crossover into an adventurous off-roader

New Vauxhall Frontera Electric gets 4x4 makeover
News

Report: Toyota to boost GR Corolla production using UK plant

Massive demand from the US could boost the Burnaston plant's output, according to Reuters

Report: Toyota to boost GR Corolla production using UK plant
News

Car repair wait times: complexity and financial strain causing delays

Motorists face waits of months – and in some cases years – for vital repairs due to parts shortage

Car repair wait times: complexity and financial strain causing delays
peugeot e 208 rallye rendeer 2024
New E-208 GTI is tipped for 237bhp and a Torsen limited-slip diff
News

Peugeot to revive GTi badge with 208 hot hatch on 13 June

Peugeot's sporting sub-brand to make its return on the eve of Le Mans for a feisty Alpine A290 rival

Peugeot to revive GTi badge with 208 hot hatch on 13 June
News

Wiesmann 'committed' to revival despite 'challenges and confusion'

German firm planned to return with 671bhp roadster EV in 2024 but has been hindered by supply chain and tariffs

Wiesmann 'committed' to revival despite 'challenges and confusion'

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