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.

motor museums vauxhall corsa roadtrip jh 205
Corsa is a surprisingly capable cruiser – perfect for running to a museum such as the Great British Car Journey...
News

Revisiting Britain's best car museums - and the Vauxhall Corsa

We take the oft-forgotten supermini on a road trip to some overlooked attractions

Revisiting Britain's best car museums - and the Vauxhall Corsa
Opinion

Are there any '1' names left after the McLaren W1?

What's in a name? We reflect on why McLaren dubbed its new car the W1

Are there any '1' names left after the McLaren W1?
Car review

Used Ford Ranger 2011-2022 review

The Ford Ranger neatly blends ruggedness with car-like refinement and usability - but is it still a sensible purchase second hand?

Used Ford Ranger 2011-2022 review
Long-Term Review

Land Rover Defender 130 2024 long-term test

Did this extra-long, extra-plush 130 convince our classic 90 owner?

Land Rover Defender 130 2024 long-term test
Car review

Kia EV6

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

Kia EV6
Car review

Ferrari 12Cilindri

New flagship Ferrari GT arrives with an 819bhp V12 engine, a two-seat interior and sci-fi looks

Ferrari 12Cilindri
Car review

Subaru Forester

Subaru's Forester enters its sixth generation with this revised model that'll go on UK sale in spring 2025.

Subaru Forester
Opinion

“I’m not convinced there’s a market for electric hypercars”

Lotus's Theory 1 concept aims to be a supercar rather than an all-out hypercar – with good reason...

“I’m not convinced there’s a market for electric hypercars”
Opinion

Am I getting old, or are loud exhausts becoming cringeworthy?

A big noise from a nice car would once have sparked joy, but now it's like a cry for help

Am I getting old, or are loud exhausts becoming cringeworthy?
Car review

Used Nissan Qashqai 2014-2021 review

Nissan's bestseller is brilliant value, but there are quality concerns. Learn how to bag a good one here

Used Nissan Qashqai 2014-2021 review
Opinion

Why a classic Land Rover Defender can cost £7k or £230k

Can a fancy restomod really be 33 times better than the classic 4x4?

Why a classic Land Rover Defender can cost £7k or £230k

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