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.

Matt Prior
The Raptor may be seen as a performance car, but 50mph is its limit here
Opinion

Why UK speed limits are confusing for pick-up drivers

A confusing mess of speed limit types leaves some vehicles with an unusual exception - Matt Prior explains

Why UK speed limits are confusing for pick-up drivers
Car review

Skoda Superb

Old-school Skoda hits all the right notes: big, comfortable, quiet, well equipped and good value

Skoda Superb
Car review

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo's fast sports saloon receives minor updates but stays one of the most engaging and entertaining cars in the class

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Car review

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Alfa’s Quadrifoglio performance SUV is revised for 2024. Can a high-riding SUV still entertain like the sensational Giulia QV?

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
tesla model 3 road test review 20 24 01 cornering front
Should the Model 3's steering wheel indicators disqualify it from being sold in the UK?
Opinion

Finally: new safety rules recognise that buttons beat touchscreens

Controls that have migrated away from physical buttons and onto touchscreens has left Matt Prior in despair

Finally: new safety rules recognise that buttons beat touchscreens
Long-Term Review

Ford Ranger Raptor 2024 long-term test

Matt Prior loved running the original, and this one takes everything to another level

Ford Ranger Raptor 2024 long-term test
Matt Prior opinion
Mandatory driving refreshers could cure lane hogging
Opinion

Should UK motorists have to take driving licence refresher courses?

Some questionable driving standards make Prior vexed, prompting him to talk mandatory refresher courses

Should UK motorists have to take driving licence refresher courses?
Car review

Volvo EX30

Volvo courts 'Gen Z' buyers with a compact EV that priorities sustainability via greater digital convergence. But at what cost?

Volvo EX30
Matt Prior opinion
You pay less for an EV from China yet don’t miss out on much
News

How Chinese engineering will affect the European car industry

Prior buys a surprisingly competent Chinese amp, which gets him thinking about its effect on Europe's cars

How Chinese engineering will affect the European car industry
Long-Term Review

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2024 long-term test

This car doesn’t make much sense on the face of it. But did we love it anyway?

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2024 long-term test
Kia Picanto Ireland front lead
In many ways, the Picanto is perfect for such a journey
News

Taking on the Wild Atlantic Way in a Kia Picanto

The Wild Atlantic Way is 1500 miles of sinuous roads with breathtaking views - we challenge it in a Picanto

Taking on the Wild Atlantic Way in a Kia Picanto

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