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

This special G-Class is less Chelsea, more tractor - and I love it

The latest special edition G-Class puts a retro-inspired spin on the firm's flagship 4x4

This special G-Class is less Chelsea, more tractor - and I love it
Car review

Bugatti Chiron

The 300mph production car is a £2.5 million-plus engineering masterpiece

Bugatti Chiron
Car review

Bentley Batur

Bentley looks to continue its success with another ultra-exclusive Mulliner Coachbuilt car

Bentley Batur
Car review

Honda Civic Type R

The latest Civic Type R gets an increase in power, price and capability. Is it still the king of the big hot hatches?

Honda Civic Type R
Opinion

Software is redefining automotive, but do car buyers care?

Many car companies are becoming 'software-defined', but that won't necessarily resonate with their customers

Software is redefining automotive, but do car buyers care?
Long-Term Review

Ineos Grenadier 2025 long-term test

Endearingly utilitarian, luxury-eschewing off-roader signs off

Ineos Grenadier 2025 long-term test
Opinion

An imperfect car is often easier to love

Cars are all flawed in one way or another – but aren't these more interesting than the accomplished alternatives?

An imperfect car is often easier to love
Opinion

Nissan shouldn’t rush to replace the legendary GT-R

Time between generations of cars like the Nissan GT-R helped us appreciate them all the more

Nissan shouldn’t rush to replace the legendary GT-R
caterham CSR front dynamic low flying jh 64
The Mach Loop, named after nearby Machynlleth, is where the British military train new flyers
News

Seven to heaven: Chasing F-16s in £80k Caterham CSR Twenty

We go plane spotting in Caterham's £80,000 one-of-20 CSR Twenty special editions

Seven to heaven: Chasing F-16s in £80k Caterham CSR Twenty
Opinion

Autonomous cars will transform life for society's most vulnerable

Self-driving vehicles may be some way off. But they could offer cost-effective solutions

Autonomous cars will transform life for society's most vulnerable
Car review

BMW M5 Touring

The M5 Touring returns with a tub-thumping V8 PHEV drivetrain

BMW M5 Touring

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