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 opinion Souo S2000
Flat eight reportedly makes around 150bhp and 140lb ft
Opinion

GWM's flat-eight motorbike proves Chinese car makers can have fun

Firm behind the Funky Cat also builds a 2.0-litre flat-eight couch on wheels

GWM's flat-eight motorbike proves Chinese car makers can have fun
Opinion

Why can't a mayor drive a Vauxhall Corsa?

Jag limos aren’t cheap, but try getting out of a Corsa in a wool gown and heavy chain

Why can't a mayor drive a Vauxhall Corsa?
Car review

Land Rover Defender

It promises unrivalled off-road performance with on-road niceties. But does it deliver?

Land Rover Defender
Car review

AC Cobra GT Roadster

The sixties icon has been reborn with evolved look and new parts – but what's it like to drive?

AC Cobra GT Roadster
Opinion

Has Alpine's new hot hatchback struck a chord with enthusiasts?

Clio RS may be dead but its spirit lives on in the new A290, says Prior

Has Alpine's new hot hatchback struck a chord with enthusiasts?
Car review

Porsche 911

Powerful updated 992-gen 911 gets hybrid power with sensational performance but carries a few extra kilos

Porsche 911
Opinion

I love planes, but driving is just better

The irritations of flying makes it more appealing to drive to and from Europe, argues Prior

I love planes, but driving is just better
Car review

Dacia Spring

Budget car specialist Dacia introduces its first electric car to the UK, and it's a bargain

Dacia Spring
News

London to Brighton at 18mph: 60 miles in a 122-year-old car

How did Prior and Cropley fare when they attempted the 54-mile rally in a 1902 Albion?

London to Brighton at 18mph: 60 miles in a 122-year-old car
Opinion

When multi-million pound classics get mistaken for kit cars

Can the average person spot an original from a replica, asks Prior

When multi-million pound classics get mistaken for kit cars
Car review

Alpine A290

Alpine offers some old-fashioned charms in this otherwise high-tech, zero-emissions hatchback

Alpine A290

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