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Stuart Masson
Editorial Director, The Car Expert
Stuart Masson is Editorial Director of The Car Expert. He founded the business in 2011 and has led its editorial development, building it into a trusted source of advice for car buyers and owners.
His work focuses on explaining how the automotive industry actually works for consumers — from pricing and car finance to electric vehicles, insurance and the real-world cost of ownership. Much of this involves looking at how consumer behaviour, car sales practices and wider industry strategy come together.
Stuart is a regular commentator across UK national media, including the BBC, Financial Times, The Guardian and The Times, and is often called on to explain complex industry issues in practical terms.
He regularly covers car finance and affordability, EV adoption, how cars are sold, and wider industry trends affecting UK car buyers.
He also oversees the editorial direction of the wider Expert family of sites, including The Van Expert and The Truck Expert.
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Regularly featured across UK national media, including:
Expert Advice
Car buying advice
Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026
Some new electric cars qualify for the UK government grant, while others get manufacturer discounts instead. Here’s what’s available and what to check before ordering.
Car leasing advice
The best websites for leasing a new car
Leasing websites can help you compare new car deals, but the cheapest monthly payment is only part of the story. Here’s what to check before applying.
Expert Opinion
In-car touchscreens need to be better
Screens can make new cars better, but too many touchscreens are cluttered, confusing and harder to use than proper buttons and switches.
Car selling advice
The best websites for selling your car
There’s no single best website for selling every car. We explain the main options, from dealer auctions and car-buying services to private adverts and scrap specialists.
Car buying advice
Everything you need to know about Omoda
Omoda arrived in 2024 as an unknown brand in the UK but is rapidly becoming more familiar to buyers.
Expert Opinion
Does the Ferrari Luce change the electric car debate?
The new Ferrari Luce has been widely criticised online, but its engineering, cabin design and badge credibility could make it far more significant than the styling debate suggests.
Expert Opinion
The UK is becoming a battleground for Chinese car brands
Chinese brands are taking the UK very seriously, but they’re not all following the same playbook.
Expert Opinion
Why UK buyers need to start taking Chinese cars seriously
Chinese cars are improving fast, but UK buyers need to understand where they shine – and where they still fall short.
Expert Reviews
Car reviews
Volkswagen Golf GTI review – first UK drive
The Volkswagen Golf GTI remains a polished and enjoyable hot hatch, even if some controls still frustrate.
Car reviews
XPeng G6 review 2026
The XPeng G6 is a surprisingly impressive electric SUV, with excellent comfort and clever software, but it lacks driving feel.
Car reviews
Mazda 6e review – UK first drive
The Mazda 6e is stylish, well equipped and keenly priced, but it doesn’t deliver the driving experience we expect from Mazda.
Car reviews
Zeekr 7GT review – first drive
The Zeekr 7GT could be the most convincing Chinese EV yet, with a premium cabin, strong road manners and serious performance.
Car reviews
Mitsubishi Outlander review – first UK drive
The new Mitsubishi Outlander is smooth, practical and reassuringly familiar, but it looks expensive against newer rivals.
Car reviews
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX review – first UK drive
The Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX is a roomy and refined electric estate, but some maddening controls take the shine off an otherwise sensible car.
Car reviews
Nissan Micra review
The new Nissan Micra is a very good small EV in isolation, but it struggles to justify itself over the closely related Renault 5.
Car reviews
BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid review – first UK drive
The BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid is cheap to buy and well equipped, but the Boost model is clearly the one to choose.
Expert News
New model
All-new Mercedes-Benz GLA revealed with electric and petrol power
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the all-new GLA, with electric versions launching first and petrol models due to follow in early 2027.
Model update
Omoda 9 updated for 2026 with new Black Noble trim
The Omoda 9 plug-in hybrid SUV has been updated for 2026, with a new Black Noble trim, revised suspension and more comfort features.
New model
New XPeng L03 due in UK in 2027
The new XPeng L03 is due in the UK in 2027, with fully electric and range-extender versions planned.
Car manufacturer news
Skywell UK sales halted as brand looks for new importer
Skywell has stopped selling new cars in the UK, leaving BE11 owners waiting for answers on warranty cover, servicing and parts support.
Car industry news
Strong month for new car sales in June
New car registrations rose strongly in June, with EVs and plug-in hybrids accounting for almost all the market growth. Chinese brands also continued to gain ground, leaving many established brands treading water.
New model
New BMW X5 revealed with first electric iX5 model
BMW has revealed the all-new BMW X5, a ground-up redesign of its large SUV with new styling, new cabin technology and the first electric BMW iX5.
Car industry news
EVs and plug-in hybrids lead growth in May new car sales
Cars with plugs (EVs and plug-in hybrids) and Chinese brands drove all the growth in May's new car registration results, according to numbers published this week.
Car industry news
EV sales surge as petrol prices rise
Electric car registrations grew by 60% in April compared to the same month last year, as demand skyrocketed in the face of ever-increasing fuel prices.
