Ryan Hirons

Articles by Ryan Hirons are provided for The Car Expert by PA Media (formerly the Press Association). They include test drives of the latest new cars and features on various aspects of automotive life.
61 posts

What is breakdown cover and how can I get it cheaper?

What exactly does breakdown cover, well, cover? We explain what these policies do, who offers them, and how you can get them cheaper.

How to stay safe when driving in the dark

Winter is coming, and that means the sun is rising later and the evenings are quickly becoming shorter. For those of us commuting to and...

How to quickly and effectively demist your car windscreen

Winter's here, which means demisting your windscreen every morning. Want to know how to clear your windows a bit quicker? We have some tips…

Mini Electric test drive

There's plenty to like about the Mini Electric, being great fun to drive. But the battery will do no favours for those with range anxiety.

Abarth 595 Esseesse test drive

As something to give you a bit of a laugh, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is a compelling thing. If we’re honest though, it’s a bit rubbish as a serious hot hatch.

Coronavirus: My car’s broken down. Can I still get roadside assistance?

We spoke to leading breakdown firms to see how roadside assistance services will be affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's what they had to say.

Coronavirus: I’m self-isolating but my car’s MOT is due. What can I do?

We spoke to the DVSA to see how upcoming vehicle MOT testing will be affected by the current coronavirus situation. Here's our advice for car owners.

Porsche 911 Turbo S revealed with 650hp

The new 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S has been revealed, with the latest flagship 911 model producing a monstrous 650hp.

Skoda Octavia vRS iV plugs in

The covers have finally been pulled back on the new Skoda Octavia vRS iV plug-in hybrid, following months of teaser images.

Alfa Romeo unleashes 540hp Giulia GTA

Alfa Romeo has let its engineers loose to create two extreme versions of the Giulia Quadrifoglio saloon. The results are the Giulia GTA and GTAm.

Facelifted Suzuki Ignis debuts

Suzuki has introduced a lightly refreshed version of its Ignis city car, bringing a tweaked look and improved mild hybrid powertrain.

Dacia Spring Electric concept previews upcoming EV

Dacia plans to put an electric car on sale next year and has offered a first glimpse at that car with a new concept called the Dacia Spring Electric.

Alpine A110 Legende GT revealed as ‘most refined’ version yet

Alpine has revealed the A110 Legende GT, a limited edition model that’s described as ‘the most refined’ version of the sports car yet.

Central London speed limit to be cut to 20mph next week

Roads in central London will see new 20mph speed limits imposed from next week, the Mayor of London has confirmed.

Nissan Leaf e+ gets limited entry-level model

Nissan is aiming to make its longer-range Leaf e+ more accessible with a cut-price trim grade.

Lexus RC F test drive

The Lexus RC F is very much an old-school machine, with a 5.0-litre V8 engine that is something to behold in an era of turbocharging and electrification.