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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 finance advice
The best websites for used car finance
Used car finance can vary widely, so it’s worth comparing dealer quotes with online brokers. We explain what to check before applying.
Car finance advice
Best EV salary sacrifice providers
EV salary sacrifice can make a new electric car cheaper through work. We compare leading providers and explain what to check before signing up.
Car ownership advice
How does the UK number plate system work?
Many people find the UK number plate system bewildering. The Car Expert explains how it all works and what all the letters and numbers really mean.
Car finance advice
What documents do I need for car finance?
Applying for car finance? Here’s what information and documents you may need, from ID and proof of address to income and bank details.
Car buying advice
Everything you need to know about BYD
BYD Auto is one of several new car companies to arrive in the UK in recent years. We have all you need to know about the brand right here.
Car finance advice
Can I part-exchange my PCP car at another dealership?
You don't have to return to the original dealer to part-exchange a PCP car, but the outstanding finance needs to be settled properly.
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 Reviews
Car reviews
Jeep Compass e-Hybrid review – first UK drive
The Jeep Compass mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid are comfortable, practical family SUVs with genuine off-road ability. Both drive well enough, but stronger rivals offer more for the money.
Car reviews
Subaru Forester review
The Subaru Forester offers excellent visibility, comfort, plenty of space and genuine off-road ability, but its noisy gearbox, dated interior, disappointing fuel economy and high price let it down.
Car reviews
Subaru Crosstrek review
The Subaru Crosstrek has strong safety and genuine all-wheel-drive ability, but its dated cabin, noisy powertrain and bouncy ride are hard to overlook.
Car reviews
Jeep Avenger 4xe review
The Jeep Avenger 4xe is surprisingly capable off road and still likeable on it, but rear space, cabin quality and safety score all disappoint.
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.
Expert News
New model
Pricing announced for new BMW X5 range
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.
New model
New Volkswagen ID. Tiguan replaces ID.4 and ID.5
The new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan will replace the ID.4 and ID.5 next year, with revised electric powertrains, up to 370 miles of range and a redesigned interior
Car industry news
Chinese brands drive September new car sales growth
New car registrations hit a nine-year September high, but almost all the real growth came from Chinese brands, EVs and plug-in hybrids.
Car manufacturer news
Lepas brand celebrates UK launch
Chery Auto’s new Lepas brand has launched in the UK, with the L8 plug-in hybrid, L6 SUV and L4 electric SUV leading its early model plans.
Car industry news
EVs lead growth as new car sales rise again in July
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
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.
