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Stuart Masson
Editorial Director, The Car Expert
Stuart Masson founded The Car Expert in 2011 and is Editorial Director across the group’s titles: The Car Expert, The Van Expert and The Truck Expert.
Originally from Australia, Stuart has followed the automotive industry from a young age and has more than 20 years of professional experience working within it. He spent a decade in automotive retail before moving into automotive journalism and consumer advocacy, where he now focuses on helping car buyers make better, more informed decisions.
Stuart provides independent, impartial advice and is regularly called upon by the BBC and other national media outlets, contributing expert commentary on a wide range of automotive topics hundreds of times each year.
He is also a member of the Finance & Leasing Association’s Stakeholder Advisory Panel, where he represents consumer interests and provides independent input on car finance issues.
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Expert Advice
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 ownership advice
Can I modify my car on a PCP?
Most PCP agreements restrict car modifications because the finance company owns the vehicle. Here’s what’s allowed, what isn’t and the financial risks if you ignore the rules.
Car buying advice
The Expert Rating Index methodology
Discover how The Car Expert’s Expert Rating Index combines independent reviews, safety results, reliability data, warranty cover and running costs into a structured score for new and used cars.
Car finance advice
Car finance: Voluntary termination of a PCP or HP
Voluntary termination explained in plain English. Learn how PCP and HP really work, what the 50% rule means, when voluntary termination makes sense, and the common mistakes that can still cost you money.
Car finance advice
Personal Contract Purchase: the PCP explained
The personal contract purchase (PCP) is the UK's most popular type of car finance. The Car Expert explains everything you need to know.
Car buying advice
Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026
Between the government's EV grant and car companies' own discounts, there are some great new car offers available. We have the most comprehensive guide around to help you find out what's available.
Car ownership advice
How to handle a dispute with a car dealer
We regularly get readers asking for advice on how to resolve their dispute with a car dealer. So let's look at the steps you should take to get your problem sorted.
Car buying advice
Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks
There are various tricks employed by dodgy traders to try and get around the laws that apply when selling cars, using phrases like "spares or repair only".
Expert Reviews
Car reviews
Leapmotor B10 review – first UK drive
The Leapmotor B10 arrives in the UK’s most competitive segment. We test whether its space, equipment and comfort are enough to challenge established electric SUV rivals.
Car reviews
Toyota Urban Cruiser review – first drive
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is quiet and well equipped, but slow charging and an unremarkable driving experience leave it behind many similarly priced small EVs.
Car reviews
BYD Sealion 5 review – first UK drive
The BYD Sealion 5 delivers plug-in hybrid flexibility and strong equipment for the price, but its design, touchscreen usability and driving polish feel a step behind the best rivals.
Car reviews
MG 4 review (2026 facelift)
The updated MG 4 keeps the sharp handling and strong value of the original, with meaningful improvements to the cabin and touchscreen.
Car reviews
Omoda 9 review
The Omoda 9 offers more than 50 miles of real-world electric range and generous equipment, but everyday refinement and seat comfort fall short of the best in class.
Car reviews
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida review
The Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida looks distinctive and is easy to drive, but its coarse petrol engine and tight rear space make it harder to recommend than the electric version.
Car reviews
Kia EV5 review – first UK test drive
In an increasingly crowded family electric SUV market, the Kia EV5 is a very strong contender. It focuses on space, comfort and everyday usability, and Kia’s seven-year new car warranty adds welcome reassurance.
Car reviews
Toyota bZ4X review
The Toyota bZ4X has benefitted from a thorough and detailed update, bringing more driving range and greater refinement. It's now a much better car.
Expert News
Car manufacturer news
Cadillac and Chevrolet models returning to UK
General Motors has officially returned to the UK new car market, although not with a full line-up of brands.
Instead, it has launched a...
New model
Lepas confirms L8 SUV as first UK model
Lepas will launch in the UK later this year with the L8 SUV, based on the Chery Tiggo 8 and likely to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Model update
BYD Seal updated with more storage and added tech
The BYD Seal gains a significantly larger boot, added driver tech and a fixed touchscreen layout. We look at what’s changed, and what hasn’t.
Model update
Skoda Kodiaq Edition X marks ten years with added kit
Skoda has added a limited-run Kodiaq Edition X with dark styling details and extra equipment to mark ten years of its large SUV.
Model update
Volvo EX30 Black Edition adds dark styling option
Volvo has introduced a Black Edition version of the Volvo EX30, adding a series of cosmetic tweaks to the compact electric SUV.
The new variant...
Car industry news
Chinese takeaway big gains in January new car sales
BYD and Chery Group continue to make big inroads into the UK new car market in January 2026, in a clear warning to European car manufacturers.
Car industry news
Private sales salvage December new car results
Private sales rallied to boost December's result over last year, while another mixed year drew to an end.
Car industry news
Flat month for new car sales in November
New car registrations were down by about 2% in November, with private sales down 5.5% and fleet registrations flat compared to the same month last year.
