Alex Wolstenholme
Alex Wolstenholme joined Haymarket in 2023, and works across What Car? and Autocar helping to manage content which is syndicated to other websites, such as MSN Cars.
A car fanatic, he loves to delve into the spec-sheet, especially when it concerns something obscure or quirky. He drives a 1992 British Open Classic Rover Mini, or when it is not working so well, a Ford Fiesta.
Alex is an expert in:
- Used car advice
- New car advice
- Classic Minis
- Car news
- Car specifications
- Estate cars
Alex Wolstenholme Q&A
What’s the best piece of advice you could offer a car buyer?
Spend time deciding on which fuel type is right for you. In 2023 many people will automatically shun diesel cars, but they still make sense for those who cover more than average miles, especially when used as they can be picked up for less than petrol equivalents. Equally, some people are still sceptical of electric cars, but for those able to charge at home their initial price premium can be recouped in running cost savings. Used electric cars can be bargain used buys.
What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?
Nothing brings a smile to my face as much as my 1992 Mini, although, admittedly, the crashy suspension and noisy engine can get tiresome on a long journey. On the other end of the spectrum, the Volvo V60 is an effortless long-distance companion and can also hide a surprising turn of pace in the 5-cylinder example.
What will the car market look like in 20 years?
This seems harder to answer now than it was five years ago. The 2023 pushback by the government comes at a time when the growth in electric car sales is losing its exponentiality. Still, I can't see a future without electric cars playing a major role, which is no bad thing, but I wouldn’t rule out a slim market for hydrogen and synthetically fuelled cars. I hold out hope for a challenge to stop the continued rise of the SUV, too.
