Alex joined Haymarket, the publisher of Autocar, in 2023. A car fanatic, he loves to delve into the spec-sheet, especially when it concerns something obscure or quirky. He currently drives a 2007 Alpina D3 estate and a 2004 Alpina Roadster S.
In his current position, as an editorial assistant, Alex mainly assists in managing Autocar's presence online, but also writes features and reviews for the magazine.
Alex is an expert in:
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Used car advice
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New car advice
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Classic Minis
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Car news
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Car specifications
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Alpinas
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. Many people will automatically shun diesels, but they still make sense for those who cover more than average miles, especially when used because 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. They also make bargain used buys.
What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?
Nothing brought a smile to my face as much as my 1992 Mini, although, admittedly, the crashy suspension and noisy engine got tiresome on a long journey. On the other end of the spectrum, the Aston Martin Vantage makes you feel truly special, is ferociously fast and very, very pretty. Ultimately, though, my Alpina does what I want it to better than any car I've ever driven.
What will the car market look like in 20 years?
This seems harder to answer now than it was 5 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 SUV onslaught too.
