Sam Phillips

Sam Phillips
Title: Staff Writer

Sam has been a regular Autocar contributor since 2021 and became a member of the team in summer 2024. He previoulsy worked for sister-title Move Electric, which covers the entire spectrum of electric vehicles, from cars to boats – and even trucks.

As Autocar's Staff Writer he is tasked with updating top 10s and evergreen content, as well as writing first drives and used reviews. 

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021 with a BA in Journalism. In his final year he produced an in-depth feature on the automotive industry’s transition to electric cars and interviewed a number of leading experts to assess our readiness for the impending ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Sam is an expert in:

  • Electric cars news and reviews
  • New car news
  • Micromobility
  • Classic cars Motorsport, from Formula 1 to Classic Trials
  • Porsche PTS colours

What is your biggest news story?

My most notable story would be my in-depth feature on the future of Alpine and its switch from a one-car manufacturer to an electric sports car brand with a new three-model line-up. For a brand that prides itself on lightweight sports cars to then announce its plans to become an EV only manufacturer is huge. In an interview with Alpine’s then CEO Laurent Rossi, he outlined his vision for the brand and revealed that it would be splitting its future range into lifestyle and sporting lines.

What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?

While I’m fortunate enough to have driven some brilliant cars in my first two years at Autocar – the Toyota GR Yaris and Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 to name a few – I’m always drawn back to my very own 1990 Rover Mini Cooper RSP. Simply put, it's one of the purest driving experiences anyone can have, and the Maniflow single-box exhaust delivers a rich soundtrack that leaves a smile on my face like no other.

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

I imagine we’ll be using an EV from Monday to Sunday to get around, but I expect other micro-mobility solutions such as e-bikes and e-scooters to enter the fray on a much larger scale. Of course, electrification will become the norm, but I wouldn’t rule out hydrogen and indeed synthetic fuels – we’ve just got to allow the technology to evolve. Most importantly, I think that the car, as an entity, will be something that is celebrated. Whether it's a large-scale motorsport event or a show at local village green, cars will still attract enthusiasts in one way or another.

News

Justy returns? Subaru mulls small electric car to rival Renault 5

Affordable hatchback is under consideration; could be twinned with Toyota's mooted electric Yaris

Justy returns? Subaru mulls small electric car to rival Renault 5
Car review

Used Tesla Model 3 2017-2023 review

You can now join the world’s million-plus drivers of this ground-breaking electric saloon for just £12k

Used Tesla Model 3 2017-2023 review
News

New Subaru Uncharted revealed as rugged 338bhp SUV for 2026

Subaru's version of the Toyota C-HR+ packs VW Golf R levels of power and promises off-road ability

New Subaru Uncharted revealed as rugged 338bhp SUV for 2026
Car review

Used Suzuki Jimny 2018-2020 review

Was Suzuki's iconic miniature off-roader’s long-overdue overhaul worth the wait?

Used Suzuki Jimny 2018-2020 review
Car review

Honda Jazz

Is an economical hybrid powertrain enough to make the latest Jazz hit the high notes?

Honda Jazz
Car review

Used Mazda 6 2013-2023 review

The Mazda 6 is a Ford Mondeo rival with rakish styling and lightweight, low-emissions tech

Used Mazda 6 2013-2023 review
Car review

Skoda Superb

Czech firm continues to make the case for diesel estates with its stalwart family hauler

Skoda Superb
Car review

Used Mini Hatchback 2014-2024 review

Mk3 Mini mellows in middle age, but does it still have enough old school charm to make it a canny used buy?

Used Mini Hatchback 2014-2024 review
Car review

Peugeot E-Traveller

Eight-seat van-based electric MPV gains styling tweaks and improved range

Peugeot E-Traveller
News

Why Richard Burns is the WRC's unsung hero

The 2001 WRC champion was silky-smooth and a big inspiration for our staff writer

Why Richard Burns is the WRC's unsung hero
Car review

Used Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 review

The Skoda Yeti crossover is a member of the fastest-growing niche of vehicles, where it's chunky charms still shine in an overcrowded segment

Used Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 review

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