Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events.

When he's not out getting sunburnt in his Mk4 Mazda MX-5, he's usually found typing up a story for the magazine or Autocar website. 

He’s also a regular contributor to Autocar’s social media channels, providing video content for its Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and X channels.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association. He previously contributed to The Intercooler and placed second in Hagerty’s 2019 Young Writer competition with a feature on the MG Metro 6R4.

Before training to become a journalist, Charlie studied History at the University of Winchester. He wrote his dissertation on the impact that more affordable cars and motorcycles had on British society in the mid-20th Century.

Charlie is an expert in:

  • The UK’s car industry
  • Electrification and alternative fuels
  • New car news
  • Issues for new and young drivers

What was your biggest news story?

Thus far, it was probably covering the death of the Ford Fiesta, but I’m sure my biggest story has yet to be written. Maybe it’ll be the return of the Fiesta in 20 years’ time. Who knows?

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

The Alpine A110 GT. It’s become something of a cliché among motoring hacks, but I do think it’s about as close to perfect as anything I’ve driven.

It’s rapid but doesn’t overwhelm, and the steering feels wired directly into your brain. It helps that it’s great at all the mundane day-to-day stuff too: I averaged 44mpg on the motorway driving one from London to Spa-Francorchamps and back! 

I don’t mind its lack of a manual gearbox, either. The auto is plenty snappy and meant that it was one of very few cars I’ve driven that didn’t frustrate me driving the length of London’s perma-gridlocked North Circular road.

My only real complaints about it are those inherent to mid-engined sports cars, in that I can’t take all my family out in it, and that I can’t afford one.

What will the car industry look like in 20 years?

Who knows? In recent years it looked dead set that battery-electric cars would be the only option that we'd be offered in a couple of years’ time. However, multiple manufacturers have since thrown their weight behind hybrids, so there might be life in the old internal-combustion engine yet.

I reckon EVs will still eventually win over most buyers as prices fall and charging infrastructure improves, but I'd like to think there will also be genuinely sustainable ways of keeping petrol-powered sports cars and classics on the road, too.

News

Solid-state Mercedes EQS drives 749 miles without charging stop

Prototype fitted with breakthrough battery tech drives from Stuttgart to Malmö without recharging

Solid-state Mercedes EQS drives 749 miles without charging stop
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2027 Renault Clio revealed with bold new look and petrol power

Supermini given a new lease of life with concept car looks, bigger footprint and updated tech

2027 Renault Clio revealed with bold new look and petrol power
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VW Group aims for road-ready solid-state battery by 2030

Company begins testing solid-state cells in radical Ducati motorbike; says it can be swapped into cars

VW Group aims for road-ready solid-state battery by 2030
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New Cupra Raval hot hatch will feature 223bhp VZ variant

New electric supermini, set to be the Spanish brand's smallest and most affordable model, will arrive next year

New Cupra Raval hot hatch will feature 223bhp VZ variant
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Ford Performance rebranded as it primes road-going racers

New Ford Racing division promises a closer link between the brand’s road and track models

Ford Performance rebranded as it primes road-going racers
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EVs comprise more than a quarter of UK car sales

Introduction of Electric Car Grant and impending numberplate change pushed EVs to significant market share

EVs comprise more than a quarter of UK car sales
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Dacia Duster Hybrid gains 10bhp and greater fuel economy

SUV’s mild-hybrid and full-hybrid powertrains are updated with new engines, boosting performance

Dacia Duster Hybrid gains 10bhp and greater fuel economy
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Horse reveals drop-in range-extender conversion for EVs

Engine builder backed by Renault, Geely and Aramco claims new kit is no larger than a briefcase

Horse reveals drop-in range-extender conversion for EVs
Toyota Yaris and Aygo X at Kolin logistics hub
Toyota currently builds the Yaris Hybrid and Aygo X in the Czech Republic
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Toyota to build next EV in Czech Republic

Czech factory to be upgraded with new line, battery plant and paint shop for new model

Toyota to build next EV in Czech Republic
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UK start-up reveals 500bhp Rolls-Royce Corniche restomod

Halycon's debut model uses an electrical architecture and software developed in-house

UK start-up reveals 500bhp Rolls-Royce Corniche restomod
News

Government R&D fund aims to save start-ups from 'valley of death'

Scale Up scheme – part of £2.5 billion Drive35 fund – will help small firms get inventions into production

Government R&D fund aims to save start-ups from 'valley of death'

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