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Ellis Hyde

Ellis is the news reporter for Auto Express, which means his job is to find out about all the exciting new cars that are coming soon, before anyone else. Whether we’re talking pint-sized city cars, family SUVs or million-pound hypercars with more firepower than most nations’ militaries, Ellis has the in-depth knowledge of what every manufacturer has planned.  He’s travelled all over the world to chase scoops and enjoys interrogating the automotive industry big wigs on the hunt for his next story. 

When Ellis isn’t writing news stories for Auto Express, he’s road testing the latest new car models on the market, contributing his thoughts and impressions to our library of in-depth reviews. Or he’s presenting videos for the Auto Express YouTube channel – trying very hard not to forget his lines!

Ellis cut his teeth as the content editor for our sister title DrivingElectric , where he quickly learned the difference between his kilowatt and kilowatt-hours, and drove every EV he could get his hands on. He even won the 2022 Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award for his work on the website. He then became the online reviews editor for Auto Express and was responsible for keeping all our in-depth car reviews up-to-date and collating our team’s verdicts on the hundreds, if not thousands, of cars we’ve tested.

Ellis says…

“It’s sometimes the small details that sets a car apart or makes it better to live with than the competition, and I enjoy finding those unique features and quirks when I review new models. I like that, at a time when so many people are embracing electric cars, Auto Express is making sure discussions about charging speeds and range aren’t getting lost in translation."

Ellis Hyde’s main areas of expertise

  • Electric vehicles 
  • Chinese cars
  • Newsgathering
  • Testing cars
  • Photography

Ellis on video

 

 

Ellis Hyde Q&A

Q: What was your first car?

A: "I’ve yet to buy my first car. I know, as a motoring journalist that’s almost shameful, but I did own a Ducati Scrambler 800 motorbike which caused me just as many headaches as any Italian car probably would. In fact, I learnt to drive in my sister’s 2010 Fiat 500, and my hatred of that beast is part of what got me into reviewing cars.”

Q: What is your dream car? 

A: "I grew up reading about the car culture in southern California, so hot rods and restomods, which I’ve always loved the idea of marrying modern technology with a classic car. Plus, after driving my first Porsche 911 a few years ago I’ve been hooked on them, hence why my dream car is probably a Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer.”

Q: What’s the biggest news story you’ve ever written?

A: “At the very start of 2025, I wrote a story about Peugeot potentially making a new hot hatch that it could use to revive the iconic GTi badge, and not six months later the fiery E-208 GTi was unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where I got to see it up close. I like to think Auto Express and our readers played a small role in Peugeot returning to its hot hatch roots, and getting that made.”

Q: If you could change one thing about cars, driving or the car industry today what would it be?

A: "That’s easy: make electric car charging points more reliable and easier to use. If drivers were having just a tenth of the number of issues with petrol pumps that EV owners are having with public chargers, there would be riots in the streets. Things need to improve, and fast!"

Social media and e-mail

New electric BMW M3 caught testing on the Nurburgring with aggressive styling
BMW M3 Electric - front tracking

New electric BMW M3 caught testing on the Nurburgring with aggressive styling

The electric model will be the most powerful to wear the M3 badge
News
5 Aug 2026
BMW 2 Series Coupe review
BMW 2 Series Coupe - front tracking

BMW 2 Series Coupe review

Fun to drive, with a great mix of performance and usability, the BMW 2 Series Coupe is a strong all-rounder
In-depth reviews
5 Aug 2026
Smart #2 murals reveal electric city car’s design
Smart #2 murals - red front 3/4

Smart #2 murals reveal electric city car’s design

A series of urban artwork pieces around the world have given us a great look at Smart’s next-generation baby EV
News
4 Aug 2026
New Audi A2 e-tron prototype review: radical-looking EV shows promise
Ellis Hyde with the Audi A2 e-tron prototype

New Audi A2 e-tron prototype review: radical-looking EV shows promise

We get an early taste of the all-new Audi A2 e-tron hatchback ahead of its official arrival
Road tests
3 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: fabulous Fiat 600 is yours for just £180 per month
Fiat 600 Hybrid UK - front

Car Deal of the Day: fabulous Fiat 600 is yours for just £180 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 2 August is a top-of-the-line version of Fiat’s stylish small SUV
News
2 Aug 2026
New BYD Ti7 offers PHEV power for £25k less than a Land Rover Defender
New BYD Ti7 - front 3/4

New BYD Ti7 offers PHEV power for £25k less than a Land Rover Defender

High-end seven-seat SUV is available to order now, with UK deliveries starting in January 2027
News
31 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo takes on the Renault 5 at under £26,000
Volkswagen ID Polo - front static

New Volkswagen ID. Polo takes on the Renault 5 at under £26,000

VW’s electric supermini is arriving with a 281-mile range, classy looks and a pinch of nostalgic charm
News
31 Jul 2026
Long-term test: Leapmotor B10
Leapmotor B10 - charging woes

Long-term test: Leapmotor B10

Second report: Top-up troubles at home take the shine off our electric SUV
Long-term tests
30 Jul 2026
75% of councils still lack accessible on-street EV charging
Wheelchair user charging a Vauxhall Astra Electric

75% of councils still lack accessible on-street EV charging

New research finds accessibility is improving, but not at the rate most would expect
News
29 Jul 2026
New Audi Q9 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date for Range Rover rival
Ellis Hyde with the Audi Q9

New Audi Q9 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date for Range Rover rival

Audi wanted its new luxury flagship to make a statement wherever it goes, and that it will
News
29 Jul 2026
Hyundai Inster review
Hyundai Inster - main image

Hyundai Inster review

The Hyundai Inster may be small and quirky, but it’s also versatile, efficient, and lovable
In-depth reviews
28 Jul 2026
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Hyundai Kona Electric gets a discount of £3,750 thanks to government’s EV grant
Hyundai Kona Electric - front

Hyundai Kona Electric gets a discount of £3,750 thanks to government’s EV grant

The 2023 Auto Express Car of the Year now starts from £31,250 thanks to the Electric Car Grant
News
28 Jul 2026
Hyundai Kona Electric review
Hyundai Kona Electric - front tracking

Hyundai Kona Electric review

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the best small SUVs around and a previous Car of the Year winner
In-depth reviews
28 Jul 2026
New Vauxhall Mokka Yes Edition cuts stylish small SUV’s starting price to £26k
Vauxhall Mokka Yes Edition - front

New Vauxhall Mokka Yes Edition cuts stylish small SUV’s starting price to £26k

Entry-level version of the small SUV is available now with pure-petrol, hybrid and electric power
News
28 Jul 2026
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Final Edition marks end of the road for hell-raising hot hatch
New Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Final Edition - front 3/4

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Final Edition marks end of the road for hell-raising hot hatch

Mercedes’ 416bhp hot hatchback is being forced into retirement by emissions regulations
News
27 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Kia EV4 with huge 388-mile range for only £277 per month
Kia EV4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Kia EV4 with huge 388-mile range for only £277 per month

The funky Kia EV4 is a great value family hatchback that looks like it’s travelled back in time. It’s our Deal of the Day for 26 July
News
26 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Rugged Jeep Compass can be yours for less than £200 per month
Jeep Compass - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Rugged Jeep Compass can be yours for less than £200 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 25 July is an SUV that stand up to anything family life or mother nature throws at it, the new Jeep Compass
News
25 Jul 2026
New Geely EX2 2026 review: a respectable but forgettable small EV
New Geely EX2 - front tracking

New Geely EX2 2026 review: a respectable but forgettable small EV

The Geely EX2 has a lot going for it, but its lack of range, charm and character means it fails to stand out against its rivals
Road tests
24 Jul 2026
BMW iX1 review
BMW iX1 - main image

BMW iX1 review

The BMW iX1 is a strong all-rounder that has premium and mainstream SUVs in its sights
In-depth reviews
23 Jul 2026
New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price
New Dacia Spring - rear teaser

New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price

The new Spring will be based on the adorable Renault Twingo and built here in Europe
News
22 Jul 2026
New Audi A2 e-tron drops some camo to reveal retro design
Audi A2 e-tron spy shot - front cornering

New Audi A2 e-tron drops some camo to reveal retro design

Audi’s cutting-edge new BEV promises to channel the innovation of its iconic predecessor
News
20 Jul 2026
Cute Fiat 500e is £3,750 cheaper from right now, all thanks to the Electric Car Grant
Fiat 500e - front cornering

Cute Fiat 500e is £3,750 cheaper from right now, all thanks to the Electric Car Grant

Hefty discount also means the electric version of the stylish city car is cheaper than the petrol
News
17 Jul 2026
New Nilu27 NILU hypercar to put the driver first with screaming 11,000rpm V12
New Nilu27 unveiled at Monterey Car Week - front

New Nilu27 NILU hypercar to put the driver first with screaming 11,000rpm V12

With no nanny aids, hybrid system or flappy paddle gearbox, the outrageous NILU hypercar is a serious old-school speed machine
News
17 Jul 2026
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Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow
Volvo XC40 - front cornering

Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow

Significantly upgraded SUVs are likely for 2026, but Swedish firm is also leaving the door open for new estate cars in future
News
17 Jul 2026
New Jensen Interceptor GTX is just the beginning for reborn Brit brand
Jensen Interceptor GTX teaser

New Jensen Interceptor GTX is just the beginning for reborn Brit brand

Famous name from sixties to return with ‘ultra-high-performance’ track weapon that previews a range of new Jensen models, including road cars
News
16 Jul 2026
New Freelander 8: Chinese Land Rover copycat's colours, specs and interior details
Freelander colour options

New Freelander 8: Chinese Land Rover copycat's colours, specs and interior details

The Freelander 8 will come to the UK in 2027 with a bright colour palette and huge interior screens… just don’t call it a Land Rover
News
16 Jul 2026
I'm tired of annoying car tech, these hidden shortcuts saved my sanity
Opinion - testing shortcuts Ellis Hyde

I'm tired of annoying car tech, these hidden shortcuts saved my sanity

News reporter Ellis Hyde explains why you should take the time to uncover all of your car’s hidden features and tricks
Opinion
16 Jul 2026
New Denza Z: first drive and all the details on 1,588bhp Porsche 911 rival
2027 Denza Z - dynamic front 3_4

New Denza Z: first drive and all the details on 1,588bhp Porsche 911 rival

BYD’s going after Porsche; has it nailed the German brand on its first attempt?
News
14 Jul 2026
New Nissan Ariya 2026 facelift review: Leaf makes it a tough sell
Ellis Hyde and the facelifted Nissan Ariya

New Nissan Ariya 2026 facelift review: Leaf makes it a tough sell

The Nissan Ariya has been updated for 2026, but it hasn't moved the game on in terms of practicality, refinement or tech
Road tests
14 Jul 2026
New 2028 Skoda Karoq: mid-size SUV aiming to take the Chinese by surprise
Skoda Karoq exclusive image - front

New 2028 Skoda Karoq: mid-size SUV aiming to take the Chinese by surprise

A new Skoda Karoq is due in 2028, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
13 Jul 2026
New Dacia Striker 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date
Ellis Hyde with the Dacia Striker

New Dacia Striker 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date

The rugged yet athletic estate car is, in essence, an Audi A6 Allroad for a third of the price
News
10 Jul 2026
New MINI Cooper Oxford Edition celebrates 25 years of the modern MINI in style
MINI Cooper Oxford Edition at Goodwood Festival of Speed - front static

New MINI Cooper Oxford Edition celebrates 25 years of the modern MINI in style

Just 125 examples of this tribute to the modern MINI Cooper are available for UK customers, with each priced from £30,120
News
10 Jul 2026
New Nissan X-Trail facelift 2026 review: it's different, honest
Ellis Hyde with the Nissan X-Trail

New Nissan X-Trail facelift 2026 review: it's different, honest

The Nissan X-Trail has been updated for 2026, but the changes are so mild that it's hard to notice any difference
Road tests
10 Jul 2026
MG HS review
MG HS - front tracking

MG HS review

The MG HS may be an inexpensive mid-size SUV, but it’s well-equipped and built to a high standard
In-depth reviews
8 Jul 2026
New XPeng X9 seven-seat MPV to offer Lexus luxury for £25k less
XPeng X9 - front static

New XPeng X9 seven-seat MPV to offer Lexus luxury for £25k less

China’s latest premium electric MPV has 380 miles of range, ultra-fast 800v charging and space for the whole family
News
7 Jul 2026