Skip advert
Advertisement
Ryan Birch

Ryan has always had a love for all things car or car-related, and prior to joining Auto Express in 2023, he spent time working at a global automotive manufacturer before going on to then work for a specialist automotive PR and marketing agency. In his role as content editor he is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels.

Prior to starting his career in the industry, Ryan studied Media and Communication with Film at undergraduate level before undertaking a Master’s Degree in Research at De Montfort University.

Ryan says…

“The entire automotive industry is going through a really pivotal transition from piston power to an electrified future. While many people may resent the switch to electric or alternate fuel, it really is an exciting and innovative moment for everyone involved. It’s highly rewarding to not only be at the cutting-edge of the industry through power and technological breakthroughs, but being able to help our readers understand and enjoy the very latest offerings the automotive industry has to offer.”

Ryan Birch’s main areas of expertise

  • Classic cars
  • Research and fact checking
  • Car data
  • Social media

Ryan Birch Q&A

Q: What was your first car? 

A: I had been thinking about my first car for as long as I could remember but somehow always knew it would be a Ford Fiesta. Working hard and saving all the money I could in 2013/2014 meant that I'd splash out on a Colorado Red Ford Fiesta Style just before I took my driving test. Definitely better than any form of public transport, it was probably better than any car I've owned recently - oh, and I only owned it for 364 days before it was time to upgrade.

Q: What is your dream car? 

A: Ask me this question again in five minutes and my answer will change. I do have a strong urge to go out and buy a TVR T350C, mind you. I know it has barely any safety equipment, no airbags, it’s cramped and not practical in the slightest…but it’s the essence of what the car is about. It’s just you and the machine. The silky 3.6-litre straight six is one of the best sounding engines ever made, in my opinion, and when the car breaks down (it’s a TVR, so of course it will) it turns into a beautiful static art piece.

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

A: I know technology is supposed to make our lives easier and the roads safer, but why does nearly everything in a new car have to be linked to a touch screen? Putting the heater controls in a sub menu isn’t the best idea when it means taking your eyes off the road - keep it simple and use traditional switches and make it easier for the driver.

Social media and email

E-mail: ryan.birch@carwow.co.uk

LinkedIn: Ryan Birch

Used Car Hunter: premium executive cars for £15,000
Car Hunter - £15,000 premium executive cars

Used Car Hunter: premium executive cars for £15,000

Our car hunter has £15,000 for a posh saloon that will be economical on long trips
Features
11 Jun 2025
Volkswagen Golf alternatives: great options for family hatch buyers
Volkswagen Golf alternatives - header image

Volkswagen Golf alternatives: great options for family hatch buyers

The Volkswagen Golf is often thought of as the default family car, but there are plenty of other models to consider in this class
Best cars & vans
10 Jun 2025
Driving without due care and attention: catch-all motoring offence explained
Driving without care - phone

Driving without due care and attention: catch-all motoring offence explained

You've been charged with driving without due care and attention, but what does that actually mean?
Tips & advice
9 Jun 2025
Used Car Hunter: cheap convertible city cars for £9,000
Car Hunter AEX cheap convertible city cars

Used Car Hunter: cheap convertible city cars for £9,000

Our Car hunter has £9,000 to buy a city car that offers cabrio fun in the sun
Features
8 Jun 2025
Ford Focus alternatives: ten cars to consider instead of the family hatch icon
Ford Focus alternatives - header image

Ford Focus alternatives: ten cars to consider instead of the family hatch icon

As the Ford Focus prepares to bow out, we suggest some other great cars worthy of your attention
Best cars & vans
6 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Cupra Ateca is a near-300bhp firecracker SUV, for just £358 a month
Cupra Ateca front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Cupra Ateca is a near-300bhp firecracker SUV, for just £358 a month

It may be getting a little long in the tooth, but the Cupra Ateca is still a very desirable hot SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 6 June.
News
6 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: get a big Nissan Qashqai for less than a little Nissan Juke
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: get a big Nissan Qashqai for less than a little Nissan Juke

The Nissan Qashqai is a top choice among Brits, and it’s easy to see why with offers like this. It’s our Deal of the Day for 4 June
News
4 Jun 2025
Used Car Hunter: punchy and practical hot hatchbacks for £23,000
Used car hunter - hot hatchbacks for a budget of £23,000; header image

Used Car Hunter: punchy and practical hot hatchbacks for £23,000

Our Car hunter has £23,000 to find a hot hatch that’s practical, quick and well-equipped
Features
4 Jun 2025
Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV
Nissan Qashqai alternatives - header image

Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV

The Nissan Qashqai has been a hit since the first generation launched in 2006, but if it’s not quite your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up the best of the…
Best cars & vans
3 Jun 2025
Used Car Hunter: pretty and premium two-door coupes for £25,000
Used car hunter - two-door premium coupes for £25,000

Used Car Hunter: pretty and premium two-door coupes for £25,000

Our Car Hunter has £25,000 to buy a good-looking and upmarket used coupe for £25,000, but which is the best buy?
Features
31 May 2025
Buying a nearly new car could save you serious money
Opinion - nearly new cars

Buying a nearly new car could save you serious money

Ryan Birch explains the pros and cons of buying what are often described as ‘nearly new’ or ‘delivery mileage' cars
Opinion
29 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Comfy and chic Renault Scenic electric SUV for under £235 a month
Renault Scenic UK - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Comfy and chic Renault Scenic electric SUV for under £235 a month

The Scenic has always been a family favourite, and can be had at a tempting price. It’s out Deal of the Day for 28 May
News
28 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement
Used Car Hunter: rugged off-road 4x4s for £25,000
Used car hunter - Off-road and 4x4 cars for under £25,000

Used Car Hunter: rugged off-road 4x4s for £25,000

Our Car Hunter has £25,000 to find a 4x4 estate or SUV that your dog will comfortably fit in
Features
28 May 2025
Engine management light: what is it?
Engine management light showing on a Mazda 6's dashboard

Engine management light: what is it?

What should you do when the engine management light comes on, and how do you safely turn it off?
Tips & advice
28 May 2025
How to transfer car ownership: what to do when buying or selling
Car keys changing hands

How to transfer car ownership: what to do when buying or selling

Ensuring a car safely and legally changes hands can be a daunting task. Here’s everything you need to know to transfer a vehicle’s ownership to anothe…
Tips & advice
19 May 2025
Cut and shut cars: what are they and how to spot them
Car recycling - Step 1: de-pollute

Cut and shut cars: what are they and how to spot them

Cut and shut cars can be a fatal hazard on the road, this guide outlines the dangers of a cut and shut car and how to spot one…
Tips & advice
14 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
MG3 Hybrid+ long-term test: budget supermini is almost the perfect bargain
Auto Express content editor Ryan Birch sitting on the MG3's bonnet while holding a pound note and a gerry can

MG3 Hybrid+ long-term test: budget supermini is almost the perfect bargain

Final report: we say farewell to a small car that generated big smiles
Long-term tests
14 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Fancy a small SUV for less than £200 a month? Take a look at the Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen C3 Aircross - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Fancy a small SUV for less than £200 a month? Take a look at the Citroen C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross is a new small SUV that is big on character. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 May
News
13 May 2025
Fastest Nurburgring lap times 2025: quickest cars and lap records
Mercedes AMG-One at Nurburgring

Fastest Nurburgring lap times 2025: quickest cars and lap records

Check out the top 10 fastest production cars around the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany
Best cars & vans
13 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: The Hyundai i20 supermini brings cheap thrills at only £165 a month
Hyundai i20 main image

Car Deal of the Day: The Hyundai i20 supermini brings cheap thrills at only £165 a month

Hyundai’s i20 is a quietly excellent little car – and cheap too. It’s our Deal of the Day for 8 May
News
8 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: The Toyota Proace City Verso is a practical EV for just £200 a month
Toyota Proace City Verso - front corner

Car Deal of the Day: The Toyota Proace City Verso is a practical EV for just £200 a month

Spacious electric motoring doesn’t come much cheaper than this van-based MPV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 May
News
7 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Scala gives large hatchback practicality at a supermini’s price
Skoda Scala - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Scala gives large hatchback practicality at a supermini’s price

Skoda is well known for offering great value for money, and the Scala is no exception. It’s our Deal of the Day for 23 April
News
23 Apr 2025
MoT test checklist: top tips to help your car pass first time
Mot testing centre sign

MoT test checklist: top tips to help your car pass first time

Read our checklist for the best advice on how to avoid unnecessary – and possibly expensive – MoT failures
Tips & advice
31 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement
UK car insurance groups explained: what do they mean for you and your car?
Car insurance explainer

UK car insurance groups explained: what do they mean for you and your car?

The Association of British Insurers decides your car’s insurance group, from one to 50. Here’s what it means for you…
Tips & advice
21 Mar 2025
How to remove car paint scratches
Best car scratch removers - header

How to remove car paint scratches

Scratches and scuffs can ruin your car’s looks and lose you money when it’s time to sell it. Here’s how you can remove scratches and scuffs from your …
Tips & advice
21 Mar 2025
How to scrap a car easily and for the best price
eBay used car parts 3

How to scrap a car easily and for the best price

How do you scrap or recycle your car in the UK, what prices can you expect from the scrap yard and what should you tell the DVLA? Our handy guide reve…
Tips & advice
3 Mar 2025
Transferring a private number plate: a guide to moving registration plates from car to car online
MINI number plate change

Transferring a private number plate: a guide to moving registration plates from car to car online

Need to know how to transfer a private number plate between vehicles? Our step-by-step guide breaks it down
Tips & advice
3 Mar 2025
A car’s registered keeper and owner isn’t always the same person, here’s why…
v5c teaser

A car’s registered keeper and owner isn’t always the same person, here’s why…

The registered keeper and owner of a car don’t have to be the same person and each has different responsibilities
Tips & advice
3 Mar 2025
Driving in Spain: top tips
Cupra Tavascan - front action

Driving in Spain: top tips

If you’re driving in Spain, read our guide for advice, top tips and a handy vehicle checklist
Tips & advice
3 Mar 2025
Repossessed cars: what are they and should you buy one?
Car repossession

Repossessed cars: what are they and should you buy one?

Find out what happens if your car is repossessed, and what to look out for if you're thinking of buying a repo car
Tips & advice
26 Feb 2025
Car tax refunds: how to claim yours
Tax disc

Car tax refunds: how to claim yours

If you're selling your car, you might be due a refund on your unused VED car tax. We guide you through the rules around getting a refund on your car t…
Tips & advice
26 Feb 2025
Buying a car privately: tips, advice and your rights
Mk5 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Buying a car privately: tips, advice and your rights

Buying a car privately can be daunting, but follow our advice to get the best deals with the least hassle
Tips & advice
26 Feb 2025
Selling a car with outstanding finance is easier than you think…
People signing dealership paperwork

Selling a car with outstanding finance is easier than you think…

We look at whether you can sell a car with outstanding finance and things you should consider beforehand
Tips & advice
26 Feb 2025