Steve Walker
Verified- Group Web Editor, DrivingElectric
- Group Web Editor, Autovia
- Group Web Editor, Auto Express
- Group Web Editor, Carbuyer
- Group Web Editor, Car Throttle
- Group Web Editor, evo
Delhi, United Kingdom
Head of digital content @Autovia_limited, looking after @autoexpress, @carbuyeruk, @evomagazine and @DrivingEVs
Articles by Steve Walker
The world’s most important modern car is a Toyota Prius
A few weeks ago the Auto Express team sat down to decide what we thought were the most important modern cars. We wanted to recognise the models that have shaped the way we drive today with their design, technology and/or engineering excellence. After the dust had settled, the Toyota Prius carried off a narrow but deserving victory from BMW’s new MINI and the Tesla Model S.
Powered car boot lids are a rare oasis of calm in the modern world… or a complete waste of time
Let’s get the caveats out of the way first. I admit I am an impatient person. I can also see some benefits to electrically powered car boot lids. These include being able to operate the boot without getting your hands dirty from the grime on the tailgate; shorter people not having to jump up to close the tailgate on bigger cars; and the ability to open the boot with a keyfob or a kick under the rear bumper on cars with those features installed.
Mazda's plug-in CX-80 feels ready and able thanks to a new cable | Auto Express
We’re looking forward to the challenge of maxing out the large SUV’s economy with regular charging, and seeing how it fares on longer trips. In the meantime it’s proving more than capable for the school run – but were we wrong to opt for a regular middle row of seats rather than captain’s chairs? We’ll find out on future family holidays. Mileage: 2,423 miles Efficiency: 44.2mpg Plug-in hybrids are the car world’s ultimate compromise.
The Multi-Purpose Vehicle must return to save car buyers from their SUVs
Does your washing machine have a raised ride height? Would you rent a storage unit with a jauntily sloping roofline? Do your Amazon parcels arrive with flared wheel arches? The answer is no, and one of the reasons for this is that when it comes to space efficiency, boxy is always best. Family car buyers in the UK and around the world have fallen head-over heels in love with SUVs. In doing so they have sacrificed space efficiency and practicality for something they think looks trendy.
EU petrol car sales ban to be delayed until 2040: What will it mean for the UK?
The EU is rumoured to be on the cusp of delaying its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2040. The ban is currently due to come into force from 2035 across Europe but the Sunday Times is quoting ‘senior industry leaders’ who have confirmed privately that the delay will be announced and that car makers have already been tipped off.
UK won’t budge on its 2030 petrol car ban after the EU bends to industry pressure | Auto Express
The UK Government has doubled down on its pledge to ban the sale of pure-petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and all non-zero-emissions models by 2035. This comes after the EU made the monumental decision to scrap its own 2035 ban, sending a seismic wave through the car industry.
EU 2035 petrol and diesel car ban to be scrapped – will the UK follow? | Auto Express
The EU could be on the verge of scrapping the proposed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in a move that would send a seismic wave through the car industry. President of the European People’s Party (the largest party in European Parliament), Manfred Weber, told German newspaper, Bild, that the EU will instead impose strict emissions reductions on new vehicles, rather than a complete ban on combustion engines.
New Alpine A310 to target Porsche 911 with advanced EV tech and multi-model range
Alpine will follow up its new electric A110 sports car with a new 2+2 designed to go head-to-head with the legend that is the Porsche 911. Likely to be called Alpine A310, resurrecting the name of the brand’s seventies coupé, the car will utilise the same advanced APP (Alpine Performance Platform) underpinnings as the smaller A110. Crucially, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief sees the A310 model range eventually expanding to mirror the broad scope of the 911’s.
Alpine A390 review
The Alpine A390 is not your typical premium electric SUV. In the areas you wouldn’t expect a car like this to be good, it shines - it’s engaging to drive, performance is exhilarating, and the design stands out in the sea of identikit rivals. It is, however, lacking in practicality and the all-important premium feel demanded at this price point. Keen drivers will happily accept the compromise and have a brilliant car to enjoy.
Are car headlights too bright? Dazzled drivers say yes in new Govt study
The Government could be set to enforce tighter rules on car headlight design amid growing unease from drivers who are being dazzled by bright lights as the nights get darker this winter. A new Department for Transport commissioned study has indicated that 97 per cent of drivers are 'regularly or sometimes' distracted by oncoming vehicles while 96 per cent said they thought 'most or some' headlights are too bright.
The big worry with self-driving taxis is that Brits can't be trusted to behave
There is a sketch on the old TV comedy show Trigger Happy TV where a man dressed in a snail costume stands at a London zebra crossing. The traffic stops and our shell-carrying protagonist proceeds to get down on his hands and knees and slither across the road on his belly at what can only be described as a snail’s pace. Is it wrong that this image popped into my head on hearing the news that Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, will bring its self-driving taxis to London in 2026?
Tesla in hot water for self-driving cars driving on wrong side of the road | Auto Express
Tesla is under investigation in the US after 58 accounts were recorded of its self-driving cars violating traffic laws. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has filed a report citing the various instances of cars equipped with the brand’s Full Self Driving (FSD) systems in which a total of five people are said to have been injured.
Volkswagen ID.4 Pure Match review: a solid family EV there's very little reason to buy
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a solid mid-size electric SUV majoring on comfort and practicality, but it’s not the most exciting option – either to drive or look at.
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Great fun to drive 233-mile range; high efficiency Just £132 a month It may have escaped your attention, but a little thing called the Electric Car Grant (ECG) exploded into existence a few weeks ago. It uses Government cash to make new electric cars cheaper – and none more so than the Ford Puma Gen-E. Ford’s small electric SUV is one of only two cars, so far, to qualify for the full £3,750 ECG amount.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style LWB long-term test: retro MPV shows bigger is better
It’s early days with the bigger ID. Buzz, but our initial impressions are all positive. It’s a great car for long journeys, comfortable on smooth roads, and easier to manoeuvre than you might expect, given how large it is. There might not be seven of us, but even at this stage the ID. Buzz feels like a magnificently practical addition to the family. Efficiency: 2.9 miles/kWh Mileage: 1,196 The more observant among you will have noticed that Volkswagen’s ID.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB long-term test: does our EV need an exorcist?
We are loving our time with the hyper-practical Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The powered side doors aren’t a highlight, even with the ghostly electrical fault rectified, but it’s a great utility vehicle that is up to almost any challenge family life might throw at it. Efficiency: 3.1 miles/kWh Mileage: 6,718 Can a car be haunted?
Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB long-term test: EV MPV reconnects with campervan roots on family trip
It felt good to a few weeks ago to finally do what you feel a Volkswagen ID. Buzz should be doing. The giant SUV took a late summer camping trip and got back in touch with its Type 2 campervan roots. If there is a downside to having so much space in your camping car, it’s that there’s a tendency to fill it. Sure enough, the back end was crammed with all kinds of kit and accessories that we probably (certainly) didn’t need, but it was great to have the flexibility.
Alpine's ambition for a US launch may hinge on a big, but sporty, SUV | Auto Express
You could say that Alpine has a lot on its plate over the coming years. We’re going to get the new A390 mid-size coupe-SUV, then the electric A110 sports car, then the A310 2+2 coupe. Beyond that, the bold product plan gets a little more fluid, but Alpine’s stated aim of growing the EV line-up to seven cars remains, and one of those cars is likely to be a flagship SUV, of sorts.
Get ready for the Auto Express New Car Awards 2025
It’s that time of year again. The Auto Express New Car Awards are almost upon us. If you want to know all about the very best cars to buy in the UK today, there’s no better way to do it. On the evening of Tuesday July 1 2025, we’ll be recognising the best new cars from every sector of the market. Every award winner will be announced right here and on our social media channels. The Auto Express New Car Awards will reveal the winning cars and vans across 26 categories covering the entire market.
Tonight's the night! Auto Express New Car Awards 2025
It’s that time of year again. The Auto Express New Car Awards are almost upon us. If you want to know all about the very best cars to buy in the UK today, there’s no better way to do it. This evening, (Tuesday July 1 2025) we’ll be recognising the best new cars from every sector of the market. Every award winner will be announced right here and on our social media channels. The Auto Express New Car Awards will reveal the winning cars and vans across 26 categories covering the entire market.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron review: new sexy roof, same solid EV
The Q6 e-tron comes across as Audi’s most convincing electric car to date. The Sportback version gives improved EV range and a sportier shape for a modest reduction in practicality, and a £2,500 premium. The car is still very much in the familiar Audi vein - solid, secure, comfortable and classy but without necessarily entertaining the driver as much as some rivals can. With its Sportback models Audi has absolutely nailed the commodification of the curvy car roofline.
New Alpine A110 EV aims for light weight, long range and huge fun
2026 is going to be a massive year for Alpine because the A110 – the car the brand has built its name on – is going electric. And Alpine executives are promising that the replacement for the current A110 will still have “soul” and be a worthy rival to Porsche’s upcoming electric Cayman and Boxster. In a teaser video laying out Alpine’s plans for 2026, the French brand’s boss Philippe Krief said: “The next communication is going to be really fun.
Best car discounts – big savings on list prices of today’s top new cars | Auto Express
Car deals can take many forms. Deposit contributions or 0% per cent APR rates on car finance are common but the easiest deal for buyers to get their heads around is a straight-up, juicy discount on the list price of a new car. Manufacturers list their cars at a recommended retail price but that’s not necessarily the price you’ll end up paying.
KGM Actyon K50 long-term test: vastly spacious but not without niggles
I love the Actyon’s big boot and roomy cabin, and the KGM is tough to beat for space at this price. Some titbits – such as the standard-fit rear blinds and dual-zone climate control – also show KGM has thought about making the Actyon family-friendly, but it performs poorly in other areas – particularly the infotainment set-up and overall efficiency. Mileage: 6,161 Economy: 29.6mpg Space.
Best coupes on sale 2025 | Auto Express
If you want to cut a dash in traffic, then nothing less than a coupe will do. Boasting sleek lines and eye-catching design details, these sporty models are intended to get their drivers noticed. Although style is important, the best coupe models pack plenty of substance too, the top options proving as good to drive as they are to look at. The definition of coupe has been stretched over recent years, with everything from low-slung saloons to high-riding SUVs being handed this fashionable label.
The very best electric cars on sale today, according to our experts | Auto Express
So you’re thinking about buying an electric car? You’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place. Our expert road testers have driven every electric car available in the UK, comparing them all over hundreds of miles, in all kinds of driving conditions, to find out which models truly stand out from the ever-growing pack. Being ranked as one of our best electric cars has never been tougher.
M25 closures: Junction 10 shut all weekend with no M25/A3 access
Roadworks on the M25 once again threaten chaos for travelling motorists this weekend, as National Highways implements a full closure of Junction 10 on London’s orbital motorway. Drivers in Surrey will be unable to leave or join the M25 at junction 10 from 9pm on Friday (June 13) evening until 6am on Monday (June 16) morning. The same applies to those using the A3 as the junction for those wishing to join the M25 will also be closed in both directions.
An Ever-evolving Landscape
In today's dynamic business environment, understanding your audience is paramount. As someone who's been deeply entrenched in sales, management, and go-to-market strategies for IT startups and scale-ups, I've always held a belief: to truly connect with your audience, one must possess both data-driven insights and a keen intuition honed from experience.
Block: UK Businesses To Benefit From Unique Social Funding Partnership
Block Inc (NYSE: SQ), a global technology company with a focus on financial services, is making its first social impact investment in the UK, providing £2m capital to ART Business Loans (ART), which is being matched by well-established ethical lender Unity Trust Bank. ART, a Birmingham-based Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), was founded in 1997 to help alleviate poverty through enterprise.
How to Build a Data-Driven Culture
We have all heard it. “We are a data-driven company.” “We use data to make better decisions.” “We are a data-first organization.” Most organizations fully embrace the potential of data. We have been building data warehouses, establishing reporting platforms, and using data in some manner for years. We are accumulating exponential volumes of data as most every process, system, or application is collecting data. This is all good, but just because we have data, are we truly using the data?
Renault Megane E-Tech review
Avg. savings £2,896 off RRP* Find your Renault Megane E-Tech Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models. Or are you looking to sell your car?
Smart Video Services
Up until now, the security industry has been experiencing an overload of video information that sometimes is only useful in a reactive capacity for investigative and forensic purposes. Now, an opportunity has emerged to empower monitoring centers to leverage analytics and machine learning in a proactive position. For instance, consider a warehouse where 10 or more cameras were installed several years ago, just passively recording video.
From Countach to Quattro, these are the greatest cars of the 80s | Auto Express
The 1980s: a decade of big hair, red braces, shoulder pads, New Romantics, mobile phones the size of bricks, and some absolutely outstanding cars. The best 80s cars encapsulated everything that was great about their era and we had a fantastic time choosing the cream of the decade’s crop for this list. Some of the new 1980s technology, such as the microwave, remains in use today.
Insane cars that laugh in the face of snow and tweak the nose of ice | Auto Express
Heavy snow is very rarely a problem for drivers in the UK, but when there’s significant snowfall, transport disruption almost always follows, and when your travel is essential it’s handy to have a vehicle that’s up to the task. As it happens, some car manufacturers have put a lot of thought into what their vehicles would look like if they were built to survive and conquer the harshest winter conditions.
Crisis Sends Monitoring Centers Back to Basics
This year has reminded us of the importance of alarm monitoring fundamentals. Don’t let critical procedures become obsolete and don’t wait until the crisis occurs to test them. The COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of social unrest brought new challenges to every part of our economy, and the security alarm monitoring center was no exception. The pandemic introduced changes into almost every place of commercial business. Some were closed. Many changed hours of operation.
Who needs an SUV when the best estates are this good? | Auto Express
They might be less popular than they once were, but the best estate cars are still hugely spacious family-focused models that offer plenty of practicality. These cars are often very good to drive, too, and there’s now plenty of choice when it comes to fuel, with petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric estates all up for grabs.
Our top hot hatches are the most fun you can have on four wheels… | Auto Express
Ever since the early days of the Mk1 VW Golf GTI and the Peugeot 205 GTi, the best hot hatches have offered performance and driving thrills wrapped up in a practical and reasonably affordable package. It’s a recipe that has given us some of the most user-friendly performance cars on the market, many with price tags and running costs to make them genuinely attainable. Today, hot hatch affordability is under more pressure than in the past.
Research Center Guides at Fairfax County Government
Memory Depot The Memory Depot is a do it yourself (DIY) station which enables you to digitize materials. The library's Memory Depots are currently located at the Centreville Regional Library, City of Fairfax Regional Library, George Mason Regional Library, Pohick Regional Library, Reston Regional Library and Sherwood Regional Library.
Driving Volvo's XC90: update teaches an old SUV some new tricks | Auto Express
You know what you’re going to get with a Volvo – a solid, practical, safe and confidently understated type of premium car. Sure enough, that sums up the XC90 very efficiently. Better yet for the Swedish brand, it also tallies very well with the typical customer requirements in the large premium SUV class where the Volvo XC90 plies its trade. The big seven-seat SUV is showing its age in places after over a decade on sale, but the 2024 facelift freshened things up nicely.
The ART of providing something completely different
By Dr Steve Walker, chief executive of ART Business Loans As CEO of a business loans company, my usual topic when ‘putting pen to paper’ is access to appropriate finance for small businesses and social enterprises. ART Business Loans (ART) has been providing finance for over 20 years where the banks have been unable to meet the full loan needs of their customers.
Business finance can help brokers grow in a flat market – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
Where does the next opportunity lie for second charge and specialist lending? The obvious answer is the remortgage market. And that’s a market that has enjoyed a period of growth lately (although it is starting to wane somewhat now). Earlier in the year, UK Finance announced the residential remortgage market had seen its strongest month in a decade with 46,900 new homeowner remortgages in July, up 26% year-on-year. It stands to reason, therefore, that the second charge market should also be surging.
Motivated Lorain team trounces Bedford
Matt Florjancic The Chronicle-Telegram LORAIN — Lorain’s junior running back Daylin Dower had plenty of motivation heading into Friday night’s game against the Bedford Bearcats, as he wanted his senior teammates to walk off the turf at George Daniel Field with a win in their final home appearance, and he accomplished that mission.
Some people still believe seconds are only a last resort – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
We live in uncertain times. Yet, I always believed there were some things that were just indisputable. Things that we were certain about, that were not open for debate. One of those things, I thought, was the way in which mortgage brokers should now be offering second charge mortgages. Yet lately it seems this debate, which should have been put to bed long ago, has reared its head again. Let’s be clear.
Do we believe 85% of brokers really consider second charges? – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
According to research by SimplyBiz Mortgages, only 15% of mortgage brokers are not involved in the second charge market at all. We’ve done it, all that education and information over the last few years to encourage brokers to treat seconds in exactly the same way as they do firsts has paid off. Job done. Or is it? You see, the merit of such a statistic lies wholly with how one interprets the term involved.
Development finance needs to learn from second charge sector to grow – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
Last month saw the UK celebrate National Self Build Week. Did you know this? No? Well I doubt you’re alone. Despite rumblings of a so-called self-build revolution on the cards and lender interest in the development sector growing, there is little awareness of the products on offer. One reason for this is that mortgage brokers don’t seem fully engaged with development finance as yet. And who can blame them.
Guest column: Realtors find remodeling projects gain equity, bring joy to homeowners
May is National Home Remodeling Month, a time of the year when many homeowners may daydream about sprucing up their home to gain equity, resale value or simply find more enjoyment from their property.Many homeowners find the idea of a remodeling project too overwhelming to take on.
Brokers need to be a jack of all mortgage trades – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
Research conducted by Legal and General Mortgage Club has revealed more than 80% of brokers will look to diversify their business models and income streams over the coming months. Shifting market landscapes and emerging technologies are placing an increased onus on the benefits of offering broader ranges of financial services.
Lenders are pushing second charge product development – Walker - Mortgage Solutions
When we talk about the growth in the second charge sector much of the focus is on the role of brokers. It certainly is the case that if mortgage brokers were more engaged with the products we would see even greater growth, but the ability to create growth does not just lie with brokers. Indeed, so far this year lenders have continued to push growth by creating innovative products to cater to even the most complex of buyers.
Secured Loans Watch: Coming back for seconds
Take-up in the seconds market has been disappointing, but is it a technical problem or the attitude of brokers at the core of the issue? I would like to begin this article, if I may, by recounting a tale of a swimming instructor trying to teach a child to swim. The child was attending all of the lessons and was quite clearly trying their best but, for some reason, it was just not happening. Despite the best efforts of both child and teacher, this youngster seemed destined to be a non-swimmer.
Take the opportunity to earn brownie points with clients - Walker - Mortgage Solutions
Some of your self-employed clients may be in for a nasty shock over the next few days. This month some 4.8m people will be filing tax returns and paying the taxman what they owe. But there is an added twist for 2018. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has made things a little more interesting (read: difficult) this year by implementing a new rule. As of January 13 taxpayers will be unable to pay their tax bill using a credit card which gives you, their trusted broker, an opportunity.
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