Alasdair Rodden has been an editorial apprentice at What Car? since October 2022, through which he is building knowledge and experience in the world of motoring journalism. He is currently studying for an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in journalism with Press Association Training.
Alasdair is also part-way through studying for a degree in Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, where he has been increasing his understanding of cars, car design and the automotive sector as a whole.
This ever-growing interest has led to many things: a passion for car photography, involvement with automotive charity StarterMotor and, of course, an apprenticeship at What Car?.
In his current role Alasdair produces content for both the website and the magazine, in addition to supporting production of the daily newsletter and updating existing content.
Alasdair is an expert on:
- New cars
- Future models
- Best-selling cars
- News and advice
- Small cars
Alasdair Rodden Q&A:
What’s the best piece of advice you could offer a car buyer?
Make sure that you actually like your chosen car...before you sign on the dotted line. This may seem obvious, but it can be easy to obsess over the numbers – slight differences in luggage space, performance or True MPG – but fail to consider which model has the best driving position, feels the most solidly built, or will put the biggest smile on your face when you’re behind the wheel.
What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?
For getting from A to B in quiet comfort, my Jaguar XJ (1997-2002) is second to none (in my mind, at least). Its smooth automatic gearbox and supple suspension take the stress out of my otherwise frustrating commute, and the 4.0-litre V8 engine provides ample power when the traffic finally clears. Unfortunately, such performance isn’t conducive to low running costs. My first car, a Volkswagen Up, would handily beat the XJ in a value-for-money contest while still being great to drive.
What will the car market look like in 20 years?
If the 2030 and 2035 new car sales restrictions go ahead as planned, all new models (as well as most used cars) will be fully electric. I expect many of these will be battery-powered, but that alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells will be much more commonplace than they are today.
While I hope that, in two decades’ time, e-fuels will have become a cost-effective way to keep old petrol cars going, I fear a vanishingly small number of such cars will survive the intervening years.
