CJ Hubbard

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CJ has been writing about cars professionally since 2006 – and though rumours that ‘car’ was his first word remain unconfirmed, his enthusiasm goes back a long, long way. He has a master’s degree in automotive journalism from Coventry University, but it’s his real-world experience that really counts.

He joined Parkers‘ parent company Bauer Media as Associate Editor of CAR magazine in 2014, before becoming Vans and Pickups Editor at Parkers in 2016 and then moving to his current role as Head of the Bauer Digital Automotive Hub in 2022. Prior to this he worked at specialist automotive editorial agency Motoring Research, where he wrote for titles as diverse as Auto Express, City AM. PistonHeads, The Sunday Times, Which? and Microsoft’s MSN network.

As Head of the Digital Automotive Hub, CJ runs the close-knit team that provides much of the content for Parkers and CAR online, responsible for covering news, car launches, road testing and advice – ranging from car buying guidance to ownership and motoring issues. He and his team also provide content for CAR‘s world-renowned print magazine.

Highlights of what has been a considerably varied career so far include driving a Range Rover through India (Friday-night traffic in Surat has to be experienced to be believed) and a hydrogen-powered Mercedes across the Australian outback, contradicting the old clichés about the car scene in Cuba, getting a passenger ride with Ken Block, and spending months daily driving a Lamborghini Huracan.

More importantly, he’s driven hundreds of new and used cars in the last two decades. This includes long-term tests in machinery ranging from everyday electric vehicles including the Renault Zoe to unusual performance cars such as the Peugeot RCZ R, not to mention the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter and Volkswagen Crafter vans. At present he’s on a quest to find the perfect family car for his two small children, a process that’s so far examined SUVs, estate cars and MPVs.

His work has appeared in print and online right across the globe, as well as on video, and his personal transport is currently a 2001 Porsche 911, following on from a series of modified Mazda MX-5s and various BMWs.

CJ keeps a keen eye on the latest motoring trends – especially in the areas of electrification and technology. He remains unconvinced that a fully autonomous car will ever be offered for public sale in his lifetime, but fears legislation will continue to take the fun out of driving until we all might as well be getting the bus anyway. In the meantime, his goal is to provide the best possible advice and guidance to modern car and van buyers.

CJ’s top tips for Parkers readers are:

• Make sure you take a test drive – and properly consider whether the vehicle you’re thinking about buying suits your needs and lifestyle
• Don’t make assumptions – make sure the equipment you want is actually included in the price and take some time to understand how it works
• Shop around – whether you’re buying a new car, your insurance, or the latest in-car gadget, it’s always worth double-checking you’re getting the best price