Matthew Macconnell

Scotland

Writes for Forbes, CountryLife, Autocar, HeyCar, Fleet World, Commercial Motor, EV Powered, Practical Classics, Classic Car Weekly, and The Drive.

Articles

Mazda CX-80 Vs CX-60: Which Should You Choose?

5 days ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Mazda CX-80 vs CX-60Matthew MacConnell You’d need to be a Mazda guru to spot the differences between the CX-80 and CX-60. Honestly, I tested both recently I struggled to spot contrast, minus the colour. Likewise, both cars are similarly priced (£46,640, CX-60 and £49,780, CX-80) and have the same engine range. And here lies a dilemma: should you buy the CX-60 or spend a few grand more on Mazda Europe’s flagship CX-80?
Test-Driving The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV

5 days ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Ford Ranger PHEVFord UKFord Ranger PHEV: Iceland. As its ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ moniker suggests, the Nordic island is steeped in mystery and packed with geological wonder. Its lunar landscape would have you question whether you’ve accidentally booked a NASA moon trip instead of an Icelandair Boeing 737. It’s out of this world. Whenever my family and I go back, we always try to do something completely different.
Emelia Hartford Prepares For Intense Pikes Peak Race With Mobil 1

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Emelia Hartford with her Porsche GT4 RS at 2025 Pikes PeakEmelia HartfordLegendary car builder, YouTube icon, actress, and professional race car driver Emelia Hartford is preparing to tackle one of the world’s most challenging hill climb routes, Pikes Peak, as she enters the prestigious GT4 class.
The best handling front-wheel-drive cars

2 weeks ago | buff.ly | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

When handling is mentioned, it’s usually rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive cars that get time in the spotlight. This is because of the amount of grip and balance offered. But hey don’t hold a monopoly – and many excellent cars to drive have been built whose engines drive just the front wheels – these are some of the best: Ford Puma In the 1990s, Mazda had the MX-3, Vauxhall had the Tigra, Fiat gave us the Barchetta, and in 1997, Ford offered the Puma, designed by Ian Callum.
Farewell Honda Civic Type R: Hot Hatch Pulled From Europe

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate EditionHondaAfter 28 years and six generations, the Honda Civic Type R is being pulled from the U.K. and European markets. However, to commemorate its long production run, Honda is building a limited-edition car. Honda said it will remove the Civic Type R in 2026. "The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.
Is It Dog Friendly?

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Mazda CX-80 and dogsMazda UK PRThe Mazda CX-80 is the brand’s largest model in the UK, and buyers can choose from a PHEV or a 3.3-litre diesel, like the one tested here. However, before we proceed, note that this review is aimed at dog owners. If you seek an in-depth Mazda CX-80 review, check out this link. Meet The Mazda DogsUp first is two-year-old 27kg Shepkita, Chloe. My wife and I rescued this precious soul when she was just eight months old.
'More of a family member than a car': 50 years of the Volkswagen Polo

3 weeks ago | countrylife.co.uk | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

‘Your first car, your trip to the seaside, your first taste of independence — and the ability to choose for yourself where the next adventure will take you,’ says Volkswagen’s Thomas Schäfer. ‘The Volkswagen Polo has been at the heart of so many unforgettable moments and stories.’He’s not wrong. The Polo might be one of the nation’s most loved cars. Most of us have either owned one or known someone who has.
Test-Driving The 2025 Mini Aceman John Cooper Works

4 weeks ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

I believe in the saying: “Life’s too short to drive boring cars”. After passing my driving test, I made a beeline for a Daihatsu Copen, a tiny two-seater that looks like a Croc sandal. I didn’t care that people laughed as I tootled past with the roof down, my head poking out like a protruding toe through a worn-out sock. I was driving something special. A few years ago, I bought a Mini Paceman Cooper S, also known as the Countryman’s ugly sister.
How hot hues and cold colours affect a car's resale value, study says

1 month ago | forbes.com.au | Jim Gorzelany |Bill Springer |Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell |Josh Max

Looking at virtually any parking lot in the nation these days is something akin to seeing at a black-and-white photo of cars, trucks and SUVs. That's because a whopping 81% of the top selling vehicle colours are not the least bit colorful, according to Edmunds.com, but are rather variations of white (25%), black (22%), gray (20%) and silver (14%).
Five Things You Should Know About The Mazda CX-30

1 month ago | forbes.com | Matthew Macconnell |Matthew Macconnell

Mazda CX-30: Many cars have flaws and it’s my job, alongside other journalists, to find and report them to you, the reader. I’m yet to test a car that has no negative attributes, whether that’s limited space, questionable build quality, or so-so performance, but Mazda got almost everything right with the CX-30. However, here are five things you should know before parting with hard-earned cash. 1.