As What Car?’s sub-editor since 2018, Haining specializes in translating technical specifications into buyer-focused narratives. His work straddles three core areas:
"Approach pitches as collaborative storytelling – Haining wants to guide readers through discovery, not deliver verdicts."
Chris Haining’s journey into automotive journalism began with childhood sketches of dream cars, evolving into a Transport Design degree from Coventry University. While working in premium car sales, he launched a motoring blog that caught the attention of American automotive platform Hooniverse, where he honed his voice blending technical knowledge with relatable storytelling. This led to roles at Carbuyer and ultimately What Car?, where he’s shaped buyer decisions since 2018 as sub-editor.
"Image is really all in the mind. It’s what the car is like to live with day-to-day that really matters."
In this 2025 long-term review, Haining transforms the Mini Countryman Electric into a character study, analyzing its dual identity as urban runabout and family hauler. He meticulously tracks real-world range (242 miles vs claimed 275), charging behavior during a 5,125-mile test period, and the emotional resonance of Mini’s "Go-Kart mode" toggle. The piece stands out for its balance of spreadsheet-ready data (like £49,600 as-tested price analysis) with whimsical analogies comparing the car to a "holiday camp redcoat."
This 2021 deep dive into Toyota’s hybrid pioneer showcases Haining’s ability to reassess aging models through contemporary lenses. While praising the Auris’ reliability (noting Toyota’s reputation) and efficiency (94g/km CO2), he critiques its lack of "polish" compared to newer rivals. The analysis becomes a case study in hybrid evolution, contrasting early adoption compromises with 2021’s PHEV alternatives.
Haining’s 2024 SUV comparison piece positions the Renault Symbioz against segment leaders like Nissan Qashqai through a value-for-money lens. He dissects cabin space (noting 492-liter boot), infotainment responsiveness, and hybrid powertrain options while maintaining accessibility for first-time SUV buyers. The analysis stands out for its "family CFO" perspective, weighing long-term ownership costs against emotional appeal.
Haining’s Mini Countryman analysis demonstrates his appetite for granular, visualized data – pitch interactive charts comparing charging curves across temperatures or infographics mapping cabin storage configurations. For example, a pitch about EV towing capacity could include heatmaps showing battery drain patterns when hauling caravans.
The Auris Hybrid review shows his interest in technological lineage. Pitch stories framing older hybrid systems as "gateway drugs" to electrification, supported by owner survey data. A potential angle: "How 2010s Hybrids Shaped Today’s EV Adoption Curves."
Haining frequently anthropomorphizes vehicles – see his Mini’s "wahey" startup sound description. Pitch interviews with designers about intentional emotional triggers in dash layouts or door handle haptics. Include CAD mockups showing ergonomic evolution.
His Symbioz analysis contrasts Renault’s marketing with competitive realities. Pitch access to dealership repair logs showing common post-purchase complaints or telematics data revealing actual vs advertised driving mode usage patterns.
Given his 1997 Ford Ka nostalgia, pitch studies on owners juggling weekend classics with daily EVs. Include financial models comparing restoration costs against new EV leases, paired with owner psychology profiles.
2024 What Car? Reader’s Choice Award
Recognized for most actionable long-term reviews based on reader surveys tracking purchase decisions influenced by his work. The award highlights his unique balance of technical analysis and relatable storytelling that converts enthusiasts into buyers.
2023 Automotive Press Guild Finalist – Feature Writing
Nominated for his retrospective on 25 years of hybrid technology, praised for making transmission engineering accessible through analogies to household appliances. The APG noted his "rare ability to turn torque curves into bedtime stories."
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Automotive, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
