Adithya Gopal

Motoring Journalist/Content Editor

Adithya is the Content Editor at AA Cars and a Motoring Journalist, with over 1,000 published articles across numerous publications.

Adithya is a mechanical engineering graduate turned Motoring Journalist. His career began as a correspondent, and he later became the Content Editor for Microsoft Bing, editing and curating automotive content for over 40 countries. Adithya holds the coveted MA in Automotive Journalism degree from Coventry University and has been doing this for more than seven years, with over 1,000 published articles in 11+ titles. Adi (as he likes to be called), is the resident Content Editor here at AA Cars.

Outside of work, you’ll often find him spending long hours on Facebook Marketplace searching for performance bargains, or combing through forums to diagnose issues with his cars – a 15-year-old W212 E350 CDI and an equally old MX5.

Awards and qualifications

More than 1000 published articles
Bylines in 11+ websites/magazines
MA Automotive Journalism degree
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Recent reviews

Volkswagen Golf

4/5

There is a Volkswagen Golf for everyone. Whether you prefer petrol, hybrid, or diesel, the Golf offers understated design, well-built cabin, modern features, mature ride and handling, along with effortless engine options. There’s little to fault with the Golf, and as a car that can do it all, it remains a top pick.

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Nissan Qashqai

4.1/5

Shopping for a compact family SUV that is easy to live with? Chances are, the Nissan Qashqai might already be on your list. After all, it is one of the best-selling cars in the UK. The Qashqai warmed us up to the idea of a compact SUV/crossover body style that offered more practicality than hatchbacks. Designed by Nissan’s studio in London, engineered by the brand’s technical centre in Cranfield and built at its Sunderland plant, the Qashqai remains a household name and often, the safe choice for many.

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Audi A3

4.3/5

Back in 1996, Audi kickstarted a new premium hatchback segment with the A3. It’s been 30 years since and the little A3 continues to be a popular choice for buyers looking for a hatchback with a premium image and interiors. In its latest fourth generation shape, the A3 packs sharp styling, plenty of tech, and a range of engine options. The question is, is it still the upmarket hatchback to buy in 2026? We’ve road tested the A3 TFSI e PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric) to find out.

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Ford Puma ST

4.0/5

The Ford Puma ST made a strong impression in 2020, as it justified the ST badge with a rorty 200hp 1.5 EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual. Fast forward to 2024, Ford dropped these and replaced them with a 168hp 1.0 EcoBoost and a 7-speed automatic. With the Fiesta and Focus ST long gone, the Puma ST remains the only model from Ford’s affordable performance outlet. So, we drove the 2026 Puma ST to see if it’s still a driver’s delight.

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Skoda Fabia 130

4.2/5

It’s 2026 and hot hatches are starting to disappear. Skoda’s Fabia vRS is one such example. But Skoda hasn’t yet given up. The Czech brand has tweaked its accomplished supermini, giving it more power and character to create the Fabia 130 – a 175hp warm hatch that sits between the standard Fabia and the Fabia vRS. We drove one to see whether this warm hatch should be on your shopping list.

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Skoda Kodiaq

4.2/5

Skoda borrows the name from Kodiak, the world’s largest brown bear found in Alaska. Like the grizzly, the Skoda Kodiaq is large and offers acres of space. Now in its second generation, and with over 870,000 units sold worldwide, the Kodiaq builds on the same winning formula with more engine options, including a plug-in hybrid. We’ve tested the Kodiaq 4x4, equipped with the 2.0-litre TSI, to see if it still lives up to its name.

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Lexus LBX

4.1/5

The LBX is Lexus’ attempt at cracking the subcompact SUV space, bringing in a fresh outlook. It promises to be a luxury car, but without the hefty price tag. To make that possible, it shares its platform with the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, the LBX is far from just a badge job. Lexus has set out to create something unique and quirky, hoping to attract more first-time buyers. Has it worked? We find out.

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Kia Sportage

4.2/5

The Sportage is consistently Kia’s best-selling model. It is also undoubtedly one of the best family SUVs if you’re on a budget. What makes it a winning proposition is how much space and practicality it offers without compromising on value. The 2026 Kia Sportage only adds to this with better styling, equipment and a wide range of engine options. With ever-increasing competition, we drove a Sportage hybrid to find out if it’s still the safe and sensible choice for families.

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