Mat Watson: The TRUTH on CarWow, Past Controversies & Electric Vehicles
About this episode
Mat Watson, the face of CarWow, shares his journey from accountant to the biggest automotive YouTuber, discussing the evolution of car reviews and his passion for cars. He reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with his career, the impact of electric vehicles on the automotive industry, and the importance of character in cars. With a humorous take on his experiences, including memorable encounters with fans, Watson emphasizes the need for authenticity in car reviews and the excitement of future automotive innovations.
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In this incredible episode, we sit down with Mat Watson, the automotive world's biggest YouTuber, to discuss his journey from a childhood dreaming of acting to running a multi-million subscriber empire at Carwow. Mat opens up about his humble beginnings, why he took a massive pay cut to become a journalist, the full story behind him being an "accountant hiding in a cupboard," and his philosophy that made him one of the most relatable car reviewers in the world.
Don't miss the story of his worst-ever presenting video and find out what his 15-year-old self would think of his life today!
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Skoda Octavia
"I bought a Skoda Octavia VRS because of you."
The Skoda Octavia VRS is a sportier version of the regular Octavia car, designed for better performance and handling. It has a more powerful engine and a sportier look.
The Skoda Octavia VRS is a performance-oriented variant of the Octavia, known for its sporty design and enhanced performance features. It typically includes a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling elements.
Suzuki Jimny
"...whether it's selling a Suzuki Jimny and figuring out how to import them into the country..."
The Suzuki Jimny is a small, tough SUV that can handle rough terrains. It's well-liked for its unique shape and ability to go off-road.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive boxy design. It's popular among enthusiasts for its ruggedness and simplicity.
finance
"Did you know that nine out of 10 cars in 2025 are bought on finance and this is usually done from the main dealership that you buy the vehicle from rather than a private finance company."
Finance means borrowing money to buy a car and paying it back over time, instead of paying all at once. Many people do this to make buying a car more affordable.
Finance refers to the method of purchasing a vehicle through loans or credit, allowing buyers to spread the cost over time rather than paying the full amount upfront. This is a common practice in the automotive industry, especially for new car purchases.
monthly repayment amount
"As soon as the dealer gives you that monthly repayment amount and it's within your budget, we just say yes to get ourselves in the car..."
The monthly repayment amount is how much you pay each month when you borrow money to buy a car. It includes part of the money you borrowed and the cost of borrowing that money.
The monthly repayment amount refers to the sum of money that a borrower agrees to pay back to a lender each month, typically in the context of a car loan or financing agreement. This amount usually includes both the principal and the interest on the loan.
interest rates
"However, we rarely check what percentage of that payment is interest versus actual repayment on the vehicle and in recent years, interest rates have been super high as we know."
Interest rates are the extra money you pay when you borrow money, like for a car loan. If the interest rate is high, it means you'll pay more over time for the car.
Interest rates are the percentage of a loan amount that a lender charges as interest to the borrower, typically expressed on an annual basis. High interest rates can significantly increase the total cost of financing a vehicle.
APR
"...are paying as high as 13% APR at the minute. So let me genuinely save you some money..."
APR is the yearly cost of borrowing money, including interest and fees. It helps you understand how much you'll pay in total for a loan over a year.
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, which is the annual rate charged for borrowing or earned through an investment. It includes any fees or additional costs associated with the loan, making it a more comprehensive measure than just the interest rate.
MGB Roadster
"but it was an MGB Roadster on a chrome bumper model and he had that and he sold it just before I was born"
The MGB Roadster is a classic car from the 1960s and 70s that many people love for its sporty look and fun driving. It's a two-seater convertible that was made in Britain.
The MGB Roadster is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1962 to 1980. Known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience, it remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts.
Cupra Born
"... and he had that and he sold it just before I was born and then he sold it to his mate"
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that looks sporty and is designed to be fun to drive. It's important because it shows how cars are changing to be more environmentally friendly.
The Cupra Born is an electric hatchback that represents the performance-oriented brand of SEAT, focusing on sporty design and advanced technology. It is significant as part of the growing trend towards electric vehicles in the automotive market.
Jaguar Xjcs
"...ve this mate. I mean, he had friends who had like Jaguar XJCs, Jaguar E-types, my mate's dad had an M535i."
The Jaguar XJ-S is a stylish sports car that people admire for its looks and speed. It’s often talked about because it represents a classic era of British cars.
The Jaguar XJ-S is a luxury sports car produced from 1975 to 1996, known for its sleek design and powerful performance. It is often discussed for its classic styling and as a symbol of British automotive engineering.
Jaguar Etypes
"but he had friends who had like Jaguar XJCs, Jaguar E-types, my mate's dad had an M535i."
The Jaguar E-type is a famous sports car from the 1960s that many people think is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. It was fast and stylish, making it very popular.
The Jaguar E-type, also known as the Jaguar XK-E in North America, is a British sports car that was produced from 1961 to 1975. It is celebrated for its stunning design and high performance, often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Porsche 924
"one of the first toy cars that I remember was a remote control Porsche 924. That's when my love of Porsches began."
The Porsche 924 is a car made by the German company Porsche. It was made to be more affordable and is known for its unique look and sporty performance.
The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1976 to 1988. It was designed to be an entry-level model for the brand, featuring a front-engine layout and a distinctive design.
Porsche 911
"my uncle, my godfather had a 911 SC."
The Porsche 911 SC is a version of the famous Porsche 911 sports car made between 1978 and 1983. It is known for being powerful and fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 SC is a variant of the iconic 911 model produced from 1978 to 1983. It features a more powerful engine and improved performance compared to earlier models.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"We decided to play hide and seek in this rabbit warren of a building which was the company's head..."
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that people have loved for many years because it’s easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It’s often mentioned because it helped make small cars popular.
The Volkswagen Rabbit, known as the Golf in many markets, is a compact car that has been popular since the 1970s for its practicality and fun driving experience. It is often discussed for its role in shaping the hatchback segment and its enduring appeal.
BMW X3
"...but I think it actually came from a BMW, the original X3 or the second generation X3 launch..."
The BMW X3 is a luxury SUV made by BMW, known for being comfortable and fun to drive. It has a lot of features that make it feel high-end.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that was first introduced in 2003. It is known for its sporty handling and premium features, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
drag racing
"...they thought drag racing was a bit dirty. Drag racing doesn't show off the handling of the car..."
Drag racing is a race where two cars go straight down a track to see which one is faster. It's all about how quickly they can go from a stop to a high speed, rather than how well they can turn corners.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing that involves two vehicles competing in a straight line over a short distance, usually a quarter-mile. It emphasizes acceleration and speed rather than handling or cornering capabilities.
track battle
"...the motoring journalists would prefer a track battle. And you could almost say that I personally, as a car geek, in some ways, preferred a track battle..."
A track battle is when cars race on a racetrack to see which one performs better. It's a way to test how well a car can handle turns and go fast in a safe place.
A track battle refers to a competition where cars are tested on a racetrack, allowing for evaluation of their handling, speed, and overall performance in a controlled environment. This format highlights a vehicle's capabilities in cornering and stability.
Bugatti Chiron
"...Even up to a Bugatti-Chiron owner versus a Formula One car. Yeah, yeah, yeah."
The Bugatti Chiron is a super-fast luxury car that has a very powerful engine, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.
The Bugatti Chiron is a high-performance luxury sports car known for its incredible speed and power, featuring an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces over 1,500 horsepower.
Formula One car
"...owner versus a Formula One car. Yeah, yeah, yeah."
A Formula One car is a type of race car that is built specifically for racing on tracks. They are very fast and use special technology to go around corners quickly.
Formula One cars are purpose-built racing machines designed for high-speed performance on closed circuits, featuring advanced aerodynamics and technology that allows them to achieve incredible speeds and cornering capabilities.
Carwell
"So Carwell, right, is a car changing platform, right? It's a marketplace where people can go and sell their current car and buy their next car."
Carwell is a website or service that helps people sell their old cars and buy new ones. It makes the process of getting a different car easier for everyone.
Carwell is a platform that facilitates the buying and selling of cars, allowing users to trade in their current vehicle for a new one. It serves as a marketplace where individuals can easily navigate the process of changing their car.
Ferrari 308 GTS
"I liked Porsches at first, but then I liked Ferraris. 308 GTS, I'd have loved one of those..."
The Ferrari 308 GTS is a famous sports car that was made by Ferrari. It's known for its sleek design and fast performance, and many car lovers admire it.
The Ferrari 308 GTS is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. It is known for its distinctive styling and performance, making it a classic among enthusiasts.
Ferrari 355 Berlinetta
"...or 355, 355 Berlinetta. I still want one now."
The Ferrari 355 Berlinetta is another popular sports car from Ferrari, made in the 1990s. It's known for being fast and having a great look, which makes it a favorite among car fans.
The Ferrari 355 Berlinetta is a sports car that was produced by Ferrari from 1994 to 1999. It is celebrated for its performance, handling, and beautiful design, making it a highly sought-after model.
supercar
"So Ferrari would be like a super car. But did I want a super car?"
A supercar is a very fast and powerful car that is usually very expensive and made in small numbers. They are designed to be the best in terms of speed and technology.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that typically offers extreme speed, advanced technology, and luxurious features. These cars are often produced in limited quantities and are known for their exceptional engineering.
Honda S660
"Then I thought that was a Honda S660, always wanted one of those."
The Honda S660 is a small sports car from Japan that is fun to drive and has a unique design. It's not widely available outside of Japan, making it special for collectors.
The Honda S660 is a compact roadster that features a mid-engine layout and is known for its lightweight design and sporty handling. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts in Japan, but not commonly found in other markets.
Toyota Century
"Then I got Toyota Century, which is Japan's only V12."
The Toyota Century is a very fancy car from Japan that has a powerful V12 engine. It's often used by important people and is known for being very luxurious.
The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan that is known for its opulence and is powered by a V12 engine. It is often used by government officials and is considered a symbol of prestige in Japan.
Japanese Dream Machines
"So it's called Japanese Dream Machines. It's JapaneseDreamMachines.co.uk."
Japanese Dream Machines is a car dealership that sells cars from Japan, like the Suzuki Jimny. You can visit their website to see what they have available.
Japanese Dream Machines is a car dealership specializing in Japanese vehicles, likely offering a range of models including the Suzuki Jimny.
Tesla Model
"...ectric cars, I've got an electric car, I've got a Tesla Model 3. Chinese electric cars, that car in particular,"
Tesla Model 3
"I've got an electric car, I've got a Tesla Model 3. Chinese electric cars, that car in particular, would I buy one of those?"
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car that is known for being affordable and having a long driving range. It's a good choice for people who want to drive an electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features. It's one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide.
JK5
"...with that car that I've got there, the JK5 driving it on various surfaces of road to find out exactly what it's like"
The JK5 is a type of Jeep Wrangler that is great for driving on rough terrains. It's known for being tough and is often used for off-roading adventures.
The JK5 refers to the Jeep Wrangler JK, which is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It's a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts and has a strong following for its versatility.
Kia Picantos
"...ng, you know, last thing I was like reviewing Kea Picantos. Here we are, look at this, this is amazing."
The Kia Picanto is a small and budget-friendly car that’s easy to drive around town. It's great for people who want something simple and economical for short trips.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car that is known for its affordability, efficiency, and small size, making it ideal for urban driving. It has gained popularity for its practicality and low running costs.
hydraulic power steering
"...lots of feel with hydraulic power steering and stuff like that. But now I'm being like a car geek, right? I mean, that's got hydraulic power steering and it's shite."
Hydraulic power steering helps you steer the car more easily by using fluid pressure. It makes turning the steering wheel lighter, especially at low speeds.
Hydraulic power steering uses hydraulic fluid to assist in steering, making it easier to turn the wheel. This system provides a more direct feel compared to electric power steering but can be less efficient and more prone to leaks.
Rolls-Royce Spectres
"I remember when Rolls Royce, they like announcing the spectre, I was like, oh, the spectre's gonna be the most perfect Rolls Royce"
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a fancy electric car that combines luxury with being good for the environment. It's important because it shows how even high-end brands are moving towards electric vehicles.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is an all-electric luxury coupe that represents the brand's commitment to sustainability while maintaining its hallmark opulence and performance. It is significant as Rolls-Royce's first fully electric vehicle, marking a new era for the iconic brand.
throttle mapping
"...the brakes and the throttle mapping. They just haven't quite got that. And it's like, and I think normal people can notice it..."
Throttle mapping is how the car's accelerator pedal controls the engine's power. Good throttle mapping means the car responds smoothly when you press the gas pedal.
Throttle mapping refers to how the accelerator pedal's position translates into engine power delivery. A well-tuned throttle map allows for smooth and predictable acceleration, enhancing the driving experience.
internal combustion engine
"...in an internal combustion engine car because I don't like the heat cycle, the engine, right? This is one of the things,..."
An internal combustion engine is a machine that makes cars go by burning fuel inside it. This burning creates energy that moves the car.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel and air inside the engine's cylinders. This process creates heat and pressure that drives the engine's pistons, ultimately powering the vehicle.
cool down
"...we need to warm it up properly, get some heat through it and then I'll do a proper cool down."
Cool down is when you let the engine of a car cool off after it has been running hot. It's important to do this to avoid damaging the engine.
Cool down refers to the process of allowing an engine to return to a lower temperature after it has been operating at high temperatures. This is crucial to prevent overheating and potential damage to engine components.
diesel
"Now, if you've got, if you're someone who does a lot of miles, you want to diesel. You just want to diesel, right?"
Diesel is a type of fuel used in some cars and trucks. Cars that run on diesel tend to go further on a tank of fuel, which can be helpful for people who drive a lot.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from crude oil, used in diesel engines. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular for long-distance driving and heavy-duty vehicles.
Volkswagen Passat
"...did one. Which was he drove a thousand miles in a Passat. And I was like, I know, like doing it,"
The Volkswagen Passat is a roomy car that many families use because it has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive. People talk about it because it's a good choice for long trips and everyday use.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car that has been in production since 1973, known for its spacious interior, comfort, and practicality. It is significant as a popular family sedan and is often discussed for its balance of performance and efficiency.
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