Articles by Andrew Chesterton

Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist

Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold.

But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul.

And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard.

When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House.

But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others.

More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Bad news for the Toyota GR Corolla?
By Andrew Chesterton · 03 Sep 2021
There's bad news brewing for those waiting for the Toyota GR Corolla, with reports the brand's Subaru WRX, Hyundai i30 N and Honda Civic Type R rival won't actually appear until the end of 2022.Credible reports out of Japan had initially pointed to GR Yar
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The Chinese LandCruiser powered by Toyota!
By Andrew Chesterton · 03 Sep 2021
We've seen lots of Chinese rivals to the mighty LandCruiser, but we don't often see them packing Toyota's own technology under the hood.
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LC300 Australian on-sale date confirmed
By Andrew Chesterton · 02 Sep 2021
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is now set to just sneak into 2021, with the first deliveries now expected to hit Australian dealerships in early to mid December.CarsGuide understands that Toyota dealers have been told of the altered dates, with the LC3
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Tesla Roadster delayed again
By Andrew Chesterton · 02 Sep 2021
Tesla boss Elon Musk has confirmed its long - long - awaited Roadster model has been delayed again, with the brand now targeting 2023 launch for the performance modelWe'll detail why in second, but first, a little history.
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Meet the Great Wall Tank 500
By Andrew Chesterton · 31 Aug 2021
China's take on the Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been revealed with a new name, with the Great Wall Tank 500 unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show.The world's auto media was convinced that the new model - previewed in sketches and spy pics - would be called
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China takes on the LC300!
By Andrew Chesterton · 31 Aug 2021
Worried that the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series or Nissan Patrol aren't tough enough? China's Great Wall clearly did, unveiling a new off-road-focused Tank 400 that looks ready to drive through a brick wall.
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Toyota Fortuner GR Sport looks mean
By Andrew Chesterton · 31 Aug 2021
The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport has been revealed in all its toughened-up glory, with the HiLux-based SUV getting a mean new look and a tech-savvy cabin.Revealed in Thailand, the Fortuner GR Sport is also more than just a sticker pack, with a new ride-and-ha
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Kia's secret seven-seater
By Andrew Chesterton · 30 Aug 2021
Kia is working on a new Seltos-sized seven-seat people mover that will sit below the popular Carnival in a move that could potentially change the compact SUV game.The new model, which will be built in India for local and as-yet-unclear international marke
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Lexus LX600 delayed
By Andrew Chesterton · 30 Aug 2021
The Lexus LX600 has been delayed as the chip shortage wreaking havoc on the LandCruiser 300 Series' production schedule widens to include new models, according to reports out of Japan.
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Navara NISMO versus Toyota GR HiLux?
By Andrew Chesterton · 30 Aug 2021
Nissan's NISMO performance brand is set to expand to car-maker's ute and SUV line-up, setting the scene for a performance ute showdown between the Navara, HiLux and Ranger.Rumours of a Navara NISMO hav circulated for years, with the brand in Australia mak
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