Articles by Andrew Chesterton

Hyundai says its premium push will look very different to rival Mazda's, declaring itself in a "different league" to the Japanese brand, and assuring its vehicles will still cover the full price spectrum.

Ford's brand-defining new model attack has officially landed in Australia, with the auto giant going on a trademarking spree to secure six model names for our market.The news follows a huge Ford reveal earlier this month, with the brand in the USA unveiling a US$5 billion push into the EV space via a "Universal EV Platform" that will spawn a series of affordable vehicles.Not just a platform, but an assembly process, too. Ford's announcement promised cheaper, faster and less parts-heavy production, which would flow on as savings to customers.First will be a circa US$30,000 pickup truck with four doors and a focus on passenger and tray space.And now Ford in Australia has been on a trademarking spree, securing the names 'FUZE', 'HIVE', 'MYTHIC', 'FATHOM', 'EVOS' and 'RANCHERO' for our market.It's that last name that is most of interest, given that the trademark application specifically refers to 'pick-up trucks' among its potential uses, and that it is the name of an old US car-based pickup, discontinued in the late 1970s, which blended car-like comfort with ute-like practicality.While Fuze, Hive, Mythic and Fathom have all been touted as Ford's future EV product, the Evos is also of interest, given its already been applied to a model, and one that has global potential.Built in China as a partnership between Ford and Changan, the crossover SUV was renamed the Mondeo Sport in China last year, so whether this new trademark means a new Evos is coming, or that the Mondeo Sport could retain the Evos name in some international markets, remains to be seen.As far as the Ranchero goes, Ford's first Universal EV Platform vehicle – the four-door mid-size ute – will roll out of Ford's Louisville Kentucky pant in 2027, with a price that would equate to roughly $46,000 here.Finally, a word of caution — not all trademarks materialise into actual product, and brands have been known to secure names in international markers they have no intention of launching in. What this trademarking spree turns into? We'll have to wait and see.

For the longest time, I would have sworn black and blue that auto giant Toyota was the world’s most boring car company. But not anymore...

The Ford Ranger and Ford Everest share much in common, with the ute-based SUV borrowing the Ranger's big V6 diesel engine, its rugged capability and its ladder-frame platform. But which is the better family car? We put newly minted dad, Andrew Chesterton, behind the wheel of both to answer that very question.

Hyundai Australia's push to extend its warranty coverage to a Kia-equalling seven years and unlimited kilometres has hit a roadblock.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that ever-so-slightly undermines the good work I and others do for this esteemed tome. But do keep it between us, ok?

Hyundai is plotting a performance takeover in Australia which could include bespoke N Performance studio spaces, a host of new models and the rollout of hi-po hybrids as the brand seeks to cement its affordable performance crown against Toyota's GR and Honda's Type R.

Hyundai looks increasingly likely to forge its own path when it comes to its now-confirmed mid-size ute, with the brand's Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival to ditch diesel in favour of petrol and electrification to secure sales both in Australia and the USA.

The 2026 Toyota HiLux continues to take shape, with leaks and design sketches now paving the way for a next-generation Toyota Fortuner to take the fight to the hot-selling Ford Everest.

Diesel as a fuel source might not be dead yet, but the vultures are circling, waiting for their prey to finally stop moving. Don’t believe me? It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see into a future already so clearly laid out, and not just by newcomer brands, but by some of the biggest proponents of diesel engines in the history of the fuel.