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.

Hyundai's new large SUV looks epic in renders
By Andrew Chesterton · 16 Mar 2022
Hyundai's answer to the Kia EV9 has could be an off-road ready LandCruiser Prado fighter, according to new renders drawn up in Japan.While unofficial, the renders point to Hyundai's version of Kia's hotly anticipated EV9 dialling up the rugged factor.
Read the article
Is Abarth Australia's coolest EV?
By Andrew Chesterton · 14 Mar 2022
Australia could welcome its coolest EV to date next year, with news Abarth will launch its first electric vehicle next year - a battery-powered and hi-po version of the Fiat 500.Italy's answer to the retro-cool Honda e will reportedly swap range for power
Read the article
Kia’s diesel ute is closer than you think
By Andrew Chesterton · 13 Mar 2022
More details are beginning to emerge around Kia's huge EV pick-up announcement, with international reports now pointing to a proper HiLux-sized ute that will have both internal combustion and electric applications.In the official announcement, Kia made re
Read the article
New Subaru WRX won't get an STI variant
By Andrew Chesterton · 12 Mar 2022
The new Subaru WRX won't get a fire-breathing STI variant, with the Japanese car maker shelving its performance sub-brand until electrification arrives.While the STI brand hasn't been killed off entirely, it won't return with petrol power again.
Read the article
Chevy Blazer SS paints electric future
By Andrew Chesterton · 10 Mar 2022
GM and Holden's iconic SS performance brand will live on in an electric future, with Chevy teasing a Blazer SS EV.The bade that adorned the flanks for go-fast Commodores was lost to Australia with Holden's factory closures, but it has new lease on life in
Read the article
Is this Kia’s Kluger and Prado punisher?
By Andrew Chesterton · 09 Mar 2022
Kia's epic EV9 has been all-but confirmed for an Australian launch, with the three-row, full-size SUV expected to touch down locally in 2023.Billed as an all-electric answer to vehicles like the Toyota Kluger and Toyota LandCruiser Prado, the EV9 has alre
Read the article
Kia and Hyundai's diesel dual-cab ute
By Andrew Chesterton · 06 Mar 2022
Kia's diesel dual-cab ute dreams might not be over yet, despite the brand globally confirming plans for an all-electric ute pair of pick-ups earlier this week.Kia has long flagged a proper diesel dual-cab that will take on the segment's traditional heavy
Read the article
Australia's cheapest EVs are coming soon
By Andrew Chesterton · 04 Mar 2022
Kia says a new era of cut-price electric vehicles will soon arrive in Australia, but the catch is that the Korean brand isn't sure it will be the one selling them.Kia stamped its mark on Australia - and has been growing its footprint ever since - by feedi
Read the article
Here comes Hyundai's ute!
By Andrew Chesterton · 03 Mar 2022
Hyundai now appears odds-on to launch an electric ute that will sit alongside Kia's new EV dual-cab, with the brand confirming an all-electric "light commercial vehicle" the day before its sister brand confirmed its own pick-up plans.While Hyundai is yet
Read the article
Polestar 02 Concept wants to film you driving
By Andrew Chesterton · 03 Mar 2022
EV upstart Polestar has whipped the covers off its latest concept vehicle, with the very cool O2 performance vehicle acting as the "hero car" for the brand.
Read the article