Articles by Justin Hilliard

Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial

Justin’s dad chose to miss his birth because he wanted to watch Peter Brock hopefully win Bathurst, so it figures Justin grew up to have a car obsession, too – and don’t worry, his dad did turn up in time after some stern words from his mum.

That said, despite loving cars and writing, Justin chose to pursue career paths that didn’t lend themselves to automotive journalism, before eventually ending up working as a computer technician. But that car itch just couldn’t be scratched by his chipped Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7), so he finally decided to give into the inevitable and study a Master of Journalism at the same time.

And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist soon after graduating and the rest, as they say, is history. These days, Justin happily finds himself working at CarsGuide during the biggest period of change yet for the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most exciting part of all.

In case you’re wondering, Justin begrudgingly sold the Golf R (sans chip) and still has plans to buy his dream car, an E46 BMW M3 coupe (manual, of course), but he is in desperate need of a second car space – or maybe a third.

Subaru Solterra 2024 review: Touring long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 20 Sep 2024
The Subaru Solterra is breaking new ground for the Japanese brand as its first fully electric vehicle. But if the mid-size SUV is to stay true to its roots, it also needs to be nice to drive. Thankfully, it is - mostly.
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Subaru Solterra 2024 review: Touring long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 24 Aug 2024
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is twinned with the Toyota bZ4X, but those two fully-electric mid-size SUVs look more different than you think. And as we've found with the former, they're also not as practical as they should be.
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Subaru Solterra 2024 review: Touring long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 25 Jul 2024
Subaru may be late to the EV game, but it's come out all guns blazing with the new Solterra mid-size SUV. Twinned with the Toyota bZ4X, the Japanese brand's first fully electric vehicle makes a strong first impression, but is the price right?
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Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 review: Veloce PHEV long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 17 Jun 2024
The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV Q4 is out to show what the Italian brand can bring to the plug-in hybrid game. When it comes to the driving experience specifically, the new small SUV delights with its sharp handling, but is that enough to overcome the universal PHEV compromises?
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Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 review: Veloce PHEV long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 11 May 2024
The general consensus is the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV Q4 is drop dead gorgeous. But is this new small SUV another classic case of style over substance? As far as practicality is concerned, it just may be.
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Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 review: Veloce PHEV long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 05 Apr 2024
Alfa Romeo's 2024 Tonale Veloce PHEV is a critical new model for the famed Italian brand. On one hand, it's small SUV that should deliver high sales. On the other, it's the marque's first plug-in hybrid. In this step into the future a good one? When it comes to value for money, the answer is mixed.
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Genesis GV60 2024 review: Performance AWD long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 08 Mar 2024
The 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance small SUV is here to establish the emerging South Korean brand as a real player in the all-electric vehicle segment. After living with one for three months, it's clear this is a crossover for drivers who like to go fast in comfort.
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Genesis GV60 2024 review: Performance AWD long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 06 Feb 2024
The 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance has proven itself to be an easy electric car to live with, the 'small' SUV offering a seriously high level of luxury as well as strong practicality - but it's not without its flaws.
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Genesis GV60 2024 review: Performance AWD long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 11 Jan 2024
The Genesis GV60 might be a lesser known electric vehicle (EV) option, but the small coupe-style SUV packs plenty of punch, especially from its Performance AWD flagship's dual-motor powertrain. But it's also filled to the brim with high-quality luxury features.
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Nissan X-Trail 2024 review: Ti e-Power long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 11 Dec 2023
The 2024 Nissan X-Trail e-Power dares to be different with its series hybrid powertrain, which exclusively drives the wheels via dual electric motors, while its petrol engine acting as a power generator for the onboard battery. It's an approach that delivers a superior driving experience - in some instances.
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