Articles by Justin Hilliard

Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial

Justin Hilliard’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, including a Bachelor of Arts with majors in International Studies and Criminology from Monash University.

He eventually ending up working as a computer technician for Apple for four years.

But that car itch just could not 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 Monash University at the same time.

And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist with GoAuto and GoAuto Premium 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.

You can find Justin on LinkedIn.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts | Monash University | 2010-2013
  • Master of Journalism | Monash University | 2015-2017

Featured Publications

Kia reveals second-generation Niro small SUV
By Justin Hilliard · 25 Nov 2021
Kia has taken the covers off the second-generation Niro, a design-focused small SUV that offers the choice of three electrified powertrains
Read the article
Toyota confirms new RAV4 pricing and specs
By Justin Hilliard · 24 Nov 2021
Toyota Australia has deleted one variant but added three – including a sporty new XSE grade – to the best-selling RAV4 range, as part of a MY22 update due in the first quarter of next year for the mid-size SUV’s fifth generation
Read the article
Where is the Tesla Cybertruck electric ute?
By Justin Hilliard · 23 Nov 2021
Cast your mind back to late November 2019, when the world was unknowingly recording its first COVID-19 cases. Seems like a long, long time ago, right? Well, the same period also included the reveal of an all-electric full-size pick-up that still hasn’t entered production
Read the article
Audi e-tron 2022 review: Sportback 55 First Edition long-term
By Justin Hilliard · 22 Nov 2021
Most motorists seem to wonder what life would be like living with an electric vehicle, and so have we, so we've now got an Audi e-tron Sportback 55 First Edition in the garage for three months to not only find out if it's worth its eye-watering price tag, but also if we can make fuss-free charging part of our daily routine.
Read the article
Toyota confirms new 86 GR’s Australian timing
By Justin Hilliard · 22 Nov 2021
Nearly eight months after its reveal, Toyota Australia has given a clearer indication of when the second-generation 86 sports car will enter local showrooms
Read the article
Walkinshaw’s mad VW Amarok utes to continue
By Justin Hilliard · 21 Nov 2021
HSV might be no more, but its sister company, Walkinshaw Performance, is still in the business of modifying existing models, as evidenced by the success that has been its recent Volkswagen Amarok programs. And the good news is even with an all-new version on the horizon, they’re likely to continue
Read the article
C8 Corvette in line for Walkinshaw upgrades?
By Justin Hilliard · 20 Nov 2021
Walkinshaw Performance already sells aftermarket accessories, including a supercharger kit, for GMSV’s other Chevrolet model, the ‘remanufactured’ Silverado full-size pick-up, so will it do the same with the soon-to-be-released factory C8 Corvette mid-engine supercar?
Read the article
Mazda updates new BT-50 ute for 2022
By Justin Hilliard · 19 Nov 2021
Mazda Australia has announced the third-generation BT-50’s MY22 update will arrive in January, with the ute set to add a second turbo-diesel engine option as well as a new SP grade that has the related Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain firmly in its sights
Read the article
Secret Holden Colorado V8 agonisingly close
By Justin Hilliard · 18 Nov 2021
Cast your mind back to January 2020 and the rumour mill had gone into overdrive regarding the potential development of a factory-approved Ford Ranger Raptor V8. Little did we know HSV was actually going down a similar path at the time with a Holden Colorado-based SportsCat V8. In fact, it was mere months away from being released
Read the article
Walkinshaw supercharges Chevy Silverado V8
By Justin Hilliard · 18 Nov 2021
Walkinshaw Performance, HSV’s sister company, will soon release its much-anticipated supercharger kit for the fourth-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which is locally ‘remanufactured’ by its parent company, Walkinshaw Group, and sold via GMSV
Read the article