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

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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Nissan X-Trail 2024 review: Ti e-Power long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 16 Oct 2023
The 2024 Nissan X-Trail e-Power brings the Japanese brand's take on the hybrid powertrain to the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. But can it rise to the all-conquering Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's challenge?
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Nissan X-Trail 2024 review: Ti e-Power long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 14 Sep 2023
The 2024 Nissan X-Trail ePower is a hybrid SUV - but not as we know it. Its 'self-charging' powertrain is unlike that of the rivalling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, as its petrol engine doesn't drive the wheels, instead acting as a power generator for the onboard battery, which supplies the driving electric motors. So, how does it stack up in the real world?
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Volvo C40 2023 review: Recharge Twin Motor long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 16 Aug 2023
We've been living with the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor for three months, during which the all-electric small SUV has proven itself to be an all-rounder - but what about on the driving front? Well, the Swedish EV offers the best of both worlds...
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Volvo C40 2023 review: Recharge Twin Motor long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 19 Jul 2023
The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor is an all-electric vehicle that has design firmly in focus. But even so, being a small SUV, it has to be practical - but is it? Styling may be subjective, but space isn't. Thankfully, this EV has plenty to offer.
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Volvo C40 2023 review: Recharge Twin Motor long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 23 Jun 2023
The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor is already shaping up as one of the most impressive new electric vehicles (EVs) we've tested, with the small SUV tempting buyers with some serious bang for their bucks.
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2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior revealed
By Justin Hilliard · 02 Jun 2023
The 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior has been revealed in all is V8-powered, LandCruiser-tackling glory, courtesy of a series of social media snaps captured at a Nissan media and dealer event in Brisbane.
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Nissan Qashqai 2023 review: ST-L long-term | Part 3
By Justin Hilliard · 09 May 2023
After three months with the 2023 Nissan Qashqai ST-L, is it really the complete small SUV package? It just may be, but the coming 'ePower' hybrid version could still be worth waiting for.
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Nissan Qashqai 2023 review: ST-L long-term | Part 2
By Justin Hilliard · 17 Apr 2023
The 2023 Nissan Qashqai has a lot to offer on the design and practicality fronts. So, in this second long-term review instalment, we find out just how high its ST-L variant sets its standards.
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