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

Best SUVs arriving in 2022
By Justin Hilliard · 30 Jun 2022
There's no denying that the SUV is Australia's favourite type of new vehicle. After all, it has accounted for more than half of local sales for a few years now.
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Suzuki Ignis 2022 review: GLX long-term | Part 1
By Justin Hilliard · 20 Jun 2022
New car prices are going up and up, so those looking for relatively affordable motoring have fewer and fewer options. While it's become more expensive, the Suzuki Ignis remains one of the cheapest 'SUVs' money can buy in Australia. So, we've got the GLX flagship in our garage for three months to find out if it's worth it. The short answer? Yes... and no.
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Cupra confirms specs for new Formentor SUV
By Justin Hilliard · 08 Apr 2022
Cupra Australia has detailed the standard specification – but not pricing – of its most important launch model, the performance-focused Formentor small SUV, which is set to enter local showrooms in July with a four-strong line-up, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option
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Cupra Australia details hot new Ateca SUV
By Justin Hilliard · 08 Apr 2022
Cupra Australia has detailed the standard equipment – but not pricing – of one of its three performance-focused launch models, the Ateca small SUV, which is due mid-year
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Cupra details new Leon hatch’s features
By Justin Hilliard · 08 Apr 2022
Sporty new Spanish brand Cupra has detailed the yet-to-be-priced Leon small car ahead of an Australian launch in July, with its four-pronged line-up of hot hatches headlined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant
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Tesla Model 3 EV buyers need to be patient
By Justin Hilliard · 15 Mar 2022
Tesla Australia is continuing to feel the effects of the global supply-chain crisis, with its best-selling Model 3 now facing an even longer delivery wait time
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Automatic option coming for Toyota GR Corolla
By Justin Hilliard · 15 Mar 2022
Toyota has confirmed it is developing a new automatic transmission option for its emerging GR performance sub-brand, with the stage set for sold-out GR Yaris and incoming GR Corolla hot hatches to soon offer the two-pedal set-up
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Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace facelift nears
By Justin Hilliard · 11 Mar 2022
Volkswagen Australia has announced pricing and specification details for the facelifted Tiguan Allspace, with the updated seven-seat large SUV set to enter local showrooms in May
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The Aussie in-car safety device saving lives
By Justin Hilliard · 10 Mar 2022
About 5000 young children need to be rescued from hot cars every year after being left behind, putting their lives at risk, so a new in-car safety device has been made in Australia, looking to solve the serious problem
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Mercedes-Benz updates Vito range
By Justin Hilliard · 10 Mar 2022
Mercedes-Benz Australia has updated the Vito van and Valente people mover for 2022, with the latter renamed Vito Tourer as part of the changes due in May for both models, which include a new engine option
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