Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe.

He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation.

As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content, while creating written and video product reviews, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'

He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content, while creating written and video product reviews, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'

Over 100,000 full engine replacement recalls for Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX sold in the USA. Are Aussie examples of the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 pick-up rival impacted?

19 hours by James Cleary

New mid-size electric SUV ready for electric car cage fight against Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5 & BYD Atto3: 2025 Smart #5 release timing and specification confirmed

25 July 2024 by James Cleary

We know the Smart brand is returning to the local new car market with a...Read more

Australian electric car showdown with BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV5 & MG ZS EV: 2025 Aion 5 SUV global launch sets clock ticking for EV face-off

24 July 2024 by James Cleary

Soon-to-arrive challenger brand Aion has formally launched the second-...Read more

Nissan X-Trail 2024 review: N-Trek 7-seat

23 July 2024 by James Cleary

Launching an investigation into the Australian mid-size SUV market is like opening an automotive can of worms. Around 20 mainstream offerings makes it one of the most popular and hotly contested segments in the local new-car market. Think Hyundai Tucson , Kia Sportage , Mazda CX-5 , Subaru Forester...Read more

Hyundai Tucson Premium 2024 review: snapshot

23 July 2024 by James Cleary

The Hyundai Tucson Premium (replacing the Highlander nameplate) is offered...Read more

Hyundai Tucson Elite 2024 review: snapshot

21 July 2024 by James Cleary

The Hyundai Tucson Elite is offered with a choice of three powertrains, a...Read more

Hyundai stalking Toyota RAV4 with new Tucson Hybrid: "We're really bullish on the hybrid specification and bullish in terms of where Hyundai's heading in its hybrid roll-out"

20 July 2024 by James Cleary

In confirming the importance of the new hybrid version of its updated...Read more

Radical hydrogen-powered plug-in electric car coming in right-hand drive: 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Japan market launch makes Aussie arrival more likely for Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai alternative

19 July 2024 by James Cleary

Unveiled earlier this year, Honda’s CR-V e:FCEV SUV combines hydrogen...Read more

Hyundai Tucson 2024 review: Hybrid

19 July 2024 by James Cleary

Hyundai, like a lot of mainstream brands, is playing hybrid catch up because in terms of sales in the Aussie new-car market it’s a case of Toyota first, daylight second. That said, Hyundai’s been on the hybrid train since 2019 and it’s all over battery electric vehicles , but it’s cars like this...Read more

"We're running our own race": Hyundai Australia confident in product and strategy path in the face of increasing competition from Chinese newcomers like Geely, Smart, Skywell, Xpeng and Zeekr

18 July 2024 by James Cleary

So far in 2024 it seems like barely a week goes by without a new...Read more

'The industry's all about hybrid': Hyundai Australia boss confirms importance of new Tucson Hybrid in taking the fight to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, joining Kona, Santa Fe and i30 sedan hybrid models to challenge market leaders

15 July 2024 by James Cleary

Hyundai Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett has acknowledged...Read more

Toyota Australia's rolling in it! Stronger supply of key models including Toyota HiLux, LandCruiser 300, RAV4 and Corolla generates record profit for market leader

5 July 2024 by James Cleary

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia has posted a monster $342 million...Read more

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ... come and get 'em! Wait times for top-selling SUV drop dramatically to put extra pressure on 2025 Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail

4 July 2024 by James Cleary

In announcing it had sold more than 100,000 hybrid electric vehicles (...Read more

Australia side-steps software issues impacting Volvo EX30 in the UK: Smooth sailing for compact EV SUV with 1000 registrations already on the board for BMW iX1, Kia Niro Electric & Renault Megane E-Tech rival

3 July 2024 by James Cleary

Reports out of the UK overnight have highlighted numerous software...Read more

BMW M3 2025: Model year upgrade brings more power, cosmetic refresh, improved tech and extra spec to put the heat on Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance

1 July 2024 by James Cleary

BMW has piled on extra performance, technology and standard...Read more

2024 Ford Ranger Black Edition: Limited batch run of top-selling ute adds cosmetic makeover and extra practicality to shade Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton

1 July 2024 by James Cleary

It seems like the blink of an eye but Ford’s current, all-conquering...Read more

Subaru WRX 2024 review: RS

26 June 2024 by James Cleary

This car features something many people reading this review won’t have experienced or even seen up close before. Especially for you younger ones, it’s called a ‘gear lever’ or ‘gear stick’. And down in the driver’s footwell an extra pedal on the left operates the ‘clutch’ which helps you use the...Read more