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.'

Peugeot E-3008 2024 review

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13 March 2024 by James Cleary

2025 Maserati GranCabrio pricing and specs: 400kW soft-top super GT coming for Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet

12 March 2024 by James Cleary

Maserati has lopped the top off its powerhouse GranTurismo GT to create...Read more

2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 revealed: Bahn-storming petrol-electric hybrid arrives in sedan and wagon form to take on Audi RS6, BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo and Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

12 March 2024 by James Cleary

Packing a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine supported by a single...Read more

2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT revealed: Most powerful series-production Porsche yet conquers Laguna Seca and the Nurburgring before coming to Australia mid-year as new electric car flagship

12 March 2024 by James Cleary

Porsche says its new Taycan Turbo GT – and lighter, track-focused...Read more

2025 Peugeot E-3008 electric car Australian launch and timing confirmed: New-generation mid-size EV SUV set to battle Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Niro EV and Renault Megane E-Tech

8 March 2024 by James Cleary

Peugeot Australia has confirmed the new third-generation 3008 will...Read more

"We're absolutely full-on on that": 2025 Renault Duster on track for Australia, with third-gen, rebadged version of Dacia's small SUV offering rugged design and new hybrid powertrains to compete with MG ZS, Hyundai Kona and Haval Jolion

3 March 2024 by James Cleary

Renault Australia’s General Manager, Glen Sealey, is bullish about the...Read more

2024 Hyundai Staria Hybrid confirmed: Domestic market pre-orders open for new petrol-electric hybrid version of Kia Carnival rival. But will it come to Australia?

29 February 2024 by James Cleary

After much speculation, Hyundai Motor Company has confirmed a hybrid...Read more

2021-2024 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series transmission recall: Potential control module issue could confuse drive modes in market-leading Nissan Patrol rival

28 February 2024 by James Cleary

It’s been a three-row SUV family favourite for generations with a hard...Read more

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech revealed: Reborn EV city car matches leading-edge efficiency, technology and safety with ultra-cool retro-futurist design and potential price to challenge BYD Seal, GWM Ora and MG4

27 February 2024 by James Cleary

Just over 50 years since the original Renault 5 turned the global small...Read more

2025 Hyundai Palisade takes shape: Next-gen family SUV close to production with details adding up for new Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Mazda CX-90 rival

26 February 2024 by James Cleary

It’s been spotted regularly out in the wild in pre-production form and...Read more

2025 Audi Q2 upgrade: Compact SUV scores new multimedia and improved safety in final refresh for BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes-GLA and Volvo XC40 rival

23 February 2024 by James Cleary

It may be set for retirement at the end of this year, but Audi isn’t...Read more

Australia's biggest car lender Toyota Finance accused of "ripping off" 100,000 Toyota customers: Statement of claim in new class action alleging the issuing of "unfair" dealer loans now lodged with Supreme Court of Victoria

22 February 2024 by James Cleary

Following a writ issued in early January, Melbourne-based law firm Echo...Read more

2024 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer revealed: Sleek five-door electric car adds wagon practicality to Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 challenger

20 February 2024 by James Cleary

Volkswagen’s electric car assault continues with a new Tourer version...Read more

"We're going to have a good run!" - Renault Australia new model roll-out ramps up with multiple arrivals locked in over the next 18 months and MG4-rivalling R5 electric car confirmed for RHD production

19 February 2024 by James Cleary

This week’s launch of Renault’s new-generation Megane E-Tech EV is the...Read more

Renault Megane E-Tech 2024 review

19 February 2024 by James Cleary

It's taken a while, but Renault's new-generation Megane E-Tech, a small pure-electric, single-motor, front-wheel drive SUV, is now rolling into local showrooms. Unveiled in Europe in late 2021, the sleek five-seater will line up against a range of hybrid and BEV competitors from new and emerging...Read more