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.'

Porsche Cayenne 2023 review: Turbo GT

6 September 2022 by James Cleary

Upgraded 2023 RAM 1500 ready to charge at Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra

6 September 2022 by James Cleary

The looming full-size pick-up war is heating up, with Ram upgrading the...Read more

2023 BMW M2: Timing, price, performance and everything we know so far about the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S competitor

28 August 2022 by James Cleary

In less than two months BMW is scheduled to pull the covers off the...Read more

Suzuki Swift 2023 review: GL S Plus

27 August 2022 by James Cleary

Your preference is for a conventional car because SUVs don't do it for you. It needs to be small because the urban jungle is your natural habitat. The budget is set at 'around' $25K. And an economical combustion engine is the best bet, because charging an EV at home or elsewhere isn't on the cards...Read more

Do Plug-in Hybrid SUVs make sense? Do PHEV versions the Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander and others add up over the long haul?

26 August 2022 by James Cleary

We're watching the automotive landscape change before our eyes, with...Read more

Lamborghini takes Urus SUV from mad to bonkers with new Performante version arriving to take the fight to Aston Martin's DBX 707, Bentley Bentayga Speed, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and Ferrari's upcoming Purosangue

22 August 2022 by James Cleary

Clearly, NBA stars and Hollywood celebrities need to get their kids to...Read more

Hyundai aiming to hit the electric heights! Korean giant set to challenge Toyota as number one auto brand for electrification

21 August 2022 by James Cleary

Toyota may have stolen a march on the rest of the Aussie new car market...Read more

Hyundai Palisade 2023 review

12 August 2022 by James Cleary

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is for people that think big. And if you’re in...Read more

Hyundai Palisade N Line incoming! N eruption continues with N and N Line performance models now accounting for one-in-four Hyundais sold in Australia

11 August 2022 by James Cleary

From cheeky challengers to established favourites in only five years,...Read more

2023 Hyundai Palisade price and specs: Full-size seven- or eight-seat SUV arrives to challenge CX-9, Everest, Pajero Sport, Pathfinder and Prado

27 July 2022 by James Cleary

Hyundai has confirmed pricing and specification for its updated...Read more

Toyota's 86 hits double figures! A decade in-market for Subaru BRZ twin and Mazda MX-5 competitor marked with ultra-exclusive GR86 10th Anniversary Edition

25 July 2022 by James Cleary

On arrival in 2012, Toyota's 86 brought traditional sports car...Read more

Shooting star! Mercedes-Benz powers back into the Top 10, but which popular brands is it outselling?

6 July 2022 by James Cleary

Mercedes-Benz is back as a Top 10 selling brand in the Australian new...Read more

Can AMG survive the electric age? | Opinion

25 June 2022 by James Cleary

Let’s play a game of automotive word association. What’s the first...Read more

Mazda 2 2022 review: Pure SP

23 June 2022 by James Cleary

The Mazda2 is part of the Australian automotive furniture. A long-time favourite of those at the affordable end of the new car market, looking for something compact and economical, but at the same time safe and practical. A survivor of our enthusiastic shift to SUVs of all shapes and sizes, it’s...Read more