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 911 2024 review: Carrera T

1 January 2024 by James Cleary

Top 10 car reviews of 2023

30 December 2023 by James Cleary

In the first part of 2023 vehicle supply was the Australian new-car...Read more

James Cleary's Top 5 cars of 2023: From Fiat 500e to Porsche 911 GT3 RS

22 December 2023 by James Cleary

This year’s top five was a relatively straight-forward selection...Read more

Mazda CX-3 2024 review: Evolve

21 December 2023 by James Cleary

Hard to believe Mazda’s diminutive CX-3 has been with us for close to a decade (it arrived in early 2015). But with successive upgrades, including a major model refresh in 2019, it remains a popular choice with ‘light’ SUV buyers, dominating the segment so far in 2023. So, how does this evergreen...Read more

2024 Kia Picanto no longer Australia's cheapest car: MG3 Auto takes crown as most affordable new-car option

21 December 2023 by James Cleary

Kia Australia has confirmed pricing for its heavily updated third-...Read more

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Ultimate 2024 review: snapshot

13 December 2023 by James Cleary

Priced at $45,990 drive-away, the flagship Tiggo 7 Pro Ultimate is fitted...Read more

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Elite 2024 review: snapshot

11 December 2023 by James Cleary

Priced at $41,990 drive-away, the mid-spec Tiggo 7 Pro Elite is fitted as...Read more

"Maybe we've known it all along?": Alfa Romeo closing in on 2024 launch of small electric car SUV to challenge Mercedes EQB and Volvo EX30

8 December 2023 by James Cleary

Alfa Romeo's long-running social media teaser campaign, hinting at the...Read more

Maximum five-star ANCAP safety results for 2024 BMW 5 Series, Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

7 December 2023 by James Cleary

The latest new cars to be assessed against ANCAP’s current 2023-2025...Read more

2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe arrives to blur the lines between C- and E-Class performance two-doors, and to take on BMW 4 Series

6 December 2023 by James Cleary

2024 Suzuki Jimny 3-door auto is back! Fresh supply of compact 4x4 cult favourite means Aussie order books have reopened

5 December 2023 by James Cleary

Having pressed the pause button on local sales in January this year,...Read more

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Urban 2024 review: snapshot

3 December 2023 by James Cleary

Priced at $39,990 drive-away, the entry-level Tiggo 7 Pro Urban boasts a...Read more

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2024 review

1 December 2023 by James Cleary

Just when you think the mid-size SUV market is saturated, with over 20 models to choose from, another newcomer swan dives off the high tower into the deep end of the pool. Tiggo is a family of four SUV models produced by automotive powerhouse Chery , and the Tiggo 7 Pro is the first example to hit...Read more