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.

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.

Mazda CX-5 2019 review: Akera turbo petrol

17 January 2019 by James Cleary

Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe 2019 review

4 January 2019 by James Cleary

In launching the C 43 range in 2016 Mercedes-AMG chairman, Tobias Moers...Read more

Mercedes-AMG G63 2019 review: road test

21 December 2018 by James Cleary

Everything you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG G 63's personality...Read more

Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2019 review: snapshot

13 December 2018 by James Cleary

The Ioniq, Hyundai's milestone, five-seat hatch splits its personality three ways between the Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-in and Ioniq Electric. Primarily for city dwellers, the Ioniq Electric packs a high-output electric motor, sparked up by a whopping big Lithium-Ion battery under its rear-end. It...Read more

Bridgestone Potenza 2019 review: S007A

11 December 2018 by James Cleary

Next time you shake someone’s hand consider the fact the contact patch you...Read more

Hyundai Ioniq 2019 review

7 December 2018 by James Cleary

Clearly, the walls are closing in on the internal combustion engine. A combination of global warming induced legislation, finite oil reserves, and ever-improving zero emissions technology has seen the world’s carmakers investing massively in alternatives. Some are pushing towards hybrid, with...Read more

Hyundai Ioniq 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

27 November 2018 by James Cleary

Hyundai Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for its new...Read more

Skoda Australia to double sales by 2023

19 November 2018 by James Cleary

Skoda Auto board member for sales and marketing, Alain Favey has...Read more

Renault Zoe 2019 review: Intens

14 November 2018 by James Cleary

Renault chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn may look like a Bond villain, but rather than threatening to end the world he's intent on saving it. In October last year he launched Groupe Renault's 'Drive the Future 2022' strategic plan, which included a commitment to "eight pure electric and 12 electrified...Read more

Chevrolet Camaro 2019 review

5 November 2018 by James Cleary

Put it down to good management, fortuitous timing or a combination of both...Read more

Aston Martin DB11 AMR 2019 review

25 October 2018 by James Cleary

It might look like a stealth fighter, but this dramatic example of Aston...Read more

Mercedes-AMG E53 2019 review

18 October 2018 by James Cleary

To say Mercedes-AMG is popular in Australia is like saying the young...Read more

Kia ute now set for 2022 launch

16 October 2018 by James Cleary

Kia Australia’s chief operating officer, Damien Meredith has confirmed...Read more

Motorclassica 2018: Bigger and better than ever

12 October 2018 by James Cleary

While the world’s largest traditional motor shows (Frankfurt, Detroit, Paris) are in the throes of death by a thousand cuts, major classic car events remain in rude good health. And the increased scale of Motorclassica...Read more

Toyota tops automotive field in 'Best Global Brands 2018' report

9 October 2018 by James Cleary

Internationally recognised brand consultancy, Interbrand, has released...Read more

Restoration guru Brian Tanti says, 'Get on the tools'

28 September 2018 by James Cleary

Brian Tanti is nothing less than a car restoration and coach-building legend. For close to 30 years he's been responsible for the welfare of transport billionaire Lindsay Fox's amazing classic car collection. Fox's...Read more