Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide's Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising.

He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice.

He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia.

James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation.

He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content.

Expertise

New product assessment
Industry analysis
News content
Expert advice
Feature writing

Experience

BMW Performance Driving School
Lamborghini Winter Accademia
Master Maserati Driving School
Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School
Porsche Level 4 Master training
Volkswagen Driving Experience program

Education

Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984

Featured publications

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 2024 review

By James Cleary · 01 Dec 2023

The mid-size SUV is one of Australia's most popular new car choices, and with more than 20 different models to choose from it's a hyper-competitive market segment. Well, it's time to make room for one more with the arrival of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro to challenge established players like the Haval H6, Mazda CX-5, MG HS, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4.

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Chery ready to challenge the big players!

By James Cleary · 29 Nov 2023

With its Omoda 5 small SUV putting up handy sales numbers in its first eight months on sale in Australia, challenger brand Chery has its sights set on "the Koreans and Japanese" as the arrival of the new Tiggo 7 Pro mid-size SUV adds even more market firepower.

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Renault ramp-up: New models for early 2024

By James Cleary · 17 Nov 2023

The vagaries of global supply chains and manufacturing capability have played havoc with the availability of numerous in-demand new car models in recent years, and French giant Renault is not alone in revising arrival timing for upcoming models heading for Australian showrooms.

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Renault Twingo reborn for the EV generation!

By James Cleary · 16 Nov 2023

Renault has used its 2023 Group Conference - Capital Market Day in Paris to launch a sleek pure-electric concept version of its iconic Twingo city car with production scheduled for 2026.

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Amarok recall for possible drive shaft fault

By James Cleary · 16 Nov 2023

Following its Australian launch in May this year the Amarok 4x4 has proved a popular addition to Volkswagen's local line-up with year-on-year sales for the premium dual cab ute up no less than 43 per cent to the end of October.

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Mazda CX-60 PHEV recalled for software fault

By James Cleary · 15 Nov 2023

If you’re the proud owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv PHEV chances are your vehicle is part of a defect recall campaign relating to a programming issue potentially impacting the car’s fail-safe driving mode.

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Mercedes performance luxury SUVs upgraded

By James Cleary · 14 Nov 2023

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed pricing and specification details for revised 2024 GLE SUV and Coupe models, including high-performance AMG variants, as well as an updated GLS in standard, AMG and ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach form.

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Lancia's big electric car comeback!

By James Cleary · 11 Nov 2023

Over its close to 120 years as a carmaker, Lancia has been through significant ups and downs. From leading the world as an engineering and design innovator in the 1920s to the ignominy of having its badge applied to a variety of Chrysler models just 10 years ago.

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Maserati's MC20 Notte Edition night rider

By James Cleary · 10 Nov 2023

Just over two years after the global launch of its mid-engine twin-turbo V6 MC20 supercar, Maserati has introduced the MC20 Notte, a limited edition version featuring a range of cosmetic and specification upgrades.

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Merc CLA upgrades lift spec and prices

By James Cleary · 09 Nov 2023

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for upgraded versions of its CLA compact four-door coupe models, including performance-focused Mercedes-AMG variants.

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