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

Is this the next Mitsubishi ASX?

By James Cleary · 01 Jun 2023

Clearly based on the XFC small SUV concept shown at last October’s Vietnam motor show, Mitsubishi Motors has issued a trio of images teasing an “all-new compact SUV” scheduled for production and set to debut at the Indonesia International Auto Show in August this year.

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Is Abarth the next AMG?

By James Cleary · 31 May 2023

Could Italian performance specialist Abarth become the next AMG, spreading performance love to its more everyday stablemates?

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2024 Lexus GX: Everything we know so far!

By James Cleary · 27 May 2023

To be based on the upcoming fifth-generation Toyota Prado, the new Lexus GX is a seven-seat luxury SUV, almost certain to come to Australia in late 2024. CarsGuide has compiled a rundown of everything known so far about the upcoming premium contender.

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Merc-AMG SL63 back to monster soft-top rivals

By James Cleary · 26 May 2023

An SL sports GT model has been part of the Mercedes-Benz line-up since the early 1950s, and after a five-year hiatus the Mercedes-AMG SL63 roadster is making a comeback to the Australian market.

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Abarth 500e 2023 review

By James Cleary · 26 May 2023

EVs have been with us for a while, but Abarth is leading the way when it comes to a dedicated zero-emissions hot hatch. The Italian performance specialist has delivered the Abarth 500e, a pure-electric FWD micro macho three-door coupe with the performance to match its go-fast looks. CarsGuide was invited to Italy for a preview drive before it arrives in Australia late this year.

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Fiat 500e 2023 review: preview test

By James Cleary · 23 May 2023

It's small, cute and pure electric; the latest evolution of Fiat's 500, the 500e, is a city car that combines chic design with quick-charging EV efficiency. We had a brief steer in Fiat's home of Turin, Italy before this all-new model arrives here in July.

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Audi A8 2023 review: 50 TDI

By James Cleary · 21 May 2023

The four-door sedan still rules the roost when it comes to upper-luxury 'executive'-style transport, and Audi's flagship A8 is a prime example. Lining up against established and respected rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class it's all about refinement, comfort and premium efficiency. We've spent a week living at the top of the Audi pyramid.

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Tradie utes about to get dearer!

By James Cleary · 12 May 2023

This week’s federal budget boasts a range of support measures for small business operators, but one initiative will surely be seen by many as a sizeable step backwards rather than forwards.

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Mitsubishi Outlander 2023 review: LS Black Edition

By James Cleary · 09 May 2023

The ability to whistle up an extra pair of seats in what is 99 per cent of the time a five-seat SUV, complete with big boot, is a neat trick. And it's one the Mitsubishi Outlander LS Black Edition performs while adding the visual pizzazz of black-out design elements and some extra kit. Is it the right fit for your (growing) family?

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Jeep Wrangler 2023 review: Rubicon Unlimited

By James Cleary · 01 May 2023

There are outdoorsy families, and then there are serious adventurers. The latter's 4WD SUV isn't just for towing the boat to the nearest ramp, it's a hardcore 4x4 capable of really getting out there. But what does that mean for day-to-day liveability? We spent a week in the suburbs with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited to find out.

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