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

New VW Amarok officially a safe bet!

By James Cleary · 28 Apr 2023

As it prepares to roll into Australian showrooms from the first week of next month, the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok ute has been awarded a maximum five-star rating by independent safety assessment body ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program).

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Volvo goes rear-wheel drive!

By James Cleary · 26 Apr 2023

Volvo has upgraded its XC40 compact SUV and C40 hatch with greater range, faster charging, and for the first time in a quarter of a century, rear-wheel drive (RWD) only models.

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McLaren 750S raises the supercar bar!

By James Cleary · 26 Apr 2023

Powered by a mid-mounted, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 552kW (750 metric hp) and no less than 800Nm, McLaren's new 750S is the British supercar brand's lightest and most powerful series production model ever. A lighter and even more accelerative development of the out-going 720S flagship, the 750S is offered in coupe and open-top Spider variants.

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Toyota Alphard incoming?

By James Cleary · 20 Apr 2023

This week Lexus Australia confirmed it will bring the just-released new-generation LM luxury people mover to the local market. Which dramatically shortens the odds of Toyota’s Alphard, the people mover the premium newcomer is based on, also appearing in local showrooms.

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Is Toyota closing the EV gap?

By James Cleary · 19 Apr 2023

Toyota has unveiled two new electric vehicles at this week’s Auto Shanghai, the bZ Sport Crossover and bZ FlexSpace, with the aim of bringing them to full production and sale in the Chinese market in 2024.

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Lexus LM luxury people mover coming to Oz

By James Cleary · 18 Apr 2023

Three years after its original LM luxury people mover launched at the 2019 Auto Shanghai, Lexus has used this year’s event to unveil an all-new 2024 version.

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New GWM mid-size hybrid SUV bows in Shanghai

By James Cleary · 18 Apr 2023

Codenamed B07, and likely to be called Haval Dragon MAX in China, GWM’s new-generation medium SUV has made its global debut at this year’s Auto Shanghai motor show (April 18–27).

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2023 Subaru Crosstrek: What we know so far

By James Cleary · 17 Apr 2023

There’s a lot we already know about Subaru’s new Crosstrek compact crossover wagon, arriving later this month. We’ll have a first drive review and video soon, but until then, here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about this Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota C-HR competitor.

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Ioniq's Hyundai halo-effect!

By James Cleary · 16 Apr 2023

If you thought Hyundai's pure-electric Ioniq 5 SUV was a bolt of design and brand image lightning that wouldn't (or couldn't?) strike twice, think again, because the South Korean giant has plenty more where that came from. And according to Hyundai Australia's Chief Operating Officer, John Kett, Ioniq is adding a premium lustre to the Hyundai brand.

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Volvo V60 Cross Country 2023 review: Ultimate B5

By James Cleary · 14 Apr 2023

Volvo has history when it comes to wagons, and even though the Swedish maker has embraced the SUV, it has also stuck to its roots. The V60 Cross Country is a neatly executed, mid-size, premium, five-seat wagon able to hold its head high in the city, with the sneaky ability to take you and your family on AWD adventures.

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