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

Can the can of goo! Fit real spare tyres!

By James Cleary · 19 Mar 2023

You've picked up a puncture but all you need to get going again is the spare in the boot. Except there isn't one, just a can of sealant and a little compressor. This is where the rubber often doesn't hit the road thanks to the increasing popularity of inflator/repair kits with carmakers around the globe. Are you happy with the situation? We're not!

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Ferrari's Roma Spider is a soft-top beauty!

By James Cleary · 17 Mar 2023

Two years after the arrival of its stunningly beautiful twin-turbo V8-powered Roma coupe, Ferrari has revealed a dramatic convertible Spider version.

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Base BMW X1 shatters $60K barrier!

By James Cleary · 17 Mar 2023

BMW's entry-level SUV, the compact X1, has quietly cracked the $60,000 barrier thanks to a substantial price hike applied only four months after the latest version hit local showrooms.

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Renault's EV future on full-charge for Oz!

By James Cleary · 14 Mar 2023

"Anything electric (Renault Group) builds in right-hand drive we will have our hand up for." So said Renault Australia General Manager, Glen Sealey, speaking to CarsGuide at a recent preview of the brand's pure-electric Megane E-Tech SUV, due for local launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

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Sacré bleu, blue! Renault Oz on the march!

By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2023

"Value over volume" is the strategic mantra driving Renault Australia, according to General Manager, Glen Sealey, yet the brand's recent increase in sales was even recognised by Group Renault in its wrap up of global results for 2022.

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Renault Koleos to battle on against RAV4!

By James Cleary · 08 Mar 2023

Obituaries for Renault's Koleos may have been written prematurely. After recently giving it a single year to run, now Renault Australia is saying it doesn't know when production of the mid-size SUV will finish. But despite the nameplate's apparent extension there's a sleek alternative waiting in the wings, in the shape of the sixth-generation Espace, now taking the form of a five- and seven-seat S

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Renault says internal combustion lives!

By James Cleary · 03 Mar 2023

Thanks to the intense focus automotive manufacturers around the globe are placing on the development of electric vehicles you'd be forgiven for thinking the internal combustion engine (ICE) has already been consigned to the scrap heap of history.

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Genesis GV80 2023 review: 3.5T AWD Lux Matte 6-seat

By James Cleary · 01 Mar 2023

Genesis is starting to make a name for itself in the local luxury car market, and the GV80 SUV sits at the top of the brand's model tree. It's loaded with performance and safety tech, not to mention standard features. But how does it cope with day-to-day family duties? Read on to find out.

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Renault Australia wants Alaskan & Oroch utes!

By James Cleary · 01 Mar 2023

Renault Australia is hoping to add the next-generation version of the Alaskan dual-cab ute, and the smaller Oroch ute to its local line-up in the coming years.

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BMW iX5 Hydrogen challenging Nexo & Mirai

By James Cleary · 28 Feb 2023

BMW has produced a pilot fleet of approximately 100 iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that will see service in demonstrations and commercial trails around the world.

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