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

Renault's pure electric Megane SUV here in Q4

By James Cleary · 27 Feb 2023

Renault Australia has confirmed a fourth quarter arrival for the pure-electric Megane E-Tech SUV, with a single, highly-specified model predicted to land in the low- to mid-$70K bracket.

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Ranger Raptor ready to rip in for NSW police!

By James Cleary · 25 Feb 2023

Sources inside Ford Australia have confirmed to CarsGuide that NSW Police Traffic & Highway Patrol Command has expressed interest in the Ranger Raptor, and is in the early stages of assessing the high-performance 4x4 ute for a range of duties.

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Nissan X-Trail 2023 review: e-Power

By James Cleary · 16 Feb 2023

When it comes to mid-size SUVs Toyota has the game wrapped up with its evergreen RAV4. And the hybrid version is by far the most popular choice. Now Nissan has mixed things up with a different take on how a non-plug-in five-seat hybrid SUV can work. Meet the X-Trail e-Power.

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Kia EV6 GT headed to the Highway Patrol!

By James Cleary · 12 Feb 2023

Kia Australia has confirmed "several (Australian) police fleets/jurisdictions have tested or are currently testing" its powerhouse EV6 pure-electric SUV across a range of potential roles.

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Nissan Qashqai 2023 review: Ti

By James Cleary · 10 Feb 2023

Competition in the small SUV market is intense, and families looking for a compact five-seater are spoiled for choice. Nissan has recently updated its Qashqai in the face of new offerings from Honda (HR-V) and Toyota (Corolla Cross). Does the top-shelf Ti version have what it takes to get your vote?

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Chery's Aussie comeback: 1000 cars on the way

By James Cleary · 26 Jan 2023

Having departed the Australian market in 2015, the giant, state-owned Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery is weeks away from a full-blooded comeback, with the first shipment of 1000 Omoda5 SUVs on the water and scheduled to arrive here by mid-February.

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Polestar 2 powers up!

By James Cleary · 24 Jan 2023

The global EV arms race continues to gather pace with Swedish electric vehicle specialist Polestar adding rear-wheel drive to single-motor versions of its Polestar 2 as well as new motors, improved ride quality and a design refresh for all grades of the premium five-door hatch.

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China's been bitten by the ute bug!

By James Cleary · 22 Jan 2023

Believe it or not, for the longest time utes have been banned on most urban roads in China, and according to Reuters they only account for around two per cent of vehicle sales nationwide. Those that are sold are mostly for rural use, operating ‘on-farm’ only.

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New split-grille design for Nissan Z lovers!

By James Cleary · 20 Jan 2023

Some love it, some not so much. Either way, the Nissan Z’s simple, rectangular grille opening is a clear tip-of-the-hat to the original 240Z that continues to influence this now iconic sports car line more than half a century after its ground-breaking 1969 launch.

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Hyundai and Kia facing mega class action

By James Cleary · 19 Jan 2023

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, acting on behalf of lead plaintiff Anne-Maree Johnston, a Hyundai owner from Port Macquarie, NSW, is managing class actions seeking damages from Hyundai Motor Company Australia, and Kia Australia over a faulty computer module which may short circuit when its components are exposed to moisture.

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