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

Jeep Grand Cherokee hitting German Big Three?
By James Cleary · 18 May 2022
Can the Jeep badge stand up next to Audi's four rings, BMW's roundel, or the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star? The iconic American brand says its just-released seven-seat Grand Cherokee L SUV is already piquing the interest of customers previously loyal to the German 'Big Three.'
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Alfa Romeo aiming for Aussie market revival!
By James Cleary · 16 May 2022
Could Alfa Romeo become a genuine contender in Australia again? Stellantis Australia and NZ managing director Kevin Flynn has confirmed the company’s commitment to building the Alfa Romeo brand’s profile and sales in Australia.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2022 review
By James Cleary · 12 May 2022
Jeep's been watching the seven-seat SUV market and has decided it wants a piece of the action. Enter the Grand Cherokee L, a 5.2-metre, 2.2-tonne, three-row, 4WD SUV that aiming up at a more premium part of the large SUV market.
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Porsche Macan 2022 review: 2.0 Family test
By James Cleary · 03 May 2022
The most affordable way into a Porsche in Australia is the entry-level Macan, a five-seat medium-sized SUV. It's easily the famous sports car maker's most popular model, so obviously people are loving its blend of dynamic performance and day-to-day practicality. But do you really need one for hauling the kids around?
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Aussie eFuel production on the horizon!
By James Cleary · 08 Apr 2022
With hydrogen hubs already set production at points around the country, Porsche, in collaboration with its investment partners, is set to establish production facilities for environmentally-sustainable eFuel in Australia, in the near future. Maybe the internal combustion engine lives on after all?
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Internal-combustion saved with eFuel!
By James Cleary · 07 Apr 2022
Think the electric vehicle wave will sweep away all combustion engine vehicles? Think again, because Porsche is investing big bucks in keeping those pistons pumping... in an environmentally-sustainable way.
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Volkswagen Arteon 2022 review: Shooting Brake 206TSI R-Line
By James Cleary · 01 Apr 2022
It's a Euro wagon sleek enough to wear the Shooting Brake tag with ease. But does the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake 206TSI R-Line have the badge cred to mix it with its established premium competitors?
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Ford Mustang 2022 review: Mach 1
By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2022
Ford's Mustang is closing in on its 60th birthday, and the go-fast Mach 1 version has been offered on and off since 1969. With a naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox it's a modern muscle car in a changing automotive world.
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BMW iX3 2022 review
By James Cleary · 17 Feb 2022
BMW is opening the flood gates on a range of full-electric models, with 12 zero-emissions newcomers set to launch worldwide by 2023. The new iX3 is the first BMW X SUV model to arrive in Australia, and after our first test drive, the biggest surprise is how familiar it feels.
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Audi Q2 2022 review: 40 TFSI
By James Cleary · 02 Feb 2022
Like the premium feel but don't need a full-size luxury SUV for your family? Audi's Q2 could be the city-sized answer to your domestic prayers.
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