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

Upgraded Genesis G70 pressures Euro premiums
By James Cleary · 02 Jun 2021
Genesis has confirmed pricing and specification for a comprehensively upgraded version of its G70 mid-size luxury sedan.
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Porsche Cayenne 2021 review: GTS
By James Cleary · 21 May 2021
The Cayenne SUV's arrival close to two decades ago is credited with rescuing Porsche from likely financial ruin. But it's taken a while for the family-focused five-seater to feel comfortable in its own skin... to become a 'real' Porsche. Does the sporty, twin-turbo V8 GTS reflect that evolution?
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Porsche 911 2021 review: Turbo S
By James Cleary · 14 May 2021
Now well into its sixth decade, Porsche's 911 Turbo is arguably the world's most recognisable supercar. As the years and model generations have passed, it's grown faster, but bigger and heavier. Does the current Turbo S flagship build on this modern classic's legacy?
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VW T-Cross 2021 review - Everything you want to know about Volkswagen's small SUV
By James Cleary · 07 May 2021
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to city-sized SUV options, and Volkswagen's T-Cross is yet another well-credentialed player in this ultra-competitive part of the market.
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Audi Q7 2021 review: 50 TDI quattro S line long-term
By James Cleary · 02 Apr 2021
It measures over five metres long, tips the scales at more than 2.2 tonnes, seats seven people in luxurious comfort, and goes like the clappers. Enter the Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro S line, occupying the CarsGuide garage for a three-month summertime stint.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021 review: E300 sedan
By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2021
The majority of new car buyers may be going nuts for SUVs but Mercedes-Benz continues to hone it's mid-size E-Class sedan down to a fine point. Why should the traditionalists miss out?
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Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 2021 review
By James Cleary · 18 Feb 2021
Mercedes-AMG has been filling up its range with (very) hot hatches and compact SUVs. But now it's turned to its attention to the bruising E 63 S, with with some aero-focused styling tweaks, Merc's latest 'Widescreen' digital cockpit, as well as the MBUX multimedia system, and a tricky new multi-function sports steering wheel.
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Jaguar F-Type 2021 review: R
By James Cleary · 22 Jan 2021
Jaguar's two-seat F-Type sports car was upgraded in late 2019, and the flagship R model picked up revised looks, more power, and tricky suspension improvements. It goes like a scalded cat!
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BMW M8 2021 review: Competition Gran Coupe
By James Cleary · 03 Jan 2021
The M8 Competition Gran Coupe is the ultimate expression of BMW's flagship four-door coupe. But it's huge performance and substantial price tag beg the question; when is enough enough?
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Episode 162 - Why the V6 Land Cruiser 300 could be better than you think
By James Cleary · 04 Dec 2020
Episode 162 - Why the V6 Land Cruiser 300 could be better than you think
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