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

Jaguar F-Pace 2020 review: R Sport 25T
By James Cleary · 10 Jun 2020
If you're in the market for a family-sized, premium seat SUV, Jaguar's F-Pace puts a cat among the established pigeons.
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Genesis G70 2020 review: 2.0T Sport
By James Cleary · 27 May 2020
Before following the conventional luxury car path, you might want to consider the new kid on the block. Genesis is serious about cracking the Aussie premium market, and the G70 2.0T Sport is close to the most affordable way into the brand. Does it have what it takes to give the established players a scare?
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Maserati Levante 2020 review: Trofeo Launch Edition
By James Cleary · 20 May 2020
Maserati builds the Levante, a five-seat family-friendly SUV. But the Italian brand just can't help itself, producing a twin-turbo V8 Trofeo version with supercar performance, and looks to match.
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Lexus RC F 2020 review: EP3
By James Cleary · 13 May 2020
The Lexus RC F is one of the last performance cars standing with a high-performance, naturally aspirated V8 engine under its bonnet. Not only that, but it's rear wheel-drive and loaded with dynamic systems, luxury features and safety tech. What's not to like? Read on to find out.
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Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 review: V6 Active
By James Cleary · 07 May 2020
Hyundai's seven-seat Santa Fe SUV competes in a cut-throat part of the mainstream market where value, practicality, performance and safety are critical. The addition of a big petrol V6 has spiced up the range, and we've put the entry-level version to the test.
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Ford Everest 2020 review: Titanium
By James Cleary · 30 Apr 2020
Ford's Everest is a full-size, family-focused SUV, and the Titanium grade is the top-spec model with the lot; seven-seats, top-shelf safety, permanent 4WD, heaps of standard gear, and plenty of practicality.
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BMW i3s 2020 review
By James Cleary · 23 Apr 2020
Electric cars have come a long way in the last six years, and that's how long BMW's i3 EV city car has been with us. Does the sporty i3s version retain the spark required to mix it with the latest and greatest?
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BMW Android Auto update coming over-the-air
By James Cleary · 14 Mar 2020
BMW has confirmed that its long-awaited introduction of Android Auto and other multimedia tech will be available to Australian customers in real-time, over-the-air updates.Speaking at the launch of the German car maker's new 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW Austr
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BMW set to sell up a storm with new 2 Series
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2020
BMW Australia says it's confident sales of the new 2 Series Gran Coupe will match those of its established 1 Series and 3 Series ranges.Speaking at the compact four-door coupe's local launch, BMW Australia's head of product and market planning, Brendan Mi
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BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe 2020 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2020
At $69,990, before on-road costs, the M235i xDrive lines up price-wise against Merc’s CLA 250 4Matic ($70,200).
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