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

Volkswagen Golf R 2018 review: Grid Edition wagon long term
By Malcolm Flynn · 21 Aug 2018
It might look like a sedate family hauler, but Volkswagen's Golf R wagon Grid Edition is hiding a ferocious secret under that understated bonnet.
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Fiat made a helicopter that looks like your Gran's drinks cabinet
By James Cleary · 06 Aug 2018
Think of Fiat and you think of cars, until the 7002 helicopter ranges into view.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan 2018 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 26 Jul 2018
The C 63 is the most popular model in Mercedes-AMG's range globally, and the sedan is the most popular C 63 body style, ahead of coupe, cabriolet and wagon variants.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate 2018 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 26 Jul 2018
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S wagon marries power with practicality.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe 2018 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 26 Jul 2018
While the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S sedan and wagon seat five, the coupe seats four in a 2+2 configuration.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet 2018 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 26 Jul 2018
While the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S sedan and wagon seat five, the coupe and the range-topping cabriolet seat four in a 2+2 configuration.
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Mercedes-AMG C63 2018 review
By James Cleary · 25 Jul 2018
Think AMG and the C63 is the car most likely to pop into your head. This muscular machine has helped propel Mercedes-Benz's performance brand into the big leagues.
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New Merc-AMG C 63 in full-house S spec only
By James Cleary · 18 Jul 2018
Mercedes-AMG never considered the ‘base’ version of its updated C 63 for the Australian market, despite the precedent set by the entry-level E 63 model launched here early in 2017.
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Audi SQ7 2018 review
By James Cleary · 06 Jul 2018
If you're after a big, fast and luxurious seven-seat SUV for around $150k, the options are a little limited. BMW offers an optional third row in its X5 M50d, and then there's Audi's SQ7.
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Aston Martin's new flagship is a V12 brute
By James Cleary · 26 Jun 2018
Aston Martin has revealed its new flagship model, the DBS Superleggera powered by a specifically tuned version of the brand’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine.
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