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

Maserati Ghibli 2018 review: S GranSport
By James Cleary · 09 Apr 2018
Maserati is a name that conjures up a rich motor racing heritage and distinctive Italian style. The Ghibli is the brand's mid-size performance sedan.
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Merc C-Class wagon an All-Terrain candidate
By James Cleary · 29 Mar 2018
A high-riding, cladded version of the C-Class wagon could join the ranks alongside the E-Class All-Terrain.
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AMG C 63 muscles up with more tech and spec
By James Cleary · 28 Mar 2018
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a significantly upgraded version of its C 63 line-up at a special preview event in Manhattan on the eve of this year's New York International Auto Show.
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Nissan 370Z 2018 review
By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2018
The Nissan 370Z is straight out of the classic two-seater coupe play book. But it's been around a while and the competition is about to heat up... a lot.
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Ford's Mustang hits Australia with a Bullitt!
By James Cleary · 06 Mar 2018
Ford Australia has confirmed it will sell “strictly limited numbers” of the recently released Bullitt special edition Mustang through its local dealer network.
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Mazda MX-5 2018 review: RF Limited Edition
By James Cleary · 16 Feb 2018
Mazda's MX-5 continues to stand as a pure two-seat sports car, designed to reward its driver with a finely tuned and connected drive.
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Porsche Macan 2018 review
By James Cleary · 07 Feb 2018
Porsche's entry-level Macan SUV is powered by a relatively humble 2.0-litre, turbo petrol four-cylinder engine but delivers a proper Porsche driving experience with five-seat practicality.
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Volkswagen Golf 2018 review: 110 TSI Highline wagon
By James Cleary · 02 Feb 2018
Wagon sales aren’t exactly huge at the moment, as the SUV steamroller continues to flatten our historical attachment to conventional cars with an extra bit tacked on the back.
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Top 5 maddest pushies made by car brands
By James Cleary · 02 Jan 2018
They might be famous for four wheels, but these two-wheeled wonders will knock your socks off.
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Audi Q5 Sport petrol 2017 review
By James Cleary · 18 Dec 2017
The Q5 is the backbone of Audi’s push into the world of SUVs, and this is its limited-edition ‘S line Black’. A week behind the wheel was our chance to reacquaint ourselves with the premium mid-sizer.
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