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

Motorclassica 2017 is Australia's best exotic and classic car show
By James Cleary · 13 Oct 2017
​More than 160 mouthwateringly rare and exotic classic cars, plus motorcycles, automobilia, and the odd selection of brand new precious metal, is currently on display at The Royal Exhibition Building in the heart of Melbourne.
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BMW 220i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 12 Oct 2017
At $52,990 for the coupe and $59,900 for the convertible version, the 220i Luxury Line is the entry-point to the 2 Series range.
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BMW 125i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The four-cylinder, turbo-petrol 125i starts off at $49,990.
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BMW M140i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The M140i is powered by a cracking turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine delivering sub-5.0sec 0-100km/h acceleration.
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BMW 118i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The entry-level, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol 118i ($39,990) is offered as standard with a ‘Sport Line’ package.
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BMW 118d 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The 118d is offered as standard with a ‘Sport Line’ package.
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BMW 120i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The four-cylinder, turbo-petrol 120i starts at $45,990.
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BMW 230i 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 11 Oct 2017
The middle rung on the 2 Series ladder is the 230i M Sport in Coupe ($63,000) and Convertible ($73,000) form.
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BMW 2 Series 2017 review
By James Cleary · 06 Oct 2017
Prices are up, and changes are mostly under the skin, so you're not getting a big visual bang for your extra bucks. But the new BMW 2 Series has plenty to offer when it comes to added spec and tech.
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BMW 1 Series 2017 review
By James Cleary · 29 Sep 2017
Most changes for the new 1 Series are on the price and spec list, with BMW sharpening its pencil on the top model, and raising numbers at the lower end, to support enhanced standard equipment levels.
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