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

Range Rover Velar S 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 22 Sep 2017
Sitting above the ‘base’ model, and below the mid-spec SE, the Range Rover Velar S can be specified with six different engines, including three turbo-diesels.
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Range Rover Velar SE 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 22 Sep 2017
Sitting above the S model, and below the top-spec HSE, the Range Rover Velar SE is powered by a lineup of six different engines.
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Range Rover Velar HSE 2017 review: snapshot
By James Cleary · 22 Sep 2017
Sitting above the SE, and underneath the limited-run First Edition, the Range Rover Velar HSE is powered by a line-up of six different engines.
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Range Rover Velar 2017 review
By James Cleary · 22 Sep 2017
The new Velar is the fourth member of the Range Rover line-up, sitting between the compact Evoque and the much bigger Sport. Stunning to look at, sure. But is it more than just a pretty face?
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Volkswagen Golf GTE 2018 review
By James Cleary · 18 Sep 2017
It might look like a regular VW Golf. Even one with the flavour of the sporty GTI. But, like Clark Kent, this mild-mannered GTE hatch has amazing superpowers hidden under an unassuming exterior.
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Would you prefer a mobile VW to a postbox?
By James Cleary · 15 Sep 2017
Your next car may double as a mobile drop box for everything from parcels to dry cleaning.
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SUV boom is first global love affair with one body type, says Volkswagen
By James Cleary · 15 Sep 2017
Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen’s global head of sales, marketing and after sales, says the current, global SUV boom is, “the first time we’ve seen a global love affair with one body type”.
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Volkswagen Golf R wagon 2017 review
By James Cleary · 14 Sep 2017
Compact performance wagons are something Euro carmakers do extremely well. And happily, the Volkswagen Golf R, is returning to Australia in wagon form from January next year. We took a preview drive.
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The Honda Urban EV Concept is JC's Frankfurt favourite
By James Cleary · 14 Sep 2017
Merc-AMG can keep its megabuck Project One, and Bugatti can stick its 0-400-0 in 42 seconds Chiron where the sun don't shine.
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Renault Megane GT wagon 2017 review
By James Cleary · 04 Sep 2017
Should you snap out of your SUV trance and think about the real-world comfort and practicality of a sporty wagon? The cool and quick Renault Megane GT could have you re-thinking that compact SUV.
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