Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe.

He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation.

As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content while creating written and video product reviews.

He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content while creating written and video product reviews.

Faster, lighter, more powerful and coming for the Lamborghini Revuelto, McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 S/T: 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale is the 330km/h hybrid supercar of your dreams

29 April 2025 by James Cleary

Is brand loyalty a thing of the past in the Australian new vehicle market? Why the new wave of challenger brands like MG, BYD and GWM will detach an increasing number of buyers from their long-term favourites | Opinion

27 April 2025 by James Cleary

In 2025 branding means way more than a hot iron mark scorched into a...Read more

Ferrari Roma 2025 review

26 April 2025 by James Cleary

There aren’t as many Ferraris on the road in Italy as you might think...Read more

Pop-up headlights are back! MG Cyber X Concept previews new partner for Cyberster sports car as compact electric SUV sets sights on Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV60 & Tesla Model Y

24 April 2025 by James Cleary

MG has taken the wraps off its latest premium ‘Cyber’ model at the...Read more

Aussie suspension tune, more tech and higher spec for medium SUV favourite: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander update arriving this year to put the heat on Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail & Toyota RAV4

23 April 2025 by James Cleary

One of the country’s most popular mid-size SUVs, the Mitsubishi...Read more

Wagon comeback! Chinese giant continues new model expansion with pure electric car to challenge the EV SUV norm: 2025 Zeekr 007 GT wagon unveiled as Chinese Porsche Taycan rival

17 April 2025 by James Cleary

It’s a name most new-car buyers are only just getting to grips with,...Read more

Shots fired in ute wars! 2025 GWM Cannon range expanded to capture market territory from Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6

17 April 2025 by James Cleary

While the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max are still hugely...Read more

Skoda Kodiaq Launch Edition 2025 review: snapshot

15 April 2025 by James Cleary

To help get the new-generation Skoda Kodiaq out of the blocks with a bang...Read more

Nerd Alert! Toyota can't stop tweaking its 2025 GR Yaris: Motorsport inspired evolution of AWD hot hatch ready to blast Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N and VW Golf GTI

14 April 2025 by James Cleary

Thanks to five World Rally Championship (WRC) titles and a devout...Read more

China is winning! While BYD Shark 6, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and GWM Haval Jolion sales roar ahead, established brands and evergreen models are suffering in a shrinking new-vehicle market

14 April 2025 by James Cleary

It was building for a long time, but now the giant wave of Chinese...Read more

Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 2025 review: snapshot

13 April 2025 by James Cleary

Offered in three grades from launch, the Sportline is the mid-tier model...Read more

Skoda Kodiaq Select 2025 review: snapshot

11 April 2025 by James Cleary

The Skoda Kodiaq is offered in three grades from launch, and the Select...Read more

Kia's new hybrid tech to challenge the likes of the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power, Leapmotor C10 and Deepal S05

10 April 2025 by James Cleary

Kia has used its latest CEO Investor Day to announce a range of next-...Read more

New pure-EV challenger for BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and Kia EV3 ready for take-off: 2025 Suzuki e Vitara electric car detailed ahead of international launch

9 April 2025 by James Cleary

We’ve known it’s been coming for some time but now the pure-electric...Read more

Skoda Kodiaq 2025 review: Australian first drive

9 April 2025 by James Cleary

Skoda’s Kodiaq is a relatively small fish in a large, seven-seat SUV pond. While apex predators like Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado and Ford’s Everest swallow huge chunks of category market share, it’s been lurking quietly in the shallow end. But given it’s named after a hulking brown bear, with a...Read more

Unexpected go-fast mid-size electric SUV is coming to spank the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and Volkswagen ID.4: 2025 Smart #5 Brabus has the performance, spec and tech to upset the electric car apple cart

9 April 2025 by James Cleary

Smart Automobile, now a joint-venture between Mercedes-Benz and China's...Read more

Ferrari says over 90 per cent of all the cars it's ever produced are still on the road. And the iconic Italian sports car maker wants you to buy a good one. Say hello to Ferrari Approved...

9 April 2025 by James Cleary

It’s shiny, glamorous and exotic with the signature prancing horse...Read more

If you don't love this Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and Land Rover Defender rival you can return it for a refund... but is there a catch?

7 April 2025 by James Cleary

Ineos, maker of the no-frills Quartermaster Ute and Cab-Chassis 4WDs,...Read more

Skoda Octavia RS 2025 review: Australian first drive

2 April 2025 by James Cleary

Where were you in the year 2000? Cowering in a dark corner, hoping the Y2K bug wouldn’t wipe out civilisation as we knew it? Or, confidently on the front foot, shopping for a new car to transport you and your family safely into the next millennium? If it was the latter, the most popular options...Read more

MG ZS 2025 review: Essence Turbo

30 March 2025 by James Cleary

The MG ZS stands as a firm favourite with Aussie small SUV buyers, in a close-fought arm wrestle with the Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX for supremacy in a cut-throat competitive part of the new-car market. Launched here in late 2017, and updated in 2020, MG subsequently added the ZS EV before...Read more

Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

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