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, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'

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, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'

"It caught us by surprise": Nissan looking for government concessions to help drive electric car demand and ease pressure from 2025 New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) timeline

17 hours by James Cleary

RX-7 re-birth! Mazda Iconic SP headed for production green light, complete with 'pop-up' headlights and twin-rotor rotary EV power to take on Toyota Supra, Nissan Z

30 May 2024 by James Cleary

One of the headline acts at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, the design...Read more

The ICE age isn't over! Despite electric car popularity Toyota, Mazda and Subaru unite in development of new-generation internal-combustion engines "tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality"

29 May 2024 by James Cleary

It seems reports of the internal-combustion engine’s (ICE) death have...Read more

"The truck has to be credible in market. No Debate": 2025 Nissan Navara heading for hybrid and leaf spring rear end in co-development with Mitsubishi Triton to challenge Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max

28 May 2024 by James Cleary

After a decade in market, sales of Nissan’s current, fourth-generation...Read more

"This is the game changer": Nissan commits to revolutionary solid state battery-powered electric car on sale by 2028

24 May 2024 by James Cleary

Nissan has committed to the launch of a production electric vehicle...Read more

Nissan's plan for electric car domination: Innovations at Japanese brand's Sunderland UK plant establish blueprint for 'EV36Zero' EV transition with 16 new models including next-gen Leaf and Juke

24 May 2024 by James Cleary

Although it was opened by then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher...Read more

Newcomer Zeekr sniffing around Aussie Volvo dealers. Will Geely and Zeekr's local arrival upset corporate cousin Volvo's apple cart?

15 May 2024 by James Cleary

Chinese giant Geely has many strings to its automotive bow with...Read more

"Everyone's saying the shine's come off it, but our product strategy is clear": Volvo laser-focused on pure-electric car future despite Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and others dialing back EV plans

14 May 2024 by James Cleary

Until recently it appeared certain an unstoppable EV wave was in the...Read more

Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance 2024 review: snapshot

13 May 2024 by James Cleary

The Volvo EX30 is instantly recognisable as a contemporary Volvo thanks to...Read more

Don't worry about large American pick-ups such as the Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado. The market's already saturated | Analysis

12 May 2024 by James Cleary

The influx of full-size utes from the USA has been a controversial...Read more

Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range 2024 review: snapshot

11 May 2024 by James Cleary

Despite the lack of a traditional grille the Volvo EX30 is instantly...Read more

Volvo EX30 2024 review

9 May 2024 by James Cleary

While the transition from combustion to electric vehicles continues to generate much hand wringing and gnashing of teeth across the automotive world, Volvo is calmly sitting in the EV lotus position, sure of its strategy and continuing to roll out new models in accordance with it. The famous...Read more

Powerhouse Kia EV9 GT EV SUV timing confirmed... and it's quick! Super seven-seater electric car will deliver a "unique performance experience"

2 May 2024 by James Cleary

Kia's top executive has confirmed key details relating to the much-...Read more

Lamborghini's bonkers Urus SE is a 588kW plug-in hybrid SUV: PHEV monster cuts emissions by 80 percent and takes luxury-performance fight to Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne Turbo hybrids

26 April 2024 by James Cleary

Lamborghini has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid version of its ultra-high...Read more

2025 BMW i4 electric car and 4 Series Gran Coupe updates bow in Beijing: Facelifted and upgraded four doors ready for mid-size premium EV and ICE battle with Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes C-Class

26 April 2024 by James Cleary

BMW has used China’s Beijing motor show as the launch pad for updated...Read more

2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 revealed in Beijing: New pure-electric G-Class SUV's classic looks hide leading edge 4WD EV tech to challenge BYD YangWang U8 and GMC Hummer EV

24 April 2024 by James Cleary

For the first time in its 45-year history, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G...Read more

2025 Kia Tasman: Game-changing dual cab ute breaks cover in unique camouflage wrap as next year's market showdown with Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton draws closer

23 April 2024 by James Cleary

The countdown to Kia unveiling its all-new Tasman ute continues at pace...Read more

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe: Australian pricing, model line-up and engine options confirmed for new two-door, four-seat Audi S5 and BMW 430i performance luxury competitor

23 April 2024 by James Cleary

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed local pricing and specification for its CLE...Read more

Chery Omoda 5 2024 review: GT AWD

22 April 2024 by James Cleary

Visit Chery’s website, click on the Omoda 5 GT and you’ll find references to its “dynamic personality”, “distinctive face” and “cinematic elegance”. Is this a show-stopping movie star or a new, sporty compact SUV? Maybe in the context of our video review of the car it can be both? Either way, it...Read more

2024 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X allegedly suffering rapid front tyre wear due to steering geometry issues, with Mazda BT-50 'twin-under-the-skin' also called out

19 April 2024 by James Cleary

Some owners of the current generation Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X SUV, as...Read more

Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

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