Articles by Chris Riley

It's not all about fuel economy. After a hue and cry Mazda has bowed to pressure and added a more powerful petrol engine to its CX-5 crossover lineup. It may use more fuel than the 2.0 but at least the punters are happy and if you're in the business of selling cars, that's the main thing. Remember the CX-5 was the

Renault's red hot Megane RS 265 is about as good as it gets in terms of hot hatches, one of if not the best handling front-wheel drive cars on the face of the planet.But for many people the three-door rocket is a little too hot, especially for those with families who need something a bit more restrained and a bit more practical.Enter stage right the Megane GT 220 wagon from the Renault Sport go-fast department that adds rear doors and a luggage area capable of carting the family trappings.It's not the full monty, but perhaps represents a workable solution for those who like their cars.The GT boasts a 162kW turbocharged 2.0-litre engine (220 horsepower in the old money) and sports tuned chassis, together with some visual enhancements to match. The only thing missing from a practical point of view is an automatic.VALUEIt's a limited edition and Renault has secured a couple of hundred GT 220s, each with a numbered plaque. Arriving in June the wagon will be priced from $36,990, with grab bag of goodies that can be added as part of a Premium pack for another $5000 there are no other options.The wagon is already well equipped in standard form, with dual zone climate control, fog lights, auto lights and wipers, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and flashy black 18 inch alloys. The Renault Sport trip computer, carbon-fibre look dash, aluminium foot pedals, red-stitched leather wheel and 8 speaker audio system are icing on the cake.The pack adds two-tone leather front seats, a panoramic sunroof, high-powered bi-xenon head lights, front parking sensors, plus a reversing camera. Satellite navigation and lane departure warning round out the package.TECHNOLOGYAlthough it misses out on an auto, it will be Renault's first model to feature fuel-saving, stop-start technology. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, essentially a detuned version of that in the RS, produces 162kW of power at 4750 revs and 340Nm of torque from 2400 revs.The engine is paired with a six-speed manual only. In terms of performance, the dash from 0 to 100km/h takes 7.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 240km/h. The wagon has a 60-litre tank, uses 7.3 litres/100km and takes premium unleaded although 98 is recommended.It weighs in at 1464kg and the chassis is based on the Sport chassis available for the Megane RS, with suspension that has been tuned specifically for the task along with specially calibrated electric steering. The glossy black 18-inch wheels are different, but the tyres are the same 225/40s as those fitted to the RS. The brakes have also been beefed up, with 320mm ventilated Brembos at the front and 260mm solid discs down the back.DESIGNAt 4.7 metres the wagon offers a load length of 1670mm with the rear seats folded and 1100mm between the wheel arches, with 994mm behind the rear bench seat. The front passenger seat can also be folded to accommodate extra long objects.SAFETYGets a full five stars for safety and a full complement of six airbags, including curtain airbags unlike the Clio and Clio-based Captur that makes do with four. Electronic stability and traction control are standard, along with ABS, brake assist, brake force distribution and hill start assist.DRIVINGPerformance is strong. Obviously not as strong as the RS 265 but strong enough to satisfy most enthusiasts minus the hardcore edge of the RS. That edge by the way begins to grind after a while if it's too harsh which is why many manufacturers offer electronically modulated suspension and drive trains.In reality you can drive the GT hard with confidence and there is plenty in the tank for overtaking, so it won’t' get caught on the wrong side of the road.VERDICTNo complaints here. Renault's forte is special editions and this is another worthy edition. Too bad it doesn't come with the option of an auto, but that is not going to stop enthusiasts from buying it though it could make it a little harder to get through to the keeper.Renault Megane GT 220Price: from $36,990Weight: 1464kgEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged, 162kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed manualThirst: 7.3L/100km0 to 100km/h: 7.6 seconds

You couldn't describe this one as economical, not by any stretch of the imagination. Rated at 8.9 litres/100km, we were getting a hefty 14.7 at the end of the day and that was taking it easy.VALUEBut then, if you can afford the $240K price tag, the amount of fuel this car uses is probably not going to be a consideration. Prices range from $184,000 for the entry level 640i or 640d, up to $299,500 for the hi-po M6 version, with the 650i slotting between them at $238,800.Our test vehicle was fitted with the no-cost M Sport package, Nappa leather, “frozen” matte grey paint and piano black trim inside. Among other things the M Sport pack includes 20 inch wheels and a more strident exhaust note.TECHNOLOGYThe 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine in the BMW 650i Gran Coupe delivers 330kW of power and 650Nm of torque, the latter from a low 2500 revs, with power to the rear wheels. The new V8 features TwinPower Turbo technology using two turbochargers, plus direct injection and the fully variable valve control.The V8 is paired with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with auto stop-start and ECO PRO Mode. Variable drive control incorporates adaptive suspension, for a softer or sharper drive feel. The dash from 0 to 100 km/h takes a rapid 4.6 seconds and it has a top speed that is limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.9 litres per 100km and it takes premium.In addition other clever tech includes brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, ancillary units that operate on demand, detachable air conditioning compressor, intelligent use of lightweight materials, active air vent control as well as suspension control systems with on-demand hydraulic technology.DESIGNLooks more lithe and athletic than earlier 6 Series efforts. Seats four, with individual seats for the rear passengers plus four-zone air and individual audio controls too. Long list of optional and standard equipment, with a high-end 600 watt, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system providing the musical accompaniment.Driver assistance systems include Head-Up Display with full-colour graphics, the parking assistant, Surround View, Active Cruise Control with the Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Info, High-Beam Assistant and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian warning.DRIVINGWooshda. This is a quick car. The big V8 with 330kW of power delivers the goods, thrusting you back in the seat with a snarl when you plant your right foot. Flies under the radar. It is not like an M3 or M5 so the testosterone driven boofheads tend to leave you well enough alone (which suits us just fine).SAFETYFive stars of course and a reversing camera is standard. Is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Brake Assist.Features driver and front passenger airbags, seat occupancy detector for front passenger airbag; head airbags in the front and rear; side airbags for driver and front passenger.VERDICTThe words stealth fighter spring to mind. Not as overt as some models in the range but a real beauty nevertheless, especially with the matte paint job. Hit the go fast pedal and it takes off.BMW 650i CoupePrice: from $231,800Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 4.4-litre 8-cylinder, 330kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, RWDThirst: 8.9L/100Km, CO2 206g/km

In the old days they used to jack up cars to steal the wheels. These days car makers do it to turn them into 4WDs and sell more cars, although the modern day off-roader has very little to do with going off road. For a start, most of them don't have four-wheel drive and even if they did, the majority of drivers would be unlikely to get them dirty.Nope. It's got more to do with the coveted high driving position that makes it easier to navigate traffic and the increased cabin height that makes them easier to get in and out of.And, just like cars, SUVs are shrinking. Demand for the large, hard core 4WDs is dropping as people gravitate towards smaller, softer "crossover" style vehicles that bridge the gap between the traditional car and the 4WD.The latest wave is imminent. Smaller or sub-compact crossovers are about to hit town like VW's Taigun, the Holden Trax and its Opel stablemate Mokka, as well as a couple of French offerings - the 2008 from Peugeot and Captur from arch rival Renault.Renault, whose star is in the ascendant is pretty excited about Captur's prospects that arrives early next year and we got a taste of things to come this week in France. Captur (no E) we're told is a combination of MPV, SUV and family hatch. One thing's for sure - it's no shrinking violet.The bloke that designed the smiley Mazdas has jumped ship and his stamp is starting to emerge, with bright candy colours and a bold, new face dominated by a beefed up Renault badge.VALUEIt's early days yet and Renault is still finalising prices and equipment levels. Trying to nail down what we will and will not be in our cars is no easy task. We can confirm there will be three trim levels but that the car's defining feature - the two-tone paint job - is in fact not standard, at least overseas.Nor are we sure at this stage whether we'll get the full suite of multimedia components, with a large tablet-style computer screen, voice control for many functions and full internet connectivity on the car we drove - with access to more than 50 apps from the dedicated R-Link store.The system is so smart it is even able to read out tweets and emails if you ask it to. Unfortunately, the infrastructure to support most of these features is not yet in place in Australia.Prices are expected to kick off from less than $20,000 and it will be covered by a five-year warranty with fixed price servicing for the first three years, or three 15,000km services - whichever comes first (at $299 per service). TECHNOLOGYThe five-seat Captur is available in front-wheel drive only. We're getting two engines and neither of them is a diesel. There's a turbocharged, 900cc three cylinder unit that produces 66kW of power and 135Nm of torque and a turbocharged, 1.2-litre four cylinder engine with the latest direct injection technology that produces 88kW and 190Nm.Both incorporate a maintenance free timing chain avoiding the need to replace costly timing belts. The first will be available with a five speed manual, the latter with a 6-speed dual clutch auto that Renault refers to as EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch).Both power plants outgun Peugeot's direct competitor the 2008 but will be no match for the 1.4-litre turbo from Cruze that will power Trax and Mokka. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 12.9 and 10.9 seconds respectively, with a top speed in the 1.2 of 192km/h.Captur has a 45-litre tank and runs on premium unleaded, with fuel consumption rated at 4.9 for the 900cc engine and 5.4 litres/100km for the 1.2, with an ECO button that is said to improve fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent.DESIGNBased on the Clio hatch and built in Spain, it's flashy and curvaceous, especially with contrasting roof and other coloured embellishments. It's 4.1 metres long and weighs up to 1180kg, and is about 100kg heavier than the hatch.Our test car was finished in a bright metallic orange with a black roof that had a orange graphic splashed across the roof, and was fitted with 17 inch alloys and 205/55 series tyres.The clever rear seat slides 160mm fore and aft depending on your needs, with 75mm more legroom in the back than the hatch and a small luggage compartment that hides a second, lidded storage area underneath.Left hand drive models get a large pull-out bin in place of a glove box but unfortunately there's no room for the bin with the steering wheel on our side of the car.There's nine colours and three roof combinations from which to chose: black, white or orange - along with other colour-coded accents. Coloured highlights are also fitted inside, with zip-off seat covers on the top drawer model that can be washed or replaced.SAFETYThe jury is still out over this one. It gets a full five stars from the Euro crash test people, but like the Clio comes with only four airbags. There's no curtain airbag to protect rear seat passengers. It will be interesting to see what the Australian NCAP organisation has to say about this one.In all other ways it features the full arsenal of electronic aids including electronic traction and stability control as well as rollover intervention - but no reversing camera on the entry model.In its defence, Renault has been at the forefront of safety for many years and points out that these type of vehicles rarely carry rear seat passengers - so the extra airbags are not warranted. They have however spent some time making sure the car is more pedestrian friendly in the event of an accident.DRIVINGSurprise, surprise - we only got to drive the more powerful 1.2-litre model. It goes okay but left us hankering for more (like the 1.6-litre turbo from the Clio RS for instance). It would fit, but meeting emissions standards could be tricky, explained Captur's program manager Chrstophe Pejout.A more powerful 1.2-litre engine would be easier and more likely, Pejout explained. But the Frenchman was at pains to point out that no decision had been made yet, although he conceded the matter is under consideration.The 1.2 is more than adequate for city and highway cruising, in situations where it is not stressed - but lacks any real punch, especially down low. Changing gears manually via the shifter elicits a sharper response but drives up fuel consumption (change paddles are not fitted). Although the Renault Captur is rated at 5.4 litres/100km but we finished the the first day with 11.0 and the second day of driving with 8.1 litres/100km.Captur is certainly no sports car and is not intended to be, sitting higher than the hatch with plenty of bounce and body roll from the comfort-orientated suspension. Having said this it remains confident even when pushed to the limit, with high levels of grip and refused to step out of line on the mountain roads encountered.Surprisingly, though fitted with rear drums, the brakes feel up to the job. With testing limited to French, Swedish and Spanish roads it will be interesting to see how it adapts to our blacktop.VERDICTThe striking design is a drawcard, but it's almost too pretty in some respects and likely to appeal more to women. The split is almost 50/50 in Europe, but then they have a penchant for some mighty funny clothes too. A bit more punch would be nice and a Renault Sport edition would be particularly welcome. Over to you Renault.

You can see why dual cab utes are so popular. Not only can they cart the family around, but they can also double as a work or play vehicles when required. The Mazda BT-50 is a case in point. The styling might be polarising, but like it or not it's soon forgotten once you're behind the wheel. Range A range of 19

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?It's labelled an SUV, but it's really the four wheel drive you want, when you don't want a four wheel drive. CX-9 is big, seats seven and looks a hell of a lot more car-like than a four wheel drive (and drives more like a car too).Prices range from $44,525 for the front wheel drive Classic right up to $63,828 for the top of the range, all wheel drive Grand Touring model. The price includes a six speed automatic in all models. There's no manual.Take your pick. Perhaps the sizeable Toyota Kluger? But instead of SUV's I'd probably be looking at people movers the Chrysler Voyager or Kia Grand Carnival for instance. Both offer the same sort of utility, minus all-wheel drive which many people don't care about anyway.A 3.7-litre petrol V6 produces 204kW of power and 367Nm of torque, the latter from 4250 revs. The V6 is hooked up to a six-speed auto that allows you to change gears manually if desired.Performance is sharp for a vehicle this size. Hit the accelerator and it literally takes off. Sits high but the width helps mitigate much of the expected body roll.My wife is a hard marker when it comes to performance and doesn't like it unless a car responds instantly but no complaints from her with this one. Can tow a 2 tonne braked van or boat.The trade off for all this performance is fuel economy. Although it is rated at 11.2 litres/100km, it is going to use a lot more than this. Takes standard unleaded and has a 76-litre tank.Hardly. Not with a big petrol 3.7-litre V6. It gets 2.5 out of 5 from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, with CO2 emissions of 261g/km. Can't understand why they don't offer this vehicle with a diesel?No problems here. With six airbags and a full complement of safety systems it scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests.At just over 5.1 metres in length and almost two metres wide, it's big and by virtue of its size fairly comfortable. The three-zone climate air helps keep everyone supplied with fresh air, even the little whingers down the back.The view from up here is generous and with sharp performance from the big V6 it is able to cut through the traffic with an agility that belies its size. You'll need a large garage or extra wide driveway however because it doesn't leave a lot left over. Luggage space with the third row in use is of course limited.Standard equipment on the entry level Classic includes Bluetooth, keyless entry, automatic lights and wipers, 18 inch alloys, a reversing camera and six speaker audio with controls on the steering wheel. All other models add larger 20 inch wheels, Bose audio and TomTom navigation with speed camera warnings.Maybe. We'd prefer a diesel. And here's the thing  there are plenty of diesel alternatives available like the excellent Hyundai Santa Fe.

Only two of the 10 Black Series SLS AMG coupes ordered by Benz Australia remain to be sold. That's despite an astronomical price tag of $639,000 apiece which does not include on-road costs, easily making it the most expensive Benz you can buy here.But it's by no means the most expensive Benz ever sold here. That honour goes to the million plus Maybach followed by the SL 65 AMG Black Series at $700K.The next most expensive Benz in the current line-up is the long wheel base, 6.0-litre V12 S-Class 65 AMG at a thumping $498,700. Benz has a short but notable tradition of making these cars.The SLS following in the footsteps of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (2011).With engine mods and every conceivable option the Black Series is the hi-end version of its super sports car version of its gullwing model. "The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series perfectly embodies the transition of performance technology from motorsport to the open road" Benz boss Horst Von Sanden said."The new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series further enhances the success of the Black Series, which has thrilled our customers since 2007"The enhanced AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers a maximum output of 464 kW and up to 635Nm of torque, affirming the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series as the most powerful high-performance car from AMG with a combustion engine.Its outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromised lightweight construction, in accordance with the 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy, determine that the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and attains a top speed of 315 km/h.Combining scintillating performance with meticulous attention to detail, the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series offers a highly emotional driving experience in every respect, with no half-hearted compromises.

Stepping down from a $240,000 car into a $40,000 one takes some discipline. Of course it's not going to be as good, not by any stretch of the imagination. But you know what? BMW's little 116i hatch ain't half bad either. VALUE Launched in 2011 the 116i is priced from $37,300. The only option fitted to our test

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?Santa Fe is categorised as a large SUV and Active is Hyundai's entry level trim, available with a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. The diesel is the better option but costs a hefty $3000 more so what we wondered is the cheapy like?It's priced from $36,990 plus on road costs, but that does not include an automatic which adds $2000 to the price. Although the Active is the entry model it certainly doesn't feel or look like it.Plenty of them including the Holden Captiva 7, the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia's sister Sorento (Hyundai owns Kia and the two share engineering).2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine features direct injection that makes things a whole lot more interesting. Same engine as in the now defunct i45 with 141kW of power and 242Nm of torque.Mated with the optional six-speed auto it goes a lot better than we had any right to expect enthusiastic even. The ride and handling also benefits from local tuning.Rated at 9.0 litres/100km, we were getting 8.8 after 300km)Gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide, producing CO2 emissions of 209g/km.An Active ECO system engaged at the push of a button modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy.No problems here. Scores a full five stars from ANCAP in crash tests, with a full complement of safety systems including seven airbags and a reversing camera (smaller in the Active).No problems here either. Plenty or room even in the third row, with large supportive seats. Second row slides backwards or forwards depending on requirements.More refined than earlier models, but feels more isolated from the road too. Most people will view this as a plus. Adjustable steering assistance is standard.Seven seats, all-wheel drive, front and rear air-conditioning with third row air-conditioning vents are all standard.So are auto lights, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth for connecting phones and streaming audio.Like I said it's hard to believe it's an entry model. No reason we wouldn't but if you can afford the diesel it's worth the extra.

You'd be forgiven for mistaking the new Golf 7 for the old one. The two look very similar. But then Volkswagen probably wanted to avoid making the same mistake it did with the Golf 5.People weren't too keen on the rounded design, with its grey, plastic undersides and sales took a nosedive as a result. You see car buyers are a pretty conservative lot. They don't like change, at least not too much, too soon  anyway.Panicked. The Board that runs VW called for the doctor and Golf 6 was born soon afterwards, prematurely some might say? That was in 2009 here in Australia.Four years later we now have a new and improved Golf, one with "reassuring'' design that we're told is bigger, lighter and cheaper to produce  thanks to a clever "modular'' production process that's reminiscent of the way they produce Ikea furniture. The line up has been rationalised and the engines (two petrol and one diesel) are all new too  although they produce at most only marginally more power.VALUEThe starting price of $21,490 is $500 less than before and you get more for your money, but you can bet your bottom dollar VW is not passing on the full savings it has made in reduced costs (and they won't put a figure on it). The entry level 90TSI model comes in two grades, base and Comfortline for another $3500 with a six speed manual as standard. If you want an auto its another $2500.The higher output 103TSI model is $31,990, comes in the more luxurious Highline grade and includes an auto. Topping out the range is the 110TDI diesel, also in Highline with an auto, at $34,490.Highline models get a combination of cloth and suede leather trim  full leather is another $2950. None of these prices include on road costs.TECHNOLOGYThe 77kW 1.2 litre petrol engine has gone and so has the crackerjack, twin-charged 118TSI, although the latter it is still available in other models. We're left with 1.4-litre turbocharged 90kW/200Nm and 1.4-litre turbocharged 103kW/250Nm petrol engines, plus a 2.0-litre 110kW/320Nm turbodiesel.The 90TSI engine is rated at 5.7 or 5.4 litres/100km depending on whether it's manual or auto, the 103TSI 5.2 litres/100km and the 110TDI 4.9 litres/100km. The two petrol engines are now made entirely of aluminium to save weight and deliver better economy, while balancer shafts have been added to the diesel to make it smoother.Timing chains have been replaced by a toothed, fibre belt which means replacement at some stage. As before, the petrol engines are teamed with a 7-speed DSG double-clutch style transmission while the high torque diesel once again gets a 6-speed DSG. A six-speed manual is however standard on 90TSI models.DESIGNAt 4255mm, it's 56mm longer with a 59mm longer wheelbase than before, with more rear legroom and space in the boot. Fuel consumption is down and active safety has been ramped up, with things like fatigue detection, automatic emergency braking and active cruise control  but to access most of the new features you're going to have to shell out for the $1300 safety pack.The handbrake is now electric and an electronic differential lock is standard along with auto-start stop and brake energy regeneration  but a reversing camera is not. Comfortline adds a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, plus dual-zone climate airconditioning and alloy wheels. DRIVINGWe had a crack at all three power trains. There's nothing disappointing about performance offered by the 90kW TSI model and most people will be more than satisfied, but to get the better Highline trim you're going to have to fork out another $4500 for the 103TSI model.The car is responsive and sure footed even in the atrocious weather we had for the launch, with the 103TSI a bit punchier thanks to the extra torque. The XDL extended differential lock from the GTI, now standard, helps maintain traction in challenging conditions. The diesel feels, well . . . like a diesel, but is definitely smoother and less agricultural than before.VERDICTVolkswagens aren't the cheap and cheerful cars on which the company forged its reputation and haven't been for a long time. They're a premium, aspirational product that features cutting edge technology. The downside is that when things go wrong, they can be expensive to repair. The surety of fixed price servicing, introduced recently, will go a long way towards getting more customers across the line.