Articles by Chris Riley

Sometimes it's more about what is going on outside than inside the car. For example it seems everyone loves a Porsche and they're not backward in coming forward.Take the middle-aged European man trying desperately to attract my attention on the way back from picking up our bright red Porsche Boxster. Finally, reluctantly, I acknowledged his presence and wound down the window to find out what he wanted."Beautiful car," he said. "I dream of one day owning a car like that one. "How much is it worth?" Duh. "I don't know," I had to admit. "It's not mine, it belongs to a friend (a white lie but it saves long explanations).Tick, tick, tick..."About $140,000!" I guessed (I thought it was in the S. I hadn't checked). "It's a beauty," he confirmed once more before the lights went green and we parted.VALUELater, I was surprised to find the Boxster was in fact $20,000 less than I had anticipated, even with a swag of accessories fitted. Priced from $107,000 the two-seat sportster is arguably the most desirable of the Porsches, a fun drop top that sits on rock solid engineering idiot proof almost.The price of our test car was almost $120,000, by the time you added the matching red seatbelts and a set of fearsome, black 20 inch rims. The belts are $600 alone while the 20 inch Carrera rims finished in black bump the figure up another 10 grand a lot but they look hot.Even at this price, it's still well short the $133K Boxster S. If price is no object, you'd be silly not to pick the more powerful S let's face it. But remember those wheels are still going to be another 10 grand on top of that again.For my mind, the smart money is on the standard model with the big wheels and maybe a Bose sound system thrown in another $1500. At the end of the day, it's still $15,000 less than the S and you'll be grinning from ear to ear, because either way the Boxster is not going to disappoint.TECHNOLOGYThe big difference between the two models is in the size of the engines. The Boxster is powered by a 2.7-litre 195kW six while the S gets a larger, 3.4-litre version that develops 232kW. It's quicker off the line, but uses more premium at the same time. Both engines are naturally aspirated. Our car was fitted with a six-speed manual or the option of the 7-speed PDK auto.DRIVINGYou can cruise the beaches with the top down or cut loose on some challenging mountain switchbacks, either way the Boxster is happy to oblige. Back at the office word spread quickly that we had a Porsche in the carpark. The girls all gushed and the guys became silent and envious, but they all wanted a ride.Closer to home my mate Johnno who lives down the road was just as quick off the mark, wanting to know if he could get a test drive. Not likely I drove. "What's so special about these cars?" he wanted to know. "What does a Porsche have that other cars don't?" "Where do I begin my friend?" I replied.Last but not least in our sudden fan club was the bogan in the Falcon, who tracked us as we tried to slip quietly down the motorway. Ogling both the car and my wife he mouthed the words "noice, noice" through the window. "Looks like you've got an admirer," I said. "Hardly. It's the car he's interested in." Thanks all for the vote of confidence.VERDICTIt looks fantastic, goes hard, makes all the right noises and simply refuses to become unsettled no matter how hard you push and how bad the bitumen is under wheel. What's not to like?

I can tell you two things after driving the new Corolla. One is that it's very good and two is that we'd take the CVT over the manual any day of the week. That's a big call, especially for a car wearing a "sport" badge  but it's clearly the better performer. Too bad the CVT is going to set you back another $2K.

Suzuki's Grand Vitara has always been something of a quiet achiever. Renowned for its off road ability, it has often put some of its larger more fancied rivals to shame in the rough stuff.Curious then that Suzuki should bow to contemporary tastes and deliver a two-wheel drive version of the five-seat wagon, albeit rear wheel drive. But then you've got to make a living somehow or other and this could be just what the doctor ordered? Suzuki's Tony Devers says the Grand Vitara has always been popular with drivers aged over 50 and research has shown the fast growing 35-49 year old market has a strong preference for 2WD.VALUEAt a driveaway price of $26,990 it makes for interesting reading. By removing the four wheel drive system Suzuki has effectively slashed the price of the wagon by $4500. And, if you don't care a jot about going off road or not that's going to make it super attractive. Standard features include cruise control, rear park assist, Bluetooth, electric windows, remote locking and three 12 volt outlets (two in the front and one in the cargo area).TECHNOLOGYThe Urban, like all petrol models, is offered exclusively with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The latter adds $2000 to the price. The 2.4-litre engine is good for 122kW of power and 225Nm of torque from 4000 revs. The big point of difference between this and other two-wheel drive SUVs is that drive goes to the rear wheels in this one.DESIGNThe Grand Vitara has been around in its present form for a few years and it shows. There's a lot of old school stuff like a four speed auto, no reach adjust for the wheel and the trim and cabin plastics could not be described as lavish. A makeoever has seen the addition of a bold new face with a new grille and bumper and new wheels and seat fabrics plus two new colours - Gaia Bronze and Bison Brown.SAFETYOnly gets four out of five stars from ANCAP. But gets a full complement of safety systems including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS) as well as traction and electronic stability control.DRIVINGWhoa! A small car and relatively large engine makes for spirited performance. Put your foot down and the Urban takes off like a cut snake. But the tradeoff appears to be in fuel consumption because it's a thristy little bugger. Although rated at 9.9 litres/100km we were more than a little surprised to see it returning 11.2 litres/100km according to the trip computer. That was in just under 500km of mainly freeway driving.The funny thing is though it seemed to drop around town when you'd normally expect consumption to rise. Fitted with 16 inch steel wheels and 225/70 rubber, the ride from 16 in wheels and is firmish bordering on harsh at times but it sits flat in corners and there is very little body roll unlike most of the soft roaders. With only four cogs to play with it also hunts between third and fourth a bit, but not enough to be annoying.VERDICTLike it. Like it a lot. Nothing fancy, but it does what it does very well. Suzuki knows its stuff and at the price you can't go wrong.

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?What is it?The diesel version of Chrysler's big in your face sedan, although you wouldn't know it. There is nothing to distinguish the diesel from petrol models which equals no cringe value.How much?At a starting price of $48,000 the diesel will set you back $5000 more than the entry level petrol V6, but it's worth it because you can have your cake and eat it too.What are competitors?Nothing really, not with the same road presence. Perhaps the Caprice, or maybe the Falcon or Commodore but none of them are available with a diesel engine.What’s under the bonnet?The 3.0-litre VM Motori turbo diesel delivers an unparalleled combination of outstanding performance and economy. It produces an outstanding 176kW of power and 550Nm of torque from a low 1800 revs. Featuring a common-rail, direct injection fuel system, variable geometry turbocharger and integrated diesel particulate filter to help reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, the engine is engineered to meet stringent EURO 5 emission standards.How does it go?Impressive. It's hard to believe you can drive a big car like this with this kind of performance that still returns these amazing fuel figures, especially at this price. A German bahnstormer would cost you twice the price.Is it economical?Combined fuel consumption figures are 7.1 litres/100km with 18-inch wheels, and 7.2 litres/100km with 20-inch wheels. We were getting 7.4 after almost 600km which shows it's eminently gettable.Is it green?Middle of the road. Gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (in comparison the Prius gets 5). Produces 185 or 191g/km of CO2 depending on whether it's running 18 or 20 inch wheels.Is it safe?Doesn't get a rating from ANCAP. But rebadged as a Lancia it scored full points in Euro tests, with seven airbags including a driver's knee bag and features like electronic stability control and electronic pedestrian protection, plus front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.Is it comfortable?Big and reasonably quiet. The entry level models features cloth upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power front driver and passenger seats with fourway lumbar adjustment, and power front windows, with one-touch up and down.What’s it like to drive?Shame it doesn't get the 8 speed auto like the V6. But then again with this much torque the five-speed is more than adequate. 0-100km/h takes 7.8 secs, with strong low to mid range response as you might expect.Is it value for money?Big chunk of car for the money. In addition, adaptive forward lighting and Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with auto levelling and daytime running lights ensure premium visibility day or night.Would we buy one?We'd be tempted. Not sure about the styling, but if you like to be different this is the one for you.Chrysler 300 CRD DieselPrice: from $48,000Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmSafety rating: n/aSpare: space-saverEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl diesel, 176kW/550NmTransmission: 5-speed auto; RWDBody: 5066m (L); 1905m (w); 1488m (h)Weight: 2042kgThirst: 7.1L/100km, 185g/km

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Subaru Forester XT with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Love the movie, love the name but can't say I love the car that much. Outlander is good, but certainly not the "outstanding" as it is being touted. It is however one of the few mid-sized SUVs to offer seven seats which is a big plus  even if they're rather small.VALUEComes in ES, LS and Aspire specifications, priced from $28,990. Our test vehicle, the top of the line Aspire will set you back a hefty $43,490 and it's another $2000 for the diesel. It's a fair old wack for a mid-sized SUV, although competitive with others in the segment  but it's worth seeing what the competition has to offer.As well as additional safety features the Premium option adds a power tailgate and new 7 inch touch panel satnav system. Audio is also upgraded to the Rockford Fosgate Premium system with nine speakers including four tweeters and a 10-inch sub.TECHNOLOGYImpressed they can fit seven seats into a wagon this size, bearing in mind it's 23cm shorter than a Territory. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel is the pick of the bunch, but the most expensive.It produces 110kW of power and 360Nm of torque from a low 1500 revs. It's paired with a six-speed auto, complete with paddle shifts  unlike petrol models which get a CVT.DESIGNCan't quite put my finger on it but there's something flawed in the latest interpretation of Mitsubishi's design DNA. The removal of flared fenders certainly takes away some of its masculinity.Dare I say it doesn't look as good as the previous model? No quibbles with the standard of trim inside which is first rate, apart from the appalling wood inlays either side of the piano black centre instrument cluster say what?Incidently they've moved the third row seats backwards to give rear passengers more room, but at the expense of load capacity.DRIVINGSignificantly, the diesel lugs a lot. By that I mean it struggles in high gear rather than change down, all in the name of better fuel economy. In Eco mode, it feels even worse so keep that Eco button switched off.All-wheel drive also has an Eco mode which I interpret as meaning two-wheel drive, also in the name of better economy. But, plant the right foot, and the thing takes off pedal off and it returns largely uninspiring performance.Rated at 5.8 litres/100km, we were getting between 6 and 7 litres/100km from the 60 litre tank (although you need to set the trip computer to manual or it resets every time you start the engine).The diesel by the way can tow up to 2 tonnes. The automatic emergency braking system is good but active cruise is a royal pain in the butt.The gap it leaves beween you and the car in front is too large and other drivers are constantly cutting in. Touted as 3D the satnav graphics are ordinary compared to some and the system doesn't warn of speed cameras. In operation, we also found the power tailgate unresponsive to the key fob.SAFETYAs well as achieving the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, the all-new Outlander comes with a comprehensive range of safety features including seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control systems and a reversing camera.The Aspire adds Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) which detects obstacles on the road ahead and automatically applies the brakes and Adaptive Cruise Control System which automatically keeps as safe distance from the car in front.VERDICTIn two minds about this car. On the one hand it ticks all the boxes in terms of a well equipped, seven seat family bus. On the other, the dynamics are uninspiring and we'd be in real danger of nodding off.Mitsubishi OutlanderPrice: from $28,990 (petrol) from $40,990 (diesel)Warranty: 5 years/130,000kmService interval: 15,000kmCrash rating:  5 star ANCAPSafety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, TC, ESC, HSC (Hill Start Control)Engine: 2.2L four-cylinder turbo diesel, 110kW/360NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDDimensions: 4.65m (L), 2.02 (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 1610kgSpare: Full sizeThirst: Diesel 5.3L/100km, 153g/km CO2

I've always had a soft spot for VeeDubs, ever since my Beetle days. The old Beetle that is, not the new fangled contraption. I had a '76, the very last model they sold here. The money I poured into that car . . .Learned to drive on a Beetle too, not that one but that's another story. It's not surprising I fell in love with the gorgeous Scirocco the first time I laid eyes on one. That was overseas somewhere, probably in Germany and I've had a hankering for one ever since. "When's it coming here?" I kept badgering Volkswagen. I even managed to corner the then manager of Volkswagen Australia Jutta Dierks in a car one day driving through Germany and boy she copped an ear full. The problem was, she explained, dealing with head office and getting the car in the exactly right specification, so it wouldn't upset VW's best selling Golf GTI. After months, no years of asking, my dream came true in 2011 when VW announced the Scirocco was finally coming here. It's ironic that it took me almost 12 months to get around to driving one?In terms of price, Scirocco sits between the Golf GTI and Golf R, priced from $47,990 $2500 less than the R and $7000 more than the GTi. The big gap between the GTI and Scirocco leaves some headroom for special editions like the recent GTI Edition 35 that also featured a more potent engine.Performane wise, the Scirocco also sits somewhere between the GTI and Golf R, with the latter's more powerful 188kW/330Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (but not all-wheel drive). That is not necessarily a bad thing, because it makes the car lighter and more agile, with an adaptive chassis as standard equipment.The XDL (Extended Electronic Differential Lock) from the GTI provides maximum traction and generates plenty of fun through corners. It's no mistake that you can no longer buy a three-door Golf R either the three door/four-seat Scirocco is designed to fill that role. The choices are 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG for $2500 extra. Ours was the DSG - beggars can't be choosers.Even though this car is a few years old, it still looks as fresh as a daisy. The sweeping feline curves turn the Golf, for in reality it's still a Golf underneath, into one of the world's more desirable coupes. It will be interesting to see where the stylemeisters from Wolfsburg take the car next?As the benchmark for Euro hatches you'd have to include VW's own GTI regardless of what they think. Focus ST is also in there as is the Megane RS and soon to be released Opel Astra OPC  the latter promises 206kW. You'd also have to include the ubiquitous WRX and its long time sparring partner the EVO. What the Scirocco brings to the equation besides performance and does so with plenitude is style.Renault's Megane RS265, itself a super stylish hatch, takes the cake for performance in our estimation. The Scirocco lacks the Megane' razor edge, but is a more comfortable day to day proposition. That's not to take anything away from its performance, because it goes hard too and sits flat in corners, just as you'd expect with a wheel at each corner.The DSG might be quicker, but we reckon the manual is more fun to drive. In terms of fuel economy we were getting 12.8 litres/100km and it takes premium.Where do I sign? Bugger the fact it’s a bit long in the tooth, it still ticks all the boxes as far as this fan boy is concerned.

It takes a bit of getting your head around, the fact that Toyota's $84,000 GXL Landcruiser doesn't have a trip computer.I mean, you pay that much for a car and you expect a bit of kit, like a computer telling you how many kilometres you've got to go before you're empty. It's not right.THE LINEUPThe eight seat V8 GXL is the family wagon and entry point to the petrol range, priced from $83,990 plus on roads.You can get a cheaper, lesser equipped GX from $77,990 but its a five-seater and available only as a diesel, (did I say only because diesel is the way to go with a truck this size). Top of the range Sahara is incidentally equipped with the same diesel, priced from $118,990.NEW V8It's lost a litre but the new 4.6-litre V8 is more powerful and more importantly more fuel efficient. It's good for 228kW of power and 439Nm of torque at 3500 revs and is paired with a 6-speed automatic.Fuel consumption is rated at 13.6 litres/100km but that's on a good day because at 2600kg this is a large vehicle no matter which way you cut it. It has a 138-litre fuel capacity which means you won't see a lot of change from $200 filling up from dead empty. The upside is a theoretical range of 1000km plus.ON ROADIt's a great view from up here. You look down on just about everyone and it affords plenty of warning of traffic snarls up ahead. That's a good thing because you don't want to make any sudden moves and squash anyone. For its size though it's incredibly smooth and quiet, with a smooth changing auto. Roundabouts and speed humps are hardly noticeable.OFF ROADOff road the Landcruiser reigns supreme, challenged only by long time rival the Nissan Patrol and more expensive offerings from Benz and Land Rover. When the going gets tough this is the vehicle you want under your bum. And, despite what others might suggest, the auto makes the whole off road thing much easier just put it in D and you're good to go.There's also sorts of electronic aids these days to take the guess work out of four-wheel driving, including the kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) and crawl control with turn assist which helps maintain a constant speed.With the centre diff locked, 225mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 700mm, almost nothing will stop it. The locally developed KDSS system provides greater wheel articulation off road and controls body roll on road.SAFETYIt's been around since 2007 but apparently hasn't been tested yet (last one got four stars).GOODIESWhile it doesn't get a full featured trip computer it does unaccountably get plenty of other things like Bluetooth, a reversing camera and touch screen satellite navigation. Having said that the sound quality from the audio/satnav system is terrible. There's also smart entry, twin zone climate air, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls.VERDICTCan't help wondering if the Kluger might not be a better option. I know we bang on about Kluger being too thirsty but it has nowhere near the thirst of this monster, particularly if you don't need its off road capabilities?Diesel though more expensive would be a wiser choice. Good to know it qualifies for capped priced servicing, at $210 a pop for six services, 60,000km or three years whichever comes first.Toyota Landcruiser GXLPrice: from $83,990Warranty: 100,000km 3 yearsWeight: 2685kgEngine: 4.6-litre 8-cylinder, 228kW/439NmTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 13.6L/100km, 313 CO2 emissions

Mazda has taken the wraps off a new look CX-9. But those hoping for a diesel version will be disappointed. It does however get some extra goodies and is the second Mazda to feature its range of active safety systems, although they remain optional.Prices range from $44,525 up to $63,828 for the top of the range Grand Touring model, $100 more than before in the case of the entry model but for a better equipped vehicle. It's available in front wheel and all-wheel drive and comes in three different grades: Classic, Luxury and the top of the range Grand Touring.All CX-9s get three-zone climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. An MP3/WMA compatible CD player is operated through a display which includes a reversing camera with rear parking guidelines. The range topping Grand Touring model adds Bi-Xenon headlamps, a remote operated power tailgate, as well as keyless entry and engine start.The upgraded infotainment system features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on an intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface) and Bluetooth comes as standard across the entire range. A USB connector has been added to the audio system and the Bluetooth profile has been upgraded and allows the user to repeat tracks, shuffle tracks, and select folders via the steering wheel controls.The classy seven seater is powered by the same thirsty 3.7-litre petrol V6 that powers the current model. The 3.7-litre V6 pumps out 204kW of power at 6250 revs and 367Nm of torque at 4250 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed auto and goes like a jet, delivering between 11.0 and 11.2 litres/100km depending on model (all wheel drive is a little thirstier).'i-ACTIVSENSE' - active what? Active safety systems that go looking for trouble before it finds you. They include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC)-- all of which anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Unfortunately, this suite of safety systems is available only with the top of the range model.Not rated by ANCAP, but comes with a full complement of safety gear including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, roll stability control and a reversing camera.Within the front grille, the new signature wing is adopted, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with a halo ring light guide around the head lamp are added to selected models, and rear combination lamps incorporating the new design signature.

The Alltrack represents an interesting move by the ‘do no wrong’ Volkswagen group. Essentially a Passat wagon with a lift kit, it is likely to give some stick to Subaru's Outback, not to mention Volvo's quieter achiever the XC70. All three are cast in the same mold.Alltrack is priced from a very competitive $47,790 which includes an auto. Standard features include satnav, Bluetooth, media device interface, heated front seats, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, fog lights, stainless steel door sill plates with the 'Alltrack' signature, comfort seats in Vienna leather, interior accents in Titanium silver (signature on ashtray cover), pedals in brushed stainless steel and dual zone climate control.Other 'Alltrack' signatures are located at the front and rear of the vehicle and the instrument cluster greets the driver with the signature. 17 inch alloys are standard fitted with 225/50 rubber along with dual chromed tailpipes.It's powered by VW's acclaimed 2.0-litre turbodiesel, hooked up to a six-speed dual clutch tranmission with power fed to all four wheels. The diesel is good for 125kW and 350 Nm or torque, the latter from a low 1750 revs. During normal operation only 10 per cent of torque is channelled to the rear wheels to save on fuel. It can tow an 1800kg load and has a full-sized steel spare. Fuel consumption from the 70-litre tank is rated at 6.3 litres/100km.Alltrack comes with eight airbags, daytime running lights and electronic stability control as standard. Fatigue detection is also standard and detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal lasting five seconds; a visual message also appears in the instrument cluster recommending that the driver take a break from driving.We clocked up more than 500km of country kilometres behind the wheel. It's an easy car to live with and easy to drive, with comfortable seats that is suitable to long distance travel. The optional lane departure warning system comes into its own on country roads, but seems a bit haphazard in its reaction (sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't). During our tenure the car returned 8.1 litres/100km, a far cry from the 6.3 quoted (or 5.7 for extra-urban) but with 1500km on the clock it is still a long way from returning its best figures.The car stands 60mm higher and ground clearance is 165mm, more than the road going version but not nearly enough for anything serious. The engine however is protected by a solid engine underbody guard made of a steel plate. This protects the engine, gearbox, oil sump, exhaust system (front section) and various hoses from damage.An 'off road' button accommodates the demands of dirt or other slippery surfaces, automatically activating hill descent control, raising gear shift points and deactivating the engine Stop/Start system. It also introduces a higher threshold for the anti-lock brakes and the electronic differential locks (EDS) react quicker to prevent wheel spin, in parallel with with the engine's torque control (ASR) which is also modified.Likeable car. Looks great and attracts plenty of comment. Well priced and extremely well equipped, it includes a lot of technology for the ask and is likely to appeal to those who tow a boat and/or those who like to tread the path less beaten.