Articles by Chris Riley

If you're in the market for a four-wheel drive wagon the Captiva is a good starting point. It's well priced, well specified and makes a pretty good fist of it. Sure, it's made in Korea but that doesn't seem to worry most people.ENGINEThe 3.0-litre petrol V6 in our test vehicle produces 190kW of power and 288Nm of torque. It's the same engine as the smaller of the sixes in the Commodore range, even though the Captiva is built in Korea.For $1000 more however you can have a turbo diesel engine. Despite the extra cost of buying diesel fuel, it's definitely the way to go. The V6 is hooked up to a 6 speed auto with the facility to change gears manually, but alas no change paddles.ALL WHEEL DRIVEWith 200mm of ground clearance and no low range gearing, it's not going to get you too far off road. But all wheel drive is beneficial in the dirt and slippery conditions like mud and snow. Having said that, for most of the time it remains front drive.It's only when the system detects a loss of traction that it starts to send power to the rear wheels up to 50 per cent. This all takes place within 100 milliseconds. It also has a space saver spare and can tow up to 1700kg.FUEL CONSUMPTIONFuel consumption is officially rated at 10.1 litres/100km for the V6, giving it a theoretical range of 644km. The fact that it remains front wheel drive most of the time helps to reduce consumption because it doesn't have to work as hard. Using E10 we were getting 10.5 litres/100km, with a total of 514km from a single tank.SAFETYScores a maximum five-star safety rating, with six airbags and electronic stability control, active rollover protection and self-levelling rear suspension.WE LIKEWe like the size, comfort and ease of operation. It looks pretty good too. It's not too big and not too small with a third row of seats that pack flat into the floor when not needed. With the third row not in use boot space is generous.Rear parking sensors are standard, Bluetooth is also standard to connect your mobile, but there's no indicator to confirm it’s connected. Scheduled servicing is every 15000km or six months, whichever comes first.WE DON'T LIKENone of the steering wheel mounted controls are backlit for night operation and only the drive's door window controls are lit. It might sound like a minor thing but try turning on and engaging cruise control in the dark. By the way you have to hit the cruise button twice before it is activated and cruiser will engage. The electric parking brake is more of a hindrance than help. Needs a second power outlet in the front console.VERDICTAn all rounder. Does nothing particularly well, but nothing badly at the same time either. Our test vehicle the CX is priced from $38,490 before onroads. Its competitors are all more expensive. Like we said though you'd be better off spending another $1000 on the diesel which will deliver better economy.Holden Captiva 7Price: from $42,490Warranty: 100,00km, 3 yearsWeight: 1852kgEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 190kW/288NmTransmission: 6-speed sports automatic, 4X4 on demandThirst: 10.1L/100Km, 241CO2 emissions

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?Toyota's top of the line Landcruiser 200. Fitted with a V8 turbo diesel and all the trimmings.How much?Deep breath. $118,490 plus on road costs. That's a lot of money for a Toyota no matter how good it might be (mind you it's cheaper than the $140K Lexus)What are competitors?The aforementioned Lexus (brothers under the skin), top of the line Discovery and maybe the Ranger Rover Sport? Top of the line Patrol is not in the same ball park at just over $70K.What's under the bonnet?4.5-litre twin turbo V8 diesel. Kicks out 195kW of power and 650Nm of torque from 1600 revs. It's hooked up to a 6-speed automatic, with full time four-wheel drive. Can tow 3500kg.How does it go?Effortless is probably the best description. But it's a big wobbly truck that doesn't like to be hurried through corners. Off road however it has few rivals. Multi-Terrain Select that regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions with five driver-selectable modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand.Is it economical?The diesel is rated at 10.3 litres/100km. We were getting 11.9 after 300km, with 600km to go according to the computer. With a 138 litre tank it has theoretical range of 1340km. At $1.42 or so a litre for diesel that still around $15 per 100km.Is it green?Make that a no. Gets only two stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide. Benchmark Prius gets five.Is it safe?It's been around since 2007 but apparently hasn't been tested yet (last one got four stars).Is it comfortable?Like a loungeroom. Lots of leather and wood and it feels like you're driving on pillows. The beige/brown decor is real old school.What's it like to drive?Think big. Generally quiet inside. Smooth and responsive in a straightline, but gets out of shape easily with too much corner speed. Like the digital speedo display. Better satnav but misses out on speed camera warnings.Is it value for money?Additional kit includes Multi-Terrain Monitor with four cameras for checking terrain hazards. Also has four-zone air and airconditioned front seats, upgraded navigation system, power-operated tailgate, and three-position memory for the power driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors. Kids will like rear seat DVD with three pairs of wireless headphones.Would we buy one?Probably not. Unless we needed the seven seats we'd opt for something smaller and more dynamic.

The automotive industry is on the brink of revolutionary change, which will be engendered by the advent of autonomous or "self-driving" vehicles and the timing may be sooner than you think, according to a new report by KPMG LLP, the US audit, tax and advisory firm, and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). The report, titled Self-Driving Car: The Next Revolution, is based on interviews with leading technologists, automotive industry leaders, academicians, and regulators as well as research and analysis of industry trends. The study examines the forces of change, the current and emerging technologies, the path to bring these innovations to market, the likelihood that they will achieve wide adoption from consumers, and their potential impact on the automotive ecosystem. “For the past 100 years, the automotive industry has been a force for innovation and economic growth,” said Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG LLP and co-author of the report. "Now the pace of innovation is speeding up and the industry is on the brink of a new technological revolution with ‘self-driving’ vehicles.” In the report, KPMG and CAR present the hypotheses on how self-driving vehicle technology could unfold and its potential impacts, with an emphasis on the convergence of sensor-based and communication-based vehicle technologies. The report points out that the new technology could provide solutions to some of our most intractable social problems the high cost of traffic crashes and transportation infrastructure, the millions of hours wasted in traffic jams, and the wasted urban space given over to parking lots, just to name a few. “For those who embrace innovation and opt to lead rather than follow, a new frontier is opening in the realm of mobility services,” Richard Wallace, director, Transportation Systems Analysis at CAR and co-author of the report, said. “Some may ask if it is still just science fiction or if the market will accept them and pay for them. We think the answer is a resounding yes. The marketplace will not merely accept self-driving vehicles; it will be the engine pulling the auto industry forward.”  

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?Good question. Never really GOT the Berlina and it is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Sits between the Omega and Calais, but the entry Omega is so well equipped these days why bother?The petrol one is $43,490 and the LPG model is $45,990 (but remember you get a $2000 rebate back from the Government for being gas). Omega LPG is $42,490.Falcon of course. But we reckon its greatest threat lies in the SV6 which looks so much better and is only $300 more (I know which one we'd buy).Dedicated 3.6-litre LPG engine. Make that vapour injection gas engine, with 180kW of power and 320Nm of torque (petrol 210kW/350Nm).Well enough. But it's all about the cost of running, with LPG only around 60 cents a litre at the time of writing. We put $20 in to top it off and it half filled the tank seriously you've got to like that?It's rated at 11.8 litres/100km. The tank is supposed to hold 84.4 litres which gives it a maximum range of 715km. We got 701km out of a single tank at 12.2 according to the trip computer  talk about a close shave.Gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide with CO2 emissions of 189g/km. A Prius by the way gets 5 stars (not bad).Yep. Full five stars for safety, with six airbags, stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution.Comfort is one of the Commodore's fortes. It's big and armchair comfortable. Easy to get in and out of and easy to drive.It's not going to set the world on fire but like we said it's all about economy. If you want or need a large car but don't want to foot the bill for driving one, then LPG could be right for you. It's cheap and it's readily available, even in the country  but remember these days you can't put petrol in it you can't find any.You don't get auto wipers, twin exhausts or a rear spoiler. But for the extra dough you get larger 17 inch alloys, fog lights, leather clad steering wheel, a trip computer with more features, rear park assist, a flash drive for audio storage, bolstered seats anda  centre arm rest in the back.

About the only thing we didn't fancy about this car on first encounter was its lack of bluetooth.It should be standard on all cars these days because talking and texting on a mobile phone has been shown to be hazardous to your health, not to mention your licence. Skoda must have been listening because shortly after taking delivery of our test vehicle it decided to make Bluetooth standard across the range.DESIGNThe Yeti is Skoda's odd yet somehow very appealing compact SUV, combining the strengths of an off roader with the practicality and running costs of a hatch. Yeti sits on the same platform as VW's Tiguan which in turn is an off road version of the Golf. Our test vehicle is priced from $37,990.ENGINEYeti comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Our test car is the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs. It's hooked up to the 6-speed version of VW's acclaimed DSG double clutch transmission that functions the same as an auto. The diesel is tried and true, but tends to sound like a truck at idle which can be off-putting.4X4During normal operation 96 per cent of the engine's torque is delivered to the front wheels. If the sensors detect a difference in speed between the front and rear axles, the system diverts up to 90 per cent of torque to the rear wheels. Thanks to a limited slip rear diff, drive is also distributed evenly from side to side. The diesel model also scores under body protection for offroading.VARIOFLEXVario what? The rear passenger compartment features Skoda's innovative VarioFlex seating system. It allows the seats to be positioned in many different ways, folded up or removed completely. What's more, the rear seat is 20mm higher for a better view.FUEL CONSUMPTIONThe diesel is good for 6.2 litres/100km and with a 60-litre tank that gives it a theoretical range of 967km. In practice we've been getting between 6.6 and 6.7 litres/100km, with a best of 710km from a single tank (but we haven't tried to run it dry yet).SAFETYYeti scores a maximum five stars for safety, with a total of seven airbags including a driver's kneebag to protect the lower legs from contact with the dash in an accident.OTHER GOODIESCruise is standard along with a full size spare wheel, height and reach adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and an 8-speaker audio system. The diesel adds dual air, auto lights and wipers, 17 inch alloys, fog lights and a height-adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar support.WE LIKEIt's cute looks and compact dimensions, along with the promise of diesel economy and the added safety of all wheel drive (not to mention the fact it doesn't mind getting its toes dirty).WE DON'T LIKEAll good so far, except for over the shoulder vision is hanmped by the large B pillar that sits directly behind the driver when looking to merge right.Skoda Yeti 103TDIPrice: From $35,690Warranty: 3 year roadsideSafety rating: (est). Five starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel / 2.0-litre 4-cyl sports automatic 103kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic dual clutch; 4x4 constantBody: 4223mm (L); 1793mm (W); 1691mm (H)Weight: 1615kg / 1640kgThirst: 6.2/100km 162g/km CO2 / 6.7/100km 174g/km CO2

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?Holden's no frills, entry level off road wagon, with a four cylinder petrol engine, manual transmission, two-wheel drive and seating for five occupants as the name suggests.How much?$27,990 driveaway. That buys you plenty of wagon. At the moment it also comes with a sunroof and 18 inch alloys at no extra cost (seven-seater is another $6000).What are competitors?Plenty of them but Captiva is targeted primarily at the Ford Territory. Other contenders for around the same money include Great Wall's X200 ($1000 less and for diesel), plus the Hyundai iX35 and Kia Sportage clones.What's under the bonnet?2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine, with 123kW of power and 230Nm of torque. It's hooked up to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed auto, with drive to the front wheels.How does it go?Okay. Surprisingly enthusiastic. The gearing feels well matched to the engine and it remains responsive to the throttle even in fifth and sixth gears. But that's with just one person aboard. Stick in another four bods and it could be a completely different story.Is it economical?Rated at 8.8 litres/100km, we were getting 9.8 after about 300 easy kilometres. Has a 65-litre tank and takes standard unleaded. Still had 450km to go according to the trip computer. Will also take E85 blend ethanol if you can find it.Is it green?Gets 3.5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide. Better than the diesel or larger six cylinder petrol models. Prius sets the pace with 5 out of 5.Is it safe?Yep. Full five stars, with six airbags and a full range of safety systems including electronic stability control, roll over protection and anti-lock brakes.Is it comfortable?Feels its price. Plenty of hard plastic. Let's just say it's not uncomfortable. The ergonomics could do with some work though. Try working out how to use cruise control in the dark.What's it like to drive?Nothing special. Gear change awkward at times. Does the job and that is about all. Hill holder is handy for hill starts. Holds the car for a few seconds while you get it into gear and move off (bit hard to do a hill start with an electric brake).Is it value for money?Yes and no. Tows up to 1500kg. Can't believe it doesn't come with Bluetooth (at least we couldn't find any). It's almost a given these days and standard across the Commodore range (nothing like consistency). Capped price serving not to be sneezed at ($245 a visit).Would we buy one?If money was a consideration yes. If it was not then there are plenty of other choices. The diesel Captiva is a much better drive as is the Territory (but Territory is $40K).Holden Captiva 5 Price: from $27,990Warranty: 3 years, 100,000kmWeight: 1640 kgEngine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinderTransmission: 6-speed, manual, front wheel driveThirst: 8.8l/100Km, 209 CO2 emissions 

Picture this. The boss tells you that everyone at work is going to get a tattoo of the company logo to show their loyalty. Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . would you do it?The crazy, fun-loving Swedes at Volvo's skunkworks Polestar have done exactly that all 30 of them (they're so passionate about their brand). Launched in 1996, Polestar has been involved in motor racing for many years but has only recently turned its expert hand to building a go fast, road-going Volvo.The result is completely insane. Polestar has built only one of the cars so far and word has it that it will soon be in the hands of noted collector, US talk show host Jay Leno. The price? A cool $US300,000.THE GOODSWith a turbo-charged 3.0-litre six, the all-wheel drive S60 Polestar produces an astounding 374kW of power (or 508 horsepower in the old money) and thumping 575Nm of torque. It has a top speed of more than 300km/h and blasts from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.DISASTER STRIKESSorry Jay. But there could be a slight holdup. For one thing, we blew the clutch driving the beast at Volvo's proving ground outside Gothenburg. Well, not personally, but we were part of a crew of Aussie journos that put the car in the pits.THE DETAILSFinished in stunning blue with gunmetal 19 in alloys, the S60 Polestar is a whole lotta car. Planning for a production version is still in the early stages, but the good news is that Australia is one of three countries that will be getting it  along with the UK and US.Sitting 30mm lower than the already sporty T6 on which it is based, the guards and front and rear aprons have all been replaced with pumped out, carbon-fibre panels to accommodate the larger, wider wheels shod with 265/35 Michelins.The track is 20mm wider and the body has been braced and reinforced to accommodate the extra demands of the powertrain that produces a massive 67 per cent more power. Power is fed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual tranny, Haldex clutch and limited slip rear diff.PERFORMANCEBloody quick. It's difficult to get off the line cleanly, but hits hard once the big Garrett turbocharger kicks in. It brakes hard too, late and deep into corners, with six-pot Brembo stoppers up front.THE COMPETITIONAlthough it hasn't signed off on the project its obvious Volvo plans to build a production version.How close it is in spec to the original remains to be seen? It will more than likely be determined by the competition, BMW's M3 and the Benz C63 AMG sedans not forgetting the Lexus IS-F. The cheapest, the IS-F, is priced from $127,000.TOO MUCH?It's almost too much car, especially on the tight circuit with little room for runoff. The engine revs to 7100rpm before the rev limiter kicks in which happens quickly, with holographic LEDs to indicate its time to change up. The thing is the production version will really need to be offered with a self-shifter, whether it's an auto or twin clutch.They are so much better at getting off the line quickly and, for those attracted by the lure of this tasty morsel  that's what it's all about. OZ Volvo Cars Australia is of course keen to get hold of the car, more for the halo effect that it will have on the brand than sales it will generate. Certainly, no one in their right mind could label this another "boring" Volvo  not by any stretch of the imagination.Volvo S60 PolestarPrice: from $US300,000Weight: 1640kgEngine: 3.0-litre six turbo-charged, 374kW/575NmTransmission: six-speed manual, all wheel driveTop speed: over 300kmph0-100kmph: 3.9 secs

Let's get something straight. The 4008 might be a successor to the 4007 soft roader but the two cars really have nothing in common. The 4008 does however have quite a lot in common with Mitsubishi's ASX of which it is almost a copy  apart from the styling.The two companies were looking at a merger back in 2008 but the deal fell over. It did however give rise to some shared projects: the Outlander-based 4007 was one and now the smaller ASX-based 4008. Some would suggest the car's Mitsubishi heritage is a positive that will instil confidence in the brand and attract punters that would not ordinarily shop Peugeot.DESIGNAll exterior panels, apart from the doors are unique to the 4008. The off-road character has been accentuated with a vertical grille, body sill protectors and prominent wheel arch protection  wheel arches that accommodate larger and fancier 18in wheels. The interior exudes a rich feel with soft touch surfaces, piano black trim and chrome highlights.MECHANICALSSame 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces the same power and torque at 110kW and 197Nm. Same 6-speed CVT style continuously variable auto, with paddle gear shifters and the same instruments and switch gear inside. All wheel drive is standard, but two-wheel drive can be selected. It's a case of spot the difference.WHICH ONE?So, the question becomes which one? Based on price and length of warranty you'd have to pick the ASX (with 5 years on the drivetrain).But it's not that easy because the Peugeot is covered by fixed price servicing for the first three years. Service costs are capped at $330 a year for the first three years and that includes a valet service.PRICESSurprisingly, the French chic does not command an exorbitant premium. Prices for ASX start at $25,990 while the 4008 kicks off at $28,990. But the gap narrows to $1500 at the top of the tree, with $36,990 for the Aspire and $38,490 for the top of the range Allure.But, before you go racing for the door, check out the spec sheet because there's some significant differences  like the fact satnav is standard on the Aspire but a $1495 option with the Peugeot. The Aspire also boasts a hi-end 9-speaker Rockford-Fosgate audio system, complete with separate subwoofer.SAFETYBoth are fitted with seven airbags and both come with an array of safety systems including a reversing camera. The ASX scores five stars and there's no reason to believe the Peugeot though not tested yet would not attract the same rating.DRIVINGThe CVT transmission while convenient doesn't do the car any favours. It doesn't feel as powerful as the figures suggest and you need to select manual mode to really get it moving. Thankfully paddle shifts are provided to make the job easier.Where's the hell is the diesel? Mitsubishi offers a diesel and Peugeot which is renowned for its diesels offers one overseas, but there's no suggestion that it will bring one here? Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1 litres/100km (we were getting 7.8). Good to see a full sized spare in the boot, but it's limited to 80km/h.VERDICTLooks good, more stylish, particularly the strong front and the effect is underlined by the larger cavity filling wheels. But the performance is average and it needs satnav and an audio upgrade to keep pace with the Mitsubishi.

There's some good news and some bad news. The good news is that BMW is about to deliver one of the hottest hatches that Australia has ever seen. The bad news is that delivery of the car has been delayed, at least until the end of the year.Apparently a small flaw has been detected in the design of the wheels and you know what perfectionists the Germans are . . . The exciting BMW M135i tops the 1 Series range and partners the $75,000 135i M Sport Coupe - but it's going to be cheaper and offers the added versatility of a five-door hatch. There's a three-door version too, but we'll only be taking the five-door for which the company says there's a greater demand.POWERThe turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six with direct injection develops a maximum 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque from an ultra low 1300 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed sports auto, with drive through the rear wheels.All-wheel drive is available overseas but it won't be offered in Australia (for some obscure reason). The coupe in comparison produces 225kW and 400Nm of torque.THE STATSThere's not much in it. The dash from 0-100km/h takes just 4.9 seconds for the auto and 5.1 seconds for the manual. Of particular note however is the fact the car is just as quick as the previous 254Kw 1M Coupe and only a tenth of a second slower than the hallowed M3.DESIGNIt looks a whole lot better without that nasty 'banana' line of the previous 1 Series. The blunt, squared off front end projects a feeling of power and the proportions are better this time, giving the car a more cohesive look. But we're still not real keen on the rear apron, especially the black, cutout section.NOT A REAL M?No, it's not a real BMW M model - but it's pretty damn close. Suffice to say it looks the part, sounds the bizz and goes like a cat on a hot tin roof. As well as the powerhouse engine, it's fitted with a body kit and M Sport suspension, that drops the ride height 10mm.It can also be optioned with adaptive suspension and electronically controlled dampers. M Sport four and two-piston stoppers have been added and it sits on 18 inch ferric grey alloys, with 225/40s front and 245/35s at the back.FUEL ECONOMYIt's actually not too bad. It benefits from BMW's Efficient Dynamics program and is fitted with auto start/stop as well as offering the ECO PRO driving mode to maximise fuel economy. Average fuel consumption for the manual is a claimed 8.0 litres/100km and 7.5 litres/100km for the auto. We recorded a figure of 11.2 litres/100km over a distance of about 120km at the launch of the M135i this week in Germany which wasn't bad considering the way we were driving.THE DRIVEIn a word, impressive. The engine is as smooth as silk. But that smooth visage hides a crouching tiger. Ambling along the highway the car cruises smoothly and effortlessly, with little input from the driver. But, punch the accelerator, and it takes off - no, make that blasts off. The rear of the car squats and squirms in quick succession as the specially developed tyres scramble to put all that power to ground. Bang. Bang. Bang. The gears snap home one after the other, either automatically or using the large steering wheel mounted change paddles.Off throttle it has lovely bubbling burble. The car has that typical BMW feel and smell, composed and confident with a chunky sports wheel that's ergonomically perfect - or is it the other way around? With a wider track and longer wheelbase, the car sits flat and almost attached to the road, with high levels of grip that will challenge the tightest corners. Then there's the four-piston M Sport brakes that bite hard but progressively when the need arises. Overtaking can be accomplished almost at will. All in all, it's a force to be reckoned with.VERDICTWhat's not to like? It's cheaper and faster than the coupe and half the price of an M3. And you get the versatility of a hatch thrown in, which means it will fit right in with an active lifestyle.BMW has put a price tag of $68,400 on the M135i and even at that price there will be no shortage of takers. Yes. It's a bloke thing, but anything that can blast from 0 to 100km/h in less than five seconds deserves our continued and undivided attention. Thank you BMW.BMW M135iPrice: from $68,400Engine: 3.0 litre 6-cyl petrol 235kW/450NmTransmission: 6-speed auto or 8-speed manual; RWD0-100kmph: 4.9 seconds automatic; 5.1 seconds manualThirst: 7.5L/100 automatic; 8.0L/100km manual 

The flagship of BMW's 3 Series range will soon be a hybrid, a petrol-electric car with plenty of performance and fuel economy to match.When we hear the term hybrid, it usually conjurs up images of a geekmobile, a car created in the name of fuel economy that no one really wants to drive.The first hybrids might have been like this, but there's another kind of hybrid these days - one that draws on the electric motor to boost performance (rather than just reduce emissions and fuel consumption). Lexus has been one of the pioneers in this area but now the others are starting to follow suit.UNDER THE BONNETThe ActiveHybrid 3 features BMW's 225kW/400Nm twin turbo 3.0-litre petrol straight six, together with a 40kW/210Nm electric motor, for a combined system output of 250kW and 450Nm - 25KW more power and 50Nm more torque than the 335i on which it is based. Modulating the delivery of power to the rear wheels is an eight-speed hybrid automatic transmission that has been integrated with the electric motor into the one housing.The 675Wh lithium-ion battery pack is tucked away under the boot. In addition to the conventional 14 volt electrical system, there's also a 317 volt system that powers the aircon system providing cooling for both passengers and the battery. It's the same hybrid powertrain as that in the ActiveHybrid 5.ELECTRIC ONLYYou can't plug this car in and charge it. Charging happens as part of normal driving when the engine is not under load. But it can run on electric power only up to a speed of 75 km/h. With a full charge and keeping to a speed of 35km/h, it has a range of up to 4km - not very far but okay for running down to the shops or around the city.THE STATSThe battery pack and other hybrid components add 135kg to the weight of the car and boot space is reduced by 90 litres, but the split fold rear seat remains. The car accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.Fuel consumption is 5.9 litres/100km, down from 7.2 litres/100km and it emits 139g/km of CO2. To reduce fuel the system shuts down the engine at traffic lights as well as when braking or cruising up to a speed of 160km/h.THE COMPETITIONThe Lexus GS450h and soon to be launched Infiniti M35h spring to mind. Neither of them are slouches either, but the Beemer has the edge on both - on paper at least. Both the Lexus and the Infiniti are two tenths slower to 100km/h - at 5.5 seconds. Can't wait until we see them go head to head.THE DRIVEMake no mistake, this car is first and foremost a 335i, with twin turbos and plenty of mumbo. Punch the accelerator and it takes off with a snarl from the twin exhausts. Acceleration is strident, the engine note impressive and it's an exciting car to drive. The Hybrid is all this and more.To quantify this the dash from 0-100km/h in the 335i takes 5.5 seconds while the Hybrid3 takes just 5.3 seconds. But no one drives like this for very long and keeps their licence. Most of the time the vast majority of drivers pedal their car softly and that is where the hybrid system comes into its own. For most of the time it means you can be green.To make the most of the hybrid system you must first put the car into ECO PRO mode, one of several drive modes available. In this mode the car makes more frequent use of full  electric mode for maximum fuel efficiency. The rev counter area includes displays showing the amount of boost being provided by the electric motor during acceleration, as well as energy flow and energy recaptured during braking.Driving in ECO Pro mode this week in Germany we felt the engine turn off frequently at traffic lights, as well as when lifting off the accelerator or just driving slowly with a light application of the throttle. The result after about 120km of driving was 8.2 litres/100km, not outstanding but we weren't really trying - others got in the low 6s. ECO Pro is designed to work in tandem with the car's satellite navigation system, looking ahead to see where it can deactivate the petrol engine to save fuel. As well as ECO Pro mode, other drive modes include comfort, sport and sport plus. However, if you care more about performance, you can option a quick-shifting sports auto, with a customised selector lever, more aggressive change pattern and wheel mounted paddle shifts.VERDICTCivic duty or devious marketing ploy? It's an intriguing way to entice people to buy and drive more hybrids, in effect giving them a 335i but with a top up in performance. The twin turbo 335i has an enviable reputation as a driver's car - it will be interesting to see what the public makes of this one? The ActiveHybrid 3 joins the ActiveHybrid 5 here in October. The price is expected to be less than $100,000.