Articles by Chris Riley

You'd think more power would mean higher fuel consumption. But amazingly the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG uses 30 per cent less fuel than its predecessor.The clever engineers in the Benz go-fast department (the equivalent of Holden's HSV) have called on a bag of tricks to bring down the 5.5-litre V8's fuel consumption including start/stop which turns the engine off at traffic lights and cylinder shutdown that as its name suggests shuts down up to four of the eight cylinders to save fuel when they are not needed.THE V8The same 5.5-litre capacity as the previous model. Based on the force-fed V8 that powers the E63 and other models. It's been totally re-engineered, with a new cylinder heads and induction. Produces 310kW of power and 540Nm of torque, compared with 265kW and 510 before.HOW FAST?0-100km/h takes a rapid 4.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. The cheaper C63 with the performance pack fitted does it in 4.4 secs and the fabulous SLS Gullwing is good for a blistering 3.8 seconds.FUEL CONSUMPTIONA claimed 8.5 litres/100km, down almost 30 per cent. Benz claims it's the most economical V8 available anywhere int the world. We didn't see anything like this on the launch but we tend to go a bit harder than the average punter. Our lowest figure for the day was 11.2 litres/100km.HOW MUCH?$155,000 plus on-roads ($24K less than the previous model). But there are some options you may wish to consider including the aforementioned handling pack for $8825. The magic sky roof adds another $4500.THE ROOF The sectioned metal roof takes 20 seconds to raise or lower transforming the car from a coupe to a cabrio for that unequalled wind in your hair experience. The roof panel can in fact be replaced with a polycarbonate section that can be changed from opaque to transparent at the push of a button  just like magic.PRECIOUSThe catalytic convertor, one of them at least, is coated with palladium which is one of the most expensive precious metals in the world. Just another reason not to leave it parked anywhere.THE DRIVEIt's a sports car and as expected accelerates quickly and has very high levels of grip, but the short wheelbase means it tends to move around a lot on bumpy country roads. The smoother the road the better it is and the more relaxed the driving experience.With such a big engine in such a small car straight line performance is impressive and overtaking is always an option. Punch the throttle and it simply a matter of pulling it back before things becomes illegal. The seven-speed auto is slick, never caught short and even blips the throttle on downchanges, with three modes included controlled efficiency. The four-piston front brakes bite hard but can be upgraded to ceramic ones for additional sum.THE SOUNDLovely when you can hear it. Employs a variable baffle system that progressively raises the volume the harder you push. Too bad you can't turn it off because the best time to appreciate the blat of the V8 is when you're taking it easy cruising down the boulevarde with the top down.MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55 AMGPrice: from $155,000Engine: 5.5litre, V8Outputs: 310kw/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic

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?Mazda's goofy looking, all new singing and dancing ute. The XTR sits between the XT and GT models and this one has the six-speed manual. It and the Ford Ranger are twins under the skin.Prices start at $32,590 plus on-roads. This one is $48,810. The optional six-speed auto adds $2000 to the price.The Ford Ranger springs to mind. Same mechanicals but better looking. Then there's the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton not to mention VW's more expensive Amarok.The range kicks off with a 2.2-litre diesel, but this one gets a big 3.2-litre five cylinder diesel that kicks out 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs. No mention of a petrol model.Rated at 8.9 litres/100km (auto gets 9.2) We clocked up 500km at a rate of 8.8 litres/100km just taking it easy.Pretty zippy for such a big bus. The short shifting manual is ideal for getting through the gears in a hurry but, with narrow gates, it's easy to muff the change if you're not paying attention. Hills require little effort, even in top gear.Gets 2.5 out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5). Produces 235g/km of C02. All variants with side airbags (which includes this one) score a maximum five stars for safety which means it could double as a means of family transport.Relatively. The suspension is truck hard and jiggly on all but the smoothest roads, but you have to expect this from a ute (especially an off road one).Fun. That's the important thing. At close to 2.1 tonnes, almost 5.4 metres in length and more than 1.8 metres wide, it's a big truck and takes up a lot of driveway. All grades come with cruise control, Bluetooth, power windows and mirrors, airconditioning, and a whole suite of safety technologies. XTR models add 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, satellite navigation and chrome trim.Apart from the goofy styling there's not much to complain about. With an 80-litre tank it has a range approaching 900km, has a 1.1 tonne payload capacity and can tow 3.3 tonnes. Ground clearance is 237mm but is compromised by the side steps.

If you've got the money to buy an S-Class, then you want people to know it and what better way of sending a message than to buy a top of the line Benz?We sampled a couple of the range, but it was the S63 with its fabulous 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 that really caught our attention. The S63 AMG will set you back $392,000.ENGINE AND MECHANICALAlthough it’s a good deal smaller than the V8 it replaces, with an output of 400kW and 800Nm of torque, it produces 14kW more power but incredibly uses 25 per cent less fuel — how do they do that?As one who has seen the way the way these engines are lovingly put together, I can tell you they're a real work of art.The V8 is hooked up to Benz's new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, a traditional style auto but with a multi-plate clutch.Curiously, Benz continues to refer to the car as an S63 despite the fact the previous engine displaced 6.2 litres and this one 5.5 litres. Go figure.AMG has managed these major gains through the introduction of direct petrol injection with sprayguided combustion and piezo injectors.This technology enables improved fuel economy thanks to higher thermodynamic efficiency, which in turn leads to lower exhaust emissions. AMG has combined the spray-guided combustion with bi-turbo charging.Other highlights of the innovative, original eight-cylinder engine from Affalterbach include full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with variable intake valve timing, air/water charge air cooling and generator management.Believe it or not there's also a Controlled Efficiency start/stop function that shuts down the engine at traffic lights to save fuel, unless the transmission is placed in sport mode..DRIVINGHit the throttle and the thing unfurls like the spinnaker on a 12-metre yacht with a southerly buster behind it, filling with an elemental power that drives the car relentlessly forward, majestic in full flight on a long stretch of road. The transmission delivers rapid but extremely smooth gear changes that maximise the engine's power as well as fuel economy.Drive is engaged via a North American style column shift, but manual gear changes are performed using large wheel mounted paddles. Power in the S63 is up 4 per cent, torque is up 27 per cent and fuel economy is down 27 per cent to just 10.6 litres/100km. The dash from 0 to 100km/h takes just 4.5 seconds.Unlike the standard models, the AMG features coil sprung suspension instead of the usual `Airmatic' system, to produce a firmer, flatter ride. It doesn't get better than this.MERCEDES-BENZ 363 AMG W221Price: $392,900Warranty: 3 year roadsideSafety: 6 airbags, blind spot sensor, ABS, EBDCrash rating: N/AEngine: 5.5-litre V8 Body: SedanDimensions: 5122mm (L), 1871mm (W), 1488mm (H)Weight: 2670kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear wheel driveThirst: 10.6/100km 

Wow. What a difference a set of tyres can make. We weren't too impressed with the ride quality in the top of the range Platinum model.But if we owned one of the cars we'd quite happily swap our 18s for a set of the 17 inch wheels from the cheaper Si model. In fact, you could probably downsize the wheels for no extra cost if you can live without the bling.ENGINESame 2.4-litre direct injection four with 148kW of power at 6300 revs and 250Nm of torque at 4250 revs. They're best in class specs, equalled only by the Accord Euro which boasts the same power but not as much torque. It's the same flexible six-speed auto with manual shift too.FUEL ECONOMYTakes regular unleaded and has a big 70-litre fuel tank. That gives you a range of more than 800km with a combined fuel consumption of 7.9 litres/100km. We clocked up 660km at 7.8 (not bad for a car this size). Others reportedly haven't fared as well.SAFETYThe list of active and passive safety features includes ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six SRS airbags and the new tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens which, transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror.THE WHEELSThe Si gets 17in alloys fitted with 215/55 tyres, compared with the Platinum's 18in 225/45s. The taller profile of the Si's tyres have a greater cushioning effect while having little or no effect on handling (not that you'd notice). The trade off is well worth it. Both models get a full size alloy spare.WHAT YOU GETA whole lot of car for your money. A good looking one too. Optima is large and comfortable with plenty of room for four/five adults with a big boot go with it.WHAT YOU MISS OUT ONThe aforementioned 18in alloys, a rear spoiler, daytime LED running lights, push button start, leather upholstery, ventilated/heated driver's seat and the big panoramic sunroof  plus a few other odds and ends. Oh and the audio system has been downgraded, with a separate amp and subwoofer.THE DRIVEHas the point and shoot quality of a big family sedans like the Falcon or Commodore. You hop in, you start, you go  all nice and clean without any fuss. The controls are well laid out and easy to use.The seats are comfy and pairing the phone takes a couple of minutes (unlike some brands). Also has full iPod connectivity.VERDICT Get with the program. If Kia is not on your shopping list, then it should be. Times have changed and it is producing desirable, well built cars which in some cases like this one are better than their Japanese counterparts.KIA OPTIMA SiPrice: from $30,490Warranty: Five years unlimited kilometresEngine: 2.4-litre four cylinder with twin-overhead camshafts and variable valve timingOutput: 148kW/6300 revs, 250Nm/4250revsDimensions: Length: 4845 mm, Width: 1830 mm, Height: 1455 mm, Wheelbase: 2795 mm.Weight: 1551 kg.Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel driveEconomy: 7.9 litres/100kmGreen: CO2 emissions 189g/kmTyres: 225/45 R18. 18-inch alloy. Full-size spare

Just when we were starting to think Kia was holding back its smaller engined Rio, trying to keep it away from the hands of reviewers  until we finally got our hands on one.And, guess what, it's not half bad? In fact, it goes nearly as well as the 2.0-litre Impreza that we happened to drive around the same time.This one's the bottom feeder, priced from $15,290 plus onroads ($200 less than the Hyundai equivalent i20). You can only get the S with three doors and the price is perilously close to that of the Mazda2 with five doors. But this car is as good as the Mazda, newer and better equipped too.1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine produces 79kW and 135Nm. It's not direct injection like the 1.6 and the downside is that it if you want an auto it's going to be a four speed, not the more fancied six with the 1.6 and other models. But hey the manual's a six-speed and that's what we were driving.With a 43-litre tank it takes standard unleaded and has a range of about 750km. Rated at 5.7 litres/100km we were getting 6.6 after a couple of hundred kays according to the trip computer  but we'd expect this figure to improve over time.Sporty looking three door hatch. Goes suprisingly well. The manual is easy to use and the sixth cog leaves it nice and relaxed on the freeway. Full size spare wheel is a bonus. With its excellent economy and safety credentials this would make a perfect first car for teenagers.No worries here. Full five stars for safety with six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist (even gets four-wheel discs which is unusual in this segment). Vehicle Stability Management oversees the whole system and can even adjust the steering pressure if things look like getting out of hand.For an entry level model it is surprisingly well equiiped with airconditioning, rear spoiler, Bluetooth, iPod compatible audio system, steering wheel phone and audio controls as standard. There's also a trip computer with distance to empy, the steering wheel is both tilt and reach adjustable and the driver's seat is height adjustable too.There's not much missing from the package. No alloys, but the 15 inch steel wheels are fitted with decent 185/65 profile tyres. The only thing we'd miss is cruise control.Our fears were unfounded. This has the same engine as the Hyundai i20 but with variable valve timing thrown in and slightly more power. The long and the short of it is that it goes okay, so if price is a consideration and you can't stretch to the 1.6  you won't be disappointed.

The Trailerblazer will wear the lion for Holden under the name Colorado 7. The last big off roader to wear the Holden badge was the Isuzu based Jackaroo in 2004. As its name suggests the Colorado 7 shares its architecture and underpinnings with the new Colorado range of utes due to arrive here mid-year. General Motors has taken the unusual step of replacing the ute's leaf springs with a mult-ilink rear suspension setup that it said improves on-road handling and ride quality. Colorado's offroad credentials are underscored by standard fitment of a low range transfer case and locking differentials on 4WD models. It will be available in rear and all-wheel drive confiurations, with petrol and diesel power trains like the ute. A big brother to the Captiva, the Colorado 7 is expected to appeal to a broader range of customers, with greater capacity and serious off road ability. Two turbo diesels have been confirmed, a 2.5-litre four cylinder engine producing 110kW/350Nm and a 2.8-litre version of the same engine that delivers 132kW/470Nm, paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed auto. No word yet on what petrol combinations will be offered. The seven-seat wagon will be able to tow a 3 tonne boat, caravan or trailer  500kg less than the ute. Competitors include the usual suspects as well as the Isuzu version of the same vehicle plus a wagon based on the Ford Ranger utility on which Ford is said to be working. Holden's John Elsworth said the growing popularity of SUVs in Australia would ensure the new Colorado 7 had a ready-made fan base when it is launched at the end of 2012. "Australians are buying more SUVs than ever before, and we've seen this demand reflected in the growing popularity of our Series II Captiva range," Elsworth said. "The Colorado 7 will be a perfect fit for customers looking for the increased packaging flexibility and lifestyle benefits of clever interior storage, seven seats and rugged off-road performance. "Developed to deliver everything Australians could want from a tough 4WD, with coil-sprung five-link rear suspension and a competitive 3-tonne towing capacity the Colorado 7 will be an impressive addition to our SUV line-up. "Its heavy-duty 4WD credentials and refined driving characteristics make it equally at home in the suburbs and off the beaten track." Due early next year, Australians will get their first look at the Colorado 7, most likely in concept form, at October's Sydney motor show.The Colorado 7 was designed in Brazil and will be built in Thailand alongside the Colorado utility. More information, specification and pricing details will be revealed closer to launch.

No wonder they held the diesel back for the launch of this car last month. The Skyactiv-D performs so much better than the petrol-powered model that frankly it's embarrassing. But this performance comes at a cost because its available only with the more expensive models, only with all-wheel drive and only with the automatic. No talk of a cheapie . . . not yet.The five-seat CX-5 is a replacement for the sporty CX-7 and the first of Mazda's cars to feature the full array of Skyactiv fuel saving measures. In the short time that it has been out the petrol model has been widely criticised for its lack of throttle response. But anyone driving the diesel for the first time is unlikely to harbour any of these feelings. With 129kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the Skyactiv engine boasts class leading torque and fuel economy and is so far ahead of the field it doesn't bare comparison.It is 2.2-litres in capacity like the old MZR-CD diesel in the Mazda3 and 6, but this is a much more sophisticated engine. Puts out more power and uses less fuel than either one of them too. Operates at a very low compression for a diesel. This means additional precautions to avoid cold start problems, but the benefits are a cleaner, more controlled burn with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. You can read all about it here: https://www.mazda.com.au/mazda-news/Hallelujah. As well as the diesel this marks the introduction of Mazda's first automatic to be paired with a diesel engine. It's been a long time coming but it's been worth the wait. Together with the six-speed auto, the diesel accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of 204km/h. You can change gears manually via the shifter but really with so much torque on tap there's little need. The engine responds quickly to the throttle, delivering effortless performance.Impressive. Not as smooth or quiet as the petrol engine, but not what you'd call noisey either. The tyres are noisier if anything. Good off the mark acceleration and at lower revs coming out of corners. Doesn't suffer from the awkward kick down issues that the petrol engine does. For those interested the diesel all-wheel drive can tow up to 1.8 tonnes.Like the petrol engine is features start/stop technology that automatically shuts the engine down at traffic lights to save fuel. The diesel is rated at 5.7 litres/100km. Normally the manufactuer's claim does not translate to the cut and thrust of daily driving, but in this case we're happy to report the figure is certainly obtainable. We managed 5.6 litres/100km on one leg of the launch without too much effort. We'd expect figures in the mid 7s for daily use.It's all good until you get to the price because the diesel is going to cost you $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model. It's available with the mid spec Maxx Sport and top of the range Grand Touring models, priced from $39,040 and $46,200 respectively both before on-road costs. The optional tech pack which includes automatic high beam, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring is unfortunately available only with the Grand Touring for an extra $1990.

I read recently where someone had completed a loop of Tasmania driving one of these cars. They managed it on a single tank, travelling 821km and using an average of 4.82 litres/100km. To put this in perspective the Insight is officially rated at 4.6 litres/100km. We haven't been getting anything like this sort of economy, but at the same time the little Honda hybrid doesn't use much fuel. According to the trip computer, which provides an extensive range of information - we've been getting 5.7 litres/100km but that's in ordinary day to day driving. DESIGNLooking for all the world like a smaller version of Toyota's Prius, the Honda Insight is a remarkably likeable car. Although the design is completely new, it does in fact sit on the same platform as the Jazz and its sedan counterpart the City. In fact, from the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the City. The five-door liftback offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space saver spare.It seats four in comfort but is a little squeezy with five and rear headroom could be an issue for taller people.VALUEThe good news is that this hybrid is not going to cost you an arm and a leg. At a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative to a traditional hatch or even fuel efficient diesel.TECHNOLOGYInsight is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine together with an electric motor that provides assistance during acceleration. The combined output of the 65kW petrol engine and 10kW electric motor is 72kW. The electric motor contributes up to 10kW at 1500 revs and 78Nm of torque at 1000 revs, assisting in acceleration and cruising at low-to-mid vehicle speeds. Maximum torque of 167Nm is delivered at a very low 1000 revs thanks to the instant-on power delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration.DRIVINGWith a 40-litre tank, all important fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6 litres/100km, giving the car a theoretical range of about 870km. The hybrid powertrain is teamed with a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy. With no discernible gear changes it has a zoom like quality, but there's a sport setting for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. The VTi-L model comes with a fully featured satnav/entertainment system with full iPod integration.You can trawl by title, album or artist and it also recognises playlists. Insight comes comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.Honda Insight VTi-LPrice: from $33,490Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000kmResale: N/AService Interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.Body: 5-door HatchbackWeight: 1215kgTransmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km

It's amazing to think a car of this size consumes less fuel than your average hatchback. It seems impossible.The heart of the matter is a new direct injection 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel that pumps out 190kW of power and an impressive 620Nm of torque from a low 1600 revs. That's almost as much torque as the 4.7-litre V8 S500 and it shows in the effortless way the car performs.In spite of this, few of Benz's customers at the upper end of the luxury market opt for the diesel. And, why would they, when the cost of fuel is probably not a major consideration, not when you can afford the $200,000 or so for an S-Class in the first place?In terms of power and torque, the S350 BlueTEC outguns the opposition in the shape of Audi's A8 3.0 TDI and the BMW 730d.But the S350 is still heavier than both and, as such, consumes more fuel and produces slightly more C02 than its two competitors.The lighter, aluminium bodied A8 is also quicker from 0 to 100km/h, at 6.1 seconds versus the Benz's 7.1 and the BMW's 7.2 seconds.The diesel is hooked up to a seven-speed sequential auto and rides on Airmatic air- cushioned suspension.We put in a couple of hundred kilometres behind the wheel of the S350 BlueTEC, and found the 3.0-litre V6 is so quiet you wouldn't know you were driving a diesel unless someone told you.With 620Nm of torque, it gets going quickly and mid-range response is strong, making overtaking is a breeze. But, with close to two tonnes of motor car behind it, throttle response is not immediate — not like the AMG.At 7.0 litres/100km, the combined fuel consumption represents an 11 percent improvement on the previous engine. The air suspension is a bit floaty for our liking, but switching to sport mode fixes that up.All in all, we found the car much improved and a more enjoyable drive than before. While it comes with just about every conceivable luxury, it still won't park itself like some cheaper cars.It will identify if a parking space is suitable and guide the driver into the spot, but you are still required to turn the wheel. The problem is finding an electric motor that is strong enough yet small enough to do the job. Also of interest is reservoir hidden under the spare in the boot.It contains 27 litres of an additive that is injected into the exhaust process to reduce the amount of nitrogen released into the atmosphere. There's enough to cover 20,000km, so it doesn't need to be topped up between services — but it means you get a smaller, space saver spare wheel.

Renault has been circling the wagons since re-entering the market back in 2001, looking for a way in. It's had limited success with some models, but must be wondering what it needs to crack the Aussie market? The Koleos for example has been a big success overseas but has failed to fire here. We can't understand why because it's got everything going for it.VALUEPrices for Koleos start from $29,990 driveaway for the two-wheel drive petrol model. The 4x4 diesel is offered in the one Dynamique grade, which is middle of the range, priced from $40,990.WHAT YOU GETPretty much everything. Leather, dual climate and satellite navigation are standard with this model. Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, rear parking sensors, cruise with speed limiter, auto lights and wipers, 140W sound system are also standard.Exclusive to the Renault Koleos Dynamique is an innovative child-minder mirror which allows the driver to easily view the rear seat occupants.TECHNOLOGYYou get a choice of 2.5 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel four cylinder engines. The diesel kicks out 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque from a low 2000 revs, compared with the petrol engine's 126kW/226Nm. It's hooked up to a six-speed auto that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired.The benefits of diesel in the compact SUV segment are not quite as apparent. They cost significantly more (in this case $3000) and don't offer nearly as much savings at the pump, but diesel is still our preferred option.The big difference is the diesel's high torque output because it's the difference between relaxed and frenetic driving.  V8s for example produce plenty of torque and that's why driving a V8 is so effortless.With almost 100Nm more torque delivered at much lower revs, it means you don't have to push the diesel as hard to achieve the same result.DRIVINGThe diesel suffers from a bit of turbo lag but not enough to be annoying. Generally it's a very smooth and remarkably fuel efficient engine, with a biggish fuel tank that's going to take you a long way. The unfamiliar controls posed an intial problem and some  getting used to. For instance it took much longer than it should have to pair our mobile phone, basically because the procedure is completely different.FUEL ECONOMYCompared with the original Koleos, the diesel engine offers an 8.5 per cent reduction in fuel economy and emits 9.5 per cent less CO2. Claimed fuel economy is 7.6 litres/100km (equivalent petrol model is 9.5). We've been getting an impressive 6.6 litres/100km from the 65 litre tank.SAFETYRenault has been one of the front runners in making their vehicles as safe as possible and the Koleos benefits from a full array of passive and active safety systems, with a five-star Euro crash rating. Also comes with a full size alloy spare.