Articles by Chris Riley

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?Kia's quirky, hard to define, boxy five-seat runaround. It's been updated and the number of models reduced from three to two. Apart from the tiny boot, its an immensely practical little car. Prices start at $21,490 for the 1.6 petrol, but this one will set you back $26,990 which includes the six speed auto. The diesel is another $3000 again.Pretty much everything in the small car and compact SUV segments. This car appeals to a broad cross section of people. All new 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine that cranks out 122kW of power and 200Nm of torque.There's also a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine available (1.6 petrol is good for 92kW/157Nm).Like a scalded cat, but uses a little too much fuel for our liking. Apart from the larger engine, the six-speed auto makes a huge difference.Rated at 7.5 litres/100km we were getting 8.3 after about 500km. Has a 48-litre tank and takes standard unleaded. Gets 3.5 out five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius scores 5). Emits 179g/km Co2.No problems here. Gets a full five stars for safety in Australian crash tests. With large doors and an elevated ridge height, it is easy to get in and out of and could find favour with older drivers for this reason alone. Small boot could be an issue, but rear seats drop down. Plenty of space beneath boot floor and temporary spare with a styrofoam separator with storage compartments (why not just make the boot deeper?)Easy. Accelerates quickly. Upright elevated driving position affords good all round vision. Brakes in our test vehicle were touchy. Misses out on one-touch blinkers. Plenty of hard plastic surfaces in the cabin (what happened to the funky lights that flashed in time with the music?)Yes and no. But then it depends on whether you view it as a small car or something more substantial. Bluetooth, full iPod connectivity but only one 12 volt outlet in the centre console (other Kias get two).Appealing car. We had one a couple of years ago for an extended period. We'd prefer the diesel, but it starts to take the car out of the realm of cheap motoring.

The script for the Audi A7 reads suspiciously like that for the A5. Maybe that's because in essence the A7 Sportback is the same car, only on a slightly larger scale.DESIGNThe A7 Sportback is a looker, but lacks the perfect dimensions of the smaller A5. With four doors, four seats and a lift back that hides a deep but shallow luggage area, the Sportback looks more like a coupe than a sedan and that is the idea.Bridging the A6 and A8 models, the A7 is almost five metres in length but sits long and low and doesn't have a big car feel.With two seats in the rear, instead of a bench, there's plenty of legroom in the back, but the sloping roof reduces the amount of headroom, despite scooped out sections of roof. Hit a big bump and it could be painful.PRICEAt a starting price of $142,750 the A7 is $52,000 more than the equivalent A5 Sportback - or about the cost of an A4 sedan.It's very well equipped, and a 600 watt, 14-speaker Bose sound system is standard but if you take your audio seriously there is a 1200 watt Bang and Olufsen job that adds $12,350.Then of course there's the S-Line package that starts at $7900 and includes 20 inch wheels.ENGINE AND MECHANICALTwo engines are available initially, a supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 - both of which can be found in other models. Both engines offer thermal management, stop-start technology and energy recovery. At this stage there's no V8, no coupe and no sign of an S or RS7 version - but if Audi remains true to form they will follow.The supercharged V6 pumps out 220kW of power and 440Nm from 2900 revs, does the dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds and uses 8.2 litres of fuel per 100km. The turbodiesel delivers 180kW of power, 500Nm of torque from 1400 revs, does the dash in 6.5 seconds and uses just 6.0 litres/100km. With the diesel $5000 less, I know which one I'd be opting for.Audi's twin-clutch, seven-speed S-tronic transmission is standard along with all-wheel drive. This all-wheel drive system features a crown-gear centre differential and advanced torque vectoring. Drive select is standard and allows the driver to dial in three different styles of driving, or leave the system to work it out automatically. A7 Sportback sits on the same platform as the new A6 but thanks to extensive use of aluminium, is only about 50kg heavier than the A5.DRIVINGWith a big road hugging footprint, the A7 exhibits plenty of grip and stability. When pushing hard, however, you are reminded of the car's bulk as it attempts to run wide in corners. Riding on 18 inch alloys (19s in the case of the supercharged model), the A7 Sportback accelerates briskly, cruises easily and has plenty of poke for overtaking.A pop up rear spoiler deploys automatically at a speeds above 130km/h to increase the downforce on the rear wheels. But with our national limit, it is unlikely to be seen very often, except for the provision of a manual deploy button.AUDI A7Price: From $142,750 (3.0 TDI) to $147,800 (3.0 TFSI) plus on-road costsEngine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel; 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrolPower/torque: 220kw/440Nm (supercharged V6 petrol), 180kw/500Nm (turbo diesel v6)Transmission: Seven-speed double-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

It's an interesting proposition - buying a classic car instead of a newie? A mate did exactly this a few years ago and has never looked back. Instead of a Magna he spent the same money on a long wheelbase BMW 7 Series and he and the missus discovered a whole new life when they joined the local Beemer club. Essentially, instead of the latest something with all the mod cons, you could have something much more tasty instead - like this Porsche. This 993 is the last of the 'real' 911s, the last of the German sports cars to have an air-cooled, boxer engine in the boot. Remember them? Priced from a whopping $220,000 new this car still looks amazing and still drives like a thoroughbred, and it could be yours for as little as $60K. Well, maybe a bit more for this particular example.THE ERAThis was the era of the VS Commodore and the EL Falcon which had just been released. Ford was first local manufacturer to market with an airbag in the 1994 EF.DESIGNNarrow at the front with overdeveloped rear haunches, the 993 still looks as fresh as a daisy. The same basic shape has prevailed from the start which is one of the reasons for the 911's ongoing success. Even people who know little or nothing about cars recognise a Porsche when they see it.THE SMELLVintage mechanic. Open the door and the fumes transport you to an earlier time. A time when mechanics got their hands dirty, working on cars in a workshop where there was plenty of parts, big dollops of grease and lots of tender loving care.THE NUMBERS993 is the company's internal name for this version of the 911 built between late 1993 and early 1998 as a replacement for the 964. The design is derived from the 989 project, a four-door sedan which never saw the light of day (unless you count the Panamera). The introduction of an all-alloy multi-arm rear suspension attached to an all-alloy subframe necessitated the widening of the rear wheel arches, which in turned helped the 993's stability. The previous model had a tendency to oversteer if you took your foot off the throttle mid corner. It also reduced interior noise and improved the ride quality.THE BOXERThe C4S is fitted with a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated flat six M64 engine, with an output of 210kW at 6100 revs and 340Nm of torque at 5250 revs. 0-100km/h takes 5.3 secs and it has a top speed of about 290km/h. It takes premium unleaded and is good for about 11.4 litres/100km.SIX-SPEEDThe 993 was the first 911 to have a standard six-speed manual. The two-wheel drive Carrera, Carrera S, Cabrio and Targa models were also available with a `Tiptronic' auto.AWD The optional all wheel drive system is based on the layout from the 959 supercar. Porsche departed from the 964's setup replacing the centre differential with a viscous coupling.OTHER BITSThe Carrera 4 S and later Carrera S shared the Turbo's bodyshell. The 4S came with four-wheel drive, lowered suspension and retained the Turbo's larger brake discs with the characteristic red calipers.THE SOUNDLoud. You hear before you see it.DRIVINGLove it.  The pedals and even the steering wheel are slightly off-set but gave us no trouble. Changing gears is a snap and it never seems to get caught short in the torque department. The car sits low and you look up at most cars. There's no steering wheel adjustment, but electric adjustment for the seats. The ultra low profle tyres get bumpy off the freeway, but the whole drive experience is so involving.1996 Porsche 911 C4SPrice: from $220,000Engine: 3.6 litre in-line six, 210/340 kW/NmBody: Two-door coupeTransmission: 6-speed manualThirst: 11.4L/100km

Securing the funky FJ Cruiser for Australia must have been a frustrating experience. Toyota Australia started talking about the possibility of getting the car with the stoned-faced execs at head office as far back as 2003.The main impediment was that the Cruiser was produced initially in left hand drive only for the American market. As one of the biggest markets for Toyota's 4x4s in the world, our more animated marketing people must have wanted a piece of that action.PRICEEight long years and a generation later, the FJ Cruiser is on sale here priced from a surprisingly sharp $44,990 plus on-roads. The FJ Cruiser is likely to have a broader younger appeal than Toyota's other offerings, ranging from those who just like the looks to others attracted by its off road ability.It's a car that will win the hearts and minds of a few Aussies, and right now Toyota could do with a shot in the arm as it struggles to redefine its place in a highly competitive and rapidly changing landscape.DESIGNThe Prado-based 4x4 is a design nod to the original FJ40 built from 1960 to 1984 and used during construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the car is described as a reinterpretation rather than a retro model. Few people would remember the original FJ40 anyway.In penning the design, the FJ's Korean born designer, Jin Won Kim, described how he was inspired by the chunky, muscular stance of the pit bull terrier he had as a teenager. A five-seater, the FJ features smaller, rear-ward opening "suicide" doors at the back to provide easy entry to the rear. As always it's an intriguing design, but not entirely practical, not when you need to open the front doors first. With short front and rear overhangs, 224mm of ground clearance, low range gearing, traction control and a rear diff lock, the FJ is equipped to tackle the rough stuff.ENGINE AND MECHANICALThere's only one model, with part-time four wheel-drive, a V6 petrol engine and five-speed automatic — in a choice of nine colours (all with a white roof). The bad news is there's no diesel option and no manual either at this stage, both of which are preferred by the off road fraternity.The 4.0-litre petrol V6 is a lift from Prado, with 200kW of power and 380Nm of torque. Weighing up to 270kg more than Prado, the FJ's economy is rated at 11.4 litres/100km. With a 72-litre tank, that gives it a range of up to 630km under ideal conditions. Note too that it takes premium unleaded.You might be forgiven for thinking the company has cut some corners to arrive at the asking price, given that the FJ is offered with fulltime four-wheel drive and a six-speed auto overseas.EQUIPMENTIt misses out on Prado's more sophisticated electronic aids like terrain response and hill descent control. You won't find a trip computer either nor is there a 12-volt power outlet in the rear, or for that matter room for a second battery under the bonnet to power a fridge.On the other hand, Bluetooth is standard along with an eight-speaker sound system complete with subwoofer and two hidden, roof mounted speakers that provide a surround sound experience.DRIVINGThe ride from the Australian tuned suspension and replacement 17 inch 265/70 series Dunlops is impressive, both on and off the road. But those who take their off roading seriously will be disappointed to learn a snorkel is not offered.On the road, the FJ offers a smooth, composed comfortable ride, but suffers from Prado's lethargic throttle response. All in all, however, what might be perceived as the car's shortcomings are not deal breakers.We didn't get to take on anything too extreme but look forward to pushing the boundaries when next we meet.

But, contrary to popular belief, Ford never produced an electric version of his famous Model T. Electric cars were in fact extremely popular at the time and Ford's wife Clara drove one for many years. Produced by the Anderson Carriage Company (later Detroit Electric), Clara drove a series of electric cars from 1908 when Henry bought her a model C coupe with a special child seat. Then, like now, people drawn to electric cars for many of the same reasons they are today. The Detroit Electric was bought mainly by women and doctors who wanted the dependable and immediate start without the physically demanding hand cranking that was required with early internal combustion engine autos. Production was at its peak in the 1910s selling around 1000 to 2000 cars a year, helped by the high price of gasoline during World War I. By early 1914, word spread that Ford himself was working on a low-priced electric car. Reports appeared in the Wall Street Journal, in trade magazines and in newspapers as far away as New Zealand. Ford confirmed the rumours in The New York Times on January 11, 1914. "Within a year, I hope, we shall begin the manufacture of an electric automobile. I don't like to talk about things which are a year ahead, but I am willing to tell you something of my plans," he said. "The fact is that Mr. Edison and I have been working for some years on an electric automobile which would be cheap and practicable. Cars have been built for experimental purposes, and we are satisfied now that the way is clear to success. "The problem so far has been to build a storage battery of light weight which would operate for long distances without recharging. Mr. Edison has been experimenting with such a battery for some time." Sound familiar? Ford is said to have invested $1.5 million (about $30 million in today's money) in the electric-car project and was close to buying 100,000 batteries from Edison before the project folded. A couple of prototypes were produced but the crux of the problem remained that Ford refused to use any batteries other than Edison's nickel-iron batteries. Edison's batteries, however, were found to have very high internal resistance and as a such were unsuitable for powering an electric car. A spectacular fire at Edison's New Jersey battery factory in December, 1914 was the death of the project. The Ford Motor Company didn't dabble in electric cars again until the 60s when it produced the 'Comuta' experimental prototype. The Comuta was equipped with four lead-acid batteries connected in series to give 48 volts and had a top speed of 25 mph and a maximum range of 40 miles on a full charge. Research has continued over the years, with the construction of further prototypes and pilot programs. And Ford these days is getting serious about alternative engines again, with an electric Ford Focus already unveiled and a growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles set for launch in North America and Europe by 2013.

Since the disappearance of the Fiesta XR4 in 2008, there has been a big hole in the hot end of Ford’s small cars. Instead of the hot version of the Fiesta, they got a super-green version in the form of the Fiesta Econetic. That’s great but it hardly warmed the hearts of true performance hatch fans. But Ford is about to set things right with the confirmation this week that Aussies will be getting the hot new Fiesta ST unveiled at Geneva motor show some time next year instead of the XR4’s 110kW, the new ST punches out a mouth-watering 132kW -- and that’s from a smaller 1.6-litre turbo rather than the XR4’s 2.0-litre. That puts it right up there with the Polo GTi, we reckon. We'll be getting the 132kW tyro sometime next year as the hottie starts to roll out in Europe. "The car is a definite starter for Australia too in 2013 but at this stage its too early to put a specific time on it,'' a spokesman for Ford Australia said. "We think itll be a good opportunity to raise the ST profile locally as well also have the Focus ST on sale later this year.'' While the XR4's 2.0-litre engine produced 110kW the new ST's 1.6-litre turbocharged unit (it will be called ST here too) is good for 132kW. With 240Nm of torque on tap it can sprint from 0-100km/h in under seven seconds and has a top speed of more than 220km/h. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20 per cent reduction in COinf2 emissions compared with the previous ST. Developed by Ford's Team RS, the new Fiesta ST delivers significant ride-and-handling improvements through the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford's enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system; and three Electronic Stability Control modes. The technologies were put to the test over 5000 kilometers of driving on Germany's Nurburgring Nordschleife. "We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too,'' said Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles. "This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,'' The high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats for the first time. It also will be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC, Ford's voice-activated in-car connectivity system. A new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures including a large trapezoidal grille.

From the front it looks just like a Golf. But sharper, more aggressive lines should make Volkswagen's EOS sports couple-convertible more appealing especially to male buyers.Launched in 2007 the hard-topped, Golf-based coupe-convertible has just been updated, with cosmetic changes and more standard equipment.But in terms of performance things remain pretty much the same, with engines that carry over from the update in September.PRICING AND EQUIPMENTPriced from $49,990 it's an alluring proposition, a premium offering with plenty of `look at me' appeal. EOS is well equipped with leather and climate controlled airconditioning standard. Bluetooth, an alarm system and media device interface (MDI) for an iPod have been added. You also get rain sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. A space saver spare wheel is included.Options include a more advanced self-parking system for $900. As well as reverse parking it can slide you into a car parking bay in a shopping centre carpark with 40cm of clearance either side without hitting a pylon. The system doesn't need to be activated, it is constantly on the lookout for parking spaces.The folding metal roof takes 25 seconds to deploy, offering the benefits of a convertible with the security of a coupe.SAFETYEOS comes with the usual range of VW safety systems, including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution. But with four airbags, it scores only a four-star rating for safety. The side airbags offer protection for front seat occupants only. not rear seat passengers.DESIGNVolkswagen is hoping the changes it has made will boost the fortunes of the four-seat coupe-convertible with its folding metal roof. Built in Portugal, sales have fallen markedly since the model's introduction. Cosmetic changes including new front and rear lights, a redesigned front grille and sharper boot line bring the car into step with the current family look.ENGINES AND MECHANICALBuyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 155kW/280Nm turbocharged engine is the same unit that is in the Golf GTI, while the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel will be familiar to VW enthusiasts.Both are paired with a six-speed DSG style transmission -- a twin-clutch, robotised manual gearbox -- which of course means no more manual. As 85 per cent of buyers chose DSG, normally a $2500 option — this is not going to worry too many people.Volkswagen has managed to trim the fuel economy of the car. The diesel is good for 5.9 litres/100km (was 6.1) while the petrol model now returns 7.7 litres/100km (was 7.9).DRIVINGAfter driving the two cars back to back, we reckon the petrol engine is the pick, although it will set you back another $2000. It feels the sportier of the two and makes all the right noises in all the right places when driven enthusiastically.Mid-range performance is strong but the car is slower off the line than the GTI because it is a bigger and heavier car. The transmission has sport mode or you can change gears manually via the shift lever, but surprisingly VW does not offer shift paddles with this model.As a convertible EOS exhibits a small amount of body flex, even with the roof up — but that's the price you pay for sunshine. If you rarely venture off major thoroughfares, you'll probably never notice.VOLKSWAGEN EOSPrice: From $49,990Engines: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (103kW/320Nm), 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (155kW/280Nm)Transmission: 6-speed DSG, front-wheel-driveThirst: 5.9L/100km (diesel), 7.7L/100km (petrol)Crash safety: 4 stars

More. Give us more.  That's what Range Rover's well heeled buyers want with each new model. And the company is only too happy to oblige, with the addition of a even larger, harder hitting twin turbo V8 diesel that produces a whacking 700Nm of torque.We put the big Rangey through its paces on NSW's South Coast over a mixture of back roads and fire trails. It was all a walk in the park for the Range Rover Vogue which combines supreme off road ability with sumptuous luxury appointments. But, with prices starting from $158,000 - it's not for everyone.ENGINE AND MECHANICALThe diesel sounds like a V8 when presshed hard and is paired with an eight-speed ZF auto, complete with paddle shifts. It doesn't get much better than this. Power jumps 15 per cent to 230kW and torque is up nine per cent to 700Nm, compared with the previous 3.6-litre engine. What's more, the extra torque is produced 500rpm lower in the rev range, from a low 1500rpm.To go with the diesel, there's two petrol V8s one of which is supercharged. Both are carry overs from the previous model. The supercharged engine produces 375kW of power and 625Nm of torque while the naturally aspirated V8 delivers 276kW and 510Nm. Both petrols are teamed with a six-speed ZF auto.The most popular configuration by far is the V8 diesel which accounts for about 70 per cent of sales. And why not when it sounds like a V8 and uses half the fuel, with a rating of 9.4 litres/100km.DRIVINGWhichever way you jump it all translates into effortless cruising and overtaking. But start to push the big Rangey hard and you are reminded of the bulk and weight of this vehicle, which ranges from 2.5 to 2.8 tonnes, depending on what model you're driving.Despite its size the Vogue gets going, with the diesel taking a scant 7.8 seconds to reach 100km/h. Ultimately, however, the vehicle's weight counts against it. Corners are best approached with caution and the car will try to run wide if you're carrying too much corner speed. Best to go in slow and come out firing.The Vogue's electronic stability system cuts in early and harshly to avoid expensive mistakes. Six piston Brembos are fitted at the front, but it's still a big ask, especially in traffic. Ideally, it's best to be decisive and brake early. The 2011 model is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain Response system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.Inside the diesel inherits the push-button, rotary gear selector which has earned accolades for Jaguar in the XF and XJ. There is also and improved entertainment system and illuminated treadplates for the front doors are available as an option. New colours and wheels have been added and a new exterior design pack allows customers to give their Vogue a more individual look.LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VOGUE TDV8Available: NowPrice: $160,500 - $212,500Engine: 230kW/700Nm 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo-dieselEconomy: 9.4 l/100kmTransmission: 8-speed sequential automatic; 2-speed transfer case; constant 4WDDimensions: 4972mm (L); 2034mm (W); 1877mm (H)Wheelbase: 2880mmWeight: 2810kg (loaded)Tow: 3500kg.

You win some, you lose some. Or so it would seem when it comes to Volkswagen's new ultra fuel-efficient Golf BlueMotion, which is priced from $28,990.ECONOMYThe win in this case comes in the form of outstanding fuel economy, which at 3.8 litres/100km, is about as good as it currently gets _ surpassed only by Ford's smaller Fiesta Econetic at 3.7. It's even better than Toyota's benchmark petrol-electric Prius. With a 55-litre fuel tank and economy of 3.8 litres/100km, the Golf has a theoretical range of 1447km.ENGINEOn the downside we bid goodbye to the current, 1.6-litre 77TDI diesel. It's been axed to make way for the new BlueMotion model. The car features the same 1.6-litre turbo diesel as the 77TDI, but with several refinements to improve fuel economy.The diesel delivers 77kW of power at 4400 revs and 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 2000 revs. A stop/start system is also part of the setup that shuts down the engine at traffic lights, provided the car is put into neutral and the energy normally lost during braking is diverted to the car's battery.TRANSMISSIONThe thing is BlueMotion is available only in manual form. If you want a diesel with VW's acclaimed DSG `manumatic' transmission you'll have to cough up considerably more for the more expensive 2.0-litre diesel. It's paired with a five-speed manual gearbox (not a six-speed), with gear ratios that are said to do a better job of keeping revs in the torque band where it is at its most efficient. The engine management system has been revised to reduce idle speed and a visual prompt tells the driver when to change gears for maximum economy. As well as this a number of aerodynamic improvements have been made to reduce wind drag. The fact that Volkswagen is not offering an automatic doesn't quite fit with the company's claims of no compromise. But VW Australia boss Anke Koeckler explained it was keen to make a "green" statement, to show that it has plenty of know-how using existing diesel technology.It's a pity because I for one will miss the 77TDI, a car we had for several weeks. Equipped with the DSG transmission, it was as practical as it was economical, one of the few fuel misers that we've tested over a longer period to return more than 1000km from a single tank. The 75 per cent of Golf buyers who chose an auto over a manual may also be less than enthusiastic.DESIGNGolf BlueMotion comes as a five-door hatch. A deeper front air dam is fitted along with a rear wing to push air over the car, the ride height has been dropped 15mm and lightweight 15 inch alloys with low roll resistance tyres added.Underneath it all, however, BlueMotion is still a Golf like any other Golf, with seven airbags, plenty of driver assistance systems and a maximum five-star safety rating. But the spare wheel has been replaced by a reinflation kit to reduce weight, which is down to 1234kg.The car is well equipped and comes in four colours including environmental blue, but misses out once again on Bluetooth which remains optional.DRIVINGOn the road it is easy and pleasant to drive, but the driver must remain vigilant to change gears as instructed and to make use of the start/stop system. If you don't put the car into neutral it will not activate and you'll miss out on fuel savings.Although it is often difficult to achieve official economy figures, we came close at the launch this week returning 3.9 litres/100km. Former rally driver and self-styled economy expert Ed Ordynski went one better, getting the figure down to 3.3 litres/100km on a 1000km economy run.In summary Golf BlueMotion will appeal to those serious about making an environmental statement. But we reckon they'll soon tire of changing gears, especially if they're city dwellers.

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?One of the hottest hatches going at the moment, based on bang for your buck at least. Looks like a smaller version of the Golf GTI and offers the same kind of performance. It's everything the previous model wasn't. How much?Priced from $27,790 for the three-door. It's a lot of money for a tiny car, but you get a lot of car for your money. The only issue here is size because it's obviously not as big as a Golf. Four people will fit but there's not a lot of room leftover. Reminds me of the original pocket rocket -n the Swift GTI.What are the competitors?Good question. Maybe the Mini Cooper S, Citroen DS3 or perhaps the Fiat 500 Essesse. Cooper S is the only one to offer slightly more power, but it is a bigger car and not as quick. .What's under the bonnet?1.4-litre twin charged four cylinder petrol engine that produces 132kW of power and 250Nm of torque from a low 2000 revs. By twin charged we mean it has a turbocharger as well as a supercharger. The supercharger delivers low end power while the turbocharger takes care of the top end. How does it go?Engine has a an exciting growl and the performance from the twin charged engine is sharp, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 6.9 seconds. The engine is paired with a 7-speed `manumatic' complete with change paddles that rips through the gears with no loss of revs. Is it economical?Talk about having your cake and eating it too? You get all this performance with fuel economy rated at a low 6.1 litres/100km. Bear in mind however that it likes the good stuff and our trip computer was showing 8.4.Is it 'Green'?Incredibly gets 4.5 stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5 out of 5). So you don't have to feel guilty about being a motoring enthusiast. The diesel Polo by the way gets four stars.Is it safe?Gets a full five-star safety rating, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes plus traction and stability control systems, and even hill start assist. There's also three headrests across the back.Is it comfortable?Like the cloth seats. Sporty without being too narrow. Driver's seat has height adjustment and the driving position is good and there's plenty of headroom. Suspension can be a bit firm at times, but that's the tradeoff for sporty handling.What's it like to drive?Fun. Makes all the right noises. Has all the right moves. Even gets an electronic differential lock (XDL) like the Golf.Is it value for money?Yes. The five-door model costs another $1000, but is probably worth it in terms of convenience. Comes with 17 inch alloys, 215/40 rubber, redbrake calipers and lowered sports suspension. Would we buy one?You bet. Just show me where to sign. I love sporty hatches and this one's a bottler. If I had one wish, it would be for a manual.Volkswagen Polo GTiPrice: From $27,790Engine: 1.4L/4-cylinder; 132kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed sports automatic dual clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.1L/100km combined