Articles by Chris Riley

We ended up keeping this car longer and driving it further than anticipated which was a good thing for Volvo because we grew to really like it. If you're in the market for a premium sports wagon look no further because the T6 has all the bases covered.Attractively priced with some great deals at the moment it's got what it takes to give the Germans a run for their money.VALUEThe T6 with the R Design goodies is the top of the line V60, complete with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged six cylinder engine. It looks fabulous, it's easy and comfortable to drive and offers the practicality of a wagon with plenty of performance to boot.Priced from $72,150 it is well equipped in standard form and is an attractive proposition for those shoping European ie. Benz, BMW or Audi.TECHNOLOGYAll cutting edge. All wheel drive is standard. The 3.0-litre T6 turbocharged petrol engine pumps out 224kW of power and 440Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is 10.3 litres/100km (we were getting 10.6).Power is delivered to all-four wheels through a second-generation Geartronic six-speed automatic, as opposed to the double clutch transmission in the T5. New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before.DESIGNVolvo has managed to find a look all of its own. The V60 is a newcomer to the popular mid-size segment. While it retains the key elements that make it a Volvo (cross-braced grille and largish ail lights) function seems to have accommodated form this time around because it has lost that awkwardness exhibited by previous models. The overall effect is a sleeker, faster looking, more desirable motor car.SAFETYGets a full five stars for safety. The T6 is also all-wheel drive for sure-footted handling. And our test vehicle was also optioned with the Driver Support Pack which adds Adaptive cruise, lane departure waring and blind spot awareness. We're sold on adaptive cruise and blind spot awareness - but lane departure is more of an annoyance than anything else - together though they're $4990.DRIVINGWe clocked up more than 1200km in this car over the recent long weekend. It's a comfortable tourer, for both front and rear seat passengers. Adaptive cruiser is ideal for heavy traffic where it keeps a safe distance between you and the car in front, with no need to touch the brakes.The T6 is fitted with sports suspension and larger 18 inch wheels and rubber. The ride is not as harash as we remember and there's plenty of pickup for overtaking, but at 1800kg it's no sports car. Think easy, relaxed effortless performance and you're nearer the mark.VERDICTA great looking car for a great price. Volvo has really got its act together and the cars look and go a lot better. The tough question is chosing between the economical T5 or hard htting T6 - but one things for sure we'd take the R Design kit every time.VOLVO V60 T6 R DESIGNPrice: from $72,150Warranty: 3-years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: n/aService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-star Euro NCAPEngine: 6-cyl turbo-petrol, 224kW/440NmBody: 5-door wagonWeight: from 1804kgTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDThirst: 10.3L/100km, 98 RON, CO2 247g/km (3-litre).

Not so long ago it was all about the price. People who bought a Kia did so because they wanted a new car but had a limited amount of money to spend. Fast forward and it's still very much about value for money, the difference is that you wouldn't mind owning one - we wouldn't anyway (and we should know). The all-new Rio hatch is a case in point. Like other recent releases from Kia it looks fantastic, and the ride and handling are impressive.Kia is yet to release its 1.4-litre model or its three and four-door variants which don't arrive until next year. The 1.4 will be cheaper but the better specified 1.6 is the pick, priced from $18,990. All models come with Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system, complete with AUX, iPod and USB connections - all controlled remotely from the steering wheel. Si and SLi models add an extra pair of high range tweeter speakers. There's also two 12 volt power oulets in the centre console. Electric heated side mirrors are also standard.1.6-litre GDi direct injection four cylinder petrol engine produces a healthy 103kW of power and 167Nm of torque at 4850 revs. Claimed fuel consumption ranges from 5.6 to 6.1 litres/100km depending on whether its the manual or auto. The six-speed auto feels like a better match for the engine and allows the driver to change gears manually anyway. It feels quicker off the mark too, with a sporty note under hard acceleration.The latest offering from Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer. It's larger than the Yaris or Mazda2 and is even a few mills longer than the new Barina with a significantly longer wheelbase and load capacity that is almost line ball. The Barina is cheaper and is offered with a six-speed auto too, but it's 1.6 is no match for Rio's new direct injection engine.For those in the know Kia is owned by Hyundai and the two share architecture and models. In this case the Hyundai equivalent is the Accent and while it looks pretty hot, it misses out on some advantages - chief among them the 1.6-litre direct injection engine and six-speed automatic. The i20 is a smaller car that sits on a new platform and is being marketed as a successor to Getz.Designed to get five stars but it's yet to be crash tested. Comes with a full safety package including six airbags and electronic stability control are standard along with anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) program seamlessly integrates the operation of all the safety systems.We drove the mid range Si auto and top of the line SLi manual. Only $1000 separates them in price. The Si has 16 inch alloys while the SLi has larger 17s. The Rio benefits from local suspension tuning and it shows, with a firm confortable ride over a variety of road surfaces. Undulations induced the occiasional bounce but nothing to really worry about.You can punt this car hard and it won't bite back, but the stability control shuts down too soon. In terms of fuel economy we got 6.7 from the manual and 7.1 litres/100km from the automatic.Love it. Looks the goods and can't wait to see one that has been really blinged.

A step up from the entry level model, the T5 R Design represents the best of both worlds in this range. It's powered by the excellent turbocharged direct injection 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, coupled with probably the best twin clutch transmission in the business. On top of that, you get all the eye candy that comes with the R Design pack including lowered sports suspension.VALUEThis car is going to give the Germans a shakeup. For $56,150 you get a lot of car, but bear in mind it's not all-wheel drive like the diesel or top of the range T6. Standard kit includes climate air, cruise control, leather trim, Bluetooth, rear park assist and an eight-speaker audio system with AUX and USB inputs.TECHNOLOGYThe turbocharged direct injection engine produces 177kW of power and 320Nm of torque, the latter from alow 1800 revs. For those who have been following the story, this is essentially the same engine that will make its debut in the Falcon soon - though Ford is yet to confirm the output. Being a four rather than five cylinder engine it has less friction and better economy as a result. The dash from 0-100km/h takes a brisk 7.5 seconds and the official fuel economy rating for the car is 8.3 litres/100km. What's more it produces only fractionally more C02 than the diesel at 193g/km. What's not to like?The six-speed Powershift transmission is a robotised double clutch design which we reckon is the best example of this style so far, with quick smooth gear changes.DESIGNThe S60 is designed to stand out and that doesn't just mean large tail lights. There's little point in being reserved or understated when the premium sports sedan market is full of mainly German extrovert models, says Volvo design director Peter Horbury. The look is enhanced by the R Design body kit and the sports theme continues inside with sports seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports leather gearshift lever, sports pedals, and R-Design floor mats, trim inlays and watch-dial instrumentation.SAFETYIt's a Volvo isn't it?  Scores five stars and Volvo reckons it's the safest Volvo they've ever made.  The T5 is also fitted with a bewildering array of standard safety gear including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and the latest generation Side Impact Protection System (SIPS). City Safety is also standard which will automatically brake the car up to a speed of 30km/h to prevent rear enders. There's also plenty of optional safety system which you can add _ they're bundled in a pack for $4990.DRIVINGThe T5 is a quick study, apart from the electric parking brake which is pull to release (try getting your head around that). It's comfortable, easy to drive and cuts through the traffic without fuss, with strong engine response and smooth gear changes that make it difficult to pick as a twin clutch.Our test car was fitted with blind spot awareness that flashes a warning if there is someone lurking beside you who is not visible in the mirrors ($1275 well spent). We were getting about 9.8 litres/100km from 67 litre tank.The ride quality is excellent despite the low pro rubber and larger 18 inch wheels and stability control does a great job of preventing understeer, though we gave it our best shot a couple of times. The phone controls are located on the centre instrument console and not marked as such but distinguised instead by red and green colouring. Pity you can't display a digital speedo.VERDICTImpressive car. Way better looking than its predecessor. Well equipped, cabin is bright and inviting and it feels light and nimble. At the price it should really going to put some pressure on BMW's beloved 3 Series.Volvo S60 T5 R DesignPrice: $56,150 driveawayWarranty: 5 years/100,000kmResale: 40 per centSafety equipment: ABS, DTSC, BA, City SafeCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: Turbo petrol 4-cyl; 177kW/320NmBody: four doors, five seatsDimensions: 2,776mm (wb); 4,628 (L); 1,865(w); 1,484 (h)Transmission: 6-speed Powershift with Neutral Control functionEconomy: 8.3L/100km; 193g/km

Parlez-vous ee-con-o-mee? French car maker Renault now does with the launch of a super economical version of the Megane hatch. Powered by a small 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine it’s good for an impressive 4.5 litres/100km and 117g/km of C02 which is right up there with the best of them.The launch of the Megane diesel also marks the debut of Renault’s first twin clutch robotised transmission in this country which it has labelled EDC for Efficient Dual Clutch.Renault claims it offers a 17 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and engine emissions compared with conventional automatics. Apart from this, no other modifications have been made to achieve the outstanding result.VALUEPriced from $27,490 the entry Dynamique model represents excellent value. It’s roomy, has a large boot and comes with a full size spare. Rear legroom is also generous.Standard kit includes alloys, twin zone climate, auto lights and wipers, cruise control (plus speed limiter), AUX and USB audio inputs, fingertip audio controls and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.For $5000 more, top of the range Privilege adds leather, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, larger 17 inch alloys, satellite navigation and a more powerful audio system. Apart from the additional equipment, the more expensive model is worth consideration if only for the way it drives.DESIGNThe previous Megane was noted for its outrageous styling, with a rounded, bulbous rear end dubbed by many as a bustle. The look this time around is more mainstream and likely to appeal to more people which has got to be good for sales.The inside is a bit drab, especially in the entry model with the use of some very plain black plastic in some areas - though we like the large digital speedo. For some reason the cruise control/speed limiter selector is hidden between the front seats.TECHNOLOGYIt’s 4.3 metre long, weighs 1366kg and has a 2640mm wheelbase. The 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel is the same engine that can be found in Renault’s small Kangoo delivery van that we tested recently. It produces 81kW of power at 4000 revs and 240Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs.The Getrag EDC six-speed, dry twin clutch transmission that works basically the same as other twin clutch setups, boasting fast changes with no loss of power between gears, delivering the efficiency of a manual and convenience of an auto.Front suspension is Mac strut while the rear is a torsion beam setup. Being a diesel the car is inherently economical, but being smaller than the norm lends it a slight edge.SAFETYSafety has always been one of Renault’s strong suites and the Megane is no exception. Scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests, with six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist as standard.DRIVINGGoes a lot better than the engine’s small capacity might suggest. Good low to mid-range torque delivers a strong throttle response, but the transmission tends to move into high gear quickly to achieve better economy.Flicking the gear selector across to manual mode really brings the car alive, allowing the driver to access full torque at all times for a much livelier driving experience - although pressed hard the transmission will eventually change up manual mode or no manual mode.We were getting 6.7 litres/100km from the 60-litre tank after some hard driving but this dropped to 5.2 litres/100km after an easy run home.The seats offer little support in the entry model and the car exhibits tyre squirm under load, while the Privilege with its taller wheels and lower profile tyres felt more planted, stable and comfortable to drive. Drive both before making a decision, or at least option the larger wheels.VERDICTA good choice for those in the market for comfortable, safe long distance commuter, but on the lookout for something with a bit more cache. The styling is a bit ordinary and the interior finish not as good as a Japanese car, but it ticks all the boxes. A five-year warranty, 2.9 per cent finance and, for the month of October, free three-year servicing - make this particular Renault a very safe bet. Competitors include Peugot’s 308, the VW Golf and the Mazda3 diesel.

It's a better looking car that's for sure. But it will be buyers who decide whether Holden's new Barina cuts the mustard in this increasingly important section of the market. Although sourced from Korea like its predecessor, it's an entirely new car with no lingering links to the Daewoo franchise. The Cruze which is

This is Volkswagen's second crack at the Touareg. The second generation sports utility vehicle (SUV) features lightweight construction techniques, more fuel-efficient engines and other advanced technologies.All new models are fitted with VW's fuel-saving BlueMotion technologies including brake energy recuperation and automatic engine shutdown at traffic lights. The 3.0-litre 150 TDI is the entry level model, priced from $62, 990.VALUECertainly not the most expensive SUV out there and not the cheapest either, so you'd expect a bit of kit for your doe and Touareg delivers, especially in the technology department.Standard equipment includes nine airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, with brake assist and electronic brakes force distribution. Entertainment and technology equipment fitted as standard includes coloured multi-function display and Bluetooth connectivity.TECHNOLOGYThe eight-speed automatic is a real bonus, with seventh and eighth overdrive gears reduce fuel consumption and cabin noise into the bargain. Scores 3.5 out 5 from the Government's Green Guide (Prius scores five), with a greenhouse rating of 6.5 and air pollution rating of 5 out of 10.DESIGNIt's 144mm longer than before with a 49mm longer wheelbase which translates to more rear legroom and more luggage space. Despite being lower and thus appearing sleeker, the new Touareg is larger than the previous model. It is almost 50mm longer in wheelbase, its overall length has increased by 144mm, yet it weighs up to 90kg less and is up to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient.SAFETYLike its predecessor this one scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests, with a total of nine airbags standard. Auto Hold and Hill Hold Assist apply the brakes automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and a radar monitors the traffic ahead, warning the driver and priming the brakes in readiness to avoid rear enders.DRIVINGIt might be the entre to the Touareg range, but there's nothing entry level about the way this one goes. With 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic, it is surprisingly responsive for a  two tonne plus vehicle.Fuel economy has been shaved to an official 7.2 litres/100km (we were getting 8.6). At 9.0 seconds for the dash from 0-100km/h it's quick out of the gates and cruises easily and economically. Really there's no need to step up to the more powerful version of this engine unless you want the extra kit that you get with it.The four wheel drive system in this model features a Torsen limited-slip differential that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and has a maximum gradability of 31 degrees.Selecting the off-road drive program tunes the ABS (ABSPlus), EDL and ASR for off-road activity, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the shift points of the automatic gearbox.VERDICTPerhaps the only major drawback with Touareg is the fact you can't get one with seven seats. This is the major attraction of these vehicles for families. Othewise it's a classy four-wheel drive which will appeal to both fashion conscious and technologically minded buyers.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype with all the fancy cars that we get to drive. And it's just as easy to overlook a little nugget like the Ford's sporty but modestly priced Fiesta sedan. What it lacks in panache, it more than makes up for in terms of practicality.PRICE AND MODELSThe sedan comes in two model grades - base CL and better equipped LX. Priced from $18,990 the CL is available only as an auto, but for the same price you can have the LX with more goodies and a manual gearbox. The auto is a $2000 option with this model.The LX adds side and curtain airbags as well as a bag to protect the drivers' knees in the event of an accident. It also gets cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel and power windows in the back.One of the highlights of the Fiesta range is the high level of technology offered, with Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls and AUX input for music players standard.Bluetooth is also partnered with Voice Control, so you never need to touch your phone again once setup (mind you setup is not what you'd call intuitive). It's available with a petrol or turbodiesel engine, but the fuel-saving diesel will set you back another $2500.The 1.6-litre, four cylinder petrol engine, is however a light sipper at just 6.1 litres/100km and provides some of the liveliest performance in this segment.Our test vehicle was the five-speed manual - nothing special about that but it's a more satisfying drive than the optional, four speed auto. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 88kW of power and 151Nm of torque at 4300 revs.DRIVINGWe've driven this car with both the manual and new dual clutch automated transmissions. We much prefer the manual. The Powershift dual clutch transmission is good, but without the provision to change gears manually it lacks the fine control of the manual which we miss.Performance is strong and you can push the car hard with confidence, with standard stability control to catch it if things start to go wrong.Fuel economy was impressive for a petrol engine. We were averaging almost bang on the stickered figure at 6.2 litres/100km and, with a smallish 43-litre tank, this gives the sedan a range of almost 700km.The sedan boasts an impressive 430 litres of boot space.Although it's now built in Thailand, with which we have a free-trade agreement, one of the things Fiesta has got going for it is its European design. It shows in the way the sporty way the car drives and handles and Holden will find it difficulty matching this with its Korean produced models.Comes with a full five-star safety rating with a battery of safety features including electronic stability control. Having said that, there's plenty of cheap plastic in the cabin, but this goes for most cars in this price bracket.The sound system is a decent one but the removable cap on the 12 volt outlet in the centre console probably has a life expectancy of about five minutes before it is lost.Talking about caps, the cap-free fuel filler door deserves a mention. Just pop the flap and you're good to go.What a pity it doesn't come with a full-sized spare.FORD FIESTA SEDANPrice: from $18,990Warranty: 3 year/100,000kmEngine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, 88kW/151NmTransmission: 6-speed Powershift autoThirst: 6.1L/100km, 146g/kmFuel: 43-litre tank, 91-98 RON

VW has just updated the EOS giving it a slicker, edgier appearance. The update builds on and expands upon the first model launched here for the first time in 2007. The new more aggressive look should curry favour with blokes, because they weren't very enamoured with the original which was a bit of a chick's car. Sales have fallen markedly since the model's introduction.VALUEEOS 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.TECHNOLOGYBuyers can chose between a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 155kW/280Nm turbocharged engine is a lift from the GTI, while the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel has seen service in many models. Both are paired with a six-speed DSG style transmission.As a convertible it exhibits a small amount of body flex, even with the roof up - but that's the price you pay. The folding metal roof takes 25 seconds to deploy, offering the benefits of a convertible with the security of a coupe. The security aspect will appeal to female buyers.DESIGNCosmetic 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.Think Golf.SAFETYOnly four stars. EOS is equipped with an extensive list of safety features including stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, an electronic differential lock for better traction as well as front and side head airbags - but rear passengers miss out. It also has an active rollover protection system.DRIVINGDriving the coupe-cabriolet is just like driving a Golf, at least with the roof up. With the top down however it's difficult to ignore that feeling of wind in your hair (for those who have hair).We prefer the petrol model, but there's nothing wrong with the diesel. It offers strong mid-range performance and of course superior fuel economy. The transmission has sport mode or you can change gears manually via the shift lever, but it doesn't have shift paddles. The diesel is rated at 5.9 litres/100km for fuel economy, but we were getting 7.0 over close to 400km.VERDICTThe thing I don't like about this car is that it's just too good. They need to build in a few flaws just to give the EOS some character.

But these plans could finally come to fruition with the DC100 concept that the company is exhibiting at the Frankfurt motor show. Land Rover has confirmed that it "intends" to put the all-new Defender into production in 2015 - four years from now. We spoke with Land Rover's program director Murray Murray Dietsch about its plans for Defender. Dietsch, an Aussie, has responsibility for all of Land Rover's current and future models. He said the Defender was so many things to so many people, it was a hard act to follow. "The difficulty is that it has to be a lot more relevant to a lot more people," he said. "We're working on it but we need to make sure that what we end up doing is not going to dilute Defender in the future." Defender's roots go way back to 1948 and during that period Land Rovers have earned a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Since the current model's introduction in 2007, the Defender has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender's off-road ability, durability and towing capability are still head and shoulders above the competition. Such a unique combination of attributes explains why this legendary vehicle commands such exceptionally high standards of customer loyalty. The DC100 concept shown in Frankfurt builds upon the essential elements of the car's character and allows Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future. In the meantime, the current Defender has once again been updated, this time with a new 2.2-litre turbo diesel. Though a smaller capacity, the new donk delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing unit. It produces 90kW of power at 3500 revs and 360Nm of torque at 2000 revs and brings greater levels of refinement to the timeless off roader. With the new engine comes a full acoustic engine cover replacing the previous splash cover. It reduces radiated engine noise and improves driving refinement. Performance figures are similar to the superseded 2.4-litre engine, though the top speed has been raised to 145km/h compared to 132km/h for the previous version. The six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its wide ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures easy real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box help contribute to the refinement of the transmission. Final pricing for 2012 Defender will be announced in coming weeks and will be on-sale in Australia from December 2011.

Best selling car that is, not just utility, with sales even managing to eclipse Holden's perennial Commodore. But, when sales took an unexpected dive earlier this year, Toyota wasn't going to take it sitting down. The Big T has unveiled a new look - and in some cases cheaper and better-equipped Hilux - in a selective response to rivals. Launched here in 1968 and now built in Thailand, the number of models has grown over the years, to a total of 35 with this the latest one. The emphasis is clearly on cheaper diesel offerings, with the removal of four poorly performing petrol V6s and the introduction of seven new diesel variants, including a no frills Workmate - the latter no doubt a response to the Chinese threat. New Hilux also marks a milestone of another kind, with the inclusion for the first time of speed camera warnings in GPS units - soon to be rolled out across the entire fleet. Part of Hilux's phenomenal success can be attributed to its broad appeal, with buyers falling roughly into two camps. On the other hand there's the tradies looking for a cheap, reliable workhorse, while on the other the growth has been in sporty 4x4 dual cab models that double as family transport. DESIGN While engines and transmissions have not changed, the look is more car-like and contemporary, with all new sheet metal from the windscreen forward and a redesigned dash inside. There's a new grille, bumper and lights along with new wheel arch flares and mirrors that incorporate turn signals. The bonnet scoop on diesels has also been moved to the centre. Inside, there's a new dash and changes have been made to make the interior quieter too, with a tacho and Bluetooth now standard. TECHNOLOGY In terms of safety, for those considering Hilux as a family car, the good news is that anti-lock brakes are now standard. The not so good news is that stability control is not, standard on only four models, with side/curtain airbags available with only 14 of the 18 4x4 models - and none of the 4x2s. The rear centre seatbelt remains a two-point lap design too and air conditioning is a $2051 option on most models. We're unlikely to see a major turnaround until the release of an all new Hilux which will probably not be for another three or four years. In the meantime, Ford and Mazda are getting ready to launch their all-new utes and the Chinese have just added a diesel to the Great Wall ute. PRICING Toyota says it is "rejuvenating" Hilux with substantial improvements to specification as well as aggressive new pricing. Small increases in price have it explains have been offset by the inclusion of additional equipment. The range consists of single, extra and double cab models in Workmate, SR and SR5 grades, with 2.7 four and 4.0-litre V6 petrol engines and a 3.0-litre four cylinder diesel. There are five new WorkMates and two Extra Cab SRs. Prices kick off at $18,990 (up $500) for the four cylinder 4x2 petrol single cab Workmate cab-chassis, with a diesel version of the Workmate now available from $24,490. The 4x4 version of the single cab Workmate cab-chassis with a diesel is priced from $31,990. The top spec diesel 4x4 SR5 with all the bells and whistles is $53,490.