Articles by Chris Riley

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?Hmmm? Toyota's idea of funky and it ain't half bad, believe it or not. Below the skin beats the 2.4-litre heart of a Camry, but in a slightly different state of tune.HOW MUCH?Rukus prices start at $27,490, with buyers able to choose from three equipment grades known as Build 1, Build 2 and Build 3 _ our top of the line Build 3 is $31,790.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?In terms of design probably the Kia Soul, but the Soul is slightly smaller and doesn't offer the same sought of power. After that, it will probably appeal to SUV buyers and those just looking for something different.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine with 123kW of power and 224Nm of torque. Puts out slightly more power and torque than the Camry equivalent. Only gets a 4-speed auto compared with Camry's 5-speed.HOW DOES IT GO?Like a rocket. Punch the accelerator at the lights and it takes off like a scalded cat with a brief spin of the front wheels.IS IT ECONOMICAL?It's rated at 8.8 litres/100km but we wee getting 9.3 mainly travelling up and down the motorway. Guess that's the price you pay for the performance.IS IT `GREEN?'Gets 3.5 stars out of 5 from the Governnment's Green Guide, with a greenhouse rating of 6/10, air pollution rating 6.5/10 and CO2 emissions of 208g/km. The hybrid Prius sets the pace with 5 stars.IS IT SAFE?Gets 4 out of 5 stars. Comes with six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution as well as electronic traction and stability control.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Not armchair comfortable but not bad all the same. The digital speedo has been moved to the middle of the dash and takes some getting used to. To the left of it is the tacho, followed by the fuel and temperature gauges in order of priority.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Easy to drive and short front and rear overhangs make it easy to park. Higher driving position is not unlike an SUV. Computer lacks a touchscreen which makes the controls fiddly. Steering wheel audio controls need to be illuminated.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?Build 3 gets leather and climate air plus a sunroof, Bluetooth, keyless start and a 9-speaker audio including a subwoofer.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Certainly appealing. Punchy performance. Easy to park and drive. Smallish luggage area and space saver spare are turnoffs as is the 4-speed auto. A 5-speed would do wonders for the economy.

Maybe it's just the superb engine but Benz's new CLS 63 AMG hits the spot.Released this week Benz has tidied up the styling of its four-door coupe, with a sleeker more aggressive interpretation of the swoopy original.The V8 has been upgraded with more power and torque and there is now a diesel for those buyers who appreciate the more relaxed mode of motoring — and the number is growing with each passing year.VALUECompetitors? The CLS has none really.The closest are probably BMW's ugly GT or perhaps the Audi A7, although we haven't really seen a performance version of either car yet.Benz was the first in this segment and it has struck the first blow again with the release of the second generation CLS.Initially there are two models from which to choose: a 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo diesel (the 350CDI) priced from $159,200 and the top of the range CLS 63 AMG, with a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 priced from $263,500.Launched in 2004, needless to say the four-door, four seat CLS includes plenty of hi-tech toys, like the LED head lights which are the first full LED setup in the world and made up of 71 separate high output, low consumption LED globes.The CLS is also the first Benz to get lightweight, frameless aluminium doors, adaptive brakes prime themselves as soon as you remove your foot from the accelerator and the steering is now electro-mechanical instead of the old hydraulic system.There's even 11 airbags to keep you safe in the event of an accident — count them.By the way the performance pack if can you can't live without it will set you back an extra $17,900 and lifts the usual 250km/h speed limitation.TECHNOLOGYTwo other models with petrol engines are expected to arrive later in the year — the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY.For the time being, the diesel is nice and certainly no slouch, not with 620Nm of torque on call — but the AMG, if you can afford it, is without peer.The 5.5-litre biturbo V8, a replacement for the 6.2-litre engine, produces 386kW of power and 700Nm of torque in standard form, or 410kW and 800Nm with the performance pack. That's more power and torque than the larger 6.2-litre engine, hailed as the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the world.Pound for pound, the new model is 35kg lighter, faster out of the gates, with 0-100km/h taking 4.4 seconds (or 4.3 seconds with the peformance pack) versus 4.5 seconds for the previous model. And, here's the good bit, it's able to do all this using 30 per cent less fuel, with consumption rated at 10.0 litres 100km vesus 14.5 for the old car.DRIVINGWhat's not to like? After driving this car I found myself wondering whether it was the V8 that I was drawn to or the car itself, or the two combined — because they're difficult to separate. The sound from the bi-turbo V8 is nothing short of glorious, providing the driver with huge reserves of power and the ability to overtake at will.But, if it was performance I was after, I found myself pondering whether it would perhaps be more prudent to buy the C63AMG, saving $100,000 and getting a smaller faster car into the bargain? But then, the V8 in the C-class is a different one. Benz actually produces five different V8s and the one in the C-class is the naturally aspirated 336kW 6.2.For those interested in economy and who isn't these days, the AMG used 14.5 litres/100km over a distance of 260km while the diesel, rated at 6.2 litres/100km, used just 6.5 litres/100km over the same distance.MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 63 AMG Price:  from $263,500Engine: 5.5-litre biturbo V8Power: 386 kW at 5250 rpmTorque: 700 Nm at 1750 - 5000 rpmTransmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmissionFuel use: 10 l/100 kmCO2 emissions: 233 g/kmPerformance: 0-100km/h 4.4 seconds

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering - would you buy one?What is it?The GLX is Suzuki's top of the range Swift which has just been updated although it looks very much like the previous model.How much?GLX is $18,990, $3000 more than the entry GA and $2000 more than the mid-range GL model. The optional four-speed auto adds $1700 to the price.What are the competitors?Plenty of competitors in this segment, but the Swift knocks them all for six in terms of style. It's actually 90mm longer and 10mm higher than the old one, with another 50mm between the axles which means more room inside.What's under the bonnet?Same 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine as the other models. Delivers 70kW of power and 130Nm of torque, compared to the old 1.5's 74kW/133Nm.How does it go?Surprisingly well. Even the auto is zippy. The engine has a sporty note under hard acceleration and it remains sure-footed in corners, with stability control to sort things out if necessary.Is it economical?Better than before. Suzuki is claiming a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km for the manual, and from 6.6 to 6.2 litres/100km for the auto.Is it 'Green?'Gets four stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets five). The auto produces 147g/km of CO2, a little more than the manual.Is it safe?Gets a full five stars thank you very much. Seven airbags standard, along with traction and stability control plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.Is it comfortable?Gets our vote. One of the first things we noticed about this car was its big car feel belying its size. Interior has a much classier feel, with better finishes. Sits on 16 inch alloys, with 185/55 rubber.What's it like to drive?Feels very smooth and sure footed, with good sound insulation. A longer engine stroke and electronic throttle control contribute to better throttle response.Is it value for money?As well as more gear the GLX adds some mechanical upgrades like foggies, rear disc brakes, and the addition of reach adjustment for the steering wheel. There's also Bluetooth, climate air and a keyless entry/start system.Would we buy one?You bet. Love the looks, like the way it rides and handles but the higher price for the GLX puts it within cooee of plenty of excellent competitors. Rear legroom is still tight and the spare is a spacesaver.SUZUKI SWIFT GLX AUTORATINGVERDICTSwift ... bigger and more economical than before.

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? Peugeots pumped up SUV version of its 308 hatch, although without all-wheel drive so it

Fluence? It's an odd sort of name and one that seems to be missing an `in' or perhaps an `af' at the beginning. But let's not sell Renault's stylish new Fluence short because it happens to be one of the better offerings from the French car maker. Reintroduced to Australia in 2001, it's fair to say that Renault has failed to make a major impact in the last 10 years.But, of late, it seems to have pulled out all the stops in what it describes as the "revitalisation" of the brand. With driveaway deals and offers of free scheduled servicing it could well be a last roll of the dice.For those not up to speed Fluence is the sedan version of the well regarded Megane hatch with its rouned bustle shaped back. The two cars share the same engines and many of the same underpinnings.But rather than the current Megane, Fluence is in fact based on Samsung's SM3, which in turn is based on the previous generation Megane. The Samsung branded car made its first appearance at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.PRICE AND FEATURESPriced from a driveaway $22,900 you can have either the Fluence or Megane hatch for the same price. Despite being described as small, Fluence is actually quite a large car, bigger and with a longer wheelbase than the Holden's Cruze. Our test vehicle, the $29,990 Privilege, is powered by a 2.0-litre engine paired with CVT style continuously variable auto.The car comes with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. As well as leather and climate air, a sunroof and satellite navigation are both standard with this model. Bluetooth is also included as well as AUX and USB connections for music players which can be controlled from the steering column.There's also cruise control with speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers, as well as fog lights and rear parking sensors. Fluence is offered with a five-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty -- the longest of any European brand. You also get five-years of 24/7 roadside assistance.The design of the audio/airconditioning modules is ordinary at best. Fluence is yet to be crash tested but is likely to score a full five stars for safety like other models before it.TECHNOLOGYThe four cylinder petrol engine, shared with Nissan's Dualis, produces 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, and will run on standard unleaded, although 95 is recommended. With a 60-litre tank, fuel economy with the CVT is rated at 7.7 litres/100km but we were getting about 9.2 litres. The CVT is designed to optomise power and economy, with no discernible gear changes.DRIVINGLike the previous Megane sedan, this one is a good size, drives well and has a good-sized boot with a full-sized spare. But rear headroom is compromised by the stadium-style elevated seating position.Inside, more thought needs to go into the instrument layout, like the location of the cruise/speed limiter switch marooned between the front seats. We'd also suggest ditching the remote control that goes with the built-in TomTom satnav system.VERDICTOverall Fluence is a more convincing offering but we were left wondering whether it has that "je ne sais quoi" that will attract people buy it? Time will tell . . .

The big, stylish five-seat off roader fairly bristles with technology, including nine airbags and a string of safety systems that will make your head spin. It's a wonder VeeDub does not offer a training video, because there's too much info to take in in a single sitting. Launched here in 2003, the previous Touareg scored a maximum five stars for safety in crash tests _ this one looks like it will score off the scale. Built in the Slovak Republic the new Touareg is longer, wider and higher than before but lighter and more fuel efficient, with a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines. Priced from $62,990 to $82,990, the styling is sleeker and more aggressive, with the adoption of VW's new family face that is being rolled out across the range. There's a 206kW 3.6-litre petrol V6 and two 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesels from which to choose, the latter with two different power outputs. The engines are a carry over from the previous model, but have been refined. The massive V10 diesel is no longer available and there's no word on a performance `R' version yet. The lower output diesel produces 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque and is used to power the entry level 150TDI model. The higher output engine delivers 180kW and 550Nm and powers the V6 TDI, although both diesels are badged the same. The more powerful model can be identified by its larger, more elaborate wheels. It's smoother and quicker off the mark, but uses slightly more fuel. The big news is the move to an 8-speed auto that makes a huge contribution to the reduction in fuel consumption. VW says it opted for a traditional auto because it is better suited to the demands of off-road driving. Start/stop technology and brake energy regeneration are also standard across the range. In the case of the 180kW diesel, fuel consumption has dropped from 9.3 to 7.4 litres/100km while the petrol V6 also delivers much better figures, down from 12.4 to 10.1 litres/100km. As a result of these gains the fuel tank has been reduced in size from 100 to 85 litres, except where air suspension is fitted. VW ran out of Touaregs 18 months ago, so it was understandably keen to get hold of the new one. So keen in fact that it opted to take delivery of some pre-upgrade 2011 models rather than wait any longer (they have fractionally less power and use fractionally more fuel). Touareg has always been a very capable off road vehicle and all models remain all-wheel drive, although a different 4x4 system called 4XMOTION is used for serious off-roading. It offers low range gearing and lockable centre and rear differentials. Ground clearance with the optional air suspension fitted remains the best in the business at an impressive 300mm. However, a space saver spare is standard. All Touaregs will tow a 3500kg load, with a towball down weight of 280kg. Leather and climate air are standard, with a range of sophisticated new driver assistance systems available including an advanced Driver Assistance Package for $5400 that incorporates Lane Assist, Side Assist and ProActive Occupant Protection System. Optional Area View employs front, rear and side cameras to display a view of the vehicle surrounds. Bluetooth and AUX/USB connections are standard. AT A GLANCE Prices: 150TDI $62,990; V6FSI $77,990; V6TDI $77,990 ; V6 TDI 4XMotion $82,990. Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kilometres Resale: N/A Engines: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, 150kW @4000 rpm/400Nm @ 2000rpm; 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel; 176kW @ 4000rpm/550Nm @ 2000rpm; 3.6-litre FSI petrol; 206kW @6200rpm/360Nm @ 2900-4000rpm Thirst: 150TDI 7.6L/100, 201gCO2/km; V6FSI 10.1L/100km, 240gCO2/km; V6TDI 7.6L/100km, 201gCO2/km; V6 TDI 4XMotion 7.7L/100km, 202gCO2/km Weight: 2097kg to 2222kg Dimensions: LxWxH 4898mmX1965mmX1732mm; Wheelbase 2904mm Transmission: Eight speed automatic Body: Five door five seat wagon Towing Capacity: 3500kg braked; 280kg towbar download

Whatever Subaru's game plan is, it seems to be working. Sales are up despite the fact that the cars are more generic than ever, with design that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous.The Forester is a good case in point. Over the years it has morphed from a knockabout, all-wheel drive station wagon into a just another high riding, roly-poly SUV.Be that as it may, earlier this year, Forester became Subaru's biggest selling model of all time, eclipsing even the Impreza — with sales in excess of 150,000 since launch in 1997.It comes as no surprise then that Forester leads the fiercely contested SUV segment in Australia and has done for the past three years.For whatever reason, it has struck a chord with buyers.But one wonders whether time is running out for the niche Japanese car maker, with its "symmetrical" all-wheel drive mantra.The thing is, all wheel drive is starting to lose some of its gloss, with electronic braking systems able to achieve the same level of safety these days.And you end up paying more for all-wheel drive at the pump, because driving all four wheels all the time by necessity pushes up fuel consumption.Having got that off my chest, I'd like to now sing the praises of the new Forester and its new third generation 2.5-litre boxer engine.It might have lost some of its character, but the new model distinguished by a new front grille exudes a real feeling of quality and is a pleasure to drive, with a sporty spring to its step thanks to the Boxer engine.TECHNOLOGYThe new FB engine which makes its debut in the Forester offers no additional power but there has been a small increase in torque.The flat four definitely feels more refined and responsive and the switch to chain drive means no more cam belts to replace.The new engine, the first completely new design in 21 years, puts out 126kW of power at 5800 revs and 235Nm of torque at 4100 revs, with 0-100km/h taking 9.2 seconds.Fuel consumption is rated at 9.3 litres/100km, compared to the previous model's 9.6 litres (we were getting 9.8).Sadly, however, while the engine might be new, we're stuck with the same old five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, although we're told the auto has been improved.The rest of the world has moved on.Our test vehicle, the base model Forester X with a five-speed manual, has dual range gearing (low and high range).DRIVINGThe engine sounds fabulous and the ride is exemplary, but pushed hard the wagon with its higher centre of gravity exhibits plenty of body roll.Corners taken at speed will spark an extreme reaction from the electronic stability control system.Low range is handy for slippery boat ramps and the like, but off road the Forester can get further than you think in the hands of an experienced driver, with 220mm of ground clearance.Steel wheels are standard fitted with 16 inch Bridgestone 215/65 Duellers and a full sized spare wheel is provided.Inside you get cloth trim and manual airconditioning, but it lacks outlets for rear seat passengers.The dash include a darker finish and darker tone metallic-type highlights for enhanced appearance.Cabin noise levels are reduced through use of an enlarged, higher density, under bonnet noise insulator.Bluetooth is also standard and there's a 12 volt outlet plus AUX and USB ports in the centre console box, with controls for the phone and audio mounted on the wheel.AT A GLANCEPrice: from $30,990Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmSafety: 5 star ANCAP2 occupant safety rating , Symmetrical all-wheel drive, ABS, EBD,VDC, SRS Airbags – dual front, dual front side and curtain, Active Head Rests.Engine: Horizontally-opposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engineBody: 5-door WagonTransmission: 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.Thirst: 9.3L/100km, CO2 220g/km

I remember the launch of the first Honda Insight 10 years ago. It was a funny looking thing, painted green of course, with two seats and skinny little tyres that were enclosed at the rear to reduce wind drag.That Insight was terrible to drive, with a harsh bumpy ride and wheels that tracked all over the road. But it didn't use much fuel and was a landmark in Australian motoring as the first hybrid petrol-electric car to be sold here.Not surprisngly Honda's next two hybrids were both converted Civics, barely distinguishable from the standard model — in stark contrast to the Toyota Prius.Ten years down the track the new Insight is a much better car in just about every respect. The five-door hatch offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space save spare.Insight comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags.VALUELike the Prius it's a standalone model and one that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Toyota.It is however smaller and more affordable than a Prius which should put the car on many more shopping lists. At a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative.Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a 1.3-litre four cylinder petrol engine, Insight also has a 10kW electric motor to give the engine a boost when required such as during acceleration. You could think of it as a new age turbocharger.There's no need to recharge the battery because the car does thatitself when you take your foot off the accelerator. 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 delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration.The hybrid powertrain incorporates a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy.With 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.DRIVINGThe first time I drove the new Insight I didn't care for it much.But after clocking up more than 2000km in one over the past few weeks I'm a hybrid convert.The Insight is practical, easy to drive and doesn't use much fuel which is of course the main reason for buying one.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.We've been getting about 5.7 litres/100km and the good news is that a fill usually costs around $40.00.AT A GLANCEPrice: $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 wasn't so long ago that Saab was for all intents and purposes dead in the water.Dumped by General Motors during the financial crisis, it was eventually bailed out by German sports car maker Spyker which has in turn joined with a Chinese company Hawtai Motor Group with a guarantee of substantial financial support in return for shared technology.It's all a bit confusing really, apart from the fact that Saab is back and back with an all new resuscitated 9-5. So what? I hear you say. They couldn't get it right the first time what makes you think they'll do any better this time around?The short answer to that question is that the new and improved 9-5 ain't half bad.It's not going to set the world on fire but it is definitely appealing, with its long bonnet and swept back windscreen.The 9-5 has plenty of cache for the price and is a genuine alternative to mainstream Audi's, Benzes and BMWs.Going forward, however, Saab needs to work on putting some distance between its cars and those of the opposition.It needs to emphasise the points of difference that make a Saab a Saab, like returning the ignition key to its rightful place between the front seats. That's what will sell cars.DESIGNBuilt on GM's Epsilon platform, the new 9-5 is a much larger, more substantial offering than before.It's 172mm longer than the first generation 9-5 and, more importantly, 361mm longer its sibling the 9-3. Previously the two models were far too close in size.Suprisingly, the 9-5 is longer and wider than the Mercedes E-Class, although the Benz boasts a longer wheelbase.In keeping with its aircraft heritage, the car's interior features green instrumentation, with some aviation cues like the horizon-style speed gauge and the night panel button that knocks out all but essential instrument lighting at night.Ironically the speed gauge is not necessary because the holographic head-up display projects the car's current speed in the lower part of the windscreen.The interior is light and bright and friendly, with clean unclutterred styling and easy to read instruments.The centre console is dominated by a large touch screen navigation screen with a an upmarket Harmon Kardon sound system and 10Gb hard drive.Bluetooth, park assist, bi-xenon lights, automatic lights and wipers and heated front seats are all standard.TECHNOLOGYMotivation in the Vector model is provided by a 2.0-litre turbo charged petrol engine that delivers 162kW of power and 350Nm of torque from 2500 revs.It's good for 9.4 litres/100km and will do the dash from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 235km/h.The four cylinder engine is hooked up to a 6-speed Japanese Aisin transmission, with the option to change gears manually via the shifter or steering wheel mounted paddles.For another $2500 the optional DriveSense chassis control system provides intelligent, sport and comfort modes _ but we reckon sporty doesn't feel all that sporty.DRIVINGPerformance is brisk but the turbocharger has trouble keeping up with the demands of the throttle. Although traction control is fitted, the front wheels tend to scramble for traction, especially in the wet.VERDICT The 9-5 is an appealing car, but we're hoping there's better things to come yet as Saab seeks to redefine its identity. The 9-5 Turbo4 Vector sedan is priced from $75,900.

Many competitors are now offering cheaper two-wheel models and the move will enable the company to offer the offroader at a price expected to be less than $30,000.