Articles by Chris Riley

At the same time Defender's loyalists are drawn to the minimalist design, to a vehicle that can take you just about anywhere, that you can treat badly, but that will still bring you home in one piece again.Available in a myriad of variations world-wide, it's a vehicle favoured by the military, aid organisations and government agencies as well as those who simply love the great outdoors.We take two models, the 110 wagon and the 130 cab-chassis, which misses out on traction control.Designed primarily with functionality, practicality and reliability in mind, it's also a vehicle that you can literally hose out when it gets too dirty.But the underlying design could well be the Defender's undoing, with no plans to continue production beyond 2010 when it no longer meets minimum safety standards.The problem here is that with only 25,000 sales a year world-wide, redesigning the car for the 21st century could simply be uneconomic.So, with two years to run, Land Rover has just updated the current 2002 model for what is perhaps the last time, to produce what is arguably the most comfortable Defender ever but one that is still just as tough.Having said that we managed to crack the engine case of our test vehicle, a 130 cab- chassis through bad luck more than bad management.On a particularly tough section of bush track, a stone is thought to have been flicked by one of the front wheels with sufficient force to punch a hole in the crank case in an area otherwise shielded from hard knocks.It was a million to one chance but some putty and a top up for the oil later and the vehicle was back on the road.In a nutshell, that describes what the Defender is all about.For the new 07MY model the TD5 five cylinder diesel has made way for a Ford 2.4-litre four cylinder unit, a six speed manual has been added and cabin comfort has been greatly improved.The new 2.4 litre diesel is the same engine that can be found in Ford's Transit van and is good for 90kW of power and 360Nm of torque, with 90 per cent of torque available from 1500rpm.In comparison, the old engine was good for 90kW and 300Nm.The six-speed manual is a welcome addition with a lower first gear for extreme off roading and a higher sixth gear for more relaxed highway cruising.Fuel economy is rated at 11.0 litres/100km.We reckon second gear in high range is still a little too tall for the speed we wanted to maintain.Defender runs a full time four-wheel drive system, with low range selectable via a traditional transfer lever. We found changing between high and low range tricky at times and the turning circle is terrible.Inside, more elbowroom has been created by moving the front seats towards the middle of the cabin. The seats themselves are surprisingly comfortable and in the wagon a third row of front facing seats are now available as an option.The padded dash draws on instrumentation from the Discovery with a centre mounted analogue clock. You even get a CD based sound system but surprisingly no iPod connection.Gone are the pop up air vents replaced by standard airconditioning.Land Rover has lost count of how many Defenders it has sold in Australia and indeed how many different versions of the car it currently produces.The bushy's bushy has been sold here since 1949 and many a back paddock can attest to its rust resistant alloy body.Defender 110 is priced from $48,990 and 130 from $50,990. 

It's every mother's nightmare. Just two weeks after getting her P plates, Nadine Kean's daughter was involved in a major car accident. It happened in the pouring rain when a car coming towards her made an unexpected turn, one that took it right across her path. Bam! The single mother of three from Prestons in Sydney's southwest tells how Paige now 18 was badly injured in the crash. Her knee was badly banged up, her ankle thought to be broken and her chest left bruised by the seatbelt. The car itself was a write off. That was eight months ago and her daughter is still getting over the psychological effects of the crash. “It was a terrifying moment,” Nadine said. “The police, fire and ambulance guys all gave her a lecture,” she said. “They all told her she should learn to expect the unexpected.” As a first-time driver Paige didn't have much confidence to start with and it made getting back behind the wheel that much harder. There's not much chance of her being booked for speeding because she still has difficulty getting up enough speed even to keep up with the traffic. For her 18th birthday two weeks ago Nadine offered her daughter a choice of presents; either a GPS navigation device or a defensive driving course. Paige jumped at the chance to take part in the course, which brought mother and daughter to Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway on a Wednesday morning. In fact, Nadine had to take the day off work so she could be there to support her daughter along with the family's ageing Laser. Paige was one of eight participants on the day, most of them females and half of them P platers. Eastern Creek Driver Training's chief instructor James Stewart prefers to adopt an informal approach, with plenty of jokes to break the ice. Rather than laying down the law, he believes in allowing students to make up their own minds. He shows them the right and wrong way of doing things, demonstrating why one is better than the other. Once students can see how it works, the decision is a no-brainer. Pointing to the statistics, the instructor explains that for most people driving is the most dangerous activity they will ever undertake. At the same time however he points to the fact that the system is targeted at getting your licence, not about learning how to drive properly. “We take driving for granted,” he said. “It's the most dangerous activity we do and one that we do every day, but the sad thing is most of us don't give it a second thought.” Before 1990 in NSW anyone could get a learner's permit for a motorcycle, jump straight on a powerful bike and roar off into the distance. These days however riders must undertake extensive training before they are let loose on the road. Stewart said the introduction of the scheme has had a major impact on reducing the two-wheel road toll, but sadly a similar system has not been introduced for cars. Overseas the instructor said it can cost as much as $12,000 to obtain your driver's licence, with separate tests for day, night and in the snow. During the one-day course drivers are shown how to adjust their seat and mirrors correctly, how to brake with and without ABS on wet and dry surfaces and what to do when you lose control of your car. We asked the instructor what he would change about the present system if he was given three wishes? Stewart replied; Making all drivers undertake a written test on the road rules once every 10 years and building a driving culture,(as in other countries) where learning to drive is taken more seriously. Stopping people from rushing by, allowing them sufficient time to get to their destination. (Oh, and as an after thought he'd also ban the use of mobile phones while driving a car, whether they're hands-free or not). Driver training gift certificates priced from $240 are available in time for Christmas. For details contact Eastern Creek Driver Training on 96721000.    

We put in several thousands of kilometres behind the wheel of one of these beaut little cars last year. At the time, we described the 120d as easily the sportiest of the diesel runabouts on the market.With refinements to the 2.0-litre common rail diesel, the 1 Series can more than ever lay claim to that crown. Even the upgraded Golf 2.0-litre TDI, with more torque, can’t match the Beemer’s figures for acceleration and fuel consumption.BMW has just upgraded the entire 1 Series range, giving the car a bolder appearance and more refinement.The previous model was good for 115kW at 4000rpm and 330Nm from 2000rpm, with 0-100km/h taking 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 215km/h. Refinements to the aluminium engine have seen power increase to 125kW and torque to 340Nm, the latter available slightly lower in the rev range from 1750rpm.The result is a car that can sprint from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 226km/h. Fuel economy meanwhile has dropped from 6.6 to 6.1 litres/ 100km (we were getting 7.3 litres/ 100km).The new 1 Series has a more dominant ‘‘kidney’’ grille, with clear-glass headlights that are integrated into the bumpers and a wider intake in the newly designed front air dam. Daytime running lights, ringing the headlights, are incorporated into a new bi-xenon headlight package.Adaptive headlights, which provide optimum illumination on winding roads, are optional.From the back the new 1 Series can be identified by changes to the lights and bumper.Inside, the BMW 1 Series gains new, higher-quality materials and colour choices as well as additional storage spaces.A USB port has been added to the sound system.The 120d’s engine is hooked up to a six-speed sequential auto that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired.The engine feels coarser than we remember, with a slight pause before the power kicks in. But when it does arrive it arrives in a big, hot strong rush.The small doors and heavily bolstered front seats make getting in and out of the car difficult at times.There’s room in the back for three but it is a little cramped back there.The small rear window and high-waisted design restrict rear vision.The BMW 120d is priced from $48,000.

I've quoted many people in almost 30 years as a journalist, but I've never quoted a machine before. But there's a first time for everything and such was the case with Honda's awe-inspiring ASIMO robot, which is doing the rounds of Australia at the moment.ASIMO walks and talks, can recognise faces and respond to simple pre-programed commands. It is even able to run at speeds of up to 6 km/h and can kick a soccer ball.“On top of that I'm a dancing machine,” ASIMO told rapt school children at Sydney's Darling Harbour demonstrating some funky moves.Wow!This was no movie but the real thing.No trick photography, no one operating a remote control and no little man inside the suit.But what I hear you ask has a robot got to do with cars?Well, much of the technology that has gone into the creation of ASIMO, billed as the world's most advanced humanoid robot, could be coming to a Honda motor vehicle near you soon.The inspiration for the robot was the Japanese anime Astro Boy.Just like Astro Boy's creator Dr Elefun, designers wanted to build a robot with 'a little soul.'In creating ASIMO, whose name stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, Honda engineers have been able to apply what they have learned about human movement to the construction of crash dummies.The same stabilty control system used in cars allows the robot to run with both feet leaving the ground between steps.The radar ASIMO uses to move around is being adapted for use in Honda cars as 'Night Vision' and for detecting and avoiding pedestrians.The 54kg, 1.3 metre tall, white moon-suited robot, is powered by a 52 volt lithium ion battery and can operate for up to 60 minutes on a single charge.Eye cameras allow the robot to recognise surroundings, register stationary objects and avoid moving obstacles as it moves around.Sensors in its wrists allow the robot to push carts and give and receive objects, such as a tray of drinks.After falling down stairs last year however this particular feat has been excluded from the demonstration.ASIMO is the culmination of 21 years of research and development, with engineering teams in Japan, Thailand, Europe and the US dedicated to the robot's ongoing development.Seeing ASIMO on screen is one thing but seeing the robot 'live' is a reality challenging experience.The white-suited robot looks a miniature version of the astronauts that landed on the Moon.Its strangely stilted movements though impressive are somewhat comical at the same time and in fact oddly reminiscent of singer Michael Jackson's 'moon-walking' dance moves.On a more serious note Honda says in future, ASIMO might also perform tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as fighting fires or cleaning up toxic spills.Our ASIMO is one of three travelling the world and will be in Sydney until 2 December,  2007 before the tour moves to Brisbane and then Melbourne.For more information on ASIMO tour dates, times.   

Due in February, Subaru's fire-breathing super Rex the STI is ready to light up the road.

Going undercover is, after all, about blending in, becoming part of the crowd and attracting as little attention as possible.Looking at Nitro you get the feeling that designers had something different in mind. The brash American five-seat wagon attracts plenty of comment with its oversized wheels, pumped-out guards and big, blunt 'cow-catcher' front end. There's no missing Dodge's trademark, chrome crosshair grille either.Nitro comes with a 3.7-litre petrol V6 or a 2.8-litre turbo diesel.Our test vehicle was the top of the line SXT diesel priced from $43,490. The diesel adds $3500 to the price, but this also buys a five-speed auto with sequential mode instead of the standard four-speed.Nitro sits on the same platform that will underpin the forthcoming Jeep Cherokee, with a part-time four-wheel drive system that is not suitable for dry bitumen roads.Unless you hit the switch it remains rear-wheel drive. This negates the benefits of all-wheel drive and, with no low range gearing its off-road ability is also restricted.The in-line four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 130kW of power at 3800rpm and 460Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Impressive figures but, as the SXT tips the scales at just under two tonnes, it's not the fastest cab off the rank, with 0-100km/h taking 10.5 seconds.Both petrol and diesel models are rated to tow the same braked 2270kg. But the diesel remains the better bet with 146Nm more torque, delivering dividends in driveability and fuel economy.With a 70-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 litres/100km, but our test vehicle proved thirstier than this at 11.4 litres/100km or about 600km to the tank.Nitro is described as a medium-sized sports utility vehicle and goes head to head with Ford's Territory and the Holden Captiva.In reality, it's a rather snug fit inside. Taller drivers will find getting in and out of the cab awkward unless they remember to duck. Rear leg room is good, but at the expense of load capacity and it can be a squeeze for three adults across the back seat. The luggage area itself features a trick slide-out floor for easier loading.Although Nitro is targeted mainly at road users, drivers expecting car-like ride and handling will be disappointed.The ride is harsh with plenty of old-fashioned, 4x4 rock and roll and the solid rear axle can become skittish if it encounters a bump mid-corner.The SXT model comes with 20-inch alloys shod with 245/50 profile tyres that look terrific but do little to cushion the bumps. A full-size spare is fitted but drivers will miss not having a driver's footrest.Although very well equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control, Nitro's interior doesn't quite match its killer looks, with plenty of hard plastic to be found.At the end of the day it's a fun, desirable car to be seen in, but one that is badly in need of some refinement.

Going undercover is, after all, about blending in, becoming part of the crowd and attracting as little attention as possible.Looking at Nitro you get the feeling that designers had something different in mind.The brash American five-seat wagon attracts plenty of comment with its oversized wheels, pumped-out guards and big, blunt “cow-catcher” front end.There's no missing Dodge's trademark, chrome crosshair grille either.Nitro comes with a 3.7-litre petrol V6 or a 2.8-litre turbo diesel.Our test vehicle was the top of the line SXT diesel priced from $43,490.The diesel adds $3500 to the price, but this also buys a five-speed auto with sequential mode instead of the standard four-speed.Nitro sits on the same platform that will underpin the forthcoming Jeep Cherokee, with a part-time four-wheel drive system that is not suitable for dry bitumen roads.Unless you hit the switch it remains rear-wheel drive.This negates the benefits of all-wheel drive and, with no low range gearing its off-road ability is also restricted.The in-line four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 130kW of power at 3800rpm and 460Nm of torque at 2000rpm.Impressive figures but, as the SXT tips the scales at just under two tonnes, it's not the fastest cab off the rank, with 0-100km/h taking 10.5 seconds.Both petrol and diesel models are rated to tow the same braked 2270kg.But the diesel remains the better bet with 146Nm more torque, delivering dividends in driveability and fuel economy.With a 70-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 litres/100km, but our test vehicle proved thirstier than this at 11.4 litres/100km or about 600km to the tank.Nitro is described as a medium-sized sports utility vehicle and goes head to head with Ford's Territory and the Holden Captiva.In reality, it's a rather snug fit inside.Taller drivers will find getting in and out of the cab awkward unless they remember to duck.Rear leg room is good, but at the expense of load capacity and it can be a squeeze for three adults across the back seat.The luggage area itself features a trick slide-out floor for easier loading.Although Nitro is targeted mainly at road users, drivers expecting car-like ride and handling will be disappointed.The ride is harsh with plenty of old-fashioned, 4x4 rock and roll and the solid rear axle can become skittish if it encounters a bump mid-corner.The SXT model comes with 20-inch alloys shod with 245/50 profile tyres that look terrific but do little to cushion the bumps.A full-size spare is fitted but drivers will miss not having a driver's footrest.Although very well equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control, Nitro's interior doesn't quite match its killer looks, with plenty of hard plastic to be found.At the end of the day it's a fun, desirable car to be seen in, but one that is badly in need of some refinement.

The Piaggio MP3 provides safety, road grip and stability levels that no two-wheeler can match.The front assembly, with two independent tilting wheels, is more stable than any scooter. Power and performance are said to make the scooter a satisfying ride.In town and city traffic the Piaggio MP3 provides big benefits. The full extent of this three-wheeler's grip and stability is revealed on wet surfaces and adverse riding conditions that can sometimes challenge a traditional two-wheeler.It takes on cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with the greatest of ease, with unmatched safety and grip for a vehicle that is also unhindered by traffic congestion.It's a cinch to park. An electro-hydraulic tilt-locking system means there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand although one is provided for ease of servicing.Simply flick the lean-locking button and apply the parking brake.The system will operate at any angle so there's no need to find a level parking area.The Piaggio MP3 requires far less braking distances than any other scooter.The prices are $10,990 for the 250cc and $11,990 for the 400cc.

Even faster than the famed Porsce 911 Turbo, the awe-inspiring 2+2 coupe is poised to take on the best the world has to offer."Anyone, anytime, anywhere," boasted a confident Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn unveiling the car. "This is more than just a mere muscle car," Gohn said.  "It is master of of any road, no matter how steep, how rough or how icy."The 353kW twin turbo V6 blasts from 0 to 100km/h in a scorching 3.6 seconds. Top speed is a daunting 310 km/h.The GT-R goes on sale in Japan in December and in the United States in June, but Aussies will have to wait more than 12 months to lay eyes on the beast dubbed Godzilla. This despite the fact some punters put down $10,000 four years ago to be among the first to take delivery.The GT-R's blistering performance, underpinned by all-wheel drive and a host of electronic support systems, comes at a premium. Expected to be $150,000 plus, it's set to eclipse the previous R32 model sold here for $110,000 in limited numbers during the early 90's.The good news, however, is that we are getting the car to start with. Some countries are not so lucky. Nissan Australia was hoping to land the car next year, but this has now blown out to early 2009 after delays in the States.There are other issues too, not the least of which is how to service the vehicle with its exacting requirements. The huge, road-hugging tyres for instance are filled with nitrogen gas just like an aeroplane.Then there's the issue of grey imports and what to do about them (privately imported cars whose owners will come looking for parts and service). Nissan has no real legal obligation to support them, but it will require a decision nevertheless."It's a minefield," warned Nissan marketing manager Ross Booth. "The good thing is that the car is great and that we will be getting it," he said. "Not everyone is will, but we will because of our GT-R heritage."GT-R certainly looks the part, no pretty boy with a brutal looking rear end emblazoned with the signature four round tail lights, four enormous exhaust tailpipes and massive 285/35 series rubber.Standard equipment includes the latest safety technology in the form of a pop up bonnet to reduce pedestrian injuries.Inside, there's a dazzling computer display and kick-arse Bose sound system. The large computer screen provides several graphs detailing every facet of the car's operation.Even at $150,000, Booth believes the company will have no trouble shifting 100 of the cars in the first year - maybe twice that figure.This is the third generation GT-R and differs from previous models in many respects. For a start, it's a purpose built vehicle, not based on the current Skyline as was the case before.  As such it no longer carries the Skyline name, but still continues the naming convention, being designated R35.The engine too is no longer a straight six, but rather a lighter more compact 3.8-litre V6 with integrated turbo system. Each engine is hand assembled in a contaminant free room to ensure quality and relaibility.With three key design criteria to meet, designers were given what can only be described as an open cheque book.It had to have a power to weight ratio of less than 4.0kg to the horsepower.It had to be able to achieve 300km/h not just on the track but on the open road.It had to be able to clock a time of less than 8 minutes on Germany's famous Nurburging race circuit (7.38 minutes as it turns out on a partly wet track).At the same time the two-door, four seat coupe has been designed to be in effect idiot-proof; able to be driven with confidence by just about anyone.Not only is the car incredibly quick, but surprisingly fuel efficient too, with economy rated at 12.2 litres/100km. It also qualifies as an ultra low emission vehicle under Japan's stringent regulations.Extensive use is made of aluminium, carbon fibre and plastics to keep weight down but it still tips the scales at 1740kg. The doors, bonnet and boot lid are all aluminium.With the engine mounted in front and transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear, the car has a 53 per cent weight bias towards the front.Maximum power of 353kW is achieved at 6400rpm and peak torque of 588Nm is developed between 3200 and 5200rpm.The engine is hooked up to a an automated, six-speed dual clutch transmission. The spread of torque between the front and rear wheels varies from 50 to 100 per cent. Wheel-mounted paddles are provided for the driver to change gears in manual mode. Drivers can choose to between manual and automatic modes, with three different driving styles from which to select.In perhaps the biggest shock, the nitrogen filled tyres are run-flats, negating the need for a spare wheel and the extra weight that entails. The tyres are designed to carry the car at 80km/h for a distance of 80km without the need to stop after a puncture.BMW has been the target of much criticism for fitting run-flats to its cars in recent times.Brembo brakes are fitted along with Bilstein dampers, coincidentally the same dampers fitted to Porsche's 911. The dampers automatically adjust to road conditions, again with three different settings to choose from.In another fascinating move, the engine management system is designed to be tamper proof - which means the car cannot be chipped for increased performance.All in all, the GT-R is an impressive package and one that has and will be worth the wait, no matter how long it takes to get here. If the GT-R performs as advertised, is there a place for it amongst Australian performance enthusiasts, or has the long wait meant potential buyers have moved on? Tell us what you think below...

We could rave on about the new V8 or we could wax lyrical songs about the car's impressive levels of power and grip. Then of course there's the throaty roar from the four tailpipes as the car high tails it down the road.But perhaps the most telling comment about BMW's new 'V8-powered' M3 was the one delivered by a woman last week at Victoria's Phillip Island race track.We had flown down to the Island to put the fabled M car through its paces under the watchful eye of race driver Geoff Brabham and the BMW Driver Training team.That was before hopping across Bass Strait for some quality time the next day on some of the Apple Isle's less frequented roads.The woman, wife of a current and obviously proud M3 owner, had just stepped out of the new car after a hot lap with a restrained Brabham.“Wow!”“That's better than sex?” she exclaimed to all and sundry.“She means, that's better than sex with me,” her husband quipped.The woman turned to her husband.“When can we get one?” she asked.The answer was not as you might guess; right away (although it wasn't a question of money, even at $157,000).The 50-something businessman was more interested in when he could get his hands on a self-changing box, instead of the standard six-speed manual.Their car was the SMG version, sort of a automatic manual that accounted for 60 per cent of sales.The answer to the question is sometime next year, although it won't be an SMG.It's not going to be an auto either, BMW's Toni Andreevski said, but more likely something such as the acclaimed “DSG” double clutch gearbox pioneered by Volkswagen.Still, that's not going to worry BMW too much, because it's already sold all 120 of its first shipment of M3s.The move from a six to a larger, more powerful V8 engine in this the fourth generation M3 has left some owners misty-eyed.The 3.2-litre straight six is regarded as one of the motor world's true masterpieces and one that no doubt will be sorely missed.Then again, the company met with a similar reaction when it moved form a four to a six pack back in the early 90s.Any lingering doubts about the new 4.0-litre V8; however are soon dispelled after a few minutes behind the wheel.With 309kW of power at 8300rpm (up from 252kW) and 400Nm of torque from 3900rpm (up from 365Nm), the new M3 goes hard and stops faster, despite putting on 85kg in weight.It also quicker from 0 to 100km/h, at 4.8 seconds compared to 5.2 for the previous model.The engine itself is 15kg lighter and the block comes from BMW's light-alloy foundry in Landshut that builds the blocks used in Formula One by BMW Sauber.The new M3 introduces some firsts to the segment including brake energy regeneration and a weight-saving carbon fibre roof, to go with the lightweight aluminium bonnet.Despite its obvious girth average fuel consumption remains a respectable 12.4 litres/100km, depending how you drive.On the track the new M3 is just superb.With perfect 50:50 weight distribution, it exhibits poise and balance, easily controlled at the limit with slight corrections by the driver.In fact, one of the hallmarks of this car is just how easy it is to drive, with a raft of electronic aids that 'aid' the enthusiast instead of getting in the way as is so often the case.The V8's extra torque comes into its own pulling out of corners, with the car able to remain in a higher gear and get into its stride more quickly, exiting the corner more rapidly as a result.On the open road the M3 is ridiculously quick.Full power is always available but drivers get to choose how that power is delivered, thanks to the Mdrive button located on the steering wheel, with sharper or softer settings available.The difference between the standard 18 inch and $3800 optional 19 inch wheels is apparent, but more so on the track than on the road.They allow the car to carry a more speed through corners.The car is not fitted with run flats nor is a spare tyre supplied, but a reinflation kit with compressor instead.Only 20 per cent of components are shared with the 3 Series Coupe and only one suspension component.Highlights include the newly developed chassis with special, weight-optimised components, plus Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and the Variable M diff lock.Competitors include Audi RS4, Lexus IS-F and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.