Articles by Chris Riley

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Volvo V40 T5 R-Design with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

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?WHAT IS IT?Looks just like a smaller version of the Golf, which is not surprising considering the Golf's enduring popularity. The 66TSI is the entry level model equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine.HOW MUCH?The 66TSI is priced from $16,290 but that does not include an auto. A five speed manual is standard or you can option a 7-speed dual-clutch auto for $2500 - an expensive alternative in the context of a relatively cheap car.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?This is an expanding section of the market. The segment leader is the Hyundai i20, followed by the Mazda2 and the Toyota Yaris. Although many regard the Volkswagen as a premium product it is in fact priced very competitively.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine delivers 66kW of power and 160Nm of torque, the latter from 1400-3500 revs. It's mated to a five-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Auto stop-start which turns the car off at traffic lights is now standard across the range.HOW DOES IT GO?Surprisingly well. It's amazing the performance they are extracting from these tiny engines these days, with turbocharging and direct injection - Volkswagen is a leader in this field.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Has a 45-litre tank. Premium unleaded recommended. This model is rated at 4.8L/100km. We can't tell you if this is what it actually gets as the trip computer in this model does not include these details - just trip A and B.IS IT GREEN?Yes, it is. Gets five stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide just like a Prius, with carbon emissions of 112g/km.IS IT SAFE?Gets a full five stars for safety from ANCAP. Comes with six airbags, traction and stability control, with hill start assistant, electronic differential lock, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Misses out on a reversing camera and no sign of navigation.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Think modern and functional. Soft touch dash but feels a bit utilitarian. Wheel is reach and height adjustable and the driver's seat is height adjustable too. Bluetooth hooks up easily and reconnects when it is supposed to although you can only control the phone through the touchscreen, not the steering wheel.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Performance is brisk. But the transmission is jerky and this is exacerbated by the auto stop-start system. When the lights go green and you press the accelerator it tends to lurch forward with a jolt. You could turn off stop-start, but that would be defeating the purpose.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?Air conditioning and cloth upholstery standard. Rides on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. Standard features Bluetooth with audio streaming, six-speaker audio with USB and 12 volt outlet in centre console. Also AUX and SD memory card input. Power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, daytime running lights and cruise control is a real bonus at this price. 

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Toyota Yaris ZR with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Hyundai Santa Fe SR with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 Kinetic.

How do you move a few cars when sales start to wane? Easy one. Give it a flashy paint job, slap on some body decals and add a nice set of mags - Bob's your uncle. That's what Toyota has done with the launch of the sporty Camry RZ, a special edition with plenty of eye candy and an attractive price to match. Toyota

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Audi S8 with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Kia Pro_cee’d GT with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.