European

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Volkswagen Polo 81TSi Comfortline with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, 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. 

A new flagship and a more powerful diesel variant are the ammunition Volkswagen Australia has loaded into its Tiguan compact SUV range for its return to battle.CHANGESAlso making the highlights reel is the inclusion of a reversing camera, displayed on the new dash-mounted touchscreen. The driver also comes to grips with a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and will be monitored by standard driver fatigue detection.The other debutant in the Volkswagen compact SUV line-up is the R-Line designation for the 155TSI model, with R-Line body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptively damped suspension (the only Tiguan so optioned), leather sports seats and satnav.Also now standard range-wide on the upgraded Tiguan, accompanied by a small price rise, is the XDL electronic differential lock, which claims improved driveability, reduced understeer and slicker corner entry and exit.ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONSPetrol choices start from the twin-charged 1.4-litre (118kW/ 240Nm) entry-level front-drive model, the only Tiguan with manual gearbox. DSG transmission adds $2500.Both have start-stop fuel-saving . Fuel use is 6.9L/100km and 7.3L respectively. The 2.0-litre turbo (132kW/ 280Nm, 8.8L) and the turbo diesel (130kW/380Nm, (6.2L/100km) are both DSG-only and can be optioned up to include panoramic sunroof, leather trim and satellite navigation.DRIVINGOn mainly motorway cruising with some winding hill roads, the new 130TDI diesel impresses for its quiet cruising and the effective outputs. Ride quality remains reasonable, as does steering weight and ability, and it can corner without undue alarm at a brisk pace.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new Peugeot 308 in France.

Jack Pyefinch road tests and reviews the all-new Passat at its international launch.

Paul Gover road tests and reviews the 2014 Skoda Yeti 4x4 Outdoor, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The compact 308 aims for many Australian bases, leading with a thrifty three-cylinder. A price cut of more than $5000 and a new fuel-efficient three-cylinder turbo engine are the proof that Peugeot is finally listening to small-car buyers in Australia. Its all-new 308 is benchmarked against the Volkswagen Golf and

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2014 Peugeot RCZ R.