Articles by Chris Riley

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the new Skoda Octavia Scout, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2015 Holden Colorado 7, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2015 Peugeot 508 at its Australian launch.

Well, maybe just blown up a bit, because it remains front-wheel drive so we wouldn’t be taking it off road any time soon.But it’s now officially recognised as an SUV. Go figure.The maker claims the 3008 has always qualified as an SUV but with the arrival of an updated model it decided to have that status ratified by industry gamekeeper, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.The mid-life makeover rationalises the 3008 to one better equipped model, with new styling front and rear, standard satnav and rear-view camera and concealed underfloor storage.It’s available with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.0-litre turbodiesel, both of which carry over from the previous model. The transmission is a six-speed auto.The engines provide energetic performance and the car handles well tooThe petrol engine is shared with BMW and powers a Mini variant.Prices take a $1000 cut — the petrol model is from $35,490 and the diesel $38,990. Premium paint adds $990.Get aboard and there are some surprises — the engines provide energetic performance and the car handles well too, sitting flat in corners even when pushed enthusiastically.The seats are large and comfortable and the ride quality is pretty good for a European job that has not had the benefit of local tuning. Still, the 3008 can bounce around on country roads.Standard equipment includes cloth trim, dual climate- control air-con, seven-inch screen, LEDs, auto lights and wipers, electric brake and 17-inch alloys.There’s just the one Active grade this time around but a $3500 option pack adds leather trim, heated front seats, head-up display, rear sunblinds and a panoramic glass sunroof.The head-up display projects the information on to a transparent plastic screen that unfolds from the top of the dash.Price from: $35,490Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCapped seriving: YesService Interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 115kW/240Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6 speed autoThirst: 6.7L-7.8L/100kmDimensions: 4365mm (L) 1837mm (W) 1639mm (H)Weight: 1555kg-1614kgSpare: Full-size (temporary in diesel)

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2015 Subaru BRZ and answers the big questions.

The price, paid by an unnamed telephone bidder after a relentless battle with several rivals in the auction room, was substantially more than the $135,000 paid for a hero 1969 Falcon XW GT in award-winning unrestored condition.It was also more than double the price paid for a 1968 Holden HK GTS Monaro 327 Coupe – also in unrestored condition – that sold for $96,000.The VW Kombi's result brought a standing ovation from the large crowd that had packed into Shannons Cheltenham, Melbourne showroom.Early Kombis have attracted a cult following around the worldIt capped off a night of top prices paid for many of the 39 classics on offer - 21 of them presented for sale with 'no reserve' (an auction trend championed with growing success by Shannons).Based on the national and even international interest that was shown in the Microbus before the sale, Shannons was quietly confident that the humble VW – fresh from a five year restoration – would top pre-auction expectations of $120,000-$140,000.Once the preserve of hippies looking for cheap, live-in transport, early Kombis have attracted a cult following around the world, with top examples routinely fetching six figure sums overseas in recent years.The Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced in 1949 and rapidly established itself as one of the most versatile and popular commercial vehicles ever made.The Kombi is finished the delightful two-tone period colours of Paprika and White with contrasting tan upholsteryThe first examples were seen in Australia in 1953 and were assembled at VW's Clayton plant in Melbourne from 1954.The 'step-through' T2 Deluxe Microbus with its period 'Golde' folding roof – widely regarded as the most collectible Kombi of all – was completed on December 13, 1960 and first delivered in Melbourne.Beautiful in every detail, the Kombi is finished the delightful two-tone period colours of Paprika and White with contrasting tan upholstery.It has been the recipient of several awards, including President's Choice at the Volkswagen Club of Victoria's ‘Day of the Volkswagen' in 2013.The Kombi's sale near the end of the auction almost took the wind out of the sale, despite excellent results being posted by a number of other lots.Shannons National Auction Manager, Christophe Boribon said the result set a very positive tone for Classic vehicle sales in 2015."This is a spectacular result for our first auction of the year," he said.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews Citroen C4 Picasso at its Australian launch.

China's automotive invasion appears to have faltered after a strong start.