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    Articles by Chris Thompson

    Chris Thompson
    Journalist

    Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant.

    With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns.

    From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.

    Why small cars are still important: German brand's battle to keep sales of BMW 1 Series and X1 growing by pricing them below rivals such as Audi Q3 and A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLA
    By Chris Thompson · 11 Dec 2024
    BMW Australia is confident there’s still a need for small cars in the local market, citing the success of the X1 SUV as it launches its new 1 Series hatch locally.
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    BMW M135 xDrive 2025 review: snapshot
    By Chris Thompson · 09 Dec 2024
    The hot hatch in the pair of BMW’s entry-level model, the 1 Series, is the M135 xDrive, which starts at $82,500 before on-road costs.
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    'We're on their map': How Aussie fast-car lovers could shape future planning for global BMW M models thanks to huge local enthusiasm for cars like the M3 Touring and M4 CS
    By Chris Thompson · 08 Dec 2024
    Despite the diminutive size of Australia as a market on the global stage, our high per-capita uptake of M models means BMW Australia is now part of the planning team that decides on future M products.
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    BMW 118 2025 review: snapshot
    By Chris Thompson · 07 Dec 2024
    BMW's entry-level model is the 1 Series, specifically the 118 as it’s now known, which starts from $56,500 before on-road costs.
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    Skoda Fabia 2025 review: 85TSI Select
    By Chris Thompson · 06 Dec 2024
    There's a new entry-level Skoda Fabia in town, for thousands less than the price of the top-spec Monte Carlo. But does the Fabia Select feel like a bargain, or a compromise?
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    BMW 1 Series 2025 review: First Australian drive
    By Chris Thompson · 05 Dec 2024
    The fourth-generation BMW 1 Series is already here, promising a marked step up in features and fitout. We attended the Australian launch to find out if it delivers.
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    Jeep Avenger Summit 2025 review: snapshot
    By Chris Thompson · 04 Dec 2024
    The appropriately named Summit is the top variant for the Jeep Avenger range, adding some more creature comforts to the existing features from the Limited, and coming in with a hefty (for a light SUV) $60,990 asking price.
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    Jeep Avenger Limited 2025 review: snapshot
    By Chris Thompson · 02 Dec 2024
    The middle variant in the Jeep Avenger family, the Limited, might be the best value in the range for those seeking function without the bells and whistles.
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    Jeep Avenger Longitude 2025 review: snapshot
    By Chris Thompson · 30 Nov 2024
    The Jeep Avenger's base model is the Longitude, which starts at $49,990 before on-road costs, while still featuring most of the same functional features as the higher grades.
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    Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
    By Chris Thompson · 29 Nov 2024
    Is it illegal to drive barefoot? What about without closed shoes?
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