Impressive yet underrated, the Volkswagen Arteon station wagon gets The Tick. Photo: James Coleman.
Q: I have a query on my six-month-old Mercedes A35 AMG, which I absolutely love driving, about early brake wear.
As you may be aware, my car has a mild hybrid set-up, which I think helps to in some way boost performance under heavy acceleration.
This apparently includes a small battery that gets its power from the regeneration of the brakes when the car is coasting. You can actually feel the car slow when coasting.
But does this brake regeneration entail a faster rate of the brakes’ wear and tear, resulting in a shorter life span of the brakes?
Nick Loukides
A: The hybrid system actually cuts wear on the car’s brake pads and rotors, because the regenerative braking slows the car using a generator system to recharge the battery. As you brake, the early part of slowing is done with the generator system, not the ”friction” brakes.
Q: Wanting your opinion on the Ford Ranger Raptor and Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana.
Largely on-road driving and occasional towing of horse float.
Would want to option a PanAm with a lockable tub liner.
I have heard about issues with the differential on the Amarok.
Michael Randles
A: You want to use a thoroughbred off-roader for towing? It’s not the role of those pick-ups, and the Raptor is only rated to 2.5 tonnes for towing. You need to set your priorities as the Raptor is fantastic for fun running in the bush and the Panamericana will do the towing.
Q: I ordered a Nissan Qashqai e-Power last year.
It has now arrived and I’ve got cold feet because I’ve read about all the failed generators overseas.
Have you heard about them? Should I be concerned?
Not sure whether to keep my 2020 Volvo XC40 and wait a while or just grab the e-Power while I can.
Sue Burchell
A: If you look hard enough, you can find bad stuff about any make and model, even when the problem is in the UK and you live in Australia. Here is the official reply from Nissan Australia: “We can reassure you that Australian Qashqai models are not affected by the previous issue reported in Europe. Our vehicles are built after the production countermeasure was implemented.”
Q: I am looking at the Volvo S60 to purchase new as I prefer large sedans over SUVs.
What is your opinion on the Volvo, and what does it compete with?
Barry
A: It’s great to hear someone is resisting the silliness of SUVs. The S60 is a lovely, plush car and it’s definitely recommended. To give you something to compare, and you really should test-drive them both, look at the Skoda Octavia and Superb as they are excellent and have recently had a mild update.
Q: I currently have a 2018 Audi Q5 and am looking at getting an update.
I love the Audi but I’m concerned about the “chip” issue during COVID. I delayed getting an upgrade because when I investigated, the models did not appear to have what my car has now.
I don’t believe the Volvo XC40 had any chip issues. Can you tell me positives and negatives for these two cars, please?
Kathy Marshall
A: Carmakers cut some of the luxury features from models during COVID, called ”de-contenting”, to reduce the number of microchips needed for things like electric rear doors. The Volvo is a terrific car and a good choice, while the Audi is usually a little more plush. The best way to pick is to drive them back-to-back to see which you prefer.
Q: My Nissan X-Trail ST-L is just over three years old and the battery needed a replacement.
I understand a 12-month warranty only on the battery.
But for the battery only to last three years is just not on.
Are there any grounds for going to Nissan Australia about this issue, because the dealership says yes, it’s normal for a battery change after three years?
Mohammad-Faizal Zain
A: The battery landscape has changed dramatically in recent times, with most people struggling to get three years from a battery. Mostly it’s because of the huge drain during operation, but also the ”micro” drains by hidden operating systems that never fully turn off. It’s not just Nissan with similar complaints to yours across the motoring world.
Q: I have recently bought a second-hand 2019 Isuzu D-Max two-wheel drive and have tried to get a tyre pressure answer from Isuzu Australia and my local service dealer in Melbourne.
My Isuzu maintenance catalogue and door post indicates 29 psi in the front tyres and 41 in the rear, which I adopted.
A return email from Isuzu Australia gives no apology but now indicates 29 psi front and back. They didn’t say, but I assume the catalogue is incorrect.
My Isuzu service dealer recommends 37 psi front and back.
Graeme Halas
A: Always go with the pressures on the tyre ”placard”, which is normally stuck inside the opening for the front-passenger door. It gives you the pressures for the exact vehicle.
Q: I need to buy another petrol car, not necessarily new, to replace my 20-year-old Toyota Camry Ateva.
I work seven days a month and am an age pensioner so need a reliable, economical car to drive up to 800 km a month. I would very much appreciate your suggestions and advice.
Liz Els
A: If you’ve been happy with the Camry for all that time, get another one. The later models are much more plush and you don’t have to buy new to get something considerably better than what you’re been using. The Camry hybrid model is likely to be good for you on running costs.
Q: When my 2021 Mazda6 Atenza sedan is cold and I turn left or right going around a corner, there is a very noticeable “clunk” sound that comes somewhere from the front end of the car. When the car warms up, the sound goes. This happens every time I drive the car.
I’ve taken the car to my local Mazda dealer several times to have this matter resolved, but so far they aren’t able to locate what’s causing this issue.
Peter Kosmetschke
A: It’s almost certainly going to be something in the front-end bushes, as once they wear there is less compliance, and on full lock or through a bump you can get metal-on-metal contact, which creates the noise. Avoid the dealership if they are not helpful, and get the bushes replaced at Pedders Suspension and save some money on the way.
Q: I’d just be interested to know your thoughts on the Volkswagen Arteon.
I am looking at a 2022 model to replace a 2014 Golf wagon that has been written off due to an accident.
Serena Dougall
A: The Arteon wagon is a great car and vastly underrated. Big space inside and in the boot, a lovely drive, great long-distance car, and surprisingly good on fuel. It gets The Tick.
