By Paul Gover.
Q: I want your opinion of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2 electric twin-motor cars.
I wish to spend no more than $90,000.
Both cars need to be bought over internet not through dealers, so how do l organise a test drive and trade-in?
I wish to take possession in November so l need to order now.
I have sent emails to Hyundai and Volvo Polestar without replies
Philip W
A: The Ioniq 5 is the more futuristic and gives a more ‘electric’ experience than the Polestar, which is based on the platform of the Volvo XC40. But the Hyundai is in very short supply, the first shipment sold-out and a waiting list for the next batch. The Polestar should be easier to get and full-scale deliveries are about to start, with enticements like a guaranteed future value. Both Hyundai and Polestar are doing their marketing through dedicated landing pads on their websites, including booking test drives, although Polestar looks like an easier deal for the moment.
Q: I wanted to get your opinion on the new Toyota RAV4 hybrids and whether or not I should buy the hybrid version.
Do hybrid engines not last as long?
Do you have to replace the battery in them?
At the end of the day, would a Hybrid be worth it in the long run or not?
William J
A: A hybrid will give you a worthwhile economy improvement, although the purchase price is higher. Hybrids use a combination of combustion power and an electric motor and neither is prone to excessive wear. Batteries have a five-year warranty at Toyota, increasing to 10 years with regular inspections, but their lifespan should be much longer and some Prius models have clocked more than 15 years on their original batteries.
Q: Last year Ford announced the prices for the 2022 Focus ST model, including an ST-X version.
While I can order the standard 2022 ST version and see it on their website, I can’t find anything since the December announcement on the ST-X version.
Do you know if it is just delayed or is still happening?
Steve V
A: Ford Australia says the ST-X is definitely still coming. But it’s been delayed, like so many others, because of the global shortage of semi-conductors. The first arrivals will be in May.
Q: My brother put a deposit down on a GWM Ute in January and was given a delivery date of mid-February
He has now been told GWM shipped the vehicles to Australia and they arrived on time but were shipped without the chip that allows four-wheel drive to be selected and are now still in customs as they don’t want to release them until the chips arrive.
They can’t give him a date as to when the chips will arrive or when he will get his vehicle
Is this the case or are they telling him nonsense?
Dale W
A: There may be chip problems, but the bigger recent GWM drama was a quarantine delay on a shipload of vehicles that had to be fumigated and isolated before they were cleared for delivery.
Q: In July last year we put a deposit on an Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain ute and were informed by the sales staff that delivery would be early 2022.
We were happy with this deal and, as time has gone on, we have been upgraded to a 2022 model. This too is very acceptable as now some of the extras that we had requested are included in the price of the latest model.
We were given the delivery date of March 21-25 but have now received an SMS from the dealership to inform us that the car has arrived at Port Melbourne.
However, it is being held in quarantine until mid-June and this seems a rather long time to clear customers.
Can you please shed some light on why the vehicle would need to stay in quarantine for this length of time?
Pam O’Connell and Wane S
A: Quarantine is nothing to do with customs, so it’s quite likely that the isolation is linked to stink bugs. They have infested roll-on, roll-off car carriers in the past and are a key target for the biosecurity team protecting Australia, which means long periods of quarantine. Even so, the dealership is probably playing safe on delivery dates.
Q: We are looking at either the 2022 Subaru Outback Touring or the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 4 2.2-litre turbodiesel, either the Elite or Highlander.
We mainly use our car locally in Melbourne, but have a holiday house 90 minutes away which, as recent retirees, visit regularly with a need for boot space to carry things between the two houses.
Is it worth the additional cost to move to the Hyundai and if so, the further additional cost to move to the Highlander version?
Ken H
A: The Outback is more car-like and that will make it nicer around the ‘burbs including easier to park. It should have all the cabin space you need and will be quiet and comfy for the longer runs. If you’re mostly around town then diesel is the wrong choice, and will hurt resale, and remember the Santa Fe is a very large seven-seater. A back-to-back test drive will settle the situation, but you’ll be better in the Subaru.
Q: I am thinking of getting a Volkswagen 2023 luxury T-Roc 140.
I did a test drive and liked it.
I am driving at the moment a BMW 325CI, so I am used to a bit of power. Can you let me know what you think of this VW or recommend I check out something similar?.
Christine W
A: If you like the T-Roc then it is a good pick, and it’s probably more practical than the BMW. On the power front, the 140 is a good solid engine and also comes with different driving modes, so you can switch to Sport for fun or leave it in Eco while the fuel price is high.
Q: My 77-year-old aunty is looking for a new car and, because of the her narrow garage, I think the Suzuki Baleno or the Kia Rio would be ok.
Which one would you suggest would be better buying.
Steven A
A: The Baleno and Rio are OK cars, but if size is the number one criteria then get her to test drive the Kia Picanto. It’s even smaller, well priced and should tick her other boxes.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
