By Paul Gover.
Q: My mum has a Holden Astra and she’s concerned her airbag may be faulty.
How are we best to find out?
Danielle M
A: There is a website for anyone to check and it’s a good idea with so many makes and models affected. Go to https://ismyairbagsafe.com.au/
Q: I’m wondering about the 2016-model Jaguar XE sports sedan.
Are they reliable and is it a good car to buy?
Or what else is good in this category?
Peter L
A: The XE is ok, but only ok. Far better among its direct rivals is the Mercedes-Benz C Class.
Q: My daughter will be turning 18 soon and I would like to help with her first car, with up to $9000 to spend.
She wants something “cute” but that is not a requirement as far as I’m concerned.
We want airbags, ABS, air-conditioning, connectivity for iPhone, must be safe and economical.
John B
A: In your case, I’d go for the Suzuki Swift. It’s cute but also very reliable and safe for the class.
Q: I’m wondering if you could enlighten me a little with regards to the new Volkswagen SUV being released early this year.
I am looking for a car for my son, roughly around $30-35,000 as we own a Golf Highline and have been very happy with that.
Initially we were considering the Tiguan but this seems to be another option?
Amanda S
A: The upcoming Volkswagen T-Cross is smaller than the Tiguan as it’s based on the Polo. Best to give it a drive, and do a comparison run with the Hyundai Venue, which is one of my favourites in that size and price bracket.
Q: I bought the MG ZS for my business recently as a small workhorse.
The standard of production and performance is exceptional, along with a 7 year warranty and roadside assist package for 7 years.
To suggest not to buy this Chinese brand is a nonsense and misleading.
Ken S
A: Using the famous British MG name to attract people to a new Chinese brand is smart marketing, especially with a seven-year warranty, but it’s still a cheap Chinese car from an unproven brand.
Q: I am looking for a near-new car for my wife which will primarily be used as mum’s taxi but a few times each year it will be used to tow our boat which weighs in right on 2000 kilos.
She currently drives a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe which has reached the end of its life.
I was thinking about a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th anniversary model.
Adam G
A: I would not recommend any Jeep model as the company’s record on customer service in Australia is appalling. Another Santa Fe would probably work, or the Kia version called Sorento, and I also like the Skoda Kodiaq.
Q: I’m at some prestige SUVs and wonder what you thought, with a budget around $200,000.
My choices are the BMW X6M, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Audi SQ8.
Norm R
A: I would go for the Porsche. The SQ8 feels quite lardy and is a family bus, while the X6 is impractical and over-firm and over-tough when you want to relax.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
