By Paul Gover.
Q: I am after your opinion on the best small SUV on the market.
Something new to four years old.
Trish.
A: Assuming you don’t have an unlimited budget for something like a Porsche Macan, I would go for the all-new Hyundai Venue. It’s roomy for the class with a decent boot, drives well and the base price of $19,990 means it gets The Tick from me.
Q: I have just bought a new Hyundai i30 Active and was warned by the salesman not to take it on long run for the first 1000 kilometres.
Why is that and what would happen if I hit the highway and sat on 100km/h for three hours?
Peter R.
A: Brand-new cars need to work up and down at various speeds during bedding-in of things like the gearbox and engine. I can still recall a press preview drive where the differentials failed in a string of Toyotas after we went straight from the production line on a non-stop drive from Melbourne to Adelaide.
Q: I am considering purchasing a Volvo XC40 in a petrol version.
I have heard they have a short warranty and high servicing costs, is this still the case?
Also, we have just built a new house with solar panels and back-up storage battery so is it worth waiting for the EV and PHEV models to arrive in Australia or is this too long away and most likely initially very expensive an option?
Barry H.
A: The XC40 is a belter, definitely gets The Tick and is reigning World Car of the Year. It’s too early yet for plug-in electrics or fully electric from Volvo, although it’s Polestar sub-brand is moving fast in that direction.
Q: I’m hoping you can help my daughter who is looking at getting a new car.
She currently has a Holden Barina and needs a larger car for the kids so she is looking at the Holden Captiva 2015 to 2017 and they seem well priced.
Are they any good or would you recommend something else as she can only spend up to $17,000.
Paul.
A: Argh, please don’t let her get a Captiva. Not a good car. Far better to go for a Hyundai Tucson with the same budget cap.
Q: Just asking your opinion on a comparison between the Havel 2 and Hyundai Kona.
We are a retired couple who are looking for a small SUV because of the ease getting in and out of vehicle. And, of course, other options if you believe we are on the wrong track.
The vehicle will be located in Bass Coast area in Victoria with local driving, trips to Melbourne monthly and usually a leisurely drive to Qld once per year.
Ian and Jan O.
A: While Haval is making good advances, I think the Kona is a top little car and Hyundai is now a proven brand in Australia. The Kona gets The Tick from me.
Q: I am a 65 year old, a rusted-on Falcon and Commodore owner.
My current Falcon XR6 is due for replacement, so where do I look?
I have a budget of $50,000 and would like something with a six-cylinder, normally aspirated engine.
Is this possible? Failing that, your best suggestion.
Jeff M.
A: The Chrysler 300C is a possibility but my strong recommendation is the Kia Stinger. It’s a modern take on the Commodore and Falcon, with a turbocharged V6 engine and rear-wheel drive.
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