By Paul Gover.
Q: I am looking at purchasing a Kia Stinger.
What do you think of them or can you recommend anything else in their price range?
Dianne R
A: The Stinger is a great car that is under-appreciated. For the price, there is nothing – since the death of the Aussie Commodore – that can top it for a family-sized cabin and boot with plenty of sporty punch.
Q: I currently drive a Peugeot 4008 which has been a wonderful car around the city but I would like to upgrade to a larger, sturdier SUV for driving to and from the country.
I am wondering what you think of the new Peugeot 5008.
I have looked at the new Toyota LandCruiser Safari but, as much as I like the car, it is too big for me.
Alicia
A: If you’re already a Peugeot person then the 5008 will be a good choice. I really like it for country driving.
Q: I am looking at purchasing a 2017 Mercedes-Benz A180 for my daughter.
This will be her first car and it has done 18,000 kilometres.
I had the car inspected and the report indicated that it is was repairable write-off due to malicious vandalism.
All the repairs have been done and the independent vehicle inspection guy sad that it was perfect mechanical-wise, and there is about another two years to go on the price-capped servicing.
What are your thoughts? My daughter loves the look and feel of the car.
Helen
A: So long as it was genuinely not repaired after a crash, it should be fine. The 180 is not particularly powerful, but that will be good for someone just starting to drive.
Q: We’re planning a trip around Aussie so looking for the right vehicle.
It will entail some off-road but nothing serious and for two adults only.
Thinking of Toyota Prado or Nissan X-Trail.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Clyde H
A: If you can afford it, the Prado is the gold standard in outback travelling with towing and four-wheel drive exploration.
Q: I am just seeking your opinion in respect to the best small-to-medium SUV up to $30,000.
Soraya R
A: Depending on the exact model in the line-up, and the exact size you need, my choices are the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Seltos, or the Hyundai Venue if you want something properly compact.
Q: Mercedes-Benz appears to have dropped diesel power from E-Class line-up.
It looks that way at launch, but do you know if they will introduce it later in the model life?
I’m also interested in your thoughts on the new BMW 5-Series as I’m reading good things.
I’m keen on diesel so the Mercedes move is disappointing.
I like the punch and it suits the 25-30,000 kilometres a year I drive.
Daud A
A: All European carmakers are shifting away from diesel engines because of their particulate emissions. Benz is moving more towards hybrids and especially plug-in hybrids, and they really appear to work well. If the 5 Series matches the improvements in the latest 3 Series, which arrived last year, it will be a belter.
