By Paul Gover.
Q: I am looking to upgrade my 10-year-old Mazda2 and I’m looking for something slightly bigger that will mostly be used for city driving, commuting and the occasional road trip.
I’ve been looking at the Volkswagen Golf or even a T-Roc, but I’m concerned about the 1.4T engine in the heavier T-Roc being too sluggish.
I know the Golf 8 is due before the end of 2021 so is it worth waiting or is a Golf 7.5 a good buy? And should I be looking only at those still under warranty?
Stephanie H
A: The turbocharged 1.4 is an excellent engine with decent low-speed performance. We know the engine well from the Skoda Karoq, which is also strongly recommended, and even with four and luggage it copes fine. Every indication is the Golf 8 will be worth the wait but even once it arrives supply could be a problem for some time.
Q: Please let me know your thoughts on VW T-Cross, as the few people I know who like cars do not know the vehicle.
Options are difficult for me due to my car space and the T-Cross is not that big and should fit a bike in the back with the seat down.
Milly V
A: The T-Cross is good, based on the Volkswagen Polo, and surprisingly perky. If you want to cross-shop a rival, take a test drive in a Hyundai Venue.
Q: I’m looking for a small SUV for my wife and she likes the VW T-Roc.
There is just the two of us so we don’t need a large vehicle.
Gary G
A: Same-same, and it looks like Volkswagen has a winner in Australia.
Q: I just bought a 2015 VW Polo GTI and the media system indicates that I can activate mirrorlink by getting a key/code from my local dealership.
Now I have contacted my local dealership and they have been told by VW corporate that in my year/model this feature is not available.
So why sell a car with some features that are not available?
This was a big selling point for me to purchase the car as I do like using Waze and Spotify.
What can I do now or why can’t VW fix this issue?
Anthony S
A: We will chase hard with Volkswagen Australia but just because a feature was ‘available’ does not mean it was fitted to cars for Australia. It’s another case when more checking is required before committing to a car.
Q: I’d like to update my partner’s car with another secondhand hand SUV top-line vehicle with a budget of around $35,000.
What about the Renault Koleos?
I’m just wondering how reliable they are and how it compares to other SUVs you’d choose particularly with regard to reliability, service and warranty?
Shane S
A: The Koleos is a Nissan X-Trail under the skin, so solid and reliable. As a secondhand purchase it should be good value and a little more refined than the Nissan.
Q: I’m wanting to purchase a new Renault Koleos Intens.
We will trade my 2006 Ford Territory seven-seater and downsize to the Koleos.
What are your thoughts and recommendations?
Dominic A
A: The Koleos is not as good for a new purchase as it is secondhand, particularly with the company moving from a full factory operation in Australia to a private importer. But the car is good and you might bag a bargain in the changeover.
Q: I currently own a 2018 BMW 125M Sport and the warranty will expire in February 2022.
Given the wait times on new cars I have started looking now for a replacement for my BMW and I prefer a hatch with a decent amount of torque, full safety package and digital instrument cluster.
I would like to spend about $35,000 and am happy to buy a used car with low kilometres.
I have narrowed my list down to the new Hyundai i30 and the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf.
Jane D
A: If you’re happy to wait, it’s hard to go past the Golf Mk8, even without the full pricing and model details for Australia or the date when deliveries will begin.
Q: I own a 10-year-old S40 Volvo which I purchased new.
It has been reliable and I am shortly about to buy a new car and thinking about a S60 model.
Wondering about your thoughts and comments.
Bev S
A: Coming from the S40, you might find the S60 is too big. It’s a fully-sized family sedan, not a compact like the 40. But it’s a very refined, comfy and well-designed car and often overlooked. Perhaps also look at the XC40 if you think an SUV might be more user-friendly for you.
Q: My daughter is changing her 20-year-old Nissan coupe and wants a small-medium thrifty four-door hybrid.
I wondered if the Honda Insight or Toyota RAV4 hybrid would be suitable and. if so, which one..
John J
A: The RAV4 is one of the hottest cars in showrooms today for good reason, and will tick her boxes. But don’t expect any sort of deal and there could also be a waiting list because of its popularity.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz GLA200?
I currently own an E200 which has 9985 kilometres on the clock, but since my husband’s death I find this car too big and wish to downsize.
Marie-Louise M
A: The GLA is a good choice for downsizing. It’s comfortable, well build, with lots of helpful tech, not as ‘over the top’ rorty as something like the A45, and gets The Tick from me.
Q: I only have only week to get myself another car since mine has been totalled and I’ve been driving a rental car which is very expensive.
Could you suggest which smallish car is worth looking at.
The rental car that I’m driving is a Kia Cerato which is very nice to drive.
Mary R
A: If you like the Cerato, it’s a great choice and very good value. It is mechanically identical to the Hyundai i30 but is slightly better as a value package with local tuning work on the suspension.
