By Paul Gover.
Q: I put in an order for a Ford Mustang Mach 1 but was disappointed to see that some of the specifications have changed.
Can you tell me what has happened?
Ray B
A: Ford Australia says:
“We recently discovered some content and feature corrections on the Mustang Mach 1 for the Australian market, and are disappointed we didn’t catch this before the first run of brochures and website was published. We are especially disappointed that our loyal and engaged Ford customers and Mach 1 owners feel let down.
“The Mustang Mach 1 is a purpose-built product with a singular aim – to be the ultimate driving Mustang on the road and track. Uniquely engineered parts, which are designed to improve downforce and cooling on the Mach 1, unfortunately mean that the vehicle does not feature Adaptive Cruise Control or audible rear sensors while parking, though a reversing camera remains standard.
“We can also confirm that the Mach 1 has Ford’s own Limited Slip Differential, which is fully mechanical, identical to that fitted in the Mustang GT as well as Mustang BULLITT, that the Mustang GT350 lower light assembly used on Mach 1 means fog lamps are not included, and that the floor mats are standard Mustang mats rather than Mach 1 branded.
“These content changes will be incorporated into an updated brochure that will be released shortly, and we are working through how we are able to best support our Mach 1 owners, and will reach out to each of them very soon with an update.”
Q: We are buying a Volkswagen T-Cross and have been offered a five-year service plan.
Are these worth considering?
Andrew L
A: VW Australia says they are doing the service plans as a benefit to customers. If you negotiate hard, a lot of dealers are adding them as a sweetener to new-car deals and it’s a package that’s definitely worth having.
Q: I am in the market for a new car and have been tossing up between the Skoda Octavia RS and the Kia Sportage GT Diesel.
I know one is an SUV and the other a wagon but what are your thoughts?
I have driven the Skoda and like it, but trying to find a Kia to test drive is the challenge.
Pierre F
A: There’s no need to drive the Sportage. If you are someone who enjoys driving then the new Octavia RS is a clear winner.
Q: My Subaru Outback has almost come to the end of its life and I need a vehicle that I can fit my gardening tools in.
With the outback I used to put the back seat down.
Can you suggest which vehicles would be suitable for me to look at please?
Gwen B
A: The updated Outback is a very good thing, much more modern in the cabin and with improved safety, so that should be your first stop. Don’t be fooled into thinking that an SUV will have more boot space than a similarly-sized wagon, but Kia has good-value SUVs to give you a comparison.
Q: The airbag warning light is coming on in my 2013-model Hyundai i30.
It was intermittent a few weeks ago and now it is on constantly. Also, when I go over a bit of a bump or dip at a high-ish speed the car also makes a long beep noise.
I called my local Hyundai dealership and they told me it would cost $180 just for a diagnostic test.
Karla T
A: A warning light is always a big problem. Your car is getting older and you need to get it checked. If it’s doing it over a bump it could be something as simple as a loose wire. Sorry, but the diagnostic fee is common to all brands these days. But you should also contact Customer Service at Hyundai Australia and get a case number from them before you go to the dealer. If there is something more serious then ask for a ‘loyalty contribution’ from Hyundai HQ.
Q: My mate has a 2004 Mitsubishi TL Magna ES sedan which has done 350,000 kilometres and is consuming oil which he needs to top-up every few weeks.
As a result, he is in the market for another vehicle and likes large passenger sedans which handle well – not firmly like a Cerato GT – and steer accurately and has up to $25,000 to spend.
He would also prefer a traditional torque-converter transmission.
We recently took a 2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo for a test drive and it ticked all his boxes apart from the steering. It didn’t feel direct and he complained that he had to move the steering wheel at least two centimetres before the car changed direction.
Mike
A: There is some steering play in cruiser-style cars so they are more relaxing to drive, with what’s called the ’sneeze factor’ to prevent veering, and the Camry fits into that range. It won’t take him long to adapt and the Camry is a good car in every area. If he wants something more ’sporty’ in feel, and similar in budget, get him to test drive a Skoda Octavia or a Ford Mondeo.
Q: I’m looking for a secondhand hand car for my young grand-daughter and I have heard good reports on the Hyundai i 30.
I drove a hired i30 recently and it was very impressive.
I heard the Kia Cerato is similar, so is that correct?
Regards
Bill H
A: The Cerato and i30 are the same under the skin, with slightly different equipment and local suspension tuning. Either will be a great choice and you will probably be picking on her fashion choice and the better deal.
Q: We have had a Volvo XC 60 T6 for eight years and have been very happy.
We want to upsize and want to consider a hybrid. That knocks out the Volkswagen Touareg, which looks great.
So considering Volvo XC 90 T8.
What do you think of our hybrid strategy and what luxury SUV would you recommend?
Chris P
A: The XC90 is a terrific vehicle so, if you think a hybrid will work for you on short trips to maximise the benefits, then it gets The Tick.
Q: My family have had four generations of Volkswagen people movers.
We currently have a 2007 V6 petrol Multivan, a fantastic car which has done 200,000 kilometres.
We might be able to afford to replace it in the near future but I refuse to buy diesel. I just don’t like the sound and the mess on the ground and on my hands.
If not another Multivan, what do you think of the newest people mover version of the Toyota Hi-Ace.
David W
A: Move on from Volkswagen to the Kia Carnival. You won’t be disappointed. The Toyota is not as refined and the value is not great.
Q: I have a 2017 Kia Sportage and have been running it on Premium unleaded
Would it be best to continue running on Premium fuel or could it be changed safely to a lower grade?
John H
A: Kia only recommends regular unleaded for your vehicle, so you are wasting money by spoiling it with premium.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
