THE SIMPLE LIFE

I have a basic 2007 Toyota LandCruiser Troopy with wind-up windows, simple dash and a metal key. No electronic gimmickry, which suits me fine. In a decade, when I’m done with touring, I’ll probably get an electric car. Will basic models be available without electronic accessories? I’ll take electric windows and locks, aircon and Bluetooth but could get by without seat warmers, lane-assist and navigation.

Paul Bassingthwaighte, email

The cheapest EV on sale today is the MG ZS EV from $44,990 drive-away. It’s roughly twice the price of its petrol equivalent. It’s hard to make electric cars cheaper as batteries are pricey, so stripping them of tech/luxury features won’t make a huge difference. Safety and driver-assist tech (such as lane-keep assist) will be in every new car, as rules mandate them. Economies of scale will lower EV prices and I’m sure a price war will eventually erupt for low-spec models. I’m excited about the electric Fiat 500 coming here in 2023 (from about $40k), while the electric MG 4 hatch (about $45k) – due in a few months – has wowed European journalists, even the EV sceptics.

DON’T STOP ME

Re: cars with the stop/start feature, it’s great for car makers claiming better fuel economy but is it truly beneficial for the consumer? Whatever small fuel gains you achieve go out the window when the added cost of larger batteries and worn starter motors are factored in. A friend has gone through three batteries and a starter motor in four years: think of the environmental footprint of manufacturing and shipping those.

Michael Larcart, Melbourne

The benefits of an engine shutting down in stopand-go traffic are obvious but there’s no dispute a larger, more robust battery is required. These are pricier – just check out the shelves of your local auto store. While some anecdotal reports from car owners suggest otherwise, a starter motor isn’t more likely to pack up. Several technologies are in play and “traditional” starter motors aren’t used.

HOW URGENT IS URGENT?

In September I received an urgent safety recall notice for my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. I booked it in at my local dealer but was told no parts were available and I’d be contacted when they arrive. I called back this month – still no parts – and I’ve just received a second urgent recall

notice advising of a fire risk to the car if not repaired. The dealer told me not to worry, there’s just a small chance of fire. John McNabb, email

The dealer’s correct, it is a small fire risk, but a risk nonetheless. Yours is one of 21,943 Hyundai Santa Fes and ix35s (built between 2014 and 2017) caught up in the safety recall due to a circuit board in the ABS module possibly short circuiting when exposed to moisture. Hyundai’s advice is to park your vehicle in an open space away from your house and not in a garage. Hopefully the dealer shared this. It’s hugely frustrating, but you’ll just have to wait for parts. Concerned owners can check their VINs on Hyundai’s website to see if their vehicle is affected.

WOT NO PETROL?

Most written media continue with articles about ICE (internal combustion) vehicles, with only some about EVs. Surely ignoring EVs is silly as they’re developing at such pace? There’s also a real shortage of writing about hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and their development. I think hydrogen is better suited to driving Australia’s vast distances.

Mick Coleman, email

There remain many more new combustion vehicles hitting Australia than EVs, so we can only report on what’s available. That said, three EVs made up our top eight Car of the Year contenders, and one – the Tesla Model Y – won. Hydrogen cars? A few Toyota Mirais and Hyundai Nexos are on government fleets but the public can’t buy them. If you could, the number of places to refill them can be counted on one hand. Fuel-cell EVs, unlike battery electric cars, can be refilled as quickly as a petrol or diesel vehicle. That makes them very desirable for commercial use, such as heavy trucks, for Australia’s vast distances.

EYES ON THE ROAD

Over Christmas, I read in the newspaper a police spokesman saying Covid had resulted in poor awareness when driving. I put it down to too many gadgets and driver assist systems. Drivers are too reliant on them and the amount of controls through giant screens is unbelievable.

Paul Williams, email

Was the suggestion Covid lockdowns meant we drove less, so we’re not match fit? Either way, your point is valid. In my first car (a 1975 VW Beetle) I was always busy and concentrating – manual gear changes, being mindful of changing road conditions and watching and smelling for whatever was about to catch fire next. These days I sit in a climate-controlled leather armchair while the car practically drives for me. It’s far harder to remain focused, but that’s no excuse. The driver (for now) is the one in charge.

NEEDING A REST I’m very interested in the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, but my wife needs a centre armrest. Are there any retrofit options you recommend? Dr Bruce Cook, email

You pay $40,000 to drive-away a flagship Yaris Cross Hybrid GR Sport, but like the rest of the range, no centre armrest. Stingy. Owner groups globally also grumble about the omission. There are many aftermarket options (mainly from China) but the most recommended is by Armster in the UK. One for the Yaris Cross costs $256 including postage to Australia. Steep, but worth it if it’s a non-negotiable.