BORN TO RUN
A few months ago you published a positive review on the imminent launch of the Cupra Born EV. Given the plethora of new EVs, how do you rate the Cupra against them? Gil Heaton, email
These VW Group hot hatch EVs arrive in March or April, costing from $59,990 plus on-roads, and offering 511km electric range. With rebates, you’ll be driving away for not much over $60k. My colleague David McCowen had a brief spin, praising the Born’s handling but suggesting it lacks drama. We need to give one a thorough test before advising further, but it’ll be an intriguing and cheaper alternative to a Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2.
SURGING COSTS
When driveway parking my 2008 Subaru Forester, I shifted to Neutral, then Park, and suddenly it surged forward and crashed through my garage door. It didn’t stop until it wedged itself inside the garage, and the engine wouldn’t stop accelerating until I turned off the ignition. I’ve no doubt the car malfunctioned. I’ve seen American Subaru owners have reported electronic throttle malfunctions. My insurer photo’d the damage and a transporter took the car to a scrap holding place. I received a $9400 payout, but that didn’t cover the garage repairs. The dealer and Subaru Australia dismissed my request for further compensation. With hindsight I should have insisted the car was inspected before being removed. I’m 92 years old but still have my faculties.
Jim Havelberg, SA
You and I have discussed your case in recent months, and agree that without a Subaru technician assessing your car post-accident, it’s impossible to determine if a malfunction occurred. You dismiss my suggestion it could have been throttle misapplication. Very sadly, reports show accidently doing so is more likely with elderly drivers. You insist there was no such mistake, and I’m not suggesting it definitely happened. A spokeswoman from Subaru Australia said: “Without any sufficient evidence or opportunity to inspect or diagnose the vehicle, it cannot be determined an alleged issue with the vehicle caused the incident.” I have to agree – it’s tragic the car wasn’t checked by Subaru before scrapping. Have any other Subaru owners experienced such an incident?
HELLISH HILLS
Re cruise control fuel economy, my sixcylinder
Holden VY Commodore is great on flat roads and small inclines, but the economy changes as much as 5L/100km on hilly long journeys using cruise. Early six-cylinder Holdens with smaller transmissions – like your VK Commodore – were thirsty monsters using it. I turn cruise off on big hills, and on long trips average 8.7L/100km. Chris Chapman, Portland, VIC
Most cruise controls I test today do a great job even on big hills – especially when the auto gearbox has numerous cogs, such as Ford’s 10speed or BMW’s eight-speed. With radar cruise control following the car in front, it really can be set and forget.
BETTER WITH AGE?
Re Robert Cassidy’s Mercedes E500, I own a similar 2006 Mercedes E350 petrol which, like his, still has its original battery after 135,000km and 17 years. I leave it parked for long periods, don’t disconnect the battery, and it always starts first time. I ensure lights are set to off (not auto) and the car’s locked. We replaced our Mercedes A200’s battery after five years, and the installer said our E Class was
the final Mercedes to be built to actually last. My 2020 Mercedes E450 doesn’t feel as solid as my old E350. Brendan Tout, Maidstone, VIC
A serial Benz buyer like you is well placed to make this judgement. We can’t forget the huge amount of extra technology and complexity in modern cars, naturally meaning more things to go wrong and more stress on things like a battery. But we can still detect – sixth sense it may be – if a car’s build quality is exceptional. My 2001 BMW 530i feels superbly over-engineered and is free of most modern complexities – it’s likely to outlive its owner. Any reader thoughts on what era peak car build quality was?
EMBRACE CHANGE I often see articles about road noise caused by tyres. I own a 2018 2.0-litre petrol Toyota Corolla hatch which I consider relatively quiet. What’s your opinion, and should I consider noise reducing tyres in future? Martin Cook, email
Dusting off my Corolla notes from five years ago, I see tyre or road noise didn’t bother me on test. That 2.0-litre engine was the main culprit for unwelcome ear-bashing; it could be gruff under heavy acceleration. I noted grip from the 16-inch tyres (you could get sportier 18-inch tyres and rubber) wasn’t a match for the Corolla’s impressive chassis, so when next changing tyres, I’d try a different brand to your Dunlops.
QUIET SUGGESTION
Re quieter Mazda tyres, I found the Michelin Primacy you recommended improve things, but Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus match their grip while being much better for noise and tread life.
Leon Cock, Tusmore, SA
Hard to question someone who’s road tested both tyres over many kilometres. But who came up with that “Turanza Serenity Plus” name? Sounds like something you’d get at a day spa.
TOTALLY SCREWED
Re stealing keys to steal cars, my VL Commodore was stolen by them just using a screwdriver and despite a steering wheel and brake pedal lock in place.
Norm Rose, email
Ah, the good ol’ days when you could pinch a Holden by just jamming a slothead screwdriver into the ignition barrel. Steering locks are good visual deterrents, but can be muscled off if the thief is determined enough. Old car or new, vehicle theft is decidedly un-Australian. Best anti-theft device these days? Three pedals and a manual gearbox.