FORGOTTEN BRIT

ROADSIDE ASSIST

IAIN CURRY GETS ANSWERS WRITE TO MOTORING AT CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001

Re: Alfa Romeo Giulia rivals, you said the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class were “probably the better choice” but once again fail to cite the Jaguar XE as an alternative in this category. Are you biased against Jaguars or simply can’t see beyond certain German products? Jerry Scott, email

Far from it. When I tested the XE I lauded its handling, engine and style, but did grumble about its small rear seats and boot. I listed the 3 Series and C-Class as they’re familiar benchmarks. I could also say the Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Volvo S60 and Genesis G70 – there are no duffers in the prestige mid-size sedan class. The Jag XE’s similar to the Alfa Giulia. A great sedan that sells in too-few numbers thanks to our silly obsession with SUVs.

FROZEN SCREEN

My parents’ 2017 VW Golf 7.5’s infotainment screen has gone blank. It’s out of the threeyear warranty. The dealer contacted VW’s head office and they’ve taken no responsibility. He was quoted $4250 for a replacement. On many internet forums I see this is a commonly reported problem. Surely VW should pay the cost of what appears to be an ongoing production issue?

Neale Johnston, email

That’s a frightening quote for an infotainment screen. A Volkswagen spokesman said the claim form for your problem was incorrectly submitted. “We’ve contacted the customer and the matter is being resolved at no cost to him,” he said. A great outcome for your parents and a lesson for everyone to pursue these matters. Frozen or unresponsive screens are a common owner complaint for this model. I have one and it’s happened to me. I did a hard reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds, which appears to have remedied it.

STOCK SHORTAGES

I can’t believe I’m feeling sorry for new car dealers. I’ve tried buying a new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at Brisbane dealers, but there’s no stock until April 2022. They have pages of clients waiting for cars. I then aimed for an Isuzu MU-X. Same deal. No stock until April. How will dealers survive?

Glen Stenner, email

Don’t shed too many tears Glen. Many dealers have limited floor stock, but they’re still selling cars. They’re just going straight to customers on dealer waiting lists. Year-to-date sales aren’t far off 2018’s record high, and new car prices have surged. Most dealers are coping just fine. Get a deposit down on the car you want now. You may get lucky and jump the queue if there are cancelled orders or if stock arrives sooner.

MOVING UP

My wife wants to replace her 45,000km 2016 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport for an SUV so she can sit higher. We’re thinking a Suzuki Vitara Turbo, Mitsubishi ASX Exceed or Haval Jolion Ultra. What could we get for the Corolla? Stephen Harrington, email

List your Corolla for a little less than $20,000 and it should sell quickly. Used prices are daft at the moment and a low-kilometre Corolla will command a premium. As for your SUV picks, the Mitsubishi ASX is an old model but has a high ride height, strong features and a 10-year warranty. They’re sold out now, so you’re in for a long wait. The Suzuki could work well, but I’d favour a Kia Seltos Sport at $31,790 drive away. Its size should suit, it’s a better drive than those on your list and has a seven-year warranty. Again, supply will be an issue, though.

PRESSURE TEST

Re: under pressure, the query on tyre pressures makes me wonder how accurate service station tyre inflation pumps are?

David Whitney, email

It depends on how they’re used and maintained. I’ve seen many damaged ones. I bought a good quality glovebox tyre gauge for about $30 from an auto store. Use one to corroborate the service station’s readout.