BOX OF TRICKS
IAIN CURRY GETS ANSWERS WRITE TO MOTORING AT CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001
Re CVT auto transmissions, I too was hesitant until I bought a Kia Seltos. What I like is the seamless operation. The engine revs consistently, and there’s no delay as with a conventional auto. Maybe I’m the odd one out? Kevin Larkin, email
All CVTs are not created equal. Kia’s done a great job with the Seltos’ box. If you’re using yours for town and highway duties it’s a smooth, quiet CVT, unlike so many rivals’ efforts. The Seltos’ CVT brings no driving joy on your favourite back road, but really, it’s not the Kia for such shenanigans.
PREMIUM SAFETY?
Is safety tech on all cars the same? For example, is adaptive cruise control or auto emergency braking actually better (software or hardware) in a premium brand like Mercedes Benz than, say, Kia?
Nick Ryan, email
Historically, ANCAP ratings were based on how well a car performed in a crash, but in recent years they have assessed collision avoidance tech. ANCAP now tests these aids on an outdoor test track. ANCAP’s top safety assist scorers? The Volvo XC60, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, Volvo S90 and Kia Sorento. Toyotas, Hyundais and an MG score better than the highest BMW, showing that a premium badge doesn’t always mean excellence. You can download a technical report on any tested car, for free, at ancap.com.au
SAFETY WEAR
My Volvo XC40 has travelled 28,000km and to my surprise the Volvo service manager told me my front brake pads were 25 per cent worn but the rears were far worse and needed replacing. I asked how this severe and unbalanced brake pad wear could occur, particularly as I usually drive on country roads. I was told such wear was normal for this vehicle. I’ve been driving for 50 years and usually get 50,000km from front pads and 70,000km from the rears.
David Aitken, email
I’ve spoken with a European car mechanic expert and he suggests your Volvo’s smart safety systems are likely to blame for the rapid rear brake pad wear. “There are so many overlays with what rear brakes do on some modern cars,” he says. “Stability control is finely tuned to gently apply the rear brakes without you even realising it, rather than it happening at the front and pulling on the steering wheel. If the Volvo has lane keep assist it can also use the brakes to pull you back into the lane.” Other factors I’d suggest is your XC40 may be heavier than your previous cars — it’s 1600-1700kg depending on grade — meaning more work for the brakes. Finally, an XC40 has ventilated front discs brakes — helping heat escape and extending pad life — but rears are cheaper solid rear discs which don’t help heat escape.
A WELCOME SHIFT
Re your letter response regarding Ford Kuga transmission failures, I was wondering/hoping that Ford had fixed the problem? I own a 2020 Escape ST-Line which is a powerhouse with excellent features.
Dennis Watson, email
Ford’s troublesome PowerShift dual-clutch transmission has featured in numerous Australiansold Fords, including the Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport. Powershifts mated to diesel Fords such as the Mondeo and Kuga used a wet clutch and seemingly weren’t as problematic, but I’ve heard of many failures. Good news for you, your Escape uses a conventional eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission instead.
CHRISTMAS COME EARLY?
Our 2014 Kia Sorento was two years out of warranty and had suffered sun damage to the spoiler and rear panel. The Kia dealer and Kia Australia honoured the repairs without question. Worth sharing such positive news.
Steven Dowd, email
Our 2013 Nissan Pulsar with 115,000km developed a shudder on acceleration, then the rev counter would fluctuate and the car would surge under load. We discovered a black greasy substance coming from the radiator. The Nissan dealer replaced the CVT gearbox, radiator, transmission oil cooler and all the hoses. It cost us zero dollars: despite being eight years old we had a goodwill fix. This our fourth but not last Nissan thanks to this service.
Rod Graham, email
What’s going on? These are genuine heartwarming, money-saving stories. Maybe dealers are doing so well with new-car sales — despite supply issues — and booming used car prices that they’re going all Robin Hood with goodwill fixes. It makes good business sense. This is exactly how to keep customers loyal.