HYBRID HERO
Re: Norm Warren’s hybrid SUV economy question, our 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid averages 4.5L/100km around the Northern Suburbs. By comparison our 2018 VW Polo does 7.4L/100km. Both run on 95RON fuel. Jimmy Joe, email
Toyota’s hybrids are impressively economical, especially in town. Mr Warren was after a “large” small SUV, ruling out Toyota’s Yaris Cross and CHR. An entry-level 2WD Yaris Cross Hybrid costs about $32,500 and the AWD $35,700 to drive away. Too expensive in my eyes, but last year almost 8000 were sold, which is far more important to Toyota than my opinion.
FUELLING AN EMPEROR
Re: hybrid SUVS, I drive a Kia Niro hybrid as a Red Cross volunteer. On an average day I do just over 100km, mainly suburban with the odd freeway part. My worst return has been
4.1L/100km and the best 3.7L/100km. Not bad for a reasonably sized car.
Paul Buxton, Adelaide
Excellent economy. The Niro Hybrid’s official return is 3.8L/100km, and we also managed to beat that number. Fuel bills certainly drop, but as with the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, the Niro’s not a cheap small SUV: $41,990 to drive-away.
BLUETOOTH EXTRACTION
I bought a new Apple iphone last year and found it wasn’t compatible with my 2011 Honda CR-V’S Bluetooth. Somebody suggested a third-party head unit with Apple Carplay and I’d definitely recommend it. I now have a touchscreen and reversing camera so I couldn’t be happier.
Ellen Sheerin, email
It’s a superb way to modernise and futureproof an older car you plan on keeping. With your smartphone mirrored to your car’s screen you have apps, audio, sat nav and call functionality in one place and accessible with eyes-on-road voice control. It’s much safer, as is your new reversing camera. Many people think nothing of dropping $1000 on a new phone every two years. For similar money, upgrading your car’s infotainment through a car audio specialist seems logical.
DEATH OF DIESEL
I own a 2014 Mercedes C250 BLUETEC diesel. It’s been great and returns around 5L/100km. I want to upgrade, but a current C300 petrol runs on premium and would return 10L/100km (officially 7.3L/100km – Ed). What should I consider for at least the same motoring pleasure and for under $80,000 changeover? Used is okay if still under warranty.
Dean Mclean, email
Your C250 has 150kw/500nm, 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and superb 4.5L/100km economy. It’s worth about $35,000. Benz has dropped diesels in the new C Class, and a C350e plug-in hybrid has been delayed. But a Mercedes Certified 16,000km 2020 C300e plug-in hybrid’s up for $86,800 (with three years warranty remaining) – quick at 5.4 seconds to 100km/h and does up to 50km on electricity only. If you’re not badge loyal, try a BMW 330i, a brilliant driver’s car. It’s $80,000 plus onroads, reaches 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and uses 5.8L/100km.
SPARE ADVICE
Re: Mazda CX-5 spare wheels, it took me more than six months to source a spare 17-inch rim from a wrecker. New rims from the dealer were exorbitant. Small pieces of styrofoam or pool noodles glued to the boot floor helps reduce noise.
Judy Smith, email
Re: Mazda CX-5 spare wheels, I put a full-size wheel and tyre in mine. It needed a longer replacement hold-down bolt and hard rubber riser blocks (about 45mm) for the floor tray. David Glossop, email
Sound advice. It’s good to learn full-size spares fit the CX-5 and owners are making the change.
THE WORST OF TIMES
New cars cost the same as this baby boomer paid for his first house. It’s the worst time ever for buying a new car and the best time to hold on to a fully paid for used car.
Peter Penglis, email
It’s also not a bad time to sell a used car as values have soared. But it’s not the worst time ever to buy a new car, it’s just we’ve had them so cheap for so long. A new Toyota Corolla cost about $20,000 from the mid-1990s until a few years ago.
JAZZ REVIVAL
My 2018 Honda Jazz has been stored in Arizona for over two years. I disconnected the battery before leaving it, but what do I need to do before driving it again? I’m travelling to the US in a few weeks. I’m thinking of having it towed to a Honda dealer first.
Bobbi Griffith, email
Cars don’t enjoy sitting idle, especially for more than two years. You were right to disconnect the battery – chances are you could reconnect it and the Jazz will start and run okay. Don’t go to the expense of having it towed. A mobile mechanic would be your best bet. They’ll come to you, do a fluids and filter change, replace your fuel (it may have gone off) and check your tyres haven’t flatspotted.