Ask the expert: the best hybrids for older drivers, and the simple trick that could end your mother-in-law’s four-car search

Ask The Expert with Paul Gover

Paul Gover is one of the most respected motoring writers in Australia. Ask him questions via email at [email protected]

Q: I currently drive a 2020 diesel Mazda cx5 and would prefer a 7 seater vehicle that still offers comfort in the extra seats when an adult has to use the extra seating. If this isn’t possible, what other hybrid SUV would you recommend for touring and future proofing? It will probably be the last new car we will buy as we are in our 70s. We travel approximately 15,000km per year. What do you recommend please?
Marilyn Davis

A: If you mean a proper seven-seater, then it has to be the Kia Carnival hybrid. It’s a giant box, but it ticks every box for you. If you mean a 5+2 SUV, where there are fold-down seats for the back row, still likely a Kia. But the Sorento, which comes as a plug-in hybrid with genuinely useful pure-electric range.

Q: I am looking at replacing my 2007 Mazda 3 with a hybrid or electric car. I am an elderly driver who doesn’t drive long distances. I have been a Mazda driver for many years but am looking at the Toyota Yaris hybrid or similar.  What can you suggest please?
Jane

A: Toyota is doing a much better job on hybrids than Mazda, especially in the baby-car class. Yaris Hybrid will be a great choice, but you should also consider the Yaris Cross as it sits a little higher for easier access. A Toyota might cost more, and you will likely have to wait, but the payoff is in the proven quality of the cars and re-sale prices.

Q: I currently drive a 2025 Chery Tiggo4 which I am unhappy with. What would you suggest as a small SUV replacement? I am 72 years of age and the only driver of the vehicle.  Your suggestions do not have to be an EV and the top figure is negotiable.
Judi Boxall

A: Most importantly, after the Chery mistake, is to ensure you test drive before committing to something new. Kia EV5 is very good but might be a bit big. Best overall would be a Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, which is a great little car.

Q: I am driving a Honda CRV 2020 model which has done about 100,000 km. I would like to purchase a new car in approximately the same size as I currently have. I would probably like a hybrid if possible. Can you recommend a car in that size range with great safety features please?
Angie Winkler

A: Anything with a 5-star ANCAP score will satisfy you on the safety front, so it comes down to the car. Right now, best would be another Honda, the HR-V hybrid. A very nice car that drives well and the safety assistance stuff is not too intrusive.

Q: I am looking into buying a Honda CRV Hybrid. However, I am in no hurry and want to wait until they come out with a new shape and design.  Approximately when will we expect to see their new model?
Daljit Gill

A: You’re going to be waiting for a while. The last major update was in 2023, which – since Honda is commonly on four-year cycles – will mean 2027. At the earliest. And it could easily be 2028 before the new CR-V is in local showrooms.

Q: My mother in law, who turns 81 this year and is still driving, is struggling to get in and out of her car. Over the last four years she has changed cars four times. First she wanted something with a higher ride height, then something with a lower ride height, then something smaller, all in the quest to find a car with easier access getting in and out. My husband and I have just worked out that the problem has little to do with the ride height and a lot to do with the lip across the door, ie the height she needs to lift her foot over the door when getting out of the car. Seems she has very restricted movement in her knees/hips. She is currently in a SKODA Kamiq, with the seat set to its highest setting, but still struggles. She has had an MG Z3, a Honda HRV and a KIA Picanto.
We are not sure how she would go with a hybrid or electric, though she barely does 10,000km a year, so these may be an option, if the door sill-to-floor height is acceptable to her needs. Are there any cars on the Australian market you think we should look at?
Rula Stamatopoulos

A: I would have sent you straight to a Toyota showrooms, to do ’trial sit’ tests in Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla and Corolla Cross. By the way, what you’re talking about is the ‘H-point’, which is the height of the seat in relation to a person’s hip point. You want a car where the hips line up with the seat for the best access.