Ask The Expert with Paul Gover

Q: I’m hoping you might be able to help me with some car advice for my mum. She’s 85 and currently drives a Hyundai Elantra, which she still likes, but it’s now too low for her to comfortably get in and out of. We’re looking for a small petrol SUV with a simple interior and minimal tech, as complicated dashboards overwhelm her. Her budget is up to $35,000. A key requirement is the boot design – she needs a flat loading floor with no raised lip so her bowls bag can slide straight out without lifting. We’ve looked at the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Seltos. She felt the Seltos was too big for her. I’m wondering if you’d recommend the Venue, particularly the Elite model, or if there are other small petrol SUVs we should consider. We haven’t test‑driven anything yet, but we will – I’m just trying to narrow the list so she’s not overwhelmed. Another factor is her arthritis. She can’t reach up to close the rear hatch. We’ve found a provider who can install electronic close buttons on the dash and at the hatch itself. I’m assuming there’s nothing currently on the market that offers an electronic tailgate without bundling in a whole lot of other tech features she doesn’t want, but I’d appreciate your thoughts.

Julie Greenwood

A: The Seltos and Venue are the same vehicle under the skin, as Hyundai-Kia is one company in South Korea. The Seltos has an electric rear hatch but it’s only on the costlier GT-Line, and that has a whole bunch of ‘fruit’. But all cars now have vast amounts of technology that can be confusing and annoying, so she’s likely to need some ‘hand holding’ in the early days and weeks with any new car. I’d avoid any aftermarket installation.

Q: Just a quick enquiry to find out if you know anything about the next model Toyota HiAce that’s reported to be coming out the end of this year or the start of next. Can you shed any light on this and know of any details regarding engines etc? Any information you have would be much appreciated.
Nick Leening

A: Sorry, but Toyota is notoriously secretive about new models. It doesn’t want to lose sales of the current vehicle. I’m not likely to get any solid information until the final quarter, and even that might be a stretch if the timing is beyond March 2027. Dealerships won’t know anything yet, either, and will want to steer you into what they have on the showroom floor.

Q: I just wanted to get your thoughts on the Kia Tasman SX+ that I see on sale for under $50,000. I’ve never had a ute before so would this be a good option? Not using for trade use, mainly local camping etc, and keen to know your thoughts.
David Thacker

A: The Tasman is really good, but its showroom arrival was sabotaged by styling which is polarising – at best. If you don’t mind the looks, or like the boxy shape, it’s a ripper thing that drives as well as a Ford ranger and can do all the usual pick-up stuff. The price cuts are an attempt to kick-start some support, but also great news for people like you who are coming freshly to it.

Q: I am looking at buying a new Lexus, the NX350h. There are several models and specifications, and the base Luxury ticks most of my boxes. However, I’m wondering if it is worth spending the extra $6000 on all-wheel drive versus the front-wheel drive.  Around 10 per cent of my driving is on fairly good dirt roads, the rest on highway. I am 66 years old, so don’t drive like a rally driver.
Andrew Stott

A: Definitely not on all-wheel drive. Subaru sold Australia on the all-paw advantage, but that was before the latest stability and traction control systems. For your use, even on dirt roads, the front-drive package will be just fine.

Q: I’m wanting to change vehicles and, as I’m 77, also looking at this as my final car, which I intend to purchase new. I currently drive a 2017 Nissan X-Trail which I am not all that happy with. It’s too big for me, the doors are very heavy, the backing camera not very good nor the radio, and quite noisy. I would very much appreciate your suggestions for a small SUV.  I live in Nagambie in Victoria so do quite a bit of country driving, along with some Melbourne driving. I am not interested in buying a Chinese vehicle.
Merryl McNamara

A: You don’t mention the budget but, in any case, you should be rewarding yourself with a car that makes you smile. A Toyota Yaris Cross will be nicely compact and still a good drive, or the larger Corolla Cross if you feel a bit vulnerable. You might have to wait for delivery, and the price won’t be a bargain, but best to make the right choice.

Q: My son has the Volvo CX-90 2016 and it is starting to develop problems. He would like to replace it with, say, a hybrid or electric car. Unless you have a strong preference for a particular petrol vehicle in this category. He would appreciate your suggestions in this regard.

Ron Morrison

A: If he has the budget, and still needs the space, then the very latest EX90 is a ripper thing. Big, and comfy, full-electric with Volvo quality and space. It would be my best pick for him.