Ask the Expert with Paul Gover

Q: Reluctantly I am looking to replace my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250, with AMG pack and 52,000 on the clock. I’m looking at a small SUV, as the MB is now too low for my 77-year-old body to easily enter and alight. I am looking at the premium models either a 2026 Corolla Cross GXL FWD hybrid or a 2026 Hyundai Kona Premium hybrid. Which would you recommend?

Noel Andresen

A: My pick, coming from a Benz, is the Toyota. The Corolla Cross is not the cheapest, and there is likely to be a waiting list, but it will give you all you need with the security of the T-badge brand, from service and dealer support to the future resale value. Even so, test drive before you commit.

Q: This year we purchased a 2026 build Audi Q7 brand new and the vehicle has now travelled approximately 5000 kilometres, mostly around-town driving with the occasional longer weekend trip .  After approximately 4000km, the low oil level light/alarm began displaying.  This was topped up by a very helpful local car spares sales person with the correct oil type for this vehicle, although I’m not sure how full the sump was after the oil was added. Since then the oil has now dropped a little according to the electronic gauge, noting that this car does not appear to have a dipstick. Upon contracting Audi they have advised to simply bring the car in and have the oil topped up without charge whenever the alarm appears.   There are no visible leaks from the engine, with nothing on the ground under the usual parking location and nothing I can see visible on the chassis or within the engine bay. Is this type of oil usage normal for this engine? Does it stabilise after the car is run in? Is there a fix you are aware of to reduce the oil use?
Shane Miller

A: I do not have detailed experience of Audi or the Q7, but all the latest cars, including across the VW Group, can use oil because of the very thin viscosity of the latest generation of oils. From the advice I’ve had from many brands, 1 litre in 1000 kilometres is not unusual. But it’s up to you to monitor, and never wait for a warning light. Far too many people never check their oil, thinking a 12-month service interval means there is no need. But that’s wrong. So learn how to check the oil level through the MMI system in your Audi. It is easy once you know how. Even so, be proactive and contact customer service at Audi Australia and get a customer complaint number you can use as a reference with HQ and the dealership if things don’t improve.

Q: What really annoys me is that motoring writers, I believe including yourself, fail to say that the range on a EV if on a long trip is no where near what manufacturers claim. A quick recharge to 80 per cent means a 500-kilometre range becomes 400. Now, add to that they recommend not to go under 10 percent charge, so now we are at 350. On top of this add not just a driver but, say a partner and child plus luggage plus heater or air conditioning plus headwinds, hills etc. It must take a little more out of the range. I realise ICE (internal combustion) powered vehicles vehicles suffer fuel economy as well but there are a lot more fuel pumps than there are charge points and of course the time to refuel is a lot quicker than recharging. I feel EVs have a place in the motoring world but only as a vehicle to keep in the city area.
Chris
A: You need to do much better research. I’ve been highlighting all the shortcomings of battery-electric vehicles from Day One. They have a place, and regenerative braking is great for the around-town range, but not on long trips and definitely not on holiday weekends where there will be competition for charge points. Everything you say is true, as I’ve been saying it for a year.

Q: After lots of Googling and Gemini comparisons, I am looking at the Ford Everest Sport V6 with towing and Volkswagen Touareg V6 210TDI with towing.
I have an upper limit of around $65,000, which seems to get me a 1-2 year-old Ford or 4-5 year-old VW. It’s for a family of three with a medium-large dog and a Jayco caravan around 2200-2400kg, and we probably caravan 4-5 weekends per year. The rest of the time it would be the family vehicle – sports all weekend, visiting family and friends (with or without dog).
Brett Hynes
A: The Touareg is a cut above the Everest, which is developed from the Ranger pick-up. It’s the base vehicle for a run of family SUVs from the Volkswagen stable, including Porsche and Audi. It would be my choice.

Q: I really like the look of the Land Rover Defender 90 with 3-litre turbodiesel, and am looking at a second hand MY2023 car with two years remaining on the factory warranty. Any thoughts on this car, as I absolutely love the look but am worried about reliability because there are so many bad Land Rover and Range Rover stories.
Darren
A: The Defender is more than a looker, it’s also a terrific drive. There is no guarantee on any make or model, and JLR Australia has had problems with customer service, but there is nothing else like the Defender. It’s one of my favourites and I believe it’s worth the small risk.

Q: I have a growing family and therefore need to upsize my car. Currently I drive the lowest of the range, I think ES, Mitsubishi Outlander MY 22. I am thinking of buying a Kia Carnival and we are looking at the new MY25 or later due to the nice new look.  We drive roughly 10,000kms per year or so. Most of that driving is local. Would we be better off with the hybrid or diesel model of this?
Yossi Magulies
A: The Carnival is hugely under-appreciated in Australia yet is easily the best of the people mover breed. Just go for it and you won’t look back. With most of your driving done locally, the hybrid is the runaway first choice for power-plant.