Ask the expert: Paul Gover on why hybrid is the smart choice in 2026 – and the one car he’d pick every single time

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: We have just sold our caravan but still intend to travel. We are therefore looking for a smaller vehicle preferably a hybrid. The vehicle we want will only need to carry two people but importantly we want sufficient space for two suitcases, a large esky and a 60 litre box. A fun search on AI has thrown up Toyota Camry and Hyundai I30. I would like your comments on these vehicles or any others that would suit the purpose. I would be most appreciative of your help in this matter.
Mike O’Sullivan

A: Camry. Every time. It’s a vastly under-rated car, with huge reserves of comfort and refinement and good economy as well.

Q: I’m looking at getting a new car. I’ve watched so many reviews and I’m now more confused.  Should I stick to a small petrol car like the Mazda CX30 Astina or the  hybrid.  Is it true there’s no re-sale value after 8 years with problems – battery errors and annoying warning lights malfunctioning.
Katherine Burke

A: A hybrid is definitely the right choice now, for economy and future re-sale value. Any new car, with any drive system, will have annoying lights and noises for ‘driver assist’ systems. But there is no need to fear any problems with hybrid batteries. There have been Toyota Prius hybrids on the road for more than 25 years without any drama.

Q: I just want your opinion please on the choice of Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos , petrol or hybrid. We’re a 73-year-old couple and we just need something reliable to last us a while before we fall off the perch. Can you recommend something?
Peter Bull

A: The Kona and Seltos are non-identical twins from the same Hyundai-Kia parent company in South Korea. So pick the one which you like more, based on looks, comfort, equipment, and – most important of all – value. Hybrid is the smart choice in 2026.

Q: I am looking at buying a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak and was wondering if you would recommend the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel or the PHEV? I would be using it for around town driving and for regular floating of two horses – mostly in outer suburbs of Melbourne.
Pam Smith

A: If you’re mostly around town then the plug-in hybrid will be the better choice.You can run fully electric for daily chores, then pick up combustion power when needed. Just remember to charge it!

Q: I’m researching our next vehicle purchase.  Our situation in short is that we’re retired and use our 2021 D-MAX to tow our caravan and for generally getting around.  Our second vehicle is a very tired 2008 Nissan Tiida. Our plan is to purchase a good vehicle replacement for general use and leave the D-MAX for towing. So … we really like the Nissan Quashqi hybrid size, quality, design as in the hybrid arrangement seems very frugal however, we are wondering if we should be considering a PHEV given like most people we do plenty of short drives. We’re a bit adverse to the Chinese vehicles so was looking at the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Dale Stacey

A: There is a Qashqai hybrid, using the excellent e-Power system which means the vehicle always runs electric. The combustion engine is only to charge the battery. I’d pick it ahead of the Eclipse.

Q: My wife has a new Mercedes A200 and even though it says it’s okay to use E10. She’s a little reluctant, What do you think?
Garry

A: Of course there is no drama. Benz does very very thorough testing. If it says a car is E10 approved, then it is. The only potential ‘hazard’ with any E10 use is the corrosive effects of the ethanol on some fuel system parts. Those were removed, by all brands including Mercedes-Benz, years ago.