Q: I hope you can help as I get serious conflicting answers.
Do you know when Mercedes will release a facelifted C-Class?
Although I’m not a fan of facelifts and the current W206-series C-Class is only three years old, heaven forbid I may not see another series.
Chris Mack
A: There is a fully-electric C-Class coming in 2026, but Mercedes-Benz Australia reports there is no model change in 2026. There might be some equipment tickles or changes to specification, but not a major body overhaul. Normally, a new Benz gets its ‘mid-life facelift’ in the fourth year, which would point to 2027 for the W206.
Q: We are looking at a Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid as a car for some driving holidays and to drive about town in retirement.
We are not usually new-car buyers and can wait to order one for the right car.
I would love an EV but we’re not confident we are set up for one.
Carmel
A: An all-new RAV4 is coming very soon and it should be just the thing for you and your needs. Put your name on the waiting list now, as there is already likely to be a delay in deliveries – particularly for the PHEV. Make sure you get plenty of instruction on how to use the new plug-in system to get maximum driving as a fully electric vehicle, while keeping the flexibility of the combustion engine.
Q: We are considering buying a new or demonstrator 2025 Subaru Outback XT, possibly the Sport but also open to the Touring model.
So, are these a good car and what else would you consider in this price range for comparison?
We do some distance travelling and are both retired and in our sixties. I have a 4.45-metre aluminium fishing boat that I will need to tow and launch at times.
Currently I am driving a 2001 VX Holden V8 Calais International that I’ve had since new.
We are also considering replacing my partner’s 2013 Toyota Corolla with possibly a new or demo Corolla Cross, Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona or even the Subaru Crosstrek. She loves her Toyotas, and the last two have been Corollas, but we are open to the other options if they present similar or greater value.
Gary and Cheryl Lamont
A: The Outback will be a smart choice and great for comfy touring. For your partner, I’d recommend the Yaris Cross – similar size to the older Corolla models, so not as big as current Corolla or Kona, and better than the Crosstrek.
Q: I’m shopping for a small car for my partner to commute to work and shops etc, so comparing Suzuki Swift with Kia Picanto.
Both are three-cylinder with 1.3-litre Suzuki hybrid floor price around $29,000 and Kia petrol only at $27,000 and talking wanting to do a deal.
Not sure about three-cylinder cars so tried the Mazda2 petrol four-cylinder with a similar price to Suzuki, but didn’t seem to have much more power than the others
Phil Moore
A: The Swift is a smart value choice and considerably bigger than the Picanto, which could feel vulnerable in traffic. It would be my pick.
Q: I am in the market for a new ute and my preference is either Mazda BT-50 or Isuzu D-Max.
Everyone says the 3.0 engine is great, but I see Isuzu has a 2.2 engine on special.
I may do some towing around Australia over the next few years, but probably only three months at the most.
I’m nearly 69, and I plan to keep this, so I must say that this will probably be the last car I ever buy.
Michael Healy
A: The D-Max is a very popular choice for towing but the BT-50 is nothing special against class rivals. If you’re going to be driving, not towing, for most of the time then you should test drive Kia Tasman as it is a brilliant ‘car’.
As for the whole ‘last car’ business, lots of people think that way and go on to buy at least another three cars.
Q: I currently have 2022 Mazda CX-3 that’s done 68,000 kilometres and on start-up, if left outside on cold nights, the motor rattles its head off.
It happens quiet often but been left with the dealer overnight and told all good with nothing to worry about.
Should I be worried?
Brian McNaughton
A: Modern oils are very, very thin since the change to synthetic and that can mean a little more noise on start-up.
Thin oils also mean fast warm-up so any noise should be very brief as the oil will circulate quickly to the top end. For us ‘oldies’ it can sound like tappet rattle. Best would be to park somewhere warm overnight and listen again.