Your questions answered: Are LED lights really safer?

The widespread switch to LED lights has been even more significant than the time when the world upgraded to halogen globes from ineffective sealed-beam systems.

As well as providing much better illumination and after-dark safety, LEDs have also become a significant styling tool for the world’s car designers, particularly with the widespread use of daytime running lights (DRL).

It’s now almost as easy to pick a car by its LED package as by its grille…

But there are downsides. Many drivers find they suffer from the glare from an oncoming barrage of LEDs, as well as unsuitable LED upgrades to older vehicles that create an unruly flood of light.

Question:

Answer: There are many stories of people struggling to adapt to the latest changes in vehicle lighting, not just on new cars but people upgrading with ultra-bright LED globes which might cause excessive glare from older vehicles. But turn signals are covered by an Australian Design Rule, which sets the photometric requirements including the intensity of the light, so all new vehicles will have to meet that standard. Car-makers are now using lights, front and rear, as a styling device and that has changed the way they look but not the way they function. In the case of daytime running lights, they are extinguished when the turn signal is activated.

Question:

Answer: The all-new Ford Ranger promises to be a major advance. I’d switch and take the pain to get the 2022 vehicle.

Question:

Answer: It will mean downsizing, since the Kia Seltos is a class smaller than the Sportage. But if it’s not for full-time family use it will be fine. Just beware of the long waiting lists for most Kia models, particularly if you get a fully-loaded model that requires lots of computer chips.

Question: My wife and I are in our 70s and we find the SUVs beneficial in that we can get in and get out easier. We don’t tow or go off-road, but I like a vehicle that is well built and of good quality. I also need to fit in the golf clubs and buggy. We also do a few road trips with the need to fit in our luggage etc. We would average about 15,000km per annum and I am looking at the BMW X3 and would appreciate your thoughts. – Terry M

Answer: The BMW X3 is now back to its best and definitely a good choice.

Question: What do I buy next after my Commodore wagons, as I have four that I use for work and the kilometres are getting high? Commodore wagon ticks the boxes for load space, back doors and tailgate at road level for easy access, grunt from the six-cylinder engine, only require 91-octane fuel, well priced around $40,000. I understand the Skoda wagon has the next biggest payload, but it is too small. The Aussie favourite HiLux-type utes are no good, too high at the back and sides. So I think I am looking at SUVs – cage behind the front seats, maybe remove the back seats, have access from back doors and rear tailgate – not that keen and never had one. – Anon

Answer: You’ve been looking at the wrong Skoda. The Superb ticks every one of your boxes, including comparable passenger and load space to a Commodore. It’s also a great drive, has a long warranty and a sharp price. You will need to fuel it with 95 RON fuel however…

Question:

Answer: Any new car will be way better than a Mazda from 2011, but the T-Cross is definitely a good car. There will be a waiting list but Volkswagen is trying to clear the backlog and the delay will depend on exactly which vehicle, colour and equipment you want to buy.

Question:

Answer: The Camry will be far better than you expect and could shock you during a test drive. It’s definitely not a taxi, as the days of price-fighter models ended with the closure of the Australian factory. The Lexus ES is just a dressed-up Camry in any case. Smarter to go for the Toyota.

Question: What are your thoughts on dual-cab utes and which one to buy? I am a gardener with four kids that needs to tow a trailer but I want all the best features like cameras, great GPS, Apple CarPlay, good cup holders etc, and probably actually want a 4WD. It needs to be practical so I can throw gear in the back but also move the family around but I want it to be efficient fuel-wise and reliable. So wondering where to start and what are best two or three options? – Kurt S

Answer: For the comfort and safety of the youngsters, and general driving enjoyment, you would be better to get the SUV version of the pick-up. So look first at the Isuzu MU-X, but wait until the arrival of the all-new Ford Everest later this year as it promises to set the benchmark. If you decide to go with a pick-up, the three to drive are the Ford Ranger – again with a new generation coming soon – Isuzu D-MAX and, as a value choice, the Nissan Navara.

Question:

Answer: The Mazda CX-3 is getting old but the Kona is a good choice. Best for you to test drive a couple, starting with the Mazda and Hyundai, but then also the Kia Seltos that should also tick your boxes and provide a good-value package with a long warranty.

Question: I am looking to purchase a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE 400. Can you advise which of these is the best purchase? I am also open to other makes and models if suitable. – Hugh C

Answer: The BMW X5 is the better pick for all-round comfort and ability, but if you’re buying an SUV as a luxury car with extra height then also consider the Audi Q7 for its class and comfort, as well as the Genesis GV80 for a surprisingly classy value pick. The best way to decide is a series of back-to-back test drives on your home roads – and don’t forget to see how it looks in your driveway.

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