Your questions answered: How will the chip shortage affect my new car?

The global shortage of microchips (semi-conductors) has been making headlines for stopping production lines across the globe.

But it’s also affecting cars that are still being built, including some of those in the sights of new-car buyers in Australia.

Across a range of brands, vehicles are being delivered Down Under without some of the ‘must-have’ features that require more computer chips – sometimes something as simple as an automatic (powered) rear hatch.

Vehicles are also landing without the correct specification for Australian delivery, as car-makers look to keep their production lines running with whatever parts they have in stock.

At best this means delay for the brands affected as they wait for the correct supplies to update vehicles for their Australian owners.

Question:

Answer: Removal of specification is happening across many brands and we’ve published a number of stories. Car companies are giving consumers a range of options up to and including cancellation. But their actions are very different from the Ford Mustang Mach 1 case, which was more about a misrepresentation (albeit not deliberate) of specification. But we’re not consumer lawyers so best to get some expert advice.

Question:

Answer: Mild hybrids, by definition, are optimised petrol cars – the hybrid system helps the engine when either maximum or minimum power is needed. The electrical power is usually supplied by an upsized starter-generator and cannot work independently of the petrol engine. It will save some fuel but it’s not like a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or battery-electric (EV) car which both can run on electricity alone. If you’re looking for electric operation with the added security of a petrol fallback, then PHEV is what you are looking for. Volvo is pushing hard into this space and already has a PHEV version of the XC40. And read about the fully-electric XC40 here.

Question:

Answer: If you like the Toyota C-HR then it will be fine. But typically hybrids are best around the city and suburbs, as once you’re driving over 80km/h they run almost entirely on the combustion engine.

Question:

Answer: A buyer’s strike would certainly get a car company’s attention. But it’s unlikely to happen in this case, as the C-Class is selling well and in very short supply. So, any delayed or cancelled orders will be snapped up by new buyers quick-smart.

Question: I currently drive for work as an interior designer in a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R Line and I’m looking to change as it has come out of lease. I can buy the newer model of my same Volkswagen but hate the lag that is present when you take off and the sensitivity of the auto braking as I back out of my driveway. The seats are also very hard driving all day. I am thinking of the Genesis GV70 with the luxury sports pack and would appreciate your thoughts and feedback on how this car performs and what issues I may encounter. Although I have driven one for 15 minutes, and it was lovely, I am very sceptical of the way you cannot go to a showroom and how you contact them because it took me quite a few tries at booking this car in for a test drive – let alone contacting them when I own it and need assistance. – Donna C

Answer: As a car the Genesis GV70 is impressive and the only real downside is likely to be resale value. On the customer side, Genesis is taking a totally different approach by avoiding traditional dealerships and dealing direct with consumers/buyers. It’s going to take time to get the wrinkles out of the system. But if the brand can deliver what it promises, with a much more personalised service, your experience should be positive.

Question: I am curious about Mazda MX-5 delivery times. I ordered my GT soft-top in late October 2021 but my Victorian dealer cannot give me an accurate delivery timeframe. The current estimate is late May. Do you have any inside information that might shed new light on delivery? – Peter S

Answer: The first shipment of the new MX-5 has arrived, so yours should be up soon. Instead of relying on the dealership alone, contact Customer Service at Mazda Australia and see if they can provide an update for you.

Question: I’m hoping you have some details on the release dates for a couple of cars. Up until recently the release date of the 2022 Skoda Fabia was late in the first quarter of 2022 and the 2022 Volkswagen Polo was May. Both companies are now saying they have no firm date at all. I was hoping you may have some inside information as my two 2015 Fabias need replacing soon. – Richard C

Answer: The updated Volkswagen Polo is on track for mid-May deliveries, and the company has just released details of the incoming range. The Fabia is set for the third quarter this year.

Question: I’m thinking of buying a Hyundai i30 Sedan N. What do you think of it and do you know how long delivery might take? – Paul H

Answer:

Question:

Answer: That’s not a high mileage or high life for a car. Right now is the worst possible time to change, as there are long waiting lists and with high demand and not enough new cars, everyone is paying full retail. Your ASX should easily last you a while longer yet.

Question: I haven’t owned a car for five years but like the look of the upcoming Toyota GR 86. Is the 86 a good daily drive? – Gerhard

Answer: The 86 is a great little sports car, especially if you’re a keen driver and not just buying for the looks. The new 86 is not coming for a while yet, so maybe look at its mechanical twin, the Subaru BRZ – although supply has been tight here too. After driving it, the BRZ is a worthwhile improvement over the original with more torque from the engine and an upgraded interior. Those traits will also carry over into the Toyota.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

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