Your questions answered: I'm having problems with my car's infotainment system

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, smartphone integration and the USB port. These are all listed in the encyclopedia of humankind's greatest technological achievements.

But on four wheels if any of these tech wonders should stop working, the whole infotainment revolution quickly goes from a miracle of the age to a complete pain in the nether regions.

Here’s a tip for nothing: When this does happen, it's not necessarily the fault of the automotive engineers who designed your car...

Question:

I’ve contacted Hyundai and they are saying it’s an issue with Apple and have told Apple about this issue, but the CarPlay feature is very important for me. If they can’t resolve this issue do you think I could get my money back? – Frank P

Answer: You will not get a refund based on a single problem, and Hyundai is definitely working on a solution. A Hyundai Australia spokesman told us: “We are very much aware of the CarPlay problem. It's related to the Bluetooth connection dropping out, and we are currently working with Apple to rectify the issue with a software update – but this could take some time.

“In the interim there is a head unit software patch which will be made available through dealerships very soon. It has already been applied to more recently-produced cars, which goes a long way to making CarPlay function as normal.”

Question:  My question is slightly out of left field. In my Holden Equinox I only have a single USB port, so why is it not possible to run Android Auto through a USB hub when I assume all the data is stored on the phone? If I don’t wish to listen to the radio, and instead listen to music through a USB stick, I need to choose between the two. – Brendan C

Answer: Either the USB port can't handle the amount of information available from multiple sources through the hub, or the port doesn't have enough electrical power to support the hub.

You may be able to fix the problem with the purchase of a USB hub that's powered separately from the 12-volt power outlet in the Equinox. But easier than that, why not transfer the music that's on your USB stick to your phone and listen to it that way?

Question: How long do batteries last in hybrid cars and how much is the replacement cost? – Gerry M

Answer: Toyota Australia says: “We certainly have a high level of confidence on the durability of our batteries, which is why we now offer a 10-year/unlimited-km hybrid battery warranty, which is subject to annual health check of the battery.”

Checking some of the prices, since you’re not specific, the battery for the current Prius costs $2133.42 plus GST, the current Camry Hybrid’s costs $2764.76 and the previous-generation Camry Hybrid’s is $2993.15.

(Ed: we note too that there are plenty of Camry Hybrid taxis with mid-six-figure mileages and thoroughly effective batteries, so the scaremongering re the need for battery replacement may well be overstated.)

Question: Just wondering if you have heard that Kia Australia has changed their delivery company and that cars are being delayed and sitting at Port Melbourne while they wait for the new company to start delivering? I was meant to get my new Sportage GT-Line last week, but the dealership still can’t tell me when I will get it. – Danni Q

Answer: The answer from Kia Australia is: “From the beginning of April [2021] we changed logistics provider and the delays are unfortunately part of this changeover.”

Question:  I am considering doing the big lap around Australia towing a 22-foot caravan and was tossing up between a Toyota HiLux extra-cab or a Ford Ranger extra-cab. Your thoughts and do you think automatic or manual gearbox? – Kelvin B

Answer: My choice would be a more road-oriented large SUV (such as Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-9), provided the rig comes in under the 2.5-tonne towing limit that they have. Vehicles like this are far more comfortable than any of the dual-cab utes.

If you plan to go seriously off-road, or the rig is too heavy, then the Ranger is the one to get but perhaps also take a look at the Everest, Ford’s Ranger-based SUV. Auto gearboxes are more convenient but manuals ultimately give you more control and can be better suited to towing.

Question: Hubby demands a new car. “I haven't had a car for 20 years, except a company car,” he says. I started off by saying he can have $20,000, then it went to $30,000, then $35,000. So he has decided he will get a 2021 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid, due in Australia at the end of April for $41,500. – Leanne B

Answer: That’s a great choice and he should easily get 20 years out of it. It’s comfy and quiet, offers great fuel economy with the hybrid system, and proven Toyota strengths including capped-price servicing. It gets The Tick from me.

Question: Last year I parted with my Mazda 121 of 26 years and am currently driving my dad's Ford Festiva which now needs to be replaced. Having recently retired I am favouring the Hyundai i30 or Kona. Your thoughts? — Sandie H

Answer: That's a heart-versus-head thing, as the i30 hatch is the smart choice but most people will go with their emotions and buy the Kona SUV. Drive both and make a choice on the one you want to live with.

Question: I am looking for a car for my daughter, who has five children aged from eight to 14. We were looking at a Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seater. Do you think this is a good choice of car or is there any other car that is a seven-seater that you would suggest? – Brian C

Answer: The latest Santa Fe is a great car and gets The Tick from me. It’s the one I would have recommended along with its Kia twin – and carsales Car of the Year for 2020 – the Sorento.

Question: I have a 2013 Toyota RAV4 and wish to update, perhaps to the C-HR as I like SUVs as I live by myself and if I need anything I can pick it up myself without relying on anyone else. I mostly drive to and from work with a fortnightly trip into the country. – Lynette C

Answer: If you like the C-HR there is no reason not to buy one. Test drive the hybrid version as well as the standard model.

Question: Is Toyota one car company not going hard with full electric cars? – Robin C

Answer: Right now, Toyota has most of its eggs in the hybrid basket and is doing record sales. Further into the future, its emphasis is already on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and it is starting to push support for the Mirai in Australia.

But it has also announced its first battery-electric EV – a RAV4-size SUV called the Toyota bZ4X – and it will go on sale here in 2022, although it won’t be cheap. bZ stands for Beyond Zero and will be Toyota’s new EV sub-brand.

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

Find more of Your Questions Answered by carsales here