Your questions answered: Name a car I’ll enjoy driving

Cars are not just about A-to-B transport and Australia’s endless obsession with dual-cab utes and giant SUVs.

Some people still see driving as an enjoyable pastime and want something special to put in the garage.

Question: I am wanting to buy an old convertible. I love manual rear-wheel drives but I’m flexible, and also love the cars from Audi, Mazda and Saab. What would you suggest? – Anne

Answer: You should go older, not old, and the Mazda MX-5 is the absolute gold standard. Saab drop-tops are now ancient and Audi does not make anything affordable that is rear-wheel drive.

Question: I have never owned a car with a V8 in it. Now I have a little coin, I am looking for something second-hand that’s comfortable that you could recommend in a convertible. My budget is around $60,000. Or do you think you can have just as much fun in the Mazda MX-5? I am around 6 foot and 80 kilos. – Ken G

Answer: Go for a test drive in a Ford Mustang convertible. You will know instantly if that’s what you really crave. Otherwise, the MX-5 is a ball of fun and one of the great driver’s cars.

Question: I’m considering getting a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 manual as a second/weekend car. I have developed a keen interest in classic muscle cars and I’m interested in your opinion on this vehicle as a long-term hold, weekender low-kilometre vehicle. – Dale C

Answer: The Mustang gets better and better, especially as the locally-developed and built R-Spec, and the Mach 1 promises to be just what you want.

Question: I’d like to know which of the hot hatches is the most fun to drive. I’m thinking of manual transmission here as I find automatics boring and they put me to sleep. Also ballistic machines like the Mercedes-Benz A 45 would probably lead to my early demise. – Dan V

Answer: The Toyota GR Yaris is the most fun today and don’t be put off by the price, it really is a pocket rocket and only comes as a manual. The Honda Civic Type R is also a hoot, although a little over-the-top in its styling for some people.

Question: How long can you drive on the cruise control on a 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line? I’m worried about doing damage, especially on the highway. I’ve used it a lot and once for about 30 minutes. – Rob

Answer: Modern cruise controls are electronic so you cannot damage it or the engine. I’ve driven for many hours continuously on long interstate trips. But, with radar cruise control, where it maintains a pre-set distance to vehicles in front, be aware that you could be running slower than your set speed without knowing, as your car will gradually slow to the pace of the vehicle ahead.

Question: I am hoping that you can tell me which are the safest three small cars today, around the size of the Mazda2. I am in my 70s and drive my grandchildren around, therefore I am looking for the safest small car on the market. – Lainie C

Answer: Based on the independent ANCAP safety scores, the top three babies for safety are the Toyota Yaris, Mazda3 and Kia Cerato – but not the S and Sport versions. The Yaris is all-new and has everything from eight airbags – one between the two front seats – to auto safety braking with pedestrian detection in both day and night. The only downside is that it has become costly, jumping from a $15,390 starting price up to at least $22,130 (plus on-road costs) these days.

Question: Can you advise on which of the following two cars is better, both brand-new: Range Rover Sport MY21.5 SE 3.0D AWD Auto; versus Volkswagen Touareg 210 TDI R-Line Auto – Neil L

Answer: The Touareg is excellent value and a good all-round package, but the Range Rover has that something ‘special’ if you’re looking to reward yourself. You need to do a back-to-back comparison. And to make things really interesting you should also drive the new Land Rover Defender.

Question: I’m interested in the MINI Cooper S, Signature or Sport. I had a brand-new lime green Mini in the ’70s, which was terrible. When it rained, it leaked, and I’d have smelly, soggy, black carpet. So, I never thought I’d ever consider purchasing another one. I currently have a Subaru Impreza Hatch and wonder if there are any issues with the MINI I should be aware of? I have the word ‘rust’ invading my mind. – Lesley S

Answer: A MINI today is vastly different from a 1970s model, and there are no dramas with rust or soggy carpet. MINI is part of the BMW Group so expect the same sort of quality. Just test drive first to see if you still love the modern interpretation of the original Mini.

Question: Wanting a medium-sized SUV with a bit of power and value for money under $100,000. Wondering if you can give advice on the BMW X4 M40i M. I’m looking at this and the Audi Q5 or SQ5. – Vicky R

Answer: For me, the SQ5 is a more lively and engaging choice.

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