Your questions answered: Should I wait for the new Mazda3 hybrid?

There’s no shortage of love for hybrids, something on display with our reader letters this week. It kicks off with someone wondering whether to wait a couple of years for a new Mazda hybrid.

But there are also plenty of buyers shortlisting the hugely popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

And, of course, there’s plenty of EV love, including one couple considering an electric SUV to tow a camper trailer. The challenge? They want one with a full-sized spare wheel, something that creates challenges…

Answer: Mazda previously offered mild hybrid versions of the Mazda3, which were fairly underwhelming. That’s probably why they’re no longer in the line-up.

As for a full (real) hybrid, there is one on the way but we don’t know exactly when.

Mazda has a tech collaboration with Toyota to utilise its hybrid technology, which is a great move.

Hopefully by 2026 there will be something available in dealerships. Ultimately Mazda will need more fuel efficient vehicles such as hybrids and EVs to meet the upcoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standards that start in 2025. Looking at the brand’s current model line-up it’s fair to say Mazda will have some challenges meeting those standards.

But rather than wait for a Mazda3 hybrid, why not consider some of the existing options? The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is solid buying and the Hyundai i30 hybrid (while pricy) is also decent.

If you’re prepared to go the EV route the MG4 undercuts them both at the moment and is a borderline bargain at $30,990 drive-away.

I’ve spoken to dealer but they aren’t interested and have written to MG Australia and it’s radio silence - any advice?

Furthermore upon receipt of car I noticed significant scratching to black exterior plastic areas including spoiler and also paintwork - it looks like the car has either gone through machine car wash or been washed with old rag with rocks in it.

I don’t believe this is acceptable for a brand new vehicle and I have raised this with dealer. If they fail to replace vehicle with unspoilt one or offer some form of compensation then I figure ACCC next port of call.

Would appreciate any advice or assistance with respect to these issues. - Brett

Answer: The damage to the car will be a separate issue to the pricing. The challenge will be proving when that damage happened. As a general rule when you accept delivery of a new vehicle you’re accepting it is in as-new condition. So ideally you want to point out any damage prior to driving away.

But if you can somehow highlight that the damage looks as though it happened in transit or during preparation for sale then obviously it’s up to the dealer to have it rectified. And, yes, the ACCC is an option, although that legal journey will likely start with fair trading in your state/territory.

The pricing is a different issue and our understanding of consumer law is that the dealer is under no obligation to refund you the difference. Obviously you purchased the vehicle when it was at a certain price and since then it’s dropped. Whether it’s cars, clothing or groceries prices can change from day to day.

There is arguably a larger issue about customer satisfaction and loyalty and trying to keep you as a valuable customer.

I am thinking the new Honda HR-V Hybrid that has been released this week sounds good and is not super expensive. Do you think this is a good choice or would you recommend something else?

If you think this is a good car there is a choice of two hybrids. The e-HEV X at $39,900 or the e-HEV L at $42,900.

I can afford either of these but do you think it is worth getting the more expensive one?

I have read the list of the extras list but being “oldish” like my car it is mumbo jumbo to me. - Debbie

Answer: The HR-V is one of the better small hybrid SUVs on the market, particularly with the arrival of the facelifted model that has shaved thousands off the price and added a more affordable e:HEV X variant.

We ordinarily point you to the QASHQAI e-Power, but compared with the HR-V it’s now looking far too expensive. Another one worth checking out is the Toyota Corolla Cross, which is also a really well sorted hybrid SUV. Entry-level models are light-on for gear, but the core of the Corolla Cross is solid.

None of which detracts from the excellent value in the Honda HR-V. At $39,900 it’s certainly a terrific value car – and one that drives really well.

As for choosing between the X and the L, it really depends how you value the extra features. The two will drive identically, with the difference in features.

The L gets a power tailgate, for example, so you can press a button to open and close it. It’s a handy feature, although if you’re one to load the boot up for holidays it may require some manual assistance if the boot contacts a bag when trying to shut, at which point the motor pulling it closed with stop operating.

The L also gets dual-zone ventilation, which can be handy if your travelling companion likes a different cabin temperature to you. It also picks up a heated steering wheel (handy for chilly mornings) and auto dimming rear vision mirror (which darkens if someone shines their lights from behind).

They’re relatively minor things, but the sorts of things some people value.

But the e:HEV X still gets all the hybrid goodness that makes it a great value SUV.

Question: We are looking to change from 2014 Volkswagen Jetta to a wagon. We have loved our Jetta for the fuel economy and boot space.

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack or Subaru Outback are on the shortlist so far. This car will be used for road trips around Australia and we would like to be able to tow a pod trailer or popup van.

A must have for me is a full-size spare tyre! hence the Outback or Passat being shortlisted.

Are you able to recommend an EV that could do the job or are the charging stations locations going to make this a real challenge to travel any real distance?

We live in regional Victoria.

Should we stick to a petrol car given the kilometres and locations we are planning to travel in the coming years? - Suzie

Answer: An EV could work depending on where you’re planning on going. You’d need to do some planning on charging options along the way and realise you wouldn’t be able to cover the same kilometres each day as you would with petrol or diesel. In short, if you’re only looking at a few hundred kays a day it’d be doable, but any more than that will require serious planning to take advantage of high-powered (fast) DC chargers.

As a rule, you can pretty much halve your expected range once you’ve got a trailer hooked up. The upcoming Kia EV5 could be an option or a Tesla Model Y. Neither has a spare tyre though.

As for the Outback and Alltrack, the Outback is much better off-road and is versatile, comfortable and practical wagon. The Alltrack is slicker on-road and has better engine options.

Be aware Subaru stipulates you can’t tow at above 80km/h, which may impact your decision making.

I personally like the smaller size of the Volvo but headroom is limited for my husband, but not a big issue. The larger XC60 is over our budget. Q5 drives beautifully and a good deal at the moment but have heard they can have issues around 50,000km.

We have always had Audis and Toyotas. RAV4 is great too but a family car when there are only the two of us and occasionally our grandson. I have a budget range of $60,000 to $90,000. - Michele

Answer: The RAV4 and Q5 are both mid-sized SUVs, so roughly the same size.

Obviously you’ll spend less on the Toyota and it should also go further with fewer issues.

A lot of European cars can get costly as the kilometres rack up, Audis included. But 50,000km is perhaps too early for big issues. Either way, if you’re chasing trouble-free motoring then it’s difficult to go past the RAV4.

The RAV4 doesn’t have the luxury flavour of the Audi or Volvo, but it’s an impressive car to drive and is frugal. Don’t rule out mid-sized SUV alternatives, though.

The Honda CR-V/ZR-V hybrids are both terrific buying, the ZR-V fractionally smaller, which may suit your needs.

Also looking at Lexus or RAV4 hybrid but enjoy the luxury finish. I would appreciate your advice.Thank you. - Carol

Answer: The Q3 still stacks up well in the luxury compact SUV market, but we reckon the BMW X1 edges ahead, as does the Volvo XC40. It’d be worth checking both of those out.

And the Lexus UX is also decent buying, or the LBX if you can do with a very cramped back seat. And if it’s German engineering you’re chasing, there are obviously Volkswagens - which use lots of the same components as Audis - that will deliver on that front.

As a left-fielder you could also look at a Cupra, which is also part of the Volkswagen Group and utilises those same components. You touched on the lack of luxury in the RAV4, which is a valid point. It’s highlighted by the age of the current RAV4, which came out in 2019 and is looking dated inside.

The core of the car is good, though, including its hybrid system. For something closer to the size of the Audi Q3, check out the Toyota Corolla Cross, which is also great buying.

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