Your questions answered: When will my new car arrive?

Many new-car buyers are still facing long delivery delays in Australia. And perhaps even more people are on tenterhooks waiting for new and facelifted models to arrive so they can add them to their new-car shortlist and start shopping.

While there are still new cars out there to buy – some brands are largely unaffected – the bad news is there is little relief in sight for the global shortage of microchips that is delaying many new car builds.

If that’s not enough, there are additional complications precipitated by the war in Ukraine and potentially – based on reports of quarantine problems in Australia – a return of the stink bug infestation on ships that caused delivery delays and other problems in 2019 and 2020.

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Answer: Ford Australia says the Focus ST X is definitely still coming. But it’s been delayed, like so many others, because of the global shortage of semi-conductors. The first arrivals will be in May 2022.

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Answer: There may be chip problems, but the bigger recent GWM drama was a quarantine delay on a shipload of vehicles that had to be fumigated and isolated before they were cleared for delivery.

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Answer: Quarantine processes are separate from customs, so it’s quite likely that the isolation is linked to stink bugs. They have infested roll-on, roll-off car carriers in the past and are a key target for the biosecurity team protecting Australia, which means long periods of quarantine. Even so, the dealership is probably playing safe on delivery dates.

Question:

Answer: The Toyota C-HR is definitely recommended and the hybrid versions will give you some worthwhile savings in stop-start city and urban environments. The camera is essential with the rear-end design as the view through the back window, and through the rear three-quarters, is definitely restricted.

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Answer: For city and urban drivers the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will give you a worthwhile economy improvement. And although the purchase price is higher, the difference between hybrid and non-hybrid Toyota models is considerably fewer dollars than it once was. Hybrids use a combination of combustion power and an electric motor , and neither is prone to excessive wear. Batteries have a five-year warranty at Toyota, increasing to 10 years with regular inspections, but their lifespan should be much longer. Prius models have clocked more than 15 years on their original batteries.

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Answer: The Suzuki Baleno is okay, but the Kia Rio was recently judged as our Best First Car for 2021, finishing ahead of six other popular city cars. But if size is the number-one criteria, then get her to test drive the Kia Picanto. It’s even smaller, well priced and should tick her other boxes.

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Answer: Just do it. BMW is now doing great work on the 3 Series and the 330i is right in the sweet spot for driving enjoyment.

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Answer: The Subaru Outback is more car-like and that will make it nicer around the suburbs (including being easier to park). It should have all the cabin space you need and will be quiet and comfy for the longer runs. If you’re mostly around town then diesel is the wrong choice. Remember, too, that the Santa Fe is a large seven-seater. A back-to-back test drive will settle the situation, but we feel you’ll be better in the Subaru.

Question:

Answer: If you like the T-Roc then it is a good pick, and it’s probably more practical than the BMW. On the power front, the 140 is a good, solid engine and also comes with different driving modes, so you can switch to Sport for fun or leave it in Eco while the fuel price is high.

Question:

Answer: The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was named carsales’ Car of the Year 2021, so we rate it highly. It’s the more futuristic of the two and gives a more ‘electric’ experience than the Polestar, which is based on the platform of the Volvo XC40. But the Hyundai is in very short supply, the first shipment sold out and there is a waiting list for the next batch. Another 100 cars became available for order this week. The Polestar should be easier to get and full-scale deliveries are about to start, with enticements like a guaranteed future value. Both Hyundai and Polestar are doing their marketing through dedicated landing pads on their websites, including booking test drives. The Polestar looks like an easier deal for the moment.

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