Your questions answered: Which EV should I replace my hybrid with?

If you’ve bought a hybrid in the past, you’ve probably come to appreciate that mix of petrol and electric power.

The advent of battery-electric vehicles presents a new avenue for eco-friendly car ownership, but finding the right car may be harder than ever as the market is changing dramatically.

Let’s say you purchased a hybrid when passenger cars were outselling SUVs and that made good sense at the time. Do you stay with a passenger car, even though it limits your options? Or do you make the jump to an SUV?

And what about the whole luxury/prestige/cachet bit? Would you swap out of a prestige hybrid into a volume-selling EV for around the same price you paid for the hybrid? Will you have to forego some of the advanced comfort and convenience features by buying an EV from a mainstream brand?

Little wonder you might be questioning whether to buy now or wait for your EV options to become clearer. There may be other reasons you’re holding off the purchase of an EV. Range anxiety is one common objection.

But it’s beginning to work the other way too. Some buyers are starting to stress out that a new petrol-engined vehicle may depreciate faster than an EV. And that may have some impact on car-buying habits in the short-term – although current indications are to the contrary.

Question: I currently have a five-year-old Lexus IS 300h which I am giving to my daughter. I would like to buy an electric car similar in size to my Lexus with all the same features, extras plus more. I have been advised not to buy a petrol car as resale values 10 years down the track will be poor. Do you agree? I’m prepared to spend $100,000 if necessary. Suggestions please? – Annette S

Answer: The Polestar 2 has recently been named a Highly Commended finalist for the 2021 carsales Car of the Year award. It sounds ideal for you, with style and comfort as well as fully electric power; it’s also well priced. Polestar is a new brand but combines the strengths of Volvo in Sweden and Geely in China. Lexus has also announced its first battery-electric vehicle, the Lexus UX 300e, if you want to stay in the family, and the company also has a plug-in hybrid version of the new NX due here early next year. But don’t be scared about resale values of petrol cars, as Australia’s take-up of electric cars will likely be slow, and even plug-in hybrids are not rushing out of showrooms.

Question: We’re a family of four, kids aged 8 and 11, looking for a new car. We’re an active family and the kids do a wide range of sport including nippers and surfing so we need something with space for paddle and surf boards. We also have long drives for work and family visits. Safety is very important and we don’t want anything diesel. Our budget is $50,000 and we’re happy to go used. We’ve been checking out a 2020 Mazda CX-9 as it has good ANCAP ratings, but there are so many others to choose from. – Mel W

Answer: The Mazda CX-9 is a great family choice. That said, you’ll likely pay more for the CX-9 because of the Mazda badge, so look also at the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe (which also get good safety scores). Remember when you test drive to check the luggage space once you have the youngsters in place.

Question: I'm updating from a BA Ford Falcon and can't decide between the Ford Puma and Focus ST, although I realise they are at opposite ends of the scale. But do you place the Hyundai i30 N above the ST, as it will be a daily driver with a view to track-day experience just to see what it is like to drive fast. Are they too firm even on the softest setting for everyday driving? I like the style and electric extras of the Puma together with its economy, but knowing it has a dual-clutch. With Ford's Powershift transmission history I don't know if I should stay away from Ford altogether given their denials. – Steve V

Answer: If you want to hit a racetrack occasionally or just like an engaging drive then the Hyundai i30 N is the one. (Ed: the latest twin-clutch auto version is excellent). It’s far more rewarding in every sense than the Focus, and at a different level once you get out of the hustle and bustle of everyday commuting. And ride quality is certainly OK for the daily grind. Otherwise, the Puma is a sporty drive that combines the strengths of a warm hatchback with the practicality of a baby SUV.

Question: I’m thinking of buying a new hatchback soon and wonder which you can recommend. I’m looking at Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes and Hyundai. – Luigi P

Answer: That’s a crazy price spread, comparing a Hyundai to a Mercedes. The best choice in the middle ground is the latest Volkswagen Golf, which is a lovely everyday drive with a prestige look and feel.

Question: I was wondering if you could give any updates on Kia. I paid a deposit and ordered a top-of-the-range Seltos in March. I know there has been a big backlog of orders due to the unavailability of computer chips, but I seem to be getting no advice or updates from the dealership. I am finding them increasingly difficult to deal with. – Sue B

Answer: It’s not the fault of the dealership, as Kia Australia has very scant delivery details for its giant back-log of cars. It doesn’t help that you ordered the top-line Seltos, which requires more computer chips. Persist with the dealership or failing that contact Kia’s customer service line.

Question: We have a budget of up to $80,000 and are looking for a medium-size SUV. My wife likes the Mercedes GLC which I will need to buy used. I know used cars are expensive at the moment, and I don’t want to be completely ripped off, so should I buy something new or do you have any suggestions for me to look at? – Brett H

Answer: The GLC is fine but not best in class, and there is better value. You can get classy new cars with an $80,000 budget. We suggest you test drive the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Genesis GV70 to find the one that works best for you. The GV70, from the upscale division of Hyundai, is likely to give you both the biggest surprise.

Question: I am looking for advice to buy a new or low-mileage automatic small car for my 22-year-old grandson as his first car. My budget would be up to $23,000 but he travels long distances a couple of times a week so I could go a bit higher for a reliable safe-to-drive car if absolutely necessary. I’ve looked at Kia, MG, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Mazda, and I am truly confused. – Sue C

Answer: It’s easy to get confused but it’s probably better to go for a new car for the warranty and latest safety. Kia and Hyundai both tick the right boxes and the Kia Rio will fit your budget, as well as five-star safety, with drive-away deals at the moment for just on $20,000.

Question: My wife and I are in the market for a mid-size SUV. We are looking to spend up to $50K. It will be mainly for city driving but we also have a dog which is why we need the space. As well as petrol is there anything in a hybrid that might be worthwhile considering – Spiro G

Answer: Second part first, The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s most popular SUV and hybrid car, but currently commands long waiting lists. The carsales pick of the best mid-size SUVs is the Hyundai Tucson, which has now been joined by its twin-under-the-skin, the Kia Sportage, which could be easier to find and slightly better value. Both these cars will be available in hybrid versions eventually, although not now.

Question: Looking to purchase a car for my wife, either a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 or a 2019 BMW X5 M50d. Would you recommend either of these? Other suggestions are welcomed. She likes something luxurious and needs a change from her Honda CR-V Sport – Jack P

Answer: The X5 is the definite winner over the GLE. If you want something else that could top them both then go for the Volvo XC90. The Swedish SUV is stylish, comfortable and good value.

Question: I'm wanting to buy a small-to-medium used car, spending $10-12,000. I currently drive a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Active which I bought brand-new and like, but it’s manual and want to go auto. I have a four-year-old child and safety is a consideration. I’m looking at Mazda3, Subaru Liberty or Impreza, Volkswagen Jetta, or another Lancer. I would like to buy a car that’s cheap to run on petrol and cheap to maintain – Katiuscia B

Answer: You’re leaving out the best and most obvious value pick, the Hyundai i30, which has been massively improved in recent times. It will be cheaper than your other picks and significantly better than your Lancer. If you’re considering a sedan body style, the Hyundai Elantra is effectively an i30 with a boot.

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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