Ask The Guide

It depends on what you plan to do with it. If you want to tour along bush tracks it will do the job well, but if you want to drive down deeply rutted, rocky tracks then park it and get something better for that type of work.

If that’s what you want then look at a serious off-roader.

Turn the key to ignition on, so the engine is off but all the dash lights are illuminated, and then select trip computer A. Turn the key off then, while holding down the DISP button on the steering wheel, turn the ignition back on so the dash lights are on but the engine is off. Turn the key back off, then start the car and the maintenance light will not be illuminated.

Modern cars are very tricky to break in to so, if you have lost your keys then you're going to need to call a professional locksmith to get you back into your vehicle. The only other options are hazardous as they involve smashing glass, although that isn't a guaranteed way to open your boot or doors as Mini Coopers can be dead-locked meaning they will not open without a key.

You have to take your key fob to Kia or a qualified locksmith who can code it to your car for you. Coding keys requires tapping into your car's computer using specialist software so it isn't a job Harry Homejob can do with basic tools.

The dealer would have been aware of the upcoming updated model, but he would probably have been under an embargo that would prevent him from talking about it.

However, he should have told you, at least off the record, that it was coming, particularly because you asked about it.

Pop out the power and USB panel at the base of the console. Undo the Phillips head screws behind that panel, which hold the main console panel on. You can then pull that panel off, working from the bottom up. Remove the Phillips-head screws holding the radio unit to the dashboard, then pull the radio unit forwards and unplug it.

Yes, there’s no problem in doing that, but you will have to have it registered in WA when you get it there.

Open the driver's door and look on the side of the dashboard near the door hinges. There should be a bonnet release lever. Pull that and then walk to the front of the car. Stand in front of the middle of the bonnet and lift the bonnet panel while pulling the secondary catch lever, which is near the middle of the Escape, mounted on the radiator top panel to the left of the middle. Hold that lever while lifting the bonnet and it will open up.

You’re not doing many kilometres and only short trips, so would go for the petrol version.

Open the driver's door, look down the A-pillar (the post beside the windscreen) and you will see a bonnet release towards the bottom of the dashboard. Pull that lever, then walk to the front of the car. Stand in front of the middle of the bonnet, pulling up on the bonnet lid while feeling for the secondary release lever. Pull that lever while lifting the bonnet and it will raise up.