Ask The Guide

Subaru's constant all wheel drive is not considered true 4x4 or 4WD as it does not have a selectable low-range option in the transmission. Power is divided evenly between all four wheels through a constantly-driven centre differential, which is why all wheel drive is considered different to 4x4.

Mazda's CX-5 soft-roader is a great around-town runabout but towing is not its forte. With a maximum tow rating of just 750kg unbraked and up to 1800kg with brakes you're going to have to have quite a small tinny to safely pull it reliably with a CX-5 Mazda. A BT-50 ute is an infinitely more appropriate choice for towing duties as even the big brother CX-9 SUV is only able to tow a small amount more than the CX-5.

The current Hyundai Tucson Highlander measures 4475mm from nose to tail, whereas the base model Active is 4477mm. On top of the length, other dimensions include height (1655mm), width (1850mm), and ground clearance (172mm-182mm).

The Nissan Qashqai's overall length is 4394mm. Other dimensions are kerb weight (1429kg), width (1806mm), and height (1595mm).

So long as it is properly maintained with services done at least as often as the owner's manual suggests, Nissan's Qashqai is a good car and will be as reliable as any other car in its class.

From what we can see, that specific Triton carried an official combined fuel consumption figure of 10.9L/100km. 

In the real world, you can expect to achieve a similar number on a constant highway cruise, but be prepared for it to climb to something more like 15L/100km around town. So more like a six cylinder modern Falcon or Commodore than a Corolla or Mazda3. 

Mazda3s are sold in sedan or hatch in Australia, and in several specification levels. Currently you have the option of six models, including the Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, and SP25 Astina. The three lower-end models (Neo, Maxx and Touring) run a 2.0-litre engine, while the SP25 models get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, as the 25 suggests in their names. If your Mazda3 has 16-inch wheels but doesn't have a touch-screen entertainment system, then you have a base-model Neo. The Maxx does get the touch-screen display, plus some leather wrapping on the steering wheel and shifter, but misses out on the electric park brake and leather seat trim of the Touring. The 2.5-litre models all score 18-inch alloy wheels, though the SP25 misses out on the Touring's leather trim, sunglass holder and a few other comfort items. The SP25 GT scores LED headlights and tail lights, leather trim (heated in the front), and BOSE audio, while the top of the range SP25 Astina gets driver's seat memory function, a sunroof and more.

Hyundai's Tucson is available in Active, Elite and Highlander specifications, with the Active and Elite available as a front wheel drive or all wheel drive, and the six Highlander models all wheel drive only. No Tucson is available in rear wheel drive or dedicated 4x4 (which would feature low-range on the transmission). While all wheel drive models send power to all four wheels, the lack of a low-range option means they are not considered 4x4s.

A new Mazda3 was hinted at in late October 2017 when Mazda showed off the new Kai concept. It is due to be released to market in early 2019 and will represent a huge leap forward in design and technology.

The process is the same as any other car. Look up what grade of oil your car needs and how much oil capacity it has, all of which is listed in your owner's manual, and purchase a brand new oil filter. Drive the car for approximately 10 minutes to ensure the oil is warm as this makes it easier to drain. Park the car on a level surface, open the bonnet and loosen the oil filler cap so it is just resting on top of the filler tube, then slide a drain tray underneath your engine. There will be a small flap in the undertray to be undone so you can access the 14mm oil drain plug with a ring spanner. Undo the sump plug being careful not to burn yourself as the hot oil rushes out. Let it drain for 10minutes, then do up the sump plug with a new washer and being careful not to over-tighten the plug - do it snug, then turn it another quarter-turn. Slide the drain pan under the oil filter and remove this again being cautious to not splash hot oil on yourself. Before installing the new oil filter check the rubber seal came off with the old filter, then smear a little fresh oil on the new filter's rubber seal before winding it on and doing it up a quarter-turn past snug. Fill the engine with fresh oil as per the owner's manual. Once you have confirmed there is no oil leaking out, start the engine, let it warm up and then check the oil level. If you cannot reach under your car to undo the oil filter or sump drain plug, use the factory jacking points recommended in the owner's manual to lift the car off the ground at the front and rear, lifting the front first, and use four weight-rated chassis stands to support the car at the factory recommended support points.