Ask The Guide

The Trax is good value for money and stacks up well against all comers in the class. The 1.4 turbo is the best engine, and it has a conventional auto instead of a CVT that most of its rivals have. Others to look at are the Suzuki S-Cross, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru XV.

It's not possible to say exactly how many engines VW has replaced, that's information the company doesn't divulge to the media. But we can say that there have been a number of engines replaced. I doubt that having that information would enhance your case anyway, the engine has lost compression at a very low odometer and you claim to have had the car serviced by a VW dealer. I would think it's a relatively straightforward case.

I doubt that it's possible to swap the lease to someone else. I would talk to your lease company and see what the rules are for getting out of the lease.

That's a tough call. With its Hilux roots the Fortuner is a very competent off-roader, it has a separate chassis, switchable four-wheel drive, good ground clearance, a great diesel engine, and accommodates seven. The Prado's off-road credentials are well established, it's more refined, but it's heavier than the Fortuner, which weighs on its performance, and its towing rating is lower than the Fortuner's. Either one would do what you want, but I would slightly favour the Fortuner.

Earlier Rangers were plagued by problems with the cruise control, and Ford recalled them, but we're not hearing of the same issues with the current model. Perhaps if you could provide us with more information on what it is yours is doing we might be able to give you more of a guide to what could be wrong.

You've singled out two of the best in the class. Others to consider are the Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Kluger, but it's hard to go past the Sorento and Santa Fe. Comparison information is available if you click on car reviews and go to the models you are interested in.

A Toyota spokesman we asked told us that there are no plans to bring in the 4Runner.

Our enquiries with Holden weren't successful; all we got was a deafening silence. It seems they either don't know how it will work, or aren't prepared to tell us. Given the company's reluctance to talk on this matter I suggest you maintain pressure on the customer care people until they give you an answer.

You need to decide on whether you want an SUV or a hatch before you do anything else. The SUV gives you a better view of the road, is practical, and the CX-3 is a good choice, but hatches can also be attractive. I would rule out the Mazda2 in your case, as it would seem to be too small for your needs, but the 3, Corolla and i30 are all good cars that would deliver on the things you want.

There's little between the Sorento and Santa Fe, both are very good cars, the CX-9 is also a good choice. I couldn't choose between the Sorento and the Santa Fe, either one would be a good option, but the CX-9 could be the best for your needs as it's a little roomier inside.