Ask The Guide

We can’t be sure, but it appears that the V40 could be replaced by an S40 sedan and an XC40 SUV at some time in 2018, probably late in the year. To get an idea of what the new models might look like have a look here

Your ix35 auto was a regular automatic; the Tucson’s is a dual-clutch transmission, which means it’s like a manual gearbox but with an automatic shift. I find it hard to believe it could overheat in such a short time while you’re backing up your driveway, even if you need two bites at it.

Suggest to Hyundai that the Tucson is not fit for the purpose for which you bought it, and see what their reaction is. You could also ask if a transmission oil cooler might help.

No a five-year-old car shouldn’t suffer such a major failure like that, but the Cruze does and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other owners asking the same question having suffered the same problem with the automatic transmission.

It’s a well-known and documented problem and Holden were once replacing transmissions free of charge. You could approach Holden’s customer assistance people (Ph: 1800 033 349) and ask that your transmission be replaced as a gesture of goodwill. The cost you have been quoted for a replacement transmission is about right, but be sure that you are getting a new transmission.

I’m not a fan of the CVT auto, so my pick would be the Mazda, which has a conventional automatic transmission.

I can understand the dealer needing to experience the problem simply to know where to start checking. That said, from what you describe it seems as though the car is going into limp home mode. The fact that you can fix it by turning the ignition off and on again tends to confirm that.

By doing that you are rebooting the computer. It’s possibly got an intermittent failure of an engine sensor or a connection or something similar. Describe what happens with your car to your dealer and insist he investigate and find the problem. That is, after all, what the warranty is all about.

The zippy performance and handling is one of the great attractions of the Polo, it handles like a go-kart. The boot is small with the seats up, but it’s a small car and something you really have to live with. By buying a manual you avoid the issues that have plagued the DSG dual-clutch auto. The 1.2-litre engine has a timing belt, which means it needs to be changed every 105,000 km or seven years, whichever comes first.

Comfortable, smooth, fuss-free, with plenty of room inside and a huge boot. It has 5-star safety and comes with a good warranty. It’s a good choice.

Generally, the Outback is a good solid car, well designed and built. My only concern is the age of the cars you’re looking at. While the Outback is a good car all cars deteriorate as they age, so it’s vital when buying an old car to have it thoroughly checked by a mechanic who knows his way round the brand. It’s also best to look for a car that hasn’t been used off-road.

First off, as you aren’t planning to go off-road I would suggest you buy a two-wheel drive model rather than a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That way you won’t be carrying around the extra weight of the all-wheel drive system and you won’t have the complexity of the all-wheel drive system, which means there’s less to go wrong. One I would look at is the front-wheel drive Kia Sportage.

The diesel engine has a belt, but the petrol engine has a chain.