Honda Problems

It's not solely about the luggage cover but also the $10,000 premium over the Jazz that is the basis for the HR-V. Even Mercedes-Benz can only justify a $6000 jump from the A-Class to the GLA, and that's on a $45,000 car.

There is a lot more to car choice than one safety aspect. If you're not happy about one missing feature, you should look further into the class at something like the Mazda CX-5 which I give The Tick.

Our earlier comparisons are out of date with the arrival of new XV opponents including the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur. The XV is now trailing those three, at least.

Seat height is really about outward vision, which can be affected by a person's body type as much as the seat, so she really needs to sit in the cars. I find the Honda HR-V has a good view but all the new baby SUVs have bodies styled for fashion first.

Those symptoms definitely point to something amiss in the auto, so head to a transmission specialist. You'll get expert service and it's also likely to be cheaper than at a Honda dealer.

Honda Australia's spokeswoman, Melissa Cross, replies: "Honda Australia and the dealership has extensively tested the customer's vehicle and found no issue. The vehicle was also tested against a similar model and we found both to perform identically in all respects. The customer was advised the sound he is hearing is the air passing over the outside of the vehicle and it is within acceptable levels for the model. We regret that we are unable to satisfy the customer in this instance."

I have just driven the CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur and rate the Mazda as clearly best of the bunch, as well as better than the XV. It gets The Tick but be careful that you don’t spend too much — there are 14 models in the line-up.