Honda SUV Range

These two readouts are closely linked in that one determines the other. Your average fuel consumption dictates the distance the car estimates it can travel based on what’s in the tank. But variation in these readings is perfectly normal. That’s because the range estimate is based on your most recent driving. So, if your fuel consumption has jumped from 7 to 8 litres per 100km, the computer will adjust the range down to compensate and prevent you from running out of petrol. That’s all very normal.

The bigger question is why your consumption has recently increased. Have you changed your driving style? Are you suddenly towing a trailer? Have you allowed another driver (with a heavier foot) to borrow the car? Are your tyre pressures correct? Have you added a roof rack? Do you now do more city and suburban driving than before? Is the car in need of a service and tune?

All these things can have a noticeable effect on fuel consumption, and any one of them could be the key to your fuel consumption increase and associated range reduction.

Honda has manufacturing facilities for the ZRV in Japan, China and Mexcio, with Australian-sold examples rolling off the assembly line in Yorii, Saitama, Japan.

The smart money says go with a Toyota. The RAV4 is popular but within your budget, you'll be buying a 12- or 14-year-old car with at least 200,000km on its odometer. Which still means it's probably a pretty good thing in terms of reliability, provided it's been serviced correctly up to now, but you'd have to buy carefully. A second-hand Kluger can also be a good deal if you can afford the fuel, but comes with the same caveats.

A Honda CR-V won't be much different to the RAV4 in terms of its price versus model year, but you stand a slightly better chance of finding a CR-V with relatively low kilometres. Don't be afraid to get a bit alternative and look at things like the Kia Sportage. Your ten-grand gets you into a Sportage of around the same vintage as the RAV4, but is likely to have as many as 100,000 fewer kilometres on board. Again, check for a full service history.

And given your usage pattern, don't be temped to stump up more for a hybrid SUV; there's just not the pay-off at the pump for a car that does mainly highway and open-road work.