Volkswagen Problems

It's all about global rules for fuel economy and emissions, which means stop-start will eventually be fitted on all cars. Thankfully, some provide a switch to disable it in hot weather.

The Polo is the best car on your list — and until the end of the year it is selling for $15,990 driveaway — but you should include the Honda Jazz, which is even better value for money.

You’re not alone, a number of people have complained of this noise. It is said to be the catalytic converter pre-heating, which is achieved with an increased idle speed and altered ignition timing. It is claimed that it is normal and harmless, as your dealer has told you. I would monitor it closely and don’t hesitate to take it back to the dealer if your concern grows.

You really should not be wearing earplugs. But the tyre is designed for grip, not quiet running, so make sure you get something less aggressive at changeover time.

A compact SUV will probably be better for her but I'd put the Mazda CX-5 - which gets The Tick - well ahead of the Qashqai.

All makers use multiple suppliers, especially for tyres, unless it's something like a Porsche GT3 which has a very specific Michelin tyre. So you haven't been short-changed as Hankook makes some very good tyres.

The problems with the DSG gearbox, which VW claimed only affected the 7-speed unit, badly damaged the company’s reputation. But worse damage was done when it refused to accept there was a problem and stonewalled owners until it was faced with mounting public pressure to act. Then they only recalled cars with the 7-speed gearbox, not the six-speed that was fitted to your car.

It's rated to tow up to 1000kg when the trailer has brakes, so towing 530kg shouldn't bother it.

People have always bought Alfas with their hearts and they are behind the Japanese on reliability and resale. There is an updated Giulietta coming next year, which I recently drove in Italy and enjoyed. Try it.