The future hangs by a thread
I have a 2012 BMW 128 that I want to change to an electric vehicle. I would like a vehicle that is just as fun to drive, but more comfortable. What do you recommend me? Is it better to wait or reserve an upcoming vehicle, like BMW’s i4?
Louise D.
If the i4 fits your budget, it’s dynamically pure BMW. More massive (heavier too) and based on a longer wheelbase and wider tracks than those of your current vehicle, it will prove to be more comfortable, faster. More ecological too.
musical chair
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Outback Wilderness
What would be the best choice to go from three vehicles to one, without penalizing the practice of my current activities? I have a 2016 Honda CR-V (very roomy) for the cabin in the Laurentians, a 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara for spring fishing trips and to tow a 21-foot (2100 lb) Alto trailer once a year, and a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon for driving pleasure. For now, I’m hesitating between a Toyota RAV4 Trail, a Subaru Outback Wilderness or a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Utopian or realistic?
Yves B.
Of all your choices, the Outback Wilderness appears to be the ideal compromise. It is more pleasant to drive and less noisy than the RAV4 Trail and more reliable and less cramped than the Cherokee Trailhawk.
Opportunity to seize
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Toyota Yaris
I need to change my 1997 Honda Civic, which has only 125,000 km on the clock, but is starting to rust. It’s normal after all this time, even if it’s in a garage. As you can see, I don’t ride a lot. I was thinking of getting a Toyota Yaris or a Kia. What do you think ? I want a five-door car. Do you recommend a new or used car? Or a Yaris with two or three years of wear?
Rachelle L.
Considering your annual mileage and usage, choosing a used Yaris makes sense. You could also think, still on the second-hand market, of a Honda Fit or the Kia Rio/Hyundai Accent duo. The latter do not have the same aura as the Honda and Toyota, but they have the merit of offering a more generous warranty that you could always take advantage of.
The ideal world
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FORD CANADA
Ford Escape PHEV
Why couldn’t the owner of a hybrid vehicle choose his energy mode at the right time? When traveling on highways, the heat engine is used. When he arrives in town, he cuts the combustion engine and begins to use only electricity. From my point of view, it would be the ideal hybrid vehicle. Is it a good idea ?
Martin G.
Good news, the ideal hybrid vehicle does exist. The main characteristic of plug-in hybrid vehicles is the possibility of charging their battery while driving, but also of managing the operation of the hybrid system as closely as possible, and therefore of driving in all-electric mode over an average distance of 50 km. Some vehicles struggle to reach this average (Mini Countryman or Subaru Crosstrek), others easily surpass it (Ford Escape PHEV or Toyota RAV4 Prime).