Beyond the criteria
I’m looking for a new subcompact SUV vehicle and I’m hesitating between the Mazda CX-30 GS (2.5L engine and AWD) and the Toyota Corolla Cross LE AWD. Both have similar features, have cargo space that suits me, and are priced within my budget of around $33,000. What do you think would be the best choice? My priorities for a car are, in order, reliability, driving pleasure and low maintenance costs. I plan to keep this car for at least 10 years and I do about 10,000 km per year, mainly in town.
Matthew C.
If we limit ourselves to your criteria alone, the Corolla Cross is the choice to make. According to the reliability indexes of independent organizations, the Toyota wins the prize. As for running costs, the Corolla Cross also has a lead over the Mazda, mainly because of its lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, the CX-30 proves to be more rewarding (more refined interior presentation) and offers superior driving pleasure due to its more dynamic chassis and its traditional automatic transmission (the Toyota uses a CVT). If your choice were to stop on the Toyota, we advise you to consider the hybrid version.
Please don’t misplace it
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUDI
The Audi Q3 is sold with only one key, which is somewhat disturbing.
On October 28, 2022, I took possession of a 2023 Audi Q3 ordered in April 2022. Upon receipt of the vehicle, the seller informed me that Audi Canada was only giving me one key for the car, claiming a lack of “chips”. I should receive the other key in the coming weeks. Now it’s March, 12 weeks later, and I’m still waiting for the second key. I appeal to you to find out if you are aware of this type of situation in the automobile industry. Is this a situation (lack of key) that exists elsewhere than at Audi Canada? You can imagine the problems resulting from the loss of the one and only key or if one of the users leaves without taking care to make sure to leave the key for the other users. I contacted Audi Canada on two occasions, they replied that they were sorry, without giving me a date for a possible delivery.
Daniel R.
Rest assured, you are not the only one in this situation. Other owners of several other brands have also informed us of this situation. You are right to point out the potential dangers (loss, theft), but alas, the only advice to offer you at the moment is to be extra careful to never take your eyes off the key.
Patience has its limits
PHOTO JUSTIN TANG, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Toyota is still experiencing supply problems.
On April 22, 2022, I placed an order for a gas powered Toyota Corolla Cross in Gatineau. I’m still waiting. I inquired to find out if the process would go faster if I changed a particularity to my order: negative response. I am aware that there are problems with hybrid, electric and microchip vehicles, but is this normal for Toyota? Should I do a closer follow-up with the dealer or turn to another?
Catherine C.
You can always contact another dealer to inquire about the offer. Allowances sometimes vary from dealer to dealer. This situation is not unique to Toyota, but affects virtually the entire industry. Several analysts believe that the situation is improving and that a return to normal is possible as early as the fall. Patience.
Gasoline will always flow
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PORSCHE AG
Porsche Macan GTS
I am thinking of changing my 2017 Porsche Macan. Will the new 2024 model still be offered in a gasoline version? Electric terminals are still a rare commodity in the United States and I don’t want any constraint in this sense. If Porsche no longer offers a petrol model for 2024, could a Range Rover be a good alternative?
Sylvain G.
The Canadian management of Porsche confirms that there will be gasoline versions in the catalog of the Macan 2024. Perhaps they will be the last.