Dock
It was recently reported in Europe that PHEVs consumed much more than expected (almost four times more). PHEVs are really not a panacea for the majority of drivers who want to reduce their fuel consumption.
Lucille B.
Plug-in hybrid engines find themselves in the dock in Europe. Their overconsumption is largely the fault of these motorists who do not take the trouble to charge them at a terminal. They rather prefer to refuel them, while driving, using the thermal engine. Hence the higher fuel consumption.
Health !
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAND ROVER
Range Rover
I’m considering getting rid of my 2017 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid before having to give up a kidney to pay for certain repairs. I’m tickled by a Range Rover (between 2021 and 2023), but everyone warns me about their legendary lack of reliability. I’ve been hearing this refrain for 20 years, is it really still the case? I’m stubborn, but I like having two kidneys!
Pat M.
Range Rover reliability has improved in recent years, but still lags behind the competition. Including from Porsche. If your choice were to go to a prestige brand in the “sporty” SUV niche (like your Porsche), we suggest you take a look at the BMW X5. This vehicle will still require sustained maintenance.
R-Design or Momentum?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLVO
Volvo S60
I purchased a 2021 Volvo S60 with 24,000 km and paid $37,500 plus taxes. The rep mentioned that it had the R-Design option, but with the vehicle identification number, I have the Momentum model. No matter how much I search, I can’t find the difference between R-Design and Momentum. Have I been cheated and should I ask them for a price adjustment?
Robert C.
R-Design is a group of essentially aesthetic options (grille without metal net for example or more enveloping bucket seats), offered on certain versions only. This designation does not have a distinct serial number. In 2021, Volvo offered this package (R-Design) on its S60 T5, T6 and T8.
Time to move on
PHOTO DAVID ZALUBOWSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Nissan Rogue
We own a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder, which has a mileage of over 244,000 km. Overall, the vehicle runs well and has required expensive repairs in the last two years. We are aware that we will have to change it soon. We live in the Laurentians and we go to Florida every year during the winter. We are torn between getting a Nissan Rogue or a Subaru Outback. What are your suggestions?
Réjeanne R.
From an environmental standpoint, the Rogue is superior to the Outback. The Nissan consumes on average 7.6 L/100 km compared to 8.3 L/100 km for the Subaru. However, the Rogue’s performance is largely attributable to its 1.5L three-cylinder engine, whose reliability record remains incomplete to this day. That said, it is necessary to point out that to date, no breakage or malfunction has been reported to us. It must be remembered that this mechanism, however effective it may be, nevertheless remains more complex (turbocharger and variable compression ratio). Therefore, Subaru’s 2.5L four-cylinder engine not only seems a safer choice in the long term, but also the vehicle is more comfortable over long distances (suspensions). If you prefer the Rogue, maybe you’ll like the Mitsubishi Outlander? These two vehicles have a lot in common, but the Outlander has remained faithful to the naturally aspirated 2.5 L four-cylinder engine (8.9 L/100 km) which until recently powered the base version of the Rogue. Mitsubishi also offers a 10-year or 160,000 km warranty on the powertrain.