Volume, but no SUV
I’m thinking of replacing my 2013 TDI Golf wagon with another wagon. I’m looking at the Audi A4 Allroad and the Volvo V60 Recharge. I want driving pleasure and want to keep the car for a long time, which worries me with the Volvo. Which one would you recommend? Are there other options I should consider? I’m not really looking at 100% electric, but the plug-in hybrid seems to me the best option with current infrastructure. I travel 70 km of highway to work every day and we take the taxi to my son’s hockey game, which is not always close to home. I’ve never run out of space, despite the bikes, dog, paddle boards, etc. I use a Thule box in the trailer hitch.
Salois
At the risk of surprising you, the reliability record of these two models is essentially the same. On the other hand, in the event of breakdown, the Volvo risks costing you more. Of the two, the Allroad appears to be the more logical choice, but this one is not a hybrid. No more than the other vehicle we invite you to consider: the Subaru Outback. A proven model, more widely available, financially more accessible and which can potentially (depending on the livery chosen) tow a heavier load and also save you from using a roof box.
Preparing for spring
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The Toyota Corolla Cross
I own a 2015 RAV4 that has 217,000 km on the clock. I am thinking of changing vehicles in spring 2024. I want to reduce the volume of my vehicle, but I am still looking for a utility vehicle, because I regularly go camping. I need a four-wheel drive mode because I live in the mountains. The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross might interest me. Between these two models, which would be better? Should I rent it or buy it? Could other models be interesting considering reliability?
Carl G.
If you are looking for a vehicle with the most cargo space, the Corolla Cross will be your preference. The latter, however, is noisier, less rewarding (interior presentation) and less efficient (less responsive all-wheel drive). The Crosstrek consumes slightly more, but its behavior is more dynamic and its finish more polished. In terms of reliability, the two models are equal according to several consumer associations. If you opt for the Crosstrek, we suggest you choose the Onyx version, the most homogeneous.
Suitable tires
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
For an electric car, it is recommended to opt for suitable tires, with reinforced sidewalls and optimized soles.
I just noticed that my all-season tires (I installed my winter tires) are finished. I have a Tesla 3. What do you think of recycled tires to replace them next spring? At the time, remolded tires did not have a good reputation. What about today ?
Eric V.
The reputation is not much better, to answer you very simply. Electric vehicles have, due to their weight and power (torque), the unfortunate tendency to severely abuse the tires. We recommend that you opt for tires suitable for electric vehicles (reinforced sidewalls and optimized soles) to take full advantage of the qualities of your vehicle.
Automatic cut-off when stopped
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The automatic shutdown device has no impact on the life of the starter.
The automatic cut-off system when stopping certainly has an impact on consumption and polluting emissions. However, doesn’t this device risk accelerating the wear of the starter?
Jean-Yves L.
The automatic cut-off device has no impact on the life of the starter, even in urban traffic. The starter has become very sophisticated over the last 10 years and it is rather rare to replace it (or remanufacture it) during the useful life of a vehicle. That said, you should also know that it is possible, depending on the model and year, that the starter of a vehicle equipped with an automatic cut-off device costs more.