When two cars share so much, how do you decide which one to buy?

A reader is keen to spend wisely on a car and seeks advice on two models — as it happens they are twins-under-the-skin Korean SUVs, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

We will be buying a new car shortly and I have done extensive research on small-to-medium SUVs, giving a lot of consideration to the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. I have made many sacrifices to save the money to update our old car so it is imperative that I make the right decision. I want a new car that is comfortable, reliable and economical.

Alex Mitchell, email

Hyundai Tucson: Twin under the skin of Kia Sportage.

The good news is that the Sportage and Tucson are effectively the same car, since Hyundai owns Kia and they share the mechanical platform and have different body designs. So it comes down to the one you prefer — both get The Tick — and which brand gives you the better deal. Don’t forget the seven-year warranty at Kia.

SKIP IT

I would appreciate your view on the Mercedes-Benz GLC problem with tyre “skipping”. I went into the showroom last week intending to buy a GLC 43 but, after a general discussion on the car, the sales person said I needed to be aware of the problem when turning on full lock as the tyres “skipped”. He said it was easily overcome by turning the wheel a half-turn on the opposite lock and that Benz was addressing the problem by replacing the tyres. Somewhat alarmed, I researched the problem on the internet and became even more worried. Could you please give me your opinion on this problem and should I consider buying this model of car?

Judy Bryan, email

Mercedes-Benz GLC: Performance version’s rear-end “skipping” can be remedied with a tyre change.

It’s a very minor problem that most people don’t notice, and a change of tyres will eliminate it. As for the web reports, you can find nasty stuff about almost every make and model.

ON FURTHER REFLECTION ...

If any of your readers feel strongly against convex mirrors, tell them to go to their nearest glass and mirror specialist, someone like O’Brien Glass, where they will quite likely find that there are templates to cut a new flat mirror. They will remove the old mirror and fit the new one at a reasonable price.

Keith Norris, email

It’s worked for you and now you’ve paid it forward.

SPACE-SAVER, THE NEW FRONTIER

Is it just me or does anyone else hate the fact that there are space-saver spare wheels on most vehicles now? I spoke to a great mate who is in the car industry and told him I would insist that any car I bought must have a proper spare or I would buy from a company that had one. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking like this.

Lee Morton, email

You are not alone but the spread of space-savers is only going to accelerate because it gives more space in the back of a vehicle, as well as saving money and weight for the car maker. It’s usually possible to buy a full-sized spare but that then means a compromise on boot space.

STATIC — AND RADIO SILENCE

A question in relation to my near-new Holden Commodore VF SSV, as I am having ongoing issues with static through the MyLink audio. Have you had any feedback in relation to this as an issue with other Holden drivers? It has been a very slow process trying to have this addressed with Holden. I reported the issue at the car’s first service and it is ongoing today. I have had a software upgrade and the dealer claims to have replaced the head unit, all with no change to the quality of sound in my car.

Nicki Lazarus, email

Holden has investigated again and the official reply from spokeswoman Anna Betts probably won’t please you. She says: “The issue described by the customer is likely due to external influences on the level of broadcast that unfortunately we are unable to control, things like time of day, cloud cover and radio waves. There are occasional black spots across the country where cars of all brands will experience some kind of static or feedback.”

ONE-SIDED

Re Mazda’s stop-start, my wife also owns a Mazda3 SP20 bought in September 2012 and with 50,000km. The stop-start has worked fine so far and the car is still on the first battery. Further, re SUVs blocking the road. I notice how narrow streets have so many more cars parked in them. It makes it impossible for cars to pass in opposite directions. This is caused by knocking down old houses and building two to three on each block, with owners refusing to park in garages and driveways. Councils need to permit parking only on one side of the road.

Peter Loewenthal, email

BEATEN BY THE PUNCHLINE

Skoda Kodiaq: 2017 Car of the Year.

Great result for the Skoda Kodiaq in Car of the Year. The Kodiaq ticks all the boxes for me with my small family, even if access into the third row of seats isn’t ideal. I did take a punt on this unheard-of brand but it was the five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty that closed the deal for me. And anyone you talk to about the brand knows it’s essentially a rebadged Volkswagen. I have been the brunt of every Skoda joke in history by an ignorant few but I certainly had pleasure in wiping the smiles off those faces pretty damn quickly once your COTY award was announced.

Mark Casey, email

Great to see we agree on the merits of the Kodiaq.