Roadside assist: Are EVs too fast for new drivers?

What to do if a warranty claim is rejected, going for a second opinion and whether now is a good time to buy: We answer your motoring questions.

Got a motoring query for our team of experts? Want advice for how to handle car trouble? Send your question to [e-mail].

Volvo’s EX30 Twin Motor is a rapid machine. Photo: Mark Bean

I enjoyed your positive Volvo EX30 EV review online, but I’ve had to cancel my order for one as it can’t be driven on P-plates in NSW. This rules it out for my son who was going to share the car. It’s a small SUV but its performance precludes it from being driven by P-platers. Should government rules be amended to consider EVs like the EX30? It’s not as if I’m handing my son a V8 muscle car.

Emma J, NSW

Interesting. NSW’s the strictest state for P-platers. In NSW, VIC, QLD and SA, cars with over 130kW-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio are P-plater banned, keeping young drivers’ hands off many sporty cars. But NSW also bans specific cars for P-platers if performance is deemed too high risk for novices. The basic Volvo EX30 is 110kW-per-tonne – under the ban limit – but it accelerates at a hot hatch-bettering 5.3-seconds to 100km/h.

Dual motor EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are also on the ‘no’ list due to their rapid performance.

The rules need to be updated to reflect EVs and their acceleration, or perhaps manufacturers need to be reigned in? Volvo’s EX30 Twin Motor hits 100km/h in 3.6-seconds – faster than a Ferrari F40.

Frankly, it’s a bit unnecessary and ridiculous for a city SUV.

I don’t want P-platers anywhere near such cars. Yet the ACT, WA, Tasmania and NT have zero restrictions against handing them to P-platers.

If a dealer says no to a warranty claim, contact head office.

UNWELCOME LIGHT

We’ve had two Jeep Wranglers over the last 12 years, buying the second one new in January 2019. Last week the ‘check engine’ light came on, it was towed to Jeep and advised it might be the head gasket and a potential $3000 repair bill.

We’ve only ever serviced with Jeep, the Wrangler’s only four months out of warranty and done 58,000km. What would be fair regarding a request for partial or complete cover of the bill?

Leigh and James Greensborough, email

You must contact Jeep’s customer care, explain your case and – from the outset – say you want and expect the full cost of repair to be covered under goodwill. If all scheduled services were carried out by Jeep, on time, they’ll no doubt be as disappointed as you with this early failure. Your consumer rights still apply under Australian Consumer Law, even if Jeep’s five-year warranty has recently expired. In October 2023, Stellantis Australia – Jeep’s importer – promised to address the ACCC’s concerns about the way it handled complaints. Stellantis has said it’s “committed to delivering on the improvements for its customers,” so as a long term loyal owner, makes sure you put that to the test.

GWM’s Ora is as cute as a bug.

CHEAP PICK

I’m considering the GWM Ora electric car. What are your thoughts on it, and does the range topper vary much to the other grades?

Belinda Forgione, email

Quick synopsis: the Ora’s cheap at $35,990 drive-away, has ample (for town use) 310km range and fair spec with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, power fake leather seats and lots of driver aids – although they’re not well calibrated. It’s roomy but with a small boot; is quite comfy in town but not an engaging drive; seven-year warranty is great and services are dirt cheap. Range climbs to 420km for an extra $5000, but consider carefully if you really need it. A few grand more buys a ‘sporty’ Ora GT model with body kit, but the $43,990 Ora Ultra’s better value with ventilated massage seats, auto tailgate and panoramic roof. The Ora makes most sense in budget-busting cheapest guise, but also test drive the MG4 from $39,990 drive-away: a better car in my opinion.

The MG4 is our pick of the current crop of cut-price EVs.

POWER CUT

I’ve noticed an ever-increasing number of new car deals for electric vehicles, in particular the Peugeot e-2008 for $39,990 drive-away. Hate to say I told you so, but this is the much-needed wake-up call for the industry that most of us really don’t want an EV. They’re too expensive, take too long to charge and our country’s simply too large for proper charging infrastructure.

Richard Cooper, email

I’ve always said EVs aren’t for everyone. If you’re crossing the country and towing a caravan, get a diesel. If you’re an urbanite (the vast majority of Australians are) and travel under 100km a day (like most of us), an EV can work superbly. Last month EV sales declined for the first time since November 2020; Tesla’s been cutting prices and yes, the headline was Peugeot slashing the e-2008’s cost from $59,990 plus on-roads to sub-$40k drive-away. There’s been (very) heavy discounts on some ex-demo and near-new prestige EVs for months now – roughly $100k off a BMW i7, Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 sedan and Audi RS e-tron GT. Even so, Aussies are buying more EVs than ever. Around 7 per cent of the market was EV last year, up 160 per cent over 2022.

Peugeot slashed the price of its e-2008 GT.

SIMPLE SOLUTION

Re the reader with the creaking BMW sunroof, I had something similar with my BMW. After two days’ diagnosis, the dealer advised it couldn’t be fixed and suggested they replace the sunroof seals at a cost of $5000. I researched it myself and believed the problem was the roof console centre panel creaking, especially after the roof warmed up. Simplest remedy was a spray of silicone lubricant around the console edge and roof. After a couple of days all was silent in hot or cold conditions. I’ve found dealers never look or consider simple remedies, and aren’t willing to let you discuss matters with technical staff. Replies are always third-hand through service check-in staff.

Gideon Rutherford, email

That $5000 quote seems an excessive figure plucked from thin air. Thank goodness you did your own research, and that the silicone lubricant spray worked – hopefully it’ll inspire others with similar creaks to try the same. But we can’t tar all dealers with the same brush – some are superb, thorough and honest. But indeed, some seem to take the easy ‘just replace it’ option with a big bill attached. I stopped using my VW main dealer for the same reasons you state. I asked to speak to the actual mechanic working on the car, but it proved ‘impossible’ as he was busy. I’ve found a more personalised service with a German car specialist.