Q: I have had a Golf 2.5 with a manual transmission for 12 years. It has 108,000 km on the clock. I love everything about this car: its solidity, the precision of the handling, its roughness. I will inevitably have to upgrade to an electric or hybrid car. I would have liked the Volkswagen ID.3, because it has a size that I prefer to that of the ID.4, but it is not imported to North America. Already I will have to mourn the loss of manual driving, what car could give me equivalent pleasure? Is it possible ? –Denise G.
A: You will indeed be forced to give up the manual gearbox by opting for a hybrid or electric one. That said, the first car that comes to mind is the future electric Mini. The agility of this model and the liveliness of the electric thruster correspond well to your criteria. You could also consider, although both are larger, the Polestar 2 (electric too) or the BMW i4.
Q: I own a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 80th Anniversary Edition that has just 28,500 miles on it. I bought it new to tow a trailer, but the death of my husband changed the plans. I plan to only do 10,000 km annually, mostly in the city. Obviously, I no longer need such an energy-intensive vehicle, since I will no longer be towing a trailer. I’m thinking of trading it in for a new small non-plug-in hybrid car. I don’t want an SUV anymore. What do you recommend ? Is it better to keep my Jeep since it is fully paid for and the ecological impact is less due to the low mileage I will do? I must say that it is very practical because of its fabulous functionality for the cottage. – Hélène S.-L.
A: It is true that your environmental impact is less due to your low mileage, but why bother with a vehicle that no longer suits your needs? Our advice: sell it and treat yourself to a more energy-efficient vehicle instead. Do you want a self-charging (read wireless) hybrid? Then you might consider hybrid vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. They are all more compact. Want a little more luxury? The Lexus NX. A smaller utility? We invite you to take a look at the Lexus UX.
Q: We currently drive a 2018 Subaru Forester and occasionally as a second vehicle, a Safari Condo, as a tow vehicle for the utility trailer which weighs 1500 lbs or more when loaded. We just sold the Safari Condo and I will have to replace the Subaru next year. We will then have a single car which will be an SUV since I often transport my three dogs in the back of the car that belongs to them. There are never more than two adults in the vehicle. Our criteria: space for dogs, all-wheel drive, minimum towing capacity of 2000 lbs and hybrid vehicle if possible. I know the Subaru’s Wilderness option checks almost all of these boxes, but what about the hybrid in 2024? What are my other options, Japanese or Korean preferred? –Paul C.
A: There is talk of a Forester hybrid in particular, but according to our information, its launch has been postponed. And we have no certainty about its towing capacity. That said, a vehicle like the Toyota Highlander (5,000 lb. capacity and three rows of seats) is probably your best choice right now if you want a hybrid vehicle. You should also consider Hyundai’s future Santa Fe which will also offer a hybrid engine.
Q: We are a couple approaching retirement and looking to upgrade our 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. We want a vehicle with equal or better gas mileage and cargo space. We are considering purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle. – Richard G.
A: They are not plug-in, but your list should include the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. These two models best match your criteria and will allow you to reduce your gas budget.