How does the CVT transmission work in the Micra, i10 and Kia Picanto?

We are looking at buying either the Micra K13, Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto. We are interested in the CVT models and wondered what connects the gearbox to the engines in these. Are they torque converters...

Trip counter mileage recorded as total mileage on MoT by mistake - how can we have it corrected?

Our four-year-old Nissan Note has just been for its second MoT. Unfortunately, the information on the dashboard was showing the 'trip' mileage since we had bought the car a year ago, and the garage recorded...

Which petrol automatic SUV should I buy?

I have owned two Audis over the past 13 years, but now I've retired I drive fewer miles and need a higher seating position to ease entry and exit. I naturally favour a Q3 but the alternative choice of...

Are electric cars unfairly discredited?

It may be my imagination but there seems to be concerted effort from the media to discredit electric cars. It would come as a surprise to me if the mighty oil companies didn’t have some slight concern...

What do you think of the Nissan Qashqai?

I currently have a Nissan P12 Primera 2.2 dCi SVE which is nearly 10 years old, with 108,000 miles. I have been very pleased with this car. It is reliable, economical and not too expensive to maintain....

Which small automatic car should we buy?

We have a nine-year-old Corolla manual car at present, which has been wonderful. Owing to age and some infirmity we need to change to an automatic car. We also need a four (or five) door car now. I believe...

Which 4WD SUV to replace my Freelander?

Against my better judgement I have owned two Land Rover 1.8 petrol Freelanders and, as predicted, both have been unreliable with many problems over the years. Despite that I still like the car. It is the...

Which seven-seater 4x4 to replace our ageing Nissan Pathfinder?

I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder diesel that has done nearly 70,000 mainly trouble-free miles, but is getting close to replacement as it stubbornly refuses to do more than 32mpg and the rearmost seats are...

Buying a family car

I currently drive a 1.5 tech run Renault Megane. We're expecting our second child and need bigger boot and more spacious interior. I also have a bad back so was looking for something higher up. Budget...

Which small automatic offers easy loading and a high seating position?

My eighty-year-old in-laws are looking to change from a Nissan Primera to something smaller for their final years' driving. Given that they need an automatic, space for a folding wheelchair (without a...