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Hi Jack
We are updating our cars for our retirement. Have been looking at the Hyundai i30 and the Toyota Hybrid Prius 2010 and up models. Are the hybrids more economical than the i30 to run we need a vehicle which is a good run around, including motorways? Are also looking at a vehicle which will tow the caravan 15oo weight when loaded. Like the look of the Hyundai i35, is this a good vehicle plus economical? If not, which would you suggest? Many thanks Trish

The Hyundai i30 hatchback is not rated to tow such a heavy trailer and the Toyota Prius from my knowledge is not rated to tow at all. The only hatchback that springs to mind that is rated to tow a 1500kg braked trailer is the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0L diesel.

The SUV style vehicle will be a better option for towing a trailer of such a heavy weight, for safety reasons and ability, and the Hyundai iX35 2.0L diesel option is a good choice and is rated to tow a 1600kg braked trailer. The Mazda CX-5 diesel 2.2L is also a great choice and is rated to tow a 1800kg braked trailer.

If the suggested SUVs are not within your budget then let me know the price range you are looking at and I will advise you further.

Hi there, was not wanting to tow with the smaller car, this was just for running around. We often use the motorway from where we live so wanted to know which car would be the better choice. Have narrowed it down to the Hyundai i30 or the Toyota Prius Hybrid but have had such conflicting information that we would like the input of someone in the know! Are hybrids more economical than the petrol driven car, we have been told not, plus the battery is expensive to replace. Is it correct that one should replace the battery after 100,000.km? Looking for 2nd hand around $20,000.

Thank you for your suggestions re the towing vehicle, we like the look of the Hyundai iX35 diesel, will now look at the Mazda CX-5 diesel and see which we prefer. Any difference in the running cost between these two vehicles? Are looking at 2nd hand up to $30,000 or thereabouts.
Can't thank you enough, Not knowing much about the new cars this information is invaluable.Hoping that these will last us up to ten years.

Hybrids are more economical than standard petrol vehicles however, the gap has narrowed over the years and we are seeing frugal petrol and diesel powered cars entering the market. The Prius is an expensive car to buy new and it uses high-tech equipment which when faulty will be expensive to repair or replace.
We would expect the battery to last the ten years/100 000km but batteries don't last forever and there is an increased risk of failure thereafter; it will be an expensive repair. When the battery technology eventually improves and becomes more affordable then hybrids will become more attractive but at this stage you might be better to opt for a standard petrol or diesel vehicle like the Hyundai i30 that you have suggested which has a good reputation.

The iX35 and the Mazda CX-5 is a good choice but the 2nd hand CX-5 will be at a premium price as they are fairly new to the market. There won't be much difference in running costs for these two SUVs but the Mazda service interval is shorter at 10,000km or six months whichever comes first whereas the Hyundai iX35 is 15,000km or 12 months whichever comes first.