Bucket Tech: HUAWEI 'Unfold the Classic'

Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several highly anticipated products that usher in a new era of foldable excellence as part of the "Unfold the Classic" HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch held in Dubai on December 12. Among these products is its new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, setting a new standard in foldable smartphones and further solidifying Huawei’s market leadership. The HUAWEI Mate X6 is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability, advanced features, and exceptional user experience.

In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced an impressive lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. This suite of products represents a new era of premium innovation, showcasing Huawei's commitment to continuous advancement and delivering exceptional experiences for consumers across the MEA region.

HUAWEI Mate X6

The HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that's extremely thin, light, and exceptionally durable. It is complete with 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.

The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to control depth of field and light intake with precision. The camera also incorporates Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120%. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, called the HUAWEI Mate X6: “A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience."

Although, the HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black, only the Nebula Gray will be available in South Africa from mid-April 2025.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, sets new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 features advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone. The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces a new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations, ushering in a fresh wave of trendsetting functionality. Embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation, the series debuts in a striking new Loden Green colourway alongside classic Black and White options.

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without needing a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities, enabling close-up portraits and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in South Africa from the beginning of February 2025 through Huawei's online platforms as well as select retailers.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this versatile tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in South Africa starting from mid-February 2025 through Huawei's online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in stunning Isle Blue and sleek Space Gray.

HUAWEI FreeClip: Now in Rose Gold

The HUAWEI FreeClip combines pioneering audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones, exuding a sense of romance and understated elegance. Alongside its stylish appeal, the FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.

Monday Choon: Andrew Rayel pres. ARISEY - Dudadu (Remix)

 

Andrew Rayel debuts his new alias ARISEY with "Dudadu," a vibrant rework of Irina Rimes's pop-ethno folk hit that has captivated the electronic dance music scene. Blending the emotive essence of the original with driving techno beats and melodic electronic layers, ARISEY delivers a fresh and dynamic sound. This release marks an exciting evolution in Rayel’s artistry, introducing fans to a bold and innovative direction under the ARISEY moniker.

Bucket Seat: Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L (Luxury variant) is the flagship trim of the XUV300 lineup, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features that cater to urban and highway driving. First out, I think Mahindra have done a stunning job with the design of the car, its eye catching, its appealing and its just stands out from the crowd. Even though I had one of the more subdued colours in its line-up, it still had presence and it definitely echoes the right direction for the brands design philosophy. I spent a relatively short time with the car, not my usual 7-days which I felt didn't do the car justice but in any case, here are my thoughts on this new variant from the Indian motoring giant. 

DESIGN

The XUV300 AX7L stands out with its bold and muscular design, reflecting Mahindra's modern design philosophy. Front Features a prominent grille with chrome inserts, projector headlamps, and LED DRLs that lend a sophisticated and aggressive look. The car sports 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a strong character line running along the side, giving it a dynamic stance. The LED tail lamps are sharp and sleek, enhancing its premium appeal. The rear spoiler and silver skid plates add to its sporty demeanor. It comes in vibrant and dual-tone color options, which enhance its youthful and premium look.

PERFORMANCE

The XUV300 AX7L is available locally with only one engine option, that being the 1.2L Turbo-Petrol Engine from which it derives 82kW and 200Nm of torque, this is paired with a 6-speed automatic AISIN gearbox which I'll be very honest, I didn't quite enjoy. I felt that it quite often slipped gears especially in take off and the transitions were not smooth at all, with quite aggressive feedback at times. On the open road it didn't fair too badly, I found it peppy and a bit more refined, but it's meant to be a city car and I suppose for that aspect, the driving dynamics were not the greatest but given its size, nimbleness and its decent fuel economy, it may still fair well for many. 

COMFORT

The cabin of the AX7L variant is plush and equipped with high-end materials, offering a premium in-car experience. Soft-touch materials and a dual-tone theme dominate the dashboard, giving it an upmarket feel. Leatherette upholstery with excellent cushioning ensures comfort during long drives. The front seats are ventilated, a nice option for the hot, humid Durban summers.The car is spacious for its class, with ample legroom and headroom in both rowws. At 257 liters, the boot is adequate for daily needs but could feel limited for larger trips. The AX7L is loaded with segment-leading features which include a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, paired with a premium Harman/Kardon sound system. On the safety side, it includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Driver Assistance Systems include: Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking set it apart.Comfort Features which are note worthy are dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming IRVM enhance convenience and luxury.

VERDICT

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed compact SUV with robust performance and advanced safety tech. While its boot space could be a drawback, the overall value it offers makes it a compelling option in its segment. The AX7L variant is priced at the premium end of the XUV300 lineup, but its features and performance justify the cost. It competes with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon, holding its own with its feature-rich offering and strong engines.

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.2L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed AISIN
Torque	200Nm
Power	82kW
0-60KM	4.6 seconds
Price	R404,999

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI to Unveil Next-Gen Foldable Smartphone

Huawei is set to host a highly anticipated launch event in Dubai this December, where the company will showcase a lineup of groundbreaking products poised to push the boundaries of innovation. The event marks a pivotal moment for the brand, unveiling groundbreaking products like the HUAWEI Mate X6, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, and HUAWEI nova 13 Series. The new products will set new benchmarks for design, functionality, and user experience in the mobile and audio markets.

As Huawei continues to solidify its position as a leader in the tech industry, this launch will underscore the company’s expanding influence in international markets.

A New Era for Foldable Phones

Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, the HUAWEI Mate X6, will be unveiled during the Dubai launch. The phone is expected to redefine the future of foldable smartphone technology. It is among the company’s most advanced foldables to date. The Mate X6 is expected to once again raise the bar of mobile photography, building on Huawei’s legacy of pioneering smartphone cameras with its Mate Series.

Besides the Mate X6, Huawei will unveil its next-generation audio products, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4. These earbuds will be the first to feature HUAWEI SOUND, offering an immersive audio experience. They will also include AI-driven noise reduction technology, designed to isolate the wearer’s voice during calls while eliminating environmental noise—a feature that significantly enhances call quality, particularly in noisy environments.

Consumers can also look forward to the launch of the HUAWEI nova 13 series, a new midrange smartphone that brings a unique interweaving design and an array of exciting features. The HUAWEI nova 13 series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including enhanced camera capabilities, a performance boost, and more. Additionally, the new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 will deliver a paper-like experience, perfect for light office productivity, efficient learning, and everyday tasks.

A Strategic Milestone

The Dubai event, scheduled for the 12th of December, will mark the global unveiling of Huawei's several innovative products. The MEA market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions for technology, and Huawei is committed to strengthening its regional presence. By continuing to introduce groundbreaking products, Huawei is positioning itself to shape the future of mobile technology while reinforcing its role as a global tech powerhouse.

 

Monday Choon: Tiësto & Soaky Siren - Tantalizing

 

The much-anticipated track “Tantalizing” by Tiësto, featuring Bahamian artist Soaky Siren, is poised to make a big impact. Officially releasing on November 8th and already available for pre-order, the track captures the pulse of Afro House, expanding Tiësto’s range and spotlighting Soaky’s vibrant vocal style. Known for his genre-crossing artistry, Tiësto’s recent dive into Afro House taps into the genre’s rise on the global dance scene, where the rhythmic, percussion-driven Afro House sound has rapidly gained fans worldwide.

Bucket Seat: Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines athletic dynamics with everyday practicality. With most of the performance Range from Audi being headlines by the RS model, many wonder why with the Q5, Audi stopped with the S? Well, I think they took a smart approach to this, while there is a RSQ3 which we've seen is quite popular in the market, with the SQ5 coming with a 3.0-liter V6 delivering adequate power to this impressive SUV, making it a bit mot faster and louder might not appeal to the target market which it is aimed at, that is a family and recreational vehicle. I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Audi SQ5 on a recent trip to Cape Town, with my family so I got to put it through the test for what it's meant for, a practical family SUV with a big of oomph. So here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

The Audi SQ5 has a striking yet elegant design that reflects its performance-oriented nature. Its sporty stance is complemented by distinctive Audi styling cues and subtle S-specific details. The front fascia features a bold Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern and aluminum-look accents. Aggressive LED Matrix headlights (with optional laser lighting) and sharp air intakes further enhance the sporty aesthetic. The SQ5 sits on stylish 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, with optional red brake calipers hinting at its performance potential. Subtle side skirts and chrome or black-out trims (available with the Black Optic package) add a sleek, purposeful look. Quad exhaust outlets, an integrated roof spoiler, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals give the rear end a sporty yet refined appearance.

PERFORMANCE

The SQ5 delivers an exhilarating drive, powered by a robust engine and supported by advanced chassis technologies. The SQ5 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the SQ5 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker SUVs in its segment. Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, offering excellent grip and handling in various road conditions. The torque vectoring system enhances cornering stability and agility. The adaptive air suspension is standard on higher trims and available as an option, allowing drivers to adjust ride height and firmness. This setup provides a perfect balance of comfort for daily commutes and stiffness for spirited driving. Audi Drive Select offers multiple driving modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Offroad) to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics. Given its performance, the SQ5 offers respectable efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 9.2L per 100km. With it being in dynamic driving mode for most of the time of my visit, that figure was slightly higher at 11.7L per 100km which wasn't that bad considering most of my driving was short distance routes. 

COMFORT

The SQ5’s cabin showcases Audi’s hallmark craftsmanship, blending premium materials, advanced technology, and sporty accents. Sport seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery and diamond stitching are standard. They're well-bolstered for spirited driving yet comfortable enough for long trips. Front seats are heated, ventilated, and offer massaging functions on higher trims. The interior feels spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats slide and recline for added comfort. Cargo capacity is practical for its class, offering 500 liters of space with the seats up, expandable to 1,520 liters with the rear seats folded. The SQ5 interior is sporty and luxurious, featuring brushed aluminum or optional carbon fiber inlays, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ambient lighting with customizable colors. The SQ5 excels in delivering a refined and dynamic driving experience. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease in Comfort mode, while Dynamic mode tightens things up for more enthusiastic driving. The steering is precise and responsive, though it lacks some of the feedback purists might desire. Body roll is minimal, and the SQ5 feels planted during high-speed cornering. Audi equips the SQ5 with its latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which is intuitive and feature-rich. A 10.1-inch touchscreen takes center stage, paired with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Virtual Cockpit provides customizable displays, including navigation, performance metrics, and media information. Standard Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Audi Connect services ensure seamless connectivity. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is available for audiophiles. Physical buttons for climate control provide ease of use, while a rotary touchpad offers additional input options for the infotainment system. Some of the key safety features that is is included with the SQ5 are Audi pre sense basic and pre sense city (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.  Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system enhance safety and convenience.

VERDICT

The Audi SQ5 is a near-perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and performance. It’s ideal for those who want a sporty driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling a mountain road, or cruising on the highway, the SQ5 delivers with poise and confidence. For buyers seeking a versatile luxury SUV that’s as thrilling to drive as it is comfortable to live with, the Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice. When compared to its rivals, the Audi SQ5 might seem a bit dated but seeing that the new Q5 has broken cover, the new one should be hot on the heels of that as well but for that, we will have to probably wait a year or two for it to reach our shores. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Turbo Petrol V6
Gear Box	8-speed TipTronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	260kW
Fuel Consumption	9.2L per 100km
Price	R1,541,000

 

Bucket Tech: WD Storage Solutions

Western Digital announced it has released several new Flash storage solutions to help pros and consumers get ready for the holidays. Whether looking for the perfect gift, or planning a new venture in the New Year, the innovative products from its award-winning SanDisk® and WD_BLACK™ brands reach new levels of speed, reliability, and capacity, serving a diverse set of digital storage needs.

High Performance, Super Capacity Portable SSDs

The expanded SanDisk portfolio of portable SSDs includes two offerings that feature next-generation SSD speeds and help defy the limits of durability. The new drives are perfect for pros or creators and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data on the go in the toughest of climates:

SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® high-performance portable SSD - As one of the first portable SSDs in the market to feature a USB4 interface, the SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® is great for pros who need exceptional speed and performance. It has lightning-fast USB4 connectivity with speeds up to 3,800 MB/s read and up to 3,700 MB/s write, providing users with incredibly fast file transfers that keep workflows moving, instant access to content, and smooth 3D rendering. The drive features a rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis to help protect data from everyday wear and tear, allowing users to seamlessly access files without compromising reliability. Its IP65 water and dust resistant design helps withstand splashes, rain, and even spills. For those accidental drops, the SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is drop protected up to two meters. The drive is also backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices and supports Thunderbolt™ 4. The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is expected to be available in early 2025 in 2TB and 4TB.

8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD - Great for anyone creating massive files or backing up huge content libraries on the go, the 8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD is the perfect blend of speed, durability, and capacity to keep up with content demands and active lifestyles. The drive offers up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. The 8TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is now available at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Uplevel Gaming with Higher Performance, More Storage

The purpose-built gaming line, WD_BLACK, now features two new products aimed to deliver amazing performance and capacity so gamers can play at their best:

WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD - Building on its reputation for speed, WD_BLACK is introducing a new high-performance PCIe® Gen 4x4 DRAMless NVMe SSD that is perfectly suited to help mainstream gamers take full advantage of today’s highly visual and immersive games that continue to grow in file size. Built with Western Digital’s latest TLC 3D NAND, this new SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write  (1-2TB models), providing up to a 35% performance boost over our previous generation SSD. For mainstream gamers who are looking for more capacity, the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD provides massive storage options for current game libraries with space left over for new games, future updates, and downloadable content. This high-performing NVMe SSD was engineered with laptops and gaming handhelds in mind and provides up to 100% more power efficiency at maximum speed over the previous generation. It also boasts up to 1,200TBW  (2TB model) of endurance for gameplay streaming, speedrun captures, and creating with the latest game engines and for gamers who often write and delete a lot of data off of their drives. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities , the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD is expected to be available for pre-order today at SanDisk.com for U.S. MSRPs ranging from $59.99 – 159.99. A 4TB model is expected to be available next year.

2TB 1 WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox® - With more games than ever exceeding 100GB, the new 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox provides the space gamers need.  The WD_BLACK C50 NVMe SSD’s core delivers exceptional speeds, while its integration with Xbox features like Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume provide a truly seamless experience. It’s the fast and easy way to give the Xbox Series X|S a big capacity boost and keep more titles installed. Just plug this officially licensed card directly into the console for similar performance as Xbox internal storage. The drive also includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate and one month of Discord Nitro. The 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox retails for U.S. MSRP $199.99 and is available now at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Monday Choon: TH;EN - Rakata

 

If you watched Tiesto's mammoth 4 hour DJ set in New York City last week, you may have caught this track which he played early on. It's by Simulate's  rising star TH;EN who has return to the label with his ‘Rakata’ EP. Already having received amazing support and reactions around the world, A-side ‘Rakata’ promises to be a special moment in the Simulate timeline. Rakata features a powerful Spanish vocal along with dynamic synths to give the track a high-energy and driving groove, perfect for the dancefloor. Liverpool based DJ and Producer Massano, dropped the track at the Resistance stage at Ultra Tokyo and it's continuing to be a proper festival jam since. It was officially released 2 weeks ago and we have it featured on the blog today. 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q2 35 TFSI

Audi launched their subcompact SUV the Q2 back in 2016 with the model reaching our shores around a year later, this was a car was an oddball in the greater scheme of things as it didn't really have any straight up competition from its counterparts, so it made it unique in a way. It was cheaper than the Q3, but still preserved that Audi look and feel to it. Fast forward to the latest version of the Q2 and from what we are told is the last version of it as they are stopping production, not much has changed, while it still preserves the Audi look and feel but I really mean when I say not much has changed, the car looks the same now as it did back in 2016 and I don't really know what is Audi's deal with this one. Yes I know they are discontinuing the model but can adding a few cosmetic changes, slight upgrades to engines and minor tweaks to the tech really entice people to spend that much money on a car that essentially still is from 2016? I spent some time with the car to find out. 

DESIGN

I'm battling to find words to describe the look of this car from the previous models that I've had before, I should really just copy and past what I wrote then, now because there really is nothing much to speak about. Okay, I am being a bit cynical because they have refreshed the design by enhancing key elements by putting bigger broader borders for example around the grille which is a key focal point of the car, giving it a more three dimensional look, the air-intakes on the bottom part of the bumper have been enlarged and its shape is more pronounced, the details continue with a brushed aluminium skid plate underneath the grille. The front is further enhanced by the introduction of new LED matrix headlights which for me is the stand out feature of the car. The back follows the same trend with the accents and lighting and this particular model came with a panoramic sunroof which I quite enjoyed but also added to the looks when opened in the tilt position. The C-Pillar is key design characteristic of the Q2 is coloured differently to the main body paint which helps it stand out more. Like I said, it still is a good design but I just wished they did a bit more. 

PERFORMANCE

The main differentiater between this car and the one that came out in 2016 is the engine, I had the 35 TFSI on test and for those who are not familiar with Audi's naming convention, it basically means this is a 1.4 L Turbo-Petrol engine and let me tell you something, this is the key reason I'm not slating Audi in this review because this engine coupled with that 7-speed tiptronic gearbox was magic. For a car like the Q2, you're not expecting mad performance figures but something that would do well for Urban driving and the occasional long distance trip and for that, this engine was perfect. With just the right amount of power and torque that made driving a pleasure. The engine produces 110kw and 250Nm of torque which for Urban cruising is more than adequate, I did take it on a long distance stint and the beauty of its fuel economy shone through then. Audi didn't give this one the mild-hybrid treatment like the rest of their stable but this engine doesn't need it with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.1-litres to the 100km, and a 50L fuel tank, Audi claim you could get up to 820km from a tank, I think that is a bit of stretch but I think it could easily get to 700km with no hassle. 

COMFORT

This is where my biggest gripe with the Q2 comes in, the interior is a complete let down for me, there is nothing different to me about it, yes they have enabled mobile car apps but it is only accessible via a USB cable. The UI is still that same junk from 2016 with slight enhancements to the graphics, the infotainment screen resolution is crap and really shows when using Apple Car Play. The general layout of the interior is out dated quite frankly a slap in the face for anyone walking into a showroom, looking at the new Audi models interiors and then seeing this. The least I feel they could have done was incorporate the Audi connect screen that comes in the Audi A4 and Q5 models. That aside, the choice of materials and textures used in the cabin is of great quality, the seats are super comfortable, for this price tag I do wish they came with electric seats though, they were heated and I did make use of this as it still was chilly in Durban that time so that was a nice plus. The rear passengers enjoy decent leg room and head room, even though this car is a compact one. The boot space is nothing to write home about but can store your groceries with ease, just not a golf bag, which you would have to drop the seats for. 

VERDICT

I didn't hate my time with the Audi Q2, because it still is a well made car, which is super fun to drive and extremely comfortable for its size but that price tag is what bothers me, for what you getting I think they could have given you a bit more. Maybe throw in a surround camera view, bigger screen, electric seats and a bit more cosmetic changes to the outside. The winning feature for me as mentioned were the matrix LED headlights and the panoramic sunroof deserves a mention but with a starting price of R744,980, it will have many considering other options for that price range.  

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.4L T
Gear Box	7-speed TipTronic
Torque	250Nm
Power	110kW
Fuel Consumption	6.1L per 100km
Price	R744,980

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI WATCH D2

HUAWEI WATCH D2 brings 24-hour blood pressure monitoring to users’ wrists. It uses an inflatable airbag to measure blood pressure at set intervals, with reminders during the day and automatic readings at night. The watch supports various measurement scenarios, including standing, sitting, or reclining during the day, and performs automatic measurements during sleep.

ABPM is recognised as the gold standard for diagnosing and managing hypertension. It’s recommended by major health guidelines, including the ISH 2020 Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines, the 2017 ACC/AHA Blood Pressure Guidelines, and the 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of Arterial Hypertension.

Lightweight Comfort with Premium Simplicity

The HUAWEI WATCH D2 is designed for comfort and convenience. It is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for continuous wear to monitor blood pressure throughout the day. Boasting a 1.82-inch large screen with a new colourful user interface and a 2.5D floating design. It’s also much smaller than traditional upper-arm monitors, with an ultra-narrow 26.5mm airbag.

Available in Black and Gold, the watch features a sweat-resistant, skin-friendly fluoroelastomer strap with TPU soft rubber, ensuring all-day comfort.

Comprehensive health management

The HUAWEI WATCH D2 offers comprehensive health tracking, including beat-by-beat ECG analysis, SpO2 monitoring, pulse wave arrhythmia analysis, heart rate, stress levels, and skin temperature monitoring. With a single tap, users can measure nine body indicators and generate a Health Glance report that highlights potential health risks. This includes measurements for heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, stress, body temperature, ECG, vascular elasticity, pulse wave arrhythmia, and sleep breathing awareness. Additionally, the HUAWEI WATCH D2 is the first Huawei smartwatch to feature blood pressure analysis in the Health Glance function.

It also brings features such as over 80 exercise modes, with daily task tracking around exercise, diet, sleep, weight, and stress, to help users develop habits that form a healthy lifestyle to support blood pressure management.

HUAWEI WATCH D2 is equipped with the brand-new TruSense system, released earlier this year, the system has enabled Huawei to take a major leap forward in its sports health monitoring module and algorithms. The HUAWEI TruSense System is setting a new digital health & fitness paradigm that's defined by six key characteristics: accuracy, comprehensiveness, speed, flexibility, openness, and iteration (continual monitoring).

To ensure the long-term accuracy of its continuous vital sign monitoring, as well as deliver faster results, Huawei invested heavily in optical, electrical, and material science research, with the aim of overcoming the challenges that different skin tones, wrist sizes, and weather conditions pose to various sensors. Thanks to Huawei's innovations, the accuracy of basic indicators such as heart rate, SpO2, and blood pressure has been certified by authoritative industry bodies.

The HUAWEI WATCH D2 is now available for purchase through Huawei’s online store, HUAWEI Experience Stores, and select retailers, starting at R8,499.00. It is also offered at select Vodacom Stores from R245 per month over 36 months. For added peace of mind, Huawei offers the HUAWEI Care+ Service, available as an add-on with your new smartwatch.