Monday Choon: Tiësto - Bring Me To Life

 

Back when electronic music was just classified into two genre's namely Trance & Techno, there were two major names in the industry, Armin van Buuren and Tiesto. Both made trance music but Armin's style leaned more onto the uplifting and euphoric while Tiesto was hard hitting and high energy. To this I took more to Tiesto's style and seeing him live in 2010 at Randburg airport where he played a 5 hour set was just the cherry on the top for me. Since then Tiesto's style took a turn, I wouldn't classify it as going commercial but definitely styled his music for all in pop-culture. He still created good music but there's something us trance music lovers craved from Tijs that we know he could create. I think he's seen that as well so he's decided to shift back to his roots, he's cleared his IG page and reverted to his old logo to echo his return to trance. "Bring Me To Life" is the first of his new releases and it ticks all the boxes, I've played it close to a 100 times since it's release on Friday, that is how much this song resonates to me, I hope it does to you as well. 

Bucket Tech: Geely South Africa

This week saw the re-introduction of Geely to the South African market, the Chinese OEM was in our country around the 2010 World Cup time, with their smaller B-Segment cars, most popular being the LC. While these offered a cheaper alternative to consumers, the Japanese and Korean offerings in these segments proved to be the popular choice and ultimately put an end to Geely's time in the country. However, with the surge in the market from various other Chinese brands, Geely has decided to re-enter our market but with a bolder and better strategy than the rest. How you may ask? Well their product offering to the consumer is not only well priced but different to the others. Geely South Africa isn't waiting to test the market as they coming in strong offering their hybrid and full electric models in the form of the EM-i5 and E5 SUV's.

Chinese cars have shaken the market world over, offering great vehicles, loaded with tech and extras at almost half the price of its European counterparts, this left consumers asking why they should be paying the extra prices for brands they know when these seem good and offer so much more. While this is true, many soon began to learn of the shortcomings of these cars. While the build quality and engines are strong, they were not light on fuel at all. Even the smallest offerings from them were giving average fuel consumption of over 10L per 100km. For a 1.6 litre engine, that was unheard of and quite heavy for ones pocket. So while you were saving a lot on the price of the car, you were slowly paying for it at the pumps.  While some of the OEM's are learning the downside to their CVT gearboxes which are more suited to the Asian countries, many are bringing in the models with DCT boxes now to ease the heavy fuel efficiency figures and to their credit, it's good to see that they taking the consumers concerns seriously. 

Geely have opted to take another approach, while many still prefer ICE over EV, mainly due to the pricing, there is no denying that people would rather have cheaper alternatives to choose from and that is exactly what Geely are doing. Providing the market with an EV that is not only affordable but one that comes with a great battery and tech that gives a range of up to 430km. The E5 which is Geely's first full electric offering to the country was the star of the launch. With it's clean lines, smooth body work and eye catching LED's, it stood proud center stage. The E5 will be offered in two model trims, namely, the Aspire and Apex. Both are powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 160kW and 320Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds for the Apex and 7.1 seconds for the Aspire.. The battery that powers this car is a 60.22kWh lithium-iron phosphate.

While this is the model that gained the most interest, the model that would probably see the most sales is the EM-i5 Hybrid as it offers the best of both worlds. With a 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine that proves 73kW and 125Nm of torque that works in tandem with an electric motor that provides 160kW and 320Nm of torque, the total system output equates to 193kW. The EM-i5 has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds and the model like the E5 is available in two variants being the Aspire and Apex. The battery in the EM-i5 is an 18.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery that can give a pure electric range of 83km but combined with the petrol engine can extend the EM-i5 range to 943km! This is better than anything we have in the market at the moment. 

The interiors of the Geely's are well equipped with both models coming with a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that user interface is more designed to smart phone use and feels with gestures that mimic the the ones you use on the phone. The instrument cluster is a 10.2-inch screen that provides the usual driver info. The rest of the cabin is pretty similar to everything else out of China but the quality of materials used in the Geely's are substantially better. I particularly like the leather seats with its cool design stitching and shape which contours to any body type. The minimalist look is great which not much buttons apart from the dial for driving modes and ventilation controls. I will need to spend time with it to see how it fairs on the road. 

Pricing for the Geely EM-i5 and E5 are as follows:

Model	Price
E5 EM-i    Aspire	R599,999.00
E5 EM-i    Apex	R675,999.00
E5 Aspire	R699,999.00
E5 Apex	R759,999.00

 

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI XMAGE Awards

The 2025 HUAWEI XMAGE Awards Ceremony and "The World, You and Me" Annual Imaging Exhibition was held this week at the Grand Palais in Paris. The event, jointly hosted with Paris Photo, one of the most world’s largest international art fairs dedicated to photography, drew attention from a host of accomplished creators, media, industry leaders, and photography enthusiasts.

Kevin Ho, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said of the event: " Through XMAGE, we can use the power of technology and images to better perceive the world, and more gently, to see one another."

Founded in 1997, the annual Paris Photo event regularly attracts over 100,000 attendees. This year's exhibition represents the third time (originally in 2018 and 2019) that Paris Photo and Huawei have collaborated to introduce mobile photography to the global art scene, and the first since the company unveiled its genre-defining XMAGE brand that signalled a meaningful shift from technical innovation to creative expression and storytelling.

This year's exhibition is based on the theme "The World, You and Me" and showcases the works of talented creators and how they are perceiving, recreating, and interpreting the world around them. It also plays host to three exhibition areas, titled "I Capture, Therefore I Am", " The Constructed, The Perceived", and "In Their Own Words." Each have been carefully curated to reflect the competition's emphasis on visual immersion.

All of the works on display delve into the idea of reimaging the relationship between individuals, their unique perspectives, and the visual worlds they inhabit. In addition to being one of the top photography exhibitions, the event is a major drawcard for leaders in global photography, providing the perfect backdrop for networking, relationship building, and idea sharing. This lends itself to the very ethos of Huawei XMAGE as it aims to serve as a global platform facilitating artistic exchange for all.

This year's competition attracted over 743,000 submissions from users in 78 countries/regions. The “XMAGE 100” showcases the competition’s most outstanding images, selected without traditional categories. From this group, three Grand Prize Winners of the Year were chosen. The works are shown below with the judging panel's comments (in no particular order).

According to Alex, CMO of Huawei Consumer Business Group: “Let’s continue to capture, share, and inspire the world through XMAGE.”

Ethereal Lines

Judges' comments: “Outstanding photographers are exploring uncharted territories of photography with high-end smartphones. The evolution of mobile technology is transforming the way we view the world. A premium smartphone has become a "spaceship" to infinite possibilities. This is a complex interplay of optics and algorithmic computation. Explorers move freely between the macro and micro worlds, transitioning from "seeing" to "insight." And thus, a fascinating unknown emerges in the most unexpected moments.”

New Life

Judges' comments: "This concise, straightforward photo shows the entire cycle of life, with the mother, the newborn calf, and the farmer who probably gave no thought to the uniqueness of this scene. It is the ordinary nature of this image that makes it so extraordinary. The photographer employs no special tricks, simply capturing an image of extraordinary depth and meaning as it occurs."

Origin of Skiing

Judges' comments:  "This picture captures the gaze present between two people who encounter each other. The child is standing on the snowy plain, but basking in the sun, dressed in traditional Altay clothing. The photographer shows remarkable restraint, not projecting their own feelings on to the image, but rather, letting the child's personality shine through."

Through these images and countless others, HUAWEI XMAGE is inspiring a paradigm shift in photography from "seeing" to "perceiving" our world, forging connection in unexpected places. Now that pictures are no longer images to be passively viewed, but rather, windows to what surrounds us, each touch of the shutter opens up a world of possibility.

Monday Choon: ARTBAT - Dance

 

Ukrainian DJ and music producer duo ARTBAT who are mainly known for their kick ass remixes to already hot tunes have been around for a while, giving us their unique blend of melodic house and techno fusion which has taken to many over the last few years. Their remix of We Are The People of Empire of the Sun still remains one of my favourites to this day. "Dance" which is their latest offering was released on Friday last week so its hot off the press is a continuation of their techno/ house fusion and has a really upbeat and catchy bassline to go with it. It's already been gathering quite a few fans from their sets over the pass month so we're glad they dropped it this early. 

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Tucson 2.0D

While the Chinese invasion of our markets are still ongoing, you would have thought the Korean's would have surrendered to their fellow continental counterparts in battle but it doesn't seem like the case. Hyundai have long been firm favourites from the Korean's and their range has grown significantly over the years offering mainly SUV's but in almost every segment. Having tested the new SanteFe earlier this year, it was refreshing to see what Hyundai have planned for their new vehicles and they are firmly ready to take on the Chinese with some of their advancements in technology and power plants in their cars. Only recently have we started to get some diesel offerings from the likes of Haval but Hyundai have had this covered for a while now, I got to spend some time in the new Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Diesel, having test driven the exact same model in 2022, I was keen to see what has changed, here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

While the overall design of the Tucson remains largely the same from 2022, there has been some cosmetic tweaks to give it more character. There's more bulk and sharper edges to the new Tucson and it has a modern, slightly angular refresh with sharper grille details, revised bumpers and updated daytime running lights. The result is a confident compact-SUV look that reads more premium than its price suggests  especially in higher trims where larger alloys and sportier exterior cues lift the visual appeal. The design balances on-trend styling with practical details, the large profile tyres with the alloy wheels give it a sporty stance but knowing it can perform well on gravel as well. I love the mix of materials and colours on the exterior, it gives off premium vibes but with minimal pricing.

PERFORMANCE

The engine remains the same as previous with some tweaks but the 2.0 CRDi still produces 137kW and 416 Nm of torque low in the rev range delivers easy, relaxed overtaking and solid in-gear flexibility ideal for highway cruising and towing/light loads. The 8-speed automatic keeps the engine in its usable band and contributes to composed, non-fussy progress. Hyundai claim real-world economy combined figure of 7.4 L/100 km which is more than easily achievable, but the thing with this car is the torque, it just fly's off the start and it becomes addictive so I found myself driving in economy mode most of the time as some Golf drivers thought I was racing them off the line! The torque isn't just for racing cars off the line but makes city traffic and hills effortless, while the gearbox is tuned for smoothness not rapid shifts. If you value brisk performance (0–100 km/h in the low-to-mid 9s is quoted for diesel exec), this is acceptable but not sports-car quick. 

COMFORT

Hyundai’s updated Tucson interior is one of its stronger points: a panoramic, curved display (12.3-inch infotainment + digital instrument cluster on upgraded trims), cleaner centre console with conventional knobs, and improved fit-and-finish versus earlier generations. Leather upholstery, heated seats and better acoustic insulation are available on Executive/N Line grades, making longer highway stints more relaxing. Practical touches (USB-C ports, decent rear legroom, 60/40 split seats) mean day-to-day family use is comfortable and sensible. South African reality check: Road noise and suspension harshness are mitigated in higher trims thanks to improved insulation, but lower spec cars may still transmit coarse surfaces; for frequent long trips choose Executive/N Line or fit higher-quality tyres. The refreshed Tucson packs modern safety aids on upgraded trims: blind-spot detection, rear occupant alert, improved driver-assistance packages and a larger infotainment cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on some levels. These upgrades bring the Tucson in line with segment expectations and improve both day-to-day usability and occupant safety. Good usable rear seat space for two adults; boot space is competitive for the class (fold-flat rear seats expand cargo versatility). 

VERDICT

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel is a very sensible, well-rounded compact SUV for South African conditions especially if you do regular highway miles, tow occasionally, or want strong in-gear performance. The diesel engine’s torque, combined with an 8-speed auto and the availability of AWD in the N Line, makes it practical and composed in real-world use. The interior refresh and upgraded tech raise its perceived value and comfort to near premium level, which is important in this class. If your usage is mostly long-distance commuting, weekend trips or you value low-rpm torque for hills and towing, the 2.0D Executive is likely the best value pick; pick the N Line AWD if you want top trim kit, a sportier look and extra traction. The most surprising thing about this new model is that since 2023, the price has only gone up R4,000! With all these extra tech that is damn impressive pricing strategy by Hyundai.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8-SpeedAutomatic
Torque	416Nm
Power	137kW
Top Speed	201km/h
Price	R709,900

 

Bucket Tech: Hisense TriChroma Laser TV L9Q

 

Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, has officially launched the Hisense TriChroma Laser TV L9Q, redefining home entertainment with superior brightness, immersive sound, and space-efficient design.

The L9Q features 5000 ANSI Lumens of brightness and a 5000:1 contrast ratio, producing incredibly vivid images with deep blacks and sharp detail, even in bright rooms. With precision light control and vibrant color accuracy from triple laser technology, every frame comes alive with cinematic intensity.

Designed to fit any lifestyle, the L9Q supports projection sizes from 80" to 200", turning any space into a personal theatre. Hisense also provides a paired solution with an Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen, in a number of sizes (100” 110” 120” 139” and 150”) to deliver crystal-clear images in any lighting condition.

Certified with IMAX Enhanced and supporting Dolby Vision, the L9Q offers visuals remastered for extraordinary clarity and scale. Whether enjoying the latest blockbuster or streaming a series, viewers can expect studio-grade immersion. For audio, the L9Q features an exclusive Opéra de Paris | Devialet edition. Its 6.2.2 channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos creates rich, multidimensional sound that fills the room, perfect for movies and music.

Its Ultra Short Throw (0.18 TR) design allows large-screen projection from just inches away, eliminating the need for complex setups or large spaces. But beyond technical performance, the L9Q also stands out in design. Inspired by the circular light structure of the Royal Opera House and the acoustic chambers of Roman theatres, it reflects Hisense’s philosophy of “Timeless Artistry Meets Dynamic Technology.” This iconic design has earned the 2024 Red Dot and 2025 iF Design Awards, elevating the home cinema experience in form and function.

According to Omdia Q1 2025 data, Hisense ranked No.1 globally in Laser TV volume share (69.6%), extending its leadership for six consecutive years. As Hisense’s most advanced laser model, the L9Q reflects Hisense’s vision to help users Own the Moment, transforming everyday experiences, from family movie nights to solo concerts and game-day thrills, into unforgettable memories.

The L9Q will be coming soon to key markets worldwide, and is already available at the company’s premium product store in Canal Walk, Century City, Cape Town.

Monday Choon: Cosmic Gate, RYVM & Marlene - Heaven Knows

 

Cosmic Gate needs no introduction to old school trance and EDM fans, their track Exploration of Space to this day remains one of the most iconic tracks of the electronic dance music industry and continues to get played all over the world in various remixes and styles. The German duo consisting of Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems are still ripping up the decks world over and producing some great new music, one of which is our featured track of the week, "Heaven Knows". They team up with UK based RYVM and Marlene for this track and it certainly has a summery afro-house feel to it. It's a great track and sure to be one for the Southern Hemisphere summer. 

Bucket Seat: Audi A5 TFSI 146kW Black Edition

I'm a die-hard sedan fanboy, ever since I was a kid, our family owned a range of sedans, so the appeal of a hatch or SUV never swayed me. Even now with the range of SUV's and SAV's taking the market by storm, I still maintain the best car is a sedan but that all changed with the introduction of the Sportback/ Gran Coupe  which fused the sleekness of a coupe but with the practicality of a sedan. Audi and BMW have been the two leaders in this segment over the years and with the introduction of the latest Audi A5, Audi have announced that they have decided to axe the A4 from their line up and the A5 Sportback will be the only 4-door offering in this segment. A decision which I'm sure was not easy as the A4 was a much loved model by many but seeing that the A5 Sportback and the A4 were practically the same car, it makes better business sense to have only one. I got to spend some time with the new A5 Sportback TFSI 146kW Black Edition not too long ago and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

 The Sportback’s silhouette remains the selling point, with its long bonnet, swept roof and a hatch like back that gives the car a low, swooping profile while keeping uniformity. On this newest A5 the front end has been sharpened  with a wider, hexagonal singleframe grille, narrower LED headlamps and more pronounced sculpting in the bumper and flanks. The overall effect is sportier and a touch more aggressive than the previous generation, but still classically Audi. There are some elements of the etron range that come through in certain angles but the car remains a masterpiece in any way you look at it. If one had to describe the Audi A5 in a few words, it would be restrained, premium and undeniably modern. This continues in the cabin where we get a look at the latest in Audi's design language for their interiors which match the exterior in terms of the modern yet minimalist look.

PERFORMANCE

While we're used to previous branding from Audi that had the "35" and the "40" badges to differentiate the engine sizes, Audi has now opted to just put "TFSI" on the back and I'm guessing the diesels would just have "TDI", the A5 comes in two engine variants, both of which are 2.0L Turbo Petrol engines that have mild hybrid technology, the one is tuned to 146kW and the other is jacked up to 200kW. I had the 146kW engine spec in the Black Edition package.  I was fortunate to have a lot of driving lined up for the A5 during my week with it, which included a long distance trip in excess of 700km, so it was the perfect opportunity to test the fuel efficiency on the car.  The engine produces 146kW as state and 340Nm of torque, this high torque factor is assisted by the electric motor which often powers up when the car is switched on making you think you're driving an electric car. Urban driving with the A5 saw me have a higher fuel consumption around 9L per 100km which isn't bad when you think about it compared to other cars with similar engine sizes. 

The long distance journeys was where this car shone, with me having traveled around 720km, the car, it averaged around 7.6L per 100km with a range of 20km left from the 56L tank. The drive on the car is simply sublime, I could not fault one aspect of the on the road feel, it felt solid and commanding of the road.Audi has dialled suspension and steering for a balanced compromise that is composed enough for confident higher-speed cruising, supple enough to absorb poor urban surfaces if you choose standard suspension. Optional adaptive dampers sharpen handling without compromising daily comfort. Sound insulation and seat comfort are very competitive for the class; long trips are easy. If your roads are very rough, opt for the adaptive setup or softer suspension tune, because low-profile wheels with sports suspension can transmit more impact. Even in adverse conditions, the A5 handled like a charm. There is one gripe I had with the engine, which it is a down-tuned engine, it did feel like it was being held back at times, almost made me think I was driving a 1.4L but other than that, it certainly has risen to the top of my charts from the German contenders in terms of offerings and performance.

COMFORT

The cabin of the A5 is spacious, modern and futuristic, with it featuring its all new layout, that has a curved split screen dash, new steering wheel and the plush and high quality materials that we have become so accustomed with the brand.  The lines of the dash is what will catch you soon as you sit inside, the great merger of technology and luxury are brought to life in the cabin, with high-quality leather electric seats that slide back for you to get in easily, the instrument cluster has been re-designed to give you a more pilot like feel with the radar guidance being the main focus of the center dial, info either side of this can be configured to the individual. The 14.5" touchscreen infotainment unit controls just about everything, it has built-in wireless mobile applications, the new MMI UI is easy to use and can be configured to your liking with the options of having a favourites menu for your driver aids, I like this because you don't have to go into multiple menus to find things. 

The car came with the "Tech Pro" package which is listed at R100,000, I'm not exactly sure what is included in it but there was a shit load of tech. From surround view cameras, a digital sunroof, yes, the full glass panoramic roof can go opaque or swap in patterns of your choice. It's a pretty good party trick but also functional too. I like how Audi have moved all the driver controls to the driver side door in one neat cluster. So you can control everything from your memory seats, the side mirrors and even the lights from there. It just makes the dash a whole lot neater. This particular model also came with the infortainment package pro which adds an additional smaller screen for the front passenger. This gives them full access to the complete MMI menu and more with an app store to download games and video applications. The rear space is decent in the A5 with the passengers getting their own aircon controls and USB C ports for charging their devices. The Sportback hatch brings much more usable loadspace than a traditional saloon ideal for weekend gear or a pram. Rear headroom is slightly compromised compared with a taller sedan, but remains acceptable for adults on shorter journeys. 

VERDICT

The Audi A5 146kW TFSI really has surprised me, being a lover of the sportback styling it already had me won over on the looks department but the actual performance and the driving feel of the car is what blew me away. The quality of the materials used on the inside and the amount of technology you are getting in this package is truly outstanding and really is setting the benchmark for this segment. It should have their competition going back to the drawing boards to see how they can compete with this. While the competitors might have the edge in certain aspects, the A5 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best complete packages on the market. While the engine did feel under-powered at times, I'd like to have a go in the 200kW variant to see how that fairs. But to end, this car for me reminded me why I like sedans or sedan/ coupe should I say. It's not about having a lower center of gravity, there is just something charming about driving a long saloon. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed STronic
Torque	34Nm
Power	146kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.5L per 100km
Price	R1,423,500.00*

*Price as tested

 

Bucket Tech: Hisense Premium Store opening in SA

Hisense SA confirms the opening of its first-ever, premium brand store in South Africa this November for Black Friday, at Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Century City, Cape Town. 

From 1 November, shoppers will get to enjoy exclusive in-store promotions, interactive product demonstrations, and a first look at Hisense SA’s latest premium range of locally made technology; including Africa’s largest tv, the 116 UX, proudly manufactured in Atlantis. 

The premium product store marks a major milestone in Hisense SA’s 29-year journey in South Africa and reflects the brand’s continued commitment to delivering world-class technology and innovation at affordable price points. Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager at Hisense SA, says the store’s launch represents more than retail growth, that it’s a celebration of Hisense’s long-term investment in local manufacturing, skills development, and sustainable job creation. 

“Century City was built to represent the future of urban living in South Africa, and this store represents the future of home technology,” says Nortje. “For over a decade, we’ve invested heavily in South Africa’s technology ecosystem through our Atlantis manufacturing plant. This flagship store is a natural extension of that commitment, allowing customers to experience locally made quality up close while supporting a value chain that creates jobs and transfers skills right here at home.”

Located within the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, Hisense SA’s manufacturing facility recently celebrated 11 years of operation. Employing more than a thousand South Africans, the factory has received over R350 million in investment to date and manufactures televisions and home appliances for both local and export markets, including the UK. In September, Hisense also launched a paid SETA-accredited learnership program that will provide 100 young people from Atlantis with hands-on experience and career development opportunities over the next year.

The Canal Walk store, currently in its final design phase, has been crafted as a fully immersive experience, where customers can explore, test, and interact with the brand’s most advanced creations. From AI-powered fridges and premium 4K and Mini-LED gaming televisions to smart home appliances and laser projection systems, the store offers a glimpse into the future of connected living.

“From our Atlantis factory to our new premium product store at Canal Walk and the Tevolution Museum, Hisense is building more than a brand, it’s building a legacy of accessible innovation,” adds Nortje. “Every milestone reflects our belief that South Africa deserves not only the world’s best technology but the opportunity to create it.”

The Hisense Brand Store officially opens to the public in November 2025 at Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City.

Monday Choon: Martin Garrix & Saksham - Ain't Letting You Down (feat. Scott Quinn)

 

Martin Garrix has been creating some masterful work over the past year and it's worth noting since he featured on the Ultra SA aftermovie for this year, which could hint he could be a repeat headliner next year. He recently play at Red Rocks in the US and debuted his track "Ain't Letting You Down" which features Scott Quin and Indian medical doctor turned music producer Saksham. It's a typical Garrix feel good track with a heavy piano back track courtesy of Saksham with Scott Quinn's vocals tying it up to conclude a musical masterpiece.