Bucket Tech: HUAWEI New Device Launch

Launched this last week, in Dubai under the theme "Fashion Next," Huawei unveiled a range of new products including the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. Further, it was officially announced that XMAGE will return to the Grand Palais in Paris this year, where it will host the "The World, You and Me" XMAGE Awards Ceremony and Annual Exhibition at Paris Photo 2025. The event was a true showcase of Huawei's technological expertise and a testament to its brand philosophy: enriching lives by seamlessly blending innovative technology with human-centric design.

HUAWEI Pura 80 Series is Defining the Future of Mobile Imaging

As the imaging flagship of the HUAWEI Pura Series, the HUAWEI Pura 80 lineup immediately captured the spotlight with its pioneering aesthetics and definitive imaging capabilities.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro and Ultra versions are equipped with a 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR camera. Paired with the pixel-level colour calibration of the Ultra Chroma Camera, it delivers exceptional clarity with remarkably accurate colour reproduction. Notably, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra introduces the industry-first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, combining a large sensor with a dual telephoto lens for unprecedented versatility in capturing stunningly clear shots at any distance. Additionally, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series harmonises eastern and western aesthetics, melding the elegant hues inspired by monochrome glaze with superior craftsmanship to form a signature glazed texture design.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 is designed for both ambitious learners and professionals stepping into the workforce. The new MatePad 11.5 delivers a generational step forward in user experience with its stunning and expansive 11.5-inch HUAWEI FullView Display, boasting 2.5K resolution and the acclaimed PaperMatte Display with natural light-like technology for eye comfort. The ultra-thin 6.1 mm frame houses a robust 10,100 mAh battery ensuring it blends portability with endurance. Additionally, the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd generation) introduces magnetic wireless charging. The tablet comes with the upgraded HUAWEI Notes and the GoPaint app, empowering users to excel in their work, study, creativity, and play - like never before.

XMAGE Awards 2025 Announced

At the event, Huawei formally announced the 2025 iteration of the widely acclaimed XMAGE Awards, for which global submissions opened on June 11. These annual awards, now in their 8th consecutive year, has become one of the world's largest and most influential photography competitions providing a platform for Huawei mobile users worldwide to showcase their talent. This year’s competition features eight categories: So Far So Close, Colour & Shade, Good Night, Faces, A Heartwarming World, Experimental Lab, Storyboard, and Action.

A new competition format, XMAGE 100, has also been introduced along with a more diverse and distinguished judging panel. Submissions will be evaluated across multiple categories, including photographic technique, emotional resonance, social relevance, and artistic merit, aiming to bring the creative visions of everyday users to a global audience.

In 2025, Huawei is returning to the Grand Palais to host the "The World, You and Me" XMAGE Awards 2025 Ceremony and Annual Exhibition at the 2025 Paris Photo fair. With the culmination of the awards ending at the the Grand Palais, Huawei will once again bring home its focus on art while celebrating the photography artform in what is widely known as the centre of the world’s art scene.

Monday Choon: KREAM - Manta

 

Apologies must be given, seems  we were sleeping on this one. The Norwegian DJ duo of brothers KREAM released this track titled "Manta" 2 months ago and while I did see it, I did not listen to it, big mistake by me. This past weekend while listening to their latest Liquid Lab mix, this was the second last track they played and immediately I went hunting for the tracklist to the find the name of this track, at the back of my head I thought it must be an ID as for such a banger, I'm sure its not released yet, but low and behold it was. It's not your typical track from the duo as it is a big more mellow than what we are used to from them but the bassline line and synths are pretty bang on to what they normally produce. Still gives you that good feel electro dance vibes. Such a banging track by KREAM, I recommend you turn up the volume for this one. 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz E200

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been one of the most desirable business sedan in the world. In South Africa, the E class enjoyed decent sales in the segment compared to its rivals over the years as it was one of the more preferred "business sedans" on offer but the previous model seemed to have lost that charm of which  Mercedes-Benz has been known for in the past. I was invited last year to sample the latest version of the E-Class, at thee launch, I went in with a lot of skepticism thinking that the same mistakes would’ve been repeated, but I was very wrong. I was blown away with the package that was in front of me and even though it was just a short driving trip you could tell Merc had done something special with his car, fast forward a year later I finally got to spend five days with the new E-Class to see exactly what they’ve done and why this echoes the return of the Mercedes-Benz of old.

DESIGN

The design of the new E-Class is stunning, the car just exudes elegance when you look at it. Merc got all the things right with this one, the lines, the details and the general look of it, I can only imagine how it must look on the road when I was driving past everyone. From the front end you are greeted by the large star-studded grille with the huge Mercedes-Benz logo being front and prominent, the grille actually illuminates at night which just adds so much more character to the front end. The headlights are fitted with digital LED lighting, which give a little dance every time the car is started. The design of the headlamps are synonymous to the kidney styled ones of the past but with a modern twist. Moving along to the profile of the car, the silhouette gives it that limousine look, and long wheel base versions of this car must be stunning to look at from the side but this model does look great too. The large 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels really enhance the cars stance but doesn't take away from the luxury look of it. The colour in which this particular car came in is called "Velvet Brown" and let me tell you, in the winters setting sun just looks so sophisticated, the way it shimmers in the dusk makes you think it's more than just an E-Class. Moving onto the rear of the car, some might feel the design of the tail lights are a bit gimmicky with the Star pattern but I think they look cool. Also the way the design is well rounded at the rear gives the E a very soft and subtle look from the back. The chrome accents at the boot lid are matched with the chrome twin faux tail pipes. The interior of the car is well designed, giving a good blend of ergonomics and luxury. 

PERFORMANCE

The E200 comes powered with a 2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol combustion engine that is assisted by an electric hybrid power plant which aids the ICE motor when required. While the engine provides 150kW of power, the electric motor adds an additional 17kW of power to it, giving the combined power output of 167kW. The torque factor comes in at 320Nm which plentiful to get this 1,800kg beast of the line. While the E200 isn't a full hybrid per-say, the common term now being used is "mild hybrid", kinda like the Nando's sauce which as a hint of peri-peri but not too much, it does play a massive role in not only the performance but the fuel economy too. The E-Class could not have come at a better time for me as I had a nice long distance trip planned for it first up, a return journey of about 750km and on the first leg going up country, the car performed brilliantly, the ride was superb and the changing of the gears in that 9G-Tronic transmission was like a symphony in action. The thing that struck me the most was the fuel economy, seeing that this is a big car, a 2-litre, 4 cylinder engine would feel the pressure when venturing up the twisty's of the KZN midlands, I imagined a lot of groaning from the motor and downshifts galore from the gearbox but nothing of the sort transpired. It was effortless and by the time I reached my destination, the fuel economy was sitting at a proud 7.3L per 100km, the return trip back to Durban gave even more impressive reading with an average of 6.1L per 100km! I clocked just over 800km on a single tank of 66-litres. 

COMFORT

Now we getting to the best part of the E-Class, the comfort, I mentioned that some of the newer cars that have rolled out the Mercedes-Benz factories lacked that defining factor that made Mercedes what it was. It was more than just a status symbol, it gave the ordinary man a chance to experience luxury at another level. While the line-up's expanded, the quality seemed to have dropped and I honestly was starting to lose hope in the brand, then this guy shows up and makes me re-consider my thinking. The essence of Merc is still not lost, it's just been kept away but I'm glad someone has found it and sprinkled it in abundance in this car. The interior is well laid out with a digital instrument cluster that gives you all relevant driving info that can be controlled from the multi-function steering wheel, it has a cool 3D button that you can toggle with the display giving you a multi-dimensional view of the various information. The centeral infotainment screen measures in at 14.4-inches, yes this thing is massive and its in high-resolution. The MBUX interface is easy to use and very fast. There's loads of menus and tools to go through in it, from sound options, to ambient lighting, to configuring driving modes and the lot. Of course the car comes with built-in mobile phone connectivity, for both Android and iOS, and there is even the AI assistant in which its ever ready to receive voice commands it can comply to. The car comes with quad zone climate control, seat heating for the driver and front passenger and both are electronically adjustable with 3 memory settings. The car came with a Burmester 3D sound system that came with 17-speakers that produces 730Watts and even had a 4D Sound experience with Dolby Digital. The quality of materials used the car were top notch, even the plastic wood grain felt like real wood! The luggage capacity measures in around 540L so plenty of space for long distance holiday trip. This particular car also came with the "super screen" extra, which is an additional 12.3 screen for the front passenger. This screen only activates when there is someone sitting in the seat. They have access to the usual MBUX menu but also can download games and video streaming apps for them to watch on, they are able to connect Bluetooth headphones to it so they can watch without disturbing the driver. 

VERDICT

There's a lot more that I can say about this car that blew me away but just the fact that it brought a big smile to my face every time I got behind the wheel is enough to know that it is more than just good. While there is a very apparent decline in sales locally for the brand, which has a lot to do with pricing and competition from the east, there is no denying that there is somethings that China can't come close to and that is proper German engineering at its best. The refinement in this E-Class is next-to-none, the sophistication in almost every aspect is a true indication of the lengths the engineers went looking for perfection and achieved it. While some might say this isn't their cup of tea, this isn't tea to begin with, its Glühwein. With the E53 AMG Edition one confirmed to be heading to the country this week in limited numbers, that would probably be the Jagermeister. I kid, but take it from someone who was doubting the brand and its relevance in the motoring segment of recent, these guys still got what it takes to make a proper car and if this E-Class is anything to go by, Mercedes-Benz is going nowhere. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol
Gear Box	9 G Tronic Automatic
Torque	320Nm
Power	150kW+17kW electric boost
0-100km/h	7.5 seconds
Price	R1,190,087

 

Bucket Tech: Samsung AI Secured Privacy

The potential of AI is limitless, but to truly unlock the full potential of what it can do, user inputs that power personalized experiences are critical. AI needs to understand you — your preferences and your routines — to deliver a mobile experience that feels like a natural extension of your everyday life.

Intuitive, context-aware Galaxy AI features bring these personalized experiences to life, transforming your smartphone from a tool to a smart companion that anticipates your needs and offers suggestions designed to make your life more productive, creative and connected. 

To deliver a fully personalized experience, your device naturally needs access to certain data. This is what allows AI to understand you and tailor its responses in ways that are genuinely helpful and suited to your lifestyle. To ensure your personal data is safeguarded in this era of AI, we’re constantly innovating data protection on your device, so that nothing falls into the wrong hands.

Personalization Made Possible with the Personal Data Engine

Samsung Electronics’ Personal Data Engine (PDE) is a key component of safely delivering these highly personal experiences. First introduced with the Galaxy S25 series, the PDE is the powerhouse behind some of Galaxy’s most life-changing AI experiences yet. It works silently behind the scenes to learn from your habits and preferences, resulting in a truly personalized, unique experience.

Whether it’s Now Brief guiding you through your day with curated updates or simply finding that one perfect photo in your Gallery with natural language input, Galaxy AI makes every AI-powered action feel seamless. And because the PDE safely processes your data on-device, you can enjoy all the benefits of deeply customized AI — without compromising privacy.

Powerful Advancements with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection

To further strengthen the security of Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung developed Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) — a powerful new layer of on-device security that protects your most sensitive data without interrupting your experience. First developed for the PDE, KEEP now also safeguards other Galaxy AI features like Smart Suggestions, Now Brief, Samsung Moments and more, running quietly in the background to ensure that each supported app is kept secure.

Think of your phone like a house. Each app has its own room — separate, but all under the same roof. Then there’s Secure Folder, which works like a fully detached guesthouse with its own key, set apart from the main home. It’s great for keeping certain things extra private, especially when you want complete isolation from the rest of your device. But as AI features like the PDE start handling more sensitive tasks in real time, there’s a growing need for security that’s just as strong, yet more connected to your everyday experience.

That’s where KEEP comes in. Imagine turning part of the house into a private suite — still under the same roof, but with its own secure entrance that only you can use. It’s more private than a regular room, but not completely separate like the guesthouse. KEEP works the same way: it creates a secure, dedicated space for individual apps — like the PDE — so it can safely handle your data without sending it anywhere or getting in the way of how you use your phone.

As our mobile experiences become more intelligent, KEEP ensures your most personal data stays safe by design. Together with tools like Secure Folder, it reinforces Samsung’s multi-layered approach to data protection — giving both users and services the right type of security for different privacy needs.

With Galaxy AI becoming more personal, features like the Personal Data Engine and Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection are setting a new standard for mobile intelligence — where personalization and privacy go hand in hand. As these experiences grow smarter and more attuned to your needs, you can rest assured that your most sensitive information will stay safe on your device, exactly where it belongs.

Monday Choon: Armin van Buuren feat. JAI RYU - Let It Be For Love

 

Another legend in the trance music genre gets a feature this week and its another one taken from his latest album "Breathe", yes we are talking about Armin van Buuren. This latest album of his is just dropping hit after hit and just when you think he can't do more he makes the cover of the Dutch Mens Health Magazine! Armin is just getting better with age, in both his music and his physique, but its inspiring to see what he is doing and continues to do for the Trance Music scene, this is why he will always remain a legend on the scene. This latest track features the vocals of Jai Ryu and has a catchy tune and a very important message. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Bucket Seat: GWM P300 LT

The love affair that South African motorists have with bakkies needs to be studied. I say this because a good 50% of the bakkie drivers don’t use the bakkie for it’s intended purpose, they buy it as an everyday car which is why you’re seeing more and more luxury elements filtering into what used to be a workhorse type of vehicle. Majority of the bakkie drivers don’t use bin, barely go off-roading and a lot just buy a tonne of fancy accessories to make their bakkie stand out more from the next. The most action these bakkies face is climbing pavements. Now I know I’ve been slandering the bakkie drive a lot in this introduction but for someone who drives multiple types of cars, I just feel that bakkies are not practical family cars. However, every time I get a bakkie rolling into my driveway, I do get excited and in this review I’ll tell you why. Not too long ago I spent some times with the GWM P300 double cab, a bakkie that’s shook the local market sending a shock wave to the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu whom have been dominating the market for some time, the Chinese have already made their mark in the SUV segment so now they’re setting their eyes on the much loved bakkie with this P300.

DESIGN

The P300 is no stranger to SA with it being the talk of the market since it was launched 4 years ago. It’s managed to gain traction due to its offerings and attractive price but the looks department hasn’t changed drastically since. With minor updates to the car over the years, it still remains an attractive offering, and with the latest LT model you can see the cosmetic work done to it is anything but subtle. The flared wheel arches make it quite prominent, the bolder grille and GWM badge sits more proud on the front. A more neater front bumper which follows the lines of the grille keep the front end symmetrical all while looking rugged and capable for action. The size of the van really does surprise you when you get up close to it. The use of more bolder colours and higher quality materials makes this van look a lot more premium, the extra additions like roof rails and the very handy step ladder that deploys from the tail gate for easy access into the bin. On the inside, one would be mistaken for being in a luxury SUV, the layout is simple but classy, something very different from what we are used to in a "workhorse". 

PERFORMANCE

The P300 LT comes in one engine derivative, being the 2.4L Turbo Diesel, this being the same engine that featured in the Tank 300 that I had previously. The two models vary in terms of drive, with the entry level being a 4 x 2 and the range topping being 4 x 4, both have a 9-speed automatic gearbox that works superbly with the drive train, without the normal issues that plagued the previous models. The engine derives 135kW and 480Nm of torque, which is powerful numbers. GWM claim the 4 x 4 model has a fuel economy of 8.0L per 100km, which wasn't that hard to achieve, the diesel motor makes a world of difference and with out any load and calm driving around town is what helped me get to around that figure. Once you start loading the bin and cabin, it might be a different story. The P300 LT comes with 18" alloys which are wrapped around with 265 all terrain tyres, the front suspension is a double wishbone type with the rear being leaf spring rigid axle. The off-road controls very easy to engage with most of them being a push of a button and with the new off-road display on the infotainment screen it makes it all that more simpler to conquer tougher terrains. 

COMFORT

As mentioned earlier, the cabin of the P300 LT is akin to a luxury SUV, with high quality and robust materials used to adorn it. The new layout is very modern, feature two screens, a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch multi-touch infotainment screen. The user interface is simple to use and very touch sensitive, so making it easy for the driver to access items while driving. The car has Bluetooth connectivity, wireless mobile app connectivity which includes Android Auto and Carplay. It has a 6-speaker sound system which is quite good and also has speed-sensing speaker volume adjustment which automatically increases the volume ever so slightly when going at higher speeds to compensate for the road noise. The P300 LT comes with climate control and front seat heating, these are all adjusted from physical buttons and not via the touchscreen. The front console has a USB A and USB C port as well as a wireless charging tray. there is a fair amount of storage compartments up front for cup holders with a slide tray under the arm rest for you to store keys and remotes. The back, as per most double cabs does not have the most room but it is sufficient for two adults to sit comfortably with USB charging ports and ventilation for the passengers. the biggest surprise would be the sunroof, its the first time I've ever seen a bakkie that comes with a sunroof!  The bin is sizable but I'm a bit disappointed that it didn't come with an auto roller shutter or any power outlets like most of the other bakkies on the market. 

VERDICT

Ultimately the P300 LT is still here to do the job the original P Series has been doing and that is disrupt the market. Its offerings are unique and very attractive but what will draw more people to it is the price. When GWM first introduced this model to the market, it had its skepticism on how long it would fair in terms of reliability and performance and to its credit, most of which have been sold are still going strong. So you be the judge of that, the Chinese are really coming in hard and fast, but with brands like GWM who have firmed themselves in the country, there isn't that worry about reputation or after sales services because of their wide dealer network. I think the jury on the Chinese cars could be making a decision very soon given the number of new brands and models coming into the country and the market being very open to try them out. This particular model for me is a winner and while many still might prefer their trusted Hilux or Ranger, that  saving of close to 300K is very enticing.  

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.4L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	9-Speed Automatic
Torque	480Nm
Power	135kW
Fuel Economy	8.0L/100km
Price	R649,900

 

Bucket Tech: Great Health Can Happen Overnight With Galaxy Watch

When it comes to your health, small changes can make a big difference. Every incremental improvement to your daily habits adds up to a healthier whole, and the upcoming Galaxy Watch will help build these habits even more effectively with a slate of new features to improve sleep, heart health, fitness and nutrition.

What’s New:

·        New features include Bedtime Guidance - to optimise your sleep; Vascular Load - which measures stress on your vascular system while sleeping; Running Coach - to help strategise your training and Antioxidant Index, to measure your carotenoids for healthy aging.

·        The new features are part of the One UI 8 Watch, which will be available on the newest Galaxy Watch series. Starting from this month, the features can be experienced through a beta program[6] to a limited number of Galaxy Watch users.

 Why it Matters: 

The goal of these new features is to help you build healthier daily habits, which can be challenging because they don’t develop instantly. It takes time to accumulate these behaviour patterns, and meaningful changes are often only apparent after a long period. But the rewards are worth it.

·        For example, eating unhealthy food may not immediately impact your health, but over time, it can have significant consequences.

·        Conversely, adopting healthy habits may not show immediate results, but over time, they lead to positive changes in your body and mind.

·        Samsung Health’s new features aim to help you develop healthy habits by motivating you through instant feedback on your health. These features inspire you to maintain your habits by providing rewards or warning signs and demonstrating immediate impact of your behaviours. 

Galaxy Watch Ultra

“Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health, as it influences physical and mental well-being, social relationships and even work performance,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics. “Now, we envision our Galaxy Watch delivering holistic insights centred around sleep — insights that lead to meaningful changes in daily life. We believe this aligns with our vision of empowering you to lead healthier lives through proactive care and holistic health management.”

Explore New Health Features

Samsung Health’s new features aim to help users develop healthy habits, using instant health feedback as a motivating tool.

Bedtime Guidance 

A single night of restful sleep offers immediate health benefits, encouraging more proactive behaviour changes and leading to a healthier tomorrow. This starts with a regular and optimal bedtime.

·        We constantly seek to advance our sleep-related tools, which include sleep pattern analysis, sleep coaching, and optimising sleep environments. They also include the feature that detects signs of sleep apnea — a sleep disorder — and help you take proactive steps.

·        Now, we are providing additional tools for better sleep by suggesting an optimal bedtime based on your lifestyle and sleep patterns while sending reminders to help you stick to it. 

·        By analysing your past three days’ sleep patterns, the feature evaluates your need for sleep pressure and your circadian rhythm to calculate a bedtime that maximises alertness the next day.

·        This feature is particularly helpful for those trying to optimise their sleep after periods of irregular bedtimes. For example, if you go to bed later than planned over several days or have inconsistent sleep schedules between weekdays and weekends - the bedtime guidance will consider these factors to ensure you get enough sleep.

 Vascular Load                                          

Sleep is a window into overall health, as it impacts holistic well-being. Galaxy Watch uses this opportunity to measure vascular load — the amount of stress on your vascular system while sleeping. 

·        The vascular system carries blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste - making it a strong indicator to determine good heart health. 

·        During sleep, stress on your vascular system should naturally dip - however, excessive fluctuations can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

·        Simply wear your Watch while sleeping and it will measure your vascular load - providing insights into the stress on your vascular system.

·        Additionally, since all health factors are interconnected - the feature also provides insights into lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise and stress to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle and develop positive habits.

Running Coach 

While sleep is a precious time to cultivate and care for your health, managing your health during active moments is equally important. Running is one of the most basic and universally available fitness activities, and Samsung has long sought to support runners, offering features to help everyone stay active and achieve their fitness goals. 

·        Many runners face injuries due to over-pacing or are not optimally pushing themselves. Running Coach is designed to help runners safely complete marathons through optimised-intensity and injury-preventive training, making it ideal for beginners.

·        Our new Running Coach feature delivers motivation and real-time guidance - creating a unique training program based on your fitness level to help you achieve your goals.

·        Just wear your watch and run for 12 minutes; it will analyse your performance and running level from 1-10. You’ll receive a detailed training plan to help you complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon based on your level. Complete your training session and you’ll level up and unlock your next running challenge.

Antioxidant Index 

When taking a holistic approach to health, we naturally focus on aging and inspiring healthy aging. However, behavioural factors, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, UV exposure, stress and lack of sleep, can accelerate aging by increasing free radicals in the body.

These free radicals damage cells and accelerate aging. Antioxidants, nutrients found in many healthy foods, are molecules that neutralise these free radicals, helping prevent chronic illnesses and promote healthy aging. 

·        Use Galaxy Watch to measure carotenoids, which are antioxidants found in green and orange vegetables and fruits, stored in your skin. 

·        Galaxy Watch employs an industry-first feature to measure carotenoids in just five seconds via its advanced, light-activated BioActive sensor.

·        These insights reflect behavioural changes. For example, drinking carrot juice can show changes in the index, providing motivation to adopt healthier habits.

Great health comes from the combination of many small changes — and with Galaxy Watch, it is now possible overnight

Monday Choon: Tiësto & Mathame - Everlight

 

Tiesto teams up with Italian brothers Matteo and Amedeo Giovanelli better known by their stage name Mathame to produce his latest track, Everlight. This track is bordering on the trance feels but more on the cinematic type soundtrack which Mathame are best known for. The track is a musical masterpiece with the merges of their two styles which work so well in unison. It harks back to the Tiesto Elements of life style of music and you can picture Tijs busy down on the decks with his headphones on giving the crowd an aural symphony. 

Matteo and Amedeo Giovanelli, born in Bergamo, are Italian brothers known professionally as the DJ and production duo Mathame, artists within the cinematic techno genre.

Bucket Seat: ISUZU M-UX 3.0 Diesel

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 is a tough, family-friendly SUV that’s built for both the school run and the great outdoors. With a bakkie-like base (it shares parts with the D-Max), it’s designed for people who need space, power, and reliability—whether you’re heading into town or tackling a gravel road in the Karoo.

DESIGN

From the outside, the MU-X looks bold and serious. It has that tough "bakkie DNA" but with smoother edges and modern touches. The LED headlights, big chrome grille, and raised stance give it presence on the road. Inside, it's not flashy like some European SUVs, but it’s clean and practical. You get soft-touch panels, leather seats on higher trims, and a smart layout. There’s space for seven, and the boot is decent even with the third row up. Fold those back seats flat, and it turns into a camping dream.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s well-known 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It pushes out 140 kW and 450 Nm, which gives it enough muscle to carry a full load of passengers or tow a trailer or caravan. It’s not the fastest off the line, and you’ll hear the diesel growl, especially when you floor it—but it’s dependable, smooth enough, and made to last. The 6-speed automatic gearbox does the job well, although not as silky as some rivals. On the road, it cruises comfortably. On gravel or off-road, it shines even more—especially in the 4x4 versions. Add in the rear diff lock and hill-descent control, and it feels ready for any trip to the bush or towing a boat to the dam. Real fuel use: around 9–11L/100km, depending on how and where you drive. In short: Strong, capable engine. Built more for endurance than speed.

COMFORT

The MU-X is made for long trips. The suspension is tuned more for rough roads than pothole-free highways, so it can feel a bit firm—but nothing too harsh. It’s more comfortable than a bakkie, less floaty than some SUVs. Seats are supportive, and the driving position is high—giving you a good view. The second row is spacious, and the third row is okay for kids or short adults. Aircon vents are available in all three rows (a must in SA heat), and the Onyx and LSE models have things like electric seats, keyless entry, a big touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a powered tailgate. Only gripe: the infotainment system can be slow, and there's no physical volume knob. It’s minor, but noticeable.

VERDICT

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 Diesel is not trying to be a flashy city SUV. Instead, it offers solid value, strong towing ability, great off-road skills, and reliable performance. It’s ideal for people who want a vehicle that can do it all—from fetching kids to escaping the city for a weekend away. If you’re comparing it with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest, the MU-X is often more reliable, slightly cheaper to run, and has a reputation for lasting forever. It may not be as tech-loaded or silky smooth, but it nails the basics—and does so with confidence.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	3.0L Diesel
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Torque	450Nm
Power	140kW
Fuel Economy	7.6L/100km
Price	R852,600