Bucket Seat: Changan UNI-S

The Changan UNI-S enters one of South Africa's most fiercely contested SUV segments with plenty to prove. Chinese manufacturers have raised the benchmark significantly over the past few years, and consumers are no longer buying these vehicles purely because they're affordable. They're buying them because they offer impressive technology, bold styling and a level of refinement that often rivals established brands. The UNI-S is another example of just how quickly Chinese manufacturers are evolving, but more importantly, it shows that Changan is prepared to take its own design direction rather than simply following the crowd.

DESIGN

The first thing that struck me about the Changan UNI-S was just how different it looks compared to what many of the other Chinese manufacturers are currently offering. While most brands have gravitated towards sleek, minimalist styling, Changan has gone in a much bolder direction, and I think it works remarkably well. The front end is dominated by an enormous frameless grille that immediately grabs your attention and gives the SUV a distinctly American-inspired presence. It has the kind of road presence that makes it look far more expensive than its price tag would suggest. One thing I noticed almost immediately is that the UNI-S is significantly larger in person than it appears in photographs. Images simply don't do justice to its proportions. Standing next to it, you begin to appreciate its wide stance, muscular shoulders and commanding presence. It feels like a proper family SUV rather than a compact crossover trying to punch above its weight. Around the back, the full-width LED light bar is one of my favourite design elements. It gives the rear a modern, premium appearance, particularly at night when it creates a distinctive lighting signature. Combined with the sculpted tailgate and sporty roof spoiler, the rear of the vehicle looks every bit as impressive as the front. Overall, the UNI-S manages to look fresh and unique in a market where many SUVs are beginning to blend into one another.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged petrol engine that many South Africans will recognise, as similar powertrains have become fairly common across several Chinese manufacturers. However, Changan seems to have done an excellent job with the calibration because the UNI-S feels noticeably more refined than many of its competitors.Power delivery is smooth and progressive, but when you ask for more acceleration, the engine responds with confidence. Whether overtaking slower traffic on the highway or pulling away from intersections, there always seems to be enough performance available without feeling strained. It doesn't necessarily produce dramatically more power than its rivals on paper, but the way it delivers that power certainly makes it feel more eager and responsive.The transmission also deserves praise. Gear changes are smoother and better timed than I've experienced in several competing Chinese SUVs. It rarely feels hesitant, and there's a noticeable refinement to the way it manages power, making everyday driving much more enjoyable. On the road, the UNI-S feels composed and well balanced. Steering is predictable, body roll is well controlled and the suspension strikes a good compromise between comfort and stability. Whether you're navigating city streets or spending long hours on the motorway, the vehicle inspires confidence and feels planted at higher speeds. It's an SUV that's easy to drive, comfortable to live with and refined enough for daily commuting.

COMFORT

Inside the cabin, it's immediately obvious that Changan has packed the UNI-S with technology. Virtually everything you'd expect from a modern SUV is here, and it certainly doesn't feel like you're missing out on features. Large digital displays, multiple driver assistance systems and intuitive controls all contribute to an upmarket driving experience. If there's one criticism I have, it's that the interior design feels very familiar. In fact, it borders on being a carbon copy of what we've already seen from several other Chinese manufacturers. While there's nothing wrong with the layout itself, it lacks the individuality and boldness that makes the exterior stand out so well. I would have liked to see Changan inject a little more of its own identity into the cabin. Thankfully, what it may lack in originality, it makes up for in comfort. The seats are supportive, well-cushioned and remain comfortable even during longer journeys. Cabin space is generous, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for growing families. Wireless smartphone connectivity works seamlessly, eliminating the need for cables and making everyday use that much more convenient. The infotainment system is responsive, while the sound system delivers impressive clarity and enough depth to keep music lovers satisfied. Add automatic climate control into the mix, and the UNI-S creates an environment that's both comfortable and enjoyable for daily driving.

VERDICT

The Changan UNI-S demonstrates just how far Chinese manufacturers have come, and more importantly, it shows that Changan has the potential to become a serious player in the South African market. Early owner experiences have generally highlighted the vehicle's value for money, generous specification levels and comfortable everyday driving characteristics, all of which align well with what South African buyers are increasingly looking for. What impressed me most is that the UNI-S doesn't simply compete on price. It offers genuine road presence, a refined driving experience and enough technology to satisfy buyers who want premium features without paying premium-brand prices. The exterior design stands out from the growing crowd of Chinese SUVs, while the driving dynamics feel slightly more polished than many of its direct competitors. Yes, I would have liked to see a more distinctive interior design, but that's a relatively minor criticism when you consider everything else the UNI-S gets right. For South African families wanting a spacious, well-equipped SUV that looks different, drives confidently and represents excellent overall value, the Changan UNI-S deserves to be high on the shortlist. It's another reminder that buying Chinese is no longer about compromising it's about getting more vehicle for your money than ever before.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed Dual Clutch
Power	138kW
Torque	300Nm
Fuel Economy	7.0L per 100km
Price	R469,900

 

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Automatic

The partnership between Toyota and Suzuki seemed pretty one-sided over the years with South African's getting used to seeing a lot Suzuki models being re-badged as Toyota's. They were not even subtle about it, in most cases it was the exact same car just with a differed logo and name, while having the Toyota name to the model did boost sales for the brand, it did mean that the cars with their actual badge on it didn't sell as well as they thought it would. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, Suzuki unveiled their all new SUV/ Crossover the Across. This was something different from the brand as they stepped up from their usual small/ budget offering to something more mid-sized and premium. The design was bold and different, fitted with 1.5 Mild Hybrid it makes an interesting addition to the South African market because it represents a shift in what buyers expect from Suzuki. Step inside the Across and then things start to look a bit familiar, its clear that there's a lot that the Across shares with the locally manufacturer Corolla Cross. I spent a week with the mid level GL Automatic and I share my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

From a styling perspective, the Across is arguably one of the best-looking vehicles Suzuki has launched locally in recent years. It carries a mature and upmarket appearance with a bold front grille, sharp LED lighting signatures and sculpted body lines that give it a confident road presence. The proportions strike a balance between urban sophistication and SUV ruggedness, while the raised ground clearance and alloy wheels ensure it still looks at home on South African gravel roads. It is not an overly flashy design, but it has enough character to stand out in a crowded segment without becoming polarising.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits Suzuki's familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 12-volt mild hybrid system. Outright performance is not the Across's primary focus, and drivers expecting hot hatch levels of acceleration may find the power delivery a little relaxed, especially when carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. However, the mild hybrid assistance helps smooth out acceleration in everyday driving and makes stop-start traffic considerably more refined. Where the Across truly excels is fuel economy. Suzuki's mild hybrid technology quietly works in the background by recovering energy during braking and assisting the petrol engine when needed, helping to keep fuel consumption impressively low. In a country where fuel prices continue to rise, a family SUV capable of delivering excellent economy is a major advantage. Whether it is the daily commute, a business trip or a holiday journey to the coast, the Across promises low running costs that will appeal to budget-conscious South African motorists.

COMFORT

The cabin of the Across has been designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The seats provide good support for long-distance travel, while the spacious interior offers generous legroom for both front and rear passengers. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is excellent and the suspension does a commendable job of absorbing rough road surfaces and potholes, making it well suited to local driving conditions. Road and wind noise are also well controlled, creating a relaxed environment for both the driver and passengers. Suzuki has ensured that the Across remains competitive when it comes to modern technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing effortless smartphone integration. A digital instrument display adds a modern touch to the dashboard, while features such as wireless charging, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera make daily driving easier. Safety has also been prioritised, with multiple airbags, electronic stability control and Isofix child seat mounts providing reassurance for families.

VERDICT

The biggest strength of the Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Mild Hybrid is that it understands exactly what its target audience wants. It is not trying to be the fastest SUV on the market or compete with premium European rivals. Instead, it focuses on delivering reliability, excellent fuel economy, generous standard equipment and sensible ownership costs in an attractive package. For South African consumers, that combination is particularly appealing. Rising fuel prices, increasing vehicle costs and the need for a practical family car make the Across a compelling option. While some buyers may wish for a little more power, the majority will appreciate its refined driving experience, low running costs and comfortable cabin far more than outright performance. Overall, while I did say at the beginning there are some shared items from the Corolla Cross, the Across feels like a whole different car. For buyers looking for a dependable and economical SUV that can comfortably handle both city life and long-distance travel, the Across is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter NA with 12V Mild Hybrid
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Power	75.8kW
Torque	136.8Nm
Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R372,000.00

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

 

Bucket Seat: Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Last month I got to spend some time with a rather special car whilst I was visiting the place of Gold, aka Johannesburg. Jaguar very kindly allowed me to spend some time with their range topping performance SUV, the F-Pace SVR, the epitome of British engineering. With a car like this, it is pretty evident that you'd be standing out from the crowd a lot but Jaguar ensured that this car would make peoples head turn even further with it being finished in an eye catching colour, with some exceptional details and if that wasn't enough, the sound of that roaring V8 would awaken sleeping beauty herself! While big engine cars like this aren't the most practical to have with the rising fuel costs, they still serve a place in the market for those budding performance heads, I mean there's nothing better than the sound of a V8, something that gotten quite accustomed to over that weekend. 

DESIGN

With the face-lift design on the F-Pace already having some design cues to uplift it from the older model, the SVR has added extras in terms of appearance that give it that extra aggressive look. Finished in a unique Avocado Gloss colour, the car was already a standard in that military style looking paint, extra cosmetic cues that enhanced the sportiness of the F-Pace was the larger, more prominent air intakes with the honeycomb grille at the front with a more pronounced border finished off in a gloss black. The wheels which were an optional extra like the paint work are something to be admired. Style 5117 forged, diamond turned with gloss black contract and satin technical grey inserts which really elevated the cars overall look and feel,  bargain at just R10,860! The side profile of the F-Pace SVR definitely benefits from those rims too but along with the side vent behind the front wheel arch and the sleek lines, it really makes this car one of the better looking SUVs on the road. The rear end of this car is just pure art, with the symmetry of the lines and arches, along with the vent on the rear wheel arch and the newly designed LED lights, make this a joy to look at from behind, because naturally that would be most peoples view of it as it powers past them. Jaguar really spared no expensive on detail with this one, even down to the twin tail pipe housings being so neatly designed and pronounced at the rear. The interior design borrows a lot from their sister company, Land Rover as some aspects are carbon copy of that in the Discovery Sport and new Evoque but it works and that is the most important thing. 

PERFORMANCE

Where do I start, it has a 5.0L Supercharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 550kW of power and 700Nm of torque all of which is controlled by an 8-speed automatic gearbox which in Dynamic mode selects the gears in optimal performance and firing them each to the maximum potential all which the twin-tail pipe produce the most frantic symphony of gurgling and thunder as the car propels you from standstill to 100km in just 4.0 seconds! Mind you, do this quite often and you'll be visiting the petrol station sooner than expected, with Jag claiming an average fuel economy of 11.7L per 100km, doing those launched starts will see that figure spike above the 15L per 100km mark but its oh so worth it! The car is pretty heavy and while it might not be as quick as the other performance SUV's out there, it is pretty quick and the timing of the gear changes makes the drive exciting for the driver. Handling on this beast is quite comfortable with the steering wheel being loose and adaptive to all types of surfaces. It's a stunning example of engineering and to say I enjoyed my time with it is a massive understatement. I mean, I got pulled over by the JMPD on 5 occasions, all times of which they just wanted to see the car. That is how much attention this thing was getting!

COMFORT

With it being a performance SUV, the SVR came fittings with sports styled bucket seats for the front and back passengers. The front seats are electrically adjustable with it have seat heating and cooling for the driver and front passenger. The multi-function sports steering wheel is extremely comfortable in hand and even with this plush finish, still very easy on the hand to hold at high speeds. The twin large screen infotainment unit and climate control screen that makes up the center console is the same in which you will find in the new Discovery Sport and Evoque but as mentioned before, it works and works well. It comes with all the latest mobile apps which are wireless, it has a host of USB ports and a wireless charger for your smart phone. The car has a digital instrument cluster which can be customised by the driver. The rear passengers enjoy a single climate control cluster to control their cabin temperature and while it might not be a bench seat, it still can accommodate three people at the back. The SVR comes with Meridian sound system which I quite enjoyed, not overly harsh on the ears with extreme bass, but made for great listening and appreciate the clarity. The details is what I couldn't get over in this car, from the embossed head rests with SVR in them, to the silver insets in the seats. Jaguar really went all the way into making this car standout from the rest. The luggage capacity is also pretty decent, with me carry a heavy load from the airport, I made good use of the 613 litres that were at my disposal.

VERDICT

Yes, this car is as impractical as they come, the sports seats means that you cannot fit 5 fully grown adults in comfort, the big 22" rims along with the sports suspension means that the ride quality is hard and bumpy. The addictive sound of that supercharged V8 and twin tailpipes make you want to drive like a hooligan most of the time which drains the fuel faster and sends you average into a spiral but you know what? I'd still buy this car if I had the money, it gives you a thrill like no other and the way the car drives adds to the addictiveness of it. The car wants you to push it so it can show you its full potential. I don't need to even touch on the looks department because I think I've exhausted myself on that topic but my God is it good to look at! If there's anything I could add about this car, is that I didn't have the car long enough to fully appreciate what they've done. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	5.0-litre V8 Super Charged
Gear Box	8-speed automatic
Torque	700Nm
Power	550kW
Fuel economy	11.7L/ 100km/h
Price	R1,965,000*

*base price

 

Bucket Seat: 2022 Hyundai Creta Executive

The Hyundai Creta is probably one of the more popular compact SUV’s in the local market with the first generation doing remarkably well with sales. It offered the consumer a mid-to-large cabin with decent luggage capacity with great fuel economy and that is what the recipe of the Creta is in a nutshell, fast forward to the last model on the market, it’s definitely gotten better in looks and packs quite a bit of tech offering but still has those core values of the original model. I had the opportunity to spend almost 2 weeks with the Creta in which I traveled over 2,300km with it, so I got to know the car pretty well with my time with it, here are my thoughts on it.

DESIGN 

The revised Creta design sees major design changes to the front of the car that sports an almost identical face to that of the new Tucson. The bold new grill which incorporates the new headlights is a striking feature that catches your attention almost immediately, bold borders outline the shape which tapers off to the bottom to join the bottom bumper. The car which was in a metallic red/ maroon suited the car perfectly even with the silver brushed aluminium accents. The car has a great body design with clever lines adding to the bulk look, making it more of a crossover design than SUV.  The rest of the body is pretty similar to the previous model with subtle design tweaks to enhance the appearance. The biggest change on the rear sees the shape of the rear lights change a bit, still sticking to that C shape but with the top line extended, making it look like J now I suppose. They did well to break the design with distinct characteristics, such as the greys, blacks and borders, would have liked to have the roof in a full black colour since there was no panoramic roof offering. The inside remains pretty similar to the pre-facelift model with the cabin being very spacious, and comfortable place to sit in. 

PERFORMANCE 

Powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, there’s nothing to write home about in-terms of performance but after travelling around most of KZN and parts of the Free State, the true beauty of this car showed itself on the long open road giving me close to 650km on a single tank of fuel! With the engine producing 84kW and 144Nm of torque, it isn’t bad when you require the power and it does brilliantly when coasting, this is also helped a lot by the IVT gearbox that works like a charm, and isn’t as annoying as the CVT boxes found in the other cars. Being a small car, I expected the car to struggle at higher altitudes while cruising at high speeds but to its credit, the car managed to cope quite well, with my cruise control set to 120kph, the Creta breezed as I travelled through the N5 in Free-State. Where you did notice the climate taking a knock on the car was when the range started to drop dramatically, with the box type shape and not very aerodynamic, it was obvious it wasn’t managing well with the dry air outside but like I mentioned, getting close to 650km from a 45-litre tank is pretty good in my books and I while still doing decent speeds. 

COMFORT 

This for me is a critical talking point when it comes to SUV’s in the same segment as the Creta. While the offering may seem great, the manufacturers tend to add cheaper quality materials in the cabin to lower the prices of the cars and while I did complain about the previous model Creta being very plastic, not much has changed in this model but what I can say, the quality of plastic is good (not sure if that’s even a thing you can say), it’s still hard and sounds like crap when you knock on it but it will last you a long time so it’s pretty robust, rest assured it won’t crack or melt in extreme hot temperatures. The seats are great and comfy, sitting for 7 hour straight and I had no complaints, and even no back pains at my old age. The Creta doesn’t have climate control, just you conventional type aircon but it does have a very cool 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which has built-in mobile apps which has wireless connectivity. There is two USB ports up front with a 12V power port and a wireless charging mat in this Executive model. The rear passengers have a bench type seat with vents for the air conditioning and one USB port for charging there devices. The cabin is very roomy with lots of headroom, even for a tall guy like myself which helps as you tend to feel claustrophobic in smaller SUV’s like this. The boot space is decent, you can get a set of clubs in there with no issue, and lots of bags as I found out on my multiple trips. Should you require more space, you can drop the rear seats which fold in a 60/40 split for additional loading capacity when required. 

VERDICT 

I wasn’t hugely impressed when I drove the previous model Creta, while the styling was different and they spec’s the interiors colours brilliantly, it didn’t really do much for me. This revised model though, is almost the complete opposite. I guess spending over 30 hours of driving with it meant I got the experience the car more and had time to digest what the car is all about. When taking all of this into consideration and looking at the price tag, you have to say Hyundai have done a great job with the Creta. Even with the entry model with the manual transmission, it’s a very decent offering to what else you have in the market at the moment. Overall, I quite enjoyed my time with the Creta, it’s a weird little car but it works and is great value for money, I suppose that’s the most important thing at the moment for most buyers and you certainly won’t go wrong with this model.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-litre
Gear Box	IVT
Torque	144Nm
Power	84kW
Fuel economy	6.3L/ 100km/h
Price	R469,900