Bucket Seat: Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the NAAMSA monthly sales figures would have noticed that Suzuki sales has been surged over the last year and with good reason too. The Swift remains one of the most reliable and affordable budget friendly options when it comes to an entry level hatch back, its solid, it's comfortable and most importantly, its light on fuel. The rest of their line-up has also been picking up, with the likes of the Jimny being a firm favourite for many. With their JV with Toyota which see's a lot of their vehicles wear the Toyota badge, it has done them some harm with the consumer opting to go for the bigger Japanese name rather than the Suzuki, when the new shape Grand Vitara was first launch, Suzuki SA thought they'd hold the trump card by only offering Toyota SA to sell the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine while they had exclusivity over the 1.5L Hybrid, unfortunately for Suzuki, the price of this Hybrid model saw them sitting with stock as many opted for the Toyota version or if they wanted a Hybrid, they went and bought the Corolla Cross XS which was not a lot more than the Grand Vitara. After burning their fingers, Suzuki decided to can the Hybrid and bring their 1.5L N/A model to compete directly with the Toyota Urban Cruise but offering a bit more. I spent some time with this model and here are my thoughts.

DESIGN

The Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn’t scream for attention but it doesn’t need to. It’s one of those SUVs that grows on you the more you look at it. Up front, you’ve got a bold, upright stance with a layered grille and sharp LED lighting that gives it a modern edge, while the clamshell bonnet and squared-off proportions subtly nod to its heritage. Around the back, the clean surfacing and light bar keep things contemporary without overcomplicating the design. It’s not flashy like some of the Korean alternatives, but there’s an honesty to it that works. Whether you’re pulling up in Sandton or heading out onto a gravel road, it looks perfectly at home in the South African landscape. The little details they add to the exterior of the car make the Grand Vitara stand out more than the Urban Cruiser, the chrome accents, LED lighting and panoramic sunroof give the Suzuki so much more character. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Grand Vitara is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, and you feel exactly what that suggests. Around town, it’s smooth and easy-going, making it perfectly suited to daily commuting and stop-start traffic. It doesn’t feel strained in normal driving, and it delivers power in a predictable, linear way. However, the moment you push it whether it’s overtaking on the highway or tackling a steep incline with passengers it starts to feel a bit out of its depth. The 4-speed automatic gearbox adds to that feeling, as it’s more about reliability than responsiveness, and can come across as slightly dated compared to newer transmissions. That said, the bigger picture tells a different story. Fuel consumption is impressively low, which is a major advantage given South Africa’s fuel prices, and the mild-hybrid system helps smooth out low-speed driving while improving efficiency even further. It’s not built to excite, but it is built to make financial sense.

COMFORT

This is where the Grand Vitara really comes into its own. The ride quality is genuinely impressive, soaking up bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces with a level of composure that feels tailor-made for South African conditions. It’s the kind of car that makes long-distance driving feel effortless rather than tiring. The cabin is well insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which adds to that relaxed driving experience. Inside, there’s enough space for five adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and while the boot isn’t the biggest in the segment, it’s practical enough for everyday use. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making it a great companion for both daily commutes and longer road trips. It’s not trying to be luxurious, but it gets the fundamentals of comfort absolutely right.

TECHNOLOGY

Suzuki has equipped the Grand Vitara with all the essentials you’d expect from a modern SUV, without going overboard. The infotainment system is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while features like wireless charging, keyless entry, and a reverse camera add everyday convenience. Everything works as it should, and that’s really the point there’s no unnecessary complexity or gimmicks. On the safety side, it’s well covered with multiple airbags, stability control, and driver assistance features that give you peace of mind on the road. It may not have the cutting-edge tech you’d find in more premium offerings, but it delivers where it counts for the average South African driver.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Grand Vitara isn’t trying to be the fastest, the flashiest, or the most high-tech SUV in its class, and that’s actually its biggest strength. It focuses on what really matters in South Africa, like fuel efficiency, comfort on less-than-perfect roads, reliability, and overall affordability. If you’re looking for something thrilling, this isn’t it. But if you want a dependable, comfortable, and cost-effective SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life, it makes a very compelling case for itself. It’s not the car you show off about at a braai, but it’s the one that quietly proves its worth every single day.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated
Gear Box	4-Speed Automatic
Power	77kW
Torque	138Nm
Fuel Economy	5.6L per 100km
Price	R453,900.00

Bucket Seat: Opel Grandland

Opel has been around for years but still remains one of those forgotten German brands, they hardly are on the first ten manufacturers people think of when considering to buy a new car and one is always greeted with an "oh ya" if mentioned. Why though? At one stage Opel was dominating the market with their budget hatch back, the Corsa lite and even though the adverts were a killer,  the car was every university students dream car in its time. Many forgot they made other cars such as the Astra. While the Corsa still remains an important product for the company, they really are putting emphasis on their MPV range and late last year I got to drive the new Grandland, the previous generation of the model wasn't bad but it just felt like it was lacking in all departments, built on the same chassis as the Peugeot 3008, the Grandland just seemed bland so with these new one, I was hoping to see vast improvements and I was not left disappointed! 

DESIGN

The Opel Grandland takes a confident step forward in the midsize SUV segment with a design that feels both modern and premium. Up front, Opel’s bold 3D Vizor grille paired with the illuminated Griffin badge immediately sets it apart, giving the SUV a strong European identity. The sharp LED headlights and sculpted bonnet add presence, while the two-tone floating roof and contrast detailing lend it a sporty edge. In typical Opel fashion, the design is clean rather than flashy, but it works well. The Grandland looks mature and well-proportioned, with enough road presence to feel substantial without being bulky  something that suits both city driving and long-distance cruising on South African highways. At the rear, the slim LED light bar stretches across the tailgate, rounding off a design that feels current and well thought out.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Grandland is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox. Power delivery is linear and predictable, making it easy to live with in traffic while still offering enough punch for confident overtakes on the open road. It’s not trying to be a performance SUV, but it feels well matched to its size and purpose. The suspension is tuned with comfort in mind, soaking up most of the imperfections found on South African roads. On smoother surfaces the ride is composed and stable, though sharper bumps can still be felt at lower speeds. Steering is light and easy, ideal for urban driving, while highway stability inspires confidence at cruising speeds. Fuel consumption is reasonable for the segment, especially if driven sensibly, though enthusiastic driving will push consumption higher. This is a vehicle built more for refinement and ease than outright sportiness  and it succeeds at that.

COMFORT

Comfort is one of the Grandland’s strongest attributes. Opel has placed real emphasis on ergonomics, with AGR-certified seats that offer excellent support for long drives. Higher-spec models add features like seat heating, ventilation and massage functions, which genuinely make a difference on extended road trips. Cabin space is generous, with ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers, making it a solid option for families. Boot space is practical and well shaped, easily accommodating luggage for weekends away or school runs, and expands nicely with the rear seats folded down. The interior materials feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces, clean lines and subtle detailing creating a calm, well-finished cabin. Road and wind noise are kept largely in check, though some tyre noise does creep in at highway speeds. Overall, the Grandland is a comfortable place to spend time, whether commuting daily or tackling long-distance travel.

TECHNOLOGY

The Grandland comes well equipped on the technology front. A large central infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping connectivity simple and familiar. The system is intuitive once you get used to it, although wired smartphone integration feels slightly dated in today’s market. Digital driver displays are clear and customisable, and Opel’s decision to retain physical buttons for climate control and key functions is a welcome one. It makes everyday operation easier and less distracting compared to fully touch-based systems. Safety tech is comprehensive, with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition available across much of the range. Parking assistance systems and 360-degree cameras make manoeuvring in tight urban spaces far less stressful, although the camera resolution could be sharper.

VERDICT

The Opel Grandland is a compelling option in South Africa’s highly competitive midsize SUV market. It offers a refined driving experience, excellent comfort levels and a strong suite of safety and technology features, all wrapped in a distinctly European design. While it may not be the most exciting SUV in terms of outright performance, it more than makes up for that with everyday usability, long-distance comfort and a premium feel that stands out against more mainstream rivals. Buyers looking for something a little different from the usual Japanese and Korean offerings will find a lot to like here.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	16 Turbo
Gear Box	Automatic
Power	134kW
Torque	300Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	8.2L per 100km (as tested)
Price	R739,900

 

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 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 Seat: Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TFSI Life DSG

Volkswagen recently launched the 7-seater SUV variant that is based on the new Tiguan, called the Tayron. Previously this model was known as the Tiguan Allspace but the company took the decision to give this model its own name plate, which perhaps makes it more marketable but at the same time gives a clear difference between the Tiguan and the Tayron. It is available in 3 guises, namely standard, Life and R-Line, the kind folk at Volkswagen SA sent through the Life DSG model for me to spend some time with and while some might say its just a Tiguan with extra seats, in this review I'll tell you why that isn't the case with key design differences between this and its smaller sibling.

DESIGN

The Tayron looks like a grown-up Tiguan  longer, smoother lines, a broad grille that integrates with slim LED headlights and a distinctly horizontal face that gives it a planted, premium stance. This being the Life model, meant that I didn't get any sporty features to enhance the cars aesthetics but rather a more soft and gentle family car vibe to it. While many might say this is just a bigger Tiguan, there are key design differences to make it different to its smaller sibling, like the elevated engine cover which is more flat and not angled downwards to the front like the Tiguan. Also the lights on the Tayron are more squared off and larger than the Tiguan. The Tayron also features an illuminated VW logo's for both the front and the back of the car with the back looking particularly sweet when glowing in red in the dark. While the overall shape prioritises usable interior length rather than dramatic styling flourishes. From a South African perspective it reads as contemporary and conservative  appealing to buyers who want something modern without being flashy. 

PERFORMANCE

The Tayron is currently only available in the 1.4 TFSI engine, it uses VW’s 1.395-litre turbo four which is utilized in many of their other models, it produces roughly 110 kW and 250 Nm which for a sizable car like this might seem a bit low but as in the previous model, it proved to be quite sufficient.  The 7-speed DSG/dual-clutch gearbox is the standard transmission and pairs well with the engine for smooth, efficient progress. Fuel economy as claimed by VWSA sit around 7.6 L/100 km for the 1.4TSI  not hyper-frugal but respectable given the size and the 7-seat packaging. That gives a real world range of about 700+ km on the 55-litre tank in mixed driving  handy for South African road trips between major centres. The Tayron is tuned more for composed, comfortable cruising than sporty, body-leaning corner carving. Front-wheel drive 1.4TSI models are the most common local offering — predictable handling, light steering at low speeds for city manoeuvres and composed suspension that soaks up typical suburban and rural South African road surfaces. If you need heavy towing or spirited four-wheel work, the larger 2.0TSI / diesel AWD variants (not the 1.4) are better suited; the 1.4 is aimed at daily family duties.

 COMFORT

Interior quality is a clear step up from the old Allspace. Materials feel modern and well-finished VW has applied soft-touch surfaces where they matter, a tidy centre stack and a driver-centric digital cluster on higher trims. Seat comfort front and second row is generous; the wheelbase gives good knee room in row two and the seats can be adjusted to prioritise second-row comfort or boot space. Third row and luggage: the third row is adult-usable for short journeys and fine for children the Tayron’s 7-seat boot is quoted at about 345 litres with all seven up, and folding the third row expands capacity significantly (up to around 850 L in some configurations and much more with the second row folded). That makes the Tayron one of the more adaptable 7-seat SUVs in its class for family-holiday duties and weekend runs. 

Other handy design elements include good visibility from higher seating, numerous storage cubbies, USB ports across rows and available heated front seats make it well suited to local conditions and family life. Higher trims add acoustic glazing, panoramic roof options and premium-feel appointments. The Tayron uses Volkswagen’s current touchscreen systems which is a large central display that includes  wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging trays and multiple USB-C ports. The layout is modern and the UI is similar to other new VW models, so it’s familiar to buyers coming from Polo/Tiguan. Driver aids and safety on the Tayron include  lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a full suite of airbags as standard on local derivatives. Structural safety and active assist features put it on par with rivals important for family buyers prioritising safety on South African highways and urban environments. Depending on the model trim you choose, there is also a host of extras you can select when configuring your car. 

VERDICT

The Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TFSI 7-seater is a convincing successor to the Tiguan Allspace: spacious, well-built and full of relevant technology for modern South African families. The 1.4 TFSI variant is the pragmatic choice — punchy enough for daily driving and long trips, reasonably economical, and well priced for what it offers. If you want a comfortable, safe and versatile family SUV with a strong dealer network and modern tech, the Tayron is worth a test drive. If you regularly tow heavy trailers, need true off-road capability or want the ultimate performance, it's best you wait for the larger 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines when they become available locally. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.4L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	DSG Automatic
Torque	250Nm
Power	110kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.6L per 100km
Price	R853,800.00