Bucket Seat: Audi Q2 35 TFSI

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

DESIGN

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

PERFORMANCE

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

COMFORT

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

VERDICT

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

 SPECIFICATIONS

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

Bucket Seat: Toyota Starlet Cross XR

Toyota and Suzuki share a strange product sharing agreement, while the two companies remain separate entities, the shared model platforms are becoming a bit weird to the keen observer. Suzuki produce a number of models that have been re-badged and sold locally as a Toyota product, this makes sense if the Suzuki variant wasn't sold here but as in all cases the Suzuki model is launched first, followed by the Toyota "version", the more surprising fact is that even with Suzuki launching their model first, the Toyota model still outsells the original Suzuki model. That is the power of brand loyalty I guess, it all started when the Suzuki Baleno was brought, sales of this 1.5L medium sized hatchback wasn't great, a year or so later, it lands on our shores badges as the "Toyota Starlet" and it sells in its thousands. Even though the car is basically still a Suzuki, but because of the name on the car, it drew in the sales. Fast forward to 2023 and Suzuki launches their compact SUV the Fronx. It looked like Toyota backed off with this model after sales of their Urban Cruiser wiped the floor of its half-sibling the Grand Vitara but low and behold, the Toyota Starlet Cross landed on our shores this year and yes, you guessed it, sales are skyrocketing for it. I spent some time with this model and here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

The Toyota Starlet Cross has a bold yet compact design, with sharp lines and an aggressive front fascia that set it apart from the more understated traditional Starlet. The front end is highlighted by a prominent grille with Toyota’s signature trapezoidal shape, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and angular DRLs, giving it a stylish, almost upscale look for its category.  In profile, it features roof rails, black body cladding along the wheel arches, and 16-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim), giving it a rugged, go-anywhere appearance. The rear design maintains a compact aesthetic with sculpted taillights that wrap around the body, adding to the car's sporty profile. It is a looker of note with it attracting keen interests from passes by during my time with it, this was also helped by the outstanding colour called "Fine Orange" with Bi-tone Black. There's no faulting it from any angle and with the additional aluminium scuff plates on the front and the back, gives it that off-roading menace look that would be nice to see on the rally track, subtle hint for Toyota there. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the Starlet Cross typically offers a choice of small-displacement, fuel-efficient engines, often a 1.5-liter inline-4 or a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, depending on the region. 1.5-Liter Inline-4 Engine: This naturally aspirated engine generates around 77kW and138 Nm of torque. This particular model featured the 5-speed manual transmission and worked well with this engine that is tuned for efficiency and city drivability, offering adequate acceleration and smooth power delivery. Fuel economy is one of the Starlet Cross's strong points with it being able to deliver up to 5.6L per 100km under optimal conditions The Starlet Cross rides comfortably on city streets, absorbing bumps and rough patches with ease. The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it agile enough for urban driving while still stable at highway speeds. The electric power steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but it can feel a bit numb at higher speeds. While it’s not a sports car, the Starlet Cross handles corners confidently thanks to its low curb weight and well-tuned suspension. Body roll is minimal, and it’s a stable choice for light off-roading, though it’s best suited for city roads and light countryside trails.

COMFORT

Inside, the Starlet Cross offers a refined, practical cabin with an intuitive layout and ample space for passengers and cargo. The materials are durable, with a blend of soft-touch plastics, textured surfaces, and subtle chrome accents on higher trims. Toyota has focused on ergonomics, making sure frequently used controls are within easy reach.  The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, offering good lateral support for longer drives. This XR model featured bi-colour cloth seats but the material felt really premium. The driver’s seat is adjustable, and in some variants, the steering wheel is also telescopically adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position. Despite its subcompact classification, the Starlet Cross has decent interior space. There’s ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for front and rear passengers, making it suitable for family use. With the rear seats up, it offers around 320 liters of cargo space, expandable to 710 liters with the seats folded flat. The Starlet Cross is equipped with Toyota's latest infotainment system, which varies depending on the market but typically includes a 7- or 9-inch touchscreen display. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect smartphones for navigation, calls, and music streaming. Standard safety features on the Startlet Cross include: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control come standard across all trims.

VERDICT

The Toyota Starlet Cross is a smart choice for drivers seeking a reliable, economical, and practical subcompact SUV with just enough style and flair to stand out. While at the heart of the car it remains a Suzuki, you can tell Toyota had some influence in the car, with a dependability with a modern, user-friendly design, making it well-suited for urban families, young professionals, or anyone looking for an efficient crossover that performs well in a variety of driving conditions. The Toyota Starlet Cross offers good value, especially for buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV that can handle both city and light off-road driving. The starting price is competitive within its class, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability is a strong selling point over it's product sharing partner Suzuki. Additionally, the availability of various trims and options means there’s likely a Starlet Cross model to fit most budgets and needs and its looks are just an added bonus. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L, 4-cylinder NA
Gear Box	5-Speed Manual
Torque	138Nm
Power	77kW
Fuel Consumption	5.6L per 100km
Price	R299,900

Bucket Seat: Toyota RAV 4 GX-R

Toyota's ever popular RAV4 model has been revitalized in shape, size and presence. Toyota's first compact SUV offering which debuted in 1994 has always been a favourite amongst  the buyers as it offered the reliability of a Toyota and the versatility of an SUV. While many may label the previous models of the RAV4 dull and boring, at the end of the day, it served it's purpose and still got them sales. This latest offering has ruffled many feathers in the motoring world, in the right way, Toyota's progressive design language has been transpired into this new model and blew many away when it was first introduced. It broke the mold of the designs of old and is more progressive, more in line of the market trends and in fairness, very unlike Toyota at all, which isn't a bad thing. I spent a week with the all-wheel-drive GX-R and can see why I'm seeing so many on the road. 

DESIGN

I've already spoken at length at how great this design is, but to focus on the details, the overall design is very boxy but dynamic, it's edges are pronounced and add character to the overall design. The creases on the side add that bulk to the car as its more accentuated near the wheel arches. The arches themselves are rigid and modular as appose to round which follow the lines of the car perfectly. As you head to the back, the lights follow the lines of the design and while it may look a tad bit generic, Toyota have added elements to make it unmistakably theirs. I like the uses of the scuff guards in a matte silver finish, again gives the RAV that beefy off road presence. The interior really surprised me, really targeting the younger market with the funky style center and the use of neon colours and extra storage spaces. Everything is designed well and looks the part. 

PERFORMANCE

The RAV4 GX-R is powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated 16V (VVT-IE)  petrol engine with CVT transmission. Now I know many hate that word with a passion, and with Toyota, they never had much success with this gearbox as many feels it does kill the engine performance which I agree on, in the older models but truth be told, I didn't really find that the case in this one. Hear me out on this now, I drove this car after just coming off the Audi RS5 Sportback so to sit in something less menacing would normally be an anticlimax of note but on the drive home I actually appreciated how well this car worked. The engine produces 127kW of power with a maximum torque figure of 203Nm but with driving it in the Eco driving mode, it reduced the revs to under 2000rpm and it was plentiful to coast home at 120kph on the freeway. I was blown away when I saw the rev counter sitting under 2000, I gave it a gentle tap a few times to make sure it wasn't broken! Yes when you have to put your foot down, then the old CVT groan comes about but with the option of a Sport mode coupled with the paddle shift, you can eliminate that quickly and get the power you want, when you want it. The car has an all-wheel drive offering, which is pretty simple to use, but use of the toggle switch next to the gear selector. It's pretty straight forward as you just choose what surface you're driving on and the car will do the rest, to disengage from that setting, simple push the toggle down and you're back to normal. I took the GX-R on some gravel roads as well as soft sand both of which it coped like a pro, even better than some 4x4's I've had in the past. 

COMFORT

As mentioned, the car has grown since its predecessor, it does look lower in stance but the heights are almost the same. On the inside, it's very roomy, as there is plentiful head height and the full leather interior makes things extra comfy. What I like about the interior design is the attention to detail Toyota paid to in almost every aspect. The front seats are almost racing styled like in design with two tone stitching and detailed in the center. The use of the same soft touch leather is continued around the cabin, making everything feel great. There's good use of rubber in the storage areas making sure that it's a non-slip surface. The back is also super comfy and has decent leg room for adults, the bench style seat can have you seat 3 people without much discomfort. The car has dual zone climate control and vents in the back for the rear passengers. The RAV4 has decent luggage space as well, with you comfortably getting a set of golf clubs in, without much effort. 

TECHNOLOGY

This is one point I don't normally speak much about from Toyota but hey, this one warrants it! The RAV4 has tonnes of tech, when I say tonnes of tech, I mean a lot for Toyota's standards. Half the instrument cluster is digital displays a host of information about the car, your driving style, and entertainment info. There's controls on the steering wheel to scroll through all of these and more. The large infotainment screen is touch screen but features the same basic OS as from the previous generation Corolla, while it doesn't have apps like Apple Car Play and Android Auto, it does offer screen mirroring which I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get working. I hope there is an update to this as it's a shame the car doesn't come with the mobile car apps. There is a wireless charging mat, which is a non slip surface so your device won't go sliding around and there's two USB ports for you to plug in devices. Both front occupants get heating and cooling seats, which is pretty cool. The car did not have a sunroof or automatic tailgate function but I think it is offered as an optional extra. 

VERDICT

Overall the RAV4 has made a massive step up and it was needed, given the competition in the segment has heated up. While it might have been one of the first compact SUV's on the market, Toyota could not sit back and rely on sales through brand loyalty and reputation, the consumer wants more and with others offering more they had to as well. It's a change in the right direction for one of the biggest manufacturers in the world and one that just could start to sway the younger generation again. It's an attractive looking car, very economical, has more of the bells and whistles and a car that is suited to various lifestyles. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Petrol DS-4
Gear Box	CVT
Torque	203Nm
Power	127kW
Consumption	6.7L/100km
Price	R 516,100.00

Bucket Seat: Volvo XC40 - R Design

When it comes to cars, the Swedes always tended to do things differently in their own unique way and while most of the world never really got to grasp with their cars, those who did own them, knew what they were on about. Volvo in particular we leads in passenger safety and then the stepped up a notch and also made their cars safe for pedestrians, how so you may ask? Well on certain models they design the crumple zones to minimize injury to a person if he was being hit by one of their vehicles, weird but you got to hand it to them for thinking about everybody. Going back to safety for their own passengers, the XC90 won the title as the worlds safest car and apart from that award, the XC90 was  a major car for the brand, as it ushered in a new dawn for cars that were to follow. Volvo sort of lost track with the styling and consumer appeal with their cars for a bit, and a drastic change was needed to get the brand recognised again. 

Apart from just building an attractive car, it had to be up their competing with the best in the world in terms of engine performance while still being eco-friendly and have all the technology that others offer. The XC90 not only ticked all those boxes but did it style, finesse all while keeping to that legendary Swedish heritage. Not long ago I got to sample a spin off model from the XC90, a baby version of it if I may call it that, the XC40. Although my time with the car was short, it was my first experience with the new generation Volvo's and it left me flabbergasted as to what it had to offer. 

DESIGN

Looking at it from the outside, one could sit stare at it for hours on end. It's contemporary design is fresh and modern which not only gets heads turning while you drive past them but it can also fit in with modern day architecture so well. It's almost like a showpiece where you can have it parked off in your lounge and it would look like part of the decor. The combination of straight lines, contours and beveled edges really add character to the XC40 while key design elements iconic to Volvo still stand out like the L shaped rear lights and the grille with some new features which will form part of future designs from the brand. I had the R-Design kit on this particular model which is Volvo's sport package for their cars, easy ways to identify this is the large 20" 5 spoke split rims, and the two tone paint work with the roof being finished in black with the rest of the car in white with black accents. The contemporary styling also flows into the cabin with everything looking fresh and modern. One striking thing about the interior is that it was orange in colour, well not all of it, just the lower half which I found quite quirky but it worked! This car is the baby of the crossover line up and it looks to be playful so I'm glad that also transcends into the colours available for it. 

PERFORMANCE

I had the D4 AWD model XC40 which is the only diesel variant available, with the cost of fuel, it would be the preferred engine for the consumer. The power output on the 2 litre motor is quite decent with it delivering 140kW with 190 Bhp and 400Nm of torque waiting to get you off the mark. So as you can imagine the XC40 isn't a slouch and while it might be a bit bulky, navigating it is pretty easy, too easy if you ask me. The first thing you notice on the car is how light the steering is, it's like you get power steering then you get Volvo's super power steering! I could legit use 1 finger to turn it. Handling on the XC40 is exceptional, whether you're going around town or on the open road, the XC40 makes the most of the road in front of it. I even did some light off roading with it, which didn't break a sweat for it, eating up the gravel and leaving a big trail of dust behind. 

COMFORT

Sticking with the awards, Volvo's V90 won the most comfortable seat award recently and I can tell you the XC40 seats and pretty darn comfy as well. While the car is the smallest crossover offered by Vovlo, they do not compromise on comfort. The cabin is spacious for every individual that is in it. The ride quality is pretty great as well, even with the car riding on 20" rims this doesn't influence any cabin noise or compromise the ride comfort. The cabin is completely air-conditioned with dual climate control for the front passengers and the rear having their own vents. the car came with a 600W 14 speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System which made any song sound exceptional in the car. I keep coming back to the design of the car because its a design that works and works well, everything is thought of and functional, that's ultimately what you want in a car interior and full marks to Volvo for getting this right. 

TECHNOLOGY

Where do I start? Lets go with the obvious, the massive screen that sits in the dash, this is the brain of the car. Fully touch screen interactive menu lets you control just about everything in the car. With most of it controlled by this, it uncluttered the rest of the dash. It does seem daunting at first but it can be made more easier with you customizing the screen for your convenience. The big screen comes handy when parking, while it did come with the auto park feature, the XC40 also has 4 cameras around the car to give you a birds eye view of your surroundings when getting in out of tricky spaces. One of the main talking points about the new Volvo's is the Pilot Assist, which is as close to autonomy as you can get. Coupled with the adaptive cruise control, you can set the speed you want to go at and the car will do the driving for you. It monitors the cars around you and is alert to dangers that may spring out. Seeing it in action is quite an experience, having the car take full control and slowing down while maintaining a safe following distance to the car in front is spell binding to say the least. Other key safety teach features include lane keeping aid, run-off mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation, city safety and many others which are too long to list. 

VERDICT

Overall the XC40 exceeds it's reputation in the market and really is one of the better compact SUV's you can buy. The features the car comes with coupled by the brilliant design and technology offered is hard to find another that can come close to match it in terms of pricing. While the model I had does raise a few eyebrows when mentioned the actual cost, you have to understand that all the options were ticked in this spec and if you had to spec a competitor model with the same extras you would be paying a lot more. While Volvo are trying to take some market share from their German competitors, models like the XC40 are not going to do them any harm, with the SA market taking a liking to the XC90 and the S90, future models like the S60 and the new XC60 will only strengthen their cause. This is one brand to be on the look out for going forward, I hope we get some of their Polestar models at some stage too. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2L Four-cylinder turbo charged disel
Gear Box	8 Speed Geartronic Automatic AWD
Power	140kW
Torque	400Nm
0-100km	7.9 seconds
Economy	5.7 L/100km
Price	R 494,400*

*Excluding extras

Pictures by @MVRC1988

Bucket Seat: Lexus NX300

The Lexus NX was the Japanese luxury car manufacturers answer to the much popular compact SUV market. With the market already being dominated by the luxury German brands, Lexus knew that it wont be an easy feat for them but credit to them, they took on the challenge and while it might not be the most popular SUV on the road, they do sell their fair share of them. With the Toyota heritage, you know you're not just getting a raised car but a proper SUV, and while it might not have full off-roading capabilities, it  will do more than just hop a curb. I got given the updated NX300 F-Sport to drive around with for a week, having seen it often on the road I was quite excited to see what it had to offer. While certain elements did surprise me about the car, it still stays true to form as every Lexus does. 

DESIGN

In 2009 Lexus changed it's design language and introduced the world to "L-Finesse Design". it is compromised by two ideas; leading-edge and finesse and was showcased in the LF-Ch concept. It was uncharacteristic from the company, as they always played the safe, conservative card when it came to their designs, in fact many labelled them as "boring" but these was anything but boring! The lines, the edges, the sleekness of the overall package just left people astounded but it was a concept so how much of this would translate into the production models? Well a lot if it! From the IS, RC, LX, RX and the recently launched LC, Lexus has changed the way people see their brand, its exciting, cutting edge and futuristic. Much is the same with the NX, the lines on this car sometimes seem impossible but some how they've done, and done it with style.  When I got the NX, I tweeted some pictures and said, "I'm driving the best looking compact SUV on the road at the moment" and no one disagreed. 

No matter what angle you look at the NX, it is perfection, the F-Sport guise which I had, gives the model more character with the large spindle grille and the brushed aluminium front sill which ties along the front. The split head lamps with LED day time running lights below just add to the flamboyance of the design. Another great thing about Lexus is the paint offerings, with a car like this, no ordinary paint will make it stand out, so the range they have available really elevated the design in every possible way. I was driving a White Quartz which is almost like a pearl white but with more sheen. It's sparkles in minimal light and you can watch it for hours catching the suns rays which it transform colour throughout the day. The large 18" alloy wheels were finished in a dark metal, which accentuates the car and adds to the aggressive look. While being modern and futuristic the entire package works well and ties up quite nicely in the rear with a clean but edgy look. The Side profile is rather attractive too, with big wheel arches showing off that raised suspension. 

PERFORMANCE

When the NX was first introduced, it came in the NX300 which was naturally aspirated, later on, the NX200t was introduced, sporting a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, in the latest upgrade the NX300 badge is re-introduced but with the turbo engine, which in my opinion is the right way to go. While the purist might appreciate naturally aspirated engines, in the type of driving people do on the regular, turbos make a whole lot more sense and also brings down that fuel economy figure. The NX is a big car, so don't be mistaken by the the "compact", part of its description, it competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, if you comparing it to its sister company, you could probably say this is a more luxurious version of the Rav-4. The engine is a breakthrough for Lexus as they say it is their first Eco Turbo engine, where by the cylinder head is integrated with the exhaust manifold along with the twin scroll turbocharger which is a worlds first in this combination. This achieves 235 bhp,  175kW and 350Nm of torque. The turbo lag is almost non existent, so much so you might think there isn't a turbo in there. The torque does help a lot in this aspect of the car, it is also a well balanced vehicle, so around bends or in a straight line, it gives the driver confidence in what they're doing. 

COMFORT

Moving onto the inside of the car, the design follows the same lines as the outside with more quirky styling and a protruding but sculpted center console, which for some might not be their cup of tea but it works. There's a nice mixture of textures and fabrics on the interior that makes it inviting and comfortable to be in. The brushed aluminium and chrome aspects shout out the sportiness of the F-Sport but the elements of class are brought in with the analogue clock placed high up just below the aircon vents. Ride quality on the NX is quite soft, not as smooth as the bigger Lexus SUV offerings but that could also be down to the large rims on the car but for everyday driving it could rival any German competitor. The car comes with dual climate control air-conditioning as well as seat warmers and coolers for the front occupants. In the rear, there is ample space for the passengers with good height room, given the shape of the car I thought it would be a bit tight but it was more than adequate. The boot space is quite generous as well and the automatic tailgate means there's no stretching to close the lid when you're done. 

TECHNOLOY

The NX might not be packed with tech options like some other brands but what it does offer is a lot of the compulsory stuff as standard and not something you need to tick off on a sheet. That was always the difference with Lexus, while their prices might seem a bit steep when comparing to other vehicles in its class, a big mistake people would do is compare the Lexus which is fully stocked to a base model of another brand. Some of the standard tech for me is the LED lights which in this day and age is a must, the smart entry system works really well with it doubling as a proximity sensor so the car when locked recognizes when you're near it and unlocks for you, don't worry if you're nearby and someone else tries to open the door, it won't open.  The large 10.3" multimedia display is quite easy on the eye but the touch pad might take a while to get used to. I watched a review on the LS500 where they said, the only reason we find it tricky to use is because we're not used to it, and they were 100% correct. After 4 days or so, you kind get to know what you're doing with it. Some of the driver support systems like Hill assist control kicks in automatically, so when taking off from a stand still on a hill, the electronic brake holds the car in place until there is enough momentum to move forward. AI shift control technology works well when in Sports mode which enables sporty shifting in accordance with the driving conditions which provides excellent acceleration. 

VERDICT

Apart from its great looks the NX300 F-Sport is really a good package, it delivers what it promises and you won't be disappointed. While the alternative options in the market might have some differences that make you want to change your mind, all you have to do is put them side by side, and you can see why you'll stand out more in this car. The great thing about compact SUV's is that it can be used for so much more than just road trips and light off-roading, with many choosing this segment of cars, it pushes brands to make their vehicles appealing, so like the NX you're going to get more luxury, more sportiness, more technology in them and for me the NX already ticks all those boxes and is a perfect all-rounder. While the acclaimed fuel consumption is 7.1, you will average around 9 in city driving which again is not that bad when comparing to other cars in the segment, its a pity Lexus doesn't offer a diesel variant but there is a Hybrid model available and it isn't that much more expensive. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0 Litre tubro
Gear Box	6 Speed Auto
Power	175kW
Torque	350Nm
Top Speed	200km/h (electronically governed)
Economy	7.1 L/100km
Price	R797,500