Bucket Seat: Citroen C3 Aircross - 7 Seater

When it comes to French cars that are made in India, lets just say that I am not the biggest fan of them. So when the Citroën C3 Aircross 7-seater rolled into my driveway for testing, I didn't have much hope for it. While from the outside it looks fantastic, sitting inside the car gave me flash backs of the cheap and nasty materials, lack of insulation and general irks that I found with other cars that come from the sub continent. It’s positioned as a compact SUV designed to accommodate larger families, with a focus on maximizing space in a relatively small footprint and it probably works well in India as the people are generally smaller built than as South Africans. I on the other hand was not going to load it up with 7 people and drive around town but I had some interesting routes planned for the C3 which involved all types of terrain and all sorts of climates and I must say, this car surprised me a lot. In fact, it changed my view on French cars made in India, suffice to say humble pie was had. Here are my thoughts on the C3 Aircross:

DESIGN

The Citroën C3 Aircross features a distinctive design, with a bold front grille, large headlights, and unique Airbump panels that give it a rugged yet quirky appearance. It has an elevated stance and muscular wheel arches, contributing to its SUV-like appearance. The C3 Aircross has roof rails that add to its practicality, offering additional storage options. Having drive the launch model 5-seater, the 7-seater version extends the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the extra seats, and the vehicle looks more extended than the standard C3 Aircross. It maintains the brand's modern yet playful approach to design, with contrasting roof colors and options for custom color packs. The large 17-inch diamond cut 4-spoke alloy wheels give it distinct look and adds to the charm of the overall design. I must say, the C3 Aircross is a looker and at first glance doesn't give you a budget look at all but a rather very Euro-Premium feel.

PERFORMANCE

I was quite surprised that the same 1.2-liter PureTech petrol engine which is in the standard C3  remained frugal to my demands, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox the engine produces 81kW, which is sufficient for city driving and moderate highway speeds, but it may feel slightly underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded but like I said, I never had to carry a load so the engine was more than capable for what I had drive. The gearbox is smooth for the most part, though it may hesitate at times, especially during quick overtakes or sharp accelerations. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections easily, which is one of Citroën's strong suits, the call it the "magic carpet feel" which I must admit, did its part when navigating soft beach sand and cushioned most of the harsh bumps on the gravel surfances. The driving experience is relaxed, and it's a good vehicle for families prioritizing comfort over sharp handling. However, because of its taller design, body roll is noticeable during cornering, and it doesn't feel as sporty or agile as some rivals in its class. The 1.2-liter engine, when mated to the automatic transmission, offers fuel consumption of around 6.0-7.0 liters per 100 km. These figures are typical for a vehicle in this class, but they may increase if the car is heavily loaded with passengers and luggage.

COMFORT

The interior is designed with a focus on comfort and modularity. The second row seats slide and recline, allowing flexible use of space for passengers or cargo. While the third row adds seating for up to seven, it's important to note that the rear-most seats are best suited for children or shorter trips, as legroom can be limited for adults. With all seven seats in use, the boot space is relatively small, around 165 liters. However, when the third row is folded down, the capacity increases significantly to around 520 liters, making it ideal for luggage on family trips. The Citroën C3 Aircross comes equipped with a range of tech features aimed at making the driving experience more convenient and enjoyable, most notable is the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration. The graphics are clear, though the system can sometimes lag in response, also I did find it often disconnected from the wireless connection while driving quite  a few times. The car has a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for car info on the instrument cluster and to control media, but these were also buggy with the volume buttons sometimes ending controlling the skip function and then only making the volume lower not increasing no matter which button you pressed. The car came with standard manual aircon controls and no climate control but it did offer a sperate duct for the rear passengers which I thought was cool. The C3 Aircross has a ground clearance of 200mm which is good in its class and managed a host of terrains with is, included soft beach sand even though its not a 4-wheel drive car!

VERDICT

The Citroën C3 Aircross 7-seater automatic is ideal for families prioritizing comfort, flexibility, and a distinctive design. It offers a soft, easygoing ride, with good fuel efficiency and plenty of tech for the price. However, if you need to frequently transport seven adults or want a more dynamic driving experience, you might want to explore alternatives, as the third row is more suitable for occasional use, and the engine may feel underpowered with a full load. The C3 Aircross 7-seater typically offers good value for money, with its base models priced competitively compared to other SUVs in the segment. Prices can increase with additional features, trims, and technology packs, but even higher-spec models tend to be more affordable than some of its rivals. This makes it a solid option for families looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable SUV with seating flexibility. I spent a solid 9-hours driving it for an entire day and normally one would be quite fatigued from all the driving but the C3 managed to keep me comfortable through the experience, even while navigating some harsh terrain and for that, I must say kudos to it. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.2L Turbo Petro
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Torque	205Nm
Power	81kW
Fuel Consumption	6.3L per 100km
Price	R354,900

Bucket Seat: Opel Corsa GS 1.2

South Africans have a strange affiliation with the Opel Corsa, the German brand's entry level hatchback caught the love and attention of many with it's dynamic nature when first introduced to the market in the late 90's, the fan fair continued with the launch of the Corsa bakkie which took the market by storm proving to be healthy competition to the market leader, Nissan Champ half tonne bakkie. Then with the introduction of the Corsa Lite, it made for the person student car and with the hilarious TVC campaign it became a cult classic in the country. Fast forward to modern day and the Corsa has lost its charm over the years, it grew up and kinda got mixed in the mundaness of Germany motoring but having spent some time with the face-lift Corsa GS, I think they might be sparking some of that magic again. 

DESIGN

The new Opel Corsa GS boasts a sleek and sporty design, with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille that gives it a dynamic look. The car's compact dimensions make it ideal for urban driving, while the bold color options and stylish alloy wheels enhance its visual appeal. The front is striking, featuring a solid front face with no grille which makes many think it's an EV and don't ask me how, but that engine is pretty silent so at times I even got away with telling people it is an electric car. The new LED headlights follow that swooping edges to create a very modern looking front end, that really makes the car look futuristic and progressive. The rest of the cars design remains mostly the same, with the back lights featuring a slight tint to complete that sporty nature of the car. 16-inch diamond cut bi-clour rims in a 4-spoke design give a distinct look. Overall, very attractive looking package from Opel.

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the Corsa GS is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 96kW and 230Nm. The engine delivers a balanced performance, with enough power for city and highway driving. The GS being automatic transmission, provides smooth and efficient gear shifts, contributing to an overall relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. The Corsa GS handles well, with precise steering and a stable ride quality. It feels agile around corners, making it fun to drive in urban environments. The suspension setup effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. One of the standout features of the Opel Corsa GS is its impressive fuel efficiency. The combination of the small engine and automatic transmission helps achieve good fuel economy figures, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long-distance trips.

COMFORT

Inside, the Corsa GS offers a well-appointed cabin with a focus on comfort and technology. The seats are supportive and ergonomically designed, providing good comfort for both short and long journeys. The quality of materials used in the interior feels premium for this segment, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern dashboard layout. The Opel Corsa GS comes equipped with a range of modern technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow seamless connectivity with smartphones. The car also features a digital instrument cluster, adding a high-tech feel to the driving experience.Safety is a priority in the Corsa GS, with a comprehensive suite of safety features included as standard. These features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. The car's solid build quality and array of airbags provide additional peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

VERDICT

The Opel Corsa GS is a well-rounded hatchback that offers a stylish design, modern technology, and a comfortable driving experience. Its compact size and efficient engine make it an ideal choice for city dwellers and those looking for a practical and economical car. With its competitive pricing and extensive list of features, the Corsa GS stands out as a strong contender in the small hatchback segment and in my personal opinion, it's a better overall package than its locally manufactured German competitor. It's a bold statement I know, but get in the new Corsa GS and see what it has to offer and you tell me if I'm lying. Down side though its the resale value of the car, but many who buy these type of cars are not looking to offload them after 2-3 years so I don't see the resale value being a major issue. My one grip would be the screens in the car, the digital instrument cluster seems like it could be bigger and display more info than it currently does and the infotainment screen seems to be bullied by the climate control display, making the casting of the mobile apps seem small on such a big display. Other than that, I'm pretty chuffed with the Corsa, I wouldn't mind having one in my garage as a daily run around. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3 cylinder, 1.2 Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed automatic
Torque	230Nm
Power	96kW
Fuel Economy	6.3L per 100km
Price	R459,900

Bucket Seat: VW Tiguan R 4 Motion

When it comes to midsized family SUV's in South Africa, a firm favourite amongst many is the VW Tiguan. Volkswagen seem to have come up with the perfect formula for the Tiguan, one which appeals to everyone! I've not met one person who doesn't like the car, even with its high price tag, people will still opt to purchase this vehicle by hook or by crook, managing to find a way through various financing options available to them. So while I can understand the fascination created by this car, I really wanted to understand what has people so fixated on the Tiguan, why it makes people get that "must have" attitude towards it, after spending a week with the latest revised R Line version of it, I managed to deduce the following.

DESIGN

Lets start with the looks, I mean the previous model was a really good looking car already but this face-lift is like it went to a plastic surgeon for minor tweaks like some fillers and botox and came out looking like a supermodel. My God this car was fantastic to look at from every angle.  The colour, Deep Black Pearlescent just accentuated the R Line styling package and gave it that menacing look. The details of the design with the chrome beading a subtle red accents made the overall look of the car just so fantastic that at times you couldn't take your eyes of it. The changes include a revised front end with a new headlamp design in keeping to the new VW design language, that has this swooping like shape that extends into the side profile of the car, housed in these enclosures are Volkswagen's new IQ Light system which I'll discuss a bit later. As usual with face-lift models, there are subtle differences to the grille with a larger VW badge and lower bumper and diffuser, with chrome detailing outlining the key shape changes of the front end. Everything looks bolder and smoother than the previous model. On the side profile not much has changed apart from the front changes that wrap around. There is some extra beading in a brushed aluminium prominent on the doors. Moving to the rear, the rear lights also get the IQ light treatment with some new LED's. As per all new VW models, the model badge is now bolder and centrally positioned on the tail. The R Line package has the rear diffuser much lower and neatly designed quad tailpipes to end it off at the bottom. My one gripe would be the choice of rims as that bar some change in colours remains the same from the previous model.

PERFORMANCE

The Tiguan is powered by a 2.0 petrol TSI engine, the same in which you'd find in the new GTI, but this one obviously down tuned to suit the body shape, it produces 162kW with 350Nm of torque. The power to weight ratio in this model is perfect as the motor delivers exceptionally well to propel this large vehicle around, it boasts a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds which for a family SUV is impressive. The marriage between the motor and the 7-speed DSG gearbox is sublime as ever when it comes to VW's. The synergy between the two hardly has the engine overworked as the gear changes are smooth and efficient, that along with the four wheel drive system in 4MOTION make navigatinf with the Tiguan simply a breeze in any circumstance. Though with such great power delivery, especially in Sport model you do tend to get carried away with it and that doesn't help the fuel economy in this thing, so you'll see your range deplete quite drastically in this 60L tank, Volkswagen claim a combined feul average of 8.3L per 100km which is achievable in ideal driving conditions. Car copes well in all types of environments, especially in the urban setting which is probably why it's quite popular for mums on the school run, or any family type environment. Then again with its new age design it also passes off as a swanky business type SUV.

COMFORT 

Like most new models, the Tiguan came loaded with optional extras which I'm sure don't come cheap, VW didn't put the prices on any of the listed extras on my list but when building your car on their website it wouldn't be too difficult to find. My favourites included the new IQ light system with Matrix LED, that's basically adaptive technology and high beam assist, it is a MUST for all new cars going forward. I know I'm pretty much an advocate for this tech but seriously, visibility at night cannot be compromised and once you experience this, there really is no going back. Being the R Line, it comes with a host of sporty features with the kit, also gives the car a more edgy look so that's a definite tick in my books. The large panoramic sunroof is another firm favourite of mine, the sheer size of it is amazing and the amount of natural light you get in the cabin just brightens up everyone's mood, no pun intended. The IQ drive system is another must for driving packages as it includes your safety features such as adaptive cruise control, park assist, lane departure warning and collision warning. VW's premium sound system is now catered for by Harman Kardon, these guys know their sound and have curated a perfect speaker system especially for the Tiguan. With the new touch screen interface, it includes a host of new features, my favourite being in car WiFi which enables wireless mobile phone connectivity for apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you don't have to fiddle with cables anymore. Should you wish to plug in your USB's make sure they're USB C as the there are two ports up front as well as in the back for passengers to charge their devices. There is also a wireless charging pad for the front passenger/ driver. The Tiguan comes with dual zone climate control seat heating as an optional extra for the driver and front passenger. Luggage space is plentiful, with standard capacity at 520L and with the rear seats folded extends to 1,655L. 

VERDICT

It's difficult not to see the appeal of the Tiguan, especially for South Africans and their trend shift to SUV's at the moment. It's a great looking car, very trendy and has everything that one requires in this modern age of motoring in terms of technology and power. While the price has escalated significantly over the years, you know you have the backing of the brand on the vehicle which includes great build quality and service, I guess this is why people tend to not argue to the price point and opt for this over other models on the market. With the influx of Asian brands in the market, VW might find it a bit difficult going forward as locals get adjusted to the new models at much more affordable price points. It's definitely thrown a spanner in the works for many of the Germans who still rely on brand loyalty and status preference. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0TSI 4MOTION
Gear Box	7-Speed DSG
Torque	350Nm
Power	162kW
Top Speed	225km
Price	R710,000*

*Base Price

Bucket Seat: Ford Figo Freestyle

With crossovers and SUV's taking the local market by storm, the variety on the offerings available for the consumer is becoming endless in almost every category. The budget level is seeing some great competition but while many of them are priced well, are they really that good? That is some of the questions the buyer should be asking, recently I spent time with the Ford Figo Freestyle, a crossover vehicle that is based on the popular budget hatchback from the manufacturer, with the Figo name already held in high regards locally, offering a product that is not only well priced but offers a lot to the end user. How different was this new variant going to be? That was what I was wanting to find out with my time. 

DESIGN

With the car being based on the Figo, much of the design is exactly the same apart from the increase ride height as well as some added bulk and ruggedness in the form of robust plastic details around the wheel arches and bumpers, scuff plates in the front similar to that of the Ford Raptor and decals on the side profile. It also comes with stylish smoked 15" rims to add to that rugged nature and look. The car is also available in some funky colours, my personal favourite being Canyon Ridge Metallic, the one I had was Moondust Silver Metallic which also is quite attractive and a relatively "safe" colour in terms of helping with insurance costs. The car also comes with roof rails which adds to the sportiness look, the grille is the hive type and fully black out. Overall a very attractive product that while wont get every head turning but its not bad to look at. 

PERFORMANCE

While there are two models on offer in the range, both come with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which churns out 91kW and 150Nm of torque. The car comes with a 5-speed manual box which for me is the perfect pairing, while having an automatic gearbox is easier to drive, I feel with this manual box, the delivery of power per gear is left at the drivers digression and with it being a tiny motor, there are times where you would want more power to the wheels at lower gears then while sitting in fifth. I managed to get some decent fuel economy on the urban routes as well as great figures on the longer distance trips. The car is also no slouch, even with a fully laden cabin for a boys golf weekend, the car still managed to haul at decent speeds on the highway, handling was equally impressive on the car as well. 

COMFORT

While the car isn't that big there still is loads of space in the cabin, as a driver I did not feel compromised for space, neither the front passenger as well. While this is the case one has to remember that this is a budget level hatch so there will be some compromise, so not sure how the space would have been at the back for passengers who would have been sitting there. Creature comforts in the Figo Freestyle would include aircon, it a single zone system which isn't climate regulated but suffices for its needs. There are two models available, the Trend and Titanium, we had the Trend on test which doesn't have some nice items like the big 6.5 inch infotainment system, keyless entry and reverse camera but it did have a radio with Bluetooth telephone and audio, it does have a phone mount but from what I've found that its only suitable for smaller smart phone devices. The car also comes with rear parking sensors as well. The boot space isn't the greatest but dropping the seats is easy enough to do which increases space tremendously, managed to load two golf bags, a cooler box, two luggage bags and some other items. 

VERDICT

Overall the product we have here is far exceeded my expectations of it, it excelled in almost everything test that I had for it. Taking it away for the weekend was the ultimate test, with a load heavier than what is normal, to do 400km and giving me an average consumption of 6.1L per 100km from the 42L tank was outstanding. The car is comfortable and as discussed, quite attractive so for its price point, it really is a strong contender when lined up next to its contenders in the same category. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L naturally aspirated petrol
Gear Box	5-Speed Manual
Torque	150Nm
Power	91kW
Economy	5.5L/100km
Price	R226,700