Bucket Seat: Audi Q3 Sportback S Line Black 1.4 TFSI

The Audi Q3 has always been one of those premium compact SUVs that quietly gets the job done, but with the arrival of the all-new Q3 Sportback, Audi has given the model a much-needed injection of attitude. I recently spent some time with the Q3 Sportback S line Black, finished in, you guessed, it black, and there is something about this particular specification that really suits the new design. Starting at R964 000 for the 1.4 TFSI S line Black, the Sportback sits firmly in premium territory, but it also brings a sharper design, a more modern interior and plenty of technology to the table.

DESIGN

I quite like the look of the new Q3, but it is the Sportback that really brings Audi's latest design language to life. Where the previous-generation Q3 Sportback could sometimes look like a standard Q3 with a roofline added for good measure, this new generation feels much more cohesive. The clean lines, smoother curves and more sculpted body give it a mature appearance, while still retaining enough attitude to make it stand out in a crowded premium SUV segment. Up front, Audi has taken a different approach with the lighting signature, and the split headlight design gives the Q3 a far more sophisticated appearance than its predecessor. It is a cleaner, more modern interpretation of the Audi face, and when combined with the black exterior treatment of the S line Black package, the car takes on a particularly sinister appearance. The darker exterior detailing works nicely with the aggressive front end, while the overall proportions make the Sportback look lower and wider than it actually is. Move around to the side and this is where the Sportback earns its name. The sloping roofline flows neatly into the rear of the vehicle without making the car look awkward or overly compromised. In fact, I think this is one of the best angles of the new Q3. It has that sleek, almost coupe-like profile that buyers in this segment are looking for, while still retaining the practicality expected from an SUV. At the rear, the illuminated Audi logo is another small but very cool touch, and combined with the modern rear light signature, it gives the Q3 a distinctive night-time presence. Audi has managed to make the new Q3 look more grown-up without making it boring, and that is probably my favourite aspect of the exterior.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet of the Q3 Sportback S line Black is Audi's familiar 1.4-litre four-cylinder TFSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 110 kW and 250 Nm. It is paired with Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and sends its power to the front wheels. Audi claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9.1 seconds, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the character of this engine. The 1.4 TFSI is by no means a bad engine. Around town it is smooth, refined and perfectly capable of dealing with everyday driving, and the S tronic gearbox does a great job of making the most of what the engine has to offer. The problem is that there are moments when the Q3 feels like it could do with a little more punch. Put your foot down for an overtaking manoeuvre or ask for a quick burst of acceleration and there can be a noticeable moment where you are waiting for the gearbox and engine to wake up. Once it does, the S tronic transmission shifts quickly and keeps things moving, but I couldn't help thinking that the Q3's sporty exterior deserves an engine with a little more muscle. This is where the 2.0-litre TDI becomes an interesting alternative. It produces the same 110 kW, but torque jumps significantly to 360 Nm, giving it considerably more pulling power than the petrol model. For buyers who spend plenty of time on the highway, carry passengers regularly or simply prefer that effortless shove that comes with a healthy dose of diesel torque, the TDI could make more sense. It does, however, push the price of the S line Black Sportback beyond the R1-million mark, at R1 002 300, so there is a significant financial consideration too.

COMFORT

Inside is where the new Q3 really shows just how far Audi has moved the game on. The new interior design language is much more modern than before, and the curved panoramic display immediately grabs your attention. It combines the digital driver's display with the central infotainment screen to create a much cleaner, more integrated dashboard rather than simply having two screens stuck onto it. Audi's latest MMI interface is intuitive and relatively easy to navigate, and importantly, it doesn't take long to find the functions you use most often. I also really like the new steering wheel. It sounds like a small detail, but the redesigned wheel and its multifunction controls give the cabin a much more contemporary feel. Audi has also reworked the controls around the steering column, with the gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up space around the centre console. It is a clever use of space and contributes to that feeling that Audi has properly redesigned the cabin rather than simply giving the previous Q3 a technology upgrade.

The cabin itself is typical Audi clean, modern and well put together with the sort of build quality you expect from a premium German brand. There is also a good balance between technology and everyday usability, while the Sportback's body shape doesn't completely sacrifice practicality. The rear bench can slide to help balance passenger and luggage space, while boot capacity is 488 litres and expands substantially with the rear seats folded. There is, however, one feature that really bothered me: the seats. My test car had manually adjustable seats, and I honestly feel that this is an area Audi could have done better. When you are talking about a vehicle with a starting price of R964 000 in this specification, I expect at least electrically adjustable front seats, particularly for the driver. It might sound like a small complaint, but at this level of the market, buyers are paying for that premium experience, and electric seat adjustment should feel like part of the package rather than something you need to add to the options list.

VERDICT

The new Audi Q3 Sportback is an interesting evolution of what was already a strong product for Audi. It doesn't try to reinvent the compact premium SUV formula completely, but instead takes what worked with the previous Q3 and gives it a much more modern interpretation. The Sportback body style is, in my opinion, the one to have because it gives the Q3 a much sleeker and more distinctive presence, particularly in the S line Black specification. The combination of the black exterior, sharper lighting design, flowing roofline and illuminated Audi logo at the rear gives it plenty of road presence without becoming overly flashy. For South African buyers, though, the pricing is where things become interesting. The new range starts at R814 200 for the conventional Q3 and R849 200 for the Sportback, while the S line Black Sportback tested here comes in at R964 000. That represents a significant increase over the outgoing generation, although Audi has also brought a considerably more modern interior, new technology and a fresh exterior design to the table. The range also comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan, which adds some value to the overall ownership proposition.

The competition is just as tough, though. The BMW X2 brings its own coupe-SUV interpretation to the segment, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA continues to appeal to buyers looking for that three-pointed-star premium experience. The Q3 Sportback's advantage is that it feels like a very well-rounded package: stylish without being excessive, technologically advanced without being overly complicated and comfortable enough for everyday use. The 1.4 TFSI does leave me wanting a little more performance, and the lack of standard electric seat adjustment is difficult to overlook at this price, but the S tronic gearbox does a good job of compensating for the engine's limitations. Ultimately, the new Q3 Sportback feels like Audi has finally brought the Q3 properly into the modern era. It looks sharper, feels more premium inside and has the technology to match its rivals. If you want the practicality of a compact SUV but don't want something that looks like every other SUV on the road, the Sportback makes a compelling case and in S line Black guise, it is easily one of the best-looking versions of the new Q3.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.4L TFSI
Gear Box	7-Speed S-Tronic
Power	110kW
Torque	250Nm
Fuel Effeciency	6.8L per 100km
Price	R849,200*

*Base Model

 

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Creta

The compact SUV market in South Africa has become one of the most competitive spaces in the motoring industry, especially with a growing number of Chinese brands arriving with feature-packed vehicles at aggressive prices. Hyundai has clearly taken notice, and the introduction of the new CRETA range seems to be its answer to a market where buyers are looking closely at exactly what they are getting for their money. The biggest talking point has to be the price. The new Hyundai CRETA 1.5 Premium comes in at R434,900, which is an impressive R44,000 cheaper than the outgoing 2024 model. At a time when new vehicle prices continue to climb, it is refreshing to see a manufacturer bringing a newer offering to market at a more affordable price point rather than simply adding another increase.

Under the bonnet, the CRETA Premium uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque. These figures are not going to set the world on fire, but for everyday driving, commuting and the occasional longer road trip, it should offer more than enough performance. Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 km, which should also make it relatively affordable to run. Where the CRETA starts becoming more interesting is with the technology and standard equipment. The Premium model comes with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth with voice recognition, USB charging, keyless entry and start, automatic headlights and a 4.2-inch supervision display. Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, a rear-view monitor, parking sensors and tyre-pressure monitoring.

These features are important because this is exactly where the Chinese competition has been putting pressure on established brands. Manufacturers such as Chery, Haval, OMODA, Jaecoo and others have changed buyer expectations by offering large screens, cameras, advanced technology and long equipment lists at prices that were previously difficult for mainstream brands to match. The CRETA may not necessarily have the biggest touchscreen or the longest list of flashy features in its segment, but Hyundai still brings something extremely valuable to the table: a well-established brand, a strong dealer network and the reassurance that comes with the company's long-term presence in South Africa. The seven-year/200,000 km warranty and four-year/60,000 km service plan also add to that peace of mind.

For buyers wanting something with a bit more excitement, Hyundai is also introducing the CRETA N Line to South Africa for the first time. This is the more interesting model in the range from a performance and technology perspective. The N Line gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 117.5 kW and a healthy 253 Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch transmission. That is a significant step up from the standard Premium model and should give the CRETA a much stronger and more engaging driving character. Hyundai has also loaded the N Line with technology that helps it compete directly with the increasingly sophisticated Chinese alternatives. A 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning and pre-collision avoidance are all included. There is also fatigue detection, rear parking sensors and hill-hold assistance.

Inside and out, the N Line feels like a more premium and distinctive offering, with leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, LED lighting, roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels. The satin-black grille and N Line styling also help give it a sportier personality. At R569,900, the CRETA N Line is entering territory where there is no shortage of alternatives, particularly from Chinese manufacturers offering plenty of space, technology and equipment for the money. However, Hyundai's advantage is that it is combining modern technology with a brand that South African buyers already know and trust.

The new CRETA range feels like Hyundai recognising that the market has changed. It is no longer enough to simply offer reliability and a good reputation. Buyers now expect technology, safety features, stylish design and value for money as standard. By dropping the entry price significantly while still offering modern equipment, and then introducing the much more powerful and technology-packed N Line, Hyundai has given the CRETA a stronger position in an increasingly crowded market. The Chinese brands may still have an advantage when it comes to offering the biggest feature list for the lowest price, but the new CRETA shows that established manufacturers are not standing still. Hyundai is fighting back with better value, improved technology and the confidence that comes with an established reputation in South Africa.

Bucket Tech: Changan Hunter K50 REEV

The South African bakkie market has become one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry, and we are seeing more and more manufacturers bringing products to our shores that challenge the traditional way of doing things. The Changan Hunter REEV Double Cab is perhaps one of the most interesting examples of this, because it isn't simply another double-cab bakkie entering an already crowded market. Instead, it introduces a completely different approach to electrification. The Hunter is claimed to be the world's first range-extended electric double-cab bakkie, combining a 31.2kWh battery pack with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as an onboard generator. The electric drivetrain produces a claimed 200kW and a staggering 3 470Nm of torque. Changan also claims that the Hunter can achieve more than 1 000km of range, which immediately caught my attention. I had high expectations for the Hunter. The idea of having the performance and smoothness of an electric vehicle, while still having a petrol engine available to extend your range, sounds like an ideal solution for the South African market. After spending some time with the Hunter, however, I found myself impressed by the vehicle in many areas, but slightly disappointed by others.

DESIGN

There is no denying that the Changan Hunter is a striking-looking bakkie. My particular test vehicle came finished in a dark green/olive colour, and I think this suited the Hunter exceptionally well. It gave the vehicle a rugged, almost military-inspired appearance, while also allowing the numerous design details to stand out. The Hunter is imposing. It has a large and aggressive front end, a bold grille treatment and distinctive lighting that immediately gives it a strong road presence. It doesn't look like Changan has tried to copy any of the established players in the bakkie market either, which I really appreciate. There is a certain individuality to the Hunter. From the side, the proportions are typical of a large double-cab bakkie, but the sculpted bodywork, pronounced wheel arches and large wheels give it plenty of character. It has that elevated stance that you expect from a modern bakkie, while the design manages to blend ruggedness with a more futuristic appearance. The rear continues the same theme, with chunky styling and a strong stance. I found myself looking back at the Hunter whenever I parked it, which is always a good indication that a designer has got something right. The dark green paint also helped tremendously. While the Hunter would certainly stand out in almost any colour, the olive shade gave it a distinctive character that made it feel different from the usual white, silver and grey bakkies that dominate our roads. For me, the design is one of the Hunter's biggest strengths, it looks expensive, it looks tough and, most importantly, it looks different.

PERFORMANCE

This is where the Hunter really starts to become interesting, the REEV system is what sets this bakkie apart from almost everything else currently available. Rather than being a conventional petrol or diesel bakkie, the Hunter uses its electric drivetrain to power the wheels, with the 31.2kWh battery providing the energy and the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine acting as an onboard generator. The result is an incredibly smooth driving experience. The claimed 200kW output makes the Hunter seriously quick, particularly for a vehicle of this size. But it is the claimed 3 470Nm of torque that really grabs your attention. Electric motors are brilliant at delivering instant torque, and the Hunter is no exception. Put your foot down and the response is immediate. There is no waiting for a turbocharger to spool up or for a conventional gearbox to find the correct ratio. The Hunter simply moves. And it moves very quickly, Overtaking on the highway is effortless, while pulling away from traffic lights can be surprisingly entertaining. The power delivery is smooth and linear, making the Hunter feel much more like an electric SUV than a traditional bakkie. For everyday driving, I genuinely enjoyed the experience, starting the vehicle is slightly unconventional. There isn't a traditional start/stop button that you press before driving away. Instead, you simply get into the vehicle, press the brake pedal and you're ready to go. It takes a little getting used to, particularly if you've spent years driving conventional vehicles, but once you understand the system, it becomes second nature. The Hunter also surprised me off-road, I'll be honest, I was initially a little hesitant about taking it off-road. Having a large battery pack underneath the vehicle and an electric drivetrain naturally makes you think twice when you are dealing with rocks, uneven terrain and obstacles. However, the Hunter coped remarkably well, the electric drivetrain actually works in its favour when driving slowly over difficult terrain. The immediate torque delivery allows for very precise throttle inputs, and the vehicle felt composed and comfortable when the road disappeared beneath the wheels. It gave me more confidence than I expected, where I was less impressed was the real-world range. Changan's claim of more than 1 000km was one of the major reasons I was so interested in testing the Hunter. In theory, this range-extended system should offer the best of both worlds: electric driving around town and the reassurance of a petrol generator when travelling long distances. Unfortunately, my experience didn't quite live up to the expectations created by that 1 000km-plus figure. Having done a long distance journey with it, the Hunter struggled to give me 600km from the "tank of fuel" with me having to top up in fear of running out of fuel before I reach my destination. This was probably my biggest disappointment with the vehicle.

COMFORT & TECHNOLOGY

Inside the Hunter, Changan has created a cabin that feels much more like an SUV than a traditional workhorse. The driving position is commanding, visibility is good and there is plenty of space for occupants. The cabin is modern and packed with technology, which is exactly what buyers in this segment are increasingly demanding. The days when a double-cab bakkie was simply a work vehicle are long gone. These vehicles are now family cars, lifestyle vehicles, long-distance commuters and weekend adventure machines. The Hunter understands this shift, the interior has a modern design and a good level of technology, while the smooth electric drivetrain makes the cabin a particularly pleasant place to spend time. There is also a sense of refinement to the way the Hunter drives. Without conventional gear changes, acceleration is smooth and almost completely uninterrupted, which makes it feel more premium than you might expect. However, there was one particular technology issue that really frustrated me., the wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. When you stop, park and lock the Hunter, the vehicle doesn't immediately shut down completely. The interior systems remain active for a short period of time. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, the problem is that my iPhone remained connected to Apple CarPlay even after I had locked the vehicle and walked away. This completely confused my phone because it believed it was still connected to the car. On several occasions, I would return to the vehicle and find that the CarPlay connection wasn't behaving as it should. The only workaround I found was to restart my iPhone. For someone who relies heavily on their phone for navigation, calls and music, this became incredibly frustrating. It is a relatively small issue, but it is exactly the kind of software quirk that can take the shine off an otherwise impressive technology package. Hopefully, this is something that Changan can address with a software update.

VERDICT

The Changan Hunter REEV is an incredibly interesting addition to the South African bakkie market. It is different, and I think that is important, rather than simply producing another double-cab to compete against the likes of the established Japanese, European and American players, Changan has taken a completely different approach by combining an electric drivetrain with a petrol-powered range extender. And in theory, this makes a lot of sense for South Africa. Our charging infrastructure is improving, but range anxiety remains one of the biggest barriers for people considering an electric vehicle. The Hunter's REEV system attempts to solve that problem by giving you the benefits of electric driving without making you completely dependent on charging infrastructure. The performance is excellent, the design is bold and distinctive, the cabin is comfortable and it proved itself to be surprisingly capable off-road. But it isn't perfect, my biggest disappointment was the real-world range compared to the expectations created by the 1 000km-plus claim. The Apple CarPlay issue was another frustration that I hope can be resolved through software. Despite these shortcomings, I came away from my time with the Hunter impressed by what Changan is attempting. This feels like a vehicle that is looking towards the future rather than simply trying to compete with the present. The Changan Hunter REEV may not be perfect, but it is innovative, incredibly quick, comfortable and genuinely different. And in an increasingly crowded bakkie market, being different might just be one of its biggest advantages. When you look at other range extender electric models in the market, the Leapmotor C10 sticks out and works like a charm. Maybe the two companies should sit together and have a knowledge sharing exercise as they both do certain things particularly well but others, not so much. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Electric Drive Train with 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol Range Extender Engine
Gear Box	Single speed electic drive
Power	200kW
Torque	470Nm
Battery size	31.2kW
Price	R799,900

 

Bucket Seat: Jetour X70 Plus

The Chinese automotive invasion shows no signs of slowing down and, if anything, manufacturers are becoming increasingly confident with every new product they launch. Jetour is one of the latest brands to arrive on South African shores, introducing itself with two SUVs that immediately made people take notice – the boldly styled Dashing and the practical X70 Plus. The X70 Plus happened to be my first experience behind the wheel of a Jetour and, truthfully, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. New brands often need time to find their feet, but after spending a few days with the seven-seater SUV, I came away pleasantly surprised. It doesn't try to reinvent the segment, nor does it bombard you with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on delivering exactly what many South African families are looking for space, comfort, plenty of technology and attractive styling at a price that remains accessible. Like many newcomers from China, the value proposition is immediately obvious. But what impressed me most wasn't necessarily the long list of standard features; it was how complete the overall package felt.

DESIGN

The X70 Plus is one of those SUVs that photographs well, but looks even better in person. It has genuine road presence without appearing oversized, and there's a maturity to the design that gives it a more premium feel than its badge might suggest. The large chrome grille dominates the front end, complemented by sharp LED lighting and clean body lines that avoid being overly aggressive. It's modern without trying too hard, and that's something I really appreciated. Unlike some competitors that seem determined to add as many styling elements as possible, the Jetour feels restrained and cohesive. It looks like it was designed with confidence rather than desperation. Walking around the vehicle, its proportions work particularly well. You immediately get the impression that this is a proper family SUV, yet it still carries enough character to stop it looking like just another anonymous seven-seater. The cabin feels welcoming from the moment you climb in. Build quality is solid, the materials feel good to the touch and everything is laid out exactly where you'd expect it to be. I especially liked the centre console, which is one of the better designs I've experienced recently. It's clean, uncluttered and incredibly ergonomic, allowing you to settle into the driving position almost immediately. The only aspect that lets the interior down is the infotainment screen. In an era where manufacturers seem to be fitting increasingly larger displays, the Jetour's screen feels disappointingly small. While the graphics are perfectly acceptable, its size makes interacting with certain functions more difficult than it needs to be. Because it's a touchscreen, making adjustments while driving requires taking your eyes off the road for longer than I'd like. Jetour has attempted to solve this by fitting a rotary jog shuttle controller, which is certainly a welcome addition, but in practice it simply isn't quick enough. Navigating through menus takes longer than it should and, more often than not, I found myself reverting back to the touchscreen anyway.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the X70 Plus is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It isn't a drivetrain that shouts about performance figures, but that's never really been the point of this vehicle. Where the X70 Plus excels is refinement. The engine delivers its power smoothly and predictably, while the gearbox deserves a special mention. Dual-clutch transmissions have come a long way over the years and this is one of the smoother calibrations I've experienced in this segment. Gear changes happen seamlessly, with none of the hesitation or awkward low-speed behaviour that can sometimes plague this type of transmission. Whether crawling through traffic or cruising on the open road, it always seemed to be in the right gear. Ride quality also deserves praise. The suspension strikes a pleasing balance between comfort and body control, soaking up road imperfections without becoming overly soft. It's a vehicle that encourages relaxed driving rather than spirited corner carving, and that's exactly how a family SUV should behave. Fuel consumption was another pleasant surprise. While I certainly wouldn't describe it as exceptionally frugal, it proved to be noticeably lighter on fuel than several other Chinese SUVs I've driven recently. That's encouraging, although there's still room for improvement. If fuel efficiency is your absolute priority, there are alternatives that perform better, but for a seven-seater of this size, it's perfectly acceptable.

COMFORT

This is where the X70 Plus really begins to make sense. Space has clearly been prioritised and it's something you'll appreciate every time you load the family in for a weekend away. The first and second rows offer generous levels of comfort, while the third row provides useful flexibility for children or those occasional extra passengers. The seats are supportive without being overly firm, visibility is good and the overall driving position feels natural. After spending extended time behind the wheel, fatigue simply wasn't an issue, which says a lot about the vehicle's ergonomics. Jetour has also done an impressive job with standard specification. There's very little that feels missing. Modern connectivity, convenience features and safety technology are all present, making the X70 Plus feel every bit as well equipped as rivals costing considerably more. It's this combination of practicality and features that gives the X70 Plus its strongest selling point. You never feel like you're driving a budget SUV. Instead, it feels like a vehicle that punches well above its price bracket.

VERDICT

The X70 Plus has done exactly what a launch product should do—it gives buyers confidence in the brand. As my first experience with Jetour, I walked away impressed. The styling is attractive, the cabin is comfortable, the drivetrain feels refined and the overall ownership proposition is difficult to ignore. Yes, the infotainment screen feels outdated in both size and usability, and fuel consumption could still be improved, but neither issue is significant enough to overshadow what is otherwise a genuinely competent family SUV. Compared with the previous-generation X70, the Plus represents a significant leap forward. It looks considerably more sophisticated, the interior feels more premium, technology has improved and, perhaps most importantly, the driving experience feels far more polished. It isn't simply a facelift it feels like Jetour has matured as a manufacturer in a relatively short space of time. From a South African perspective, that's perhaps the biggest takeaway. Buyers have become far more accepting of Chinese brands over the past few years, but they're also becoming more demanding. Value alone is no longer enough. People expect quality, refinement and a product that can comfortably compete with established names. With pricing sitting comfortably below many of its direct seven-seat rivals, the X70 Plus finds itself in a very sweet spot. You'll inevitably cross-shop it against the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Mahindra XUV700 and even entry-level offerings from more traditional manufacturers, but Jetour has built a convincing argument of its own. The combination of styling, equipment, space and overall refinement makes it feel like excellent value without feeling cheap. If the X70 Plus is anything to go by, Jetour didn't arrive in South Africa simply to add another badge to the growing list of Chinese manufacturers. It arrived with genuine intent, and after spending time with the X70 Plus, I have every reason to believe it's a brand worth keeping an eye on.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed dual clutch
Power	85kW
Torque	270Nm
Fuel Efficiency	7..8L per 100km
Price	R444,000