Bucket Seat: Ferrari F80

The global reveal of Ferrari's latest hypercar, the F80 took place yesterday and while it doesn't pack an Italian bred V12 like its predecessors, the performance figures are just staggering to see what this car does with a 3.0L V6-Hybrid. It's the most powerful road car to leave the gates at Maranello, pushing out 1200bhp and achieving a 0-200km/h time of just 5.75 seconds! This is all thanks to the 120 degree mounted V6 engine and MGU-K Electric Motor. This motor is the first unit developed, tested and manufactured entirely by Ferrari in Maranello. The car features a host of aerodynamic characteristics, most notably the S-Duct which is formed by the carbon fibre front bonnet consisting of a fixed element connecting the two front wings. Inside this feature are two flaps following the main profile to complete the triplane wing configuration with curvatures and blower slots clearly inspired by the 499P LeMans car. This along with the active aero wing takes the F80 to the perfect aerodynamic balance achieving 1050kg of downforce to keep the car firmly rooted to the ground. Base price on the F80 is set to be around $4 million and being in the hypercar category, there probably is an invite only list to buy this one. 

Bucket Tech: HONOR Introduces Circle to Search

Global technology brand HONOR announced the availability of Circle to Search with Google on the flagship HONOR Magic V3, the world’s slimmest inward foldable smartphone, as well as on the HONOR 200 Series, delivering superior performance and an unrivalled studio-level portrait photography experience. The new enhancement ensures everyone can benefit from the latest AI advancements, bringing a seamless and intuitive search experience to smartphone users around the world.

“Enhancements in AI are transforming the way we work, learn, shop, create and interact with our devices. Whether you need translation assistance, homework help or simply want to find out more about an image that’s caught your eye on social media, our smartphones have become our go-to source for searching for this information,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR. “As a human-centric technology brand, HONOR is committed to bringing the benefits of AI to all. Thanks to our close industry collaboration with Google and by introducing this feature to not one, but two of our popular smartphone lines, it’s now possible to unlock a world of information at your fingertips, offering a whole new level of convenience in people’s daily lives.”

Circle to Search empowers users to instantly search for anything they see on their phone with Google. With Circle to Search, users can simply circle, highlight, scribble or tap anywhere on their screen to select the text, image or video they want to search for more information about, without switching apps. Circle to Search makes searching for whatever inspires you even easier.

HONOR’s AI Journey: Building a Comprehensive and Responsible AI Ecosystem

Recognizing the pivotal role of AI in shaping future lifestyles, HONOR has long viewed AI as a strategic priority. Through continuous R&D and open collaboration with industry partners, HONOR is dedicated to enriching its on-device AI ecosystem, delivering forward-thinking AI solutions to consumers worldwide. Earlier this year, HONOR unveiled HONOR’s Four-layer AI Architecture, a blueprint for industry-wide adoption that will ultimately benefit users everywhere. Embracing a hybrid AI strategy that fully integrates on-device AI and cloud AI capabilities, HONOR has developed a multi-layered security architecture and the HONOR Personal Cloud Compute, safeguarding user data and privacy during interactions with cloud AI services. 

Unveiled at IFA 2024, the latest flagship foldable HONOR Magic V3 features a host of pioneering AI capabilities. Teaming up with Google, the HONOR Magic V3 is equipped with AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation and HONOR Notes tools, empowering users with pro-grade productivity features. In keeping with its user-centric approach, HONOR has introduced the industry’s first AI Defocus Eye Protection Technology and AI Deepfake Detection Anti-Fraud Technology, addressing common health and safety concerns associated with smartphone usage. In addition, running on MagicOS 8.0.1, HONOR devices come with the intent-based Magic Portal and Magic Capsule, redefining human-device interactions to offer users optimal convenience.

Monday Choon: John Grand - Speedrunner

 

LA based Progressive and Trance producer John Grand is known for his high-octane music that sends one into euphoria from start end. He unveils a new two-tracker. 'Nightfire' is a collaboration with Dave Raval and the duo lock in, with slinky leads and bouncy pianos merging over rollicking bass and is certainly worth a listen too as well but for me, the second track, 'Speedrunner' is a glorious follow up, with its funk-influenced bass, chopped up vocals and upbeat energy sure to find the ears of fans the world over. It's a fast paced track that gets you hooked from the onset, with a speedy backtrack and catchy bassline, the addition of vocals towards the end is a masterstroke and adds that missing element the track needed. 

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 Tech: HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Therefore, when HUAWEI created their latest line of GT Series smartwatches, their goal was to emphasise the uniqueness of every user and to build a watch that tries to embrace their individuality while ensuring the wearer feels empowered.“Fashion Edge” is a concept that was born out of the watch’s combination of fashionable designs with cutting-edge technology, forming the foundation of the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series. For every person to find their edge in style, health and fitness performance, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series brings a diversity of features that best fit the user’s goals and lifestyle.

Visually, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series introduces two distinct designs, the sharp octagonal and the elegant gold-accent watch – with 10 different watch strap design choices. Users can now experience the best of wearable technology without compromising style.

For those looking for a premium experience, the Pro models incorporate high-end materials such as Titanium and Nanocrystal Ceramic, offering not only a luxury feel but also the durability needed for everyday wear, whether at the office, home or gym.

The Introduction of HUAWEI TruSense System

Creating a unique wearable experience for every consumer extends beyond just personal style and the looks of the product but also personal wellness. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series debuts with HUAWEI TruSense, an integrated health and sports tracking system that significantly enhances the wearable experience by making it faster, more accurate and more inclusive. Foundationally, the HUAWEI TruSense System brings upgraded sensors with the inclusion of cutting-edge glass darkening hardware technology and improved algorithms, taking the accuracy and speed of health and fitness monitoring to new heights. It also features an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, enabling users to monitor their emotional health for the first time on a HUAWEI smartwatch. This feature can monitor the user’s current emotional state, log them into the HUAWEI Health app and make recommendations to help users navigate life's highs and lows. 

A Winning Edge over the Rest: Go Pro with Enhanced Sports Features

Finding your edge also doesn’t’ just manifest in style but also in confidence. Even while you’re in the middle of a game of your favourite sport or during a casual weekly run, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series dynamically measures your fitness performance and progress so you can hit your targets with greater ease.

For runners, features such as Running Form Analysis provide personalised tips to improve technique and performance. For those who run casually or as a social activity, the RouteDraw feature creatively maps out your runs using graphics, offering fresh challenges and scenic routes to explore.

Golfing, cross-country running, and freediving enthusiasts can go a step further with pro-level sports trackers offered exclusively on the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro. For these specific activities, the watch comes with more in-depth tools to elevate your performance and make every session more enjoyable.

HUAWEI GT Series: A History of Wins and a Future of Exciting Possibilities

Since its initial release in 2018, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series has brought new life to the smartwatch industry. From offering unique designs to accomplishing 7 day and 14-day battery life with just a single charge. There is no doubt that the trailblazing features of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series are a key reason why HUAWEI leads in the wearables market.

With the announcement of the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, anticipation is running high, will this new edition uphold the stellar reputation of its legendary predecessors? One thing is for sure; tech enthusiasts will be paying close attention as the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series hits the shelves in South Africa in October 2024

Monday Choon: MEDUZA, HAYLA - Another World

Italian DJ's and producers Meduza has been mesmerizing the electronic dance world with their unique sounds for the past year and more. Their sounds are a fresh take on house music with their added flair and it's been incredible to witness their fame take off since their hit track "Piece of you heart". On their latest offering they team up with Grammy nominated British songstress HAYLA for the track "Another World", shes no stranger to the dance music world as she's teamed up with the likes of Kygo and most notably John Summit on a number of his tracks. Her voice just suits this genre which is why shes so high in demand, from hearing how good this track is, I hope this is the first of many between the Italian trio and her, for now, you can enjoy this track by pressing play below. 

Anjunadeep Open Air South Africa 2025

 

Following two successful shows in March this year in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, the oragnisers of the first ever Anjunadeep Open Air show on the African continent have decided to go again in 2025. The announcement was made not too long after the shows this year and echos what deep house means to us here in South Africa. After attending the Cape Town event which in its own right was spectacular to say the least, we were begging for more and the people down at Anjuna HQ did not disappoint when they released the official line-up for the 2025 shows. First up see's British female duo Eli & Fur comprising Eliza Noble and Jennifer Skillman, hailing from London, England. Eli & Fur have been working together since they were in their teens, they write and play their own tracks, which creates a sound that is "distinctly electronic, mixing house and dance beats". SONA see's his introduction to the line-up and many don't know this but he is the son of SA's very own global superstar Black Coffee, following in his fathers footsteps has achieved massive success in his first 12 months of producing music. The Anjuna team decided to throw in some Amapiono & Afrotech into the mix with the addition of Stofella, the former Miss SA contestant has found solace in music and has created quite a name for herself in the industry thus far. The biggest headline act though has to be Dutch DJ duo Tinlicker,  the electronic music group from Utrecht comprising Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven. Formed in 2012, they have released music on labels such as Anjunadeep, mau5trap, Astralwerks, and Armada. They have played festivals including Mysteryland, Creamfields, Tomorrowland, Ultra and are now making their way to SA to play for us in 2025!

Tickets have already gone on sale for both shows, so if you still haven't gotten yours, the question is why the hell not? Prices start at R350 for General access and are available on Howler. 

Bucket Tech: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10 Series

Samsung Electronics  has unveiled the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+, Samsung’s first tablets purposefully built for AI. The premium hardware includes either a 14.6-inch or 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display — the ideal canvas for the intuitive S Pen bundled with both models. Performance upgrades[1] for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra include an 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

This improved processing power enables faster and more responsive AI features, which are now easily accessible with written prompts using the new Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboards to customise the AI assistant. Cutting-edge software includes features such as Note Assist and Drawing Assist, optimised for the tablet form factor. The Galaxy Tab S10 series also acts as a home AI device, with a 3D Map View that gives a visual overview of the home and all connected devices to streamline device management across the SmartThings ecosystem. Robust Samsung Knox security ensures data privacy and control, while innovative materials underscore Samsung’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

“The Galaxy Tab S10 series is Samsung’s first tablet built with AI enhancements available right out of the box, and it’s the latest addition to the Galaxy AI family,” said MC Lee, VP, Head of Galaxy Ecosystems Business Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re proud to add to our seamless ecosystem of connected devices, bringing versatile experiences that only an AI tablet can offer through the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ blend of power and portability.”

Peak Performance on the Go

Built on Samsung’s legacy of providing powerful experiences, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ harness significant leaps in AI processing power to deliver a supercharged, lag-free experience. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra includes a more than 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Coupled with long-lasting battery life] and Super-Fast Charging, the Galaxy Tab S10 series allows the device to be used for longer, with less time spent waiting for it to charge.

Elegant Build Quality, Mesmerising Display

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s 14.6-inch display and Galaxy Tab S10+’s 12.4-inch display both feature cutting-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and offer a vibrant yet natural viewing experience, even outdoors. Every detail remains clear from any angle and in any environment with advanced anti-reflective technology, minimising distracting glare and reducing reflection rate. The series’ quad speaker setup is further enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, which amplifies voices over unwanted noise to create ultra-clear audio. And for use on the go, the Galaxy Tab S10 series offers uncompromised durability with an IP68 rating[4] further protected by enhanced Armor Aluminum — built to handle bumps and scrapes to use anytime, anywhere.

Work Smarter, Achieve True Creativity

The Galaxy Tab S10 series offers an efficient experience — enhancing productivity —and serves as the ideal canvas to let out your creative side.

With Note Assist and the intuitive S Pen, notetaking is a breeze on the tablet's large display. Schoolwork, note-taking, and personal journaling become more efficient with automated transcriptions and summaries provided by AI. With PDF Overlay Translation, the Galaxy Tab S10 series can also seamlessly translate PDFs via an on-screen overlay. Handwriting Help cleans up untidy handwritten notes, too.

Galaxy AI’s Sketch to Image makes the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra perfect for turning imagination into reality, acting as the ideal creative assistant for overcoming mental roadblocks.

With Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy Tab S10 series, you can Circle to search anything without switching apps. Instantly translate anything you see on your tablet with Google. Without switching apps, you can translate any image, video or text in two taps. Quickly get the info you need, then get right back to what you’re doing. Circle to Search can even recognise and outline steps for solving physics and math problems.

The Galaxy S Pen’s Air Command with AI provides instant access to Galaxy AI Assistant features without toggling between menus. AI Assistant apps can also be easily launched by the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboard with written prompts, making it easier for users to choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for a customised AI experience.

Intelligent Home Device

Galaxy Tab S10 doubles as a Galaxy home AI device, simplifying device management. With large screen-optimised features such as 3D Map View, it’s easy to see status of SmartThings-enabled devices via the SmartThings widget. Users can also enable SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode to easily monitor their devices’ energy consumption. Galaxy AI doesn’t just enhance life on the go, it also takes the stress out of home life.

The Galaxy Ecosystem, Secure and Expanded

The Galaxy Tab S10 series expands Galaxy’s unique connected experience and third-party app ecosystem, offering new and enhanced apps. The Tab S10 series provides access to leading third-party apps including Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Noteshelf 3, Clip Studio Paint, Picsart and Sketchbook. Users can easily control speeds and add dramatic visual effects when editing videos on LumaFusion or seamlessly create content for social media with Picsart’s AI design tools. With the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ extensive third-party app ecosystem, there’s something for everyone.

Samsung is committed to providing users with choice and control over their devices and their data. With Advanced Intelligence settings, users can choose to disable online data processing to ensure their data remains on-device. Samsung Knox’s real-time threat detection and collaborative protection always keeps users safe, so they can live life to the fullest.

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ will be available in South Africa from 15 October 2024.Get the Galaxy Tab S10 Series and receive limited launch gifts valued at R10 000, including a premium keyboard cover and a 45W Travel Adapter.

Monday Choon: Marsh feat. ALLKNIGHT - Rabbit Hole

British Deep and Progressive House music DJ and producer MARSH teams up with long-term collaborator ALLKINIGHT for his latest track which is featured on the blog today. ‘Rabbit Hole’ features Marsh’s signature hypnotic melodies, paired with the songwriting of long-time collaborator ALLKNIGHT, who has appeared at the UK Aria shows and will be joining Marsh, alongside Leo Wood, across his North American dates which include dates at New York’s Webster Hall and Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre, culminating in an appearance at Anjunadeep’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre showcase, where Marsh will close the show. 

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen ID.4 Pro

It's a subject that has the motoring world divided, it's something that was one of the causes of the greatest motoring trio the world has seen to stop what they loved the most, reviewing cars, the electric car. Jeremy Clarkson said at the end of their final Special for the Grand Tour, and I quote "There are lots of reasons why we're jacking this show in but for me, one of the main ones is I'm simply not interested in electric cars. They are just white goods, they're washing machines, they're microwave ovens. You can't review those, you can't enjoy them" and to an extent I will agree with him but what Jeremy and other hardcore petrol heads fail to see is the evolution of this technology. I disagree with him that you can't review them, I disagree with him that you cannot enjoy them. When I was a kid, my favourite toy from my collection was a remote (wired) controlled 190E Mercedes Benz DTM car. I had tonnes of fun with this toy running around the house driving it. In essence that is what an electric car is, electric motor and batteries and it brought me so much of joy, from a tender age of 11 I thought about how a normal car could use a battery to operate it but obviously it takes a lot more than what a toy has. There's the safety aspects that one has to take into consideration as well as all the latest technology and creature comforts that people expect in cars these days. There are a lot of components that make up a car and to the benefit of the manufacturers, they've revolutionized the way we see electric cars since the very first ones we saw no too long ago. One of the EV's which has changed the market's perception of these electric powered cars is the Volkswagen ID.4, while it was introduced to Europe almost 2 years ago, it's made its way onto South African shores this year, but its not for sale just yet. I attended the launch a few months back but recently got to spend some quality time with it and these are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

Volkswagen aim for the ID.4 was to be an electric SUV and to an extent is fits the mold, with a decent ride height, ground clearance and spacious cabin and lots of luggage space, it ticks all the boxes. Whether or not I'd take it off roading is a different story altogether, not that I think it won't manage the dirt tracks, I'd be too scared to find out if it cannot but getting back to the design, the ID.4 has a very different look to the conventional VW design language, while signature elements are there, the overall look and shape of the car make it known that this is something different. The exterior of the Volkswagen ID.4 is a perfect balance of modernity and functionality. It features sleek, aerodynamic lines that give it a futuristic but approachable look. Unlike some EVs that go too far in terms of radical design, the ID.4 sticks to a more mainstream aesthetic, which will likely appeal to a broader audience. Up front, the ID.4 has a closed-off grille (typical for EVs) and VW's new illuminated logo, which gives it a premium feel, especially at night. The full-width LED light bar across the front and matrix headlights add to its futuristic look, while the sculpted hood and large wheels give it a commanding road presence. The rear of the car also features LED lighting and a subtle, integrated spoiler, which enhances aerodynamics. 

PERFORMANCE

The ID.4  was launched in Europe in 2020 and was available  in various configurations, starting with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor option for more power and better traction. The model that is brought down to SA is the Pro model which has a single electric motor that produces 150kW and 310Nm of torque. This equates to a 0-100km time of 8.5 seconds, nothing to write home about I know but bare in mind that this is a family vehicle and has a heavy payload with the batteries. The car, while doesn't feature a conventional gearbox has two driving modes, namely "D" and "B" which can be selected from the gear selector that extends out of the digital instrument cluster. Drive, being a more conventional driving experience and has a less harsher regeneration feel to it but does eat into the battery life, while "B" is more suited for your urban commute as it enhances the regeneration side of the breaks giving it a slightly more harsher feel when lifting off the accelerator.  The ride quality of the ID.4 is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, which suits its family-SUV nature. It absorbs road imperfections well, making for a smooth and quiet ride, especially with the near-silent operation of the electric drivetrain. The steering is light and precise, but it lacks the sharpness that some drivers might crave.

CHARGING

One of the most important aspects of any EV is its range, and the Volkswagen ID.4 performs admirably here. The RWD model comes with an 77 kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated range of around 531km on a full charge, as per the brochure but a full charge gave me a range of 431km, this fluctuated with my driving styles as I drove the car, if you drive it properly, the ID.4 will show you its worth, even with the range saying 431km, it could easily have done more with the power regeneration thanks to those massive 235 tyres. Range anxiety is a thing of the past with the ID.4 and even when my range dropped to below 70km, and the colours in the car started to turn red, I was note phased at all. I was not brave enough to take it to 0% battery life but other media colleagues did and it still managed to do an extra 10km till it got to the charging station.  The car is responsive like any EV would be, but flicking between the driving modes really shows you how the character of the car can change. The silence is something I've gotten used to and the smoothness of the drive is just superb. When it comes to charging, the ID.4 supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, which allows it to charge from 5% to 80% in around 30 minutes at a fast-charging station. The fastest charging station I had access to was the DC charging station at Gateway Shopping Center which was a 66kW station which manage to charge the ID.4 from 7% to 100% in just under an hour, or just long enough to have my lunch. Home charging whether with a wall box or direct from your wall socket will take in excess of 7 hours or overnight but when it comes to charging, unless you know you're doing a lot of running around the next day, one would only be charging this car once a week. 

COMFORT

The interior of the ID.4 is minimalist but loaded with tech. The layout is clean and clutter-free, with a focus on simplicity. The centerpiece is a 10-inch (upgradable to 12-inch in higher trims) touchscreen infotainment system, which controls most of the car's functions, from navigation to climate control. The cabin feels open and airy, helped by the available panoramic sunroof and large windows that provide great visibility. The materials used are mostly high-quality, though some harder plastics are present, especially in lower trims. However, the overall build quality is solid, and the seats are comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of space for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making it a practical choice for families. The ID.4 offers 543-liters of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to `,575-liters with the seats folded, which is competitive for the segment. Volkswagen has equipped the ID.4 with a suite of advanced tech features that enhance both convenience and safety. The infotainment system is responsive and integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. The system also supports voice control, which Volkswagen calls “ID. Light,” a system of visual cues integrated into the dashboard to communicate certain information (such as navigation prompts or incoming calls). The digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, giving drivers quick access to important information. The ID.4 also comes with a variety of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, as part of VW’s “IQ.Drive” suite of safety systems. Higher trims include features like a 360-degree camera, park assist, and an augmented reality head-up display that projects navigation directions onto the windshield.

VERDICT

The Volkswagen ID.4, to me just goes to prove what EV's can offer, while this is an old model that we're only getting to experience now, it just goes to show what brands are doing with the technology and its no surprise why it was an excellent choice for buyers in Europe who were looking to transition to electric driving without compromising on the practicality and comfort of a compact SUV. Its competitive range, spacious interior, and advanced tech make it a strong contender in the rapidly growing EV market. While it may not offer the high-performance thrills of some competitors, its well-rounded nature, combined with Volkswagen's strong build quality and brand recognition, makes it an appealing option for families and environmentally conscious consumers alike. Like all cars, it does come with some pros and cons, with the pros outweighing the cons and for the type use one would get an ID.4 for, it really makes the competition look weak. While we can't really compare it to other EV's on the market since VWSA won't be putting it on sale anytime soon, even with the upcoming leasing option it would be hard to judge it against other brands in the market. It still is a conundrum to me as to why Volkswagen Group are taking this stance since its sister company, Audi is selling their e-trons to the market, it remains to be seen if they change their stance on the matter as I personally believe they have a winning car in their pocket.

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Single Electric Motor
Gear Box	Automatic
Torque	310Nm
Power	150kW
Battery	77kWh
Price	Not For Sale