Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has for long been a star in the countries budget hatch segment, while pricing on it may be higher than some of the other competition, it still maintains a strong dominance over them due to the name and quality associated with the Volkswagen brand. The fact that is is assembled locally here at the VW plant in Kariega is an added bonus! Last year I attended the launch for the latest update in the model line up which featured cosmetic, technology and safety upgrades to the models as well as some other enhancements to keep up with the times. A few months following the launch, VWSA sent me the range topping Vivo GT to drive for a week, to get an on hand feel with the updates they've made, it also gave me an opportunity see how a car like the Vivo which is more of a budget hatch back can be a versatile family car, here's my experience with it. 

DESIGN

Much noise was made about the design of the refreshed Polo Vivo during launch, saying that is looks the same as the old one, given the life cycle of a car like the Polo Vivo, it follows the trend of its sibling, the normal Polo and that is still running with its face-lift version, so in theory they cannot have a shape change. Also keeping the same chassis allows for VW to keep the cars pricing quite competitive, that's not to say they haven't made any changes to the styling. Key differences between this GT and the previous model include a black painted roof, bumper skin and lower and upper grille with chrome, new interior trim and a body coloured boot spoiler. The front bumper has been revised to suit the latest VW styling, giving it a more larger frame with the bigger opening with boomerang style design side pieces which are colour coded and house the fog lamps which also serve as daytime running lights for the car. Depending on the trim chosen, there are various new alloys on offer, the GT comes with 17-inch Mirabeau alloy wheels in Anthracite. 

PERFORMANCE

Powered by the infamous 1.0 TSI engine, the Vivo GT produces 81kW and 200Nm of torque, this is paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox that provided a smooth and efficient drive. For day-to-day driving, the Vivo GT gave a rather zesty feel, being the sports derivative of the Polo Vivo line-up, it didn't disappoint in providing a spirited driving feel. The nimble nature added to the experience of fast paced driving with easy maneuverability. It felt solid on the highways as well, with me taking it on a weekend to the Berg, the Vivo GT with a fully boot and cabin coped well. With plenty of power available for the highway and even doing well on some gravel roads. When it comes to fuel economy, this 1.0 TSI engine is superb and practically sips the petrol from its tank, I swear for the first two days after filling up, the range kept increasing instead of decreasing, I almost wanted to call VWSA up to say that there is a defect with the car but it wasn't. 

COMFORT

Look, I'm going to be straight with you guys here, this car is"budget" for a reason so don't come in here expecting massaging seats and all the bells and whistles because you're not going to get it. You don't even get climate control aircon but you do get aircon. The seats, while coming with new trendy trims are not the most comfortable, they are firm and very hardy, with durable material that will last you a long time but other than that, not much to write home about. The seat sizing is also small to adapt to the cars size but in saying that it was still okay for me, who is larger than the average human. While the suspension isn't anything fancy, it gave a decent ride on normal roads. The large 17-inch rims didn't help but not as bad on normal surfaces, just not the best for lower quality roads. The car as mentioned does come with air conditioning with just a single setting for the cabin. The new 9-inch display is very cool and easy to use, would have been nice if the mobile apps were wireless but not a major train smash to plug in the USB, which is USB A and not C like most new VW models. There are lots of new safety features in the Vivo like side airbags for the driver and front passenger, the GT gets twin LED headlamps and tyre pressure monitor. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Vivo GT is still my go-to from the Vivo range, offering that sporty feel for a fraction of the cost of other hatch backs. The Vivo as mentioned is feature packed and most of the changes were developed at the plant in Kariega so we have a lot to be proud about in this car. It proved its versatility to me on my trip to the berg, managed to cram the boot with our luggage as well as essentials for the weekend for 3 adults, fine, there was some items that had to be stored on the back seat but not much to make the journey uncomfortable for anyone. The fuel economy and performance on the 1.0-litre TSI is second to none in the segment so with that in mind, as well as the competitive pricing, makes the Polo Vivo GT a firm favourite of mine. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.0 TSI
Gear Box	6-speed manual
Torque	200Nm
Power	81kW
0-100km	9.7 seconds
Price	R356,000

 

Bucket Tech: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable

Lenovo recently showcased their ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, the world’s first rollable display AI PC1 developed in cooperation with Lenovo Research at CES 2025, transitioning from a groundbreaking proof of concept to a fully realized product. First showcased as the Lenovo rollable laptop concept two years ago, this innovative device demonstrates Lenovo’s ability to turn forward-thinking concepts into practical, high-performance solutions for business professionals.

Personalized and Productive Innovation in Ground-Breaking Form and Function

The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC is designed to redefine productivity and multitasking with its unique rollable display technology. By vertically expanding from a compact 14-inch display to a generous 16.7 inches by simple press of a dedicated key or through hand gestures to the camera, users gain nearly 50% additional screen space in a portable form factor, making it ideal for business users who need flexibility and efficiency on the go. This rollable feature allows professionals to adapt the screen size based on task demands, from document editing to data analysis and presentations, all while maintaining an ultra-slim 14-inch laptop footprint with a 19.9mm profile and weighing just 1.7kg.

ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC

Engineered for maximum versatility and reliability, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable combines the portability of a traditional laptop with the expanded workspace of a larger device. Its proprietary ThinkBook Workspace feature enhances user experience by enabling split-screen functionality and providing dedicated widgets for easy access to frequently used apps and tools. With a unique vertical laptop screen experience, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 also encourages better posture, reducing strain for professionals working long hours.

This Copilot+ PC is built with AI-enabled features like Lenovo AI Now and Cocreator from Paint to unleash user productivity and creativity. The laptop combines powerful on-device intelligence and cloud capabilities to enhance productivity when and where users have need. Lenovo AI Now acts as a smart assistant, streamlining workflows and offering personalized task suggestions, while Copilot+ PCs provides advanced generative AI capabilities, supporting tasks from content creation to data processing. Together, these AI features help users to efficiently handle demanding tasks, even when offline​.

Built for Mobile Professionals and Creative Minds

The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable is tailored to meet the diverse needs of mobile professionals, business travelers, and productivity-focused workers who need seamless multitasking capabilities. With its rollable screen, the device offers an extended vertical display ideal for applications such as document review, coding, project management, and content creation. Professionals in creative fields and technical roles will appreciate the split-screen functionality that supports multiple window layout without sacrificing screen space. This adaptable display solution includes virtual display technology, allowing users to create a second virtual display which can be uniquely shared in meetings, reducing the need for external monitors, making the device a practical choice for those who prioritize both portability and efficiency​.

ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC

Under the hood, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, delivering AI-optimized performance and impressive power efficiency. With Intel Arc graphics and robust connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4 and Intel® Wi-Fi 7 (5 Gig), the device provides reliable, high-speed performance for numerous professional demands. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 also includes an edge-to-edge keyboard, a 120Hz OLED display with 400 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, ensuring a vibrant, responsive user experience​.

Monday Choon: Anyma - Hypnotized (feat. Ellie Goulding)

 

We kicking off the new year with some fresh music from artist that we never thought would join forces, two weeks after Anyma dropped a teaser  of his new track with Ellie Goulding who had a cameo appearance at his residency set at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the track has been released! Why can't more DJ's release tracks this fast after dropping teasers? The track titled "Hypnotized" has since racked up over half a million views on YouTube and counting. Ellie is no strange to EDM having collaborating with Calvin Harris  in the past, speaking to Rolling Stone Magazine, Ellie had this to say about her latest work,  "Collaborating on ‘Hypnotized’ with Anyma has been an incredibly enriching and wildly exciting ride,” the pop star tells Rolling Stone. “He is a creative visionary with an unmatched ability to marry sound and visual art in a way no one else can."

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI 'Unfold the Classic'

Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several highly anticipated products that usher in a new era of foldable excellence as part of the "Unfold the Classic" HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch held in Dubai on December 12. Among these products is its new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, setting a new standard in foldable smartphones and further solidifying Huawei’s market leadership. The HUAWEI Mate X6 is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability, advanced features, and exceptional user experience.

In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced an impressive lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. This suite of products represents a new era of premium innovation, showcasing Huawei's commitment to continuous advancement and delivering exceptional experiences for consumers across the MEA region.

HUAWEI Mate X6

The HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that's extremely thin, light, and exceptionally durable. It is complete with 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.

The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to control depth of field and light intake with precision. The camera also incorporates Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120%. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, called the HUAWEI Mate X6: “A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience."

Although, the HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black, only the Nebula Gray will be available in South Africa from mid-April 2025.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, sets new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 features advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone. The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces a new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations, ushering in a fresh wave of trendsetting functionality. Embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation, the series debuts in a striking new Loden Green colourway alongside classic Black and White options.

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without needing a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities, enabling close-up portraits and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in South Africa from the beginning of February 2025 through Huawei's online platforms as well as select retailers.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this versatile tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in South Africa starting from mid-February 2025 through Huawei's online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in stunning Isle Blue and sleek Space Gray.

HUAWEI FreeClip: Now in Rose Gold

The HUAWEI FreeClip combines pioneering audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones, exuding a sense of romance and understated elegance. Alongside its stylish appeal, the FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.

Monday Choon: Andrew Rayel pres. ARISEY - Dudadu (Remix)

 

Andrew Rayel debuts his new alias ARISEY with "Dudadu," a vibrant rework of Irina Rimes's pop-ethno folk hit that has captivated the electronic dance music scene. Blending the emotive essence of the original with driving techno beats and melodic electronic layers, ARISEY delivers a fresh and dynamic sound. This release marks an exciting evolution in Rayel’s artistry, introducing fans to a bold and innovative direction under the ARISEY moniker.

Bucket Seat: Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L (Luxury variant) is the flagship trim of the XUV300 lineup, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features that cater to urban and highway driving. First out, I think Mahindra have done a stunning job with the design of the car, its eye catching, its appealing and its just stands out from the crowd. Even though I had one of the more subdued colours in its line-up, it still had presence and it definitely echoes the right direction for the brands design philosophy. I spent a relatively short time with the car, not my usual 7-days which I felt didn't do the car justice but in any case, here are my thoughts on this new variant from the Indian motoring giant. 

DESIGN

The XUV300 AX7L stands out with its bold and muscular design, reflecting Mahindra's modern design philosophy. Front Features a prominent grille with chrome inserts, projector headlamps, and LED DRLs that lend a sophisticated and aggressive look. The car sports 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a strong character line running along the side, giving it a dynamic stance. The LED tail lamps are sharp and sleek, enhancing its premium appeal. The rear spoiler and silver skid plates add to its sporty demeanor. It comes in vibrant and dual-tone color options, which enhance its youthful and premium look.

PERFORMANCE

The XUV300 AX7L is available locally with only one engine option, that being the 1.2L Turbo-Petrol Engine from which it derives 82kW and 200Nm of torque, this is paired with a 6-speed automatic AISIN gearbox which I'll be very honest, I didn't quite enjoy. I felt that it quite often slipped gears especially in take off and the transitions were not smooth at all, with quite aggressive feedback at times. On the open road it didn't fair too badly, I found it peppy and a bit more refined, but it's meant to be a city car and I suppose for that aspect, the driving dynamics were not the greatest but given its size, nimbleness and its decent fuel economy, it may still fair well for many. 

COMFORT

The cabin of the AX7L variant is plush and equipped with high-end materials, offering a premium in-car experience. Soft-touch materials and a dual-tone theme dominate the dashboard, giving it an upmarket feel. Leatherette upholstery with excellent cushioning ensures comfort during long drives. The front seats are ventilated, a nice option for the hot, humid Durban summers.The car is spacious for its class, with ample legroom and headroom in both rowws. At 257 liters, the boot is adequate for daily needs but could feel limited for larger trips. The AX7L is loaded with segment-leading features which include a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, paired with a premium Harman/Kardon sound system. On the safety side, it includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Driver Assistance Systems include: Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking set it apart.Comfort Features which are note worthy are dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming IRVM enhance convenience and luxury.

VERDICT

The Mahindra XUV300 AX7L is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed compact SUV with robust performance and advanced safety tech. While its boot space could be a drawback, the overall value it offers makes it a compelling option in its segment. The AX7L variant is priced at the premium end of the XUV300 lineup, but its features and performance justify the cost. It competes with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon, holding its own with its feature-rich offering and strong engines.

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.2L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed AISIN
Torque	200Nm
Power	82kW
0-60KM	4.6 seconds
Price	R404,999

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI to Unveil Next-Gen Foldable Smartphone

Huawei is set to host a highly anticipated launch event in Dubai this December, where the company will showcase a lineup of groundbreaking products poised to push the boundaries of innovation. The event marks a pivotal moment for the brand, unveiling groundbreaking products like the HUAWEI Mate X6, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, and HUAWEI nova 13 Series. The new products will set new benchmarks for design, functionality, and user experience in the mobile and audio markets.

As Huawei continues to solidify its position as a leader in the tech industry, this launch will underscore the company’s expanding influence in international markets.

A New Era for Foldable Phones

Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, the HUAWEI Mate X6, will be unveiled during the Dubai launch. The phone is expected to redefine the future of foldable smartphone technology. It is among the company’s most advanced foldables to date. The Mate X6 is expected to once again raise the bar of mobile photography, building on Huawei’s legacy of pioneering smartphone cameras with its Mate Series.

Besides the Mate X6, Huawei will unveil its next-generation audio products, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4. These earbuds will be the first to feature HUAWEI SOUND, offering an immersive audio experience. They will also include AI-driven noise reduction technology, designed to isolate the wearer’s voice during calls while eliminating environmental noise—a feature that significantly enhances call quality, particularly in noisy environments.

Consumers can also look forward to the launch of the HUAWEI nova 13 series, a new midrange smartphone that brings a unique interweaving design and an array of exciting features. The HUAWEI nova 13 series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including enhanced camera capabilities, a performance boost, and more. Additionally, the new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 will deliver a paper-like experience, perfect for light office productivity, efficient learning, and everyday tasks.

A Strategic Milestone

The Dubai event, scheduled for the 12th of December, will mark the global unveiling of Huawei's several innovative products. The MEA market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions for technology, and Huawei is committed to strengthening its regional presence. By continuing to introduce groundbreaking products, Huawei is positioning itself to shape the future of mobile technology while reinforcing its role as a global tech powerhouse.

 

Monday Choon: Tiësto & Soaky Siren - Tantalizing

 

The much-anticipated track “Tantalizing” by Tiësto, featuring Bahamian artist Soaky Siren, is poised to make a big impact. Officially releasing on November 8th and already available for pre-order, the track captures the pulse of Afro House, expanding Tiësto’s range and spotlighting Soaky’s vibrant vocal style. Known for his genre-crossing artistry, Tiësto’s recent dive into Afro House taps into the genre’s rise on the global dance scene, where the rhythmic, percussion-driven Afro House sound has rapidly gained fans worldwide.

Bucket Seat: Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance luxury SUV that combines athletic dynamics with everyday practicality. With most of the performance Range from Audi being headlines by the RS model, many wonder why with the Q5, Audi stopped with the S? Well, I think they took a smart approach to this, while there is a RSQ3 which we've seen is quite popular in the market, with the SQ5 coming with a 3.0-liter V6 delivering adequate power to this impressive SUV, making it a bit mot faster and louder might not appeal to the target market which it is aimed at, that is a family and recreational vehicle. I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Audi SQ5 on a recent trip to Cape Town, with my family so I got to put it through the test for what it's meant for, a practical family SUV with a big of oomph. So here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

The Audi SQ5 has a striking yet elegant design that reflects its performance-oriented nature. Its sporty stance is complemented by distinctive Audi styling cues and subtle S-specific details. The front fascia features a bold Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern and aluminum-look accents. Aggressive LED Matrix headlights (with optional laser lighting) and sharp air intakes further enhance the sporty aesthetic. The SQ5 sits on stylish 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, with optional red brake calipers hinting at its performance potential. Subtle side skirts and chrome or black-out trims (available with the Black Optic package) add a sleek, purposeful look. Quad exhaust outlets, an integrated roof spoiler, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals give the rear end a sporty yet refined appearance.

PERFORMANCE

The SQ5 delivers an exhilarating drive, powered by a robust engine and supported by advanced chassis technologies. The SQ5 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the SQ5 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker SUVs in its segment. Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, offering excellent grip and handling in various road conditions. The torque vectoring system enhances cornering stability and agility. The adaptive air suspension is standard on higher trims and available as an option, allowing drivers to adjust ride height and firmness. This setup provides a perfect balance of comfort for daily commutes and stiffness for spirited driving. Audi Drive Select offers multiple driving modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Offroad) to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics. Given its performance, the SQ5 offers respectable efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 9.2L per 100km. With it being in dynamic driving mode for most of the time of my visit, that figure was slightly higher at 11.7L per 100km which wasn't that bad considering most of my driving was short distance routes. 

COMFORT

The SQ5’s cabin showcases Audi’s hallmark craftsmanship, blending premium materials, advanced technology, and sporty accents. Sport seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery and diamond stitching are standard. They're well-bolstered for spirited driving yet comfortable enough for long trips. Front seats are heated, ventilated, and offer massaging functions on higher trims. The interior feels spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats slide and recline for added comfort. Cargo capacity is practical for its class, offering 500 liters of space with the seats up, expandable to 1,520 liters with the rear seats folded. The SQ5 interior is sporty and luxurious, featuring brushed aluminum or optional carbon fiber inlays, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ambient lighting with customizable colors. The SQ5 excels in delivering a refined and dynamic driving experience. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease in Comfort mode, while Dynamic mode tightens things up for more enthusiastic driving. The steering is precise and responsive, though it lacks some of the feedback purists might desire. Body roll is minimal, and the SQ5 feels planted during high-speed cornering. Audi equips the SQ5 with its latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which is intuitive and feature-rich. A 10.1-inch touchscreen takes center stage, paired with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Virtual Cockpit provides customizable displays, including navigation, performance metrics, and media information. Standard Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Audi Connect services ensure seamless connectivity. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is available for audiophiles. Physical buttons for climate control provide ease of use, while a rotary touchpad offers additional input options for the infotainment system. Some of the key safety features that is is included with the SQ5 are Audi pre sense basic and pre sense city (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.  Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system enhance safety and convenience.

VERDICT

The Audi SQ5 is a near-perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and performance. It’s ideal for those who want a sporty driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling a mountain road, or cruising on the highway, the SQ5 delivers with poise and confidence. For buyers seeking a versatile luxury SUV that’s as thrilling to drive as it is comfortable to live with, the Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice. When compared to its rivals, the Audi SQ5 might seem a bit dated but seeing that the new Q5 has broken cover, the new one should be hot on the heels of that as well but for that, we will have to probably wait a year or two for it to reach our shores. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Turbo Petrol V6
Gear Box	8-speed TipTronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	260kW
Fuel Consumption	9.2L per 100km
Price	R1,541,000

 

Bucket Tech: WD Storage Solutions

Western Digital announced it has released several new Flash storage solutions to help pros and consumers get ready for the holidays. Whether looking for the perfect gift, or planning a new venture in the New Year, the innovative products from its award-winning SanDisk® and WD_BLACK™ brands reach new levels of speed, reliability, and capacity, serving a diverse set of digital storage needs.

High Performance, Super Capacity Portable SSDs

The expanded SanDisk portfolio of portable SSDs includes two offerings that feature next-generation SSD speeds and help defy the limits of durability. The new drives are perfect for pros or creators and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data on the go in the toughest of climates:

SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® high-performance portable SSD - As one of the first portable SSDs in the market to feature a USB4 interface, the SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® is great for pros who need exceptional speed and performance. It has lightning-fast USB4 connectivity with speeds up to 3,800 MB/s read and up to 3,700 MB/s write, providing users with incredibly fast file transfers that keep workflows moving, instant access to content, and smooth 3D rendering. The drive features a rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis to help protect data from everyday wear and tear, allowing users to seamlessly access files without compromising reliability. Its IP65 water and dust resistant design helps withstand splashes, rain, and even spills. For those accidental drops, the SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is drop protected up to two meters. The drive is also backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices and supports Thunderbolt™ 4. The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is expected to be available in early 2025 in 2TB and 4TB.

8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD - Great for anyone creating massive files or backing up huge content libraries on the go, the 8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD is the perfect blend of speed, durability, and capacity to keep up with content demands and active lifestyles. The drive offers up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. The 8TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is now available at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Uplevel Gaming with Higher Performance, More Storage

The purpose-built gaming line, WD_BLACK, now features two new products aimed to deliver amazing performance and capacity so gamers can play at their best:

WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD - Building on its reputation for speed, WD_BLACK is introducing a new high-performance PCIe® Gen 4x4 DRAMless NVMe SSD that is perfectly suited to help mainstream gamers take full advantage of today’s highly visual and immersive games that continue to grow in file size. Built with Western Digital’s latest TLC 3D NAND, this new SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write  (1-2TB models), providing up to a 35% performance boost over our previous generation SSD. For mainstream gamers who are looking for more capacity, the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD provides massive storage options for current game libraries with space left over for new games, future updates, and downloadable content. This high-performing NVMe SSD was engineered with laptops and gaming handhelds in mind and provides up to 100% more power efficiency at maximum speed over the previous generation. It also boasts up to 1,200TBW  (2TB model) of endurance for gameplay streaming, speedrun captures, and creating with the latest game engines and for gamers who often write and delete a lot of data off of their drives. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities , the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD is expected to be available for pre-order today at SanDisk.com for U.S. MSRPs ranging from $59.99 – 159.99. A 4TB model is expected to be available next year.

2TB 1 WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox® - With more games than ever exceeding 100GB, the new 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox provides the space gamers need.  The WD_BLACK C50 NVMe SSD’s core delivers exceptional speeds, while its integration with Xbox features like Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume provide a truly seamless experience. It’s the fast and easy way to give the Xbox Series X|S a big capacity boost and keep more titles installed. Just plug this officially licensed card directly into the console for similar performance as Xbox internal storage. The drive also includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate and one month of Discord Nitro. The 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox retails for U.S. MSRP $199.99 and is available now at SanDisk.com and select retailers.