Bucket Seat: Haval H7

Haval has become quite a common brand known in the local market, with them capatilizing on the ever growing SUV market with popular and affordable models like the Jolion, H6 and the H6 GT. Sitting on the GWM umbrella which has been on the scenes for over 10 years, consumers have warmed to the idea that everything made in China can't be all that bad and they were not wrong. The cars are great quality, plenty performance, tech packed and overall bang for your buck. If I had to nitpick, the high fuel consumption would be the one downside to them but with the change from CVT to DCT in most of the Chinese imports, this seems to be solving that problem. The Haval H7 has recently entered the South African market, offering a distinctive blend of rugged design, modern technology, and robust performance. This mid-size SUV is positioned between the H6 and H9 models, aiming to cater to families and adventure enthusiasts alike.

DESIGN

The H7's design is characterized by a boxy, retro-inspired profile that exudes a rugged charm. It features a prominent three-tier grille flanked by circular LED headlights, contributing to its bold front fascia. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels housed within flared wheel arches and functional roof rails enhance its adventurous appeal. Despite its robust appearance, the H7 maintains a contemporary aesthetic that aligns with current SUV trends. ​The design says it's ready for the roads less traveled, that along with the flared wheel arches and rugged tyres, it gives off that explorer look. While the front is pretty attractive, I feel they tried to force the design of the rear a bit too much by trying to incorporate the circular light theme there as well. Just seems a bit unpolished to me. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the H7 is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque. This powerplant is paired with a 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts. The H7 is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, catering to different driving preferences and conditions. ​On the road, the H7 offers a balanced ride quality, effectively absorbing most road imperfections. The suspension setup, while occasionally firm, contributes to stable handling and a comfortable driving experience. The cabin remains quiet, enhancing the overall sense of refinement during travel. ​While official fuel consumption figures are yet to be confirmed, the H7's engine is engineered for a balance between performance and efficiency. While I only spent a week with it, I hardly drove around as I was away for most of the time but in my short time with it I couldn't get the average below 13.9L per 100km, which won't do any good for the high fuel usage taboo placed on the brand already but one must understand this car is much bigger and heavier, akin to a Jeep so with this in mind, that average is pretty on brand for a car like that.

COMFORT

Inside, the H7 offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin designed with comfort and convenience in mind. High-quality materials are used throughout, and the layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The infotainment system is A key focal point of the interior as its a massive 14.6-inch screen that is user-friendly and supports smartphone integration wirelessly. Ample legroom and headroom ensure comfort for all occupants, making it suitable for long journeys. ​The H7 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems. These technologies enhance driver confidence and passenger safety, aligning the H7 with competitors in its segment. ​The comfort access of having proximity sensor with automatic tailgate is a really winner in this car. Works much better than some of the German variants. 

VERDICT

The Haval H7 stands out in the mid-size SUV segment with its distinctive design, robust performance, and well-appointed interior. Its combination of rugged aesthetics and modern features makes it a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle. As Haval continues to establish its presence in South Africa, the H7 exemplifies the brand's commitment to delivering quality and value to consumers. With the adventure mindset that most South Africans have, I believe this model will do well locally, its the first real "off road" offering from a Chinese brand locally and apart from it looking the part, it really feels it too. I tested it in some tricky situations from traversing up steep gradients on loose gravel to flooded roads and it excelled in every aspect. The off road controls are easy to use and engage via the touch screen including the Electronic Differential Lock and the 360 degree camera allows you to see everything around you, to avoid any obstacles or the area around you. A much needed model to their already impressive line-up.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	9-Speed DCT
Torque	380Nm
Power	170kW
Avg Fuel Economy	no official rating
Price	R601,950*  base model

 

Bucket Tech: Experience Intelligence with the Galaxy A36 and A56

The Samsung Galaxy A Series is built for performance, durability, and security, offering an optimised experience for all your needs.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G – smartphones that combine powerful performance and cutting-edge features for an amazing user experience. Both models feature Samsung’s Awesome Intelligence, making everyday tasks easier with tools like Circle To Search and Music Search, powered by AI.

Capture stunning photos with the Awesome Camera: a 50MP OIS main camera on both devices, plus a 12MP Ultra-Wide on the A56 and 8MP Ultra-Wide on the A36. Both offer Nightography for excellent low-light shots and the Object Eraser tool to remove unwanted elements.

In performance, the Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, while the A36 5G uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. The 6.7-inch display with 1200 nits provides vibrant visuals, even in direct sunlight.

Both phones are IP67 water and dust resistant and feature 45W fast charging. With six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, they’re designed to last.

Monday Choon: ARTBAT & Benny Benassi - Love Is Gonna Save Us

 

Ukrainian production DJ duo ARTBAT have been lighting up stages worldwide at festivals with their unique style which I can only describe as trance, techno with a sprinkling of hardstyle. Their set this past weekend at Ultra Miami was incredible and as soon as its available to watch on YouTube, I highly recommend giving it a watch. For this weeks featured track, they team up with Italian DJ maestro Benny Benassi who brought us the timeless classic "Satisfaction" for the track "Love Is Gonna Save Us". Its a great collaboration between new and old and I think that is what makes this track standout from previous ARTBAT productions. I love the track and I hope you do too. 

Bucket Seat: GAC Emkoo

GAC is yet another Chinese brand that has entered our market, first with their hatchback the Emzoom and now with the crossover the Emkoo which I spent a few days with not too long ago. While all the Chinese brands have really great  and interesting designs,  GAC really know how to make a statement with theirs. It's really far our and extremely futuristic which I love. It's bold and cool, some might call it extra but it plays the part. While all Chinese cars come at a great retail price which are making peoples head sway away from the Europeans, many are still skeptical about the longevity of them. My gripe with the other brands is the gear boxes and the fuel consumption so I was looking forward to seeing how this new comer fairs against its Chinese competition. 

DESIGN

The Emkoo’s exterior design is arguably one of the most futuristic in its class, making it ideal for those who want a vehicle that stands out on the road. The GAC Emkoo is a head-turner, featuring a cyberpunk-inspired design that sets it apart from more conventional compact SUVs. Some key exterior highlights include an aggressive Front Fascia which has distinctive V-shaped front grille with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs) gives it a high-tech appearance. The grille has an intricate, angular design that blends into the front bumper. The slim, angular sharp, split-type LED headlights add to the vehicle’s futuristic aesthetic. A sloping roofline, sculpted body lines, and blacked-out pillars create a sporty, coupe-SUV look. The car boasts air ducts and sharp creases that improve aerodynamics while enhancing its aggressive stance. A connected LED taillight design and angular rear bumper complete the bold look.

PERFORMANCE

The GAC Emkoo comes powered with a 1.5L Turbocharged Engine which delivers 130kW and 370Nmof torque with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The 1.5L turbo engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for city and highway driving. The DCT gearbox shifts quickly but may feel a bit jerky at low speeds, which is typical for dual-clutch transmissions. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections well while maintaining decent handling characteristics. While the Emkoo is not a performance-oriented SUV, it delivers a refined and comfortable drive with enough power for daily use. 1.5L Turbo with a claimed consumption of 6.4L per 100km in mixed driving conditions.

COMFORT

The cabin of the GAC Emkoo is equally futuristic, blending a minimalist layout with high-tech features, a large 10.1-inch or 14.6-inch touchscreen (depending on the variant) dominates the dashboard, offering a clean and modern look.  The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable displays. Premium Materials: Soft-touch materials, leather upholstery (on higher trims), and metallic accents enhance cabin quality. The minimalist design eliminates excessive buttons, focusing on touchscreen controls and a sleek gear selector. Comfortable Seating: The Emkoo offers well-cushioned seats with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are slightly reclined for added comfort. Customizable LED ambient lighting adds a premium touch, enhancing the driving experience at night. While the interior design is sleek and modern, some may find the heavy reliance on touch controls less intuitive than traditional buttons. Being Chinese, the Emkoo is loaded with tech, some of the key features being, the 10.1-inch or 14.6-inch touchscreen runs GAC’s latest UI, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Intelligent voice commands allow you to adjust climate settings, navigation, and multimedia functions, Wireless Charging, Premium Audio System, Advanced Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The cabin is much more spacious than it looks in pictures with ample headroom for the front and rear, the luggage space is a decent size too, with more than enough room to pack bags for a family holiday. 

VERDICT

The GAC Emkoo is a bold, high-tech, and efficient compact SUV that stands out in a crowded segment. With its eye-catching design, premium interior, and modern safety features, it offers strong value for money. With an eye catching affordable price like other Chinese variants, its also packed with safety features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition. It also has Multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), Rigid chassis construction, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system that is really cool and high-definition. The Emkoo’s safety package is competitive, positioning it well among rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Haval H6. While the name GAC isn't as prominent on the roads as Haval, Chery and BYD.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5 Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed DCT Auto
Torque	370Nm
Power	130kW
Avg Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R599,900*  base model

Bucket Tech: Samsung Announces Official Rollout of One UI 7

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that the official rollout of One UI 7 will start April 7 , bringing a bold new design for greater personalisation and control to the user experience. One UI 7 introduces new interface built for AI, helping users interact with their Galaxy devices more naturally than ever before. The update will be available starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, gradually rolling out to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Bold New Design for Greater Personalization

One UI 7 comes with a simple, impactful, and emotive design, bringing streamlined and cohesive experience to Galaxy users. A simplified home screen, redesigned One UI widgets and lock screen allow users to intuitively and seamlessly customise their devices. For added convenience, Now Bar provides real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen. So during a morning run, users can easily check their progress and see what song is playing in your Galaxy Buds – all with a simple swipe, without unlocking their phone.

Smarter AI Features for More Intuitive Experience

One UI 7 introduces seamless AI-driven experiences that help users to stay productive and explore their creativity. With Galaxy AI, users can simplify everyday tasks, minimising the need to switch between applications. AI Select intuitively recommends by understanding context. For example, a user can simple swipe the Edge Panel and click ‘AI Select’ icon when watching a video to save it as a GIF file. Writing Assist allows users to easily summarise or automatically format contents in which texts can be selected.

One UI 7 also enables simple edits to give users more creative control and freedom. Drawing Assist helps bring ideas to life with more than a single input, including combinations of text prompts and images or sketches. Audio Eraser makes advanced editing accessible for all, by isolating categories of sounds and removing unwanted noise in videos.

With deeper Google Gemini integration, controlling the device is as easy as speaking to a friend. Long-press the side button and say, “Find Italian, pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating nearby.” Gemini instantly pulls up recommendations in one seamless interaction.

Natural language search extends to Settings, making it easier to adjust preferences. Users can simply go into Settings and say “My eyes are feeling tired.” In an instant, recommended options such as adjusting brightness or turning on Eye comfort shield appear.

Availability

One UI 7 will begin rolling out on April 7, expanding to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets in the following weeks, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, the Galaxy Tab S10 series and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

Monday Choon: Arty - Lost In Loving You (Mattilo Remix)

Russian Trance Music DJ and Producer Arty is no stranger to the blog, with countless number of his previous hits having featured, this time its a remix of one his tracks "Lost In Loving You". Written during an inspiring studio session in the heart of London, ‘Lost In Loving You’ sees ARTY connect his signature sonics to the equally irresistible vocal allure of Louis III. Upbeat, rousing and channeling ARTY’s trademark progressive house sound, and now it's been revved up a notch by Mattilo. After being dropped by Universal Music when he was just 16, Mattilo found new rise to fame via the social media app, Tik Tok. His work on remixing this track speaks for itself and lets hope he continues with this upward trend. 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q7 & Q8 Launch

This week I spent some time with Audi South Africa getting to know their updated Q7 and Q8 line-up, while some brands have a life-cycle update just once before changing the shape, Audi work a bit differently, having multiple, many might see this as a cheap cop-out from changing the design but others might see this as an improvement of something that already works. I'll admit, I always love seeing new designs but the changes that Audi bring to the party in most of their updates do get me excited and as I found out at the launch this week, the Q7 and Q8 line-up now comes with some really cool stuff that warrants excitement over. 

The Q7 was the first SUV to be launched by the brand, while they did offer all-road crossover vehicles, there was a need for them to compete in the segment with something of their own. The first generation did rather well and with Audi's Quattro technology which was adapted from their cars, it was an almost no brainer that it would pair nicely in something larger. As the generations moved on for the Q7, so did the evolution of the SUV segment, with the introduction of smaller to medium variants but the Q7 always remained the benchmark with advancements on it being passed down to the rest of the SUV line-up. 

Attending the launch helped me get a better insight into what Audi have done and to experience it for myself. The line-up has changed a bit with the Q7 offered in only a petrol engine but the Q8 having both a diesel and petrol option, moving over to the sporty  SQ7 and SQ8, they both share the same 4.0L V8 turbo petrol engine and the range topping RS Q8 has that throaty 4.0L V8 as well but has been tuned to the max. All engines come with mild hybrid technology to help with the fuel economy and the V8's when cruising around town will automatically switch off 4 cylinders when it feels it doesn't need all 8 to work. The cars apart from the RS version are available in two trims, that being Platinum and Black Edition with a range of new colours and textures to personalize your car, to your taste. There are some pricey exclusive options like certain paints which can go up-to R140,000! 

The tech in the car continues to amaze me, starting off with the matrix LED headlights which now allows you to customise the daytime running lights, which you can choose from 5-different options. They even added a cool light show as a party trick to make the car even cooler but also demonstrate the technology. Audi's MMI interface has gotten some slight tweaks to make things easy, and has the option to add favourite destinations for your GPS. Bang & Olefson 3D Premium sound is standard on both trim lines. The are some other cool party tricks with these cars, like the Remote park assist plus, which is done via the Audi mobile app, which allows the driver to park a car in a tight parking spot without being in the car. Simply scan the parking area for a suitable spot, hop off, stand in close proximity to the car and it will park itself, this feature also allows the car to come out of the said parking spot itself. 

Having listened to what is new, it was time to get behind the wheel, first up was the range topping RS Q8, which currently holds the record for the fastest SUV to go around the Nurburgring in its class. That is a massive achievement and it has Audi's most powerful combustion engine made to date to thank for that. The 4.0L TFSI V8 produces 471kW and 850Nm of torque, just mind blowing numbers and all of that is in this SUV. 0-100km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, and this was tested quite a few times as we did launch the car multiple times on our test drive. It was just too much fun. While the car is big and heavy, what I appreciated was the agile nature of the steering, this is thanks to the rear wheel steering which cuts down the turning circle by 1 meter. The large tyre adorned by those standard 23" rims clung onto the tar as I navigated my way down Franschhoek pass with the valley waking up to the sounds of that roaring V8, it's like a symphony to any petrol head but I think what caught most of the onlookers by surprise, is that they heard it first and then when they saw it, they didn't expect it to be an SUV hurtling down the pass. 

After stepping out of the RS Q8 driver seat, which was not easy, but I needed to eat dinner any make small talk with the rest of the people before getting some shut eye for the next day. Having experienced the full power of that V8, it was time to sample a toned down version of it in the SQ7. The more family orientated SUV now comes standard with 7-seats which fold down flat to give you a big luggage hold. The new grill in the black edition really gives this car a menacing look, and will intimidate anyone during a school run. The growl of the V8 sounded more aggressive in this one that the RS Q8 for some reason and even with the launch control, it was a lot more violent but in a good way. It certainly isn't an ordinary soccer moms van, that is for sure! While cruising on the freeway, I could feel the mild-hybrid tech in action as well as the car switching off those extra cylinders and when the need arised, livening them up again to propel us into warp speed. 

Overall, what I've seen from Audi during these two days has been extremely impressive and looking forward to getting some on slightly longer testing to see how they cope with the day-to-day activities. 

Pricing for the range is as follows:

Audi Q7 and SQ7:

• Q7 55 (3.0L Petrol) TSFI Quattro Platinum Edition - R1,958,000
• Q7 55 (3.0L Petrol) TFSI Quattro Black Edition - R1,987,900
• SQ7 55 (4.0L Petrol) TSFI Quattro - R2,540,500
• SQ7 55 (4.0L Petrol) TFSI Quattro Black Edition - R2,574,500

Audi Q8 and SQ8:

• Q8 45 TDI Platinum Edition - R1,968,700
• Q8 45 TDI Black Edition - R2,011,700
• Q8 55 TFSI Platinum Edition - R2,015,400
• Q8 55 TFSI Black Edition - R2,058,400
• SQ8 TFSI Quattro - R2,640,500
• SQ8 TFSI Black Edition - R2,675,500

Audi RS Q8 Performance R3,266,100

Bucket Tech: New Samsung Galaxy A Series Models Launched

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G, the latest Galaxy A series smartphones. For the first time, the Galaxy A series is integrating Awesome Intelligence—including Galaxy’s fan-favourite AI-powered features to reimagine creativity — while bringing enhanced durability and longevity, as well as robust security and privacy protections to provide a safe and long-lasting mobile experience.

“The new Galaxy A series marks an important step in our mission of AI for all, by opening Galaxy’s incredible mobile AI experiences to even more people around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With these awesome new features and capabilities, we are excited to unlock limitless creativity on the Galaxy A series while ensuring a safe, reliable and fun mobile experience.”

Awesome Intelligence for Advanced Search and Creativity

Awesome Intelligence is the first comprehensive mobile AI exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G and brings users powerful, fun and easy-to-use AI tools. Powered by One UI 7, the new Awesome Intelligence features bring amazing search and visual experiences to Galaxy A series users.

 A fan-favourite on Galaxy A series devices last year, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search, makes it easier than ever to search and discover from the phone’s screen. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search will quickly recognise phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen so users can take action with a single tap.

With the recent enhancements to Circle to Search, users can also instantly search the songs they hear without switching apps. Whether it’s a song playing on social media from their phone or music that’s playing from speakers near them, just long press the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, then tap the music button to effortlessly identify the song name and artist.

The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices and 10-bit HDR front lens recording on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G for bright and crisp selfies. Galaxy A56 5G features leading camera technology with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the entire Galaxy A series empowers creativity in new and exciting ways through intelligent visual editing.

Exclusively available on Galaxy A56 5G, Best Face makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect group shot by selecting and combining the best expressions or features for up to five people from a motion photo. Whether someone blinked or looked away, Best Face ensures everyone looks their best in a single, seamless shot. The Galaxy A56 5G also brings enhancements to Nightography, with Low Noise Mode making its way to the 12MP selfie camera and additional wide camera support to capture stunning content in low-light settings.

Galaxy A 56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G all bring fine-refined Object Eraser, allowing users to remove unwanted distractions from photos. Whether it’s an unexpected passerby or a distracting shadow, users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps. Moreover, Filters[5] enables custom filter creation by extracting colours and styles from existing photos for users to apply for a unique and personalised effect depending on mood and taste. With these intelligent tools, users can refine and enhance their photos effortlessly, bringing a new level of creativity to every shot.

Built To Last With Upgraded Displays and Software Longevity

Now with up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and six years of security updates, the Galaxy A series reinforces its software longevity even more. These updates add additional support toward optimising the device’s lifecycle, ensuring users can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience for years to come.

The Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G also introduce a larger display created for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience. Both devices feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with brightness levels reaching up to 1200 nits, allowing for a more vibrant and immersive entertainment experience. New stereo speakers further enhance the experience with rich, balanced sound.

With a 5,000mAh battery included throughout the entire line-up, the new Galaxy A series is designed to keep up with users’ daily routines. Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G support 45W charging power and Super-Fast Charge 2.0 technology, delivering even faster charging for extended use. Both models also deliver enhanced performance, as Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and Galaxy A36 5G features the Snapdragon® 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. A larger vapour chamber in both devices helps sustain performance, ensuring smooth gameplay, video playback, and effortless multitasking.

Beyond performance, the new Galaxy A series is built to withstand life’s unpredictable moments. For the first time, Galaxy A26 5G features an IP67 dust and water resistance rating for strong protection against the elements, matching the IP67 rating on Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A56 5G. Additionally, an advanced Corning® Glass cover material adds a layer of durability against scratches and crack.

Expanded Protections for Security and Privacy Assured

Thanks to the integration of One UI 7 on the Galaxy A series for the first time, Samsung is further supporting robust security and privacy. With Samsung Knox Vault, the Galaxy A series provides an extra, fortified layer of device safety, transparency and user choice – ensuring sensitive data always stays protected. Equipped with the latest One UI 7 security and privacy features, Galaxy A series users benefit from holistic protection  — including enhancements in Theft Detection, More Security Settings and other features.

Upon release, Digital Key on Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G devices will be available in select markets in Asia, Europe, and North America with more markets to follow.

The new Galaxy A series is available in a range of colours. Galaxy A56 5G is available in Awesome Black, and  Awesome Olive. Galaxy A36 5G is available in  Awesome Black, and Awesome Lime; and Galaxy A26 5G is available in Black, and  Mint .

Launch Offer

For a limited time, customers purchasing the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, or Galaxy A26 5G can take advantage of the exciting launch offer where they can buy the Galaxy A56, A36, or A26 on contract and get the Galaxy Tab A9 LTE for only R49 or receive the Galaxy Fit3 for just R499 on non-contract purchases.

Monday Choon: BLR x Amber Revival - Love Me Endless

 

Infusing limitless vocal charm into his 2024 masterpiece, BLR transforms ‘Endless’ into a spellbinding vocal rendition. With Amber Revival’s breathtaking vocals commanding the spotlight, ‘Love Me Endless’ captivates listeners and lingers in the soul indefinitely.

Bucket Seat: Face-lift Audi A3 Range

The Audi A3 and RS 3 Sportback and Sedan head into 2025 with a sportier look, refreshed design elements and enhanced standard specification. In addition, new materials have been applied for increased comfort, and highly specified and eye-catchingly designed Black Edition and Carbon Edition derivatives will form part of the range. Later this year, these models will be supplemented with the S3 Sportback and Sedan.

Now available for order: the engine line-up and trim levels

For the time being, Audi South Africa will offer the standard A3 range with the lauded 1.4-litre 35 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine developing 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It’s coupled with a slick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Buyers can select either S line or Black Edition trim for the Sportback and Sedan models.

The RS 3 Sportback and Sedan, meanwhile, retain the legendary 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine producing 294kW and 500Nm. The RS 3 accelerates to 100km/h from standstill in just 3.8 seconds. Here, Audi South Africa offers the option of standard or Carbon Edition trim lines, the latter bespoke to our country.

Pricing

• A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line / Black Edition: R808,200 / R834,500
• A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S tronic S line / Black Edition: R823,200 / R849,500
• RS 3 Sportback TFSI quattro S tronic / Carbon Edition: R1,498,200 / R1,591,900
• RS 3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic / Carbon Edition: R1,528,200 / R1,610,700

Like all other Audi models, the A3 and RS 3 are sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan as standard.