Bucket Seat: Changan CS750 Pro

The market for affordable seven-seater SUVs and people movers has become increasingly competitive in South Africa, with Chinese manufacturers bringing more features, better interior finishes and impressive levels of comfort to buyers who would otherwise have to spend considerably more to get a similarly equipped vehicle. The Changan CS750 Pro is another contender in this space, offering a spacious cabin, a generous equipment list and the practicality that comes with having seven seats. On paper, it ticks many of the right boxes for families looking for a versatile daily driver, but spending time with it reveals a few interesting design decisions, particularly when it comes to the infotainment system. Thankfully, there is enough to like about the CS750 Pro to make it worth considering, especially if interior comfort and value for money are high on your shopping list.

DESIGN

Chinese automotive design has come a long way over the past few years, with manufacturers increasingly developing their own identities and producing vehicles that look considerably more sophisticated than some of the offerings we saw a decade ago. However, there are still occasions when certain design elements feel a little too familiar, and the Changan CS750 Pro is one of those vehicles that leaves you wondering whether you have seen some of its styling cues somewhere else. The exterior design is bold enough to give the CS750 Pro a substantial road presence, although some of its styling elements remind me of vehicles from other Chinese manufacturers. This is not necessarily a deal-breaker, especially in a segment where buyers are often more concerned with space, practicality and equipment than having the most distinctive vehicle in the parking lot. Nevertheless, I would have liked to see Changan push the design a little further to give the CS750 Pro a stronger identity of its own.That said, the overall package works reasonably well. It has the proportions expected of a family-focused seven-seater, with a design that communicates size and practicality without trying too hard to be a sporty SUV. It is a vehicle designed to accommodate people and their belongings, and in that respect, its overall shape serves its purpose.

COMFORT

Step inside the CS750 Pro and you are greeted by an interior that makes a positive first impression. The quality of the finishes is one of the highlights, with materials and trim elements that help create a cabin that feels more premium than you might initially expect at this price point. There is a noticeable effort to make the interior feel modern and comfortable, rather than simply providing a functional space with seven seats squeezed into it. For a vehicle that is likely to appeal primarily to families, this is an important consideration. A seven-seater needs to be more than just a vehicle with an extra row of seats. It needs to provide a comfortable environment for the driver and passengers, particularly when dealing with school runs, shopping trips, weekend getaways and longer journeys with the family. The CS750 Pro makes a reasonable case for itself here, with a cabin that feels inviting and well equipped. The versatility of the interior is another major selling point. Having seven seats gives owners the flexibility to transport a larger family or accommodate additional passengers when needed. It also makes the CS750 Pro a practical option for buyers who need one vehicle to handle several different roles throughout the week. Of course, as with any seven-seater, the usefulness of the third row and the amount of luggage space available when all seats are occupied are important considerations. Buyers should assess the seating configuration in person and make sure it suits their particular needs. However, the overall emphasis on comfort and practicality is clear, and these qualities go a long way towards making the CS750 Pro an appealing family vehicle.

TECHNOLOGY

Unfortunately, this is where the CS750 Pro starts to lose some of its appeal. Modern vehicles are increasingly reliant on their infotainment systems, and while a large screen and a collection of digital features might look impressive in the showroom, the real test is how easily you can use them while going about your daily routine. The infotainment setup in the CS750 Pro is frustrating, largely because it does not offer the conventional, straightforward in-car applications and connectivity experience that many drivers have come to expect. Instead, the system relies on an application that allows you to cast content from your smartphone onto the vehicle's screen. In theory, this might sound like a reasonable alternative. In practice, however, it quickly becomes an inconvenience. The process is not particularly user-friendly, and having to rely on an additional application to access the functions you want introduces an unnecessary layer of complexity. More frustratingly, the phone needs to remain unlocked for the system to work as intended, which is hardly an ideal solution when you are trying to use your phone for navigation or other functions while driving. This is one of those situations where technology seems to have been introduced for the sake of having it, rather than to make the driver's life easier. An infotainment system should simplify the driving experience, allowing you to access navigation, music and other essential functions with minimal fuss. Instead, the CS750 Pro's implementation can make even relatively simple tasks feel more complicated than they need to be. For me, this is a significant missed opportunity. The rest of the interior makes a good impression, but the infotainment system feels like an area where more thought should have gone into the user experience. A conventional system with straightforward menus and properly integrated smartphone connectivity would have made a substantial difference to the overall ownership experience. 

PERFORMANCE 

Behind the wheel, the CS750 Pro is a fairly straightforward vehicle to get along with. The engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving, and during my time with it, I found it capable of handling normal driving duties without feeling particularly underpowered. For a vehicle of this size, that is an important starting point. A seven-seater needs to be able to move its occupants around comfortably, whether that means navigating urban traffic, cruising along the highway or making the occasional longer journey. The CS750 Pro does enough in this regard to make it a reasonable proposition for everyday family use. However, there is an important caveat to my driving impressions. I did not get the opportunity to test the vehicle with all seven seats occupied and a full load of passengers and luggage. Consequently, I cannot say with certainty how the engine would perform under those circumstances, particularly when accelerating, overtaking or tackling longer uphill stretches. This is worth keeping in mind because a vehicle that feels adequately powered with only the driver or a couple of passengers on board may deliver a different experience when carrying a full complement of occupants. Buyers who regularly travel with a full load should ideally take the CS750 Pro for a test drive under conditions that reflect their typical use. For the kind of everyday driving I experienced, though, the vehicle did what was expected of it. It is not trying to be a performance SUV, nor does it need to be. Its purpose is to provide practical family transport with enough performance to make daily driving comfortable and manageable.

PRACTICALITY

The CS750 Pro's biggest strength is arguably the combination of its seven-seat layout, interior comfort and equipment offering. For buyers shopping in this segment, value for money is about more than  simply finding the cheapest vehicle available. It is about getting a package that provides the space, comfort and features needed to make everyday ownership worthwhile. This is where the Changan makes a convincing argument for itself. The cabin feels well finished, the overall comfort levels are appealing, and the equipment offering helps it stand out as a well-kitted option in its price bracket. For a growing family, or someone who regularly needs to transport more than five people, the additional seating flexibility can make a meaningful difference. There are compromises, of course. The exterior styling could do more to establish a distinctive identity, while the infotainment system is a clear example of a feature that needs refinement. The engine also deserves a more thorough assessment with a full passenger and luggage load before making any definitive claims about its suitability for demanding family trips. Nevertheless, these shortcomings do not completely overshadow what the CS750 Pro gets right. If your priorities are a comfortable cabin, generous equipment and the convenience of seven seats without moving into a substantially more expensive vehicle, it deserves a place on your shortlist. 

VERDICT

The Changan CS750 Pro is a versatile people mover that gets several of the fundamentals right. It offers a comfortable interior, pleasing quality finishes and the practicality of seven seats, making it a sensible option for families who need more space and flexibility from their next vehicle. There are a few frustrations along the way. The exterior design borrows visual cues that feel familiar from other Chinese brands, and the infotainment system is unnecessarily complicated, with its reliance on smartphone casting making what should be a simple experience far more cumbersome than it needs to be. I would much rather have a conventional, intuitive infotainment system that works seamlessly than a setup that requires an application and an unlocked phone just to access its functions. On the road, the engine proved adequate for my everyday driving, although a fully loaded test would be needed to determine how well it handles the demands of carrying seven occupants and their luggage. Ultimately, the CS750 Pro is not without its flaws, but at the right price, it makes a compelling case for itself. The combination of interior comfort, equipment and seven-seat versatility makes it one of the better-equipped options to consider in its price bracket. It may not get everything right, but for buyers looking for a practical and comfortable family vehicle that offers plenty for the money, the Changan CS750 Pro is certainly worth a closer look.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder
Gear Box	7-DCT
Power	130kW
Torque	300Nm
Fuel Efficiency	7.5L per 100km
Price	R499,900

Ultra South Africa 2027

 

The countdown is officially on for Ultra South Africa 2027, as the continent’s biggest electronic music festival prepares to return to Cape Town on 30 April at the Ostrich and Johannesburg on 1 May at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Over the past 12 years, Ultra South Africa has consistently delivered impressive productions, world-class international acts and unforgettable experiences for electronic music fans, while also giving some of South Africa’s finest local talent the opportunity to share the stage with global superstars and showcase their skills to a wider audience. With registration now open and ticket sales kicking off on 27 October, festivalgoers will want to get in line early to secure their spot. Head over to www.ultrasouthafrica.com to register and get ready to purchase your tickets, as they are expected to sell fast during this initial sales phase. Artists for the 2027 editions are yet to be announced, so stay tuned to the blog for further announcements as we bring you the latest updates on what promises to be another spectacular celebration of electronic music!

Monday Choon: Above & Beyond - Nights Like This

 

Above & Beyond have always been one of my favourite artists, and “Nights Like This” is a beautiful reminder of why I keep coming back to their music. This track feels like a throwback to their trance roots, blending those uplifting melodies, atmospheric synths and driving beats that hit you right in the feels. The production is absolutely on point, with layers of emotion woven into the sound, building that signature Above & Beyond atmosphere that takes you on a journey rather than just giving you another track to dance to. It’s nostalgic, euphoric and beautifully crafted, proving once again that when these guys get it right, there’s nothing quite like it!

Bucket Seat: Audi Q5 - First Impressions

Audi South Africa brought the all-new third-generation Q5 to Cape Town yesterday, and after getting behind the wheel on some of the Western Cape’s scenic roads, it is clear that the German marque is continuing to refine a formula that has worked exceptionally well over the years. Following the introduction of Audi’s new Q design language, which we first saw locally with the new Q3 earlier this year, the latest Q5 brings fresh styling, updated technology and improved efficiency to one of the brand’s most important models.

The new Q5 takes a different approach to styling, moving away from sharp edges and aggressive lines in favour of smoother curves and a more sculpted appearance. There are noticeable similarities between the Q5 and the new A5 sedan, particularly in the way the body flows from the front to the rear. It gives the SUV a more sophisticated look without losing the strong road presence we have come to expect from an Audi. Up front, the new Matrix LED lighting signature immediately catches your attention, with customisable daytime running light signatures and the headlamps integrated into the same cluster, unlike some of Audi’s other Q models, where the lighting elements are separated. It is a subtle but important design distinction that helps give the Q5 its own identity within the growing SUV line-up.

The Q5 remains one of Audi’s most important models, accounting for a significant portion of sales across the Q range. Interestingly, South African buyers have shown a preference for the Sportback derivative over the traditional SUV body style, adding a more coupe-inspired silhouette to the mix. It is a sign that buyers in this premium segment are looking for practicality, but they also want a vehicle that makes a statement.

Diesel remains a popular choice among South African Q5 buyers, and Audi has continued to develop this derivative with the addition of a mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. While it is not a conventional hybrid that you plug in or drive on electric power alone for extended distances, the system assists the combustion engine in several ways. It can support smoother starts, provide an electric boost when required and help reduce turbo lag, all while improving overall efficiency. Audi claims an average fuel consumption figure of around 5.1 litres per 100 km for the relevant diesel derivative, which is impressive for an SUV of this size. With fuel economy still an important consideration for many South African motorists, the mild-hybrid system adds another layer of appeal to an already practical package.

For those wanting something with a little more punch, the SQ5 takes things up a notch with its 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 kW and 550 Nm of torque. That combination delivers a more powerful driving experience than the previous model, with plenty of muscle available when you need it. Our drive took us through the challenging Du Toitskloof Pass, where the SQ5 felt composed and well balanced as the road twisted and climbed through the mountains. It handled the changing corners with confidence, while the strong torque made light work of the gradients. It is the sort of road that allows you to appreciate the balance between performance, comfort and everyday usability, and the SQ5 managed to bring these elements together nicely.

I did not get an opportunity to drive the petrol TFSI derivative during the launch, but that is one I am looking forward to spending more time with when I get behind the wheel in Durban. It will be interesting to see how it compares with the diesel in terms of performance, refinement and everyday driving.

Step inside the new Q5 and the cabin will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the latest A5. The layout is clean, modern and driver-focused, with the various controls and displays arranged to make the driving experience feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. The test vehicles were equipped with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and as expected, the audio experience was excellent. Whether you are enjoying your favourite playlist on a long-distance drive or simply making the most of the commute, the sound system adds another layer of luxury to the overall package.

One of the more interesting technology options is the passenger display, which brings entertainment features into the front passenger seat. The screen supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, allowing passengers to enjoy their own content without disturbing the driver. There is also a gamification element, with the ability to connect a gaming console controller and download games, turning the passenger display into something more than just another screen on the dashboard. Audi has also considered the potential for distraction, with privacy technology designed to prevent the driver from viewing the passenger display, helping them remain focused on the road. It is a clever addition that shows how manufacturers are finding new ways to integrate entertainment into the cabin without compromising the driving experience.

The third-generation Audi Q5 arrives at a time when competition in the premium SUV segment is stronger than ever. Buyers have no shortage of options, but Audi has given its latest offering a convincing combination of fresh styling, updated technology, improved efficiency and the sort of refinement that has made the Q5 such a popular choice. Pricing is competitive for a premium SUV of this calibre, putting the new Q5 in a strong position against its established rivals.

My time with the new Q5 was brief, but the initial impression is positive. The design feels more contemporary, the cabin delivers the premium experience expected from Audi, and the SQ5 proved to be a capable companion on the challenging roads around Cape Town. I am keen to spend more time with the range, particularly the petrol TFSI derivative, before giving a more detailed verdict. For now, the new Q5 has made a strong first impression, and I look forward to putting it through its paces when it arrives for a full test.

Pricing:

Engine	Model	SUV	Sportback
2.0 TFSI	Q5 S Line	R1,295,000	R1,365,000
2.0 TFSI	Q5 S Line Black	R1,350,000	R1,420,000
2.0 TDI	Q5 S Line	Coming in 2027	R1,275,000
2.0 TDI	Q5 S Line Black	Coming in 2027	R1,330,000
3.0 V6 TFSI	SQ5	R1,510,000	R1,580,000
3.0 V6 TFSI	SQ5 Black	R1,565,000	R1,635,000

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A27 - Tested

Samsung has built a reputation for delivering smartphones that strike a good balance between quality, performance and affordability, and the Galaxy A-series continues to be one of the brand's strongest offerings for consumers who want a dependable device without spending flagship money. The Samsung Galaxy A27 follows that same philosophy, bringing together a premium-feeling design, a large display, capable cameras and reliable everyday performance in a package aimed at the budget-conscious smartphone buyer. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Samsung's more expensive Galaxy S-series, there is plenty to appreciate about what this device brings to the table.

DESIGN

One of the things Samsung consistently gets right across its smartphone range is build quality, and the Galaxy A27 is no exception in everyday use. Even at the more affordable end of the market, you expect a certain level of refinement from Samsung, and the A27 delivers the kind of solid, well-finished feel that makes it comfortable to use as your daily driver. The design is clean and modern, without unnecessary gimmicks, giving the device a look that feels right at home alongside more expensive smartphones.

What makes this particularly impressive is that Samsung manages to maintain that sense of quality without pushing the price into premium territory. The phone feels practical, well put together and suited to everyday life, whether you are using it for work, catching up with friends, browsing social media or enjoying your favourite content on the go. It is a reminder that an affordable smartphone does not have to feel cheap, and that is something Samsung has consistently understood with its A-series lineup.

DISPLAY

A smartphone's display is one of its most important features, especially when it is the screen you spend hours looking at every day. Thankfully, the Galaxy A27 makes a strong impression here, offering a large display that gives you plenty of room to enjoy videos, scroll through social media, read articles and navigate between apps. For a device positioned towards the lower end of the market, having a screen that feels spacious and delivers a smooth viewing experience is a definite plus.

The refresh rate is another highlight, helping everyday scrolling and screen transitions feel fluid rather than sluggish. This makes a noticeable difference when moving through menus, browsing websites or jumping between applications. Combined with the generous screen size, the display makes the A27 a comfortable device for both productivity and entertainment. Samsung has long understood the importance of display quality, and that experience is reflected in the way the screen contributes to the overall user experience.

 PERFORMANCE

Budget smartphones often have to make compromises when it comes to processing power, particularly when users start pushing them with multiple applications and demanding tasks. The Galaxy A27, however, delivers a pleasing everyday experience, handling regular usage with ease. From messaging and emails to browsing, streaming and social media, the phone feels capable of keeping up with the demands of a typical day without making every task feel like a chore.

Multitasking is an important part of how we use our smartphones today, and the A27 does a respectable job of managing the usual mix of applications. Switching between tasks and keeping up with everyday usage feels smooth, making it a practical option for consumers who need a phone that can do more than simply make calls and send messages. Of course, performance will depend on the applications being used and how heavily the device is pushed, but for its intended audience, the overall experience is reassuring.

Gaming is another area where the phone holds its own. Casual gaming feels smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag during the type of gameplay the device is designed to handle. Whether you are looking to pass the time with a quick mobile game or enjoy a longer gaming session, the A27 offers a decent experience for its price category. More demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain consistent performance, but that is a reasonable compromise for a phone aimed at the more affordable end of the market.

CAMERA

Samsung has made camera performance a major selling point across much of its smartphone range, and the Galaxy A27 offers a capable photography experience for everyday users. The camera captures good-looking pictures in favourable lighting conditions, producing images that are well suited to sharing on social media, sending to friends and keeping those everyday memories alive. Whether you are snapping a quick picture while out and about or capturing something interesting during your day, the camera proves capable of delivering pleasing results without requiring much effort from the user.

Where the camera starts to struggle is in low-light conditions. As the lighting becomes more challenging, image quality takes a hit, with details becoming less impressive and photographs not looking quite as clean as they do in brighter environments. This is not entirely unexpected at this price point, but it is worth keeping in mind if you regularly take pictures at night, indoors or in dimly lit settings. The camera is at its best when it has sufficient light to work with, and that is where users will get the most out of it.

Video recording is similarly suited to the phone's intended purpose. It is perfectly fine for capturing everyday moments, recording short clips and creating content to share with friends or on social media. While it is not designed to compete with the more advanced video capabilities of Samsung's flagship devices, it does enough to make the camera useful beyond still photography. For the average consumer, the overall camera package is more than serviceable, provided expectations remain realistic when the lighting gets difficult.

BATTERY

Battery life is another important consideration when choosing an affordable smartphone, because nobody wants to spend the day constantly searching for a charger. The Galaxy A27 delivers pretty decent battery life, comfortably fitting into the everyday routine of messaging, browsing, streaming and general smartphone use. For consumers who use their phones throughout the day for a mixture of work and entertainment, that reliability is a welcome part of the experience.

As always, battery performance will depend on individual usage. Spending hours gaming, watching videos at high brightness or keeping numerous applications active will naturally consume more power than lighter use. Nevertheless, the A27 offers a practical battery experience that complements its role as an everyday smartphone. It may not be the most exciting feature on the specification sheet, but dependable battery life is exactly what many consumers want from a device in this category.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy A27 is another reminder that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a smartphone that covers the essentials well. From its solid build quality and large, smooth display to its capable everyday performance, enjoyable casual gaming and good daylight photography, the device ticks many of the boxes that matter most to the average consumer. The camera's low-light limitations are worth noting, but they do little to take away from what is otherwise a well-rounded everyday experience.

For the South African consumer, value for money remains a major consideration when shopping for a new smartphone, and this is where the Galaxy A27 makes its case. Samsung brings the familiarity, refinement and usability that buyers have come to expect from the brand, without requiring them to spend flagship-level money. If you are looking for a dependable smartphone for everyday use, entertainment, photography and staying connected, the Galaxy A27 deserves consideration. It is another solid value-focused offering from Samsung, proving that a good smartphone experience does not always have to come with a premium price tag.

Monday Choon: Dom Dolla, Solomun, Skepta - DANGER DANGER

Some tracks are released with hype, while others are practically demanded by the crowd before they even exist, and Dom Dolla, Solomun and Skepta’s “DANGER DANGER” is exactly that kind of track. After being teased and road-tested for months, the hype reached another level during Dom Dolla’s huge Melbourne show, with fans already knowing the track before its official release. Bringing together Dom’s club-ready production, Solomun’s darker electronic sound and Skepta’s unmistakable grime energy, the trio have created something seriously unique that feels tailor-made for the festival stage. With its infectious bassline, attitude and massive drops, “DANGER DANGER” is set to be one of those tracks that will absolutely go off when it hits festival speakers and thousands of fans lose their minds.

Bucket Seat: Audi Q3 Sportback S Line Black 1.4 TFSI

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

DESIGN

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

PERFORMANCE

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

COMFORT

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

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

VERDICT

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

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

*Base Model