Bucket Seat: TATA Harrier

TATA is known for their trucks and budget friendly cars locally, so when they had a sort of "relaunch" of their brand last year showcasing a range of their passenger vehicles, it came as a pleasant surprise to many. with the influx of Chinese brands in the market, its nice to see something from subcontinent hit our shores, seeing that many of the budget cars that wear European badges are made in India and are selling extremely well locally, the market should be used to these types of cars. I got to spend some time with the TATA Harrier which tops the range of their passenger vehicle offering to see how it compares  to the Chinese. 

DESIGN

From the moment you lay eyes on the Harrier, it’s clear that Tata aimed for something bold and futuristic. The front end is striking, dominated by slim LED daytime running lights and a wide grille that gives the car a strong road presence. The split-headlight design and sharp body creases make the Harrier look modern without trying too hard, and in a segment where many SUVs blend into one another, the Harrier manages to stand out. The overall proportions work well too. It looks planted and substantial on the road, with a slightly muscular stance that gives it the kind of presence buyers in this segment tend to appreciate. For South African buyers who want an SUV that looks contemporary and a little different from the usual offerings, the Harrier certainly ticks that box.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Harrier is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, delivering adequate performance for everyday driving. It’s not the kind of drivetrain that’s going to thrill enthusiastic drivers, but it provides enough pulling power to make highway cruising and overtaking reasonably effortless. Where the experience becomes slightly mixed is with the gearbox. While it does the job, it occasionally feels hesitant and not quite as refined as some of the more established rivals in this segment. Around town and in stop-start traffic, this becomes more noticeable. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s an area where a bit more polish would elevate the overall driving experience. That said, the Harrier remains easy to drive, with predictable handling and a ride quality that leans more towards comfort than sportiness  which is arguably exactly what most buyers in this category want.

COMFORT

Step inside the Harrier and the focus on comfort is immediately apparent. The cabin is spacious, and the seats are supportive enough for longer journeys. Tata has clearly tried to create an environment that feels modern and welcoming, and for the most part it succeeds. The ride comfort is one of the Harrier’s stronger traits. It absorbs road imperfections well, which is particularly important for South African road conditions, and it manages to keep occupants comfortable even over rougher surfaces. However, not everything inside the cabin feels equally well thought out. Some of the materials used in certain areas don’t quite match the otherwise premium ambition of the vehicle. They’re not necessarily poor, but they do stand out when compared with the more polished finishes offered by some competitors. Another area where the Harrier could improve is cabin storage. While the interior is spacious, practical storage solutions for everyday items are somewhat limited, which can become noticeable during daily use.

TECHNOLOGY

One area where the Harrier really impresses is with the amount of technology and equipment on offer. Tata has packed the SUV with a generous list of features, making it feel well-equipped straight out of the box For example a 4-camera 360 degree view is standard on this car, along with PDC's and front radar detection. From its large infotainment display to driver-assistance systems and comfort features, the Harrier offers a level of equipment that many buyers in this segment will appreciate. It’s the kind of SUV where you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the extras that often sit on expensive option lists elsewhere. For tech-focused buyers, this abundance of features adds a lot of value to the overall package. The nice thing is that the car still comes with physical buttons and knobs so you can still navigate certain controls with ease while driving instead of fidgeting on the screen to access them. The weird one was the controls to adjust the side mirrors being on the A pillar of the car. 

VERDICT

The Tata Harrier enters the South African market as a compelling alternative in the midsize SUV segment. Its futuristic design, comfortable interior, generous list of features and capable drivetrain make it an appealing option for buyers looking for something a little different from the established brands. At the same time, it isn’t without its shortcomings. The gearbox could be more refined, certain interior materials feel slightly out of place in an otherwise modern cabin, and the lack of practical storage space inside the vehicle may frustrate some owners. But taken as a whole, the Harrier delivers a solid and well-rounded package. For South African consumers who prioritise design, comfort and value-packed technology over outright driving excitement, the Harrier is certainly worth considering. It may not be perfect, but it shows just how far Tata has come and hints at an even more competitive future for the brand in this market. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0-liter Diesel
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Power	125kW
Torque	350Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	6.6L per 100km (Claimed)
Price	R549,900

Bucket Tech: MacBook Neo Launches at iStore

iStore, South Africa’s only Apple Premium Partner, has officially introduced the MacBook Neo, a brand-new addition to the Mac lineup designed to bring the performance of Apple silicon to a wider audience than ever before. Starting from R11 999, the MacBook Neo combines a colourful aluminium design with a crisp 13-inch Liquid Retina display, positioning it as an accessible entry point into the Mac ecosystem for students, professionals and small businesses alike.

Available in four vibrant colour options, the MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same generation of Apple silicon that has helped redefine performance across Apple’s product range. In day-to-day use, that translates into smooth multitasking whether you’re working through spreadsheets, editing photos, streaming content or running business applications. Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours, giving the machine enough endurance to comfortably carry you through a full work or study day without reaching for a charger.

Alongside the new hardware, iStore is also making the switch to Mac easier for customers currently using older PC laptops. Through its PC Buy Back programme, customers can receive a guaranteed R3 000 trade-in value when moving from a qualifying PC to the MacBook Neo, lowering the barrier to entry for those considering their first Mac. The offer officially goes live on 11 March 2026.

Trade-ins remain a core part of the iStore upgrade experience. The retailer offers competitive valuations for both Mac and PC devices, allowing customers to offset the cost of a new Mac by trading in their current laptop. For many buyers, that can make stepping into a new MacBook significantly more attainable.

For those looking for added peace of mind, iStore also offers iCare for Mac, its extended protection and warranty plan. The service extends coverage beyond Apple’s standard warranty and can help maintain stronger trade-in value when it eventually comes time to upgrade again.

Customers who prefer to browse and compare devices digitally can do so through the iStore App, which provides a convenient way to explore the full Mac range, compare specifications and complete purchases directly from a smartphone. The app is designed to streamline the buying experience, allowing customers to move from research to checkout in just a few minutes.

In store, iStore’s Apple specialists remain available to help customers choose the right Mac for their needs. That includes assistance with setup, data transfers and guidance for those moving from a PC environment to macOS for the first time.

The MacBook Neo is available now through iStore locations nationwide as well as online at iStore.co.za, with pricing starting from R11 999. With its vibrant design, capable performance and competitive entry price — combined with trade-in incentives, expert support and flexible purchasing options the MacBook Neo aims to make the Mac experience more accessible than ever in the South African market.

Monday Choon: John Summit - SHADOWS (feat. LAVINIA)

 

With Ultra South Africa around corner, we got one of the headliner acts, John Summit this week with one of his latest tracks, "Shadows". The track has been out for 3 weeks now but fans of the man would have heard him drop it in sets for the last month and half now. It's another high energy, fast paced electronic track that has the vocals spot on by Lavinia. The man can do wrong when it comes to his music ability and to cement his name in the trace music folklore, he has just been confirmed to play a face-to-face set with Armin van Buuren at ASOT Poland in June this year. 

Bucket Tech: Volkwagen Transporter 2.0 TDI

The latest Volkswagen Transporter represents one of the most significant shifts in the history of Volkswagen’s iconic workhorse. For decades, the Transporter has built a loyal following across the world and particularly in South Africa, where it has served everyone from small business owners and fleet operators to large families and shuttle companies. With this new generation, however, Volkswagen has taken a different route by partnering with Ford Motor Company, resulting in a vehicle that shares its underlying platform with the Ford Transit Custom. While that might raise a few eyebrows among long-time fans of the Transporter nameplate, the new model brings with it meaningful improvements in design, performance and practicality. The question for South African buyers is simple: does this new collaboration strengthen the Transporter’s appeal, or does it dilute what made the van so special in the first place?

DESIGN

Visually, the new Transporter manages to retain a distinctly Volkswagen identity despite the shared engineering underneath. The front end is more modern and assertive than before, with slim LED headlights and a broader grille that give the van a more premium and contemporary look. It’s a cleaner design overall, one that aligns well with Volkswagen’s current passenger car lineup while still maintaining the robust stance expected from a commercial vehicle. The new model is also larger in every meaningful dimension. Both the short- and long-wheelbase variants have grown compared to the outgoing version, translating into a more planted appearance on the road. The extra size isn’t just for aesthetics either; it directly improves the van’s practicality. The load area is longer and wider, allowing for greater cargo capacity and easier loading, something that will be particularly appreciated by businesses that rely on the Transporter as a daily workhorse. Inside, the cabin represents one of the biggest leaps forward. The dashboard is now far more modern, dominated by a large infotainment screen paired with a fully digital instrument cluster. The layout feels intuitive and uncluttered, while the materials used give the interior a noticeably more upmarket feel than older Transporters. There’s also a stronger emphasis on storage solutions throughout the cabin, which is an important consideration for drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel.

PERFORMANCE

under the bonnet, the Transporter continues to rely on the proven formula of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, offered in multiple power outputs. These engines are paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, depending on the variant, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a setup that best suits their needs. Performance in a van like this isn’t about outright speed, but rather about usable torque and efficiency. In that regard, the diesel engines deliver exactly what is required. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with enough pulling power to move heavy loads without feeling strained. Whether it’s carrying tools to a job site or transporting passengers across long distances, the Transporter feels composed and capable. Towing and payload figures have also improved compared to the previous generation, reinforcing the vehicle’s position as a serious commercial tool. The additional capability will be welcomed by South African businesses that often demand more from their vehicles, particularly in industries where durability and practicality are non-negotiable.

COMFORT

One of the reasons the Transporter has remained so popular over the years is its ability to blur the line between commercial vehicle and passenger car. The latest model continues this tradition by offering a noticeably more comfortable and refined driving experience. The increased dimensions translate into more interior space across the board. For panel van models, that means a larger cargo area capable of carrying more equipment or goods. For Kombi and passenger variants, the extra space makes a significant difference to passenger comfort, particularly on longer journeys. The driving position is excellent, with clear visibility and well-placed controls that make the vehicle easy to live with on a daily basis. Improved seating comfort and better cabin insulation also help reduce fatigue during long hours on the road. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the Transporter also benefits from a wide range of driver assistance features and modern technology, bringing it in line with many contemporary passenger vehicles. For drivers who spend their entire workday in the vehicle, these small improvements make a meaningful difference.

VERDICT

The new Volkswagen Transporter arrives with big expectations, and understandably so. The name carries decades of trust and reliability, particularly in South Africa where the vehicle has long been a favourite among businesses and transport operators alike. What this latest generation demonstrates is that Volkswagen is willing to evolve the formula while still preserving the Transporter’s core strengths. The design is more modern, the cabin more refined, and the practicality even greater than before. Add to that the proven engineering shared with the Ford Transit Custom, and you end up with a van that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. For South African buyers, the Transporter continues to offer a compelling blend of durability, versatility and everyday usability. It may be built on a new foundation, but the essence of what made the Transporter great remains firmly intact. In a market where reliability and practicality matter more than ever, the Transporter once again proves why it has remained a benchmark in the commercial vehicle segment for so many years.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2-litre TDI
Gear Box	8-Speed Automatic
Power	125kW
Torque	340Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	6.6L per 100km (Claimed)
Price	R1,301,400

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI HUAWEI Innovative Product Launch

Huawei stepped confidently back into the professional running arena on February 26, unveiling the all-new HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 at its Now is Your Run global launch event in Madrid, Spain. Marking the brand’s return to elite running watches after five years, the launch signals a renewed focus on performance-driven innovation.

The event also introduced a line-up of flagship products, including the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, HUAWEI MatePad Mini, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, and the HUAWEI Band 11 Series.

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was officially introduced as the global ambassador for HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner. “Running means much more than running fast," said Kipchoge. "I believe that running is the most beautiful activity on every level. Together with Huawei, we can reach millions of runners around the world and hopefully impact their lives in a beautiful and positive way.”

HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2

Equipped with a new 3D floating antenna architecture, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is engineered to deliver exceptional positioning accuracy. Powered by an intelligent positioning algorithm, it continues to calculate trajectory and distance even during temporary signal interruptions, helping runners maintain precise data in complex environments.

The new intelligent marathon mode offers comprehensive race management, acting like a personal coach on the wrist. Designed to support professional athletes in optimising performance, it also makes advanced running insights accessible to everyday runners seeking a smarter training experience.

At the event, Kipchoge shared his experience of collaborating with Huawei on product development. "I am passionate about sharing my opinions and perspectives to improve the smartwatch experience, not just for elite athletes but for runners all around the world," he said.

HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro

Huawei also marked a strong return to the global market with its Mate Series, showcasing the company’s continued technological leadership. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro features an upgraded True-to-Color Camera system designed to deliver consistent colour accuracy across complex lighting environments and mixed colour temperatures.

Its refined Dual Space Ring Design blends classic elegance with contemporary aesthetics, drawing strong interest from attendees. With enhanced performance, 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass, and advanced AI capabilities, the Mate 80 Pro further strengthens Huawei’s premium smartphone offering.

HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 and HUAWEI Band 11 Series

Expanding its wearable portfolio, Huawei introduced new devices designed to deliver more personalised and professional fitness experiences.

The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 debuted in a striking new Green colourway, retaining its advanced diving and outdoor capabilities while introducing enhanced features tailored specifically for golf driving ranges and on-course play.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series combines sleek design with practical functionality, featuring a larger, clearer display that ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Integrating health monitoring, activity tracking, and convenient features into one compact device, it serves as a reliable companion for users' daily fitness needs.

HUAWEI MatePad Mini and HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5

Huawei also unveiled its first-ever Mini tablet, the HUAWEI MatePad Mini. With its compact 8.8-inch form factor, slimmer and lighter than traditional tablets, it fits easily into pockets and handbags. Whether reviewing documents, streaming content, or working on creative projects while travelling, the device is designed for productivity on the move. It serves as a versatile digital companion for professionals, readers, and researchers alike.

Completing the launch line-up, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 become the industry’s first wireless earbuds to feature dual-engine AI noise cancellation. Combined with a dual-drive acoustic system, they deliver powerful noise reduction while preserving vocal and instrumental clarity, creating an immersive listening experience.

Last year, Huawei introduced its brand proposition, Now is Yours, reflecting its commitment to building authentic connections with global consumers through a more inclusive and youthful voice. At the Now is Your Run launch event, the partnership with Eliud Kipchoge reinforced Huawei’s ambition to inspire movement and promote healthier lifestyles worldwide.

Looking ahead, Huawei will continue advancing fitness and health innovation, empowering more people to live active, connected, and healthier lives.

Monday Choon: Oliver Heldens - Lady

 

There's certain songs that must never be remixed or recreated out of pure respect for the original artist, and I firmly believe that if you are going to attempt to remake it, it must keep the originality of the song that make it great and not tarnish it's sound. Oliver Helden's is no stranger to house music and he in his own right have created some masterful songs in his career, so when I saw he released his own remake of the cult classic "Lady" by French DJ Modjo. I feared to listen to it, not that I doubt Oliver's talent but for so many the song meant so much and it was one of those that was an instant classic when it came up, but listen to it I did and you know what, Oliver, take a bow. It is exceptional, he pays homage to the original but adds his own unique sound to it which elevates the song to modern standards. If you loved the original, you definitely going to love this one too. 

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI

Yesterday I was invited by Volkswagen South Africa to experience the new Golf GTI, first showcased at last years Festival of Motoring and later went on sale around December 2025, the new GTI has a lot more advancements than the previous model which was launched in 2024. For starters, we are now getting the full European spec in terms of engine performance where as the previous model had a down tuned version of the engine, after various tests locally it was found that the fuel quality locally has proven to be suitable for these cars hence the change in mind for bringing us this new GTI, albeit a bit later than the rest of the world. 

This translates to the engine producing 195kW and 370Nm of torque, making this one of the most powerful GTI's to hit the streets of Mzanzi (that is stock). So what else is changed in the car? Well there is new alloy wheels that make the car look amazing, 19-inch Queenstown rims are the only choice available on the new GTI and the design pays homage to the Mk5 GTI rims. The headlamps and tail lights receive new Matrix LED' signature designs and the VW badge in the front is now illuminated. Stepping inside, the first thing you would notice especially if you driven the Mk8 GTI is that the steering wheel now has actual buttons and not the haptic touch ones used previously, the infotainment screen has grown with it now measures 10.3-inches but the cars we drove came with the optional 12.9-inch screen with a redesigned interface and VW's MIB4 operating system. 

All GTI's come standard with a range stuff, like premium sports seats with integrated head restraints and the GTI logo embossed in it. The driver side seat is electronically adjustable with the front passenger having to do it manually. The climate control still is accessed via the screen and does get a bit cumbersome especially when driving. The screen is angled at the driver so as the front passenger, trying to access the screen can get a bit tricky. The new GTI also has a range of safety features like travel assist, side assist with rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front assist with emergency braking which we tested voluntarily, PDC and reverse camera, proactive passenger protection system and driver alert system to detect when you need to pull over and have a stretch of the legs.  

On the road, the GTI remains true to its heart as a performance hatchback, it gives you the thrill that you'd associate with the car and more. The new engine performances speaks for itself and you can feel it when you are on the road, the cornering and braking is very responsive and even though the Vrrrpha is not as loud as we are used to, it still sounds amazing when you're in the car. Driving on both the highway and side roads really gave me some insight into how well balanced the car is and while being a performance car, it still has that practicality to it. 

Staring price for the GTI is R908,000 with not much additional extras you can get, I will give me full review on it after having it on test. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Unpacked 2026

Last night I attended the Samsung Unpacked event for 2026 in Hyde Park, Sandton. The event was a bold step for the brand as they unleashed a new era for their mobile phone outlook for the future. As CEO of Samsung South Africa put it "We are moving away from the smartphone and welcoming the AI phone". The launch gave us the first look of the all-new Galaxy S26 series which consists of 3 devices, the S26, the S26+ and the S26 Ultra. 

So before I dive into the AI bits of the device, lets look at the physical characteristics of the phone. Samsung have moved away from the titanium body and opted for the aluminium unibody design which not only keeps the device lighter but thanks to the new vapour chamber, also keeps the device cooler. The screen is protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass that is the strongest one yet. Inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra we have the latest Snapdragon 8 processor which enables the phones top performance whilst still being able to cope with all the AI background workings. The screen is a 6.9-inch AMOLED 2x Display that provides in depth performance for gaming an faster refresh rate but the biggest feature form the screen is the Privacy Mode, where one can activate it on demand or program it for certain applications or notifications to keep away prying eyes. 

The camera remains mostly the same with the front facing camera gaining some extra AI features like auto editing to minimise glare and increase the details. The video is the biggest gainer from the AI features, with a better Nightography setting that allows you to video in the dark with a lot more detail and light with less of the grain that we are used to on devices of old. The video also has an increase stabilization with Super Steady feature and horizontal lock which means you dont have to make sure your phone is level when recording. 

Lets look into the AI, along with Google Gemini the Samsung Galaxy S26 series becomes one of the most powerful AI phones on the market. With features such as "Now Brief" which gives you a summary of things for the start of your day that is in curated for your interests, like weather, news, traffic, health etc. Then you get "Now Nudge" which dives into your phone and assists when you need push info on request. For example, when you chatting on text and someone asks you if you free for dinner on Saturday, it will check your calender and notify that you are free or ask you to view calendar. Circle search can now search multiple things in a single pictures. Gemini can also run tasks in the background whilst you are busy doing other things on your phone, like read through your messages to curate and order to your favourite delivery app, when its done, it will ask you to confirm order and pay. 

The Knox security has stepped up a notch giving you unparalleled layer of protection as its a physical barrier against hackers. Overall the device has exceeded expectations and we hoping we can get a hands on feel with the phone to review soon. 

Pricing starts from:

Samsung Galaxy S26 - R20,999

Samsung Galaxy S26+ - R25,999

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra - R30,999

If pre-ordering the 256GB, Samsung will double your storage for the same price! So take advantage of this great offer. 

Monday Choon: Tiesto - Beautiful Places

 

Beautiful Places is the second single released from Tiesto after his return to trance music, his first release "Bring Me to Life" was extremely well received from the fan base and gained many other fans thanks to it. His show at the Pyramids of Giza was incredible and this song featured so well with the amazing background of the world wonders. The song features the vocals of Brieanna Grace who add's so much character to the already great song. It has so many different levels and elements to the track that only Tiesto could bring together and make it work so well. It's one of my favourite tracks of the moment and I'm many others feel the same way. 

Bucket Seat: 2027 Audi RS5 Avant

Audi have lifted the covers off its all-new RS5 Avant which takes over from the outgoing RS4 Avant and it has the motoring world doing cart-wheels. All motor heads love station wagons and when its a performance station wagon we going nuts! And with good reason too. This new RS5 which is also offered in a sedan as well but nobody is paying much attention to that as the Avant is the one featuring all the headlines. 

This new RS5 is taking cues from its competitors as its a plug-in hybrid, featuring a  2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine upfront which is mated to a single electric motor at the rear, giving you a combined power output of 470kW and 825Nm of torque. 130kW is thanks to the electric motor to boost performance and that is instant power with lower emissions. 

The car also features a brand new RS suspension setup, a new quattro drivetrain and Audi Sport has done some magic with the engine mapping by introducing an electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear, allowing the RS5 a pure electric range of 85km with the battery capacity rated at 22 kWh. 

The design of the Audi RS5 is nothing short of menacing, its everything we expect from Audi and more with plenty of aggression in the body work, large black air-intakes, massive wheels and a bloated rear that would make Shakira jealous of its hips. The twin exhaust system looks like it comes straight out of the Porsche factory and it looks like the car is equipped with afterburners. With all that power you need some good stopping power, Audi is offering customers the option of carbon-ceramic brakes or steel which will come fitted as standard. 

Audi never disappoints when it comes to the theatrics, their lighting specialist are showing off again with some extremely detailed designs with their matrix LED setup for both front and rear lights. The animations and light greetings are really something that must be admired, giving individuality to every car of theirs. The rear lights feature a checkered pattern which is also on the rear center break light. 

The RS5 has picked up a lot of weight thanks to its electric power unit, that has added an addition 600kg's from its predecessor giving the car a total weight of 2,355kg's. Now a lot was said about the new M5 when it came out, that however is still 100kgs more than this RS5. No one is seems to care about the RS5's extra kilo's though, we all waiting to see what it can do on the road and track. The car is scheduled for arrival in 2027 which means we have to sit and wait to hear if it will be coming to South African and if it does, how much it will be costing us but for not we can sit and admire how pretty she is.