Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Golf Mk 8.5 GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is more than just another hot hatch, especially here in South Africa. Over the years, the GTI has developed an almost cult-like following, becoming a legend on our streets and a car that remains instantly recognisable wherever it goes. With the arrival of the Golf Mk 8.5 GTI, Volkswagen hasn’t tried to reinvent the formula. Instead, it has taken what was already a very capable package and refined it with sharper styling, more power and improved technology.

DESIGN

At first glance, the changes to the Golf Mk 8.5 GTI may appear subtle, but spend some time looking at it and the enhancements become more noticeable. Volkswagen has sharpened up the design, giving the GTI a sleeker and slightly more aggressive appearance while still retaining the familiar Golf silhouette that has made the car so iconic. One of the standout additions is the new set of 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, which suit the character of the GTI perfectly. They give the car a more purposeful stance and add a premium edge to the overall design. The updated LED Matrix headlights also contribute to the sharper appearance, while the illuminated Volkswagen emblem at the front is a small but distinctive touch that gives the Mk 8.5 a more modern identity, particularly at night. I’ve always liked the fact that the GTI doesn’t need oversized wings, excessive vents or dramatic styling to make its presence known. The red GTI detailing, sporty bumpers and signature design elements are enough to distinguish it from the regular Golf, while still allowing it to retain that understated sophistication the GTI has always been known for. Overall, the design changes may not be revolutionary, but they work. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI looks sharper, sleeker and more modern without losing the familiar character that has made the GTI so popular.

PERFORMANCE

This is where the biggest improvement can be felt. Volkswagen has increased the output of the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to 195 kW, while torque remains at a healthy 370 Nm. On paper, the increase in power may not seem dramatic, but behind the wheel, the Mk 8.5 GTI feels noticeably stronger and more eager to perform. Acceleration is quick and effortless, with plenty of torque available when you need it. Whether pulling away from a traffic light, overtaking on the highway or enjoying a more spirited drive on an open road, the GTI delivers its performance in a way that feels both accessible and usable. That has always been one of the strengths of the GTI: it is fast enough to be exciting without becoming difficult to live with every day. The handling also feels improved. The car feels more planted and grounded, particularly at higher speeds, giving you greater confidence behind the wheel. There is a sense of stability that makes the GTI feel incredibly composed, while still retaining the agility and responsiveness expected from a hot hatch. The steering is precise, the chassis feels well balanced and the car changes direction with confidence. It is equally comfortable cruising on the highway as it is attacking a series of corners. The GTI has always been about finding the balance between performance and everyday usability, and the Mk 8.5 continues to get that formula right.

COMFORT

Performance may be a major reason why people buy a GTI, but the Mk 8.5 also proves that a hot hatch doesn’t have to compromise on comfort. The sports seats provide excellent support and are comfortable enough for longer journeys, with both heating and cooling adding a level of luxury that makes a noticeable difference in everyday driving. In South Africa, especially during our warmer summer months, ventilated seats are certainly a feature that will be appreciated. The cabin has also received an important technology upgrade with a new,12.9-inch infotainment display, much better than the MK8 which screen was smaller than my mobile phone! The system gives the interior a more modern feel and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone connectivity simple and convenient. The larger screen is clearer and easier to use, addressing one of the areas where the previous Golf 8 could sometimes feel overly dependent on touch controls. A sunroof is also standard, adding to the premium feel of the cabin and making the interior feel lighter and more spacious. Combined with the quality of the materials, ambient lighting and familiar GTI touches throughout the cabin, it creates an environment that feels sporty without sacrificing refinement. There is also an impressive amount of technology and safety equipment on offer. Modern driver-assistance systems help make daily driving easier and safer, while features such as the LED Matrix lighting improve visibility at night. The GTI manages to combine performance, comfort, connectivity and safety into one very complete package. What I particularly like about the Golf GTI is that it remains a car you can genuinely use every day. It is comfortable in traffic, practical enough for everyday life and refined on longer journeys, but the moment the road opens up, it reminds you that you are driving something special.

VERDICT

In South Africa, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has a reputation that few other cars can match. It has become more than just a performance hatchback; it is part of our motoring culture. From one generation to the next, the GTI has remained a favourite among enthusiasts, and for many South Africans, it is still the ultimate combination of performance, practicality and street presence. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI doesn’t dramatically change the formula, and it doesn’t need to. Instead, Volkswagen has refined it. The subtle styling enhancements make it look sharper and more modern, the increase to 195 kW gives it stronger performance, the handling feels more composed and the upgraded interior technology makes it a better car to live with every day. There are faster cars and there are certainly more dramatic-looking performance cars, but few manage to combine everything quite as well as the GTI. It can be your comfortable daily driver during the week and still provide plenty of excitement when the opportunity arises. For South Africans who have grown up admiring the GTI, the Mk 8.5 continues the legacy of a nameplate that has become a legend on our streets. It is more powerful, more refined and more technologically advanced, but importantly, it still feels like a GTI. And perhaps that is the greatest compliment you can give it. The Golf Mk 8.5 GTI has evolved, but it hasn’t forgotten what made South Africa fall in love with those three letters in the first place: GTI.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed DSG
Power	195kW
Torque	370Nm
0-100km/h	5.9 seconds
Price	R908,000

 

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 15 Max

Smartphones have become significantly more capable over the past decade, but they have also become significantly more expensive. Consumers see the price tags. What many don't see is what is happening behind the scenes. Rising memory costs, increasingly sophisticated chipsets, advanced display technologies, larger batteries, AI-powered features and ongoing supply chain pressures have all contributed to pushing smartphone prices higher across the industry.

As a result, consumers often find themselves facing a difficult question: does upgrading to a better smartphone always mean paying substantially more?

The arrival of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max in South Africa suggests the answer may not be as straightforward as many assume. The new device combines one of the largest batteries in its category, advanced photography capabilities, AI-powered features and durable construction while maintaining a price point designed to remain accessible to a wider range of consumers.

The technology inside smartphones is getting more expensive

Modern smartphones contain vastly more technology than they did even a few years ago. Displays have become brighter, sharper, and more energy-efficient. Camera systems have evolved into sophisticated imaging platforms capable of computational photography and AI-assisted image processing.

Batteries have become larger, while users simultaneously expect thinner and lighter devices. At the same time, AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the smartphone experience, requiring additional processing power and hardware optimisation.

Memory and storage costs have also remained a significant factor in device pricing. As consumers demand larger storage capacities and greater multitasking performance, manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver more powerful hardware while managing rising component costs.

The result is an industry where many new devices arrive with increasingly premium price tags.

More of the features that matter

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max approaches this by focusing on the aspects of smartphone ownership that have the greatest impact on everyday life.

At the heart of the device is an impressive 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, one of the largest batteries available in its category. Designed to support modern lifestyles, it can deliver up to 23 hours of continuous video playback, helping users spend less time searching for chargers and more time using their devices.

The smartphone also supports reverse charging, allowing compatible Huawei devices to draw power directly from the phone when needed.

Photography is another area where the HUAWEI nova 15 Max delivers technology often associated with more expensive devices. Its 50MP Ultra Vision Camera features Huawei's advanced RYYB colour filter array, increasing light intake by 40% compared to traditional solutions. Combined with a large 1/1.56-inch sensor and F1.9 aperture, the system is designed to capture brighter, more detailed images in challenging lighting conditions.

AI-powered features such as AI Best Expression further enhance the experience by helping users select and refine the best moments from a sequence of photos.

Built to handle everyday life

Consumers increasingly expect their smartphones to survive real-world use rather than simply look good on launch day. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max features an Extra-durable Body that has achieved the SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification. Precision sealing technology helps protect against dust and debris, while the IP65 rating provides resistance against dust and water exposure encountered during daily use.

The device also incorporates intelligent touch optimisation powered by on-device AI models, helping maintain smooth and responsive touchscreen performance even when fingers or the display are wet.

Premium experiences without the premium price

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max demonstrates that meaningful smartphone innovation does not always have to be accompanied by aggressive price increases.

Its 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display delivers vivid visuals with up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, while symmetrical stereo dual speakers create an immersive entertainment experience for streaming, gaming and everyday content consumption.

Combined with AI-Powered Navigation, advanced photography capabilities, exceptional battery life and durable construction, the device offers a feature set that would traditionally be associated with significantly higher price brackets.

The value conversation is changing

However, as component costs rise and consumers become increasingly price-conscious, manufacturers face a growing challenge: delivering meaningful innovation without losing sight of value. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max demonstrates that the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Available in Black, Cyan and Gold, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max starts at R7 999 through the HUAWEI Online Store, HUAWEI Experience Stores (HES) and selected retailers. Customers will also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

 

Monday Choon: HUGEL - Movin' To The Sun

 

In the current age of social media it is hard to ignore the trends, and kudos to apps like TikTok who do wonders for artists that we don't really know of because when a trend goes viral with a track, best believe everyone in the world will know you and your song. HUGEL however isn't an unknown artist but has had several of his tracks go viral on TikTok and what seems to happen is that people will then use the same tracks on their IG videos, I like to call this a cross pollination of trends. HUGEL's latest offering "Movin' to the Sun" is all over my TikTok feeds and some dubbing it the song of the summer, I still think Axwell's track which we featured last week has it beat but that is not for me to decided. Movin' to the Sun is still a banging track, the vocals and the drop sync so well you can't help but vibe to it. 

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Across GLX

I got to spend some time in two models of the Suzuki Across within a month of each other, the GL and the GLX models and while there are primarily the same car the GLX is the range topping model for a reason. As mentioned in my review of the GL, it's a car that Suzuki needed to show the world they can make a premium level car and not just budget friendly models that rely more on price point than actual comfort and practicality. I spent a week with the Across GLX and share my thoughts in this post. 

DESIGN

Suzuki has never really been known for producing bold, premium-looking SUVs, but the new Across GLX Mild Hybrid changes that perception almost immediately. It's a design that feels like a significant step in the right direction for the brand. The front end is sharp and purposeful, with an imposing grille and sleek LED lighting giving it a far more upmarket appearance than we've come to expect from Suzuki. It strikes a balance between elegance and ruggedness without trying too hard, resulting in an SUV that looks mature and sophisticated. The proportions are well judged, the body lines are clean, and overall it has a confident road presence that makes it stand out in a crowded segment. It's refreshing to see Suzuki moving towards a more premium design language while still maintaining the practicality the brand is known for.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the Across GLX is Suzuki's 1.5-litre mild hybrid powertrain, and for everyday driving it delivers exactly what most South African buyers are looking for. Performance is smooth, predictable and more than adequate for commuting, school runs and long-distance cruising. The electric assistance helps the engine feel responsive when pulling away from traffic lights while also contributing to impressive fuel economy, making it an attractive option as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. The only area that doesn't quite impress is the gearbox. While it performs its duties competently, it can occasionally feel hesitant and lacks the refinement offered by some rivals. That said, once you're accustomed to its characteristics, it becomes easy to live with and doesn't detract significantly from the overall driving experience. For buyers prioritising efficiency, reliability and low running costs over outright performance, the Across delivers a well-rounded package.

COMFORT

Without question, this is one of the most comfortable Suzukis I've driven. The cabin immediately gives the impression that Suzuki has invested more attention into quality, with soft-touch materials, attractive textures and a layout that feels modern and well thought out. The seats provide excellent support whether you're navigating city traffic or spending hours on the highway, while passenger space in both rows is generous enough for family duties. The technology is another standout feature. The infotainment system is intuitive, smartphone connectivity works seamlessly, and features such as the excellent 360-degree camera make manoeuvring in tight parking spaces incredibly easy. It's one of those features you quickly become accustomed to and wonder how you managed without it. Combined with the quiet cabin and refined ride quality, the Across GLX genuinely feels like it belongs a class above many of Suzuki's previous offerings.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Across GLX Mild Hybrid represents a noticeable evolution for the brand. It looks more premium than ever before, offers excellent comfort, delivers impressive fuel economy and comes equipped with technology that buyers increasingly expect in this segment. While the gearbox could benefit from further refinement, it's a relatively small compromise in what is otherwise a very capable family SUV. The biggest talking point for South African buyers will undoubtedly be the pricing. The Across enters a fiercely competitive market filled with established rivals that offer strong value propositions, and that means Suzuki will need to convince buyers that its improved quality and generous specification justify the asking price. Even so, if you're looking for a comfortable, efficient and well-equipped SUV from a brand with an excellent reputation for reliability and affordability, the Across GLX deserves to be on your shortlist. It proves that Suzuki is no longer content with simply competing on value alone it now has the confidence to compete on quality, refinement and overall ownership experience as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter NA with 12V Mild Hybrid
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Power	75.8kW
Torque	136.8Nm
Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R464,900.00

 

BOOMTOWN presented by Johnnie Walker - Line Up

BOOMTOWN presented by Johnnie Walker is where South Africa's tastemakers, trendsetters and culture shapers come together for an unforgettable experience.

For 16 years, BOOMTOWN has been one of the most sought-after destinations at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, delivering world-class entertainment, premium hospitality and an electric atmosphere unlike any other.

MAKE SOME NOISE FOR OUR LINE-UP

Get ready for an incredible showcase of chart-topping hitmakers, crowd favourites and some of the biggest names in South African music—all on one stage.

BOOMTOWN PACKAGES – NOW AVAILABLE

Don't miss Durban's biggest social event of the year. Secure your place today.

• General Admission – R890 per person 
• VIP – R4,025 per person
• VVIP – R5,175 per person 
• VVIP Private Tables – R5,500 per person (excl. VAT)
• Available for tables of 10 or 20 guests.

Tickers available from TicketPros: BOOMTOWN Tickets

Monday Choon: Axwell ft. Bonn - Whatever Turns You On

 

Axwell's latest release, "Whatever Turns You On" featuring Bonn, is everything you'd expect from the Swedish icon. It blends his signature melodic progressive house sound with that unmistakable Swedish House Mafia energy, delivering a track that's both euphoric and emotionally charged. It's easily become my favourite song of the moment and has been on repeat all weekend since dropping on Friday. Judging by the traction it's already gaining on TikTok, this one looks set to be one of the standout dance anthems of the year.

Bucket Seat: The new Audi Q3

Yesterday I attended the launch of the 3rd generation Audi Q3, this mid-sized SUV has been a market favourite for many over the years and I was looking forward to seeing what the latest iteration of it had to offer. The launch taking place at the picturesque Cavalli Estate in Stellenbosch, set the scene of what we could expect in the new Q3. Previous generations offered a fun and funky feel to the SUV but with the 3rd generation it looks and feels more mature with bolder lines, larger body and modern design. The car is an important one for the brand as it ushers in the latest form of their SUV design language that we have already seen it translated into the designs of the new Q5 and Q7 which were showcased internationally. 

The Q3 launches in two variants, the SUV and the Sportback, both designs are similar with the Sportback having a more sleeker and sloped roof line to mimic a coupe styling. The entire design has been revamped, the front see's a new take on the famous Audi Matrix LED lighting with the day time running LED's having their own cluster and the headlights being house below them. The LED design has been enhanced and now has a projection feature on that gives you signs on the road if you are veering off the lane, warns you of snow and icy conditions and lights up the lane next to you when the indicator is activated. The profile of the car looks more bulky than the previous model with the wheel arches gaining some width to enhance that SUV look. The SUV has has two clear and distinct lines which flow from the bonnet and headlamps respectively which the Sportback has just one because of the sloped roof line. The rear end looks sublime and probably my favourite view of the Q3 with that split light design coming in again and a solid LED bar that runs across the rear. The indicator is integrated into this. With the Matrix LED system you also get an illuminated Audi logo on the rear which looks really cool. 

The interior of the Q3 looks amazing and very similar to that of the A5 we had on test last year. The curved type dash which houses the virtual cockpit and the large infotainment unit. They have done away with the gear shift and like many other manufacturers put this as a stalk behind the steering wheel on the left side, thus leaving more room for storage in the center console. The wireless charging tray has been made bigger thanks to this. The interior lighting has some cool enhancements too, with lighting now available on the door panels and they all integrate with the cars lighting, so for example if you put the hazard lights on, they will animate on the inside as well. The infotainment user interface is really simple to use and phone connectivity made really simple with wireless mobile phone app integration for Car Play and Android Auto. The materials and textures can be suited to your taste, having only driven the S Line trims with both leather and cloth options, both were equally great and comfy, my only gripe is that on the base model you still getting manual seat adjusters. 

On the road, both the petrol and diesel offer great power to the car, the diesel obviously feeling a bit more eager thanks to the torque levels. The car feels solid and capable on the open road with the car being able to speed up smoothly as it shifts through the 7 gears on the S tronic automatic gearbox. The large wheels also make a big difference, combined with the new suspension with dual valve chambers for those pesky potholes makes the ride ultra smooth. The turbo petrol engine delivers 110kW and 250Nm of torque with the turbo diesel producing 110kW with 360Nm of torque. There are planning on introducing a 142kW version of the diesel engine later on. Talks of a performance model were played down as Audi SA are stil unsure but we might see a SQ3 model instead of the RSQ3.

Pricing for the new Q3 is as follows:

All models are sold with a standard 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

Bucket Tech: New Galaxy A57 and A37 offering Flagship Innovation

Samsung is bringing intelligent innovation and premium mobile experiences to more users with the recently launched Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G. As smartphones become increasingly central to how people create, connect, work and play, Samsung continues to make meaningful innovation more accessible, delivering powerful performance and advanced camera experiences. Samsung is continuing its mission to democratise innovation by bringing some of the most-loved Galaxy S series experiences to more people.

The new Galaxy A series devices are designed for people who want smarter, more intuitive mobile experiences without stepping into ultra-premium price territory. Whether it is managing busy schedules, creating social content, staying organised, or protecting personal memories, the Galaxy A57 and A37 make advanced mobile technology feel accessible, useful, and seamlessly woven into everyday life.

At the heart of this shift is Samsung’s approach to making flagship  features part of the mainstream smartphone experience.

Imagine sitting in a lecture, a brainstorming session, or a family meeting where ideas are flying across the room faster than fingers can type. With Voice Transcription, users can record conversations and convert speech into text in real time, helping students capture notes effortlessly, young professionals keep track of meetings, or content creators quickly turn ideas into captions and scripts. It transforms the smartphone into a practical productivity companion that works quietly in the background while life moves at full speed.

Photography and content creation have also become more intuitive with Object Eraser. Everyday moments are rarely picture-perfect on the first try. A stranger photobombing an exquisite sunset photo, an unwanted sign in a travel snap, or clutter distracting from a carefully styled outfit can all be removed with a few taps. What once required advanced editing apps or desktop software can now happen directly on-device, giving users the freedom to create cleaner, more polished content instantly.

Then there is Circle to Search with Google, a feature that feels almost futuristic in its simplicity. Users can simply circle an object, phrase, or image on their screen to instantly learn more about it without switching between apps. Spot a pair of sneakers you like on social media? Circle them to search. Watching a recipe video and curious about an ingredient? Circle it. It reduces the space between curiosity and discovery, making information feel more immediate and naturally integrated into how people already use their phones.

Samsung has also introduced upgraded Bixby into the Galaxy A series experience, creating a more conversational and intelligent way to interact with your device. Instead of navigating endless menus, users can simply ask Bixby to set reminders, search for photos, manage schedules, or help control connected devices. In busy households, during commutes, or while multitasking through a packed day, it becomes a digital assistant that simplifies small but meaningful daily interactions.

Privacy, too, is becoming increasingly important in a world where smartphones carry deeply personal memories and sensitive information. Private Album offers users an added layer of security for photos and videos they want to keep separate from their main gallery. Whether it is important documents, family moments, creative projects, or personal memories, users have more control over what stays visible and what stays private.

What makes the Galaxy A57 and A37 particularly significant is not just the inclusion of these features, but what they represent. Samsung is narrowing the gap between flagship and mid-range experiences, ensuring that more users can enjoy intelligent, AI-powered mobile technology regardless of budget.

For many consumers, smartphones are now long-term lifestyle investments. People want devices that can keep pace with work, entertainment, creativity, and communication without compromise. By introducing premium-inspired functionality into the Galaxy A series, Samsung is reshaping expectations around what accessible smartphones should be capable of delivering.

The result is a mobile experience that feels smarter, more personal, and more empowering. One where innovation is no longer reserved for a select few, but designed to fit naturally into the lives of everyday users across South Africa.

Monday Choon: Darren Tate - A Child Of The Times

 

British producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Darren Tate returns to Anjunabeats with his latest single, A Child Of The Times, following its debut on Anjunabeats Volume 25. Known for a career spanning multiple successful aliases, twelve UK Top 40 singles and over 20 film scores, Tate continues to push the boundaries of trance music. The track carries a powerful message of optimism for future generations, inspired by trance music's ability to unite and uplift listeners. Featuring vocal elements influenced by African and Eastern spiritual chants, Tate explains that the song is designed to create a shared sense of connection, positivity and emotional release. A Child Of The Times is available now on Anjunabeats.

Bucket Seat: Renault Kiger 1.0L Turbo Iconic CVT

Renault's Kiger recently got an additional engine to it's line up, a 1.0L Turbo Petrol engine that gives the car more life. It's something that in my opinion the car needed as it's a decent affordable offering from the French manufacturer but the 1.5L naturally aspirated motor seemed a bit flat when I drove it earlier this year. The Kiger Turbo doesn't just stop at the engine upgrade but the interior has also been given some upgrades with the likes of ventilated front seats, combination of leathers and coloured stitching to name a few. I spent a week with the Kiger Turbo and here are my thoughts.

 DESIGN

The Renault Kiger has always been one of the more distinctive compact SUVs in the South African market, and the 2026 Turbo model continues to build on that formula. While the overall shape remains familiar, the Kiger still manages to stand out with its bold front-end styling, muscular wheel arches and raised ride height that gives it genuine SUV appeal. The front grille and lighting signature give the vehicle a modern appearance, while the sporty stance adds a touch of character that many rivals in this segment often lack. Inside, Renault has made noticeable improvements to the cabin. One of the biggest highlights is the upgraded interior quality. The materials used throughout the cabin feel more premium than before, helping the Kiger move a step closer to more expensive competitors. The different textures used on the seats add a welcome sense of sophistication and break away from the plain finishes commonly found in this segment. The result is a cabin that feels more inviting and modern, while still maintaining the practicality that buyers in this class expect.

PERFORMANCE

The biggest improvement to the 2026 Renault Kiger comes from its turbocharged engine. Compared to the naturally aspirated alternative, the turbo unit delivers noticeably better performance, making the vehicle feel far more responsive in everyday driving conditions. Whether pulling away from traffic lights, overtaking on the highway or climbing inclines, the extra power and torque provide a more confident driving experience. The turbocharged engine feels well suited to South African driving conditions, particularly for motorists who frequently travel on open roads where overtaking performance is important. Despite the improved performance, the engine remains relatively efficient, striking a good balance between fuel economy and power. The Kiger may not be the quickest vehicle in the segment, but it offers enough punch to make daily driving enjoyable without sacrificing affordability.

COMFORT

Comfort has also seen meaningful improvements. The upgraded seat materials not only enhance the overall look of the cabin but also contribute to a more pleasant driving experience. The seats provide adequate support for both short city commutes and longer journeys, while the elevated seating position gives drivers excellent visibility of the road ahead. Technology is another area where the Kiger impresses. The addition of wireless smartphone connectivity is a feature that many South African buyers will appreciate. Being able to connect a smartphone without cables adds convenience to everyday use and helps keep the cabin free from clutter. The infotainment system is intuitive to operate, while the spacious cabin and practical luggage area ensure that the Kiger remains a strong family-friendly option. Road and wind noise are reasonably controlled for a vehicle in this price category, and the suspension does a commendable job of absorbing imperfections commonly found on South African roads. This results in a comfortable and relaxed driving experience for both driver and passengers.

VERDICT

The 2026 Renault Kiger Turbo represents a meaningful step forward for Renault's compact SUV. The improved turbocharged engine brings a welcome boost in performance, the upgraded interior materials create a more premium feel, and the addition of wireless phone connectivity adds a level of convenience that modern buyers expect. For South African consumers looking for an affordable compact SUV that offers attractive styling, practical space, improved refinement and enjoyable performance, the Kiger Turbo makes a compelling case for itself. While competition in this segment remains fierce, Renault has addressed some of the key areas that needed improvement, resulting in a vehicle that feels more complete than ever before. Overall, the 2026 Renault Kiger Turbo is a well-rounded package that combines value, practicality and modern features, making it one of the more appealing options for buyers seeking a compact SUV without stretching their budget.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.0-liter Turbo
Gear Box	X-tronic CVT
Power	74kW
Torque	160Nm
Fuel Economy	6.0L per 100km
Price	R329,999