Bucket Seat: Audi S3

The Audi S3 Sportback has always been the thinking person’s hot hatch understated, fast, and clinically competent. This latest update doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it refines it in all the right places and, finally, injects a bit of emotion into the drive. While many may think this is just a minor face-lift, I soon discover during my time with it that it is much more than that. Of recent, Audi have been bringing out a mixed bag in-terms of their models, especially when it comes to the interior and technology but I see it's slowly converging into one across all models. This new S3 offers a dynamic package to all sorts of drivers, not only the speed fanatics, I spent a week with it and these are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

Audi has evolved the S3 rather than redesigned it, but the changes are meaningful. Up front, the wider Singleframe grille now sits lower and flatter, giving the car a more planted, purposeful stance. The new front bumper design, with larger air intakes and sharper detailing, adds visual drama without tipping into boy-racer territory. The lighting is a big talking point those Matrix LED headlights now come with selectable daytime running light signatures, which sounds gimmicky until you see them in traffic. It gives the car a subtle layer of identity that most rivals don’t offer. Along the sides, the S3 keeps its tight, muscular proportions. The shoulder line is crisp, the wheel arches are pronounced, and those larger alloy wheels fill them out properly. It looks compact, but not small aggressive, but not loud. At the rear, the quad exhaust tips (a proper S signature) sit within a more sculpted diffuser, and the updated taillights tie everything together. It’s a clean, cohesive design that will age well important if you’re spending this kind of money in South Africa where resale value matters.

PERFORMANCE

This is where the biggest evolution happens. The familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been pushed to 245 kW and 420 Nm, and it feels properly urgent from the moment you get on the throttle. The power delivery is linear but punchy, with peak torque coming in early, which makes it incredibly usable in everyday driving whether you’re overtaking on the highway or darting through city traffic. 0–100 km/h comes up in around 4.7 seconds, but numbers don’t fully capture how quick it feels. The S tronic gearbox deserves credit here shifts are rapid and smooth, whether you’re cruising or pushing hard. Now, the real game changer: the torque splitter. This transforms the S3 from a grip-and-go machine into something far more engaging. It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels, which means you can actually feel the car rotate into corners instead of just pulling itself through them. On a twisty road  think KZN Midlands or a quiet stretch of Notties the S3 now feels alive. It’s still incredibly composed, but there’s a newfound willingness to play, especially in Dynamic or Dynamic Plus modes. Grip levels remain immense thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, but now there’s balance and adjustability to go with it. It’s no longer just efficient  it’s entertaining.

COMFORT

This is where the S3 quietly dominates a lot of its rivals. It’s fast, yes, but it’s also incredibly easy to live with. The sport seats strike a great balance supportive enough when you’re pushing on, but still comfortable for longer drives. Cabin insulation is excellent, with minimal road and wind noise, which makes highway cruising relaxed rather than tiring. The ride quality deserves a mention, especially for South African conditions. Even on larger wheels, it manages to absorb bumps and imperfect road surfaces without feeling crashy. It’s firm, no doubt, but controlled exactly what you want in a performance hatch you’ll use daily. Space is another win. The Sportback layout gives you a practical boot and usable rear seats, making it viable for small families or anyone who needs more than just a weekend toy. It’s one of those cars you can drive to a client meeting in Umhlanga during the week and take on a road trip over the weekend without compromise. 

TECHNOLOGY

Audi’s interiors are still among the best in the business, and the S3 benefits from that. The layout is clean and driver-focused, with everything angled slightly toward you. The Virtual Cockpit remains a standout — crisp, configurable, and genuinely useful rather than just flashy. You can prioritise navigation, performance data, or keep it clean depending on your mood. The central 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making connectivity seamless. Importantly, Audi hasn’t buried everything in menus key functions are still accessible without frustration. You also get premium touches like the SONOS 3D sound system, ambient lighting with multiple colour options, and optional extras like a head-up display. Safety and driver assistance tech is comprehensive too adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist all working in the background without being intrusive. It’s a tech suite that enhances the experience rather than overwhelming it.

VERDICT

For South African buyers, the Audi S3 Sportback hits a very sweet spot. Yes, it’s expensive, sitting just north of the R1 million mark, but what you’re getting is a genuinely well-rounded package with a name that's been around for ages. Many compare it to Audi's version of the Golf R but its so much more than that. It may not have the outright madness of something like an A45, but it doesn’t need to. The S3 is about balance and it absolutely nails it. If you want one car that can do everything in the South African context  handle traffic, deal with our roads, carry people comfortably, and still deliver proper performance when you want it  the S3 Sportback makes a very compelling case. It’s no longer just the sensible choice. It’s now got just enough edge to make you choose it with your heart too.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0-liter Turbo
Gear Box	S-Tronic Automatic
Power	245kW
Torque	420Nm
0-100km/h	4.7 seconds
Price	R1,091,100

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.  

Bucket Seat: Audi A5 TFSI 146kW Black Edition

I'm a die-hard sedan fanboy, ever since I was a kid, our family owned a range of sedans, so the appeal of a hatch or SUV never swayed me. Even now with the range of SUV's and SAV's taking the market by storm, I still maintain the best car is a sedan but that all changed with the introduction of the Sportback/ Gran Coupe  which fused the sleekness of a coupe but with the practicality of a sedan. Audi and BMW have been the two leaders in this segment over the years and with the introduction of the latest Audi A5, Audi have announced that they have decided to axe the A4 from their line up and the A5 Sportback will be the only 4-door offering in this segment. A decision which I'm sure was not easy as the A4 was a much loved model by many but seeing that the A5 Sportback and the A4 were practically the same car, it makes better business sense to have only one. I got to spend some time with the new A5 Sportback TFSI 146kW Black Edition not too long ago and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

 The Sportback’s silhouette remains the selling point, with its long bonnet, swept roof and a hatch like back that gives the car a low, swooping profile while keeping uniformity. On this newest A5 the front end has been sharpened  with a wider, hexagonal singleframe grille, narrower LED headlamps and more pronounced sculpting in the bumper and flanks. The overall effect is sportier and a touch more aggressive than the previous generation, but still classically Audi. There are some elements of the etron range that come through in certain angles but the car remains a masterpiece in any way you look at it. If one had to describe the Audi A5 in a few words, it would be restrained, premium and undeniably modern. This continues in the cabin where we get a look at the latest in Audi's design language for their interiors which match the exterior in terms of the modern yet minimalist look.

PERFORMANCE

While we're used to previous branding from Audi that had the "35" and the "40" badges to differentiate the engine sizes, Audi has now opted to just put "TFSI" on the back and I'm guessing the diesels would just have "TDI", the A5 comes in two engine variants, both of which are 2.0L Turbo Petrol engines that have mild hybrid technology, the one is tuned to 146kW and the other is jacked up to 200kW. I had the 146kW engine spec in the Black Edition package.  I was fortunate to have a lot of driving lined up for the A5 during my week with it, which included a long distance trip in excess of 700km, so it was the perfect opportunity to test the fuel efficiency on the car.  The engine produces 146kW as state and 340Nm of torque, this high torque factor is assisted by the electric motor which often powers up when the car is switched on making you think you're driving an electric car. Urban driving with the A5 saw me have a higher fuel consumption around 9L per 100km which isn't bad when you think about it compared to other cars with similar engine sizes. 

The long distance journeys was where this car shone, with me having traveled around 720km, the car, it averaged around 7.6L per 100km with a range of 20km left from the 56L tank. The drive on the car is simply sublime, I could not fault one aspect of the on the road feel, it felt solid and commanding of the road.Audi has dialled suspension and steering for a balanced compromise that is composed enough for confident higher-speed cruising, supple enough to absorb poor urban surfaces if you choose standard suspension. Optional adaptive dampers sharpen handling without compromising daily comfort. Sound insulation and seat comfort are very competitive for the class; long trips are easy. If your roads are very rough, opt for the adaptive setup or softer suspension tune, because low-profile wheels with sports suspension can transmit more impact. Even in adverse conditions, the A5 handled like a charm. There is one gripe I had with the engine, which it is a down-tuned engine, it did feel like it was being held back at times, almost made me think I was driving a 1.4L but other than that, it certainly has risen to the top of my charts from the German contenders in terms of offerings and performance.

COMFORT

The cabin of the A5 is spacious, modern and futuristic, with it featuring its all new layout, that has a curved split screen dash, new steering wheel and the plush and high quality materials that we have become so accustomed with the brand.  The lines of the dash is what will catch you soon as you sit inside, the great merger of technology and luxury are brought to life in the cabin, with high-quality leather electric seats that slide back for you to get in easily, the instrument cluster has been re-designed to give you a more pilot like feel with the radar guidance being the main focus of the center dial, info either side of this can be configured to the individual. The 14.5" touchscreen infotainment unit controls just about everything, it has built-in wireless mobile applications, the new MMI UI is easy to use and can be configured to your liking with the options of having a favourites menu for your driver aids, I like this because you don't have to go into multiple menus to find things. 

The car came with the "Tech Pro" package which is listed at R100,000, I'm not exactly sure what is included in it but there was a shit load of tech. From surround view cameras, a digital sunroof, yes, the full glass panoramic roof can go opaque or swap in patterns of your choice. It's a pretty good party trick but also functional too. I like how Audi have moved all the driver controls to the driver side door in one neat cluster. So you can control everything from your memory seats, the side mirrors and even the lights from there. It just makes the dash a whole lot neater. This particular model also came with the infortainment package pro which adds an additional smaller screen for the front passenger. This gives them full access to the complete MMI menu and more with an app store to download games and video applications. The rear space is decent in the A5 with the passengers getting their own aircon controls and USB C ports for charging their devices. The Sportback hatch brings much more usable loadspace than a traditional saloon ideal for weekend gear or a pram. Rear headroom is slightly compromised compared with a taller sedan, but remains acceptable for adults on shorter journeys. 

VERDICT

The Audi A5 146kW TFSI really has surprised me, being a lover of the sportback styling it already had me won over on the looks department but the actual performance and the driving feel of the car is what blew me away. The quality of the materials used on the inside and the amount of technology you are getting in this package is truly outstanding and really is setting the benchmark for this segment. It should have their competition going back to the drawing boards to see how they can compete with this. While the competitors might have the edge in certain aspects, the A5 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best complete packages on the market. While the engine did feel under-powered at times, I'd like to have a go in the 200kW variant to see how that fairs. But to end, this car for me reminded me why I like sedans or sedan/ coupe should I say. It's not about having a lower center of gravity, there is just something charming about driving a long saloon. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed STronic
Torque	34Nm
Power	146kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.5L per 100km
Price	R1,423,500.00*

*Price as tested

 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition

Earlier this year Audi South Africa launched specific models to enhance their Q7 and Q8 range, I was there to attend it and drove around in some special models, namely the RSQ8 and the SQ7. Both of these cars powered by that 4.0L V8 but in different performance specs gave a good experience in terms of the versatility of that engine, though the journey was short it was still rather enjoyable as long as I didn't have to fit the bill for the fuel. So it got me thinking, which would be the perfect engine for a big SUV? I normally tend to sway for the diesel powered engines, seeing that it gives you longer range but when it comes to performance, you still can't be the petrol engines. Looking at the engine line-up, the 55 TFSI engine looked like the sweet spot but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to drive one at the launch but as lady luck would have it, Audi South Africa sent a Q7 packing this engine to Durban for me to test and this is how it went. 

DESIGN

The overall design of the Q7 still remains the same with some modifications to the front and rear bumper and making the grille more pronounced. The matrix LED headlights are the star of the show, both front and back and with the various designs for the daytime running lights, one can chance the look of the car whenever you feel like. The Black Edition treatment gives the Q7 a darker, more assertive look without becoming showy. Rear treatment is clean and horizontal, a good match for the large, three-row silhouette. The Black Edition typically adds gloss-black trim, larger wheel options and darker badges that suit buyers who want a sportier executive look rather than chrome-heavy bling. Local dealers list the Black Edition as a top visually distinct trim in the Q7 lineup and it includes quite a bit of extras as part of the package, so instead of individually specifying them when buying the car, the Black Edition package offers most of the practical extras at a discounted rate. 

PERFORMANCE

Now it was time to find out if the 55 TFSI V6 motor is the sweet spot from the line-up, the engine is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing about 250 kW and 500 Nm, routed through a Tiptronic/automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. That combination gives brisk real-world acceleration 0–100 km/h in roughly 5.6 s claimed and confident overtaking, traits that make long highway runs or hilly passes around the Cape or KwaZulu-Natal feel effortless. Fuel consumption is advertised in the high single-digit to low double-digits at around 9–10 L/100 km , so expect premium petrol bills if you drive it hard. The car has plenty power on demand and shifting through the various driving modes aids the cars agility and response time. The Q7 steers with predictable, composed weight and the adaptive air suspension giving a comfortable balance all while keeping the car composed in twisty passes, but when give an open highway, it really can deliver some grunt. The Black Edition’s sporty visual cues don’t translate into a hardcore ride; this is a fast, comfortable cruiser rather than a track tool. 

COMFORT

Like the Q8, the Q7 shares the same interior, while the interior quality is Audi-typical, that is high-grade materials, tight build, clear ergonomics and good insulation from road and wind noise, it's hard to ignore that it still has the old MMI user interface. The 7-seat layout is one of the Q7’s strongest selling points for South African families, the third row can seat adults for short trips and children for longer journeys, and the second row slides/tilts to aid access. Like all 7-seater SUV's, the luggage space with all seats up is limited, but folding the third row down gives you plenty of space to load. Comfort features you get in the Q7 are power front seats with memory, multi-zone climate control, high-quality leather or leather-look upholstery depending on options, and a generally quiet cabin that makes long Gauteng-to-Cape Town highway runs less fatiguing. The car has a generous amount of tech to showcase, such as dual touchscreen/virtual cockpit packaging: a digital instrument cluster  with Audi's virtual cockpit, a main infotainment screen with MMI touch response, and integrated connectivity features (navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto depending on spec). Driver assists include adaptive cruise, lane assist, front/rear parking sensors and a suite of active safety electronics — in short, a modern set that’ll help in heavy city traffic and long highway driving. Higher option packs or the Black Edition’s available packages can add premium audio, reverse camera and upgraded driver assistance. 

VERDICT

Overall the Q7 still remains a very attractive offering from the brand and the 55 TFSI engine provides plenty of power to lug this big frame around but did it answer my question of being the best engine for the Q7? It's a tough one because while the performance was on the money, one couldn't ignore that high fuel consumption. While the engine does have mild hybrid tech, it still remains quite a thirsty girl, so maybe it's worth considering the 4-cylinder derivatives if you're quite conscious on how many times you visit the fuel station. Other than that, it still is a beautiful SUV that is damn comfortable and dream to drive, despite its size it is easy to maneuver  and with the PDC and cameras to assist, not too difficult to park as well. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	3.0L V6 Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	8-Speed Tip Tronic
Torque	500Nm
Power	250kW
Top Speed	250km/h electronically limited
Price	R1,968,592*

*Price as standard

 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q8 45 TDI Quattro Black Edition

The Audi Q8, also known as the "Baby Urus" is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing SUV Coupes to look at in the motoring world. The design hasn't changed much from its introduction in 2018 and I don't see any reason for it since it looks so damn good,.There has been minor enhancements that saw the additions of the latest Audi tech into it and some facelifts to the exterior, while the interior remains mostly the same. The Black Edition package includes features to enhance the look of the car by giving it a darker look and feel. 

DESIGN

The Q8 keeps Audi’s modern coupé-SUV silhouette: broad shoulders, a wide Singleframe grille that visually pulls the front into a single plane, and a sloping roofline that gives the car a sporty stance rather than an upright, boxy SUV look. The Black Edition pushes that theme further — black badging and a “black styling” package, darker trim pieces and Audi Sport wheel choices give the Q8 a stealthy, road-commanding presence that reads as premium and purposeful on South African roads. Audi’s facelifted Q8 also brings updated Matrix/HD Matrix LED headlight options and OLED rear-light graphics on higher spec cars, which both improve night visibility and add visual theatre when you lock/unlock the car.  

PERFORMANCE

The 45 TDI uses Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel in 45 TDI tune — about 183 kW  and a hefty 600 N·m of torque sent through an 8-speed Tiptronic to quattro all-wheel drive. On paper that translates to a 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h — numbers that match the Q8’s size and mass while delivering real-world flexibility: strong mid-range pull and low-end shove make highway overtakes and hill climbs effortless. For buyers doing long runs (Joburg–Cape Town, or alternating city and freeway use), the diesel remains convincing thanks to that broad torque curve. Fuel consumption for the 45 TDI is competitive for a large premium SUV: Audi claim a combined fuel economy figure of 7.8 L/100 km range, which for many South African owners will be more economical than an equivalently powerful petrol variant — important when local fuel pricing and long distance travels are considered.  On the move, the Q8 feels composed: steering is weighty and predictable, body control is good for a big SUV and adaptive suspension neatly balances comfort with roll control. If you prioritise sharp, sports-car handling you’ll prefer rivals with firmer chassis or an SQ/RS model, but for everyday driving the 45 TDI is refined and assured. Independent local test drives describe the diesel as “magnificent” and a sweet spot in the range. 

COMFORT

Inside, the Q8 presents as a modern Audi flagship: layered dash, large touchscreen surfaces (MMI), full digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), premium leather/trim choices and a panoramic roof option that opens up the cabin. The Black Edition builds on the Platinum/Vorsprung mid/high trims with the darker styling details and typically larger alloy wheels; you’ll also find high-quality seat cushioning and good ergonomics for driver and front passenger. Rear seats are comfortably carpeting for two adults; the sloping roofline trims some headspace but legroom and seat comfort remain class competitive. The coupé-like roofline looks great but slightly reduces rear headroom compared with more upright seven-seat SUVs (Q8 is a five-seater), and larger wheel options common on Black Edition cars can make ride firmer over rough suburban roads. Tech and safety highlights in the Q8 that are worthwhile noting at the HD Matrix LED (laser high-beam available), extensive driver assistance suites, advanced infotainment with navigation and premium audio options, in this particular model it came fitted with Bang & Olufsen speaker system. 

VERDICT

The Q8 remains the pinnacle of SUV Coupe's on the market, while other brands have more powerful offerings, I feel like this model hits the sweet spot in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and comfort. When it comes to diesel engines, no one does it better than Audi which is what makes this Q8 stand out more from the rest. The 3.0L V6 Diesel engine is sublime more than what you need, the interior is spacious and well laid out and as mentioned before, it does have the older layout but still feels modern. Driving on long distances or short trips are both pleasurable, while the car might be big and bulky, the aid of park distance controls and the surround camera view make parking this beast as simple as doing grade one mathematics.Overall — for South African buyers who value long-distance comfort, real-world torque and a premium image, the Q8 45 TDI Black Edition is a very strong contender: it blends presence, refined diesel performance and high-level tech/equipment. The main tradeoffs are price and the coupe-style practicality limits; if those are acceptable the Q8 is an excellent luxury SUV choice

SPECIFICATION

Engine	3.0L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8-Speed Tip Tronic
Torque	600Nm
Power	183kW
Top Speed	250km/h electronically limited
Price	R2,011,700*

*Price as standard