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

Bucket Seat: GAC GS3 Emzoom R Style

GAC, the relatively new comer to the South African market has been established in the country for about a year now and one of the first cars they brought in was the GS3 hatchback. The popular one in the line up was the Emzoom R Style which is there "hot hatch" variant of the model. The car itself has grown popularity with the local market with quite a few being sold, it is a very attractive car as we will touch on the styling shortly but does the engine have enough grunt to substantiate its sport looks and appeal? I spend a few days with it to find out and here are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

If you like cars that make a statement, the Emzoom R-Style won’t disappoint, finished in Salt Lake Blue, the model was quite a looker with it commanding attention from everyone when I drove it. The R-Style trim pushes a dramatic, almost mecha-inspired look, with a large vertically-slatted grille, razor-sharp creases, pronounced wheel arches and orange contrast accents on the R-Style that emphasise sportiness. The rear treatment is similarly aggressive with a faux-diffuser and center-mounted twin exhaust outlets on the R-Style, styling cues that set it apart from conservative rivals. The overall effect is contemporary and polarising in equal measure: it stands out in traffic and on dealer lots. Practical details include retractable/electric door handles, 18” alloy wheels depending on spec, and a power tailgate on higher trims. The ride height and compact footprint keep city manoeuvrability while giving a confident road presence. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 130Kw and 270 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The spec combination gives the GS3 brisk acceleration that see's it accomplish a l 0–100 km/h time of around 8.0 seconds. The cars automatic gearbox selects sport mode when selecting drive and a further tap down then selects the normal drive gear, not sure if that is normal of a defect on the test car I had, but I found the accelerator extremely sensitive on the foot with the slight tap propelling the car forward like a jolt, this could be problematic in tight spots seeing that the car is so eager to go when in gear, it could be due to the dual clutch gearbox which normally show hesitation on take off so naturally it makes one tap the pedal harder.. On the move the Emzoom balances comfort and poise: reviewers report a taut but controlled suspension set-up especially on R-Style with grippier tyres, with neat steering feel. Several long-term and independent reviews mention slight DCT tip-in delay under certain conditions.  Fuel economy in the GS3’s is pretty high for a small hatch, which the combined claim sits around 6.2 L/100 km, I was averaging around 8L/100km, not sure if it was due to me driving in sports mode most of the time.  

COMFORT

Cabin space is surprisingly good for a car this size, the interior is extremely spacious and the seats very comfortable. The Emzoom’s wheelbase gives reasonable rear-seat legroom and a usable boot of about 341 L, comparable to class rivals. Front seats in higher trims are supportive and come with power adjustment for the driver; the panoramic roof  brightens the cabin but may slightly raise interior heat in SA’s summer  but still very cool option to have. The rear headroom is fine for the average adult, as normally with cars like this, many tend to bash their heads while getting in, you wont have that problem with the GS3.  Build quality and materials feel modern with soft-touch surfaces, leather or PVC leather options, and tidy switchgear. I particularly liked the clean center console with everything driver centric giving you a cockpit feel in the car. The car comes with a dual-screen layout with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen plus a digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android mirroring, multiple USB ports (Type-A and C), wireless charging and a surround-view camera that is offered in the R-Style package. The system runs a modern-feeling UI and includes connected features where available. 

VERDICT

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is a strong-value, feature-packed compact crossover that offers modern styling, genuine ADAS safety credentials and a compelling ownership package, notably the lifetime engine warranty for first owners. For South African buyers who prioritise kit, tech and safety over brand conservatism or who want a car that looks different from the usual suspects the Emzoom is a very attractive proposition and arguably one of the best value buys in the B-SUV segment right now. If you do lots of inner-city crawl traffic, test-drive the R-Style to judge the DCT behaviour for yourself and compare seat comfort over a longer route.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.5L Turbo
Gear Box	7-Speed DCT
Torque	270Nm
Power	130kW
0-100km	8 seconds
Price	R489,900

 

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid

It feels like the other day when the Koreans entered the market with cars much cheaper than the European and Japanese makes and offering a whole lot more. People were naturally skeptical about the products but since grew to love them, fast forward to current day and there's a new country that is starting to dominate the markets with their brands and that is China. The Koreans have long established themselves and people love their offerings but the Chinese models being much more cheaper, bolder in designs and offering loads more tech just makes them hard to ignore, but what have their Asian neighbors who once enjoyed a large chunk of the market share doing about this "invasion", Hyundai still remains one of the world's largest motoring manufacturers and have a variety of models across the segments to rival just about anything from any brand but they too have been feeling the heat coming from China. I got to spend time with the latest Sante Fe to see if this model squares up to the competition. 

DESIGN

The latest Santa Fe marks a bold shift in Hyundai’s styling direction: it trades soft curves for a more boxy, rugged, and squared-off look, reminiscent in places of upscale off-road machines. Key design features include prominent H-pattern LED daytime-running lights and tail lamps, in fact the H is so prominent in the front, I challenged people to count how man H's they could find! I lost count because there were so many! The squared wheel arches, wide-set 20-inch alloys, and a bluff front grille that lends it a strong road presence. From the side and rear, the angular roofline, large rear quarter windows, and pronounced roof rails emphasize its “tough family hauler” aesthetic. It's more masculine and rugged than previous iterations, and while that may please some, others may find the styling polarizing. Inside, the cabin steps up significantly in terms of luxury and modernity. Expect dual 12.3-inch curved displays (one for the digital instrument cluster, one for infotainment), soft-touch surfaces, Alcantara or synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and thoughtful layout touches like plentiful USB-C ports, wireless charging, and well-placed storage cubbies. 

PERFORMANCE

In South Africa, the launch model is a hybrid AWD “Hybrid Elite” trim: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 44 kW electric motor delivers about 175 kW (system output) and 367 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. There are selectable drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart—and an AWD system with specialized terrain settings like mud, snow, and sand. These help adapt the car to different driving conditions.  Hyundai claim a fuel efficiency average of around 7.5 l/100 km, but real-world driving with multiple occupants tends to hover more toward 8.6 l/100 km. As is typical for large SUVs, actual economy depends heavily on driving style and load. I must say though, it's the first hybrid drive-train I've driven from Hyundai and its near perfect, for such a big car to propel the electric engine really does well to cope with the short distance runs. I wish I had it a big longer to take it on a long road trip to see how it fairs but alas, my time with it was short. 

COMFORT

The Sante Fe remains a big SUV, with ample amount of space for most of its occupants, I say most because we will discuss the third row seating in a bit. The ride and handling lean firmly toward comfort: the suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections well, and onboard refinement is strong. Engine noise is well suppressed in most scenarios; the transition between electric and petrol modes in the hybrid setup is smooth and largely unobtrusive. Some criticisms exist around shift behaviour (more for non-hybrid turbo/ICE versions) and tightness in the third row legroom when fully occupied. As a true seven-seater, the Santa Fe offers good space for the first and second rows. The third row is usable—especially for children or smaller adults—for shorter trips. Legroom, headroom, and seat height have been improved compared to past generations.  When the third row is up, trunk space drops notably; folding it (and then the second row) opens up a large, versatile cargo area, great for family travel or larger loads.  Top trims bring amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats, dual sunroof, ambient lighting, a powerful Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered tailgate, rear window curtains, and a host of driver-assistance and safety aids. The build quality feels premium, with quiet cabin insulation and materials that give a more upscale feel than older Santa Fe's. While usable, third-row seating is best suited to children or shorter trips for adults. It’s less spacious and the headroom/legroom don’t match the second row, also with the seats up means less luggage space. 

VERDICT

The new Hyundai Santa Fe 7-Seater is a compelling choice for families who want space, comfort, and modern tech wrapped in a bold and purposeful design. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a nice balance of performance and efficiency, especially in everyday driving. The design and feature set push it closer to luxury territory without straying into exorbitant price tiers. However, if you regularly carry seven tall adults, demand maximum luggage space with all seats in place, or want razor-sharp, sporty handling, then you might want to explore rivals to see if those trade-offs favour you more.The latest Santa Fe is a solid evolution—not just a facelift. It firmly stakes its claim among premium family SUVs by leaning into bold design, roomy interiors, and well-judged hybrid performance. For most families, it strikes a very attractive balance between utility, comfort, and style.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.6L Petrol Hybrid
Gear Box	6-speed automatic
Torque	367Nm
Power	175kW
Top Speed	190km/h
Price	R1,249,900

Bucket Seat: ISUZU M-UX 3.0 Diesel

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 is a tough, family-friendly SUV that’s built for both the school run and the great outdoors. With a bakkie-like base (it shares parts with the D-Max), it’s designed for people who need space, power, and reliability—whether you’re heading into town or tackling a gravel road in the Karoo.

DESIGN

From the outside, the MU-X looks bold and serious. It has that tough "bakkie DNA" but with smoother edges and modern touches. The LED headlights, big chrome grille, and raised stance give it presence on the road. Inside, it's not flashy like some European SUVs, but it’s clean and practical. You get soft-touch panels, leather seats on higher trims, and a smart layout. There’s space for seven, and the boot is decent even with the third row up. Fold those back seats flat, and it turns into a camping dream.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s well-known 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It pushes out 140 kW and 450 Nm, which gives it enough muscle to carry a full load of passengers or tow a trailer or caravan. It’s not the fastest off the line, and you’ll hear the diesel growl, especially when you floor it—but it’s dependable, smooth enough, and made to last. The 6-speed automatic gearbox does the job well, although not as silky as some rivals. On the road, it cruises comfortably. On gravel or off-road, it shines even more—especially in the 4x4 versions. Add in the rear diff lock and hill-descent control, and it feels ready for any trip to the bush or towing a boat to the dam. Real fuel use: around 9–11L/100km, depending on how and where you drive. In short: Strong, capable engine. Built more for endurance than speed.

COMFORT

The MU-X is made for long trips. The suspension is tuned more for rough roads than pothole-free highways, so it can feel a bit firm—but nothing too harsh. It’s more comfortable than a bakkie, less floaty than some SUVs. Seats are supportive, and the driving position is high—giving you a good view. The second row is spacious, and the third row is okay for kids or short adults. Aircon vents are available in all three rows (a must in SA heat), and the Onyx and LSE models have things like electric seats, keyless entry, a big touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a powered tailgate. Only gripe: the infotainment system can be slow, and there's no physical volume knob. It’s minor, but noticeable.

VERDICT

The Isuzu MU-X 3.0 Diesel is not trying to be a flashy city SUV. Instead, it offers solid value, strong towing ability, great off-road skills, and reliable performance. It’s ideal for people who want a vehicle that can do it all—from fetching kids to escaping the city for a weekend away. If you’re comparing it with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest, the MU-X is often more reliable, slightly cheaper to run, and has a reputation for lasting forever. It may not be as tech-loaded or silky smooth, but it nails the basics—and does so with confidence.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	3.0L Diesel
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Torque	450Nm
Power	140kW
Fuel Economy	7.6L/100km
Price	R852,600

 

Bucket Seat: Haval H7

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

DESIGN

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

PERFORMANCE

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

COMFORT

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

VERDICT

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q2 35 TFSI

Audi launched their subcompact SUV the Q2 back in 2016 with the model reaching our shores around a year later, this was a car was an oddball in the greater scheme of things as it didn't really have any straight up competition from its counterparts, so it made it unique in a way. It was cheaper than the Q3, but still preserved that Audi look and feel to it. Fast forward to the latest version of the Q2 and from what we are told is the last version of it as they are stopping production, not much has changed, while it still preserves the Audi look and feel but I really mean when I say not much has changed, the car looks the same now as it did back in 2016 and I don't really know what is Audi's deal with this one. Yes I know they are discontinuing the model but can adding a few cosmetic changes, slight upgrades to engines and minor tweaks to the tech really entice people to spend that much money on a car that essentially still is from 2016? I spent some time with the car to find out. 

DESIGN

I'm battling to find words to describe the look of this car from the previous models that I've had before, I should really just copy and past what I wrote then, now because there really is nothing much to speak about. Okay, I am being a bit cynical because they have refreshed the design by enhancing key elements by putting bigger broader borders for example around the grille which is a key focal point of the car, giving it a more three dimensional look, the air-intakes on the bottom part of the bumper have been enlarged and its shape is more pronounced, the details continue with a brushed aluminium skid plate underneath the grille. The front is further enhanced by the introduction of new LED matrix headlights which for me is the stand out feature of the car. The back follows the same trend with the accents and lighting and this particular model came with a panoramic sunroof which I quite enjoyed but also added to the looks when opened in the tilt position. The C-Pillar is key design characteristic of the Q2 is coloured differently to the main body paint which helps it stand out more. Like I said, it still is a good design but I just wished they did a bit more. 

PERFORMANCE

The main differentiater between this car and the one that came out in 2016 is the engine, I had the 35 TFSI on test and for those who are not familiar with Audi's naming convention, it basically means this is a 1.4 L Turbo-Petrol engine and let me tell you something, this is the key reason I'm not slating Audi in this review because this engine coupled with that 7-speed tiptronic gearbox was magic. For a car like the Q2, you're not expecting mad performance figures but something that would do well for Urban driving and the occasional long distance trip and for that, this engine was perfect. With just the right amount of power and torque that made driving a pleasure. The engine produces 110kw and 250Nm of torque which for Urban cruising is more than adequate, I did take it on a long distance stint and the beauty of its fuel economy shone through then. Audi didn't give this one the mild-hybrid treatment like the rest of their stable but this engine doesn't need it with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.1-litres to the 100km, and a 50L fuel tank, Audi claim you could get up to 820km from a tank, I think that is a bit of stretch but I think it could easily get to 700km with no hassle. 

COMFORT

This is where my biggest gripe with the Q2 comes in, the interior is a complete let down for me, there is nothing different to me about it, yes they have enabled mobile car apps but it is only accessible via a USB cable. The UI is still that same junk from 2016 with slight enhancements to the graphics, the infotainment screen resolution is crap and really shows when using Apple Car Play. The general layout of the interior is out dated quite frankly a slap in the face for anyone walking into a showroom, looking at the new Audi models interiors and then seeing this. The least I feel they could have done was incorporate the Audi connect screen that comes in the Audi A4 and Q5 models. That aside, the choice of materials and textures used in the cabin is of great quality, the seats are super comfortable, for this price tag I do wish they came with electric seats though, they were heated and I did make use of this as it still was chilly in Durban that time so that was a nice plus. The rear passengers enjoy decent leg room and head room, even though this car is a compact one. The boot space is nothing to write home about but can store your groceries with ease, just not a golf bag, which you would have to drop the seats for. 

VERDICT

I didn't hate my time with the Audi Q2, because it still is a well made car, which is super fun to drive and extremely comfortable for its size but that price tag is what bothers me, for what you getting I think they could have given you a bit more. Maybe throw in a surround camera view, bigger screen, electric seats and a bit more cosmetic changes to the outside. The winning feature for me as mentioned were the matrix LED headlights and the panoramic sunroof deserves a mention but with a starting price of R744,980, it will have many considering other options for that price range.  

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.4L T
Gear Box	7-speed TipTronic
Torque	250Nm
Power	110kW
Fuel Consumption	6.1L per 100km
Price	R744,980