Bucket Seat: Geely E2 Apex

Electric vehicles have always been a difficult sell in South Africa. Between concerns over driving range, limited public charging infrastructure and premium pricing, many motorists have remained hesitant to make the switch. But after spending time with the new Geely E2 Apex, I genuinely believe this is one of the first electric cars that removes many of those barriers. It offers a compelling combination of affordability, practicality and everyday usability, making it an excellent entry point for anyone curious about starting their EV journey. I drove the range-topping Apex derivative, which naturally comes loaded with features, but what impressed me even more is that the entry-level Aspire model doesn't feel stripped back either. Geely has managed to create a package that delivers exceptional value regardless of which model you choose.

DESIGN

The Geely E2 is one of those cars that immediately grows on you. It has a playful, youthful personality with smooth flowing lines and rounded body panels that give it a modern, approachable appearance. There's no denying that it carries a hint of Tesla-inspired styling, particularly in its clean, minimalist design language, but it still has enough character to stand on its own. Its compact proportions make it perfectly suited to urban environments, while the aerodynamic silhouette gives the little hatchback a surprisingly premium presence on the road. It's a design that feels contemporary without trying too hard, and it's likely to appeal to younger buyers as well as families looking for an economical second vehicle. Inside, the cabin follows the familiar recipe we've come to expect from many modern Chinese manufacturers. A large central infotainment display dominates the dashboard, while a compact digital instrument cluster provides the essential driving information. The overall layout is clean and uncluttered, creating an airy cabin that feels more spacious than the car's exterior dimensions would suggest.

PERFORMANCE

The Geely E2 isn't designed to be a performance EV, but that's not what it's trying to achieve. Instead, it focuses on delivering smooth, effortless electric motoring that perfectly suits daily commuting. With a claimed driving range of 325km on a full charge, the E2 offers more than enough range for the average South African motorist. For many people, that's easily enough to cover an entire week's commute without needing to plug in every evening. That alone goes a long way towards easing the range anxiety that still discourages many potential EV buyers. Charging is equally straightforward. Every E2 comes with a home wallbox charger included in the purchase price, making overnight charging convenient for owners with dedicated parking. I also charged the vehicle using a standard three-pin household plug, which took approximately 12 hours to replenish the battery overnight. While considerably slower than a dedicated wallbox, it's reassuring to know that virtually any household can charge the vehicle without specialised infrastructure. When you're on the move, compatible DC fast chargers can recharge the battery in around 30 minutes, making longer journeys increasingly practical as South Africa's charging network continues to expand.

COMFORT & TECHNOLOGY

The E2 Apex is exceptionally well equipped and offers all the features most buyers would expect in a modern electric vehicle. The standout technology feature is undoubtedly the integrated AI voice assistant, which proved responsive and intuitive throughout my time with the car. It makes interacting with many of the vehicle's functions quick and effortless without constantly reaching for the touchscreen. One quirky feature I particularly enjoyed was the musical chime that plays whenever the vehicle is locked. It adds a bit of personality to the ownership experience and, for those who prefer a quieter approach, the sound can easily be changed or disabled altogether. There were, however, a couple of frustrations. The smartphone connectivity requires a wired connection, with no support for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Considering how many competitors are now moving towards wireless integration, this feels like a missed opportunity and slightly detracts from an otherwise modern cabin experience. That said, overall comfort levels are excellent for a vehicle in this segment. The cabin feels well assembled, visibility is good and the driving experience is relaxed and refined, making the E2 an enjoyable companion for everyday use.

VERDICT

The Geely E2 may well be one of the most convincing electric vehicles currently available for South African buyers. It successfully addresses many of the concerns that have traditionally kept motorists away from EV ownership by combining an attractive purchase price with practical range, simple charging solutions and generous levels of equipment. More importantly, it doesn't feel like a compromise. It's stylish, comfortable, easy to live with and genuinely enjoyable to drive. For first-time EV buyers, it's exactly the sort of vehicle that builds confidence and demonstrates just how straightforward electric motoring can be. With strong value for money and a well-rounded ownership proposition, the Geely E2 currently stands out as one of the best options in its class. Against rivals such as the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Dongfeng Box, Geely has delivered a product that feels polished, practical and ready for the South African market. If you're considering making the jump to electric motoring, this is undoubtedly one of the smartest places to start.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Gear Box	Single gear
Power	85kW
Torque	150Nm
Range	325km
Price	R389,000

 

 

Bucket Seat: Volvo ES90

There are some cars that leave an impression the moment you lay eyes on them, and then there are those that continue to impress long after you've handed back the keys. The new Volvo ES90 certainly falls into the latter category. I recently spent a few days with Volvo's latest all-electric luxury sedan in Cape Town, where it became my companion for a mixture of business appointments and leisurely drives through the city and surrounding roads. Those few days gave me the perfect opportunity to experience exactly what the ES90 is designed to do deliver effortless luxury, exceptional refinement and the kind of relaxed driving experience that only a premium electric vehicle can offer. While the ES90 represents Volvo's latest technological leap, it hasn't forgotten the Swedish values that have made the brand one of the most respected luxury manufacturers in the world.

DESIGN

Colvo has always mastered the art of understated elegance, and the ES90 is perhaps one of the finest examples of that philosophy. There's an unmistakable Swedish influence throughout the entire vehicle, where simplicity isn't a lack of design but rather a celebration of it. Every line has purpose, every surface feels deliberate and there isn't a single unnecessary styling element to distract from its overall presence. What immediately caught my attention was the Sportback-inspired rear design. For a sedan of this size, it is a masterstroke. Instead of the traditional three-box silhouette, the sweeping roofline flows effortlessly into the rear, creating a seamless profile that looks both sophisticated and surprisingly athletic. It gives the ES90 a dynamic character that many large executive sedans struggle to achieve while also improving practicality with a much larger rear loading area. The front remains unmistakably Volvo, with its familiar Thor's Hammer LED lighting signature and clean, minimalist fascia, while the rear lighting design complements the modern aesthetic beautifully. It's a vehicle that turns heads not because it shouts for attention, but because its confidence comes from restraint. The same philosophy continues inside. The cabin is wonderfully uncluttered, with premium materials, clean surfaces and an interface that never overwhelms the driver. It feels calm, luxurious and incredibly inviting. Volvo has created an interior where everything simply feels like it's in the right place, making every journey a genuinely relaxing experience.

PERFORMANCE

The ES90 Single Motor may be the entry point into the range, but there is nothing entry-level about the way it performs. Electric vehicles have become synonymous with instant acceleration, and the Volvo delivers exactly that with smooth, effortless power whenever you ask for it. Whether pulling away from traffic lights, overtaking on the open road or merging onto the highway, the responsiveness of the single motor drivetrain is immediate and confidence inspiring. What impressed me most was how naturally the different driving modes adapted to varying driving styles. Whether I was navigating Cape Town's busy urban traffic during work commitments or enjoying a more spirited drive along the coast, the ES90 adjusted its character accordingly. The steering weight, throttle response and overall driving feel changed subtly enough to enhance the experience without ever feeling artificial. Battery range is often one of the first questions prospective EV buyers ask, and the ES90 answers that concern convincingly. The generous battery capacity provides more than enough range for everyday commuting while comfortably accommodating semi-long-distance trips between major cities or weekend getaways. More importantly, it gives the driver genuine peace of mind. Rather than constantly monitoring the remaining battery percentage, you simply drive the car as you would any premium luxury sedan, which is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay a modern electric vehicle. Volvo has done an excellent job of reducing the range anxiety that still prevents many motorists from making the transition to electric mobility.

COMFORT

If there is one area where the ES90 truly excels, it is comfort. From the moment you settle into the beautifully sculpted seats, it becomes immediately apparent that Volvo's reputation for producing some of the most comfortable seats in the automotive industry remains well deserved. Long hours behind the wheel never became tiring, with excellent support and an ergonomically designed driving position making every journey feel effortless. Luxury extends to every passenger as well. The inclusion of four-zone climate control means each occupant can personalise their own temperature settings, while both the front and rear seats benefit from heating and ventilation. It's a level of attention to passenger comfort that transforms every journey into a first-class travel experience, regardless of where you're seated. One of the standout features is undoubtedly the exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Whether listening to classical music, jazz, rock, electronic dance music or podcasts, the system adapts beautifully to every genre. The clarity, depth and balance are simply outstanding, creating a concert-like atmosphere inside the cabin without ever becoming overpowering. Adding to the feeling of spaciousness is the impressive photoelectric panoramic sunroof. With the touch of a button, occupants can choose exactly how much daylight they want to let into the cabin, creating either a bright, airy environment or a more private atmosphere depending on the conditions outside. It's a clever piece of technology that perfectly complements the minimalist interior. Ride quality is equally impressive. Volvo has clearly prioritised refinement, and the result is a suspension setup that glides over imperfections with remarkable composure. Whether driving on smooth highways or less-than-perfect city streets, the ES90 isolates occupants from the outside world exceptionally well. The suspension remains wonderfully soft without feeling floaty, maintaining excellent body control while delivering the kind of comfort expected from a luxury flagship.

VERDICT

The Volvo ES90 represents everything a modern premium electric sedan should be. It combines elegant Scandinavian design, impressive technology, outstanding comfort and effortless electric performance into a package that feels genuinely sophisticated rather than unnecessarily complicated. It doesn't rely on gimmicks or flashy styling to stand out. Instead, it focuses on delivering a refined ownership experience that will appeal to buyers who appreciate quality, craftsmanship and understated luxury. With South African pricing expected to start at around R1.65 million for the Single Motor variant, the ES90 firmly positions itself in the premium luxury EV segment. While it undoubtedly commands a significant investment, buyers are rewarded with a vehicle that offers cutting-edge safety technology, exceptional comfort, generous equipment levels and a driving experience that feels uniquely relaxing. For executives, business professionals and premium customers looking to embrace electric mobility without sacrificing luxury, the Volvo ES90 makes a compelling case for itself. It's not simply another electric sedan it is a beautifully executed Scandinavian luxury car that just happens to be powered by electricity.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Single Electric motor 800V
Gear Box	Single gear system with driving modes
Power	245kW
Torque	480Nm
Range	755km
Price	R1,590,000*

*base model

 

 

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen ID.4 Pro

It's a subject that has the motoring world divided, it's something that was one of the causes of the greatest motoring trio the world has seen to stop what they loved the most, reviewing cars, the electric car. Jeremy Clarkson said at the end of their final Special for the Grand Tour, and I quote "There are lots of reasons why we're jacking this show in but for me, one of the main ones is I'm simply not interested in electric cars. They are just white goods, they're washing machines, they're microwave ovens. You can't review those, you can't enjoy them" and to an extent I will agree with him but what Jeremy and other hardcore petrol heads fail to see is the evolution of this technology. I disagree with him that you can't review them, I disagree with him that you cannot enjoy them. When I was a kid, my favourite toy from my collection was a remote (wired) controlled 190E Mercedes Benz DTM car. I had tonnes of fun with this toy running around the house driving it. In essence that is what an electric car is, electric motor and batteries and it brought me so much of joy, from a tender age of 11 I thought about how a normal car could use a battery to operate it but obviously it takes a lot more than what a toy has. There's the safety aspects that one has to take into consideration as well as all the latest technology and creature comforts that people expect in cars these days. There are a lot of components that make up a car and to the benefit of the manufacturers, they've revolutionized the way we see electric cars since the very first ones we saw no too long ago. One of the EV's which has changed the market's perception of these electric powered cars is the Volkswagen ID.4, while it was introduced to Europe almost 2 years ago, it's made its way onto South African shores this year, but its not for sale just yet. I attended the launch a few months back but recently got to spend some quality time with it and these are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

Volkswagen aim for the ID.4 was to be an electric SUV and to an extent is fits the mold, with a decent ride height, ground clearance and spacious cabin and lots of luggage space, it ticks all the boxes. Whether or not I'd take it off roading is a different story altogether, not that I think it won't manage the dirt tracks, I'd be too scared to find out if it cannot but getting back to the design, the ID.4 has a very different look to the conventional VW design language, while signature elements are there, the overall look and shape of the car make it known that this is something different. The exterior of the Volkswagen ID.4 is a perfect balance of modernity and functionality. It features sleek, aerodynamic lines that give it a futuristic but approachable look. Unlike some EVs that go too far in terms of radical design, the ID.4 sticks to a more mainstream aesthetic, which will likely appeal to a broader audience. Up front, the ID.4 has a closed-off grille (typical for EVs) and VW's new illuminated logo, which gives it a premium feel, especially at night. The full-width LED light bar across the front and matrix headlights add to its futuristic look, while the sculpted hood and large wheels give it a commanding road presence. The rear of the car also features LED lighting and a subtle, integrated spoiler, which enhances aerodynamics. 

PERFORMANCE

The ID.4  was launched in Europe in 2020 and was available  in various configurations, starting with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor option for more power and better traction. The model that is brought down to SA is the Pro model which has a single electric motor that produces 150kW and 310Nm of torque. This equates to a 0-100km time of 8.5 seconds, nothing to write home about I know but bare in mind that this is a family vehicle and has a heavy payload with the batteries. The car, while doesn't feature a conventional gearbox has two driving modes, namely "D" and "B" which can be selected from the gear selector that extends out of the digital instrument cluster. Drive, being a more conventional driving experience and has a less harsher regeneration feel to it but does eat into the battery life, while "B" is more suited for your urban commute as it enhances the regeneration side of the breaks giving it a slightly more harsher feel when lifting off the accelerator.  The ride quality of the ID.4 is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, which suits its family-SUV nature. It absorbs road imperfections well, making for a smooth and quiet ride, especially with the near-silent operation of the electric drivetrain. The steering is light and precise, but it lacks the sharpness that some drivers might crave.

CHARGING

One of the most important aspects of any EV is its range, and the Volkswagen ID.4 performs admirably here. The RWD model comes with an 77 kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated range of around 531km on a full charge, as per the brochure but a full charge gave me a range of 431km, this fluctuated with my driving styles as I drove the car, if you drive it properly, the ID.4 will show you its worth, even with the range saying 431km, it could easily have done more with the power regeneration thanks to those massive 235 tyres. Range anxiety is a thing of the past with the ID.4 and even when my range dropped to below 70km, and the colours in the car started to turn red, I was note phased at all. I was not brave enough to take it to 0% battery life but other media colleagues did and it still managed to do an extra 10km till it got to the charging station.  The car is responsive like any EV would be, but flicking between the driving modes really shows you how the character of the car can change. The silence is something I've gotten used to and the smoothness of the drive is just superb. When it comes to charging, the ID.4 supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, which allows it to charge from 5% to 80% in around 30 minutes at a fast-charging station. The fastest charging station I had access to was the DC charging station at Gateway Shopping Center which was a 66kW station which manage to charge the ID.4 from 7% to 100% in just under an hour, or just long enough to have my lunch. Home charging whether with a wall box or direct from your wall socket will take in excess of 7 hours or overnight but when it comes to charging, unless you know you're doing a lot of running around the next day, one would only be charging this car once a week. 

COMFORT

The interior of the ID.4 is minimalist but loaded with tech. The layout is clean and clutter-free, with a focus on simplicity. The centerpiece is a 10-inch (upgradable to 12-inch in higher trims) touchscreen infotainment system, which controls most of the car's functions, from navigation to climate control. The cabin feels open and airy, helped by the available panoramic sunroof and large windows that provide great visibility. The materials used are mostly high-quality, though some harder plastics are present, especially in lower trims. However, the overall build quality is solid, and the seats are comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of space for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making it a practical choice for families. The ID.4 offers 543-liters of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to `,575-liters with the seats folded, which is competitive for the segment. Volkswagen has equipped the ID.4 with a suite of advanced tech features that enhance both convenience and safety. The infotainment system is responsive and integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. The system also supports voice control, which Volkswagen calls “ID. Light,” a system of visual cues integrated into the dashboard to communicate certain information (such as navigation prompts or incoming calls). The digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, giving drivers quick access to important information. The ID.4 also comes with a variety of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, as part of VW’s “IQ.Drive” suite of safety systems. Higher trims include features like a 360-degree camera, park assist, and an augmented reality head-up display that projects navigation directions onto the windshield.

VERDICT

The Volkswagen ID.4, to me just goes to prove what EV's can offer, while this is an old model that we're only getting to experience now, it just goes to show what brands are doing with the technology and its no surprise why it was an excellent choice for buyers in Europe who were looking to transition to electric driving without compromising on the practicality and comfort of a compact SUV. Its competitive range, spacious interior, and advanced tech make it a strong contender in the rapidly growing EV market. While it may not offer the high-performance thrills of some competitors, its well-rounded nature, combined with Volkswagen's strong build quality and brand recognition, makes it an appealing option for families and environmentally conscious consumers alike. Like all cars, it does come with some pros and cons, with the pros outweighing the cons and for the type use one would get an ID.4 for, it really makes the competition look weak. While we can't really compare it to other EV's on the market since VWSA won't be putting it on sale anytime soon, even with the upcoming leasing option it would be hard to judge it against other brands in the market. It still is a conundrum to me as to why Volkswagen Group are taking this stance since its sister company, Audi is selling their e-trons to the market, it remains to be seen if they change their stance on the matter as I personally believe they have a winning car in their pocket.

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Single Electric Motor
Gear Box	Automatic
Torque	310Nm
Power	150kW
Battery	77kWh
Price	Not For Sale

Bucket Seat: MINI Cooper SE

EV's are the hottest topic on the motoring scene, with more and more manufacturers aiming to go green and some even wanting to eliminate the internal combustion engine completely from their line-up's, how has the world adapted to them so far? I was first introduced to the electric car back in 2013 when I got to sample the very first MINI electric prototype along with the BMW 1 Series Active E at a summit in the Eastern Cape, since then the BMW Group have made significant strides in developing the Electric drive train and it was quite evident in the last electric test car I had from them last year, the BMW iX3, with the larger vehicle meant space for more batteries and that meant an increase in range but what surprised me the most with that car was the regenerating power of the car when driving, compared to the early models such as the i3, the technology has improved significantly. Last month I got to go full circle in the EV journey so far as I had the MINI Cooper SE on test, the brand in which I drove my very first EV as a prototype, now as a full production model and this is how it went. 

DESIGN

It looks like your normal MINI Cooper but pop open the hood and things are very different, you will be met with space and some weird looking electronics but fear not, you won't get electrocuted touching anything as everything is properly earthed. There are distinct differences in the MINI SE compared to the the normal petrol running one, that include the lack of ventilated grilles in the front, the different colour options including the striking yellow accents offered exclusively to the SE model and of course those distinctive 17-inch rims, which MINI call "Power spoke wheels" that are ringed in a bright yellow circle, with asymmetrical spokes lending them a unique appearance and they are aerodynamically optimised to improve efficiency as you drive. Overall, it’s a good looking car as is any MINI, this one does have a bit of a spark to it though which separates it from its fossil fuel burning brother. 

PERFORMANCE

So if there is nothing under the hood, where is the motor? Well, like all electric cars the motor is is in line with your wheel axel, some EV's come with twin motors while smaller ones like this MINI have a single electric motor. What is it like to drive? Well, like many will tell you, due to the lack of gears, the cars acceleration is unmatched and extremely smooth. If one has to give power outputs in terms of figures that most people would understand, the MINI Cooper SE produces 135kW and 270Nm of torque, quite a hefty number, almost in line with some sporty hatch backs in the segment. It has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds which adds to the go-kart feel that MINI strive for in all their cars. Now, while all these figures and stats may look nice, the biggest question from most that are curious about EV's, is how is it to live with? The MINI Cooper SE comes fitted with a 96-cell, 32.6 kWh battery pack with is floor mounted keeps the cars center of gravity low, giving the driver maximum thrill and engagement when driving. While the car comes with a claimed range of 215km from a single charge, you will be left scratching your head after charging the car to 100% but the range only saying 150km. What I soon figured out, is how well the car regenerates charge while you drive. In past EV's I found myself suffering from range anxiety so at every opportunity I had it plugged in to charge, with the MINI, even with my daily standard commute of roughly 42km, I found myself only charging the car every 2 or 3 days. For example, I'd leave my home with a range of 110km, after my 20km journey to work, which was on urban roads and 15km on a highway, when I reached my office the range showed 108km, effectively only using 2km of range with the rest being made up by the car while driving. 

Highway driving with an EV used to be the one thing that killed the battery life but now, its quite the opposite. I tend to lose less on the open road than before, which is a major positive in terms of the technology as it shows the progress being made. So how does it feel to drive? Well, its still has the same MINI feel in terms of driving dynamics, but with the extra weight of the battery, and stiff suspension it does make the car feel a bit rigid. So, charging, while facilities in Durban are few and far between, especially the lack of fast DC chargers being a major issue, there are measures in place to increase this. The downloading of the "Plug Share" app has been useful and there are built in markers in the navigation should your range reach low. Charging time varies on the type of charger being used, normal 3-pin plug at home can take anything from 6 to 8 hours, while 81kW charger take about 2 hours, find a DC charger and the time goes down to about 25 minutes. 

COMFORT

In the interior, its basically a normal MINI Cooper, the arrangement of the cabin is virtually untouched with the exception of some distinct cosmetic differences for the electric car. I spoke about the electric yellow accents on the outside, you can find this in the interior as well but like all MINI's, everything is customisable with a massive selection of textures, trims, details and colours to choose from. While being a 3-door the MINI Cooper SE does have back seats that you can squeeze in two adults for short journeys, luggage space measures in at 211 liters which again, is pretty decent. Under the floor boards of the trunk you can find the two charging cables that come with the car. which may prove to be an issue if you are traveling for long distances and have a boot full of stuff, that means you unpacking and repacking it every time you want to charge but the intention of a car like this is predominantly a city run around so doubt many will be having that problem. A common misconception of EV's is that it would not have most creature comforts that you'd normally find in a ICE car or if they do have it, using these features would drain the battery, but you would be wrong. The MINI comes with a large infotainment touch screen with MINI Connect that has built-in wireless mobile applications, a heads up display, dual zone climate control, this particular model had a Harmon Kardon 12 speaker sound system, LED Matrix lights and a whole lot more. All that can be used even in eco mode. 

VERDICT

The change in vehicles is coming, whether people like it or not. Cars like the MINI Cooper SE are pivotal in changing the peoples minds in EV's, the more you see them on the roads, the more you realise that people are warming to them, the lack of needing to stop at the petrol station is a massive plus and looking at the increase in fuel prices will have EV drivers smiling even more. Yes, the price tag on these cars are not very attractive but more needs to be done by government to re-look at the taxes on the importation of EV's. If this can be reduced it would be a major win for the motoring sector and the environmental sector given the zero emissions produced by these cars. Would I buy the MINI Cooper SE? Yes, I had tonnes of fun with it during my week, you get used to the cars range predictions and work in charging at malls when shopping or on road trips. It's a learning curve but a fun and exciting one.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Single electric
Gear Box	Single gear
Torque	270Nm
Power	135kW
0-100km	7.3 seconds
Price	R681,000*

*base price