Bucket Seat: Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Automatic

The partnership between Toyota and Suzuki seemed pretty one-sided over the years with South African's getting used to seeing a lot Suzuki models being re-badged as Toyota's. They were not even subtle about it, in most cases it was the exact same car just with a differed logo and name, while having the Toyota name to the model did boost sales for the brand, it did mean that the cars with their actual badge on it didn't sell as well as they thought it would. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, Suzuki unveiled their all new SUV/ Crossover the Across. This was something different from the brand as they stepped up from their usual small/ budget offering to something more mid-sized and premium. The design was bold and different, fitted with 1.5 Mild Hybrid it makes an interesting addition to the South African market because it represents a shift in what buyers expect from Suzuki. Step inside the Across and then things start to look a bit familiar, its clear that there's a lot that the Across shares with the locally manufacturer Corolla Cross. I spent a week with the mid level GL Automatic and I share my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

From a styling perspective, the Across is arguably one of the best-looking vehicles Suzuki has launched locally in recent years. It carries a mature and upmarket appearance with a bold front grille, sharp LED lighting signatures and sculpted body lines that give it a confident road presence. The proportions strike a balance between urban sophistication and SUV ruggedness, while the raised ground clearance and alloy wheels ensure it still looks at home on South African gravel roads. It is not an overly flashy design, but it has enough character to stand out in a crowded segment without becoming polarising.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits Suzuki's familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 12-volt mild hybrid system. Outright performance is not the Across's primary focus, and drivers expecting hot hatch levels of acceleration may find the power delivery a little relaxed, especially when carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. However, the mild hybrid assistance helps smooth out acceleration in everyday driving and makes stop-start traffic considerably more refined. Where the Across truly excels is fuel economy. Suzuki's mild hybrid technology quietly works in the background by recovering energy during braking and assisting the petrol engine when needed, helping to keep fuel consumption impressively low. In a country where fuel prices continue to rise, a family SUV capable of delivering excellent economy is a major advantage. Whether it is the daily commute, a business trip or a holiday journey to the coast, the Across promises low running costs that will appeal to budget-conscious South African motorists.

COMFORT

The cabin of the Across has been designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The seats provide good support for long-distance travel, while the spacious interior offers generous legroom for both front and rear passengers. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is excellent and the suspension does a commendable job of absorbing rough road surfaces and potholes, making it well suited to local driving conditions. Road and wind noise are also well controlled, creating a relaxed environment for both the driver and passengers. Suzuki has ensured that the Across remains competitive when it comes to modern technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing effortless smartphone integration. A digital instrument display adds a modern touch to the dashboard, while features such as wireless charging, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera make daily driving easier. Safety has also been prioritised, with multiple airbags, electronic stability control and Isofix child seat mounts providing reassurance for families.

VERDICT

The biggest strength of the Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Mild Hybrid is that it understands exactly what its target audience wants. It is not trying to be the fastest SUV on the market or compete with premium European rivals. Instead, it focuses on delivering reliability, excellent fuel economy, generous standard equipment and sensible ownership costs in an attractive package. For South African consumers, that combination is particularly appealing. Rising fuel prices, increasing vehicle costs and the need for a practical family car make the Across a compelling option. While some buyers may wish for a little more power, the majority will appreciate its refined driving experience, low running costs and comfortable cabin far more than outright performance. Overall, while I did say at the beginning there are some shared items from the Corolla Cross, the Across feels like a whole different car. For buyers looking for a dependable and economical SUV that can comfortably handle both city life and long-distance travel, the Across is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration.

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	R372,000.00

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: Mercedes-Benz E200

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been one of the most desirable business sedan in the world. In South Africa, the E class enjoyed decent sales in the segment compared to its rivals over the years as it was one of the more preferred "business sedans" on offer but the previous model seemed to have lost that charm of which  Mercedes-Benz has been known for in the past. I was invited last year to sample the latest version of the E-Class, at thee launch, I went in with a lot of skepticism thinking that the same mistakes would’ve been repeated, but I was very wrong. I was blown away with the package that was in front of me and even though it was just a short driving trip you could tell Merc had done something special with his car, fast forward a year later I finally got to spend five days with the new E-Class to see exactly what they’ve done and why this echoes the return of the Mercedes-Benz of old.

DESIGN

The design of the new E-Class is stunning, the car just exudes elegance when you look at it. Merc got all the things right with this one, the lines, the details and the general look of it, I can only imagine how it must look on the road when I was driving past everyone. From the front end you are greeted by the large star-studded grille with the huge Mercedes-Benz logo being front and prominent, the grille actually illuminates at night which just adds so much more character to the front end. The headlights are fitted with digital LED lighting, which give a little dance every time the car is started. The design of the headlamps are synonymous to the kidney styled ones of the past but with a modern twist. Moving along to the profile of the car, the silhouette gives it that limousine look, and long wheel base versions of this car must be stunning to look at from the side but this model does look great too. The large 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels really enhance the cars stance but doesn't take away from the luxury look of it. The colour in which this particular car came in is called "Velvet Brown" and let me tell you, in the winters setting sun just looks so sophisticated, the way it shimmers in the dusk makes you think it's more than just an E-Class. Moving onto the rear of the car, some might feel the design of the tail lights are a bit gimmicky with the Star pattern but I think they look cool. Also the way the design is well rounded at the rear gives the E a very soft and subtle look from the back. The chrome accents at the boot lid are matched with the chrome twin faux tail pipes. The interior of the car is well designed, giving a good blend of ergonomics and luxury. 

PERFORMANCE

The E200 comes powered with a 2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol combustion engine that is assisted by an electric hybrid power plant which aids the ICE motor when required. While the engine provides 150kW of power, the electric motor adds an additional 17kW of power to it, giving the combined power output of 167kW. The torque factor comes in at 320Nm which plentiful to get this 1,800kg beast of the line. While the E200 isn't a full hybrid per-say, the common term now being used is "mild hybrid", kinda like the Nando's sauce which as a hint of peri-peri but not too much, it does play a massive role in not only the performance but the fuel economy too. The E-Class could not have come at a better time for me as I had a nice long distance trip planned for it first up, a return journey of about 750km and on the first leg going up country, the car performed brilliantly, the ride was superb and the changing of the gears in that 9G-Tronic transmission was like a symphony in action. The thing that struck me the most was the fuel economy, seeing that this is a big car, a 2-litre, 4 cylinder engine would feel the pressure when venturing up the twisty's of the KZN midlands, I imagined a lot of groaning from the motor and downshifts galore from the gearbox but nothing of the sort transpired. It was effortless and by the time I reached my destination, the fuel economy was sitting at a proud 7.3L per 100km, the return trip back to Durban gave even more impressive reading with an average of 6.1L per 100km! I clocked just over 800km on a single tank of 66-litres. 

COMFORT

Now we getting to the best part of the E-Class, the comfort, I mentioned that some of the newer cars that have rolled out the Mercedes-Benz factories lacked that defining factor that made Mercedes what it was. It was more than just a status symbol, it gave the ordinary man a chance to experience luxury at another level. While the line-up's expanded, the quality seemed to have dropped and I honestly was starting to lose hope in the brand, then this guy shows up and makes me re-consider my thinking. The essence of Merc is still not lost, it's just been kept away but I'm glad someone has found it and sprinkled it in abundance in this car. The interior is well laid out with a digital instrument cluster that gives you all relevant driving info that can be controlled from the multi-function steering wheel, it has a cool 3D button that you can toggle with the display giving you a multi-dimensional view of the various information. The centeral infotainment screen measures in at 14.4-inches, yes this thing is massive and its in high-resolution. The MBUX interface is easy to use and very fast. There's loads of menus and tools to go through in it, from sound options, to ambient lighting, to configuring driving modes and the lot. Of course the car comes with built-in mobile phone connectivity, for both Android and iOS, and there is even the AI assistant in which its ever ready to receive voice commands it can comply to. The car comes with quad zone climate control, seat heating for the driver and front passenger and both are electronically adjustable with 3 memory settings. The car came with a Burmester 3D sound system that came with 17-speakers that produces 730Watts and even had a 4D Sound experience with Dolby Digital. The quality of materials used the car were top notch, even the plastic wood grain felt like real wood! The luggage capacity measures in around 540L so plenty of space for long distance holiday trip. This particular car also came with the "super screen" extra, which is an additional 12.3 screen for the front passenger. This screen only activates when there is someone sitting in the seat. They have access to the usual MBUX menu but also can download games and video streaming apps for them to watch on, they are able to connect Bluetooth headphones to it so they can watch without disturbing the driver. 

VERDICT

There's a lot more that I can say about this car that blew me away but just the fact that it brought a big smile to my face every time I got behind the wheel is enough to know that it is more than just good. While there is a very apparent decline in sales locally for the brand, which has a lot to do with pricing and competition from the east, there is no denying that there is somethings that China can't come close to and that is proper German engineering at its best. The refinement in this E-Class is next-to-none, the sophistication in almost every aspect is a true indication of the lengths the engineers went looking for perfection and achieved it. While some might say this isn't their cup of tea, this isn't tea to begin with, its Glühwein. With the E53 AMG Edition one confirmed to be heading to the country this week in limited numbers, that would probably be the Jagermeister. I kid, but take it from someone who was doubting the brand and its relevance in the motoring segment of recent, these guys still got what it takes to make a proper car and if this E-Class is anything to go by, Mercedes-Benz is going nowhere. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol
Gear Box	9 G Tronic Automatic
Torque	320Nm
Power	150kW+17kW electric boost
0-100km/h	7.5 seconds
Price	R1,190,087

 

Bucket Seat: Range Rover Velar 300D Dynamic HSE

I always maintained the Range Rover Velar was for men who secretly like the Evoque but didn't want to buy the Evoque for fear of their masculinity being in question. Not that there is anything wrong with the Range Rover Evoque, but it is a bit small and you will struggle to get a set of golf clubs in the boot. So maybe the designers down at Range Rover figured they'd make something that has the sleek lines of the Evoque but with more space and hence the Velar came about. Of course that reasoning is totally made up in my head and they probably needed a mid-sized SUV to fit their line up. Not too long ago I got to spend a week in the Velar 300D in Johannesburg, the Range Rover Velar 300D is part of the luxury midsize SUV lineup from Land Rover, and it perfectly balances sophisticated design with advanced engineering. The car is a looker of note and while it not have the bulky presence of its bigger brother the Range Rover Vogue, it still commands respect on the roads when driven. 

DESIGN

The Velar’s design is sleek, minimalist, and futuristic, with smooth lines and a floating roof that makes it instantly recognizable. Its flush door handles, slim LED headlights, and coupe-like profile give it a unique stance that sets it apart from other SUVs in its class. The 300D comes with 21-inch alloy wheels as standard, with options to upgrade to even larger 22-inch alloys for a sportier look, this is standard when ordering the Velar with the R-Dynamic kit. The rear design is equally impressive, featuring dual exhaust outlets and a clean, minimal tailgate with striking taillights. The Velar stands out as one of the most attractive SUVs on the road, balancing elegance with an athletic edge. The profile of the Velar is to be admired, hence during my time I parallel parked this beauty on every occasion I could, preferably in front of a cafe, so I can sit and sip on my coffee while admiring the lines of the car and watch as passers by gazed into its charm. I quite like the paint work Range Rover is doing with their cars, this model came in Varesine Blue and had the details finished of in a bronze colour that really enhanced the look of the car. The interior design has gone completely minimalist, and its practically a carbon copy of the rest of the Range Rover range, just adapted to suit the size of the car. 

PERFORMANCE

The "300D" refers to the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, which combines decent power with good fuel efficiency, appealing to those who prefer a more efficient yet still powerful engine option.The 300D engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel, delivering 221kW of power and 650 Nm of torque. With this engine, the Velar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, impressive for a vehicle of its size and weight. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making everyday driving a breeze, whether in the city or on the highway. One of the standout features is the inclusion of mild-hybrid technology, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and emissions, especially during stop-start traffic. In terms of fuel economy, the Velar 300D achieves around 8 liters per 100km on highways, with slightly higher figures in city driving. While it's not a full off-roader like the classic Range Rovers, it retains a good deal of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capabilities, meaning it can handle moderate off-road conditions and weather challenges with ease. The Velar is designed with luxury and comfort in mind, and that is immediately evident once behind the wheel. The adaptive air suspension provides a smooth, float-like ride, soaking up road imperfections and making long journeys relaxing. The steering is precise, and while the Velar’s focus is not on sports-like agility, it is still composed around corners, with minimal body roll for a vehicle this size. In city driving, the Velar feels nimble enough despite its size, and active driver assistance features (such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors) enhance the driving experience, making tight city streets easier to navigate.

COMFORT

Step inside the Velar, and you’re immediately greeted by a plush, luxurious interior. Premium materials such as leather, brushed aluminum, and high-quality plastics are found throughout. The seats are extremely comfortable, with the option of heating, cooling, and massage functions for both the driver and passengers, this is an optional extra. Unlike previous models which featured a dual touch screen, the minimalistic design of the cabin now incorporates a 11.4-inch infotainment touch screen,. This controls pretty much everything in the cabin, from the radio, to the GPS as well as climate control.  The UI, which at first glance looks pretty simple to operate can become a bit complicated when diving into the options and controls of the cars full capabilities but still, to do the important stuff is quite easy and with the built-in wireless mobile app connectivity, you will be projecting your phone most of the time. The Velar comes with a Meridian sound system, ensuring passengers enjoy top-tier audio quality. Additionally, the system includes navigation with real-time traffic updates, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and various connected services like remote vehicle monitoring through the Land Rover app. The cabin is quiet thanks to excellent sound insulation, and the Velar's panoramic sunroof adds to the open, airy feel. In terms of space, both the front and rear seats offer ample legroom, and the cargo capacity is decent for its class, offering 558 liters of boot space, which can expand with the rear seats folded. The driver's display is a fully digital 12.3-inch TFT unit, which is customizable to show everything from maps to vehicle information.

SAFETY

The Velar, like any other car from the Land Rover stable features a host of safety features, starting with the 360 camera system, it gives the driver a complete overview of the car and its surrounds, so navigating this car at low speeds is made easier with this. Adaptive cruise control is pretty intuitive and responsive when in use, it monitors the cars around you and not just the ones in front, this is also aided by the lane-keeping assist which keeps the car in line when you on the open road. There is park assist to help you get into those tricky spots or, if you like me want to admire the cars side view, and parallel park it everywhere, you can let the car do it for you! Other key safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if necessary. Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Lane departure warning, Traffic sign recognition and Driver condition monitoring. The Velar has earned high marks in various safety tests, making it a secure choice for families.

VERDICT

The Range Rover Velar 300D stands out for its combination of elegance, luxury, and practicality. While it's not designed to be a hardcore off-roader, it offers more than enough capability for most drivers and excels in providing a plush, tech-laden cabin, refined on-road manners, and a design that will turn heads. For those in the market for a luxury SUV with a powerful yet efficient diesel engine, the Velar 300D is a solid choice. It’s an ideal vehicle for individuals or families who value style, comfort, and technology in their driving experience.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	6 cylinder, 3-litre Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	Automatic
Torque	650Nm
Power	221kW
Fuel Economy	7.3L per 100km
Price	R1,991,100*

*base price