Bucket Seat: The new Audi Q3

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

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

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

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

Pricing for the new Q3 is as follows:

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

Bucket Tech: Volkwagen Transporter 2.0 TDI

The latest Volkswagen Transporter represents one of the most significant shifts in the history of Volkswagen’s iconic workhorse. For decades, the Transporter has built a loyal following across the world and particularly in South Africa, where it has served everyone from small business owners and fleet operators to large families and shuttle companies. With this new generation, however, Volkswagen has taken a different route by partnering with Ford Motor Company, resulting in a vehicle that shares its underlying platform with the Ford Transit Custom. While that might raise a few eyebrows among long-time fans of the Transporter nameplate, the new model brings with it meaningful improvements in design, performance and practicality. The question for South African buyers is simple: does this new collaboration strengthen the Transporter’s appeal, or does it dilute what made the van so special in the first place?

DESIGN

Visually, the new Transporter manages to retain a distinctly Volkswagen identity despite the shared engineering underneath. The front end is more modern and assertive than before, with slim LED headlights and a broader grille that give the van a more premium and contemporary look. It’s a cleaner design overall, one that aligns well with Volkswagen’s current passenger car lineup while still maintaining the robust stance expected from a commercial vehicle. The new model is also larger in every meaningful dimension. Both the short- and long-wheelbase variants have grown compared to the outgoing version, translating into a more planted appearance on the road. The extra size isn’t just for aesthetics either; it directly improves the van’s practicality. The load area is longer and wider, allowing for greater cargo capacity and easier loading, something that will be particularly appreciated by businesses that rely on the Transporter as a daily workhorse. Inside, the cabin represents one of the biggest leaps forward. The dashboard is now far more modern, dominated by a large infotainment screen paired with a fully digital instrument cluster. The layout feels intuitive and uncluttered, while the materials used give the interior a noticeably more upmarket feel than older Transporters. There’s also a stronger emphasis on storage solutions throughout the cabin, which is an important consideration for drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel.

PERFORMANCE

under the bonnet, the Transporter continues to rely on the proven formula of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, offered in multiple power outputs. These engines are paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, depending on the variant, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a setup that best suits their needs. Performance in a van like this isn’t about outright speed, but rather about usable torque and efficiency. In that regard, the diesel engines deliver exactly what is required. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with enough pulling power to move heavy loads without feeling strained. Whether it’s carrying tools to a job site or transporting passengers across long distances, the Transporter feels composed and capable. Towing and payload figures have also improved compared to the previous generation, reinforcing the vehicle’s position as a serious commercial tool. The additional capability will be welcomed by South African businesses that often demand more from their vehicles, particularly in industries where durability and practicality are non-negotiable.

COMFORT

One of the reasons the Transporter has remained so popular over the years is its ability to blur the line between commercial vehicle and passenger car. The latest model continues this tradition by offering a noticeably more comfortable and refined driving experience. The increased dimensions translate into more interior space across the board. For panel van models, that means a larger cargo area capable of carrying more equipment or goods. For Kombi and passenger variants, the extra space makes a significant difference to passenger comfort, particularly on longer journeys. The driving position is excellent, with clear visibility and well-placed controls that make the vehicle easy to live with on a daily basis. Improved seating comfort and better cabin insulation also help reduce fatigue during long hours on the road. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the Transporter also benefits from a wide range of driver assistance features and modern technology, bringing it in line with many contemporary passenger vehicles. For drivers who spend their entire workday in the vehicle, these small improvements make a meaningful difference.

VERDICT

The new Volkswagen Transporter arrives with big expectations, and understandably so. The name carries decades of trust and reliability, particularly in South Africa where the vehicle has long been a favourite among businesses and transport operators alike. What this latest generation demonstrates is that Volkswagen is willing to evolve the formula while still preserving the Transporter’s core strengths. The design is more modern, the cabin more refined, and the practicality even greater than before. Add to that the proven engineering shared with the Ford Transit Custom, and you end up with a van that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. For South African buyers, the Transporter continues to offer a compelling blend of durability, versatility and everyday usability. It may be built on a new foundation, but the essence of what made the Transporter great remains firmly intact. In a market where reliability and practicality matter more than ever, the Transporter once again proves why it has remained a benchmark in the commercial vehicle segment for so many years.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2-litre TDI
Gear Box	8-Speed Automatic
Power	125kW
Torque	340Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	6.6L per 100km (Claimed)
Price	R1,301,400

Bucket Seat: Audi Q7 & Q8 Launch

This week I spent some time with Audi South Africa getting to know their updated Q7 and Q8 line-up, while some brands have a life-cycle update just once before changing the shape, Audi work a bit differently, having multiple, many might see this as a cheap cop-out from changing the design but others might see this as an improvement of something that already works. I'll admit, I always love seeing new designs but the changes that Audi bring to the party in most of their updates do get me excited and as I found out at the launch this week, the Q7 and Q8 line-up now comes with some really cool stuff that warrants excitement over. 

The Q7 was the first SUV to be launched by the brand, while they did offer all-road crossover vehicles, there was a need for them to compete in the segment with something of their own. The first generation did rather well and with Audi's Quattro technology which was adapted from their cars, it was an almost no brainer that it would pair nicely in something larger. As the generations moved on for the Q7, so did the evolution of the SUV segment, with the introduction of smaller to medium variants but the Q7 always remained the benchmark with advancements on it being passed down to the rest of the SUV line-up. 

Attending the launch helped me get a better insight into what Audi have done and to experience it for myself. The line-up has changed a bit with the Q7 offered in only a petrol engine but the Q8 having both a diesel and petrol option, moving over to the sporty  SQ7 and SQ8, they both share the same 4.0L V8 turbo petrol engine and the range topping RS Q8 has that throaty 4.0L V8 as well but has been tuned to the max. All engines come with mild hybrid technology to help with the fuel economy and the V8's when cruising around town will automatically switch off 4 cylinders when it feels it doesn't need all 8 to work. The cars apart from the RS version are available in two trims, that being Platinum and Black Edition with a range of new colours and textures to personalize your car, to your taste. There are some pricey exclusive options like certain paints which can go up-to R140,000! 

The tech in the car continues to amaze me, starting off with the matrix LED headlights which now allows you to customise the daytime running lights, which you can choose from 5-different options. They even added a cool light show as a party trick to make the car even cooler but also demonstrate the technology. Audi's MMI interface has gotten some slight tweaks to make things easy, and has the option to add favourite destinations for your GPS. Bang & Olefson 3D Premium sound is standard on both trim lines. The are some other cool party tricks with these cars, like the Remote park assist plus, which is done via the Audi mobile app, which allows the driver to park a car in a tight parking spot without being in the car. Simply scan the parking area for a suitable spot, hop off, stand in close proximity to the car and it will park itself, this feature also allows the car to come out of the said parking spot itself. 

Having listened to what is new, it was time to get behind the wheel, first up was the range topping RS Q8, which currently holds the record for the fastest SUV to go around the Nurburgring in its class. That is a massive achievement and it has Audi's most powerful combustion engine made to date to thank for that. The 4.0L TFSI V8 produces 471kW and 850Nm of torque, just mind blowing numbers and all of that is in this SUV. 0-100km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, and this was tested quite a few times as we did launch the car multiple times on our test drive. It was just too much fun. While the car is big and heavy, what I appreciated was the agile nature of the steering, this is thanks to the rear wheel steering which cuts down the turning circle by 1 meter. The large tyre adorned by those standard 23" rims clung onto the tar as I navigated my way down Franschhoek pass with the valley waking up to the sounds of that roaring V8, it's like a symphony to any petrol head but I think what caught most of the onlookers by surprise, is that they heard it first and then when they saw it, they didn't expect it to be an SUV hurtling down the pass. 

After stepping out of the RS Q8 driver seat, which was not easy, but I needed to eat dinner any make small talk with the rest of the people before getting some shut eye for the next day. Having experienced the full power of that V8, it was time to sample a toned down version of it in the SQ7. The more family orientated SUV now comes standard with 7-seats which fold down flat to give you a big luggage hold. The new grill in the black edition really gives this car a menacing look, and will intimidate anyone during a school run. The growl of the V8 sounded more aggressive in this one that the RS Q8 for some reason and even with the launch control, it was a lot more violent but in a good way. It certainly isn't an ordinary soccer moms van, that is for sure! While cruising on the freeway, I could feel the mild-hybrid tech in action as well as the car switching off those extra cylinders and when the need arised, livening them up again to propel us into warp speed. 

Overall, what I've seen from Audi during these two days has been extremely impressive and looking forward to getting some on slightly longer testing to see how they cope with the day-to-day activities. 

Pricing for the range is as follows:

Audi Q7 and SQ7:

• Q7 55 (3.0L Petrol) TSFI Quattro Platinum Edition - R1,958,000
• Q7 55 (3.0L Petrol) TFSI Quattro Black Edition - R1,987,900
• SQ7 55 (4.0L Petrol) TSFI Quattro - R2,540,500
• SQ7 55 (4.0L Petrol) TFSI Quattro Black Edition - R2,574,500

Audi Q8 and SQ8:

• Q8 45 TDI Platinum Edition - R1,968,700
• Q8 45 TDI Black Edition - R2,011,700
• Q8 55 TFSI Platinum Edition - R2,015,400
• Q8 55 TFSI Black Edition - R2,058,400
• SQ8 TFSI Quattro - R2,640,500
• SQ8 TFSI Black Edition - R2,675,500

Audi RS Q8 Performance R3,266,100

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Tiguan Launch

Since it's introduction, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a been a popular choice of crossover enthusiast around the country, in fact the launch model back in 2007 got people interesting in the segment altogether has it offered the consumer a more spacious yet versatile vehicle at a similar price to the Golf. Over the years, the various models and face-lifts to the Tiguan enjoyed a large share of the market with buyers ranging from people who loved the brand, to those who just felt the Tiguan suited their needs and budget, however over the last few years and the introduction of the Chinese brands to the market, many are starting to sway not only for pricing reasons but also the overall package. There's no denying that the Chinese are taking over strong and with 95% of their cars being SUV's, sales of brands from other countries, especially Germany have been taking some strain. With the new Tiguan model breaking cover in late last year, many were waiting to see what the pricing would be like. This week, I got the opportunity to be one of the first people to drive the new Tiguan at the local launch taking place in the home of Volkswagen Group SA, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, here's the low down on the new Tiguan. 

The Tiguan will be offering in 3 engines, the 1.4-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TDI, available for us on the launch was only the 1.4-litre TSI as the TDI variant will be arriving on our shores later this year and the 2.0-litre TSI version early next year. Lets talk about styling, VW call this design confident and typically Volkswagen, the front the new Tiguan follows the lines of the new Golf 8 styling cues with curved front face that see's the introduction of the solid light bar which is becoming a trend across all their lines which is a clean and fresh look. The LED integrated headlights tie in neatly with the new grille which has a solid plate unlike previous models with open type vents. This gives the Tiguan a cleaner look from the front. So you must be thinking, how does the engine breather? Well the grille on the bottom half of the bumper has increased in size and depending on the trim choice, the designs vary. Volkswagen is offering the Tiguan in 3 trims, being Tiguan, Life and R-Line, on launch was just Life and R-Line trims. The R-Line is definitely more eye catching with its bolder elements, bigger wheels and chrome detailing, while the Life is more subdued. The rear of the Tiguan see's a horizontal LED strip that runs across the tailgate, connecting the two LED cluster lights, this emphasizes the width of the Tiguan a lot more, showing that the model has grown in size from the older model even though the curves on this new one doesn't make it seem that way. The new Tiguan has three new colours added to its list, being Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic and Oyster Silver. 

Stepping on the inside, the Tiguan's cockpit has been completely re-design, with a very modern interior that is dominated by the new infotainment screen that adorns the dash board center. The materials and textures used are good quality and seem robust enough for family usage. The R-Line, again has a bit more flair to it with the dash panel in front of the passenger having a starlight detail with R Logo present. Lets talk about that screen, standard with a 12.0-inch unit but can be upgraded to a 15-inch as an optional extra makes such a big difference to the cabin. With virtually everything accessible from it, apart from driving the car, shows Volkswagen's advancement in technology since the introduction of the Golf 8. The  MIB4 user interface is easy to use, with tiles and icons clear and the touch screen being very responsive. It has wireless app connect with wireless charging available standard on certain trims otherwise there is two USB C ports in front and back. The steering wheel is leather covered and conventional buttons and not the haptic touch ones used in the Golf 8, so makes it much more easier for the driver to use. In saying that, there is still haptic touch controls for the volume below the screen for volume and haptic controls for the sunroof and sun curtain. 

The seats have been upgraded too, with new leather trims and the option of getting the new ergoActive Plus leather seats that have heated and cooling functions as well as a pneumatic four-way lumber adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function which is ideal for front passenger and drive over long distances. VW have however limited it to 30-minute duration in case the driver feels too comfortable and falls asleep I guess! Another interior highlight see's the introduction of a Drive Experience dial, what looks like a volume dial is that and so much more, pushing it in engages the driving profiles available for the driver, be it Eco, Comfort or Sport, then there is the drive emotions which change the colour profiles for the car including ambient lighting of where there are 30-colours to choose from. The luggage capacity has increased with the boot space now accomodating 652-litres. The cabin it self is very spacious and the dual zone climate control worked a treat in the harsh Karoo heat without compromising on power output from the engine. 

Speaking of the engine, power output was a big topic of discussion as the engines for the new Tiguan have been downtuned for our market which caused a bit of a stir. VW explains that the fuel quality in SA has been on the decline and hence it didn't make sense bringing the higher tuned engines as it customers would not have enjoyed the full benefit of them. The 1.4-litre TSI I had had plenty of pluck though, even though it only churns out 110kW and 250Nm of torque, the help of the 7-speed DSG box assists the car in optimally changing the gears when driving, if you want to take control yourself, you have the option of using the paddle shifts behind the steering. 

VW have included a host of safety features as standard on the new Tiguan, this includes, Park Assist Plus which parks the car for you. Park Distance Control, Rear camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, Travel Assist, ESC, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning. It also has IQ drive which monitors the road in front of you, keeping track of cars around you, and warns you should there be any sudden danger if you're not paying attention. There is the optional extra HD LED Matrix headlights with 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs that was specially designed for the Tiguan giving you brighter lights and and higher resolution of light. 

Overall, the new Tiguan is a very impressive package, whether you choose the Life or R-Line package, they both ride the same and offer a great drive with comfort and stability on all types of road surfances. The 1.4-litre engine did superb in the harsh conditions we drove in, with it being extremely economical for the type of driving we were doing and the load we were carrying. Pricing on the Tiguan is very attractive with it being very similar to the outgoing model, with such an attractive package at a decent price it may sway people to re-consider one of our favourite brands in the market again.

 

Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG - R651 500
• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life DSG - R702 800
• Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW Life 4Motion DSG - R755 700
• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 KW R-Line DSG - R766 300
• Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R834 800
• Tiguan 2.0 TSI 140 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R835 900

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a 3 year / 120 000 km warranty, 5 year / 90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan including a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km. 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q5 40 TDI Quattro S Line

When it comes to the SUV market, the influx of late has been a lot to take in, apart from the various new segments being introduced especially in the compact market, the new brands coming in are making a once relatively sparse segment flooded with options for the consumer. One of the long standing models being the medium sized SUV still remains to be a big favourite for larger families as it offers a spacious cabin, powerful engines and great versatility for whatever the task at hand. One of the long runners in the market for this has been the Audi Q5, with stiff competition coming from either one of its German rivals, the Q5 has always managed to hold its own in the market and provided a handy alternative for many at a slightly cheaper price than its rivals. With Audi's TDI engines stealing the limelight in the past decade, this was always a major draw card with the Q5 and there after advancements in the TFSI petrol engines also sparked interest with the consumer and as we usher in a new era with electric powered vehicles in Audi's e-tron stable, the Q5 still remains an integral part of the Audi family until they go full electric. I spent some time with the revised Audi Q5 40 TDI recently and here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

With the introduction of the Q5 Sportback, one would think the appeal for the regular one would lessen but credit to Audi, while most of the changes on this revised model does mirror on to the Sportback model, this one still looks great. The new headlights featuring Audi's new LED matrix lights give it quite that modern futuristic look. The grille has seen some cosmetic changes as well with having a more edgy outline and thicker border finished in brushed aluminum, the hatches in the inside are bigger and add to the bolder presence. This particular model was in the S Line guise which featured a front mud guard finished in brushed aluminum and C shaped clusters to house the side fog lamps. Side profile of the car is much the same of the previous mode but with the S Line trim you get a side step and side sill finished in aluminum too. The new 20-inch, 5-spoke Flax style rims in the Black Matte finish are from the options list and gave the car that extra sporty look. Moving to the back, the lights also received the new matrix LED treatment and had the welcome sequence like the front when unlocking and locking the car. The interior is pretty much the same in terms of design to the old with the only major difference being the larger infotainment screen. 

PERFORMANCE

As mentioned, the TDI engine from Audi was quite a popular engine on the market, apart from its solid performance and fuel efficient figures, the reliability on them was second to none. It's no different with the latest versions as well, the Audi A5 is offered in the 40TDI variant only with only a choice of trims for the car that differentiate it. Power output on this 2.0L Turbo-Diesel engine is 140kW with total Torque of 400Nm with the claimed fuel consumption of 5.5L per 100km. So still a pretty strong showing for fuel economy and while my time with the car saw my driving be a bit rash for most periods, I still managed to average around 8.1L which pretty impressive for a car this size and the distance I covered. The road handling on the car is impressive, given that is has four-wheel drive with Quattro, it managed to navigate its way around quite well and seeing that I happened to have this car over the flooding period in KZN, it made going to site quite entertaining, while it isn't a fully-fledged off-roader, the Q5 managed its own in some tricky situations. 

COMFORT

Whoever spec'd this car deserves a high-five, Brilliant Black on the outside with a crispy white interior that is contrasted well by high-gloss black finishes with silver trimmings adorned the cabin. The Q5 comes with a three-zone climate control system that has dual zones for front passenger and driver with the rear occupants getting their own controls for them. The larger infotainment screen features Audi's latest MMI interface and Audi Connect services to provide live traffic updates, weather reports on your location and various other Audi services. The car like other models has built-in mobile apps and can be operated wirelessly. There is an optional wireless mobile phone charging tray and the Q5 does come with USB B charging ports for front and rear passengers. The seats are very comfortable and support you well while driving, there are optional electric adjustable and have two memory settings. The virtual cockpit instrument cluster negates the need for a heads-up display but it still is listed in the options list should you prefer it. What I like about the navigation view, is that it offers satellite imagery from Google Earth as an overlay which is pretty cool. There are various views you can switch to while driving displaying relevant information. The ride quality and comfort is great and with little road noise in the cabin, that can be easily drowned out by the 755 watts, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System which is a R15,500 extra that I would tick when ordering one. 

VERDICT

While the Audi Q5 Sportback might be more appealing in the visual sense, when looking at practicality and functionality, the normal Q5 still comes out trumps. The extra space and comfort experienced in this great and with the offerings in the cabin, it just makes better sense for a large family to get into one of these. While the options list can go on, the right ones are well worth the extra money, even me a person who isn't too fond of sunroofs loved have the large panoramic glass sunroof, it allows so much natural light into the cabin with the curtain open that it makes you want to keep on driving. The safety features and driver assists on the Q5 are quite helpful, it would have been nice to have the option of having a surround camera system like many of their competitors as the Q5 only comes with a reverse cam with front and rear PDC's. Overall, a well put together car that is bound to keep the loyalist happy. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L TDI
Gear Box	S Tronic Automatic
Torque	400Nm
Power	140kW
0-100km/h	8.1 seconds
Price	R958,100*

*Base Price