Bucket Seat: Opel Grandland

Opel has been around for years but still remains one of those forgotten German brands, they hardly are on the first ten manufacturers people think of when considering to buy a new car and one is always greeted with an "oh ya" if mentioned. Why though? At one stage Opel was dominating the market with their budget hatch back, the Corsa lite and even though the adverts were a killer,  the car was every university students dream car in its time. Many forgot they made other cars such as the Astra. While the Corsa still remains an important product for the company, they really are putting emphasis on their MPV range and late last year I got to drive the new Grandland, the previous generation of the model wasn't bad but it just felt like it was lacking in all departments, built on the same chassis as the Peugeot 3008, the Grandland just seemed bland so with these new one, I was hoping to see vast improvements and I was not left disappointed! 

DESIGN

The Opel Grandland takes a confident step forward in the midsize SUV segment with a design that feels both modern and premium. Up front, Opel’s bold 3D Vizor grille paired with the illuminated Griffin badge immediately sets it apart, giving the SUV a strong European identity. The sharp LED headlights and sculpted bonnet add presence, while the two-tone floating roof and contrast detailing lend it a sporty edge. In typical Opel fashion, the design is clean rather than flashy, but it works well. The Grandland looks mature and well-proportioned, with enough road presence to feel substantial without being bulky  something that suits both city driving and long-distance cruising on South African highways. At the rear, the slim LED light bar stretches across the tailgate, rounding off a design that feels current and well thought out.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Grandland is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox. Power delivery is linear and predictable, making it easy to live with in traffic while still offering enough punch for confident overtakes on the open road. It’s not trying to be a performance SUV, but it feels well matched to its size and purpose. The suspension is tuned with comfort in mind, soaking up most of the imperfections found on South African roads. On smoother surfaces the ride is composed and stable, though sharper bumps can still be felt at lower speeds. Steering is light and easy, ideal for urban driving, while highway stability inspires confidence at cruising speeds. Fuel consumption is reasonable for the segment, especially if driven sensibly, though enthusiastic driving will push consumption higher. This is a vehicle built more for refinement and ease than outright sportiness  and it succeeds at that.

COMFORT

Comfort is one of the Grandland’s strongest attributes. Opel has placed real emphasis on ergonomics, with AGR-certified seats that offer excellent support for long drives. Higher-spec models add features like seat heating, ventilation and massage functions, which genuinely make a difference on extended road trips. Cabin space is generous, with ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers, making it a solid option for families. Boot space is practical and well shaped, easily accommodating luggage for weekends away or school runs, and expands nicely with the rear seats folded down. The interior materials feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces, clean lines and subtle detailing creating a calm, well-finished cabin. Road and wind noise are kept largely in check, though some tyre noise does creep in at highway speeds. Overall, the Grandland is a comfortable place to spend time, whether commuting daily or tackling long-distance travel.

TECHNOLOGY

The Grandland comes well equipped on the technology front. A large central infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping connectivity simple and familiar. The system is intuitive once you get used to it, although wired smartphone integration feels slightly dated in today’s market. Digital driver displays are clear and customisable, and Opel’s decision to retain physical buttons for climate control and key functions is a welcome one. It makes everyday operation easier and less distracting compared to fully touch-based systems. Safety tech is comprehensive, with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition available across much of the range. Parking assistance systems and 360-degree cameras make manoeuvring in tight urban spaces far less stressful, although the camera resolution could be sharper.

VERDICT

The Opel Grandland is a compelling option in South Africa’s highly competitive midsize SUV market. It offers a refined driving experience, excellent comfort levels and a strong suite of safety and technology features, all wrapped in a distinctly European design. While it may not be the most exciting SUV in terms of outright performance, it more than makes up for that with everyday usability, long-distance comfort and a premium feel that stands out against more mainstream rivals. Buyers looking for something a little different from the usual Japanese and Korean offerings will find a lot to like here.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	16 Turbo
Gear Box	Automatic
Power	134kW
Torque	300Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	8.2L per 100km (as tested)
Price	R739,900

 

Bucket Seat: Renault Triber

Believe it or not, the Renault Triber is one of the most popular cars in Umhlanga Durban, yes, the home of the wealthy and astute, where Supercars prowl the streets, has them competing with this French MPV, (Well its actually Indian since its made in the subcontinent). The Triber is a clever, no-nonsense people-mover that takes clever packaging over outright power which makes it the ideal vehicle for e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. If you need seven seats sometimes, a tiny running cost, and big flexibility in a small footprint, this is worth a long look. 

DESIGN

Out on the street the Triber doesn’t scream “seven seater” it’s compact, friendly and practical. Renault’s latest refresh sharpens the face: cleaner grille, tighter lamp graphics and slightly more modern bumpers so it looks less toy-car and more grown up than older budget MPVs. The proportions still betray its mission: short nose, tall cabin, upright greenhouse that equals usable interior space more than wow factor. What I like: the design language keeps things honest. The wheels and treatment on higher trims lift the presence enough; clever touches like a wide, low boot opening and practical door apertures make every-day life easier. It’s not premium, but it’s intentional built to be useful. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol around 52–53 kW and 96 Nm paired to a 5-speed manual . That combination is tuned for economy and city drivability rather than outright shove. In town it’s perfectly acceptable: light steering, easy overtakes in single-lane urban traffic, and the engine will happily chug along at low revs to save fuel. On the highway, and especially loaded with six or seven aboard, the Triber feels its size and power limits. Expect shallow acceleration when fully laden and be mindful of overtakes on undulating routes  you’ll need to plan them. While the automatic Triber may seem more appealing to some, one has to take into considering the lag of the AMT box, so if you do a lot of long motorway trips the manual will be more composed and predictable. Fuel figures are strong for the segment. Renault quotes low consumption and local dealers report efficient real-world results. 

COMFORT

This is where the Triber does its biggest job: interior space and flexibility. The third row is removable and second-row seats can slide and fold to create a wide variety of configurations  cargo hauler, five-seater with large boot or full seven-seater. Boot volume can be impressive (up to around 625 litres with clever seat arrangements) which is huge for the footprint. Headroom and knee room are generous for the segment; the cabin layout has lots of small storage nooks  so family life is easy. 

Ride quality is tuned for comfort on city roads it soaks up bumps reasonably well and the raised ride height helps on speed humps and rough suburban surfaces. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is not luxury-calibre: the cabin gets noisier at higher speeds and with a full load, but for urban and school-run duties it’s fine. Higher trims add niceties like a bigger touchscreen, better connectivity and rear vents  useful day-to-day. 

Renault has been upgrading safety on the Triber recent local introductions have standardised multiple airbags and added kit compared with earlier budget spec levels. For South African arrivals this year Renault pushed better standard safety across the range (reports note 6 airbags as part of recent updates). Still, the Triber is a budget MPV: it’s practical and sensible, but it won’t match the passive and active safety levels of larger, more expensive family SUVs. If you prioritise crash-avoidance tech, check the spec sheet carefully for the trim you want. 

VERDICT

This is the Triber’s sweet spot. Purchase price sits in the budget family car bracket, running costs are low thanks to the small engine and good economy, and servicing/parts are straightforward (and cheap compared to larger Renaults). Insurance and tyres are also more affordable than most bigger family cars. If your budget is tight but the need for occasional seven-seat flexibility is real, the Triber makes a strong economic case. 

Buy this if: you need occasional seven-seat flexibility in a compact city footprint, want low running costs, and you value modular practicality over motorway performance. It’s a brilliant school-run / inner city family tool with enough boot space to carry luggage or a month’s grocery run when you fold seats.

Don’t buy this if: you regularly carry seven adults on long highway journeys, you crave high-speed refinement, or you want a premium interior and sporty performance. In that case step up to a larger MPV or compact SUV.

Practical tip for SA buyers: Renault has launched the refreshed Triber locally (arriving in late 2025 and already showing on dealer sites), with improved standard safety and slightly reworked pricing/trim lines so check local stock and spec levels, and compare AMT vs manual depending on your mix of city/highway use.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.0L NA Petrol
Gear Box	5-speed Manual
Torque	96Nm
Power	53kW
Average Fuel Consumption	5.5L per 100km
Price	R349,149

Bucket Seat: New Renault Triber Launch

Yesterday saw the local launch of the second generation Renault Triber in South Africa, the versatile 7-seater MPV has been a popular car in the market since its introduction with KZN being one of the key markets for the car in terms of sales, with this in mind, the team from Motus Renault decided to host the launch in Durban, and I was invited to see what the latest derivative has to offer. 

With a full house of Renault SA execs in attendance, it was nice to chat to them and engage on what they've been doing in the background as nothing new had come out from them for about 2 years. Their hiatus was broken this year with the launch of the new Duster, another popular model for the local market, the Triber being the second model launch for the year with them planning one more before year end. 

So whats new with the Triber? Well its an all new design which has design enhancements echoes Renault's new branch identity, starting off with the new Logo that sits prominently on the piano black grille that is complimented by a sculpted bonnet and redesigned bumpers, both front and rear. In total the range topping Iconic model in the new Triber has 31 new advancements from the old model, loads of them being tech-centric. Some of my favourites include LED auto head lights with integrated Daytime running lamps as well as LED tail lamps, front and rear PDC's, a reverse camera, cooled glove box and center storage box. 

The Triber has a new 8" touch screen infotainment unit that has built-in mobile applications, with the range topping Iconic model have wireless phone projection. The Triber still has the same 1.0: naturally aspirated engine form the old model and is available in a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic on top spec models. 

Versatility is the name of the game for the Triber with the car being able to configure itself to your needs, rethink space is the catch phrase for the Triber and it demonstrates this well , the third row seating can fit 2 adults in with a squeeze and the second row can be adjustable to give the third row more space. There are rear vents with adjustable fan speed. The third row of seats can be removed completely to give you a loading capacity of 625L. 

This new generation Triber is bound to be as popular as the outgoing model, available in three variants "Evolution, Techno and Iconic", it has something to suit everyones needs. 

Recommended Retail Pricing for the cars are as follows:

New Renault Triber Evolution MT :   R 218 999

New Renault Triber Techno MT : R 233 999

New Renault Triber Iconic MT :  R 249 999

New Renault Triber Iconic AMT : R 259 999

New Renault Triber Express (excl. Roof Rack) : R 249 999 

Bucket Seat: Honda BR-V

In September this year I attended the official launch of the new Honda BR-V in the Western Cape, it was a fun day out with the team from Honda SA as we got to sample the second generation of this much loved model in the country. The model had grown in statue compared to its previous model but also came loaded with a lot tech and safety features normally reserved for higher end models. At the launch I gravitated to a particular model and drove that for the day, little did I know what an attachment the car would have to me, as after the launch I decided to spend a few extra days in the Cape and Honda SA allowed me to keep a car with me for the duration of my stay, low and behold when I went to the parking lot, I noticed it was the same car I drove that day on the launch. After flying back to Durban and spending a few weeks at home, I get a message that I'd be getting a BR-V to test for the week. Having just driven one a few weeks ago, I thought it would be nice to refresh my memory with one for the review. When the car got delivered, it seemed awfully familiar, low and behold it was the exact same car I drove at the launch, the same car I spent the weekend in whilst in Cape Town and now its followed me to Durban. As funny as that was, its time for the actual review of the car. 

DESIGN

Being a 7-seater MPV, the BR-V has quite an attractive design, with modern lines and sharp features keeping in line with the Honda design language. The overall body shape is indicative to that of most MPVs but has a wider stance than most and also an increased ride height making it seem more of a crossover come SUV rather than an MPV. The lines are clean with a modern twist and the headlights have clear covers exposing the details in the headlamps with the straight styled rear lights similar to the Ballade and new Civic. The additions of the brushed aluminum finish scuff plates in the front, rear and side add to the SUV rugged look on the BR-V, making it look more menacing than it actually is. The new straight grille is pretty eye catching and the way the headlamps expand from it gives the car that classy European look. The car comes with 16-inch bicolour rims which really do make the car stand out. The interior received and overhaul with it getting some nice tech updates include a large touch screen radio which I will touch on later as well as some improved material selections. The design of the interior is roomy and spacious making it a great cabin for large groups, which is why it would be popular with the Uber and Taxi industry. 

PERFORMANCE

The BR-V is powered by that same Honda 1.5-litre naturally aspirated DOHC i-Vtec engine, yes that one. While many have gripes with this motor, claiming its under powered as it produces only 89kW and 145Nm of torque, one would agree that a car which can seat 7-adults would need more oomph but I actually don't have an issue, my issue comes with the gearbox, the automatic CVT transmission does the car no favours and I can't for the life of me figure out why manufacturers are sticking to this technology. It doesn't help with the average fuel consumption because people are ending up dropping gears to get more power which in-turn uses more fuel. I didn't get to sample the manual option at the launch but I'm sure that fairs much better in performance and in average fuel consumption. It does however give a smooth ride but there is no escaping that engine groan in the cabin when you trying to accelerate. 

COMFORT

The BR-V as mentioned, is a 7-seater MPV with the it having a nice spacious cabin comfortable for 5 adults in the front two rows and squeezing in two more in the third row seats. The seats, while not covered in genuine leather are very comfortable and the material feels premium and durable, so no nasty stains will left on these seats. The car has single zone climate control which the controls are located in the center of the console, with button controls. The BR-V comes with a large TFT touch screen infotainment unit which has an easy to interface and has preloaded mobile apps which can be connected via USB cable. The car is packed with safety features which include Honda SENSING Driver Assist technology, this is a broad range of driver assistance features and driver aids to help protect the driver and its occupants. Honda SENSING includes collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam and lane keeping assist. These features are normally found on high-end models from Europe, so to be getting these in a lower end MPV is just brilliant, not forgetting a reverse camera to check your rear while reversing into any spots. 

VERDICT

Overall, while the BR-V might have some quips, it is genuinely a great package put together from the Japanese manufacturer. The car delivers in most aspects and over exceeds in others. The drive was great when in urban areas and given the what the general use of a car like this would be for locals, it does the job without any hassle. While it does feel a bit more premium than most of it's competitors, it does force them to be more proactive in including more safety offerings in their cars. The car looks great and drives well, for the target market this could be the benchmark for the segment and given Honda's great reliability and service, it has the potential to be one of their best selling models in the coming years. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC
Gear Box	CVT
Torque	145Nm
Power	89kW
Fuel economy	6.3L/ 100km/h
Price	R434,900*

*Comfort CVT model

 

Bucket Seat: Honda H-RV 1.5 Executive

When it comes to Japanese car manufacturers, reliability is the key word that rings out and with good reason. Most cars that come out of Japan are bulletproof and the two biggest brands being Toyota and Honda have grown quite a cult following over the years. While the cars were pretty solid in terms of build quality and reliability, there was that perception of them being bland and boring. It is true, there was nothing exciting about the cars coming out of Japan, while there were select few one off models, the rest of the line-ups were not much to look at but still maintained steady sales because of the brand heritage. Over the past two years, Toyota have picked up on this and have really made great strides into changing their philosophy and have produced great cars since, with the further introduction of new models and brands into 2023. What about Honda though? The tag line reads power of dreams but other than the Civic Type-R, nothing else in their model line-up screams it. Well, to their credit they have been working behind the scenes have slowly released some of their new models that encapsulates their direction of their new design philosophy and I must say, while they may not be drastic in design they've certainly upped their game in other departments. I first got to sample this with their new Ballade last year before spinning around in the new FIT (ex Jazz), a few weeks ago I had the new H-RV on test and I was blown away with this car, which I'll explain in my review. 

DESIGN

Fresh new face to the H-RV and change in the overall body shape, moving away from that bubble like chassis to a more straight and square look. The front is fierce and commanding with the colour coded grille being the main feature with a chrome bar that extends to the new front headlamps which has an LED day-time running lamp that follows the contours of the bar. It's a very clean finish with very little folds and creases as it runs down to the mesh radiator cooler with LED fog lamps on either side. I had the Executive model on test which came with 18-inch black alloy wheels, the Comfort model features 17-inch alloy wheels. The side profile is pretty attractive with that sharp slanted tailgate line giving off the crossover coupe vibe and the rear design is finished very elegantly and sport with the solid bar light that runs across with tear dropped styled rear LED lights which wrap around the side. Almost looking like the Porsche Macan. If you think Honda knocked it out the park with the exterior design, wait till you jump on inside, okay look it's nothing extravagant but the look they trying to achieve was clean, minimalistic and modern, they've certainly nailed it in my opinion with everything so well laid out and the finishes made me weirdly excited to sit inside and touch everything. It's hard to explain and something you just need to experience, the attention to detail is immaculate, only something the Japanese could perfect, everything from the quality of the plastics to the frosted screen coverings for the aircon controls was impeccable. 

PERFORMANCE

Here's where I might get shot for hyping this car so much, the H-RV is powered by a 1.5-litre Chain Driven DOHC i-VTEC motor which produces 89kW and 145Nm of torque. Hardly much to write home about, and I you must be thinking I'm going to drop the "but its not meant for performance, its meant for cruising" line but my God this thing can be frustrating when trying to pick up speed. The CVT gearbox does it no favours at all and while there is a "S" sport gear and paddle shift, which does improve performance ever so slightly, it does sky rocket your average consumption, which with todays fuel price won't be very healthy on your bank balance. Honda claim an average combined fuel economy of 6L per 100km but I was averaging around 8 with my heavy foot. But look, if you not in a rush, the H-RV is superb, with well timed gear shifts, a smooth acceleration, brilliant ride comfort and great handling and steering with minimal body roll. It's not meant to be an old persons type of car but it serves as a brilliant city car and that is what I loved about it. 

COMFORT

Apart from the great interior design, quality of materials used, the H-RV is extremely comfortable. The front seats are ergonomically designed for good posture and great comfort. Both front seats were electrically adjustable which was a nice surprise. They front occupants also get dual zone climate control as well as heated leather seats. The 8-inch infotainment touch screen has an easy to use interface and has plug and play mobile application integration. The head unit for the screen was a bit odd, with it flowing into the dash like a 1980's tube television. Not sure why Honda opted for this vs the floating tablet finish is an odd one but I suppose it works and makes the screen more secure. Another odd one was the placements of the USB ports which were mid-dash above the separation from wireless charging mat, with the mobile application only being a hardwired connection, it made it a bit cumbersome to have wires dangling around and ruined the aesthetics of the great interior design. The car comes with a split panoramic glass roof which I found out doesn't open, it was a bit of a bummer but at the same time I am not a massive fan of driving around with the sunroof open but rather just the curtain, so this worked out well for me. The rear passengers get to enjoy the same quality seats but what surprised me the most was the amount of leg room they had at the back! I'm a tall guy and with my seat properly adjusted to suit my height, there was still ample amount of space in the back for the passenger to lounge behind me! The luggage compartment is a decent size, coming in at 304L but with the rear seats folded down, this extends to 956L. The tail gate is power operated and can be opened with the key. 

VERDICT

Overall, the H-RV left a great impression on me, so much so I am actually thinking of adding one to my garage. The price tag is a bit of a stinger but seeing that Honda hasn't messed about with the quality of product they got here, I can sort of understand why it is what it is. There is a loads on offer with the car and after spending a week with it, I was smitten with it. Even for a person like me, who likes to zip around quite fast, I found my self sitting in the middle lane of the highway, cruising along listening to some great music and enjoying the drive home or to the office office. As with all Honda's, the safety features are in abundance with it having ABS, EBA, VSA, Lane Watch, Driver attention monitor, tyre pressure monitor, High beam assist, Active cornering lights and the list goes on. It's a practical family car, perfectly suited for small to medium families. Certainly a car that won me over with it's charm. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L DOHC i-VTEC
Gear Box	CVT
Torque	145Nm
Power	89kW
Fuel economy	6L/ 100km/h
Price	R554,500