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 Tech: HUAWEI Innovative Product Launch 2025

Last week Friday in Paris saw HUAWEI launch the latest model in their Watch GT Series as well as other products part of their Innovative Product launch. The Watch GT 6 Pro is a perfect blend of Sport, Health and lifestyle wearable that looks stylish but packs more features than most of the smart watches available on the market. HUAWEI always marketed this particular model as "Fashion Forward" highlighting that while the competition might have their own devices on the market, they don't really fit into everyday wearables whiles the HUAWEI Watch GT can look great whether you're training or at a black tie event. At the Innovative Product Launch event in Paris under the banner of "Ride the Wind," unveiling a new line up of products including its next-gen HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series, HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2, and HUAWEI WATCH D2, combining high-fashion aesthetics with advanced health and fitness monitoring. Other exciting announcements included the debut of the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X. 

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series embodies the "Ride the Wind" philosophy, blending fashion with athletic performance. With a ground-up engineering overhaul, the smartwatch delivers an impressive 21-day battery life and pinpoint outdoor positioning, powered by the all-new HUAWEI TruSense System for all-round, fast, and accurate health tracking metrics.

Building on a library of over 100 workout modes, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series introduces substantial upgrades to four essential outdoor activities: cycling, trail running, golf, and skiing. The new Cycling mode introduces a virtual power meter, providing professional-grade performance analytics without the need for a pro-level power meter, and unlocks a more advanced cycling experience. The Trail running mode gains next-level features, such as pinpoint positioning, altitude trend charts, and real-time grade analysis. Meanwhile, the upgraded Golf mode comes with a host of high-level features, including high-definition fairway maps.

HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 and WATCH D2: Breakthroughs in Professional Fitness and Health Monitoring

The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 debuts as the industry's first smartwatch rated for 150-meter diving with audio functionality. Its groundbreaking sonar-based underwater communication enables underwater watch-to-watch messaging up to 30 metres and a one-touch SOS up to 60 metres, delivering more efficient underwater communication and greater peace of mind to deep-sea explorers.

The latest iteration of the HUAWEI WATCH D2 comes in a dazzling new Blue colour and supports more comprehensive blood pressure monitoring features, including single reminders and recurring reminders. Combined with individual measurements and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, these features create a robust and versatile system designed to meet the diverse needs of users for effective blood pressure management.

HUAWEI nova 14 Series: Reimagined Professional Portraiture with Ultra Chroma Camera

The HUAWEI nova 14 Series reimagines mobile portraiture with a pioneering Ultra Chroma Camera and a new and improved XD Portrait Engine, producing portraits of exceptional depth and texture. It excels in challenging low-light environments, such as live music venues, rendering scenes with stunning clarity and nuanced detail. The 50 MP front camera supports auto-focus Portrait Dual Camera and a special 5x portrait zoom, delivering remarkable selfie capabilities. There is also a wealth of groundbreaking AI photo editing features, including AI Best Expression and AI Remove, which place a professional editing suite at users' fingertips, ensuring that each shot shines through and is blemish-free.

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X and M-Pencil Pro: A New Era of Paperless Learning and Creativity

The newly unveiled HUAWEI MatePad 12 X PaperMatte Edition tablet comes equipped with an ultra-clear PaperMatte Display designed for visual comfort. The MatePad works seamlessly with the HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro stylus, which supports handy features like one-pinch in-app radial menu pop-ups, one-tap HUAWEI Notes access, and seamless twist-to-switch brush adjustments.

Huawei also announced the official kick-off of the GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity 2025. GoPaint 2025 will continue with its four signature categories: Narrative Art, Digital Watercolour & Ink, Sci-Fi Art, and Cutting-edge Painting, while introducing a new category, Animation. The initiative encourages creators worldwide to embrace their imagination and express it through digital art.

Now is Yours: Huawei Deepens Dialogue with Young Consumers

Another highlight of the event was the debut of Huawei’s new vibrant brand position, "Now is Yours." Representing its commitment to engage more closely with a new generation of global consumers, “Now is Yours” is underpinned by openness and inclusivity, aiming to create cultural and emotional resonance through technology that is both innovative and human.

Looking to the future, Huawei reaffirms its commitment to championing youth culture and utilising innovation as a universal language. By designing technology with greater warmth and empathy, Huawei aims to synchronise its rhythm with the global community, embarking on a shared journey into a future of infinite possibilities.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Anti-Theft Features

With an average of 189 cellphones reportedly getting stolen everyday in Mzansi, Samsung is urging South African Galaxy users to activate the latest anti-theft and anti-robbery features now available on Galaxy devices. These updates form part of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to smarter, tougher mobile security, giving users more control over their data, even in high-risk situations like smash-and-grabs or pickpocketing in busy taxi ranks, bus stops/stations, and other public areas.

The latest security enhancements come via Samsung’s One UI 7 update, which was introduced with the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year and is now being rolled out to a broader range of devices across the Galaxy ecosystem.

South Africa continues to grapple with high mobile phone theft rates, especially in urban areas like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Whether it’s phones being snatched from hands at traffic lights, lifted at taxi ranks, or stolen in the dark or load-shedding-induced house robberies, Galaxy users now have new ways to protect their personal data.

Samsung’s new Theft Protection suite builds on existing Android security and introduces advanced layers of protection, even in cases where criminals might have access to your PIN or try to disable your device.

Galaxy users can now enable a range of new security measures, including Identity Check, designed to offer stronger protection in complex theft scenarios. These features respond automatically and intelligently to suspicious activity, helping ensure that personal data remains secure and under the user’s control in these critical moments.

Existing and updated features in Theft Protection include:

• Theft Detection Lock: This uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft such as snatching, and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorized access.

• Offline Device Lock: The screen gets automatically locked if the device is disconnected from the network for an extended period, ensuring protection even when the device is offline.

• Remote Lock: If the device has already been stolen, users can lock it remotely using their phone number and a quick verification step. Remote Lock also allows users to regain control of their account and explore additional recovery options.

New Anti-Robbery features released on One UI 7 include:

• Identity Check: In unfamiliar locations, the ‘Safe Places’ feature requires biometric authentication for any changes to sensitive security settings, adding an additional layer of protection when a PIN may have been compromised.

• Security Delay: A key component of Identity Check, it triggers a one-hour waiting period if someone attempts to reset biometric data. This crucial buffer gives users time to lock the stolen phone from a connected device, such as a PC or tablet, before unauthorized access can occur.

These updated theft features are now becoming available on previous flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23 and S22 series,  with future updates planned for even more Galaxy smartphones.

Further steps to take if your Samsung Galaxy device is lost or stolen

How to remotely lock your Samsung Galaxy device:

• Sign into Samsung Find using your Samsung account
• Select your phone on the left-hand side of the page, then choose Lost Mode in the device details section
• Create a PIN to unlock your phone if recovered, and enter it twice to confirm
• You will have the option to add an emergency contact and a custom message that will display on the locked screen (It’s recommended to skip this step to avoid sharing personal contact details)
• When you are ready, select the Lock button and verify your Samsung account to activate Lost mode
• If your device is recovered, you can unlock it using the PIN that was created when setting lost mode on your device

How to remotely delete data on your Samsung Galaxy device: 

• Visit the Samsung Find website
• Select the phone you want to erase and choose Erase Data
• Verify your Samsung account credentials
• Review the information provided and tap Erase to confirm
• All the data on your mobile, including Samsung Pay information, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered
• This will also reset your phone, meaning you won’t be able to locate and control it via Samsung Find
• Make sure to regularly back up your data to the cloud so you can restore it to a new device if needed

How to remotely change your Samsung and/or Google account passwords: 

• It is recommended to change the passwords for your Samsung and Google accounts (or whichever accounts are linked to your device) by signing in through their respective websites
• Once changed, you will be signed out of all connected devices, except the one you’re using
• This prevents unauthorized access to account-linked features and protects your personal information

How to track your Galaxy device:

• If your device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, its last known location will appear on a map 
• Visit the Samsung Find website
• Sign in with the Samsung account associated with your device (or a guardian’s account)
• If multiple devices are linked to your account, they will all appear – select the one you want to locate
• You’ll see its current or last known location

Other remote features available: 

• Ring: Make your device ring even if it’s set to silent or vibrate
• Extend battery life: Activate power-saving settings to keep your device on longer and improve the chances of recovery
• Track location: Enable real-time location tracking and your phone’s location will update every 15 minutes until tracking is stopped
• Other ways to locate Galaxy devices
• Find your phone using your Galaxy watch (WearOS 5 or higher):
• Swipe down from the top of your Galaxy Watch to open Quick settings
• Tap the Find My Phone icon
• Tap Start to begin the search – your phone’s ringtone will sound
• Once found, tap Stop on your watch or the X icon on your phone

Find your Galaxy Watch: 

• Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
• Tap Find My Watch (or Find My Band / Find My Gear, depending on your device)
• If connected via Bluetooth, tap Start
• Your watch will vibrate and play a sound (depending on model)
• Once found, tap the X icon on your watch or Stop on your phone
• Find your Galaxy Buds: 
• Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet
• Tap Find My Earbuds
• Tap Start – your earbuds will begin beeping and gradually increase in volume for three minutes
• Once found, tap Stop
• Using Google’s Find My Device:
• Google’s Find My Device is built into Android via Google Play Services
• You will need a Google account to use it
• With this tool, you can set a new password, make your device ring, display a message, lock and wipe your device, and more

Contact the authorities and your mobile network provider: 

• Once taken the steps above, report your lost or stolen device to the police and record a crime incident report
• Contact your mobile network provider to freeze your contract and prevent unauthorized usage

For additional device protection, it is recommended to have insurance that covers accidental damage, loss, or theft. Samsung offers a variety of protection plans – visit Samsung.com to explore coverage options that best suit your needs.

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI Watch FIT 4 Series now in SA

Huawei today confirmed the availability of its latest smartwatch lineup, the new HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series, offering premium materials, improved health tracking, and pro-level sports modes in an ultra-stylish, everyday wearable. This fourth-generation release builds on the success of the popular WATCH FIT Series and steps confidently into a space typically dominated by higher-priced competitors, thanks to its aluminium and sapphire finishes, durable build, and intelligent tech.

Designed to fit your life

The new HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series includes both the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro. Both models feature a contemporary square face design, a rotating crown, and clean, minimalist lines that blend function with fashion. The FIT 4 weighs just 27g and measures 9.5mm thin, with a sleek glass and aluminium frame. The FIT 4 Pro, slightly more rugged, features sapphire glass, a titanium alloy bezel, and an aviation-grade aluminium body. At 30.4g and only 9.3mm thick, it balances elegance with endurance.

Brighter screens, better visibility

Each model comes equipped with a large 1.82-inch AMOLED display, supported by Huawei’s Hybrid AMOLED technology. The FIT 4 provides up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, while the FIT 4 Pro pushes it further with 3,000 nits, ideal for bright, outdoor conditions and high-glare settings.

Outdoor-ready with upgraded positioning

For the first time in the series, both models now include a built-in air pressure sensor for better elevation awareness, plus Huawei’s upgraded Sunflower Positioning System for enhanced GPS precision, particularly important for runners, hikers, and outdoor athletes. Water sports enthusiasts also benefit from the debut of route tracking for aquatic activities, expanding training metrics to cover performance on and in the water.

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Pro

Pro-level features for active users

The FIT 4 Pro offers a suite of advanced sport modes tailored to high-performance lifestyles. These include:

• Advanced Terrain Map Tracking with offline routes and real-time alerts
• Golf Course and Driving Range Modes with GPS mapping
• Diving Mode supporting up to 40m depth, with Freediving and Training options
• Trail Running Mode optimised for elevation and route accuracy

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4

Smarter health tracking, day and night

Health tracking also sees a major upgrade across the series. New features include HRV (Heart Rate Variability) monitoring during sleep, all-day HRV tracking, and enhanced sleep insights (available via OTA updates). The integrated Emotional Wellbeing Assistant uses bio-signals to interpret mood shifts and provide real-time stress feedback. The FIT 4 Pro also includes temperature-based menstrual and ovulation predictions, offering personalised and data-driven support for women’s health.

Powerful battery performance

Battery life remains a major highlight. The FIT 4 delivers up to 7 days of usage in typical scenarios (up to 10 days max), and charges fully in just 75 minutes. The FIT 4 Pro does the same in only 60 minutes, making both devices ideal companions for everyday and extended use alike.

A bold contender in the wearable market

With its balance of fashion-first design, advanced functionality, and strong battery performance, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series offers exceptional value at launch. It’s a smart choice for users who want real insight, high performance, and serious personal style without the premium price tag.

Available immediately, the FIT 4 Series comes in black, purple, white, and grey from R2 999.00, OR add it to your Vodacom, Telkom or CellC plan from only R99 per month over 36 months. T’s & C’s apply.

And the FIT 4 Pro is available in an iconic green, black and blue from R4 999.00, OR add it to your Vodacom, Telkom or CellC plan from only R149 per month over 36 months. T’s & C’s apply.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Unleashes Awesome Intelligence on Galaxy A Series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. celebrated the launch of its latest Galaxy A series - the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G - at an exciting event in Johannesburg. Marking a bold new chapter for Samsung’s most popular smartphone line, the latest Galaxy A series comes with Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy’s first-ever comprehensive mobile AI tailored specifically for this range of devices.

For the first time, Galaxy A series users can enjoy fan-favourite Galaxy AI features, previously exclusive to flagship devices, now reimagined for a wider audience. Awesome Intelligence brings powerful, fun, and easy-to-use tools that transform how users create, connect, and explore.

“With Awesome Intelligence, we’re delivering an experience that’s smarter, more creative, and more personal to user and fans of the ever-popular Galaxy A series,” said Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa. “These new devices bring flagship-level AI features and robust security to more people than ever before, while also debuting Samsung SOS+ – a true game-changer for personal safety in South Africa.”

Unlocking Creativity with Awesome Intelligence

Powered by One UI 7, Awesome Intelligence delivers cutting-edge AI innovations, including Circle to Search, which has taken searching on your phone to the next level. Featuring Awesome Intelligence enhancements, it’s now not just for images; it can now also recognise music playing in videos, helping users identify songs by tapping a button. With it, you can instantly identify songs playing nearby or from memory, thanks to advanced audio recognition.

The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices. AI enhancements ensure every photo and video looks sharp, vibrant, and perfectly lit, thanks to the improved camera set-up. Editing features like Object Eraser let users remove unwanted elements from images, while Filters offer personalised colour and style extraction for a unique visual flair. The result? Effortless creativity with every tap.

All three models feature a robust 5,000mAh battery[i], with Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) support on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G for all-day performance. The entire line-up is built to endure life’s surprises with IP67-rated dust and water resistance[ii] - now included even on the Galaxy A26 5G for the first time.

Introducing Samsung SOS+: Real-Time Emergency Assistance

Samsung also unveiled Samsung SOS+, a personal emergency service developed in partnership with AURA, the country’s leading emergency response platform. Samsung SOS+ connects users to a nationwide network of vetted medical and armed responders.

In an emergency, users dial the dedicated SOS+ number, which instantly shares their live location with AURA’s secure system. Help is then dispatched immediately, with a call-back from the SOS+ control centre to confirm assistance is en route. The service is free for the first 12 months with the purchase of any qualifying device, including the new Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. The Subscription service will be available from 01 May 2025.

Bucket Seat: Haval H7

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

DESIGN

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

PERFORMANCE

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

COMFORT

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

VERDICT

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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

 

Bucket Seat: Face-lift Audi A3 Range

The Audi A3 and RS 3 Sportback and Sedan head into 2025 with a sportier look, refreshed design elements and enhanced standard specification. In addition, new materials have been applied for increased comfort, and highly specified and eye-catchingly designed Black Edition and Carbon Edition derivatives will form part of the range. Later this year, these models will be supplemented with the S3 Sportback and Sedan.

Now available for order: the engine line-up and trim levels

For the time being, Audi South Africa will offer the standard A3 range with the lauded 1.4-litre 35 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine developing 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It’s coupled with a slick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Buyers can select either S line or Black Edition trim for the Sportback and Sedan models.

The RS 3 Sportback and Sedan, meanwhile, retain the legendary 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine producing 294kW and 500Nm. The RS 3 accelerates to 100km/h from standstill in just 3.8 seconds. Here, Audi South Africa offers the option of standard or Carbon Edition trim lines, the latter bespoke to our country.

Pricing

• A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line / Black Edition: R808,200 / R834,500
• A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S tronic S line / Black Edition: R823,200 / R849,500
• RS 3 Sportback TFSI quattro S tronic / Carbon Edition: R1,498,200 / R1,591,900
• RS 3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic / Carbon Edition: R1,528,200 / R1,610,700

Like all other Audi models, the A3 and RS 3 are sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan as standard.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy - Blue Tag Sale

Samsung is giving mobile enthusiasts and tech lovers the chance to upgrade their gadgets at jaw-dropping discounts with the annual Blue Tag Sale (BTS), running now until 9 March 2025. Offering savings of up to 40% on the latest and most cutting-edge mobile devices, this is the perfect opportunity to grab top-tier Samsung products at unbeatable prices.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or wireless earbuds, BTS has something for everyone. But hurry because this exclusive sale is only available for a limited time and while stocks last.

Unbeatable Offers to Elevate Your Mobile Experience;

• Galaxy S24 FE – Now R12,999* (save R2,000)
• Galaxy A25 5G – Now R4,299* (save R700)
• Galaxy A16 – Only R3,499* (save R500)
• Galaxy Tab A9+ Wi-Fi – Just R3,299* (save R700)
• Galaxy Tab A9 LTE – Only R2,499* (save R2,000)
• Galaxy Watch Ultra – An incredible R9,999* (save R3,000)
• Galaxy Battery Pack– Just R399* (save R300)

These amazing discounts mean that you can experience the innovation and performance of Samsung devices at great discounts. From the latest Galaxy A-series smartphones to the powerful Galaxy Tab tablets and stylish Galaxy Watches and Buds, BTS is the event to upgrade your tech collection at prices that are simply too good to miss.

Only One Week Left – Act Fast!

With only one week remaining until the sale ends on 9 March, now is the time to grab these incredible deals before they’re gone. Devices are flying off the shelves, so head to your nearest Samsung store, shop online at www.samsung.com/za, visit the Samsung App Shop, or go to a participating retailer to secure your savings.

End your summer on a high with Samsung’s iconic innovations, and make the most of the Blue Tag ale before it’s too late.

Don’t Miss Out on Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale

For more information and to shop the full range of offers, visit: www.samsung.com/za

Offers available at participating retailers and online stores. T&Cs apply.

Bucket Seat: VWSA Indaba 2025

This week saw Volkswagen SA host their annual Indaba at their plant in Kariega in the Eastern Cape, after a successful 2024 for the plant which saw them become the sole exporter of the popular Polo in Europe and Asia Pacific, this aided for a new record of 131 485 units exported from for the year. This couple with the enhancements done to the Polo Vivo put the plant in a strong position in the global Volkswagen plants. While facts and figures are always important to punt the companies local presence, we were more interested in seeing that new vehicles were in store for our shores for the 2025 year, and we were not disappointed. 

Starting off with a question most journalists have been asked for the past 2 years, will we see a non performance version of the Golf 8? Well, no but we will see the introduction of the entry level Golf 8.5! Yes, VWSA are finally bringing the 1.4TSI 110kW TSI engine version of its popular Golf model to the country. The new Golf generation being with it a large infotainment system, more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. The revamp in design make it stand out more than the Golf 8 and with options of packages ranging from Life, Life+, R-Line and R-line+, there is enough variety to spec your Golf 8.5 TSI to your preferences. While VWSA did have an 8.5 GTI on display, there was no indication on whether that would be hitting the roads as well. 

Next up is an SUV which borrows a lot from the newly introduced Tiguan, is the VW Tayron, which essentially is the Tiguan All-Space which has been given a new name. The model will be introduced in the second half of the year and is a 7-seater sport utility vehicle that is positioned between the Touareg and Tiguan. The car is engineered and built in the Wolfsburg plant in Germany and features technology from the premium level Touareg including IQ.Light HD Matrix headlights, massage seat functions, adaptive cruise control and ambient lighting. It also has advanced safety features like exit warning system, travel assist for a safer, more convenient driving experience and lane change and keep assist. Apart from being just a longer version of the Tiguan, the Tayron has different design characteristics with slightly different shaped headlights, with a illuminated VW badge in front, and a different lighting pattern on the rear lights. It also has sporty elements on the R-Line like 19-inch alloy wheels, R-Line bumpers and 30-colour ambient lighting. 

Another SUV that got introduced is the much loved T-Cross which has been the best selling in the T segment for the company, with over 36,000 units sold since its launch in 2019, it only makes sense that they expand the offerings to capatilise on its success with two new derivatives. These are the 1.0TSI 70kW manual and the 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG, these form the perfect base onto build a perfect SUV that has a blend of performance, style and advanced features. Like the model which is currently on sale, the T-Cross comes standard with an 8" Digital Cockpit, App-Connect, Multi-function steering wheel, 2 USB port in front and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Other models showcased included the Polo 15th Edition that celebrates 15 years of Polo Vivo, these will be limited to 1500 units and available in the third quarter of the year. A Polo GTI Black Style which features all the black treatment on the alloys, mirrors, diffuses and seats. The VW Transporter will also make its way in the country in the second quarter. The new Transporter features larger dimensions, including a 146mm increased length and wider body, it comes with LED headlights, 12-inch Digital cockpit and advanced infotainment system with mobile app connectivity. It will only be available in the 2.0 TDI engine but with a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic.

 Another announcement at the Indaba saw the Volkswagen Group take over the retail operations of Ducati in South Africa. This taking the tally up to 4 offerings from the Group which already includes VW passenger Cars, Audi and VW Commercial.