From its rugged styling, all-terrain tyres and minimalist cabin to its blistering Twin Motor performance and impressive electric range, he explores what makes this compact EV stand out.

He also discusses how it compares with rivals such as the BMW iX1, who it's best suited for, and whether South Africa's charging infrastructure is ready for more motorists to make the switch to electric.

Tune in every Thursday at 16:45 on Vuma FM for the latest motoring reviews and automotive news.

He explores the A200's eye-catching styling, premium cabin, intuitive MBUX infotainment system, and engaging handling, while discussing whether its 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers the level of refinement expected from the Mercedes-Benz badge.

He also turns his attention to the GLC 220d, highlighting its effortless diesel performance, outstanding refinement, impressive fuel efficiency, and why it remains one of the most accomplished luxury family SUVs on the market. Tune in every Thursday at 16:45 on Vuma FM for the latest motoring reviews and automotive news.

He also compares it with key rivals, including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Haval H6, to find out whether Mazda's focus on refinement and driving enjoyment is enough to keep it ahead of the competition. Tune in every Thursday at 16:45 on Vuma FM for the latest motoring reviews and automotive news.

© Higher Education Media Services

For decades, bodybuilding has been regarded as a male-dominated sport, with men often taking centre stage in competitions. However, a new generation of women athletes is challenging that narrative by proving that strength, discipline and excellence have no gender boundaries.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus women bodybuilders made their mark at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Bodybuilding Championships held at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University on 27 June 2026, dominating several categories and playing a key role in the team securing second position overall.

Competing against seven universities from across the country, the Mahikeng Campus team narrowly missed out on the overall title, which was won by their sister institution, the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The Mahikeng women delivered a record-breaking performance, taking control of the women’s divisions and positioning themselves among the leading student bodybuilders in the country.

Sinazo Ndabeni claimed first place in the Ladies Beach Bikini Over 163 cm category and was crowned the overall Ladies Beach Bikini winner. Bokang Matsetela secured first place in the Ladies Bikini Over 166 cm category and earned the overall Ladies Bikini title.

Rejoice Letsoalo took first place in the Ladies Wellness Over 166 cm category and claimed the overall Ladies Wellness title, while Sindiswa Mpelane won the Ladies Bodyfitness Open category.

Their performances earned them national recognition, with Sinazo, Bokang, Rejoice and Sindiswa being selected to represent Team USSA for bodybuilding.

Mahikeng Campus bodybuilding coach Tshepo Baloyi said the results reflect the growth of women’s participation in the sport and the dedication of the athletes.

“As a coach, I am proud to have worked with such a talented group of women who continue to challenge perceptions about bodybuilding. They conquered all five ladies’ divisions at the USSA, setting a new record by bringing home six gold medals and three overall titles. Their success is a result of discipline, consistency and commitment to their craft,” said Tshepo.

“Bodybuilding is where beauty meets fitness, but behind the stage performance is months of preparation, sacrifice and mental strength. Sinazo, Bokang, Rejoice and Sindiswa have shown that strength is not defined by gender. These athletes have become one of the strongest pillars of the Mahikeng Campus bodybuilding team and their achievements will inspire more women to participate in the sport,” he added.

Tshepo said the achievements also demonstrate how women’s bodybuilding continues to grow in university sport, creating opportunities for more female athletes to step onto competitive platforms.

The USSA results highlight a changing era in bodybuilding, where women are not only participating but also setting new standards in the sport.

With their latest achievements and Team USSA selections, the Mahikeng Campus athletes have cemented their place among the top university bodybuilders in the country, while continuing to inspire the next generation of women in strength-based sports.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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From its commanding road presence, premium interior, and generous list of comfort and technology features to its 255kW hybrid powertrain, he explores what the Tank 500 gets right and where it falls short. He also discusses whether its value-for-money proposition is enough to tempt buyers away from rivals like the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado, and Lexus GX. Tune in every Thursday at 16:45 on Vuma FM for the latest motoring reviews and automotive news.

He also puts the 340kW plug-in hybrid powertrain to the test to find out whether the XC90 continues to deliver the effortless performance, refinement, and comfort that have long defined Volvo’s flagship SUV.

Tune in every Thursday at 16:45 on Vuma FM for the latest motoring reviews and automotive news

South American tourists visiting here also recorded exponential growth, being led by arrivals from Brazil, Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille said adding that in May 2026 South Africa recorded a 40.6% rise in visitors from Brazil, from 4 737 to 6 660.

“We are particularly encouraged by the strong growth from Brazil as LATAM Airlines prepares to launch its direct service between Cape Town and São Paulo. Every new air route creates new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

“This latest expansion is another vote of confidence in South Africa’s tourism market and aligns with the Cabinet-approved Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which is focused on strengthening direct connectivity and unlocking new source markets,” added Minister de Lille.

LATAM Airlines commenced its new non-stop service between Cape Town and São Paulo on 2 July 2026, operating three flights per week, further strengthening connectivity between South Africa and Latin America.

Between January 2026 and May 2026, South Africa’s international tourist arrivals increased by 12.8% to 4 220 586 when compared to the same period in 2025. The data further reveals that within the first 5 months of the year, the Africa market grew by 14.7% and European arrivals increased by 11.1%.

“These results affirm that our decision to invest in tourism infrastructure, improve ease of access and diversify our tourism offerings across the country is paying off. South Africa’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the combination of our people, our natural beauty, our rich heritage and our world-class infrastructure. Together, they continue to position our country as a destination of choice,” said Minister de Lille.

In May 2026, South Africa recorded 861 750 international arrivals, marking 7.2% growth when compared to the same period last year. These arrivals have also been boosted by a 12.1% increase in overseas tourists choosing South Africa. The USA leads the list at 41 846 tourists, followed by the UK at 22 160.

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It is with enormous pride and a heart full of gratitude that I congratulate Bafana Bafana on completing what has been the most extraordinary chapter in the history of South African football.

Yes, we are knocked out. Yes, the pain of a late goal in Los Angeles will sting for a long time. But no result and no final scoreline can take away what this team has given our country over the past three weeks.

Bafana Bafana reached the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. In their fourth World Cup appearance, after exits in 1998, 2002 and on home soil in 2010.

These young men did what no South African team has ever done before. They made it through, and that is not a small thing. That is history that can’t be erased, written in the gold and green on the world stage in front of billions of people.

I also want to take this moment to congratulate Canada on a well-deserved victory, and to extend the Ministry’s congratulations to all three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – for the outstanding manner in which they have staged this tournament.

This has been a World Cup that has captured the imagination of the world, and the hosts deserve enormous credit for that.

We have been made to feel at home in both Mexico and the USA, who opened their arms to South Africa and showed us great love. We will never forget it.

The manner in which this team qualified made it even more remarkable. Written off after a 2–0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match, they showed character, resilience, and tactical intelligence to draw with Czechia and, in what many will rightly describe as one of the greatest nights in our football, beat South Korea 1–0 to book their place in the Round of 32.

That victory, earned by Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike, lifted

South Africa from fourth to second place in the group and announced our arrival on the global knockout stage.

I want to pay special tribute to Coach Hugo Broos. When the final whistle blew against South Korea, Broos collapsed to the turf as the bench flooded the pitch. That image captured his years of work, belief, sacrifice and love for this team and this country.

Coach, you have earned your place in the history of South African sport. What you have built here is something that will endure long after this tournament.

I must also pay tribute to the South African Football Association for its commitment to this campaign.

Results like these are the fruit of sustained investment in players, coaching staff, and the development of the game.

To Ronwen Williams, who led from the front and commanded the goalkeeper’s jersey with authority and calm. To Teboho Mokoena, whose penalty against Czechia proved nerve when it mattered most. To Thapelo Maseko – you are a young man whose personal story of setback and comeback must inspire us all.

At the FIFA World Cup, you scored the goal that made history. Every young person in South Africa who has been told they are finished and that their moment has passed must know your name and your story.

To every player in our squad: South Africa sees you and we thank you. We are proud of each of you – not just for the moments of glory, but for the moments no one saw: the early mornings, the doubts you needed to overcome and the commitment to your country.

The manner of our exit, so close to extra time, will always be painful. But this is sport, and the margins at the top level are small, and they are brutal. What we must take from this, and what the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture is committed to facilitating, is that the lessons from this campaign are properly captured, honestly assessed and used to build on what has been achieved.

There are many things we could have done better. There are decisions, tactical and otherwise, that we must analyse with rigour and without defensiveness. This is not a criticism but a commitment to growth.

More AFCONs are coming. Future World Cups are coming. If we learn from these experiences with the same courage this team showed on the pitch, we will go further still in years to come, and we must.

Honest reflection also demands that we hold up a mirror to ourselves as a country.

Bafana Bafana has shown us what is possible. They have shown us how much we are leaving on the table. The talent that produced Oswin Appollis, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng and this whole generation of players exists in every township, village and school in South Africa.

The nations we hope to beat are finding their talent and investing in it. Too much of ours is going undiscovered. Too many future stars are being lost because we do not find them early enough, because our school sport infrastructure is not yet

what it should be, and because the pipeline from the playground to the professional game has too many gaps in it.

This tournament must be the moment we commit, seriously and with resources behind the commitment, to transforming school sport in this country.

This brings me to something I feel more strongly about today than ever. Sport is not merely entertainment or recreation. It is big business – an untapped economic sector, a nation-building tool and a powerful vehicle for social transformation.

What we have witnessed over the past three weeks was South Africa occupying global prime time, generating tourism, trade, and investment interest, and projecting an image of a confident, capable and compelling nation to billions of viewers.

We cannot afford to treat football development as a discretionary line item. I am committing this Ministry to working across government to find additional resources for sports development, with school sport as the priority. The return on that investment – measured in talent, national pride, economic activity and the futures of young South Africans – will compound powerfully.

This is not the end but a new beginning. South Africa is a football nation. We always were, and today, the world knows it and will remember it.

Ke nako, Bafana. Kea leboha.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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It was the year 2024 when I trekked to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, alongside my legendary father, Edwin Naidu, and it was in a pre-facelift Volvo XC90 finished in Nardo Grey.

The sunny views, lovely beaches, and kilometres etched onto the tarmac as we simply glided and wafted to our local hotspots — honestly, some of the best memories. Simple moments. And as I look back now, it’s crazy to think it was two years ago. Where does time go?

Still, I vividly remember the drive and the music pumped through the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. At the time, George Michael dominated my playlist, especially “Spinning the Wheel” and, of course, “Where Did Your Heart Go.” We drove, roved, and simply enjoyed being present. Good food too. Back then, I was only starting out. Shoutout to my dad for always going above and beyond. To put it simply: he gave me my set of wings.

But anyways, the refreshed 2026 Volvo XC90 arrived on my driveway and I immediately felt those memories flood back in. And yes, that’s my sweet lady Jess standing next to the beastly XC90. She’s also slowly ditching the BMW love in her soul and finding the Volvos more fitting these days. So what’s been updated? A mild makeover, a few nips and tucks, and mostly an enhancement in tech — but that’s about it.

Visually, the front end looks noticeably different. The Thor’s Hammer LEDs — yes, that’s an actual Volvo term — appear sharper, while the grille now features a more intricate pattern. I quite like it. Our test unit also looked charming in the metal, finished in black with 21-inch steel-cut alloy wheels. I’ve always found Volvos to be regal and classy. They’re not flashy or attention-seeking, rather understated and sophisticated.

The cabin is where the XC90 really dials it up for me. It’s a luxury haven on wheels, with an atmosphere that feels warm and cosy. Plush cream-coloured leather seats, massage functions for the front occupants, heated seats, and even a heated steering wheel all add to the experience. Then there are the finer details. The Orrefors crystal gear lever remains a lovely touch. The biggest upgrade inside is undoubtedly the infotainment screen, which feels far more modern and intuitive than before. It’s easy to operate too.

And then there’s the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. My goodness, it pumps. One feels completely immersed, and it’s probably one of the best audio systems I’ve had the good fortune of testing in a while. Safety has always been a huge part of the Volvo identity, too. This thing feels like a tank and comes equipped with a long list of driver assistance and safety systems. Safety has always been a huge part of the Volvo identity, too. This thing feels like a tank and comes equipped with a long list of driver assistance and safety systems. It also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, underlining Volvo's long-standing reputation for building some of the safest vehicles on the road.

But the drive is where the Volvo XC90 T8 still wins me over. The same 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine paired with electric motors remains lovely, quick, and effortless. The air suspension also plays a massive role in making the XC90 feel like it’s simply floating along. Same recipe, just slightly better. During my week of testing, I mostly used it as a grocery getter with the occasional long stint from Roodepoort back to Sunninghill. But honestly, this car feels like it’s begging for a proper road trip. Sadly, time and work always seem to be the bane of my existence.

Fuel economy isn’t shabby at all, either. I managed around 10L/100km without charging the hybrid battery. Charge it properly, and you can get up to 70km of pure electric range, which definitely helps reduce fuel consumption quite substantially. I also occasionally dialled it into Power mode, which lowers the car slightly and unleashes the full 340kW and 709Nm of torque. Needless to say, the 0-100km/h sprint feels seriously rapid at just under five seconds.

Needless to say, it was a joy sampling the XC90 again, and you can have one for around R1.9 million. It goes head-to-head with rivals like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q8. I suppose if you dare to go against the grain and ditch the traditional German trio, then the XC90 makes a compelling case.

Luxury Without Trying Too Hard

We had travelled down to Durban with our parents, Edwin and Brenda, while my brother blasted Ballin’ by Snoop Dogg and The Dramatics through the speakers.It’s funny how certain vehicles become attached to moments in your life. The EQV brought some of those feelings rushing back — memories of simpler days, long drives, and youthful ambition. Only this time, the experience arrived in near silence.

And that’s perhaps the most interesting thing about the EQV. Unless you spot the subtle badging, it’s actually difficult to tell it’s electric.That, oddly enough, is part of its charm. In reality, the EQV is a tidy-looking van with unmistakable premium flair. It’s unapologetically large, boxy, and takes up road space with confidence. I quite like its bread-loaf proportions. The front end especially stood out for me. You’ve got illuminated lighting stretching across the grille, sleek LED headlamps, attractive alloy wheels, and our test unit arrived finished in a striking shade of red that suited it perfectly. Add the panoramic sunroof and tinted windows, and the EQV really stands on business. It feels luxurious without trying too hard.

A Proper Lounge On Wheels

Step inside and the EQV immediately leans into its role as a premium people mover. The cabin feels classy, purposeful and exceptionally well insulated. There are leather seats, heated seating for passengers, fold-out tables in the rear, and a genuinely excellent Burmester sound system.

In fact, the audio setup ended up becoming one of my favourite parts of the experience. While charging the vehicle, my better half Jess and I connected a tablet to the speakers and watched Your Friends & Neighbours, effectively turning the EQV into our own private cinema on wheels.

It handled the role surprisingly well. From a practicality perspective, there’s also loads of space. The seven-seat configuration makes perfect sense for families, airport shuttles, executive transport services or long-distance travel, while the cargo area is absolutely massive. More than anything, though, the EQV genuinely feels like a luxury lounge on wheels.

Smooth, Silent And Effortless

Of course, this isn’t a performance machine. Nobody is expecting a large electric van to behave like Speedy Gonzales, but the EQV has more than enough power for its intended purpose. Out on the road, it feels smooth, quiet and refined. Despite its size, it’s also remarkably easy to drive.I spent most of my time navigating the chaos of Fourways traffic rather than escaping onto an open road, but even there the EQV impressed with its composure and effortless nature.

Underneath it all sits a 93.3kWh battery pack producing around 150kW and 365Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims a range of more than 350km, which is respectable for something this large. Because it’s electric, the power delivery feels immediate and seamless, while charging times are fairly reasonable depending on the charger you use. That said, living with an EV in South Africa can still occasionally feel like a range-anxiety-inducing irritation. And at roughly R2.3 million, the EQV firmly positions itself in the luxury space.

Does The EQV Make Sense?

Truthfully, I’d probably still lean toward something like a Mercedes-Benz V300d fitted with monoblock wheels, or even a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer. But the EQV occupies a unique corner of the market. There aren’t many direct rivals either. Ultimately, the EQV makes the most sense as a premium shuttle — whether for luxury hotels, airports, executive transport services or buyers fully committed to the EV lifestyle. And if you’re willing to go against the grain and embrace electric motoring in a full-sized luxury van, then the Mercedes-Benz EQV might just tickle your fancy.

Inside, the EQV transforms into what feels like a luxury lounge on wheels, offering leather seating, heated passenger seats, fold-out rear tables, a premium Burmester sound system, and generous space for seven occupants.

The discussion also explores the EQV’s smooth and quiet driving experience, powered by a 90kWh battery producing 150kW and 365Nm, while its effortless electric performance and claimed range of over 350km make it a compelling option in the growing premium EV space.

The discussion also explores the Junior Veloce’s impressive performance credentials — including 207kW, 345Nm, a 0–100km/h sprint of just 5.9 seconds, and a claimed driving range of around 400km — while highlighting how its sharp handling, limited-slip differential, and engaging road manners set it apart from more conventional rivals like the Volvo EX30, MINI Acemen, and GWM Ora.

Catch Prashirwin Naidu every Friday on Vuma FM for the latest motoring news, reviews, driving impressions, and industry insights.

The radio insert with Vuma FM also touches on Changan’s upcoming move into the bakkie market with the Changan Hunter, and what that could mean in a country dominated by heavyweights like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Catch Prashirwin Naidu every Friday on Vuma FM at 12:48 for the latest motoring news, reviews, and industry insights.

An Alfa Romeo First: Electrified Soul

But then, something rather interesting rolled into the driveway. An electric Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce. Odd? Weird? Soulful? Over the years, I’ve piloted a fair share of EVs, with the Volvo EX30 standing out as one of the key rivals to the new electrified Alfa Romeo Junior. Needless to say, the Junior has some spark. It’s fun, playful, and surprisingly engaging for an EV.

Pricing, Positioning & The South African EV Reality

But let’s tuck into what makes the Junior tick. Being Alfa Romeo’s first EV, things do get complicated. Firstly, there’s the pricing. Secondly, selling it in South Africa will undoubtedly be an uphill battle.

Our country still has a long way to go in EV adoption, and the only way to bring people into the EV fold is through aggressive pricing, much like the BYD Dolphin. Sure, it may not be the fastest or most refined EV out there, but at around R339k, it becomes far easier to justify. If you’re EV-centric, pricing matters.

One could argue I’m thinking too much with my wallet — and perhaps that’s true. After all, the Volvo EX30 also hovers close to the R1 million mark in top-spec trim, as does the Mini Aceman. Pricing for the Mini starts at around R800,000 for the Aceman E, while the more powerful SE variant comes in at roughly R892,000. The top-spec Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce meanwhile lands at around the R995,000 mark, placing it firmly in premium EV territory.

As for the EX30, I spent a month with it and genuinely liked the quirky little oddball. It was fast, tech-heavy, futuristic, but also flawed in several ways. The Junior, however, feels different. Less robotic. There’s more flavour injected into what can sometimes feel like a bland EV segment.

Cabin, Space & Everyday Usability

The Junior is, in essence, a B-segment SUV, but honestly, it feels more like a hot hatch. There isn’t much practicality on offer. Rear space feels snug, and I’m only around 5ft 8. Boot space is decent at around 400 litres, but compared with rivals, it loses some ground.Before touching on the odd bits, there are elements of the cabin I genuinely like.

The racing seats hug you tightly and feel wonderfully supportive. Alcantara finishes on the seats and steering wheel immediately create a sporty atmosphere, and everything feels geared towards the driver. The infotainment system is simple — not as futuristic or tech-heavy as the Volvo EX30 — but straightforward to use.

I also appreciated the physical buttons in the centre console for climate control and volume adjustment. Yes, actual buttons.You can also select gears via a flick switch mounted in the centre, and overall, the layout feels purpose-built rather than overly gimmicky.

The qualms? Well, it shares components with cars from the Stellantis portfolio. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but one could argue: is this truly a pure Alfa Romeo, or is it simply an Opel Mokka underneath? Sadly, that’s where it does lose a few points.

Styling & Road Presence

Design-wise, though, I genuinely fancy it. It looks futuristic, sleek, and low-slung, with sharp proportions adding to its stealthy silhouette. Wrapped in Michelin tyres, the Junior certainly has presence.

Up front, you still get Alfa Romeo’s iconic Scudetto grille and signature V-shaped nose, which gives it that unmistakable Alfa identity. I particularly love the sloping roofline towards the rear, even if it sacrifices some rear headroom. Nonetheless, it remains a very good-looking car, even in white.

Performance, Personality & Final Verdict

But the drive is where things get interesting. Thanks to the limited-slip differential and noticeable torque steer, this is no ordinary EV. It genuinely delivers hot hatch energy. It feels playful, lively, and even the subtle wheelspin from the front tyres adds character. There’s also an artificial sound pumped through the speakers — a sort of futuristic hum — which sounds surprisingly cool and gives the car a bit more theatre.

Performance figures are strong too. The Junior Elettrica Veloce produces 207kW and 345Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. While it may not feel quite as violently fast as the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor, I actually found the Alfa to be more enjoyable and involving to drive. No, it’s not perfect. And perhaps it won’t tug at the heartstrings in the same way a Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio would.

But I can applaud Alfa Romeo for trying to inject some zest and soul into the EV space. Range, however, isn’t its strongest point. Expect roughly 350km in total, and that figure drops fairly quickly if you spend time in Dynamic mode exploiting all that power. Compared with rivals, the Junior also runs a smaller 54kWh battery, which likely explains why it falls behind in outright range.

So, would I own one? Honestly, no. For this kind of money, I’d probably buy a used Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio instead — or three standard Giulias. But if you’re an EV fan looking for something with a bit more personality and flair, the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce might just surprise you.

If you’re looking for a city that tells its story in stone, glass, and steel, put Baku on your 2026 list. Azerbaijan’s capital is stepping into the global spotlight next May, and it’s the perfect moment to see a place where ancient caravanserais sit a short walk from flame-shaped skyscrapers.

Baku’s Old City, Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Wander the cobbled lanes and you’ll find the 12th-century Maiden Tower, the ornate Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, and centuries-old bathhouses that still whisper of Silk Road traders. It’s compact, atmospheric, and best explored on foot at dusk when the sandstone glows amber.

Step outside the fortress walls and the contrast hits you. The Flame Towers dominate the skyline, a trio of glass towers shaped like fire that light up at night with LED displays. Along the Caspian Sea, the Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid flows in white curves that look like they’re in motion. Baku doesn’t choose between old and new - it puts them side by side.

2026: The Year of Urban Planning and Architecture

Azerbaijan has declared 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” a nationwide focus on design, sustainability, and how cities live and grow. The timing isn’t random. From 17–22 May 2026, Baku hosts the 13th World Urban Forum, WUF13, organized by UN-Habitat under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

For travelers, that means the city will be buzzing with exhibitions, public installations, and discussions on how urban spaces work. Even if you’re not attending the forum, you’ll see the city showcase projects that blend heritage conservation with modern planning — from restored historic quarters to new districts built with energy efficiency and green space in mind.

Beyond Baku: See the new chapter unfold

The story extends beyond the capital. In Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, Azerbaijan is rebuilding towns and villages as part of a “Green Energy Zone” initiative. New settlements are designed around renewable energy, sustainable materials, and climate-resilient infrastructure. It’s not on the typical tourist trail yet, but for visitors interested in architecture and urban development, it’s one of the most ambitious reconstruction projects happening anywhere right now.

Closer to Baku, Shaki offers another layer. The city’s historic center and Khan’s Palace are UNESCO-listed, with carved wooden interiors and stained-glass windows that feel frozen in time. It’s a 4-hour drive through mountain landscapes and makes for a perfect weekend trip.

Why go in 2026

Baku in May is mild, with long days and a Caspian breeze that keeps the waterfront pleasant. The city’s mix of Persian, Ottoman, Russian, and modern influences shows up in the food, architecture, and pace of life. You can have plov in a 200-year-old caravanserai for lunch and watch a contemporary art show in a converted power station by evening.

With WUF13 bringing global attention to housing, resilience, and sustainable cities, 2026 gives travelers a chance to see Baku not just as a destination, but as a live case study in how cities evolve.

If you go, give yourself at least 4 days: 2 for Baku’s old and new contrasts, 1 for the Caspian coast and modern museums, and 1 for a day trip to Shaki or Gobustan’s rock art. The city is easy to navigate, safe, and surprisingly walkable once you get past the main boulevards.

Baku isn’t trying to be Dubai or Istanbul. It’s something else - a place where history, oil wealth, and a clear-eyed push toward sustainable urban living meet on the edge of the Caspian. That’s what makes 2026 the year to see it.

©Higher Education Media Services.

What Makes The SQ8 So Impressive On The Road

At the heart of the SQ8 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 the same powerplant in the RSQ8 although detuned, producing 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque. That places it firmly in performance SUV territory, with a 0–100 km/h time of around 4.1 seconds. Step up to the RS Q8 Performance, and the gap becomes clear: 471 kW and 850 Nm, dropping the 0–100 km/h sprint to roughly 3.6 seconds. It’s louder, sharper, and far more aggressive.

The SQ8 feels more usable. It’s still quick, but it delivers its performance in a smoother, more controlled way—far easier to live with day to day. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive keeps everything planted, while launch control delivers an effortless surge off the line, complete with a subtle lift at the nose. What stands out most is how well it carries its weight. For an SUV tipping over two tonnes, it feels remarkably composed through corners and confidence-inspiring when pushed.

And then there’s the sound. That V8 delivers a deep, guttural growl—a reminder of why combustion engines still stir emotion. In an era of EVs, where speed often comes without drama, the SQ8 brings character back into the experience. Fuel economy? As expected, it’s not its strong suit. Expect figures in the early 20L/100km range in relaxed driving, improving slightly to around 17L/100km when driven more efficiently. It’s thirsty—but that’s the price of a proper V8.

Visually, the SQ8 keeps things understated. Unless you know what to look for, it’s easy to mistake it for the more aggressive RS Q8. My test unit, finished in the Black Edition spec, added presence with 22-inch black wheels, darkened trim, and quad exhausts. But raw performance isn’t what defines this car. The SQ8 prioritises composure. Adaptive air suspension smooths out imperfections, while quattro ensures stability in all conditions. The result is a driving experience that feels effortless—fast, yes, but more importantly, easy.

Inside The SQ8: Where Luxury Takes Centre Stage

Step inside, and the SQ8’s luxury credentials are immediately clear. The cabin feels every bit as premium as you’d expect from a flagship Audi. Soft-touch materials, high-quality leather, and subtle metallic finishes create an environment that’s modern yet understated. Audi’s dual-screen infotainment system sits front and centre, paired with the brand’s Virtual Cockpit digital display. It may not be the newest system in the segment, but it remains intuitive and functional.

Comfort is a standout. The seats are supportive and well-contoured, making long-distance driving effortless. There’s generous space front and rear, while the elevated driving position enhances that sense of control. Details matter here too—S-line badging, red stitching, a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, and even red seatbelts add just enough sportiness without overdoing it.

Choosing the SQ8 over the SQ7 is ultimately a decision of style over outright practicality. The coupe-like roofline and frameless doors look fantastic, but they do compromise rear headroom and visibility slightly. Still, refinement is where the SQ8 shines. At highway speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet, reinforcing its luxury credentials.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

The SQ8 sits in a fiercely competitive segment. Rivals like the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 push performance further, offering more power and sharper dynamics. They’re louder, more aggressive, and more focused on outright speed.

• Audi SQ8: from around R2.6 million

• BMW X6 M Competition: from approximately R3.4 million

• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe: from around R3.3 million

• Porsche Cayenne GTS: from approximately R3.0 million

Final Verdict

The SQ8 may not be the flashiest or most extreme option in its segment, and it doesn’t try to dominate with raw performance. But what it offers is arguably more valuable: a balanced, well-rounded luxury performance SUV that works effortlessly in the real world. But offcourse if you had the extra cash to splurge go big and get yourself the RSQ8.

South Africa carries a grim badge of dishonour: the highest annual road death toll on the African continent. At the centre of this crisis is speeding, a reckless reflex that steals reaction time, magnifies the carnage of crashes, and leaves drivers paying long after the wreckage is cleared.

Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, Lead Ombud of the Non-life Insurance Division at the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) warns that every collision drives repair costs higher, with insurers inevitably passing the burden on through rising premiums.

“Worse still, when speeding is found to be the cause of an accident, insurers often invoke the ‘due care’ exclusion to reject claims outright. This clause requires policyholders to act reasonably to prevent losses and damage. Yet this exclusion clause is not always correctly applied,” she said.

When speed meets exclusion

In one recent case, a driver said he swerved to avoid a pothole, lost control on a bend, and mounted the pavement. The claim was rejected on the grounds of the following policy exclusion: “You have a duty to take reasonable care to prevent or reduce loss, damage, bodily injury, liability and accidents as if you did not have insurance.”

An accident reconstruction expert found no pothole but calculated that the vehicle accelerated from 61km/h to 71km/h while executing the bend, which was above the critical speed of the curve. The insurer argued this proved recklessness.

Teixeira-Mckinon’s office disagreed and pointed out that the policy covered negligent driving. To prove recklessness, the insurer had to show the driver deliberately or intentionally caused the accident, in other words, that the driver foresaw the possibility of losing control of the vehicle whilst executing the bend at 71km/h and that he recklessly reconciled himself with this possibility.

Speed alone, she argued, does not equate to recklessness. Eleven kilometres above the speed limit amounted to negligence, not recklessness. The insurer was advised to settle the claim and did.

The 20km/h rule

Some policies, however, go further, excluding cover when a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 20km/h. Unlike the broad “due care” clause that is more common in short-term insurance policies, this exclusion must be specifically highlighted to policyholders before inception.

A driver travelling at 114km/h in a 60km/h zone saw his claim rejected. The insurer cited the “more than 20km/h” policy exclusion to reject the claim. The insurer relied on the data retrieved from the vehicle’s tracking device. The complainant denied driving 20km/h over the speed limit and disputed the reliability of the tracking data; however, no evidence was provided to dispute the tracking data.

The complainant could not recall how the accident took place and he speculated that he lost control of the vehicle when he swerved to avoid an object on the road.

It was pointed out to the complainant that to rely on this rejection reason, the insurer needed to only demonstrate what the speed limit on the road was and that the complainant exceeded the speed limit by more than 20km/h.

Considering the speed limit on the road and the speed at which the complainant had travelled prior to the accident, the Non-life Insurance Division was satisfied that the insurer had discharged its onus in respect of the rejection reason.

©Higher Education Media Services.

The radio insert with Carol Hobbs unpacks the highlights—from performance and practicality to real-world impressions—bringing listeners a concise yet engaging take on this high-performance SUV. Stay in the know! Catch him every Friday at 12:48 for the latest motoring scoop.