The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Toyota 4Runner: The trailblazer

    Toyota 4Runner: The trailblazer

    There are only a few SUVs left these days that utilise body-on-frame construction for serious off-road capability. Not only is the 2015 Toyota 4Runner one of them, it also offers three-row seating, a spacious cargo hold and Toyota’s prime reputation for reliability. If you are hoping to find all of those attributes in one vehicle, the 4Runner stands alone in this price range, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency reports.

    The Toyota 2015 4Runner is designed to provide real utility. It’s at its best when you are plugging along on off-road trails, and the numerous upgrades on the Trail and TRD Pro trims only add to the fun. At the same time, the 4Runner is refined enough for the daily grind, though lots of bumps make it in to the cabin as the rugged suspension and big tires jostle you around. The 4Runner’s steering feels a little too light in normal driving situations, but this turns out to be ideal for off-roading, as it results in reduced kickback on gnarly trails.

    The 4Runner’s V6 engine is strong enough for most needs, but there is no denying that you get more grunt from rivals like the V8-powered Grand Cherokee and Durango. The 4Runner’s five-speed automatic transmission provides well-timed shifts, but we certainly wouldn’t mind another gear to calm the engine on the highway and eke out another mpg or two.

    It won’t give you the fuel efficiency or ride comfort of a car-based crossover, but the 2015 4Runner stays true to its roots as an SUV that is ready for almost anything.

    Even in base SR5 trim, the 4Runner is primed for off-road action. Standard equipment includes items like mud guards and skid plates, while four-wheel-drive models add a dual-range transfer case, hill-start assist and hill-descent control. The Trail trim adds advanced electronic aids for more precise off-roading, but the big news this year is the range-topping TRD Pro trim level, which boasts beefier tires, high-performance Bilstein shocks and distinctive styling elements. Bottom line, any 4Runner can bust trails with the best of them, and there is more capability than ever for 2015.

    If you spend most of your time on the pavement, however, there are better family vehicles available. Specifically, the 4Runner has a difficult time smoothing out potholes in the city with its busy ride, and its fuel economy is woeful compared to most V6-powered crossovers. The optional third row is best reserved for kids, so if you want adult-sized space back there, youwill need to look elsewhere.

    There are several notable 4Runner alternatives to consider. The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of our favorites if you don’t need three seating rows, and it offers competitive off-road performance, several engine options, more robust towing capacity, better fuel economy and an upscale interior. The related 2015 Dodge Durango also has more towing capacity and a premium cabin, and it comes standard with a third-row seat. The two-row 2015 Nissan Xterra is relatively basic inside, but it’s quite similar mechanically to the 4Runner, and it’s considerably cheaper. If you can do without all the trail-busting hardware, the 2015 Toyota Highlander offers room for eight passengers, a carlike ride and superior efficiency and acceleration.

    But if nothing less than a traditional three-row SUV will do, the 4Runner is the only game in town. It may be among the last of a dying breed, but the 2015 Toyota 4Runner still has a lot to offer and is one of our top picks for a midsize two-row SUV in our 2015 Buying Guide.

     

    Body Styles

    The 2015 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV offered in four trim levels: SR5, Trail, TRD Pro and Limited. The SR5 and Trail are divided into standard and Premium sub-trims. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an optional 50/50-split third-row seat on the SR5 and Limited models raises capacity to seven.

    The SR5 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, mud guards, a tow hitch, hill-start assist and hill-descent control (4WD only), a rearview camera, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, LED taillights, roof rails, a power liftgate window, a windshield wiper de-icer, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning with second-row vents, cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 40/20/40-split folding and reclining rear seats. Standard electronics includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, voice controls, a CD player, HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

    The SR5 Premium adds a sunroof, upgraded exterior mirrors, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded version of Entune with smartphone app integration and a navigation system.

    Go with the 4WD-only Trail trim and you’ll get all of the base SR5’s standard features plus unique 17-inch wheels, a hood scoop, silver exterior trim accents, a locking rear differential, selectable terrain modes and crawl control. The Trail Premium model adds the SR5 Premium’s standard features.

    The 4Runner Trail models are exclusively eligible for the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which automatically disconnects the SUV’s stabilizer bars in low-speed off-road situations to improve suspension articulation over deep ruts and boulders.

    The TRD Pro comes with most of the Trail Premium’s standard equipment, adding or substituting matte-black 17-inch wheels with special off-road tires, automatic headlights, a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, upgraded front springs, a higher ride height, a unique black front grille and various TRD-themed aesthetic upgrades.

    The 4Runner Limited includes most of the Trail Premium’s feature content, but it lacks the mud guards, locking rear differential, terrain-mode selector and crawl control. Its available full-time 4WD system instead employs a locking center differential. Other Limited highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive roll-reducing dampers (X-REAS), automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a 15-speaker JBL sound system and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics.

    Many of the higher-end standard amenities are available as options on lower trim levels, but availability can vary depending on the region of the United States in which you live. Stand-alone options include fixed running boards, automatically deploying/retracting running boards, a sliding rear cargo floor (two-row models only) and roof-rack crossbars.

     

    Powertrains

    The 2015 Toyota 4Runner employs a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. The SR5 and Limited models are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the Trail and TRD Pro are 4WD-only.

    Four-wheel-drive SR5 models have a part-time 4WD system with low-range gearing, while the Limited uses a full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing and a locking center differential. The Trail and TRD Pro models come standard with the part-time 4WD system and also include a locking rear differential, crawl control (for use in low range) and selectable terrain modes. Properly equipped, the 4Runner is rated to tow up to 4,700 pounds.

     

    Safety

    Standard safety features on the 2015 Toyota 4Runner include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front head restraints. All 4WD models feature an off-road traction control system known as A-Trac that helps keep you moving on slippery terrain by redirecting engine torque to the wheel(s) that have traction.

    A rearview camera is standard across the board, but front and rear parking sensors are only available on the Limited trim level. The Limited also comes with Safety Connect, which includes automatic collision notification, a stolen-vehicle locator and emergency assistance.

     

    Interior Design and Special Features

    The interior of the 2015 Toyota 4Runner features instruments and controls that are well laid out and easy to understand, while the gauges are equally attractive and legible. Most owners will be satisfied with the quality of the 4Runner’s cabin materials, which are oriented more toward durability than aesthetics. If you want something a bit plusher, something like the Jeep Grand Cherokee will likely be a better fit.

    In addition, all 4Runners come with a touchscreen audio interface placed high on the center stack. Depending on which trim level you selected, the touchscreen brings various degrees of functionality from Toyota’s Entune suite of smartphone-enabled services and apps. All trims except the base SR5 and Trail integrate a navigation system into this interface.

    As for passenger accommodations, the standard five-person seating arrangement includes a reclining 40/20/40-split-folding second-row seat. In reality, the real estate in the back of the 4Runner is better suited for cargo. There is a healthy 47 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats, a number that jumps to an even healthier 89.7 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded down. This is far more space than the Grand Cherokee offers and more than many large crossovers (such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot) as well.

     

  • Hyundai Motor breaks ground for plant in China

    Hyundai Motor broke ground on its new fourth plant in Changzhou, Hebei Province, last week. Hyundai Motor’s Vice Chairman Euisun Chung, Governor of Hebei Zhang Qingwei, Korean Ambassador to China Jang-soo Kim and other 600 distinguished guests were present at the ground breaking event.

    Vice Chairman Chung promised to rewrite the legacy of ‘Hyundai Speed’ and ‘Hyundai Miracle’ with the Chinese partners by the construction of the plant.

    Changzhou Plant, built on 1.92 million square meter site with a floor space of 250,000 square meter, will be a fully equipped plant with press, body, paint and assembly lines, in addition to an engine plant. The construction for Changzhou Plant will be completed at the end of 2016 with capacity of 200,000 units, producing strategic small cars. Changzhou plant is planned to expand its capacity to 300,000 units in 2018.

    Hyundai Motor will establish high-tech automotive manufacturing facilities and know-how to make Changzhou Plant a smart, environment friendly plant. By installing the latest automation facilities in press, body, paint and assembly lines, a flexible production system will be in operation. Also, Changzhou plant will implement recycling system, including recycling gas emission, water and waste discharge.

    In addition, Hyundai Motor will break grounds on its Chongqing Plant in the second half of this year to advance into Midwest China, which is expected to surge in demand for cars through government in-land development efforts.

  • Mass licensing of non-drivers

    I took time to interview a few of such people who confessed to me that they did not know how to drive. Some of them are half-baked Drivers while some of them paid between N15,000.00 to N20,000.00 to obtain the Driver Licence as against the official rate of N6,350.00.

    About 3 years ago, we were celebrating that Nigerian Driver Licence is being accorded recognition in some European Countries. But today, reports have shown that there are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who don’t know how to drive, yet they are proud owners of the genuine new Driver Licence. Are these half-baked Drivers and untrained holders of Nigerian Driver Licence worthy to be good Ambassadors of Nigeria on the roads of other Nations? If the global recognition is withdrawn, can we blame such Countries?

    Even though the last set of old Driver Licence produced by FRSC expired since last year (2014), they are still being used to renew and obtain the new Driver Licence thereby boosting the mass production of fake old Driver Licence for the purpose of processing and obtaining the new Driver Licence whether or not you know how to drive.

    Why do some Nigerians and their collaborators (FRSC, VIO, MVAA and the Board of Internal Revenue) derive pleasure in sacrificing lives on Nigeria roads for filthy lucre or selfish interest?

    If the Federal Government, the 36 State Governments, Federal Capital Territory, Federal Road Safety Commission, Vehicle Inspection Officers, Motor Vehicle Administration Agencies, Board of Internal Revenue, Driving Schools and other Stakeholders in the processing and production of Driver Licence are truly sincere in promoting safety on Nigeria roads, the following suggestions must be supported, publicized and enforced in all the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

    1. The use of old Driver Licence (genuine and fake) to process Driver Licence must be stopped henceforth.

    2. Anyone that knows how to drive (whether he holds the fake or genuine old Driver Licence) must go to Driving School for refresher course and be certificated to process fresh Driver Licence within a period of not more than 4 weeks with all the Candidates and training information captured into the database of FRSC as it obtains for Basic Learners or Freshers.

    3. The period for the processing and production of the Temporary Driver Licence should not exceed one week for any Licence Applicant. In addition, only Driving schools should have the right to issue Learner’s permit because they trained the Candidates and they alone can say whether the Candidate is competent to drive on the road or not.

    4. The VIO must take every step possible with the support of their State Governments to conduct appropriate Tests for the Driver Licence Applicants before recommending them to FRSC for Capturing.

    5. The State MVAA, Board of Internal Revenue or Licensing Authority must desist from placing official or personal income generation above the safety of irreparable lives and valuable properties wasting away on the roads every day.

    6. The FRSC must structure their website properly to ensure that it blocks every possible loophole which hitherto has promoted Driver Licence racketeering in Nigeria.

    7. FRSC must carry all the Stakeholders along in the use of their new internet system as well as ensure early take off and fraud – free or trouble – free operations.

    8. All Driving schools must refuse to compromise with the Government Agencies because whatsoever a man or woman sows, he or she shall reap. The law of Karma is still active today.

    9. Government Officials, Officials of Government Agencies and other highly placed people must always exhibit Leadership qualities by patronizing and directing their wards to patronize Driving schools and follow the due process for the safety of lives and properties in the country.

    10. Driving schools must not compromise their training standards for any reason whatsoever.

    11. The Federal Ministry of Transport must ensure the right steps are taken to move Nigeria to the International Standard of administering well Structured Theory and Practical Tests before any Applicant can proceed to the next level of Licence processing.

    1. Every Nigerian Driver that survives an accident must be prosecuted and the Federal and State Government should be responsible for the treatment of the innocent road traffic accidents peradventure this will push them to support and encourage proper training of would – be Drivers in Nigeria through the Driving schools as well as the re-training of Driver Licence Holders before renewal is done.

    State Governments and FCT,, why are you compromising?

    FRSC, why are you still compromising?

    MVAA in Lagos State, why are you still compromising?

    Board of Internal Revenue in other States, why are you  still compromising?

    Vehicle Inspection Officers in other States, why are you still compromising?

    Driving schools in Nigeria, why are you still compromising?

    Is life not more precious than money?

    Let us all begin to do things right so that we can be getting the right results in Nigeria.

    A holistic or multi-dimensional approach is what is required to effectively tackle the challenges and achieve the desired reduction in the rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in Nigeria.

    •To be continue next week

     

  • Unveiled: New Dodge Grand Caravan

    Unveiled: New Dodge Grand Caravan

    The 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan is a culmination of everything most minivan buyers want.  With plenty of engine power combined with reasonable fuel economy and instant disappearing second-row seating, the minivan is a family hauler  and all things-to-all-people caravan writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency reports.

    All manner of vehicles, particularly the ever-growing “crossover” class, purport to be family-oriented, but if you have either a lot of family or a lot of cargo to consistently move from place to place, it’s still almost impossible to beat a minivan. And in many respects it’s hard to beat the originator of the genre, Dodge’s all-things-to-all-people Grand Caravan.

    Chrysler long had a rather confusing array of minivan models from both its Dodge and Chrysler brands, but buying one is much simpler now that each brand’s lineup has been pared to a single model.

    For many drivers simply doing the weekly school run and grocery-store duties, the Grand Caravan’s shortcomings may not even be noticeable. But longer trips likely will reveal that the Dodge people mover doesn’t ride as compliantly as its Japanese competitors, nor are its engine and transmission as smooth or silent. There is a little more road and wind noise, too, although once again, this is conspicuous more at highway speeds than around town. The Dodge Grand Caravan (DGC’s) cabin finishes also aren’t quite up to the competition’s standards in a few places.

    These are small flaws, certainly, but they show up nonetheless when comparing the DGC to its well-executed rivals such as the 2015 Honda Odyssey and 2015 Toyota Sienna. Both of these popular choices have fine engines, nicely appointed cabins and excellent road manners. The Sienna can also handle up to a total of eight occupants, where the Grand Caravan’s limit is seven. Slightly rarer though no less worth your consideration is the 2015 Nissan Quest, nor should you overlook Kia’s fully redesigned 2015 Sedona this year.

    As there is a rich pool of strong entries, we recommend thoroughly considering all the choices for a minivan. But given that a well-equipped Caravan is generally less expensive than the competition, that advantage could be the ultimate deciding factor in the Dodge’s favour.

    Body Styles

    The 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan is a seven-passenger minivan offered in six trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SE Plus, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T.

    The bargain priced AVP trim has a reasonably solid standard equipment list: 17-inch steel wheels; heated mirrors; power locks, mirrors and front windows; dual-zone air-conditioning; a second-row reclining/folding/removable bench seat; an overhead console; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; a conversation mirror and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

    The SE adds rear privacy glass, tri-zone climate control (with rear air-conditioning), second-row captain’s chairs with the Stow ‘n Go fold-into-the-floor feature, a front floor console and a six-speaker audio system.

    The SE Plus gets body-color heated side mirrors, special upholstery and trim, an overhead console and power windows for the second and third rows.

    The SXT adds alloy wheels, roof rails, power rear windows and a larger floor console. Moving to the SXT also brings a power liftgate and power sliding rear doors as well as access to certain optional equipment and packages, including a rearview camera and a Blu-ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system.

    For the SXT Plus, you get the SXT’s standard equipment along with the U-connect hands-free group (which also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, voice command capability, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio) and an eight-way power driver seat

    Top of the line for the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan is the R/T. It incorporates all of the standard equipment of the other three trim levels, plus 17-inch alloy wheels with special tires, a body-colored grille, a performance-tuned suspension, remote engine start, automatic headlights, foglights, black interior accents, unique interior lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather first- and second-row seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), a rear overhead console, a trip computer, a 115-volt power outlet, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio and a USB port.

    For the midlevel SE and SXT, a single-DVD entertainment bundle is available. It adds the R/T’s standard touchscreen and audio system along with a 9-inch second-row display screen and an HDMI input. The SXT Plus and R/T can also be outfitted with a Dual DVD/Blu-ray Entertainment package that boasts 9-inch screens for the second and third rows as well as the touchscreen display.

    Performance

    There is a single engine for all versions of the Grand Caravan: a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.

    In Edmunds testing, a Grand Caravan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds, an average time for a minivan. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is a combined 20 mpg (17 city/25 highway). The combined rating for competitors is a bit better, with the Honda Odyssey achieving a 22 mpg combined rating and the front-drive Toyota Sienna earning a 21 mpg combined rating.

    Safety

    Standard safety features for the Grand Caravan include stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, a driver knee airbag, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional features in the Safety Sphere Group — available only for the Grand Caravan R/T—include a blind-spot monitoring system, rear parking and cross-traffic sensors and a rearview camera.

    Special Features

    One will find good outward vision from an upright front-seat position, but some drivers, particularly taller ones, are likely to find the seat placement awkward, mostly because the pedals seem too close to the driver. Gauges are simple and usable. Cabin plastics and other materials, including the cloth seat upholstery, are satisfactory, but the Japanese vans’ interiors manage to look and feel a little more upscale.

    It’s hard not to love Dodge’s ultra-useful Stow ‘n Go second-row seats that disappear into the floor with the flick of a lever. The Stow ‘n Go seats are standard for every Grand Caravan except the base AVP model, where they are optional. Transforming from max people-carrying mode to max cargo-carrying mode couldn’t be simpler, while the third-row seats fold backward into a deep cargo well, although they demand a few extra strap and lever pulls to make the transition. Luggage space behind the third row is a useful 33 cubic feet, while you can open up a maximum of 143.8 cubic feet, a space similar to most other minivans, by dropping all the rear seats.

  • BMW out with Gran Turismo, M5

    BMW out with Gran Turismo, M5

    Talk about sedan, touring, and active hybrid, the Gran Turismo (GT) and M5 sedan are the most advanced BMW 5 series ever.

    In addition to impressive elegance and performance, these vehicles also have a range of diverse qualities that make them indispensable in everyday use.

    The lines of the BMW 5 series GT makes its attraction very clear, the stylish presence of a sedan combined harmoniously with the sporty elegance of a coupe. This gives the BMW 5 series GT its individual character.

    They are impressive on the outside and even more so on the inside. The elegance of the frameless doors is the first indicator of what awaits within: The interior of the BMW 5 series GT treats all passengers to stylishly selected materials, lovingly crafted with plenty of attention to detail.

    The uniqueness of the BMW 5 series GT highlights one thing: absolute comfort and surroundings in which you can feel at home whenever you happen to be seated. The centre console is aligned towards the driver.

    The glass roof opens up new perspectives. The additional light let in by the roof also highlights the exceptional interior atmosphere of the car. If the sun is too intense, the double floating headliner can be closed electrically.

    The BMW 5 series GT is turbo-charged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6 with aluminum block and head. It has a direct fuel injection, 182 cu in, 2979 cc, fuel economic advantage and a warranty of 4years and/or 50,000 miles.

    As soon as you switch on the ECO PRO Mode, everything is geared towards a greater efficiency and depending on your individual driving style, this results in a reduction in the fuel consumption of up to 20 percent (according to an internal BMW fuel consumption study).

    BMW engines have always been ahead of their time because that has been the core competency of BMW since 1917. The engines of the BMW 5 series GT provide particularly impressive proof of this. With outstanding performance, spontaneous response and commendably smooth running, it meets the highest standards of cultivated driving comfort.

  • Rolls-Royce Wraith film out

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the new Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’ edition, which made its debute last week at this year’s New York Auto Show, and now available to order for Rolls-Royce customers in Nigeria for a limited time.

    Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’ celebrates Rolls-Royce’s long heritage in film, with the pinnacle of automotive luxury taking leading roles in movies since the dawn of film-making, featuring in hits such as Goldfinger (1964), The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964), The Thomas Crowne Affair (1968) and The Great Gatsby (both the 1974 original and its remake in 2013) to name a few.

    This limited edition also celebrated the acceptance of the ground-breaking Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Wraith launch film, ‘And the World Stood Still’, into the BFI (British Film Institute) National Archive, the world’s most significant collection of film and TV.  The film, which won a Gold Award at the 26th International Visual Communications Association (IVCA) Awards, caught the attention of the BFI’s Senior Curator for Non-Fiction Films, Patrick Russell, who considered it a striking piece of contemporary cinematography and so decided to accept it into the archive.

    “We are delighted to see Rolls-Royce’s Wraith launch film enter the BFI’s collection,” Russell said.

    “We selected it for preservation as it is an outstanding and award-winning example of modern corporate promotional filmmaking. It’s a powerful use of the film medium for product launch purposes, executed with impeccable craftsmanship,” he added.

  • Kia global sales rise in March

    Kia Motors Corporation has  announced its March 2015 global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 269,749 units sold. This figure represents three per cent year-on-year growth compared to the same month last year.

    In March, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (11.3 percent growth with 61,431 units sold), the domestic Korean market (8.5 percent growth with 42,305 units sold) and North America (7.9 percent growth with 65,426 units sold).

    Cumulatively through the first three months of this year, Kia’s global sales totalled 690,775 units for a year-on-year increase of 0.5 percent. Korea (114,512 units sold), North America (155,659 units sold) and China (166,641 units sold) have seen a 6.0 per cent, 5.8 per cent and 2.0 percent rise in sales, respectively.

    Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets last March was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 39,934 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 38,165 units sold, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and mid-size Sorento CUV followed with 35,698, 22,479 and 19,060 units sold, respectively.

    Meanwhile, Kia Motors Nigeria has announced a new partnership with Class Motors Limited in Warri, Delta State to further expand its market and ease access to customers in the country.

    KIA has continued to keep pace with consumers’ evolving wants and needs to remain competitive. The shifting consumer interests and the need to meet their expectations with exceptional service delivery propelled the automobile firm to sign the dealership agreement.

    Speaking on the partnership, Kia Motors Nigeria Assistant Vice President, Mr Sanjay Tatpati, said: “This joint venture with Class Motors is an important step in our expansion plans for the Nigerian market. Finding the right partners to work with in satisfying our customers is very vital to us. We are delighted to work with the experienced team of Class Motors and are confident that our customers and automobile enthusiasts will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this relationship.”

    Mr Ben Edoja, Managing Director, Class Motors Limited, said, “Our relationship with Kia Motors Nigeria is in furtherance of our corporate mission to provide customers with quality vehicles and services. We constantly seek ways to exceed our customers’ expectations and we believe this partnership will give us the opportunity to do just that.”

    Edoja said the new Kia franchisee will offer full range of Kia vehicles, from the Kia Picanto to the Kia Quoris, wherein the customers will have ease of access and buy their preferred Kia cars.

  • Lagos Motor Fair set for classic auto display

    Owners of automobiles that are over 35 years old have a unique opportunity of showcasing the antiques at the forthcoming 10th Lagos Motor Fair.

    Announcing this as one of the special features of the event scheduled for between April 30 and May 6 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, the Chairman Organising Committee, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said this would attract special recognition and reward from both the organisers as well as the owners/manufacturers of the brands of such classic vehicles.

    The idea behind this, Agwu said, “is for our people especially the young ones to see the models that were in vogue before their birth and also for the owners of such long lasting brands to know that their product still exist in the country. I am sure some of the brand owners will highly appreciate the people for keeping such brand alive and well.”

    According to him, there are introduction of some special features to make the fair successful and beneficial to all. These include: Special live interactive radio programme featuring the Managing Directors of some key participating companies; Miss Lagos Motor Fair Beauty Pageant among the participating companies; Raffle draws in which a brand new car is the star prize; Fun and joy filled weekend featuring: Live performance by a famous musician; comprehensive family and children entertaining programmes; Fashion shows by popular names in the industry; and Award of Certificates of Excellence in recognition of supporters of the fair; Promoters of the development of the automotive sector in Nigeria will equally be amongst the packages.

    Agwu noted that the beauty of trade shows is that they take organisations beyond their supposed dreams and into the expected ground of realities.

    In what has become an Auto mundial and show of strength among the indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business, more firms are confirming their participation in the events. Over 40 indigenous, he said, firms have confirmed their participation while about 100 foreign firms from all parts of the world are storming the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, venue of the event with different world-class products and services from their stables. .

    “Virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part.,” he stated.

    He noted that the growing number of exhibitors confirmed for the event can be attributed to the importance attached to it by the participants.

    Agwu said: “We cannot but attribute the increasing number of participants for the show to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and consistent with us. It has been a collective effort and all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal level.

    “Our aim is to make Lagos the hub of automotive business in West and Central Africa; using the platform of the Motor Fair. We need the co-operation of all and sundry as we cannot do it all alone. The resultant success of these efforts will rub off positively on all the stakeholders.”

  • Porsche’ Boxster Spyder for World premiere

    Porsche’ Boxster Spyder for World premiere

    Porsche has begun this year’s convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder at the New York International Auto Show.

    The auto show, which started on  April 3, will end on April 12.

    The new top model in the open two-seater series retains the independent character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. The classic fabric roof is opened and closed by hand, and the sports car is only available with a manual transmission.

    As a true original roadster, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports car driving experience but with contemporary performance. This means a firm sports suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp. Drivers and passengers can look forward to outstanding driving dynamics in the lightest yet most powerful Boxster available. It only takes around 4.5 seconds for the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; the model’s top speed is 290 km/h. NEDC overall fuel consumption amounts to 9.9 l/100 km.

    The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements typical for the legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. As a tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s, the new Boxster Spyder has two prominent streamlined bulges that extend down along the long rear lid behind the headrests. The partially manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use and brings to mind roadsters from the past, while the fins that stretch back to the rear lend the vehicle’s silhouette its characteristic design. The front and rear end of the model were taken from the Cayman GT4.

    More so than in any other Boxster, the interior of the new top model creates an atmosphere that elicits a feeling of pure driving pleasure. The driver and passenger sit in light sports bucket seats with large side supports, while the new steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm helps to ensure that the mid-engine roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility.

    The Boxster Spyder will arrive local market from next August.

  • Hyundai to release semi-autonomous cars

    Owners of Hyundai Motor’s upcoming Equus will be able to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the brakes as they are travelling down the highway, and let their car do the driving.

    The South Korea-based automaker plans to integrate a host of self-driving features into its premium sedan later this year, transforming it into a semiautonomous vehicle.

    Highway driving assistance features will allow the new Equus to stay in lane, slow down and speed up as necessary to avoid collisions. The price of the new Equus hasn’t been determined but should be similar to Hyundai’s current models, ranging from US $61,500 to $68,750, officials said.

    The main markets for the new Equus will be South Korea and the United States, company officials said at a briefing ahead of the Seoul Motor Show, which opened last Friday.

    Separately, Hyundai also announced traffic jam assistance functionality, which allows self-driving in cities, where stop-and-go driving at lower speeds is required. The company did not say which models would have this feature, or when the technology would be released.

    “It is time for us to take a leap in quality and to lead in the global race for environment-friendly, energy-efficient and high-tech cars,” said Kim Choong-ho, the president of Hyundai, during the media briefing last Thursday.

    Instead of following the lead of global tech companies investing in completely self-driving vehicles, Hyundai will focus, at least for now, on mass production of semiautonomous, driver-assistance technologies, allowing drivers to take control when they want to and have fun behind the wheel, the company said in a statement. Hyundai did not mention specific company names, but Google has been developing self-driving cars, and Apple is reportedly working on similar technology.

    Hyundai, meanwhile, will further hone ultra-precise, vehicle-to-vehicle sensors and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technologies for future models, it said. Its ultimate goal is to commercialise completely autonomous vehicles, the company said.

    The company has already announced that it will invest two trillion won (US$1.8 billion) in driverless technologies by 2018. At the Seoul show, Hyundai affiliate Kia showcased an automobile with self-parking functions and a service that mirrors Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, allowing iOS and Android devices to be used for in-car entertainment and navigation. The company has not yet decided which specific models will carry those functions.

    However, laws and roadways are not quite ready for driverless cars.

    “If someone was driving the Hyundai car on self-driving mode and got into an accident on the road, it would be illegal and probably not insured,” said Sohn Joo-chan, director of industrial IT convergence research at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in Daejeon, Korea.

    It may take seven to 10 years for self-driving vehicles to go public in a safe and legal manner, because infrastructure and traffic codes need to be updated, he noted.