The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Volkswagen Amarok: agile, efficient

    The Volkswagen Centre in Lagos, renowned distributors of Volkswagen products, has unveiled some of its latest commercial vehicle range, including Amarok, Caddy, Multivan, Transporter and the 30-seater Crafter bus. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

    Volkswagen commercial vehicles are replica of the passenger cars and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) models but fortified with technically advanced engines that deliver more power and less fuel consumption.

    Built on a platform at the Pacheco factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina capital, the German engineered Amarok gets a classy, aggressive interpretation of the VW grille, a six-speed manual gearbox, low-range transfer box, permanent four-wheel drive, locking centre and rear differentials as well as the latest direct-injection twin-turbo two litre petrol engine that delivers 118kw (160bhp), while the diesel 4WD delivers 90kw (122bhp) with traction/stability control.

    Head, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Centre, Lagos in his presentation of the new Volkswagen commercial range to the local automobile journalists, Mr Manish Daryanani, said the firm has consistently improved on its commercial range to give them edge over competitions.

    The Volkswagen Amarok pick-up for instance, is particularly. “More than good enough to worry competitions such as Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Mitsubishi,” Daryanani swanked.

    But what distinguishes the Volkswagen Amarok? Daryanani said the Amarok is Volkswagen’s first pick-up and a direct competitor to the ubiquitous Toyota Hilux.

    The Volkswagen Amarok also sounds admirable when viewed against an unprecedented torque generated from its two-litre four-cylinder engine compared with either the Toyota Hilux’s 2.7-litre or three-litre or Nissan three-litre V6 and Ford/Mazda 3.2-litre five-cylinder.

    And with a pair of turbochargers, the VW Amarok TDI420 delivers quick performance, good fuel efficiency and strong towing capability with low cost of maintenance due to longer service intervals (10, 000kms or six months).

    Volkswagen’s reputation for quality interiors also translates to the Amarok despite its workhorse status. Though clad with hard plastics – for the sake of durability – Amarok has the classiest dual-cab ute interior design – thanks to instrument dials, heating and ventilation controls and an infotainment screen that clearly compares with Golf and Passat.

    Unlike competitions, the (large) door bins of the Amarok, are carpeted and none of its rivals as yet has matched the satisfying door-closing thuds of the VW that enhances its reputation for build quality.

    The Volkswagen Amarok TDI420 comes in a choice of two trim grades: Trendline and Highline for the Nigerian market.

    The Trendline feature highlights include fog lights, 4-speaker audio, leather gearlever, handbrake and multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth with audio streaming, 16-inch alloy wheels, full-size spare, electric side mirrors, and cruise control.

    Highline additions include rear parking sensors, higher-grade audio with six speakers, stainless steel side steps and sports bar, chrome exterior touches, 17-inch alloy wheels with extended wheel arches, rear privacy glass, and dual-zone climate.

    Couple with these is classy, aggressive interpretation of the VW grille, a six-speed gearbox, low-range transfer box, permanent four-wheel drive, locking centre and rear differentials, with the latest direct-injection, twin-turbo 2.0-litre engine with traction/stability control.

    The Amarok range is expansive to give it the broadest coverage against key competitors, comprising single cab chassis, single cab ute, dual cab chassis and dual cab ute, as well as a split of 4×2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4×4.

    The Volkswagen Centre sales and marketing helmsman however listed some of the highlights of the Amarok as maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 rpm; lowest fuel consumption and largest cruising range; safety features like Off-road ABS, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stabilisation and widest load area between the wheelhouses (1.22 m).

    Other distinctive features of the Amarok are lowest loading edge height within the competitive environment, high towing capacity of up to 2,800 kg at 12 per cent incline and most spacious headroom in class for front and rear.

    VW’s reputation for build quality and reliability, Daryanani said, make Amarok a cause of worry for Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

  • Monthly sales: Nissan leads

    Nissan Motor Comporation has outperformed Asia-based carmakers, including Toyota Motor Corporation with its mid-size sedan, Altima also known as Teana outsold Camry for the first time in 12 years at the end of February.

    Bloomberg, a premier site for business and financial market news reported that Nissan’s United States growth of 14 per cent this year through February contrasts with declines of 5.7 per cent for Toyota.

    Altima, Nissan’s top seller, rose by 11 per cent to 30,849 in February, for a total of 53,364, while Toyota’s Camry sales fell 7.3 percent to 28,998 last month, for a year-to-date total of 52,330.

    Nissan has to this end set clear objectives and measures for boosting quality-up through the fiscal year 2016 with an ultimate goal “to become the top level in the area of quality from the customers’ perspective.”

    The automaker said: “Over the course of our midterm plan ‘Nissan Power 88’, our objective is to establish ‘NISSAN’ in the leading group of global automakers in product quality and to elevate ‘INFINITI’ to leadership status among peer luxury products by promoting quality programme called ‘Enhancing quality’ ”.

    The automaker added that through Nissan “Enhancing quality”, customers can expect better-built cars that can deliver optimum performance throughout their lifecycle.

    VON Automobile Nigeria, local Nissan assemblers and Stallion NMN, country representative for the brand have applauded Nissan’s rising profile in global markets, saying: “Nissan has the potential to become world leading brand when viewed against its vast experience in the last 80 years.”

    Managing Director, VON Automobile Nigeria Limited, Mr Tokunbo Aromolaran, who gave this hint in Lagos, said: “Nissan plant in Nigeria will soon change the game in Africa’s most vibrant market when the VON Automobile plant with an annual installed capacity for 45,000 vehicles goes into full swing in April.”

    He said Nissan’s intention is to make Nigeria a significant manufacturing hub in Africa by doubling the annual sales by 2016.

    “We started 2013 on a high note and markets in Africa showed favourable growth indices suggesting positive achievement,” Mr. Aromolaran said.

  • Innoson to roll out new cars in April

    Innoson to roll out new cars in April

    Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), Nnewi, Anambra State will in April roll out two sedans – IVM Fox and IVM Amazon.

    The cars will be the fore-runners of a total of five passenger vehicles expected out of the plant.

    It is in response to the new Automotive Policy of the government, designed to facilitate the production of affordable vehicles in the country.

    Powered by a 1.5 litre Mitsubishi engine, Fox is a B-segment sedan with a hatchback version, both of which are driven by either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

    Occupants of the Fox have a very friendly interior ambience, thanks to the well contoured seats, ample legroom and headroom, and an air-conditioning system.

    The Amazon, has under the bonnet a two-litre engine (featuring an inbuilt turbocharger) which works in tandem with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox.

    Both Fox and Amazon have sleek and attractive design which will appeal to both corporate buyers desirous of reliable sedans that are affordable with low maintenance cost.

    “For instance, customers who are going to buy the vehicles will be amazed at their fuel economy and driving,” said the Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, while speaking on the cars. He added: “I am sure a lot of people will be impressed by the performance of the cars.”

    IVM Phoenix, the latest SUV from the Innoson plant, will go into the market as smoothly as hot knife goes through butter, if the trail of acceptance blazed by its predecessor models is anything to go by. Code-named SUV 6, Phoenix is also powered by a high-performing 2.4-litre Mitsubishi engine, said to have fuel efficiency – like its siblings – as its hallmark.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) last month approved the purchase of 44 units of Innoson SUV for the SURE-P programme, thereby borrowing a leave from the Anambra state government which procured many units last year for traditional rulers in the area, and many other corporate and individual buyers.

    Phoenix seats seven adults comfortably – same number of seats as IVM Heritage, a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a 2.0 engine connected to an automatic or manual transmission.

    “We are glad that we have been able to keep our promise of producing what the market desires. We also appreciate the patronage from government and transporters, corporate organisations and individual buyers. It is this kind of support that encourages us to do what we are doing,” Chief Chikwuma said.

    He said his company and other local manufacturers are also encouraged by the move by the Federal Government to revive the industry through the automotive policy.

  • Better approach to road accident prevention (II)

    The focus on the use of high fines to prevent reckless driving may not be very effective because traffic offenders believe that they are not likely to be caught.

    However, drivers should be made to take more responsibility for what is occurring on the roads. This will be more effective than slamming ridiculously high fines on traffic offenders.

    •All categories of drivers and vehicle owners must be made to undergo regular refresher courses because peer influence in driving cannot be over looked. There is always the tendency for those obeying traffic rules to renege and imitate the errant drivers.

    •Public and private sector organisations must be encouraged or compelled to regularly train their drivers because of the level of irreparable lives and properties being lost through driver errors and allied factors.

    •Insurance companies should have incentives such as discount on premiums for individuals and organisations that sponsored their drivers for re-training programmes. This will encourage driver training and development for accident prevention in the country. This has been very effective in countries such as United States.

    •As Nigerian Governments and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been focusing on the campaign against HIV/AIDS, they should focus even more attention on the campaign against Road Accidents which is killing more people than HIV/AID and at a faster rate.

    •There should be no sacred cow or VIP in the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations. Leaders or VIPs are expected to lead by example and anything contrary must be resisted vehemently.

    I further challenge the Federal and atate Ministries of Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), state traffic management agencies and other stakeholders to come together in a result-oriented conference to deliberate on the above and other related issues with the aim of coming up with a common resolution to be implemented at the Federal and state levels to enhance the war against road crashes and fatalities. Otherwise, Nigeria will have little or nothing to show at the end of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety in 2020 and the Accra Declaration on Road Safety having failed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing fatality rate through road safety. The goal of all should be to put the safety of lives far above income generation and stop every form of masquerading or pretence.

    There has been cases of these Federal and state governments agencies, competing and blackmailing themselves to secure the contract for the training of the drivers of some blue-chip companies. Can we say their interest is in the drivers safety on the road or on financial gain?

    There was even a very funny development where one of the government agencies threatened to be arresting the drivers of a blue chip company if they fail to give them the contract for the training of their drivers. Is it not obvious now, where their interests are?

    The regulations guiding the operation of some of these Agencies recognises the driving schools as the trainers of drivers (fresh and re-training).

    I am very sure that if this matter is not properly addressed as suggested in this article, Nigeria will continue to move in circles in the war against road crashes and fatalities without making any meaningful impact.

    The National and state Assemblies must objectively rise up to this challenge to ensure that the relevant legislations are amended or enacted to address the issues raised in this article because if the right steps are not taken to efficiently and effectively address the road safety and road traffic engineering challenges, the consequences can affect anyone in Nigeria no matter the status because we and our loved ones all use the Nigeria roads at one time or the other.

  • Rolls Royce Phantom: luxury, classy

    Rolls Royce Phantom: luxury, classy

    The latest Rolls Royce Phantom has once again redefined the luxury car market as it combines the state-of-the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The Phantom has raised the profile of the Rolls-Royce brand as it emerges the world’s super-luxury car.

    This coincides with the opening of the Rolls Royce showroom in Lagos after the Coscharis Group and Rolls Royce Motor Company have sealed a partnership/franchise deal.

    The Phantom, the flagship model for the Rolls-Royce brand, was recently named the super-luxury car by WhatCar magazine in its annual car of the year issue.

    “It takes a special car to successfully fend off its rivals for eight years – and the Rolls-Royce Phantom is just that car. Yet again, it is the best top-end luxury car money can buy,” the automotive consumer guide states.

    Rolls Royce says the latest expression of Phantom is once again redefining the luxury car market as it combines the state-of-the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design.

    Looking at the features of the 2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom, experts say they are not surprised at the return of Phantom as the super-luxury car.

    For instance, an online automobile journal, the Car Connection, says the Phantom, which comes in Coupe, Drophead Coupe and Sedan, brings unmistakable presence and prestige to its owner.

    It notes: “No matter how you slice it, the Phantom is an expansive, substantial vehicle in all its forms; a classically-styled and absolutely unmistakable exterior with its tall, upright grille, slab-sided proportions and a spirit of ecstasy hood ornament herald back to the company’s origins, while blending that heritage with a more modern personality.”

    This reinforces the position of the auto manufacturer in declaring thus: “Created with the desire to build the best car in the world, the Phantom combines compelling charisma with design cues that are unmistakably Rolls-Royce.”

    Inspired by the J-class yachts of the 1930s, it explains that the Phantom Drop head Coupé continues the long tradition of two-door, four-seat Rolls-Royce convertibles.

    Rolls Royce also states that the Coupé is the most driver-orientated Phantom, which offers a sleek combination of classic proportions, presence and breathtaking detailing.

    Interior

    The Phantom’s cabin is, simply, the definition of automotive opulence, says the Car Connection. And it praises the full-grain woods, supple hand-stitched leathers, real metal trim, and in all of them, immaculate craftsmanship and attention to detail. “Everything you can see, touch, or smell speaks of quality and substance,” it added.

    Its standard features are listed as extensive; adding that nearly anything not included can be added on request, for a fee, of course. Custom paint, embroidery, wheels, headliners, upholstery styles and colors, steering wheels, drink cabinets, and nearly any technological add-on you can imagine are all possible.

    Exterior

    The Phantom is rectangular, making no bones about its brick-like shape and mammoth proportions, reports digitaltrends.com, in its latest review of the vehicle.

    It sits on stocky 21-inch wheels with ‘RR’ logos that stand vertically, even at speed.

    There is a mix of chrome, shimmering paint and cloth that convey fortune to the outward observer; and most notable is the Phantom’s tremendous slatted grille.

    Performance

    The Phantom comes with a 6.75-litre V-12 engine rated at 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque.

    The engine can get the Phantom to 60 mph under six seconds—and it does it in a serene, unflappable manner.

    An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the gear shifts, sending power to the rear wheels.

    The Phantom is not a driver’s car; it is expectedly meant to be ridden in and driven by a chauffeur, to be fully enjoyed.

    Safety

    Although the Phantom may not have been crash tested by the official agencies, it is described as a substantial piece of machinery, made largely of steel, and outfitted with nearly all of the modern accoutrements.

    The safety features are traction and stability control, a suite of airbags, parking sensors, and optional front and rear cameras.

    Rolls Royce Motor had recently said the manufacturer’s partnership with Coscharis would be mutually beneficial and stressed that its customers would be the ultimate beneficiaries.

    It said: “Rolls Royce is a very successful car company. We sold more cars last year than ever before but it is only 3,600 cars as well. So, it is small and we want to stay small because our cars are a thing of beauty, a work of art. We don’t compete against any other cars; we compete against a big Yacht, a piece of art worth $10m or a diamond ring. We are really competing in that high-end luxury area.”

    It said the company was interested in keeping its products very exclusive.

    Coscharis Group President Dr Cosmas Maduka, said Rolls Royce was the latest in the Coscharis’ family of cars, saying “we will continue to set standards and when others try to catch up, we bring in something new. But it looks like we are the climax now because I don’t know where we will go after the Rolls Royce.”

    The Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Mr. Josiah Samuel, said: “By our reckoning, there are about 150 Rolls Royce cars in Nigeria and the good news is that we can actually take care of those iconic cars.

    “Rolls Royce is not the type of car that is bought off the showroom like every other car. It is a car that is kept for life and on account of that; you need to put your entire identity in that car.”

    “Part of our success is that we build cars that are very unique for the region. What we will do is to build special cars that are relevant for Nigeria that will take the weather and roads into consideration.”

    It said the partnership was aimed at better serving the customers, adding, “We now have the only authorised dealership in the entire Africa area. Besides South Africa, this is the only authorised dealership in sub Saharan Africa and North Africa. It is a new milestone and a new beginning for this great organisation.”

    Take look at Phantom Rent A Car to rent Rolls Royce in Dubai

  • Mazda goes global with new Mazda3

    Mazda Motor has global plans for the latest model of its best-selling Axela compact, which is sold outside of Japan as the Mazda3.

    The Japanese automaker plans to make the new Mazda3 at all its three main overseas production bases in Mexico, Thailand and China, in addition to Japan.

    Mazda motor will work to boost global Mazda3 sales by some 30 per cent to 500,000 units a year as early as fiscal 2014. Reaching that goal will be key to the firm’s larger objective, which is to increase overall cars sales by 40 per cent to 1.7 million units in the year to March 2016 while reducing domestic production to just half of total output.

    The newest Mazda3 was released last fall with an updated design and a full complement of the automaker’s fuel-saving Skyactiv technologies. It is available in gasoline, diesel and hybrid versions.

    Until recently, the Mazda3 was manufactured only in Japan, at a factory in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture. But Mazda began making the car at its new factory in Mexico on January 6, and in February will begin assembly in Thailand at a joint venture factory with Ford Motor. Production has also began in China at Mazda’s plant in Nanjing

    All three overseas bases will start with production of the gasoline-engine version of the Mazda3. The plant in Mexico is also designed to make the smaller Mazda2 (sold in Japan as the Demio), but it will focus on the Mazda3 in order to expand sales in North America.

  • ABC acquires 80 trucks, injects additional 3,200 tons capacity

    ABC Hauls has acquired 80 Shacman heavy-duty trucks, thereby increasing its haulage business by an additional 3,200 tons capacity. ABC Hauls is the haulage division of ABC Transport, Nigeria’s most innovative coach operator.

    Expansion of ABC Hauls began between late 2013 and mid-January of 2014, with an investment of over N1billion on trucks, human and material resources. The increase in capacity and investment were a direct result of the new and renewed contracts between ABC Transport and certain major manufacturers in the industry.

    ABC Hauls has diversified from transporting only cement products (bagged and unbagged) to accommodating other structures of the economy.

    The transport firm is set to becoming a total logistics organisation, and will convey fast moving consumer goods.

    The choice of Shacman truck, according to the company was as a result of the auto-maker’s success in many difficult terrains such as Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Russia, and Iran. Shacman is a leading Chinese truck maker.

    Meanwhile, the firm has acquired three hectares of land in Calabar, Cross River state. The land will serve as a truck park, maintenance depot, and transit accommodation for the driving crew.

    To provide seamless haulage transportation across the breadth of Nigeria, ABC Hauls has installed online tracking software for its numerous trucks as well as speed limiters. Presently, hundreds of staff are being recruited to fill up the openings arising from the expansions in the haulage business, while a productivity and safety enhancement training has been scheduled for truck drivers and attendants in Calabar and Ewekoro respectively.

  • LASAA hails Hyundai Motors

    The Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) has lauded Hyundai Motors Nigeria for lending credence to the 2013 ‘Lagos Countdown’ event, where the auto company donated one Hyundai Veloster sports car as grand prize to winner of the grand raffle draw at the annual event to wind up an outgoing year and herald a brand New Year.

    LASAA Managing Director, Mr George Noah, who made the remark at the grand finale of the 2013 Lagos Countdown said: “Hyundai’s support is in line with the agency’s intent to leverage the countdown event as a platform to deliver joy to the people.”

    Noah enjoined other corporate bodies to emulate the magnanimity of Hyundai Motors Nigeria and support subsequent events in future.

    The highlight of the 2013 Lagos Countdown that attracted sponsors from wide-ranging blue chip companies and organisations was the presentation of one Hyundai Veloster car to a lucky winner of the grand raffle draw, Ahmed Aluko of Mobil Oil.

    Head – Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited Jatin Nadkarni, said: “Hyundai is delighted to partner with the Lagos State Government on this annual year-end event, which is a period of sharing and merrymaking. Our company is passionate about offering products and services that are targeted at improving the quality of life of both our customers and the society where we operate.”

  • Better dimension to road accident prevention II

    The focus on the use of high fines to prevent reckless driving may not be very effective because majority of traffic offenders believe that they are not likely to be caught.

    However, drivers should be made to take more responsibility for what is occurring on the roads. This will be more effective than slamming ridiculously high fines on traffic offenders.

    •All Categories of Drivers and Vehicle Owners must be made to undergo regular refresher courses because peer influence in driving cannot be over looked. There is always the tendency for those obeying traffic rules to renege and imitate the errant Drivers.

    •Public and Private Sector Organisations must be encouraged or compelled to regularly train their Drivers because of the level of irreparable lives and properties being lost through Driver errors and allied factors.

    •Insurance Companies in Nigeria should have incentives such as discount on premiums for individuals and Organisations that sponsored their Drivers for re-training programmes. This will encourage Driver training and development for accident prevention in the country. This has been very effective in countries like United State of America.

    •As Nigerian Governments and Non-governmental Organisations have been focusing on the campaign against HIV/AIDS, they should focus even more attention on the campaign against Road Accidents which is killing more people than HIV/AID and at a faster rate.

    •There should be no Sacred Cow or VIP in the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations. Leaders or VIPs are expected to lead by example and anything contrary must be resisted vehemently.

    I further challenge the Federal and State Ministries of Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission, State Traffic Management Agencies and other Stakeholders to come together in a result-oriented conference to deliberate on the above and other related issues with the aim of coming up with a common resolution to be implemented at the Federal and State levels to enhance the war against road crashes and fatalities. Otherwise, Nigeria will have little or nothing to show at the end of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety come 2020 and the Accra Declaration on Road Safety having failed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing fatality rate through road safety. The goal of all and Sundry in Nigeria should be to put the safety of lives far above income generation and stop every form of masquerading or pretence.

    There has been cases of these Federal and State Governments Agencies, competing and blackmailing themselves in order to secure the contract for the training of the Drivers of some blue-chip companies. Can we say their interest is in the Drivers safety on the road or on financial gain?

    There was even a very funny development where one of the Government Agencies threatened to be arresting the Drivers of a blue chip company if they fail to give them the contract for the training of their Drivers. Is it not obvious now, where their interests are?

    The Regulations guiding the operation of some of these Agencies recognizes the Driving Schools as the Trainers of Drivers (fresh and re-training).

    I am very sure that if this matter is not properly addressed as suggested in this article, Nigeria will continue to move in circles in the war against road crashes and fatalities without making any meaningful impact.

    The National and State Assemblies must objectively rise up to this challenge to ensure that the relevant legislations are amended or enacted to address the issues raised in this article because if the right steps are not taken to efficiently and effectively address the road safety and road traffic engineering challenges, the consequences can affect anyone in Nigeria no matter the status because we and our loved ones all use the Nigeria roads at one time or the other.

  • Nissan Teana: exceptional, exquisite

    The new Nissan Teana, unlike its predecessor, is unique. Its features are: bold and sophisticated appearance, bumper, projector type headlights and a duck tail spoiler at the back, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Fresh from a total makeover last year, the Nissan Altima, known as Teana, has opted out of the mid-sized sedan segment to provide customers with premium experiences and high technologies for this year’s model.

    Nissan says it is enhancing the Teana’s package with better value proposition to keep it fresh against increasing competent rivals.

    Teana’s innovations are designed to reposition the car ahead of competitions from Toyota Camry that underwent full model change recently, just as the Honda Accord, Mazda 6 and the imperious Volkswagen Passat did.

    The Teana, according to Nissan, in spite of the new twist, is affordably priced than its rival and ultimately a game changer in the increasingly competitive entry D-segment.

    “We are simply re-emphasising leadership in the D-segment not only by enhancing class-above premium and thought-provoking technologies, but by introducing class-leading driving pleasures,” the company said.

    Some of Teana’s distinctive features are to be found in the customised 3D meter, HMI voice communication and full mobile connectivity, the complete set of around video monitor and intelligent transport system.

    The 2014 Teana, unlike its predecessor, comes equipped with a darkened grille slats at the front end, which gives the car a bold and sophisticated appearance with seamless bumper and projector type headlights, and a duck tail spoiler at the back.

    This is in addition to a longer sloping rear roofline and raised trunk that creates a more fluidic silhouette supported by a sloped A-pillar angle, and a raised waist-line that gives a lower coefficient aerodynamic drag.

    And down the flanks, there are additional details such as sculpted side, sill covers running beneath the doors and blind spot warning (BSW) radar system that warns drivers, using LED lights mounted inside the base of the side mirror.

    Nissan also stressed Teana maximum efficiency for its conventional version that constitutes the lightest in this group.

    According to the automaker, the class-exclusive use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is to achieve an impressive 76km per gallon on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway driving cycle for the 4-cylinder model.

    Auto lovers obsessed with performance are to opt for a potent V6; a rare feature in the family sedan category.

    Although previous incarnations of the Teana 2.5L featured beige interior with wood trim that gave it two-tone elegance and luxurious ambience. The version is a lot more improvement with cabin–black leather seats and dashboard that give a premium feel.

    A change of colour does not, however, take away the fact that the cabin is spacious with copious amounts of head and legroom even though the Teana still comes with a wheelbase of 2,775mm.

    Amit Sharma, Head – Sales and Marketing, Stallion NMN, Nissan national sales distributors, said the Teana is undoubtedly exceptional and comfortable for long drives. And when stuck in traffic through the usually crawling pace, he said, it definitely offers a less fatiguing experience.

    Sharma described Teana as Nissan’s solution to the market customers needs, adding that the car shows top-level fuel economy and acceleration supported by the CVT with wide gear ratio and less friction and a thicker torque engine.

    The Teana, though achieves dynamic driving with the support of newly structured Rear Multi–Link active under-steering control and refinement in body rigidity and braking system, its highpoint is the car’s creamy–smooth engine options of 2.5SV, 2.5Sl or 3.5SL that lets out a pleasantly distinctive rumble when revved.

    The 2.5-litre EFI (electronic fuel injection) QR25 petrol engine, for instance, has six in-line cylinders fitted with 24 valves and a DOHC (dual overhead camshaft) with the ability to displace close to 2,496cc with a pounding toque yield of 244Nm, 180ft-ib at 4000rpm with an incredible 135.7kw and 182bhp @ 6000rpm, a remarkable design for Nigerian roads and traffic conditions.

    In addition, Teana’s VQ35 (3.5SL) engine, which is currently the only engine in the world that has been awarded world’s 10 Best Engines for 17 consecutive years since 1995, churns out 135.7kw, 340.31Nm and 270bhp at 6400rpm.

    Sharma said beyond Teana’s remarkable engine configuration, “its suspension absorbs the shocks from bumps and potholes smoothly just as its dual climate control air conditioning keeps occupants pleasurable on the cozy leather seats.”

    The car is nevertheless, reassuring on safety especially when viewed against the overall crash testing and side crash test, which recently earned the car a plush credit in safety.