The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander for comfortability

    Redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander for comfortability

    The Mitsubishi Outlander has been redesigned for 2014. Notable changes include improved fuel mileage, a nice interior, standard third-row seat and new high-tech features. Writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency addition.

    Everyone likes to root for the underdog up to a point. The redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander certainly qualifies as an underdog in the small crossover SUV segment. In spite of the significant improvements it has received this year, the Outlander will probably never be the obvious choice in a class that is loaded with qualified candidates. Mitsubishi’s compact crossover is a solid entry, but it is not easy to bet on a lesser-known nameplate when there is money on the line.

    However, for consumers who want to own something a little different, this third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander has a number of things going for it. First off, powertrain tweaks and more aerodynamic (if somewhat less distinctive) styling combine to deliver improved EPA fuel economy estimates. The Outlander is now rated for up to 31 mpg highway, an above-average number among seven-passenger crossovers, while combined fuel economy (the more important number to look at) is up 2 mpg for both the four-cylinder and V6 engines. The overhauled interior is another welcome change, as it offers a more stylish design, improved materials, a telescoping steering wheel (making it easier to get comfortable in the driver seat) and a sturdier third-row seat that is now standard across the lineup.

    Optional high-tech features such as adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance and lane-departure warning systems also give the Outlander some advantages over many of its competitors, and there is a plug-in hybrid model coming later in 2014. There are still a few weak spots, however. Performance from both of the conventional engines is lackluster for this class, and the third-row seat remains cramped, so it is really only useful in a pinch and definitely only for kids. Another consideration is Mitsubishi’s relatively small dealer network, as dealerships are few and far between in certain areas of the country.

    With all that in mind, crossover shoppers will want to compare the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander with five-passenger models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. If it is the Outlander’s seven-passenger seating capacity that draws one’s interest, it will be necessary to add the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe to test-drive list. Although the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander faces long odds against well-rounded and well-established rivals in the compact crossover class, this underdog is still worth a look.

    Body styles

    The Outlander is a seven-passenger crossover SUV available in three trim levels: the base ES, midrange SE and top-of-the-line GT.

    The ES comes standard with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, fog lights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, full power accessories, automatic climate control, a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat that slides and reclines, a 50/50-split third-row seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.

    The SE possesses 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Mitsubishi’s “Fuse” voice command system (for phone and audio control), and an upgraded audio system with a 6-inch touchscreen display, HD radio and an iPod/USB interface. The GT further adds the 3.0-litre V6, all-wheel drive and a few more luxuries such as automatic xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and satellite radio.

    Powertrains and performance

    The Outlander is offered with two powertrains. The ES and SE both get a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. ES models are front-wheel drive only, while the SE can be had with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

    Under the GT’s hood is a 3.0-litre V6 that produces 224 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. A conventional six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard.

    EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine are above average at 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 24/29/26 when equipped with all-wheel drive. With the 3.0-litre V6, the Outlander’s fuel economy drops to 20/28/23.

    Safety

    Standard safety features on the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, a driver-side knee airbag, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.

    Optional electronic safety features include lane-departure warning and a forward collision-warning/mitigation system. The latter can sense an impending frontal collision, alert the driver and, if the driver fails to react, apply light brake pressure followed by full panic braking, potentially bringing the Outlander to a halt if it was originally travelling under 20 mph.

    Interior design and special features

    Perhaps the most noticeable shortcoming of the previous-generation Outlander was its cheap-feeling interior. The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander rectifies that with an overhauled cabin that is more attractive and done up in much nicer materials.

    Front seats are a little on the firm side, but offer a good amount of legroom, as do the second-row seats, which can slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort. Some buyers may view the standard third-row seat as a plus, but this seat is really only suited for occasional use by small kids.

    When it comes to hauling stuff, one will find 34.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats and 63.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. These numbers fall short of the cargo space in most other compact crossovers, including the CR-V and Escape.

     

  • Metro Taxi donates security van to community

    Metro Taxi, a Lagos-based taxicab operator, has donated a brand new security patrol pickup van to Ikeja, GRA Residents Association at Protea Hotel in Lagos to enhance security of lives and properties of residents in the community.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Niyi Oguntoyinbo said the operator was glad to give back to the community where it had operated in the past two and a half years.

    The initiative, he added, was also to ensure a lasting relationship with the host community and relish the company’s corporate social reasonability to support the area in securing lives and property, promising to do more in future.

    He said though this was the first of its kind for the company, there would be more gestures.

    “We expect that we would be able to partner with other residential associations for sustainability on long term objectives as we go on,” Oguntoyinbo said.

    The Vice-President of the Resident Association, Mr Debo Collins, hailed the company for the gesture, saying it would help reduce crime in the area and advised other corporate organisations to emulate Metro Taxi.

    A resident of the community and Managing Director, CMC Connect, a public relations firm, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described the gesture as laudable.

    Metro Taxi started operations in 2010 with the objective of revolutionising public taxi transportation system in Lagos.

    A subsidiary of Philly and Molls, Metro Taxi is the only taxi cab operator that operates a metered taxi system to ensure passengers pay the accurate fare while they also enjoy accident insurance cover.

  • Preventing road accidents in Nigeria (2)

    This particular suggestion may not go down well with the government agencies in charge of road safety and traffic management at the Federal and state government levels because they don’t want to forfeit the income being generated from this business of re-training drivers.

    I, however, challenge the stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians to do more unbiased research and investigation on this issue to properly understand the need for this suggestion which, I strongly, believe will go a long way in drastically reducing road accidents and fatalities as well as enhance the standards of driving schools that will be properly positioned to comply with the set standards.

    •The mindset (perception) of drivers on the use of roads should be properly addressed and adequately restructured to promote safety on the roads.

    •The focus of drivers training should be further diversified from driving skills to include the perceptual, cognitive, motivational and attitudinal factors which can greatly exert on drivers behaviour, influence their judgment and decision-making. There is also the need to develop a road etiquette as well.

    •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 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 effective in countries such as the United States.

  • Metro Taxi donates security van to Ikeja GRA residents

    Metro Taxi, a Lagos-based taxicab operator, has donated a brand new Security Patrol Pickup Van to Ikeja, GRA Residents Association at Protea Hotel in Lagos to enhance security of lives and properties of residents in the community.

    Its Managing Director Mr Niyi Oguntoyinbo said the operator was glad to give back to the community where the from had operated in the past two and a half years.

    The initiative, he added, was also to ensure a lasting relationship with the host community and relish the company’s corporate social reasonability to support the area in securing lives and property, promising to do more in future.

    He said though this was the first of its kind for the company, there would be many more gestures.

    “We expect that we would be able to partner with other residential associations for sustainability on long term objectives as we go on,” Oguntoyinbo said.

    The Vice-President of the Resident Association, Mr Debo Collins, hailed Metro Taxi for the gesture, saying it would help reduce the wave of crime in the area and advised other corporate organisations to emulate Metro Taxi.

    A resident of the community and Managing Director, CMC Connect, a Public Relations firm, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described the gesture as laudable.

    Metro Taxi started operations in 2010 with the objective of revolutionising public taxi transportation system in Lagos.

    A subsidiary of Philly and Molls, Metro Taxi is the only taxi cab operator that operates a metered taxi system to ensure passengers pay the accurate fare while they also enjoy accident insurance cover.

  • Peugeot returns with 301 model

    Peugeot returns with 301 model

    AP France and M.S. and Sons have unveiled the new Peugeot 301 to the public amid pomp and pageantry in Abuja last week. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

    The new Peugeot 301 has been described as a rugged car with enough room.

    It comes at an affordable price.

    It was made from over 120 years of automotive experience and stands out as car loaded with the best in terms of safety, space and comfort.

    The car, according to its manufacturers, can compete in the automobile industry.

    It provides comfort for its passengers and also exudes great space and opulence.

    The Allure, with 1.6 engine, is in the top range while and Active with same capacity is the middle range. Access which is the lower range has a capacity of 1.2.

    The 301 has many equipment designed to make journeys easier. From its comfortable interior to its driver assistance technology and plush dashboard, the 301 is a perfect blend of style and driving comfort. Its instrument cluster is complete with a monochrome matrix which displays information about the on-board computer.

    It was unveiled by ASD Motors Group on behalf of AP France and M.S and Sons last week in Abuja.

    The company’s Group Managing Director (GMD) Alhaji Shehu Sani Dauda said Peugeot wants to use the car to make a statement that the company is back.

    “By we are back. I mean that we have been absent for about a year. Our clients have been requesting us to be present in the sedan lower earning segment of the automobile sector.

    “The coming of this car is to tell you that we have a new global initiative that is produced and suitable for clients’ world-over. We produce for the global market now, not just for segments like Europe and Africa,” he said.

    Dauda said the Peugeout 301 has been unveiled in Dubai, Kuwait, China and other Asian countries, adding that the manufacturers are targeting Africa.

    The GMD further said, “The 301 is rugged, spacious and affordable. One thing people should understand about this car is that it is very affordable and cheaper than most of its competitors.

    “While most other cars in this category go for above N4.3million, our product is about N3.5million. We are going to have another entry product which will come with a 1.2 litres engine that will cost less than N3million. You can imagine what the impact, will be? We intend to make it affordable. We intend to make all Peugeot lovers we lost to come back to us and to also make them know we are thinking of them.”

    The car is very fuel efficient and has more power than other brands in the category.

    It’s about 150HP and also more of the modified engine of 307.

    “In terms of sales, we are quite down but we are coming back. This is the product that will make us catch-up. As you can see, it is definitely going to make an impact based on the quality and features it has. We will give them (competitors) a run for their money. We are back. We, are ready and they going to feel our impact very soon,” he said.

    The 301 is unmistakable Peugeot styling exudes French elegance, while its impressive road handling and superior fittings makes driving a pleasurable and comfortable experience.

    “What I’m showing you is a product that has been developed to adapt to all conditions of use, even in extremes, such as hot countries, cold countries and poor road surfaces,” Dauda said, adding that the 301 is strong on the outside and also comes with a generous inside.

    The GMD revealed that the slogan of the new car-‘Know how.’ He said the new bride has great promise in style and quality that can stand the test of time. According to him, the 301 is car of today and the future in view of its robust design that inspires confidence, stability and durability.

    It uses ultrasound sensors installed in the rear bumper to detect nearby people or objects, thereby communicating the distance of the obstacle visually through sound via the screen of the Bluetooth audio system.

    Furthermore, the speed limiter, working in tandem with the cruise control allows the driver set a maximum speed limit. A hard point in the accelerator pedal lets the driver know when the set limit has been reached. The driver can then momentarily override the limit if be by applying greater foot pressure on the pedal. The highly innovative 301 has a heating element inserted between the windscreen’s two sheets of glasses, a device which heats up the area around the wiper blades, ensuring they never stick. It is controlled through the same button as the rear windscreen demister and together the two guarantee the much needed convenience in cold weather.

    Dignitaries who graced the include, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MBU Motors Dutse, Jigawa State, Alhaji Bala Muhammed Umar; MD/CEO, MNL-ASAO, Mr Ismail Oladejo, MD/CEO Road Truckers, Chief Oladele Benson Acting Managing Director PAN Nigeria Limited, Mr Jaime Pena among others.

  • Lagos to prosecute unpainted vehicles users

    Lagos to prosecute unpainted vehicles users

    THE Lagos State Government has warned users of unregistered vehicles and unpainted taxis to desist or face prosecution.

    Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa, decried the rate of security infractions occasioned by the indiscriminate use of unregistered vehicles and the illegal use of unpainted taxis, noting that the state government has resolved to invoke the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Law 2012 on offenders.

    “Henceforth, all such unregistered vehicles and unpainted taxis will be impounded and their operators arrested and charged to court for prosecution as provided for in Section 25 of the Road Traffic Law 2012,” he said.

    He urged the public to be suspicious of unpainted taxis as many of them are now being used for illegal and criminal activities.

    Findings, he said, have shown that many of these vehicles are the tools for armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins and other unscrupulous individuals.

    He enjoined the public to patronise only the registered taxis (private and corporate cabs) with recognised colours so as not to fall prey to the hoodlums and other men of bad attentions.

    The Commissioner said since the public has the responsibility of securing themselves, they should resist all temptations to patronise such vehicles and report any known person doing so to law enforcement agencies. He also called on law enforcement officers to ensure compliance by bringing offenders to book.

  • Preventing road accidents in Nigeria (2)

    This particular suggestion may not go down well with the government agencies in charge of road safety and traffic management at the Federal and state government levels because they don’t want to forfeit the income being generated from this business of re-training drivers.

    I however, challenge the stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians to do more unbiased research and investigation on this issue to properly understand the need for this suggestion which, I strongly, believe will go a long way in drastically reducing road accidents and fatalities as well as enhance the standards of driving schools that will be properly positioned to comply with the set standards.

    •The mindset (perception) of drivers on the use of roads should be properly addressed and adequately restructured to promote safety on the roads.

    •The focus of drivers training should be further diversified from driving skills to include the perceptual, cognitive, motivational and attitudinal factors which can greatly exert on drivers behaviour, influence their judgment and decision-making. There is also the need to develop a road etiquette as well.

    •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 rivers 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 effective in countries like United States.

    •As 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 cows or VIPs 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 (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 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 recognises the driving schools as the trainers of drivers (fresh and re-training).

    I am 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.

  • Volkswagen rekindles image with Hi-Tech showroom

    The Volkswagen Centre has inaugurated the first ever avant-garde VW showroom.

    The centre will integrate attractive pricing structure and riveting after sales service initiative that would re-enact the confidence of the motoring publics in Volkswagen automobiles.

    The company’s Head, Sales and Marketing Mr. Manish Daryanani during the inauguration of the facility in Lagos, said the showroom was fundamental to the harmonisation of ideals and re-evaluation of the Volkswagen brands.

    Located between the trio of Audi, Skoda and Porsche showrooms in Victoria Island, the facility will ease access to European automobiles and also serve as a rallying point for European brands of automobiles marketed by the Stallion Group.

    “This facility is borne out of Stallion Group’s commitment to the Volkswagen dealership as well as her determination to reawaken the confidence of the teeming motoring publics in the VW brand,” he said.

    Daryanani who expressed the company’s excitement at the completion of the VW facility said: “We are looking forward to unlocking the huge potential of the showroom which will give us great opportunity to present the Volkswagen range to our valued customers in all its variety.”

    A subsidiary of Stallion Motors, the new Volkswagen Centre follows VW adaptable module concept design that is gradually being rolled out across Volkswagen dealership worldwide.

    The new VW showroom is uniquely clad in white framed aluminium with seamless fusion of style and elegance to signify the Volkswagen corporate identity.

    Also intended as an architectural masterpiece of sort, the centre is imbued with crystal display area for up to 10 vehicles with an ambience and spacious climate controlled drive-through reception area and comfortable customer lounge that makes shopping a cinch.

    Customers would also appreciate Volkswagen unique hospitality at the coffee bar as well as free WIFI access while shopping for their choice Volkswagen cars.

    The centre, Daryanani said, has concluded plans to increase Volkswagen model line-up by adding new vehicle segment such the Polo ‘G’ and new Jetta to enable teeming Nigeria motoring publics have variety of models.

    The Marketing helmsman said the centre is introducing attractive pricing structure that fits all customers that choose to drive Volkswagen models.

    He disclosed that the Volkswagen Workshop in Lagos has been relocated to Amuwo Odofin along Apapa/Oshodi expressway from its previous location at Gbagada.

    “The relocation will enable the company offer better after sales service to existing and potential customers,” he noted.

  • BMW Group wins Engine of the Year awards

    The BMW Group has two awards. They are the International Engine of the Year Awards.

    The company’s latest distinctions in the globally renowned competition came courtesy of two drive units, which bring sporty performance characteristics to the BMW and MINI vehicles in particularly efficient style. In a repeat of last year’s the two-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology fitted in models including the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series finished top of its displacement category. And the 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine from the MINI Cooper S went one better, celebrating its third class win in a row. The Engine of the Year Awards were presented last Wednesday at the Engine Expo fair in Stuttgart, Germany.

    The organisers attributed instantaneous power delivery and a level of efficiency unmatched by any rival to BMW Group’s successful showing in the Engine of the Year Awards.

    The winners in each category and overall were decided by an international jury, made up of 84 motoring journalists from 35 countries. The company’s success in the two categories is further evidence of its globally recognised development expertise in the area of drive system technology. Since 1999, the BMW Group has racked up over 60 class and overall wins in the competition.

    BMW TwinPower Turbo technology once again provided the key to success in the 1.8 – 2.0-litre displacement classes. The winning BMW four-cylinder engine comprises a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection and BMW Valvetronic fully variable valve control. The 180 kW/245 hp version of the engine is used to power the BMW 328i, BMW 528i, BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i.

    The other class conqueror in the BMW Group’s engine line-up also won over the Engine of the Year Awards jury – for the third consecutive year – with its impressive balance of sports performance and economy. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo unit, again the dominant force in the 1.4 – 1.8-litre category, boasts twin-scroll turbocharging with an overboost function, direct petrol injection and valve control based on the Valvetronic system. Its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp enables the MINI Cooper S to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in seven seconds and deliver average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg imp). This highly efficient drive unit is now also available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper S Paceman, where it can be combined with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

  • Hyundai Motors, Stanbic IBTC introduces finance Scheme

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) Stanbic IBTC Bank has introduced a competitive vehicle finance scheme for customers to own and drive precision, engineered Hyundai automobiles at affordable rates.

    The offer, ends June 30. It includes free registration, service and is valid for the first 100 customers that buy Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, ix35 crossover, Elantra or Accent sedans during the programeme.

    Announcing the sales incentive entitled: ‘The future is now,’ HMNL Head, Sales and Marketing, Mr Jatin Nadkarni, said, the objective is to assist and encourage young and desiring customers to buy the vehicles.

    He said: “We, at Hyundai, understand the evolving needs and preferences of our customers and we are very optimistic we will receive an overwhelming response to this essential campaign that promises to change the perception of young patrons.”

    He also said the idea was borne out the need to discourage tokunbo patrons, adding that the time has come for enlist Nigeria on the global map of countries with exceptional predisposition for high profile cars.

    He said Hyundai is keen on providing the best of products and services to customers to enable them enjoy value-added experience.

    The scheme, unlike conventional financing, is designed to accommodate prospective customers, including those with and without an active account with Stanbic IBTC Bank.

    “Prospective customers can at their convenience, walk into any of Hyundai Motors Nigeria showrooms nationwide and process their application for any of the highlighted Hyundai models and we are pleased to also inform that the scheme has been designed to accommodate all customers weather they have an account with Stanbic IBTC Bank or not,” he said.

    Hyundai cars and SUVs also provide high level of content at affordable price, and are currently adjudged one of the most sought after brand in the marketplace.