Category: Motoring

Geely owned Volvo Cars’ new Shanghai facility joins existing studios in Gothenburg and Camarillo.

It “aims to be one of the most comprehensive design studios of global car brands in Asia” and has all the functions needed to facilitate the whole design process from concept to production.

Capabilities allows for producing scale to full size models for interior, exterior, colour and material, as well as UX design. Milling machines, 3D printers and fully equipped workshops for producing accurate models are supplemented by VR environments.

Optimised for collaboration, the 5,500 square metre studio provides space to seat 100 designers and creative engineers.

At the centre is a 1,000 square metre show hall with optimal lighting and an outdoor viewing garden.

The Shanghai design team was established in 2010.

Volkswagen has beaten analyst estimates with its first quarter financial results as higher sales in Europe and North America lifted revenue.

Volkswagen’s revenue for the quarter was EUR76bn, up 22 per cent from last year. However, operating profit fell to EUR5.7bn from EUR8bn last year.

Excluding the valuation effect from commodity hedging, VW said operating profit rose by 35 per cent to EUR7.1bn.

Volkswagen Group reported an increase in sales of all-electric vehicles, up by 42.1 per cent, delivering 141,023 BEVs worldwide in the first three months of this year – 7 per cent of all deliveries.

Driving the trend were the ID.3 and ID.4 models from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. In addition to their all-electric vehicle offering, a total of 55,756 plug-in hybrid models were delivered (up 9.1 per cent) to customers.

Arno Antlitz, CFO & COO, said: “Volkswagen Group has made an encouraging start to 2023. We saw strong growth in revenues and operating profit before the non-cash valuation effects from commodity hedging. With this solid performance and an order book of 1.8 million vehicles at the end of Q1, we confirm our financial outlook for 2023.”

Volkswagen said it anticipates competition in the international automotive market to further increase for 2023, with uncertainties arising from commodities shortages and geopolitical conflict stemming from the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war.

It is expected that sales revenues in 2023 will be 10 per cent to 15 per cent higher than the prior year-on-year figure, with operating return on sales to lie between 7.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent.

CFAO Motors, a leading distributor of mobility products and services in Nigeria, has announced a major milestone in the automobile industry. The company has been appointed as an official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, effective immediately. This appointment positions CFAO Motors as the second official distributor of Toyota vehicles in the country, and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing high-quality mobility solutions to its customers.

Toyota is a globally recognised brand, known for its durable, reliable, and high-performance vehicles. With CFAO Motors now officially appointed as a distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, customers can expect to have access to a wide range of Toyota cars, pick-up, and SUVs that will cater to their transportation needs and aftersales service. The appointment of CFAO Motors as an official Toyota distributor in Nigeria is a testament to the company’s long-standing reputation for excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction.

CFAO Motors in a statement expressed excitement over the partnership and its readiness to provide Nigerians with access to Toyota vehicles that meet their expectations in terms of quality, durability, and affordability.

Business Head of Toyota by CFAO Nigeria Boye Ajayi, said: “We are proud to be appointed as an official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria. This partnership with Toyota is a testament to our commitment to providing Nigerians with world-class mobility solutions that meet their needs and expectations.”

The CFAO Group boasts the largest automotive distribution network on the continent and is a key distributor of Toyota in 37 countries. As a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, CFAO is the corporation’s African division and platform for business development on the continent. Together, CFAO and TTC leverage their synergistic culture and long-term outlook to tackle new challenges in Africa.

After 120 years of operation in Nigeria, CFAO Nigeria is thrilled to introduce Toyota by CFAO.

With Bernd Pischetsrieder due to end his term as chairman of the Mercedes-Benz supervisory board early in 2024, Martin Brudermueller was approved as his nominated successor at a board meeting this week.

An election will be held after the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Brudermueller has been board chairman at BASF since 2018, responsible for corporate legal, compliance and insurance, development, communications & government relations, human resources, investor relations and as ‘senior project net zero accelerator’.

He began with BASF in 1988 and has also served as chief technology officer and headed the Asia-Pacific region, based in Hong Kong.

As part of the activities marking its 29th post-apartheid independence Anniversary, the Republic of South Africa, in collaborating with Stallion NMN, Nigerian partner of Nissan Motor Corporation, is celebrating the event with week-long activities in Lagos, Nigeria.

The events, which kicked off on April 22, culminated into a cultural night tagged, ‘a Night With the Stars’ on Sunday at Mike Adenuga Complex, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa, the Sunday occasion was graced by the management of Stallion NMN Limited, Nigeria’s exclusive representative of Nissan automotive brand, film makers from the Nigeria and South Africa movie industry as well as newsmen and other important dignitaries from all walks of life.

Some of the highlights of the night included showcase of an animated film titled: “the Song Maiden” produced by Nkem Nwahuruocha, a documentary film celebrating Winnie Madela; an interview of Chinua Achebe by Wole Soyinka and a South African journalist, Lewis Nkosi, and a panel discussion on how the creative industry can forge a one Africa.

Answering questions at the Sunday event, the Consular General, the Republic of South Africa, Dr. Bobby Moroe said the choice of celebrating the event in Nigeria was necessitated by the major role the latter played towards ending apartheid in South Africa.He said: ‘’The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa dates back to1946, when Nigeria became the first country in United Nations General Assembly to Chair anti-Apartheid Committee of South Africa.

“Being a frontline state, Nigeria played a major role in the liberation of South Africa. So, we are celebrating 29 years of formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa since the 21st of February, 1994.

“We reflected back to where we came from and we thought what a better place to celebrate 29 years. These 29 years is a pre-cursor to 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which is going to be marked in 2024 next year. This is a preparation for another South Africa week, which would be titled: ‘South Africa and Nigeria at birth’ next year.

“We look at all these agreements that have been signed between Nigeria and South Africa. We have more than 26 agreements that have been signed and we thought let us select films for this celebration based on a number of what we believe are very critical agreements that have been signed. And culture is one of them. That is why we have activities centered on social cohesion between the people of South Africa and Nigeria.’’

On the collaboration with Nissan, Moroe did not only express excitement over the automaker’s partnership during the celebration, he also extolled the good quality of Nissan auto brand, thumping up for the new Nissan Navara built in Pretoria, South Africa .

“We are quite excited about the partnership,” he enthused, adding, “This is the beginning of a new relationship between South Africa Consulate and Nissan. So, we are optimistic that not only are we having partnership on this event, there are other issues we are going to engage them on.

‘’We are creating a platform in which Nissan will not only benefit from this type of activities we are having but other partners of ours not in the same industry.

“The story of Nissan is very compelling especially their partner in Nigeria, Stallion NMN. The new Nissan Navara Pickup designed and built for Nigeria roads, from engine, filter and fuel capacity is technologically equipped to whether the storm in Nigeria.”

Also speaking during the event, the General Manager, Amit Sharma, described Nigeria and South Africa as two nations with special bond.

“We were African leaders against the evil of apartheid. This is why it is special for us to be here this evening. It is more so, because South Africa is helping Nigeria to double up its efforts in the automotive industry development.’’

Recalling South Africa’s journey towards developing a virile auto industry, the Stallion NMN boss likened the Republic to an example of what can be achieved, when the public sector work hand in hand with the private sector in Nigeria.

He said: “Today, the South African automotive industry directly employs over 460, 000 individuals; in 2022, it contributed 4.3 per cent to the country GDP and earned R207.5 billion in export which was 12.5 per cent of South Africa total export value.

“There are numerous opportunities for us to follow South Africa’s footprint here in Nigeria and we can and we will do so. Local Motor Vehicle assembly is also important because it ensures the vehicles that we designed for Africa are made in Africa and at the very best for Africa.

“Our Navara Pick-up range is a fantastic case in this point. It is made in South Africa and the toughest vehicle ever designed by Nissan to make sure it is more than a match for Africa’s toughest roads.”

The South African 29th independence week, which is rounding up on Friday, is also creating a platform for Nigerian and South African business men and women to share ideas and collaborate.

Other major partners for the event include Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Multichoice.

After the successful launch of the first, second and third editions of the authoritative auto reference book, tagged Nigeria Auto Guide, the publishers have revealed that the 4th edition is to be released in the fourth quarter of the year.

The book, which debuted in 2012, provides detailed information about brands and models with phone numbers, websites, email addresses and physical addresses of all authorised franchise owners and corporate players in the Nigerian auto market.

A statement by the Managing Editor, Frank Kintum, said the book would also capture profiles of main players, brands and major personalities in the nation’s automotive industry.

This edition, according to the statement, is coming in both hard copy and e-copy, as well as on the website-www.autoguide.com.ng.

Apart from auto companies, it would also feature “current operators in allied sectors such as tyre, lubricant, spare parts, bank and insurance for the benefit of those who purchase brand new vehicles and related products in Nigeria.”

The statement said, “The 4th edition, now being compiled for 2023/2024, will be unveiled in the fourth quarter of the year, 2023.”

It stated that the book aimed to be the number one platform to guide auto buyers on the right path in purchasing automobiles in Africa.

“First published in 2012, the need for the book became necessary in order to guide buyers of new vehicles (especially government agencies, corporate organisations and individuals) and advise them on the need to deal with the franchise holders and corporate players in the market,” it stated.

“The book is revised every two years. The second and third editions were produced in 2014 and 2018 respectively. It was skipped in 2016 due to logistics issues. The devastating effects of Covid-19 on businesses and other spheres of life globally made it impossible to roll out a new edition between 2020 and 2022.

“The first edition was launched into the Nigerian market by the then Chairman of CFAO Group in Nigeria, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, at an impressive event held in Victoria Island, Lagos, July, 2012.”

• Wins double a iF Design Award 2023

Kia has achieved an outstanding result in this year’s World Car Awards, with the Kia EV6 GT being crowned the 2023 World Performance Car. 

Announced at an awards ceremony during the New York International Auto Show, the recognition came from a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists representing 32 countries. 

Having evaluated a broad range of vehicles from around the world, the judges’ recognition of Kia’s vehicles serves as further validation of the brand’s dedication to producing innovative mobility solutions that benefit society, in line with its ‘Movement That Inspires’ mindset. 

Speaking of the award, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Corporation Ho Sung Song said: “To be recognised in this way by the World Car Awards’ judges is a tremendous honor. As Kia transforms to become a world-leading sustainable solutions provider, we are leaving no stone unturned to create vehicles which deliver exceptional practicality while also inspiring customers through their ingenuity, technology, and design. This latest prestigious accolade provides further confirmation of the success of our strategy.” 

Winning the coveted 2023 World Performance Car, the Kia EV6 GT builds on the exceptional offering of the standard model, which has already been awarded the 2022 Car of the Year and the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year titles, in addition to other distinguished accolades.

With a combined power output of 430 kW (585 PS), enabling a 3.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 260 km/h, the all-electric EV6 GT’s long-range capability, spacious interior, and sophisticated design saw it beat stiff competition from more traditional petrol-powered sports cars. 

The design of the EV6 GT is in keeping with Kia’s new brand direction, which emphasizes that movement is at the genesis of human development, enabling people to see new places, build new relationships, and have new experiences. Kia seeks to empower customers to make these connections by providing exciting products, innovative in-car spaces, and convenient services that inspire customers and free time for them to pursue the activities that they enjoy most.

Kia also awarded two highly significant accolades at the iF Design Award 2023. The brand’s success in the prestigious iF Design ‘Company Branding’ and ‘Shop / Showroom Store Identity’ categories signifies the continued strength and effectiveness of Kia’s creative approach to customer engagement and its competitiveness in global design since the brand relaunch in 2021. 

Kia’s ‘Movement that Inspires’ ethos and its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy sit at the heart of every strand of the brand’s global corporate identity and showroom identity strategies. Combined with models such as the recently revealed EV9 all-electric flagship SUV, they play a pivotal role in accelerating Kia on its rapid transition from a car manufacturer to a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

‘Movement that Inspires’ represents Kia’s determination to create spaces for customers to find value in every moment to become inspired and find more time to bring their ideas to life. Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, utilizing the character of one element to bring out the character of another.

The Kia logo symbolizes Kia’s assured new brand direction and conveys ‘Movement that Inspires’ through three design concepts: Symmetry, Rhythm, and Rising. Kia’s confidence in suggesting new customer experiences through providing futuristic products and services is captured by the symmetry of the logo. Rhythm represents the brand’s promise to tirelessly progress to meet customers’ demands and aspirations and provide continuous inspiration. Finally, the bold rising nature of the logo illustrates the brand’s ambition to deliver new values that truly encapsulate the customer’s perspective.

Kia’s confident corporate color scheme features Midnight Black and Polar White. These two primary color schemes at either end of the color spectrum convey the values of Sustainability, Eco-Friendliness, and Smart Mobility. Projecting confidence through contrast, they depict the brand’s unflinching vision to pioneer and expand to new domains as a mobility service provider beyond physical mobility. 

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy inspires the confidence and vision required to combine elements that don’t traditionally go together. This ability to leverage creative contrasts to achieve a unique outcome is perfectly expressed in the groundbreaking global design of Kia’s showrooms, which feature visually opposing exhibition and customer zones. 

The futuristic exhibition zone features pronounced corners and achromatic colors, along with steel surfaces that subtly reflect each model to enhance visibility and a sense of space. By contrast, the customer zone relies upon round edges, beautifully lit wooden walls, floors and ceilings, and premium fabric-covered furniture to create a unique snug, and soothing ambiance where customers can relax and view the cars, almost as works of art in a gallery.

The latest wins for Kia at the iF Design Awards 2023 maintain an exceptional winning streak for the brand and its products, further affirming Kia’s global competitiveness in design. The accolades include the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s recognition with a Red Dot Design Award, and the Kia EV6 GT being named ‘2023 World Performance Car’, following on from the EV6’s What Car? ‘Car of the Year 2022’ and ‘European Car of the Year’ titles.

Nigeria’s indigenous automobile manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, IVM, has unveiled its latest innovation, Innoson LNG/CNG Gas Truck, Bus, and Cars at its factory in Nnewi, Anambra state.

The liquified natural gas and compressed natural gas-powered vehicles were launched on Tuesday, 20th April 2023, by the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye.

The Unique feature of the Innoson LNG/CNG Gas vehicles according to the head of Corporate Communications, IVM, Cornel Osigwe is its ability to make use of CNG which is more affordable than diesel and petrol.

In his words: “it’s high time CNG and LNG powered vehicles ply Nigerian roads and IVM remains committed to producing durable, environment-friendly vehicles. This reduces the cost of transportation and encourages sustainability in our environment as well as development”.

In his remark, MAN’s President, Mr. Meshioye said the new vehicles represent great advancement in the manufacturing industry and indeed the pride of Nigeria and Africa.

“It’s a great thing to see what we witness in other parts of the world, in our own home. I encourage the Nigerian government and individuals to patronize Innoson Vehicles as that’s a sure way of partnering with the greatness we saw here today”

On local manufacturing, the Chairman of the South East Directorate MAN, Lady Ada Chukwudozie assured manufacturers of an improved environment for production as plans for better electricity in the southeast are ongoing. She encouraged the IVM brand to keep blazing the trail in car manufacturing.

“We are very happy with the factory tour of Innoson Vehicles, He is a trailblazer in car manufacturing in Nigeria, the blacksmith of Africa and our leaders are here to pay homage”.

Members of MAN, BOI, NNDDC, and many other leaders across the manufacturing and Oil and Gas sector were present at the launch of the Innoson LNG/CNG Truck, Bus, and Cars.

The founder of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma referred to CNG vehicles as an idea whose time has come. Adding that the newly launched vehicles were produced to enhance transportation at a reduced cost.

The serial entrepreneur recalled how BOI has been instrumental in the creation of his industries and in boosting his entrepreneurial capacity.

He also encouraged everyone who wants to join the manufacturing industry to not be deterred from taking that step to produce what can solve problems in society.

“When we started, I started with nothing in terms of investors but I went to the Bank of Industry, did a presentation for them and they accepted to help. Most of the equipment I buy for my factory is from them. As you know, the Vehicle manufacturing industry is the industry of all industries. So go ahead and launch that production company. I will buy materials or parts from you once you begin. There is room for more people in the car manufacturing industry”.

The IVM Chairman described the new cars as quality vehicles powered by CNG/ LNG and produced as a sustainable alternative to diesel.

Africa’s first vehicle manufacturing company showcased varieties of CNG/LNG automobiles including; Innoson trucks, buses, and cars.

The CNG and LNG buses are part of Innoson Vehicles’ commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation in Nigeria. They are designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while providing a comfortable and safe ride for passengers.

The commissioning of the Innoson Vehicles CNG and LNG buses represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to promote local content and innovation in the automotive industry. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the sector and looks forward to working with Innoson Vehicles and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Coscharis Motors Plc, the exclusive representative of the iconic French automobile brand, Renault vehicles in Nigeria gave members and friends of the late Golf buff, Chief Luke Uche Okpuno a memorable experience of the French brand during the memorial tournament at the Ibori Golf and Country Club in Asaba, Delta State.

The major highlight of the tournament was the sponsorship of the Hole-In-One prize of a Renault Duster donated by Coscharis Motors Plc. This raised the bar of the tournament with both the Pros and others that participated aiming at going home with the star prize but unfortunately, it was a tall order for any of the golfers that participated to hit the hole in one but ultimately it still created the real fun of the game for all the participants.

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, said: “our sponsorship of the tournament with a Renault Duster for the Hole-In-One prize amongst other donations made towards the success story of the tournament was to celebrate a loyal customer of Coscharis in his lifetime in person of the late Chief Luke Uche Okpuno and to do that is to key into his favourite sport of Golf when he was alive. Likewise to be able to create an avenue for his family, friends and well-wishers to come together for a tournament like this in his honour to unwind with the game of golf and at the same time have the opportunity to aspire to own any of the brand new Renault vehicles on display aside the one for the star prize”.

Coordinator of the tournament, Gabriel Okpuno, the younger brother of the late Chief Okpuno, showered so much encomium on Coscharis as a brand for the support towards a success story of a dream come true (the tournament) to honour his late brother with a sport he loved so much during his lifetime.

He further stated that his wish, the entire family together with the leadership and members of Ibori Golf & Country Club, Asaba is to immortalise Chief Okpuno’s name with a yearly tournament in his memory with the prayer that a reputable brand like Coscharis will continue to back them up with their sponsorship support like they did this year. The weeklong tournament started on March 20 ended on a very exciting note on March 25 with a well packaged dinner and prize giving to various participants that won in different categories of the tournament. The Captain of the club, Jimmy Odogwu thanked everyone that participated especially the sponsors led by Coscharis Motors Plc that presented the star prize of Hole-In-One. Mr. Collins Oseh emerged the overall winner.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The All-New HR-V, the latest generation of the popular sub-compact crossover SUV by Honda, has officially been introduced into Nigeria’s auto market where it is expected to follow the trail of success blazed by its predecessor model.

At a press launch/test-drive in Lagos on Wednesday, the All-New HR-V not only looked stylish and sporty with coupe-inspired design, but also showed off an impressive interior that got the participating motoring journalists thumbing up for the car assembled in Nigeria by Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd (HAWA).

At the event, Honda Automobile Western Africa drew attention to the fact that the new-generation HR-V is a smart versatile SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission.

Addressing the guests, the Managing Director of HAWA, Takashi Nakajima, said the 2023 HR-V, which controls about 38 percent market share in its segment locally, is crucial in his ambition of expanding the already large Honda family by “delivering as many cars as possible” to buyers.

Nakajima, who was accompanied by some HAWA managers, as well as Deepak Daryanani, the Director, Sales and Marketing of T.H.P. Limited (The Honda Place), said no fewer than 2, 000 Accord and HR-V units had so far been assembled at the company’s plant in Ota, Ogun state, since 2019.

All the cars, he said, are doing very well on the road across the country.

Manager of Sales, Marketing and Logistics, HAWA, Remi Adams, said the new-generation HR-V was introduced as a smart versatile SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission

Adams said the all-new HR-V is powered by Honda’s 1.5 litre powertrain technology, delivering a blend of efficiency and responsive performance.

According to him, carrying on with the concept of meeting the exacting needs of modern consumers, the new model achieves a rare balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional spaciousness, with compact dimensions and easy entry and exit for passengers.

He said the new generation HR-V embodies Honda’s simple, clean, modern design philosophy already seen in the Accord.

Defined by the same key design concepts of function and beauty, he noted that the compact coupe-inspired silhouette is familiar yet exciting in appearance, with a playful character and confident SUV stance.

Adams said the clean simplicity of design is realised through the car’s smooth surfaces, with exterior design features incorporated into the body shape. For example, the headlights, unique body-coloured grille and distinctive lower mesh grille seamlessly integrate with the forward-protruding nose shape and front quarter panels, giving it a more sculpted appearance and creating a sleek, bold expression.

Inside the 2023 HR-V, every design element is dedicated to achieving a sense of generous spaciousness and airiness that connects occupants to the outside world, with levels of comfort and practicality unrivalled in the sub-compact SUV segment. Contemporary fabrics and textured materials create a solid, premium feel, with the quality of soft-touch materials.

Efficient interior space management was evident during the test-drive, as even the tallest among the journalists enjoyed ample head-room behind the steering wheel, while the front and rear passengers also had enough leg-room to enhance their comfort..

The interior was designed with a focus on space and light to elevate the sense of airiness in the cabin. This airy feeling is amplified by a unique ‘Air Diffusion System’ where L-shaped vents are positioned in the top corners of the dashboard. This new system addresses a disparity in traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air flowing directly onto them.

Particularly worthy of note is a new driving position, which is 10 mm higher than the previous model. In addition, windows that are designed to admit as much light as possible, which are aided by the horizontally orientated, noiseless instrumental panel to the flat line of the bonnet. Furthermore, the mirror attachment has moved lower down the door, improving visibility around the three-quarter area when turning thereby preventing blind spot situations.

 Honda’s next-generation body stabilising front seats feature mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up, which helps prevent fatigue on long journeys and increases comfort in everyday use. For additional comfort while driving, the interior controls are optimally positioned as close as possible to the driver’s field of vision.

Although overall vehicle dimensions are similar to the previous model, the new HR-V offers greater leg room and shoulder space, for an enhanced feeling of spaciousness and comfort. In addition to the 35 mm increase in rear leg room, there is an additional two-degree recline compared to the previous generation HR-V. The platform configuration also allows Honda to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seat set-up, that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, depending on load space required.

Easy loading access has not been compromised by the coupe-inspired roofline. The clever packaging and Magic Seats, a lower tailgate edge, tailgate aperture, low, flat cargo floor all work in unison to provide this. The resulting cargo space can easily accommodate a wide variety of luggage and lifestyle-related equipment.

 Honda’s proven technology delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with responsive performance and impressive fuel efficiency. A 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with a CVT transmission that perfectly fits helps to drive with peak power output of 119hp / 6600rpm and a Torque of 145Nm / 4300rpm. You can be guaranteed of best in-class fuel economy with its Econ button that allows the owner to have a fuel usage of as little as 18.4Km/L, depending on driving condition and terrain.

Thanks to the auto maker’s thoughtfulness, the All-New HR-V provides seamless in-car connectivity that allows owners to connect to their everyday lives with ease. The intuitive 8” LCD touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction, with a simplified and fully customisable menu layer enabling easy access to convenience features and controls. HMI operation time is greatly improved compared to previous model HMI systems, making it quick and easy to switch between Apps and providing fast response to inputs and commands.

The interface, which is navigated using familiar smartphone-style controls, also enables smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay (through Bluetooth, WiFi or cable) and Android Auto (cable). Over-the-air software updates allows upgrades to the latest features and apps.

Very innovative among the array of safety features in the All-new HR-V are the On/Off headlights: They automatically come on when the car gets into dark environment, go off when it’s bright, changes the low beam headlights to high beam headlights when necessary.