The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Hyundai unveils sixth generation Elantra

    Hyundai unveils sixth generation Elantra

    Depending on what you want, the new Hyundai Elantra promises more and, indeed, represents a pretty good value. The 2016 Hyundai Elantra pulls its exterior design inside, with lots of swooping lines and attractive surfaces to match the generally pleasing aesthetic of the car, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO 

    The 2016 Hyundai Elantra continues to offer ambitious styling, value proposition with improved quality reputation and fuel economy to provoke arch Japanese rivals like Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3 and Honda Civic.

    Restyled for 2016 model year, the sixth generation Elantra receives numerous changes including Hyundai’s fluidic design inspiration, cosmetic modifications inside and out, upgraded infotainment, quieter cabin, powerful engine and larger headlamps that wraps around the side of the body with a signature hexagonal grille that helps identify it as part of the Hyundai family.

    Hyundai isn’t slowing its car development and the Elantra is a proof. First remodelled in 2011 through 2014, the Elantra has since then undergone remarkable makeovers, returning with an inspiring 2016 model that delivers tremendous economy without sacrificing performance and comfort.

    Depending on what auto lovers want in a family sedan, the new Elantra promises more and indeed represent a pretty good value, adding large number of standard features and niceties like Bluetooth, rear-view camera, better road handling, roomy trunk, new front and rear ends with LED fillips around the headlamps.

    This is in addition to Hyundai excellent five-year or 100,000km warranty coverage plus keyless ignition and entry; immobiliser, sport-tuned suspension and sharp styling that gives the Elantra one of the most distinctive looks in its class.

    Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, folding electric outside mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, fog lamps and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player – satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni who said this much in his product presentation affirmed that the Elantra is Hyundai’s best selling model ever since the fourth generation model debuted in 2006.

    Available in three trim packages including the Executive GLS 1.6 AT (automatic transmission), Elegance GLS 2.0 AT and Elite 2.0 AT, the Hyundai’s sales and marketing helmsman says the Elantra yet remains the family sedan to beat.

    He said the cars are powered by two engine variants a Nu 2.0 MPI four-cylinder engine capable of producing 156bhp @ 6,200rpm and U2 1.6 MPI four-cylinder churning out 127.5bhp @ 6,300rpm, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

    The 2.0 Elantra, however, makes 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which puts it on the quicker side of the family-sedan average.

    Also added as standard safety features in all 2016 Hyundai Elantra sedans are antilock disc brakes, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, driver and passenger side including side airbags, rear-view camera, Blue Link emergency telematics system that provides services such as remote access, emergency assistance, theft recovery and geo-fencing (allowing parents to set limits for teenage drivers.)

    The new Elantra has meanwhile received five-out-five-star rating, with four stars for total frontal crash safety and five stars for total side-impact protection, Nadkarni said.

    Showing the automobile media the new Elantra, Mr Karthik Nayak, branch manager Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, explained that from whichever angle you view the Elantra, it pulls its exterior design inside, with lots of swooping lines and attractive surfaces to match the generally pleasing aesthetic of the car.

    Nayak said: “The centre stack for instance, integrates well with the numerous other curves throughout the cabin, while the buttons and knobs are easy to find and feel.”

    Elantra’s interior is appreciably spacious with roomy backseat large enough to accommodate the kids, he added.

    He said: “Compared to arch rivals, the Elantra is noticeably quiet at freeway speeds and is indeed one of the quietest cars in its segment. The ride quality is fine and it soaks up road noise better than its competitors. That’s an important metric for the Elantra, since its interior space spills over into mid-size territory.

    “Suffice to say the Elantra is an excellent value on many fronts incorporating radiant interior; lots of useful cubbies and storage bins with a covered one that sits ahead of the shift lever. This bin also contains the aux jack, a power point, and the USB port in an easy to reach module, perfect for connecting smartphones.”

    The new Elantra would undoubtedly appeal to young and upwardly mobile executives looking for a refreshingly potent sedan that delivers excellent road manners and practicalities – thanks to Hyundai fluidic sculpture design that now incorporates contemporary Hyundai DNA in its product cycle, which to a large extent, gives the Elantra image of a diminutive Sonata.

  • Why we invested in Chinese brands, by Elizade MD

    Elizade Nigeria Limited Managing Director Ademola Ade-Ojo has said that the company’s investment in Chinese brands is to provide more vehicular options to customers.

    Ade-Ojo spoke at the unveiling of $2 million showroom, which will take care of sales, services and spare parts.

    The showroom was meant for JAC Motors, a popular Chinese brand.

    Ade-Ojo added that JAC brands through Elizade Autoland “is poised to be meeting point for cost effective, quality vehicles for our loyal customers and others willing to believe in what we have discovered over the last three years.”

    He said it took the company three years to launch the brands because “we needed to be absolutely convinced that the JAC brand will not be a disappointment to Nigerians willing to use it for their everyday needs”.

    JAC, he said, is ranked in the top 10 auto manufacturers in China with sales close to 600,000 units last year and almost 60,000 units exported.

    On after sales, the junior Ade-Ojo said: “We intend to continue to develop other facilities across various states to further cement our conviction about the brand and to ensure that our customers will never suffer any disappointing experience whatsoever but in the meantime, our branch locations nationwide will provide needed services to customers who purchase the vehicles outside of Lagos,” he said

    Earlier, Elizade Nigeria Limited founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, promised that the brand would one day be ranked among top vehicles like Toyota.

    This, he said, would indeed be a great success story for us.

    Recalling his over 40-year experience with the Toyota brand, Chief Ade.Ojo said it appears that history is about to repeat itself with the JAC brand.

    “Toyota, you can say was like a diamond in the rough back in the 70s, but today, everybody knows that the rough is totally removed and the diamond is now etched in perfection. JAC is the diamond in the rough today that Toyota was over 40 years ago.

    “The last thing I would want to do is to disappoint my customers who have come to rely on us and trust that we would offer them nothing but good vehicles,” Chief Ade-Ojo said.

    Elizade Chairman Dr Herbert Ajayi said the organisation was committed to satisfying customers’ needs and establishing best quality.

    Ajayi said: “This facility defines the value we are projecting to all our customers at Elizade and that is to provide quality products while offering genuine spare-parts and after sales value at all times.”

    Maintaining that the vehicles were tested vigorously in Nigeria and adjusted to meet requirements in the country, the chairman said, “we can only assure you we will continue to drive customer value ahead and make life easier and better for Nigerians as a whole.

    “We did a 120-day test-run on the various models of the JAC vehicles which included passenger cars and trucks. We can confidently say that we have achieved what we set out for with the JAC brand, and would not relent in offering quality automobiles and services to our customers,” Ajayi said.

  • Of Toyota’s recall and assembly plant

    Of Toyota’s recall and assembly plant

    Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) has taken two major decisions that will interest lovers of automobile in the country. The company announced the recall of 900 units of RAV4 produced between 2006 and 2012 and the completion of its assembly plant, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Japanese car manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced the recall of almost three million of its cars worldwide after a potential weakness was discovered concerning the vehicle’s seatbelts.

    The recall applies to RAV4 SUV models produced between July 2005 and August 2014.

    The recall will affect nearly three million vehicles globally: 1.3 million in the USA, 624,642 in Europe and 918,000 in the rest of the world.

    There are 48,616 vehicles affected in the United Kingdom (UK).

    Many lovers of the brand in Nigeria have been wondering what their fate would be concerning the recall.

    But Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL), the authorised franchised for Toyota brands in Nigeria last Tuesday allayed their fears.

    At a briefing, TNL Managing Director Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo announced the recall of 900 units of RAV4 produced between 2006 and 2012 to fix the faulty real seat belts.

    Not done yet, TNL also showcased a locally- assembled Hiace from its 30,000-unit yearly capacity production facility located in Ikotun, Lagos.

    The assembly plant was part of the company’s move to conform with the automotive policy.

    According to Ade-Ojo, the plant’s facility comprises two lines, which are expected to assemble personal and mini buses as well as pickups and light commercial vehicles.

    Hiace, he said, was assembled as test sample, adding that the organisation would soon begin mass production, adding: “We need to introduce some changes to the plant so as to achieve efficiency in the operations. With the current economic situation, we are looking at starting mass production in a couple of months.

    “We are constantly training technicians and as far as the plant is concerned, we are assuring customers that we would want to continuously improve the assembling process of our vehicles to ensure that the vehicles meet international standards.”

    The plant, which occupies a 40, 000 square metre of land, was built to handle assemblage of different models.

    He promised competitive price once the mass production begins.

    According to him, no automobile company is manufacturing anything in Nigeria, saying “what everybody does is to assemble the parts. The parts are shipped in from overseas.”

    Speaking about the recall, Ade-Ojo said it was on the order of the parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), as a proactive safety measure to avert danger to the lives of people occupying the back seats of the vehicle in the event of an accident.

    “The issue has to do with the metal frame of the two extreme seats: the one on the right and the one on the left as you open the back seat. In the event of an accident, the seat belt is expected to restrain you from being thrown overboard; but in this case, there is a possibility that the seat belt may get cut and come in contact with the metal frame. This may cause some compromise to the system,” he said.

    TNL, he said, had ordered resin protectors from the vehicle manufacturer that would be needed to pad the metal frame and prevent it from constituting any danger.

    He also said all the authorised dealers of TNL had been duly briefed about the problem and how to handle it.

    The dealers, he noted, had been directed to contact the affected owners of the recalled vehicles, in addition to public notices to inform them about the development.

    He said the fixing of the problem would only take about 30 minutes, adding that the special service campaign was at no cost to the car owners.

    “It is a simple process, which will neither deface the vehicle nor diminish its beauty in any form,” he explained.

    Ade-Ojo also said the service campaign period had no terminal date as he added that “the one we did last year, we are still contacting the customers. Every week, we send the report to the TMC.”

    The TNL managing director, however, said priority would be given to those who purchased their vehicles from any of its authorised dealers in the country.

    He said the issue ordinarily might appear minor to the people but the firm decided to take the measure despite the cost to the manufacturer because Toyota did not want to take chances.

    “The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us and we don’t compromise on this,” Ade-Ojo added.

    $2 million in the flagship facility to cater for what would eventually turn out to be a vehicle brand that will be in high demand by Nigerians.

    ‘’We intend to continue to develop other facilities across various states to further cement our conviction about the brand and to ensure that our customers will never suffer any disappointing experience whatsoever but in the meantime, our branch locations nationwide will provide needed services to customers who purchase the vehicles outside of Lagos,” he said

  • 500,000 visitors for Uyo International Motor Show

    No fewer than 500,000  visitors are expected to attend the maiden edition of the Uyo International Motor Show holding between June 24 and July 2 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Southfield Technologies, organiser of the event, Mr Charles Essien, said this at a briefing at Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

    He said the 10-day event, which is being organised with the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, would create a platform for customers and automobile brands to interact.

    Essien said: “The Uyo International Motor Show is an event for the sub-region as only products and services that have manufacturers’ considerations for the sub-region shall be on display.

    “It would bring together automobile brands that are built with tropical considerations and aspects because in the past, they took advantage of us and brought in automobiles from other climes.

    “As such, our people will just buy and for six months, would be battling with corrosion and other problems.

    “We also want to ensure that automobile companies do not breach that trust that customers repose in them.

    “Also, 400 vehicles backed by the support sector of this all-important industry, the organiser is expected to register the number of visitors on a daily basis, before the show closes its doors for this year’s edition.’’

    It would be a platform for over 500,000 diverse visitors and guests from the sub-region to interact with brand owners, to do business.

    In other words, the event would integrate the West Africa sub-region into the global international automobile calendar, notwithstanding how small the market share is, every market share is important for the manufacturer.

    It would also pave way for the consideration that the media has a key role to play in the creation of the automobile architecture for the sub-region.

    Essien added that the motor show would further enable original brand owners create a platform for proper brand marketing and allow customers to hold them accountable on issues regarding warranty.

    He said: “We need companies to build trust in the buying companies and the public, so they should be communicating with the original brand owners and we expect they would listen.

    “We want to be on the driver’s seat to ensure car companies keep their word.

    “So, the event would highlight the safety and security aspects of the automobile industry and as such, all the brands will display prototypes of all the vehicles so that visitors can make inputs using the suggestion boxes,’’ he said.

    On the economic benefit of motor shows, Essien added that the event would further promote President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to redirect the country‘s revenue from a monolithic economy.

    “It would bring some positive impact into to the transport and allied industry and the Nigerian economy at large because investors would be attracted from over 45 car brands from America, Europe, and Asia.

    “If such companies are encouraged to have an assembly plant in Nigeria, for instance, a lot of revenue and employment would be created in different sub-sectors, like tourism and solid minerals,’’ he added.

     

     

    “I believe that given the right policy, it would also encourage local content.

    “For instance, just as we have most of the platforms constructed for the oil rigs in Texas constructed in Port Harcourt, these automobile companies would be attracted here because of relatively cheap labour,’’ he added.

     

     

    Essien, who is also a motoring journalist, added that the event will also feature the conferment of awards/honours to industry experts, organisations, journalists and brands.

    “We would also have an ECOWAS Car of the Year (COTY) award in 10 broad categories, which include mini cars, large cars, executive cars, sport cars.’’

    “The car that wins will be placed on displace within the Le Meridian lobby for a period of one year, until the next winner emerges in 2017.’’

    On security, he noted that the venue is a “well secured place; it is what I will call a closed type of facility.

    “So security is rock-solid because visitors and exhibitors would enjoy the same security that customers of the Le Meridien experience, ’’ Essien added.

  • Geneva Motor Show: The best of them all

    Geneva Motor Show: The best of them all

    Every March, the auto industry gathers on neutral ground in Switzerland for one giant event – Geneva Motor Show – showing off its latest wares and new ideas to woo car buyers, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Of all the international shows, Geneva tends to be the best. Best that is, in terms of the sheer number of launches of cars.  Geneva has become the home of supercars too.

    The big stars of this year’s Geneva Motor Show are clearly the supercars, but concept cars are proving a memorable supporting cast. In addition to new concepts and design studies from the big manufacturers, Geneva is also the place to find debuts from Italian design houses and design schools. This year’s show has plenty of concepts to see, from 4×4 adventure minivans, to classically influenced roadsters, to cutting edge autonomous cars, on to hydrogen-powered track cars.

    Skoda previews its new design language with the Vision S concept

    It took students 68 days to design and construct the 1,984-lb (900-kg), 300-hp Audi five cylinder-powered.

    The Opel GT Concept adds some serious flair to GM’s Geneva presence.

    We looked at the GT Concept exterior and interior designs prior to Geneva, so we knew this were bound to be a favourite. It didn’t disappoint in the flesh, tantalising the eyes with its combination of colourful, curvy styling, high-tech cockpit, and unique design cues like its oversized, fixed-window doors.

     

    DS E-Tense

    Citroën always knows how to liven up a motor show with unique concept cars, and it looks like its new DS premium brand will follow suit. Even if you think, as some seem to, that the E-Tense’s overall look is too similar to existing cars like the Audi R8 or Lexus LC500, unique styling points like the rear windshield-free roof, wavy, vented flanks and rotating LED headlamps give the E-Tense a presence like no other car in Geneva.

     

    GTC4Lusso

    Ferrari has launched nearly all of its recent important models there, and this year’s no different – with the clumsily named, but neatly designed GTC4Lusso making its debut.

    Not to be outdone in the horsepower stakes, rival Lamborghini celebrated its own birthday by wheeling out a Centenario concept, and the fastest car in the world – the Bugati Veyron – is dead, replaced by what’s likely to be the new fastest car in the world: the Bugatti Chiron.

    It’s not just about the unobtainable though, there is every day family stuff there too in the form of a fun and brightly coloured new Renault Scenic, a Prius-rival from Hyundai, a new Seat SUV and Toyota’s segment-busting C-HR.

     

    Sexy wagon

    As an American touring the European car scene, the number and style of estates/station wagons is always a highlight. This year proves a very good one for sexy estates thanks to debuts from Volvo and Kia. We already looked at the Volvo V90, which we would say is the best-looking wagon at the show. The all-new Kia Optima Sportswagon isn’t far behind, and though it is not quite as immediately stylish and sporty as last year’s Sportspace concept, which influenced its styling, its dropping roofline and sharp, swooping front-end design give it an attractive presence. The Sportswagon will go on sale in the fourth quarter, and buyers will be able to select from several gas and diesel engine options, including the range-topping 242-hp 2.0-liter turbo four of the Sportswagon GT.

     

    Tops optional

    Stylish roadsters are also out in full force, and not all of them are full-blown supercars or concepts. The Abarth 124 Spider is one of the more memorable roadsters of the show, and the funky Morgan EV3 is definitely another. Morgan is also celebrating 80 years of 4/4 production, calling the car the longest running production car in the world. The 4/4 80th Special Edition marks the occasion, offering 80 buyers a special 4/4 with sports exhaust, brass mesh grille and brass accents, mohair roof and part tonneau cover, solid wheels with brass centre locks, special edition graphics, and more. The special edition starts at £33,330 (approx. US$47,000) before taxes.

  • Volkswagen ordered to compensate UK customers

    Volkswagen ordered to compensate UK customers

    Volkswagen’s efforts to regain the public’s trust in the wake of the emissions scandal have incurred further costs after the company was ordered to compensate its British customers.

    The Department for Transport called out the German car manufacturer over a “discrepancy in compensation” between its United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) customers. Volkswagen car owners in the US who were affected by the fraud emission claims received $1,000 worth of gift vouchers to “encourage loyalty” however their UK counterparts have so far received nothing.

    Volkswagen claimed that the reason for this was due to the fact that US motorists were in a “very different position” to those in Europe because engine configurations were not the same.

    Ministers have been unwilling to accept the response and are now pressing the company to act.

    UK Roads minister, Andrew Jones, said the government “expects Volkswagen to treat its UK customers fairly” and was “pressing” the manufacturer to address the issue’’.Jones’ comments follow on from reports that the timetable for fixing cars in Britain and the rest of the EU is already starting to slip. The company had previously stated that it hoped to begin recalling affected cars in January or February of this year however it has yet to begin the process.

    Volkswagen said that it had not received approval from the authority for the recall but hoped that it would do so this week.

  • Lagos Motor Fair holds in April

    Lagos Motor Fair holds in April

    The organisers of the yearly Lagos International Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo Nigeria have announced April date for the 11th edition of the fair.

    Managing Director BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the chairman of the Organising Committee, said the event will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos between April 28 and May 4.

    Agwu at a briefing said, this year’s theme is New approach; New options; New opportunities.

    The theme, he said, is informed by the challenges facing the sector in recent times especially, adding: “The challenges notwithstanding, we shifted to new approach of educating the people and government in developing new options and approaches for  creating and harnessing new abundant opportunities in the sector though new approaches to achieve better customer relationship and marketing. The emphasis is on keeping the sector alive.

    “When government takes off properly and shows policy direction on the sector, it’s going to be for better. The sector is very important as it shows physically the state of the economy and it generates much revenue and creates enormous employment. No serious government toys with it. Auto sector was one of the key sectors that received bailout from the American government during the last global economic meltdown and it helped to revamp the economy. It is a sector that drives the economy; if it is badly affected, other sectors suffers. It is the artery of the economy. Government should parley seriously with the sector stakeholders to seeing how it could be made better.”

    Agwu said the Autoparts Expo segment of the event is doing well and “we are looking at involving 23 countries in West and Central Africa in the edition. This we have kick-started by extending invites to players in the autoparts business in those countries to visit the fair. We are aiming at using the Nigerian Autoparts markets as the hub of the sectors business in Africa. The intention is to make them (players from the other countries) to be buying from the Nigerian markets. The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, Agriculture (NACCIMA) is assisting in inviting them through the Chambers of Commerce of those countries, their missions in Nigeria as well as Nigerian missions in those countries. In no distant future, it will become a big event spreading to other countries in the continent. Nigeria has the resources and capacity to play such a role and it will be a very big disservice to Nigeria and its people if another African country does this ahead of Nigeria.”

  • Kia to introduce Android auto, Apple CarPlay

    Kia to introduce Android auto, Apple CarPlay

    Kia Motors is to introduce Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality across its entire European model range over the next 18 months, making the Korean manufacturer’s customers some of the most connected drivers on the road.

    The all-new Kia Niro hybrid crossover, Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Sportswagon will be available with the latest smartphone-compatible operating systems when they are launched in Europe later this year. Every new model in Kia’s product line-up will feature these technologies in future, as the brand seeks to offer the latest connectivity technology to buyers at all price points.

    Kia Motors Chief Operating Officer Europe Michael Cole, said: “In-car connectivity is increasingly important to our buyers, who are young-at-heart and often seek the latest technologies on offer. It makes a great deal of sense to offer full Android and Apple compatibility so our customers can use a wide range of smartphone functions in a safe and seamless way. Kia is integrating these technologies to let drivers maintain their concentration on the road ahead.”

    The new Niro hybrid crossover will be the first Kia model to feature Android Auto (designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 Lollipop or higher).

    Once the phone is connected to the car via USB, both the Android and Apple systems feature voice control and allows the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead. Android Auto will be available on the Niro from the start of European sales in Q3 2016.

    Android Auto connects to the user’s Android device and lets them access smartphone apps and functions through the in-car infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google

    Maps navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto also lets users stream music from Google Play Music.

    The system also supports other audio apps,such as music streaming or audiobooks that the user may have downloaded to their iPhone.

    The system has been designed to minimise distractions, and allow the driver to maintain their focus on the road ahead at all times. The new operating systems are built into a large 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard.

  • Here comes Hyundai’s Tucson SUV

    Here comes Hyundai’s Tucson SUV

    Redesigned from ground up with a brand new chassis, the new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is another step up from its predecessor and it offers distinctive styling and tremendous features that make a distinction from competitors in the mid-size SUV crowd, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Hyundai has styled the new third-generation 2016 Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to look like a mini Santa-Fe – striking characteristic competitors would have to contend with in successive years to oust this nicely styled car that has all the trappings of a luxury.

    The Tucson is no doubt an inspiringly beautiful SUV with attractive features, fantastic build quality, efficient engines and a strong suite of safety kits backed by Hyundai ambitious five years or 100, 000km warranty.

    The visually striking 4WD Tucson replaces iX35 as Korean automaker’s rival for lacklustre best sellers like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti, Renault Duster, Ford Escape and Mazda CX3.

    The squared-off wheel arches for instance and the Z-shaped shoulder crease on the car flanks give impression the Tucson is moving even while it’s stationary. This is in addition to the smart rounded rear end and the rear light clusters that are similar to some Hyundai’s models.

    Coupled with this is the evidently inspiring gasping chrome grille in the front that links up to the headlights and stretched backwards on to the front wings.

    Against notable competitors, the Tucson is incredibly spacious and could dwarf rivals in practicality, boot space and generous amount of standard kits too.

    Standard equipment on the Tucson is reasonably impressive with air-condition, alloy wheels, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB ports, 18 inch alloy wheels, child safety PR DR lock, keyless entry with burglar alarm and automatic headlights.

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria, manufacturers and distributors of Hyundai automobiles today joined world renowned Hyundai dealerships as it unveiled the all new third-generation 2016 Tucson SUV that successfully mixes value and practicality.

    Available in Elegance and Evolution variants, the Evolution has optional features including auto Defrog system, ECM+Rear view camera, leather seats, power seats, parking assist, cruise control, privacy glass, button start (smart key) among others.

    Hyundai Motors Nigeria Head of Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni at a product presentation last Thursday affirmed that the new Tucson has plenty of cabin space for five adults and ample boot capacity than most rivals in the mid-sized SUV segment.

    Tucson’s second-row of the five-passenger interior has similarly improved in size and sophistication with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support.

    Also noteworthy is the Tucson’s near flat-folding rear seats and dual-level cargo floor allowing ample space to store consignment underneath the floor.

    “In fact, four six-footers won’t have any trouble getting comfortable in the Tucson – thanks to a roomy cabin that’s top of the class space-wise,” Nadkarni said.

    The use of buttons and knobs for climate and audio functions is no doubt commendable.

    Suffice to say the 2016 Hyundai Tucson has made noticeably gains in overall comfort but most appreciated is its well-insulated cabin that keeps outside sounds at bay and a new suspension setup that can easily soak bumps and nasty road imperfections.

    Among the most attractive lures is Tucson’s new suite treated to the automaker’s latest ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design which gives the car sporty forward stance and sharp creases like the Santa-Fe. This semblance is noticeable in the Tucson’s large trapezoidal grille and the new chassis, which now uses 50per cent high-strength steel compared to its predecessor’s 18per cent.

    Under the hood, Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain offerings is enhanced with top efficient Nu engine family 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 164 brake horsepower (bph) and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

    The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.

    Tucson has resultantly become quieter with less road noise in the cabin especially when cruising on the highway and the body roll has been improved to eliminate unpleasant leaning through fast corners – thanks to the excellent body control.

    The design progress inside the new Tucson for example is evidently glaring with a mix of sophisticated, cohesive, premium shine plastics with splashes of chrome and smooth rolling dials that gives high-end feels

    Even so, the eight-inch touch screen is home to audio, and a raft of in-car information displays with intuitive pathways. There’s also good storage pockets with 12-volt, auxiliary and USB points that are sensibly positioned forward of the gear change, allowing ease of access.

    Tucson’s second row offers comfort and space for three with two directional air vents; two back of seat pockets, partial reclining seats and indoor storage stow.  The centre belt extends from the roofline, but does its job nonetheless.

    A much-desired electric tailgate reveals a large load capacity – 488-litres growing to 1478 with the seats folded flat – that offers a good load height with plenty of anchor points; a 12-volt outlet and a dedicated light. There’s also a spot to easily secure the retractable cover when it’s not in use.

    Local drivers especially in Nigeria would find the Tucson extremely delightful to drive because of the improved suspension that ensures more precise handling without sacrificing ride comfort. Hyundai claims to have spent significant time testing dampers, anti-roll bars, springs, drivetrains, transmissions and wheel sizes to enhance the ride quality and deliver perfect balance between rough terrain and smooth highways.

    A world’s first shock-absorber mounting structure, the 2016 Tucson employs a dual-reinforcing panel rear wheelhouse design, which optimises panels that are prone to vibration, resulting in a 109 percent increase in rigidity, reduced road noise levels and ride and handling improvements.

  • Commissioner inspects road projects

    Commissioner inspects road projects

    Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Honourable Musiliu Folami has urged contractors working on two of the 114 state’s roads project in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to ensure that the work done meets the required standard.

    Folami, who was accompanied by some top officials from the ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Mr Jafar Sannuth; Director of Technical Service Atitebi and the Director of Public Affairs Mrs Bisi Olufuwa, was received by the council’s Executive Secretary Mrs Fausat Hassan-Olajoku.

    Former Ojokoro LCDA chairman now Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Hon Benjamin Olabinjo also joined the team to inspect to roads.

    The two major on-going road construction projects financed by the state at Biodun and Ademola Abiola streets in the LCDA were inspected.

    Folami expressed satisfaction at the level of work done by the contractors, urging them to ensure early completion within the stipulated time.

    Mrs Hassan-Olajoku thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for embarking on the road projects, which she said would boost the socio-economic development of the council when completed.