Going by the current happenings in the Big Brother Naija House where about nine housemates are now slugging it out for the ultimate prize of N25million and a brand new SUV, it appears Nigeria may be in the process of unearthing yet another set of talent. From the enviable fitness skills of Kemen and Bassey, to the creative skills of ThinTallTony, Debbie Rise, and Efe; to talented entertainers, singers, and models such as TBoss, Bisola, and Uriel, entertainment should expect great stuff from these housemates in years to come. The BBN house currently serves one of the best reality dramas that has got fans to head online to air their views and also make their votes count, despite pressing socio-economic challenges.
Hosted in faraway South Africa, there are strong indications that the Nigerian entertainment space has opened up its doors to a wider viewing public, thereby showcasing some of the country’s budding talent who now have greater chances of success even beyond the ultimate prize of N25m. Without doubt, the show has continued to generate a high rate of talkability among the youth who are constantly airing their views on the character of the housemates. So far, the show has reportedly gained optimal visibility both in the mainstream and online media, drawing more than four million viewers.
The voting pattern has been influenced by the roles of the housemates in the house, their character and how good they are playing the game. For example, the theme of love, which was actively played out by characters such as TBoss, Miyonse, Marvis, Efe, among others, earned Miyonse the nickname, ‘lover boy’. While majority of the comments were criticism of Miyonse for allowing TBoss manipulate him, a few others commended him for being man enough to beat older male contenders and win TBoss’ affection.
Their love however turned sour when Gifty openly made advances towards Miyonse, a move which infuriated TBoss, and eventually led to her decision to nominate Miyonse for eviction. The voting public, who were already averse to Miyonse’s unresponsiveness, did not waste time in sending him home. During his interview with Ebuka, Miyonse said that his rivals in the house nominated him for eviction out of envy. It however came as a rude shock when the host told him he was nominated by his love interest, TBoss. It will be interesting to know the dimension their relationship will take after the show.
It was a different story for Soma, who from social media commentaries did not play a major role in the drama in the house, although he became more involved almost immediately he was up for eviction. For the up and coming songstress, CoCoIce, she was an embattled housemate who was not totally accepted by other housemates despite her sustained efforts to save herself from eviction.
However, despite the eviction of the trio of Soma, Miyonse and CocoIce, it is interesting to know that their fame and fortune have continued to grow by the day. On Valentine’s Day, Mr. Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubuese, among many other celebrities, paid a surprise visit to the housemates and shared his experience on how he tried to get into the house, but was unsuccessful, a move which informed his decision to go for Mr. Nigeria competition which he won in 2014. He advised the housemates to look beyond the ultimate prize and utilize the platform to launch their careers, noting that they are stars and Africa is watching them.
Being evicted from the house is definitely not the end of the road for Soma, Miyonse and CocoIce. Since their eviction and arrival in Nigeria, the housemates have had meet and greet sessions. The duo of Soma and Miyonse met with the management of Payporte, Indomie Noodles and Nigerian Breweries, all sponsors of the Big Brother Naija show. The first female housemate to leave the house, CocoIce, since her arrival in Nigeria has granted several radio interviews and is currently being sought after by the media.
Ironically, the first male evictee from the house became the first housemate to land a major deal as a fashion ambassador for leading online store, PayPorte, the headline sponsor of the BBN show. Soma joins the likes of Tayo Faniran who was also a Big Brother Africa housemate, now the brand ambassador of PayPorte. It appears this is the winning season for Soma as the model cum singer may have won the heart of Africa Magic Viewers Choice award winner, Funke Akindele, a fan of BBN. Reports available online also show that Soma may have earned a role in the comedy series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. It appears the dividends of fame have already started paying off for Somadina Anyama.
The housemates’ fame has continued to grow as more brands are showing interest in identifying with them. The latest is the collaboration between Bold Magazine and DStv Nigeria to feature all the contestants on a weekly basis. The
Tag: SUV
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BBNaija: Beyond the coveted prize of N25 million and an SUV
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Tesla plans pick-up, compact SUV
Tesla’s Founder and Managing Director Elon Musk, has said the American company is planning to build a pick-up and a compact SUV.
Writing on the firm’s website, Musk also ruled out building a cheaper vehicle than the forthcoming BMW 3-series-rivalling Model 3.
Dubbed ‘Master Plan, Part Deux’, the post follows on from the first ‘master plan’ published a decade ago, which included proposals for the Model S, X and 3.
According to Musk, introducing a pick-up and compact SUV “will address most of the consumer market”, though information is scant at this time.
Musk also revealed an intention to enter into the public transport market and “shrink the size of buses and transition the role of [the] bus driver to that of a fleet manager”, by creating driverless vehicles that can be summoned by smartphone – and buttons on stops – which match the speed of other vehicles.
The bus – which will be able to carry more passengers than a conventional model thanks to the deletion of a centre aisle and putting seats where entryways are currently located – is in the early stages of development and will be unveiled next year.
PayPal’s founder also revealed that in the future Tesla owners’ vehicles will be able to be used by others, by adding the car to a shared fleet and “have it generate income for you while you’re at work” once self-driving cars are approved.
He expects that worldwide approval for autonomous vehicles to be granted after the firm’s fleet of autopilot cars exceed six billion miles, with the fleet of vehicles currently covering around three million miles a day.
Musk said that sharing vehicles would “significantly offset and at times potentially exceed” the monthly loan or lease cost.
“This dramatically lowers the true cost of ownership to the point where almost anyone could own a Tesla. Since most cars are only in use by their owner for five per cent to 10 per cent of the day, the fundamental economic utility of a true self-driving car is likely to be several times that of a car which is not,” he wrote.
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Six die as bus, SUV crash in Ibadan
Six persons were killed in a road accident yesterday at Quarry area of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The crash involved two Lagos-bound vehicles – an 18-seater commercial bus and one ML Benz sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The cause of the crash was unknown as at the time of filing this report.
The two vehicles were totally damaged and the bodies of the occupants were mangled.
Some officials of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and a team of policemen were seen at the scene of the crash removing the remains of the victims.
Two of the crash victims, who sustained injuries, were attended to.
A police van was used to evacuate the bodies of the victims.
The incident led to a gridlock on the highway as security operatives were seen diverting the traffic to the other lane.
FRSC’s spokesman tunji Onijala confirmed six dead.
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Coscharis Motors to introduce JAGUAR F Pace SUV
Jaguar’s first ever family Sports Utility Vehicle will be officially unveiled in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors on Thursday at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.
The unveiling will be in partnership with Tech+ during an exclusive dinner opening ceremony for event partners.
The F Pace has become the manufacturer’s fastest-selling vehicle. In the first 10 months on sale, more than 14,000 orders have been placed, with all 2,000 First Edition vehicles sold out. The Jaguar F-PACE is Jaguar’s first performance crossover and its lightweight body structure comprises 80 per cent aluminium. It is the only aluminium-intensive design in its sector and is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull Plant in the UK.
According to the Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Manager, Aregbeshola Cletus, a follow up test drive plan has been scheduled for the last week of July, especially for customers who would have indicated interest during the launch.
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SUV knocks down LASU students
Two 200-Level students of Lagos State University (LASU), Joshua Oluranti and Paul Olajire, have cheated death after they were knocked down by a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the school gate on Sunday. The victims were rushed to a private hospital close to the school.
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the incident happened at 10pm when Joshua and Paul were going to the campus to read for the examination they had on Monday.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Olaolu, said the students were a few metres from the school gate when the SUV, with number plate LSR 513 DE, came from behind and hit them.
“They were rushed to a nearby private hospital by the driver of the SUV in the company of students who rushed to the scene of the accident,” Olaolu said.
Joshua, who sustained a dislocated hand and bruises on the face, surprised his classmates when he showed up for the examination on Monday. His entrance into the examination hall in company of Students’ Union President, Tayo Sekoni, was greeted with cheers by his classmates.
Tayo used the opportunity to announce free ride for students on campus throughout the examination period. He hailed students for not resorting to the violence after the accident, saying it was a show of maturity.
The union president urged students to be calm, advising them to study hard during the examination period.
A security officer at the hospital, who prevented our reporter from speaking to the victims, said Joshua had been discharged on Monday, adding that Paul remained under observation at the press time.
It was also gathered that the driver of the SUV footed the victims’ hospital bills.
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Minister, wife, son die as SUV somersaults
Driver, Chief Detail, orderly, PA injured
Buhari, APC, Atiku, others mourn
Minister of State for Labour and Employment James Ocholi (SAN) died yesterday in an accident on the Kaduna-Abuja road. He was 55.
The accident in which Ocholi’s wife, Blessing and son, Aaron also died, occurred at Rijana, Kilometre 57 on the highway.
Ocholi and his wife were married for 27 years.
Kaduna State sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Mr. Francis Udoma said: “The minister and his son died on the spot; the wife died in the government hospital in Doka, Kaduna State.
“The driver, the chief detail, the orderly and the P.A (Personal Assistant ) were injured.”
Kaduna Police spokesman Zubairu Abubakar confirmed the accident, which he said occurred because the Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) the family was travelling in lost a tyre while on speed.
A source said the Minister was on his way back to Abuja after attending a thanksgiving church service in Kaduna.
Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Kaduna Sector Command ACM Victor Nwokolo told The Nation on telephone that three persons were confirmed dead.
He said the accident occurred when the tyre of the Lexus SUV they were traveling in got bust, causing the vehicle to somersault.
He said bodies of the dead and those injured were taken to the National Hospital.
He said: “There is an accident involving the minister’s convoy. Our men are on ground at the scene of the accident, but I am not the one to disclose what has happened now since he is a serving minister.
“It happened at Doka village and I am not on ground there. We have a unit at Kateri and the ambulance is there. I am talking with them on telephone.”
Residents of Kogi State, where the late minister hailed from, were yesterday thrown into shock.
The eminent lawyer, who hailed from Ogbabede/Abocho in Dekina Local Government Area, was one of President Mohammadu Buhari’s nominees.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was shocked by the minister’s death.
Bello described the late Ocholi as a pragmatic, dynamic, humane and brilliant law officer, who was known around the world for his dexterous approach to legal and political issues and one of the most unwavering constitutional lawyers Nigeria has ever produced.
The governor recollected how the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria joined other progressive-minded individuals around the country to drive the intellectual pillars of the All Progressives Congress (APC), just as he described the late Ocholi as a complete gentleman who was irrevocably committed to the advancement of Nigeria.
He described his death as an irreparable loss to Kogi State, Nigeria, the APC and the legal profession, praying for the repose of the soul of the departed.
The APC Kogi State chapter, described Ocholi’s death as a great loss.
Treasurer Ismail Yahaya Adesayo described the death “very unfortunate”.
He remembered the late Ocholi as a fine leader who meant well for state and Nigeria.
He lamented that Ocholi died when his service was most needed in the state, praying to God to grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
He prayed to God not to take away the state’s leaders again, adding that the party is mourning.
Ocholi was the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) governorship candidate during the December 2011 governorship election in Kogi State.
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Robbery suspect arrested with ‘stolen’ SUV
A robbery suspect has been caught after petrol finished in the Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) he stole in Ilupeju, Lagos.
Ibrahim Babatunde, 28, was arrested by Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives at Ikeja along on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway around midnight last Wednesday while fleeing with the SUV.
He was caught when he attempted to run away after the vehicle ran out of petrol.
The suspect claim that he took to crime in order to pay his children’s school fees, adding that he has stolen about 150 phones, 10 laptops and a car.
He said he started stealing when he was 10, adding: “I have been stealing from my mother and sisters since I was 10 years old but I never stole from anyone outside my house until three years ago. It was frustration and poverty that drove me into robbery as a profession. I needed money to feed my family and pay my two children’s school fees.”
Babatunde was knocked down by a trailer as he fled from the police. The accident facilitated his arrest.
He said he stole the vehicle in Ilupeju, explaining that “I was just going round looking for what to steal. Then I got to a street in Ilupeju and saw a car parked outside a fence. I jumped the fence, landed on the balcony inside the compound; from there I went through an open window and then the staircase.
“I started going from room to room looking for any one that was open. I now saw a room that only the net was locked. I tore the net and entered inside. The occupant; a man, was sleeping. I took the three phones (two Nokia and a Blackberry) I saw on the table and also collected his car key.
“I did not know which car but since there was remote on it, I simply pressed the remote and the light came on outside and so, I drove the car away.
“As I was heading to Agbado, where I have already contacted Akeem Ayoola (another suspect) to find a buyer, the fuel finished just by Ikeja Along bus stop. I called Akeem and told him what was happening, and came down from the car to look for solution since it was midnight.
“But as soon as I came out, I saw policemen and out of fear, I started running. That was how they chased me and as I was about crossing the road, a trailer knocked me down and that was how they arrested me,” he said.
The police have also arrested Ayoola, 40, and Sanni Azeez, 27, who allegedly bought stolen phones, cars from the suspect.
A source said Babatunde was arrested before Ile-Zik after the police noticed his suspicious movement.
The Lagos command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, said the suspects had been transferred to Ilupeju Division.
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Volkswagen unveils new SUV to win back buyers
Volkswagen will unveil a battery-powered Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the Detroit auto show on January 11, according to company sources, part of a push into electric vehicles as it seeks to win back buyers in United States following its emissions test cheating scandal.
The car will be a plug-in hybrid version of the Tiguan, the German automaker’s top-selling sport-utility vehicle (SUV), the two sources said last Friday.
Analysts say Volkswagen’s core VW brand badly needs new models in the world’s second largest auto market to reverse a three-year decline in sales which fell 4.8 per cent in 2015 to 349,440 cars.
Europe’s biggest automaker is putting increasing emphasis on electric cars following its cheating of diesel emissions tests, which analysts think could hit demand for diesel vehicles, and a focus on SUVs makes sense given their growing popularity.
The sources said the concept model, following VW’s unveiling of an electric microbus at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last week, would hit U.S. dealerships sometime after the planned release next year of a new midsize crossover vehicle and a long-wheelbase Tiguan.
However, the German group is struggling to balance model development with the growing costs of its emissions scandal, a task made more difficult this week by a US lawsuit seeking billions of dollars in fines.
The new Tiguan prototype integrates electric engines at the front and rear axles and boasts more off-road quality than the GTE concept version of VW’s fifth best-selling model launched at the Frankfurt auto show last September, the sources said.
Still, demand for hybrid and electric cars has been dampened by cheap gasoline as well as limited range and high prices.
US sales of hybrid and all electric vehicles plunged 16 per cent in the first 11 months of 2015 compared with the year before to 452,338 cars, the Electric Drive Transportation Association said.
However, regulators are requiring automakers to sell more electric cars to curb greenhouse emissions and VW is keen to redouble efforts in the wake of its emissions scandal.
“Perhaps VW was so successful building cars in a conventional way that the necessity to fully engage with several new aspects of mobility has not been recognised,” chief executive Matthias Mueller said last Wednesday. “That is now different.”
VW plans to expand its MQB modular platform – the base for most of the group’s small and medium front-wheel-drive models – to build long-range plug-in hybrids and electric cars.
It also aims to develop a new modular platform dubbed MEB for compact electric cars and light commercial vehicles and launch 20 battery-powered or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2020.
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Land Rover introduces new compact SUV
Discovery Sport’s progressive design sets the tone for a new generation of Land Rover Discovery premium SUVs. These vehicles will be positioned in the Leisure family of Land Rover’s three-pillar brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender), writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO
Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family. Uniquely in its segment, Discovery Sport’s dynamic design combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint.
A suite of Land Rover innovations debut, including the next generation multi-link rear axle, an all-new touch screen infotainment system and state-of-the-art high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium body shell for outstanding performance, safety and efficiency.
Discovery Sport has been designed to be as environmentally sustainable as it is affordable to run: CO2 emissions as low as 159g/km are comparable to smaller and less versatile family hatchbacks, and buyers can opt for a range of powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, four-wheel drive, and advanced nine-speed automatic transmission.
“The launch of Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 66-year history,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market.
“Together with design excellence and engineering integrity, Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator: its chassis is as competent on-road as off. Discovery Sport is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.”
Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in United Kingdom, Discovery Sport will be produced at the company’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets worldwide.
Designed for life
Discovery Sport is clearly identifiable as a Land Rover but introduces a progressive new design approach specifically tailored to create clear differentiation between the other families within the Land Rover brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender).
This beautifully proportioned vehicle brings a new sense of dynamism to the Discovery family and projects an image of confidence with its wheel-at-each-corner stance.
The fast bonnet line steps down into a rising belt line, creating a distinctively compact profile that belies significant interior space with 5+2 seating.
This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, whilst the interior and load space are easily accessible and fully optimised.
Discovery Sport’s versatile interior has been designed to be premium, not precious. The centre console forms a strong vertical graphic in the middle of the instrument panel, ensuring key controls are deliberately placed to provide easy access from the Sports Command Driving Position. Simple, clean surfaces and high-quality materials feature throughout.
Lightweight body shell, all-new multi-link axle
Monocoque construction combines a mix of high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength boron steel and lightweight aluminium panels. This ensures a strong, stiff and light base for outstanding dynamic performance and high levels of torsional rigidity. An all-new multi-link rear axle heightens agility, increases axle articulation and – together with lightweight aluminium suspension components and carefully calibrated dampers – enables an unrivalled level of compliance no matter what the surface conditions. The new rear axle also reduces interior noise and minimises intrusion of the rear suspension turrets into the load space; this has proved key in providing excellent load space and 5+2 seating.
Powertrains
At launch, a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and turbo-diesel engines is available. All feature high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy.
Petrol derivatives use an all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre engine with 177kW and direct fuel injection. This offers six-cylinder levels of performance in a compact package that reduces weight and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent, compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output.
2.2-litre turbo-diesel derivatives are available in either 110kW TD4 or 140kW SD4 specification. With both TD4 and SD4 producing the same 420Nm, drivers can count on exceptional fuel efficiency of up to 5.99 l/100km as well as effortless overtaking ability.
All engine derivatives are paired with the advanced ZF 9HP48 nine-speed automatic transmission, for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.
Class-leading all-terrain capability
Class-leading off-road capability stands at the core of Land Rover DNA. Naturally, Discovery Sport’s body geometry has been optimised for even the harshest terrain, with excellent ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angles, and an ability to wade through water to a class-leading depth of 600mm.
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system features on all derivatives, allowing drivers to tailor Discovery Sport’s responses to the prevailing conditions.
Discovery Sport is equipped with vented 325mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes, providing reassuring stopping power in all conditions, including when towing up to 2.5 tonnes. The front brakes are of a new design, with a stiffer caliper and new-generation pads to enhance retardation. They also offer improved refinement and reduced brake dust.
Further enhancing safety, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) automatically increases the amount of brake pressure when the system senses an emergency situation; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps to ensure the perfect braking balance between the front and rear wheels in more extreme situations; and Corner Brake Control (CBC) reduces the likelihood of the driver losing control during heavy braking in a corner.
Advanced safety technologies
Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package including driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags has naturally been a priority. Innovations include an Autonomous Emergency Braking to help avoid or mitigate the consequences of collisions below 80km/h.
Innovative Autonomous Emergency Braking avoids or minimises the impact of collisions
Discovery Sport is the world’s first vehicle to offer an autonomous emergency braking system using an innovative stereo digital camera system. Operational between speeds of 5 and 80km/h, the system helps to avoid collisions below 50km/h, and reduces the severity of an impact at speeds below 80km/h.
The system uses stereo cameras mounted next to the rear-view mirror to detect objects that could pose the risk of a collision, such as queuing traffic. If the system deems a collision likely, it will alert the driver with a visual and audible warning. If no action is taken and a collision is judged unavoidable, a further driver warning is triggered while the system applies full braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop.
“Advanced touchscreen technology and an intuitive interface ensures Discovery Sport’s infotainment system offers all the versatility and connectivity that consumers have come to expect,” said Paul Cleaver, Discovery Sport Vehicle Programme Director. “Every Discovery Sport is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen, so all buyers can benefit from this latest innovation.”
Bluetooth functionality allows one phone to be synced to the infotainment system: to make or receive hands-free phone calls via multi-function steering wheel controls and to play audio. Alternatively, smartphones and portable MP3 players can be synced and charged via USB sockets or auxiliary inputs.
A choice of three audio systems, including 17-speaker Meridian option for peerless sound quality
A choice of three stereo systems is available: an entry-level system with six speakers; a 10-speaker system with amplifier for enhanced audio quality; and a top-of-the-range system with 10 speakers, an amplifier and subwoofer for outstanding sound reproduction.
The advanced optional audio system has been developed in partnership with Meridian, a world leader in audio technologies and digital sound processing. The 825W, Meridian Surround Sound 17-speaker system includes a subwoofer for peerless sound quality, and a state-of-the-art amplifier that incorporates the latest digital processing technology to ensure perfectly optimised sound quality for everyone in the vehicle. This system is packaged with a Rear Screen Entertainment option which includes “8 inch screens fitted in the front headrests and two Whitefire headphones.
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Here comes Nigerian-made Nissan Patrol
The new Nissan Patrol assembled in Nigeria by Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria is the Nissan’s latest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is packed with the most technologically imbued gadgets that wields significant quality and performance, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.
Car buffs waiting to catch a glimpse of the latest Nissan Patrol would have every reason to celebrate the quantum of transformation in one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the 4WD (four-wheel drive) globe
Now redesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than six decades old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA.
Assembled in Nigeria by Stallion NMN plant in Lagos, the new Y62 Patrol as it is fondly called, epitomises Nissan’s tagline: ‘Innovation that excites.’
The new Patrol adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its ‘proper off-roader’ status to become urbane-friendly Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor.
Compared with Toyota’s Land Cruiser, the new Patrol offers substantial ground clearance of 283mm which is 58mm greater and the Patrol matches competition’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, but breathes through the left-side guard vent, simplifying the fitment of an aftermarket snorkel.
Naturally aspirated, the Y62 Patrol comes equipped with a big V8 engine that delivers 298kw of power and 560Nm of torque – 90 per cent of which is available from just 1,600 rpm that makes 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds.
According to Nissan, the Patrol engine is undeniably a driver’s delight with an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission and sophisticated and electronically controlled all-mode 4X4 system.
Mr Amit Sharma, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (NMN) Head of Sales and Marketing, attested to the Patrol’s expediency, saying: “the new Y62 Patrol isn’t the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the practicality of a luxury sedan.
“And just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque, so does its multi-mode grip compensates for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water,” Sharma explained.
He said the new vehicle is undoubtedly one of Nissan’s most revolutionary designs ever in the Patrol’s 62-year history and it incorporates the most innovative highest quality, and highest value luxury SUV in Nissan history.
The Patrol SUV is certainly a fun to drive. It offers four terrain options: Sand, Snow, Rock and On-road – at the touch of a button. This feature makes it unique in its segment as competition does not offer this feature.
At city speeds and crawling around off-road, the broad spread of ratios is perfectly matched to the smooth delivery of torque from the 5.6-litre V8 while on the highway, the Patrol lopes along at 110km/h with the engine seemingly only a tick above idle. And when stoked, it responds with a throaty induction-snarl matched by impressive acceleration, particularly when overtaking.
In a world’s first, the Patrol employs advanced HBMC (Hydraulic Body Motion Control) System with 4-wheel independent suspension that works with the chassis and body frame to give the vehicle superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while also delivering comfortable ride in the city. This has greatly enhanced the vehicle’s 3500kg towing capacity that could be employed in towing a luxury cruise boat around town.
Features
Standard in both variants of the Nissan Patrol range are Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; large format front DVD player; a 2GB hard drive music server with 13 speakers; USB and iPod connectivity; steering wheel audio controls; intelligent key access; eight-way power assisted driver’s seat; drive computer, three-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags with active front headrests. In addition are around view camera, 600ml cool box with dual side openings. The Patrol LE however gets separate seven-inch DVD screens in the rear of the front seat headrests with power operated tailgate.
Compared to its luxury rivals, the new Patrol has much off-road capability. And in crowded motor parks, one can be rest assured it won’t bump into other cars with dedicated parking aids such as a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors and a 360 degree around-view monitor. This again is a unique feature, which gives absolute peace of mind.
Interior
The Patrol is one of the largest cars in the luxury SUV category. It’s bigger in all exterior dimensions when compared to competition. There are plenty of interior space and comfort levels that you can expect including wood grain finishes, and up-market dash layout and high quality finishes. The Patrol is also functional. With all three rows of seats occupied, there is still 550 litres of storage space and when the second and third row seats are folded, the new Patrol can provide 3100 litres with a virtually flat floor.
Driving
The big V8 engine is beautifully quiet and smooth on the road especially in an ideal long-distance journey, where one needs to transport up to eight occupants. And at highway speeds, the Patrol’s excellent wind and tyre noise insulation is apparent. No doubt, the Patrol is generally quiet and refined. The Patrol is in spite of this enhanced by Nissan’s new Hydraulic Body Motion Control on the suspensions to reduce body roll and give an exceptional ride comfort for the driver and passengers. You only need to sit in the rear seats to feel the comfort level compared to competition due to most ergonomically sitting posture in which one is comfortable even on long distance drives due to the thigh and back support provided by the Zero gravity seats.
Suffice to say the Patrol is absolutely unique in all attributes and totally unmatched by competition. These offerings make it a class above the rest of the SUV’S in its class in technology, comfort and luxury.
President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged the beauty and adroitness of the made-in-Nigeria Y62 Patrol when he, in company of some government officials, took delivery of the Patrol in Abuja.
He said: “I’m quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated the reality of exporting cars from Nigeria is possible which suggests we can soon as a nation export vehicles to other parts of the world.”