…As Honda unveils new range of corporate SUVs
Nigerian auto space weekend went agog as two auto groups introduced new range of middle and upper class Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Just as Honda Automobile Western Africa welcomed the entry of its new HR-V (Hi-Rider Revolutionary-Vehicle) at a ceremony graced by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yutaka Kikuta; and the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Jelani Aliyu, the 2019 Lagos International Motor Fair was alive weekend as sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Nigeria and other brands franchise holder, Coscharis Motors, launched new Everest XLT Range and Everest Limited Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Business Hilights gathered that the new SUV boast of 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine and six-speed manual or automatic derivatives.
Both machines come with electronic differential lock is standard across the Everest range to enhance off-road capability.
The company explained that customers have the option of the powerful 3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi engine on the XLT model with 147kW and 470Nm on tap, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
All Everest 4×4 models are equipped with Ford’s seamless and intuitive Terrain Management System that facilitates easy switching between Normal, Rock Crawl, Mud and Sand modes to suit the driving conditions.
Coscharis told customers at the fair that just as with the New Ford Ranger, the New Everest has benefited from numerous suspension improvements that further enhance ride quality and refinement.
However, the new SUVs are coming with intelligent factory modifications as the front-mounted stabiliser bar has been moved to the rear of the front axle, which allows for greater packaging and design freedom, along with an increase in diameter and stiffness to give the Everest improved roll control and handling performance.
Coming as the most sophisticated Everest seven-seater SUV in the market, the new Ford Everest boast of refinement and luxury matched to exceptional space and practicality.
In his remarks, General Manager, Marketing and Communications at Coscharis, Abiona Babarinde, noted that “We are excited the new Everest will be joining our local line-up. The new Everest will provide Ford an important position in the SUV segment. It is a segment which continues to grow in Africa, as well as around the world. Consumers are opting for versatile, family-oriented vehicles that suit their active lifestyles,”
“With the New Everest, we have raised the game even further by introducing subtle yet effective styling updates with the eye-catching exterior, providing a more refined and luxurious cabin environment, adding several new trend-setting technologies to the already feature-packed range, and building on the outgoing model’s superb comfort and ride refinement with a revised suspension set-up.
Explaining more, Babarinde averred that “The Everest comes in diesel engines, which is what some of our oil services customers have been yearning for, as it is more ideal for access into highly inflammable locations than its petrol counterpart.”
Lovers of the new Honda and Everest products described the products as good for middle and upper class corporate managers who love smart living.