…Showcases Safety and top-of-the-class Interior
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ultiple award-winning Peugeot 3008 has been unveiled in Nigeria, courtesy of PAN Nigeria Limited, the nation’s maker of Peugeot automobile brand.
The launch, which held on Wednesday, at the prestigious Landmark centre, in Victoria Island, attracted crème de la crème from industries and political class as well as the print, electronic and online media.
In all their presentations at the event, PAN’s management members reiterated the quality and characteristics that had garnered thumps-up for the 3008 around the world. For it is on record that the 3008 made history by becoming the first Sports utility Vehicle (SUV) to win the prestigious European Car of the year award. It also won over 25 other awards, all due to its robustness, innovation, scintillating styling and, according to European motoring journalists, who had test-driven the car, supple ride and handling, generous passenger and cargo space, comfortable and alluring interior as well as top rated safety.
Although we are yet to carry out a full road test on the car, European journalists, who tested its ride and handling, comfort and space and other vital facets, gave it a pass mark. While 3008 is not the cheapest SUV in Europe, motoring journalists in the continent found it to be practical, comfortable and fun SUV that also happens to have the most interesting interior in its class.
Safety as Selling Point in Nigeria
Aside its attractive and top-of-the-class interior, two major selling points for PAN Nigerian Limited shall undoubtedly be equipments and safety, which formed most part of the presentation made by the company’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Boyi, at the launch. The version made for Nigeria, and indeed, all versions of the car, are equipped with six airbags as standard.
It also comes with lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking, implying that the car can automatically apply the brakes if it detects you are about to run into the vehicle in front. It comes with traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Stability Programme, Hill Assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring system as well as front and rear parking sensors. No wonder 3008 was awarded maximum five stars in Euro NCAP’s crash tests.
Comfort and Space
Motoring World’s editor had a feel of the car’s interior after its unveil and found 3008’s interior as a head-turner. Settling down in the car, his eyes were caught by the car’s amazing, futuristic dashboard, which is positioned slightly above the steering wheel, which is more compact. Also installed in the centre of the dashboard is a large 8″ capacitive touch screen, which resembles a tablet.
To offer direct and permanent access to the main control functions: radio, climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, telephone and mobile applications, the new PEUGEOT300’s i-Cockpit comes with six elegant piano-key toggle switches.
Sitting behind the wheel of 3008, visibility is not a problem. Moreover, it offers even a tall person, reasonable headroom, legroom and shoulder room, whether as a driver or rear seats passenger.
One of the dignitaries present at the launch was Otunba Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who was the chairman of the occasion. Addressing the gathering, he expressed delight to see Peugeot brand returning to full life in Nigeria.
“As at 1986, when Peugeot was into full automobile manufacturing in Nigeria,” he recalled, “I will never forget how I bought myself a made-in-Nigeria, brand new Peugeot 504 for N6, 500. I grew up Lagos. Peugeot was a great company. To see the company come back to life is a great joy.”
Having test-driven the newly unveiled 3008, Lagos State former deputy governor gave his verdict: “I’ve been opportune to cruise in the car, Peugeot 3008. It is sleek, well engineered and a car to enjoy.”
In his address at the occasion, Mohammed Munir Jaafaru, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company stressed that PAN Nigeria Limited is on a journey to regain its leadership position in the Nigerian auto sector as it resumes rolling out for Nigerians automobiles that are most suitable for Nigeria.
And interestingly, in an exclusive interview, PAN boss assured Motoring World that the car would be manufactured in Nigeria “in matter of months.”
How Much?
According to the management of PAN, the version for sale and manufacture in Nigeria goes for retail price of N16, 108,000. Buyers are to enjoy 3-year Warranty as standard.
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