Alleged fresh Diezani’s $153m loot: Fidelity Bank MD, Okonkwo, remanded in EFCC custody

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo

Akinpelu Dada and Eniola Akinkuotu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to charge the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, over a fresh revelation that he allegedly helped a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to launder $153m during the build-up to the presidential election.

An impeccable source at the EFCC told one of our correspondents that Okonkwo was brought before a Magistrate’s Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday and the court ordered that he be remanded in the EFCC custody for one week pending the outcome of investigations.

A detective at the anti-graft agency told The PUNCH that the bank MD, who was arrested last month for allegedly helping Diezani to disburse $115m to some personalities in 2015, had told investigators that the ($115m) N23bn was the only fund he handled for the ex-minister.

Operatives of the commission continued their investigation into Okonkwo’s financial dealings with Diezani after his release and were said to have been stunned by the fresh discovery.

The source added, “The Fidelity Bank boss was taken to court today (Wednesday) and we obtained an order to remand him in custody for seven days pending the outcome of investigations.

“He was remanded based on the fresh discovery of $153m. All things being equal, he will be charged to court next week.”

All attempts to speak with the spokesman for Fidelity Bank, Henry Ndiulo, on Wednesday proved abortive as he did not return several calls to his mobile.

The spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said he was not aware of Okonkwo’s arrest but promised to find out.

He had yet to call back as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile,  the EFCC on Wednesday continued investigations into the N23bn ($115m) bribe disbursed to various states by Diezani through some banks during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

According to the EFCC, a former acting Governor of Taraba State, Senator Sani Abubakar, chaired the committee that supervised the sharing of N450m in Taraba State and a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Danlami, benefited from the cash while Senator Sa’idu Kumo of Gombe State collected N450m campaign fund for the re-election of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Chief Joel Madaki, the current Chairman, PDP in Adamawa State, and Amb. Hassan Adamu were also alleged to have signed and collected N450m.

The anti-graft agency said the money was disbursed to several local government chairmen in the respective states.

All attempts to speak with the former acting governor proved abortive as his phone line did not connect while a text message sent to his telephone was not responded to as of the time of filing this report on Wednesday.

On the distribution of the fund in Taraba State, sources at the commission explained that each local government received N28m.

The source said, “A former acting Governor of Taraba State, Senator Danladi Abubakar, who was the Senator representing Taraba North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was the chair of the sharing committee of the N450m campaign slush fund.

“Other members were a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Danlami, and a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mark Useni.

“Investigation by the EFCC revealed the role played by the trio in the collection and sharing of the fund. It also showed that Ikenya and Useni signed and collected the fund from Fidelity Bank on behalf of the state before proceeding to the Government House to distribute the fund.

“When interrogated, Ikenya and Useni claimed they distributed the money to the 16 local governments in the state. They gave N140m (N28m each) to five local government areas while N264m (N24m each) went to the remaining local government areas. However, Useni admitted he collected Takum Local Government’s fund of N24m.”

The EFCC source added that Ikenya and Useni confessed to have personally benefited individually from the fund.

He added, “The former minister admitted to have taken N4m from the fund. He presented a Guaranty Trust Bank draft of N2m and promised another draft for the same amount. His co- suspect deposited a draft of Stanbic IBTC for N1m and the balance to be paid later.”

Explaining how the one in Gombe was shared, the source explained that Senator Kumo, who is a former National Secretary of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, signed and collected N450m campaign fund for the re-election of Jonathan.

“Kumo admitted that out of the said amount, he got only N2m, which he promised to pay back,” the EFCC source added.

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Stella Damasus's daughter, Angelica Aboderin receives Presidents' Award for educational excellence in America

Actress/Singer, Stella Damasus's daughter with the late Jaiye Aboderin, Angelica, won a prestigious award for academic excellence. Celebrating her via her Instagram Page, Stella wrote;

"I am so super proud of my daughter Angelica for her huge academic achievement. She received the Presidents' Award for Educational Excellence in America. Thank you for darling for making me so proud. Isabel & I are proud of you. I am so happy to have two of the most intelligent daughters any mother can hope or pray. #ProudMom#education #excellence#presidentsawardforacademicexcellence#america #smartkids #Godisgood#beautyforashes #Godvindicates#happymom #academic #award"

Economy: Nigeria in volatile situation, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

Sunday Aborisade and Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said the sharp drop in the price of oil globally had put Nigeria in a volatile situation.

He said the country made what he called a terrible mistake by relying solely on oil.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He reaffirmed that his administration was fully committed and determined to do all within its power to achieve the rapid diversification of Nigeria’s economy in the shortest possible time.

Buhari said he was convinced that with diligence, hard work and determination to achieve self-sufficiency, Nigeria could produce most of the items currently on its import list.

The President added, “We made a terrible mistake by becoming a mono-product economy, hinged on oil and we are now in a volatile situation due to the crash in oil prices.

“We have seen the benefits of diversification, which helped Iran to survive many years of sanctions and still come out strong.

“We are now fully committed to economic diversification. Most of the things on our import bills can be produced here; and we are determined to achieve that self-dependency.”

At a separate audience with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, the President gave an assurance that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to meet its obligations under bilateral agreements with China for the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

The President reiterated his commitment to the completion of the Mambilla Power Project, which, he said, was of great strategic importance to his government’s efforts to ensure that Nigeria did not become over-reliant on gas-powered electricity generation.

The President commended the outgoing ambassadors for their efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and their countries during their tenure in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the poor state of the nation’s economy.

The lawmakers consequently summoned the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to brief it on the monetary/fiscal policies being adopted to salvage the worsening economic situation.

The resolution followed a motion by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Akpan, after reviewing the economic situation recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report, he said, showed that the economy had relapsed into a recession with a decline of 0.3 per cent year-on-year real terms.

Bassey stated, “From the report, unemployment rate rose to 12.1 per cent in Q1, 2016 from 10.4 per cent in Q4, 2015.

“Underemployment also increased to 19.1 per cent from 18.7 per cent in the same period while the rate of inflation rose from 9.6 per cent in January, 2016 to 13.8 per cent in April, 2016 with the attendant increase in prices of basic food commodities and services in the country.

“The declining Gross Domestic Product and unemployment besides the current high inflation rate clearly shows that the economic policies are not achieving desired impact and require an urgent review to avoid further plunge in our economy.”

The senator argued that the current economic situation was the first major crisis of the Nigerian economy since 2004, which, he noted, the CBN classified as 12-year low while the World Bank called it 21-year low.

He also recalled how the CBN had, in March, 2016, deployed a contracting monetary policy, which, he said, increased the benchmark for interest rate from 11 per cent to 12 per cent and also raised the cash reserve ratio from 20 per cent to 22.5 per cent.

He queried the rationale behind contracting monetary policy instead of expanding it to boost economic activities at the current precarious times.

Akpan said if the persistent complacent state of the Nigerian economy continued unchecked, it would graduate into a full blown economic recession at the end of June 2016 in accordance with the CBN alert.

He added that non-availability of forex to boost the importation of raw materials for Nigeria’s domestic industries would only worsen the current unemployment and poverty rates in the country.

Akpan lamented the declining oil production in the Niger Delta from the projected 2.2 million barrels per day to 800,000 bpd as a result of vandalism of oil pipelines.

He added that the incapacity of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to meet their revenue targets as a result of cash crunch would further worsen the situation.

He noted that the naira had been completely devalued in accordance with the newly announced forex flexibility by the CBN while the exchange rate approved in the medium term and expenditure framework 2016-2018 remained N197 to $1.

Akpan stated that the fate of ordinary Nigerians on the street remained uncertain, noting that in view of the current economic recession, achieving key revenue projections in 2016 budget would remain an illusion.

He advocated the urgent need to strategise against budget deficit or poor implementation in the current fiscal year.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the session before he vacated his seat for his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, while on his way to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, did not allow his colleagues to  debate the motion to avoid  tension.

Senator Biodun Olujinmi (Ekiti South), who seconded the motion, believed that contrary to Akpan’s submission that the current economic policies had not only been unfruitful, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration did not have feasible economic policy at all.

According to her, everything is wrong with the economy, which, she says has resulted in the belated devaluation of the naira.

Olujinmi said Adeosun and Emefiele must not just appear before the Senate but they must also come up with the Federal Government’s economic blueprint.

She added, “In seconding the motion, Mr. President, it is very clear that there is no visible economic policy in Nigeria; everything has gone down especially with the devaluation of the naira.

“The two people that have been invited, the minister of finance and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria to come and see us, they will come with an economic blueprint and ways of applying palliatives to this our economy.”

However, despite agitations from the floor by the senators to debate the motion, Saraki declined the demand, saying merely passing a resolution through a voice vote to summon the government officials was enough.

Thus, when the issue was eventually put to a voice vote, it was passed amid dissenting voices.

Two lovebirds enjoy the view at Oworonshoki water front...:-)

As seen late in the evening of yesterday May 24th. Two love birds enjoying the view at Oworonshoki water front...:-)

Adorable photo of Beyonce, her father Mathew Knowles & Blue Ivy

Beyonce's father Mathew Knowles, pictured in a loving embrace with his daughter and grandchild, Blue Ivy.

Port Harcourt, turp up with Reekado Banks & DJ Lambo at De-Planet Lounge this Friday

Jack and the Beats is back and heads to Port Harcourt! Jack Daniels Nigeria has announced Friday May 27 date for its rock themed party tagged Jack and The Beats in the coal city. This May edition will feature Mavin Records Reekado Banks and the incredible DJ Lambo at De-Planet Lounge in GRA II.

Jack and the beats has seen the finest of acts and performances from Olamide, Phyno, Reminisce, Illbliss, Falz, The compozers (From the UK) to Iceprince, Eva, ShowDemCamp and more. Jack and the Beats is a continuation of Jack Daniel’s 150-year heritage which includes a long association with music.

Please visit www.facebook.com/jackdanielsnigeria for additional information and updates. Jack and the Beats is open to only individuals 21 years and above. Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly. Date: Friday 27th June, 2016 Time: 10PM Venue: De Planet 86A Woji road, G.R.A Phase II, Port Harcourt

Photos: Woman charged to court for killing her husband in Ibadan, arraigned today, pleads not guilty

Yewande Oyediran, the woman accused of stabbing her husband, 38 year old Oyediran Ajanaku to death at their Akobo estate home in Ibadan, Oyo state on February 2nd after a domestic dispute, appeared in court today May 24th.

The defendant's preliminary objection, asking the court to strike out the case against her, was dismissed in a ruling today and thereafter she pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The case was adjourned and it is reported that judgment would be delivered in July at the latest. See more photos after the cut..

Ford Ranchero

Asia hotbed of IT piracy despite economic growth − report

Security concept: computer keyboard with word Cyber Crime, selected focus on enter button background, 3d render. Photo credit Yepp

More than 60 percent of all computer software installed in the Asia-Pacific in 2015 was unlicensed, the worst of any region, despite growing economies and anti-piracy efforts, an industry watchdog said Wednesday.

The Software Alliance − which includes giants like Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Oracle and Adobe − said in a report that the unlicensed software in Asia had a value of $19.1 billion last year.

Piracy rates were most rampant in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia at more than 80 percent. The global piracy average was 39 percent.

While the worldwide piracy rate decreased by four percentage points from 2013, Asia saw only a one percentage point decline to 61 percent over the two-year period, said the report, which did not cover mobile devices.

The report resulted from a survey of 22,000 computer users and 2,000 information technology decision-makers and includes business, operating system, gaming and security software.

The group’s Asia-Pacific senior director Tarun Sawney called for more action to address the problem of unlicensed software, particularly for key sectors like banking.

“Whilst there’s still been improvement from two years ago on the use of unlicensed software, the rate is still too high and certainly in emerging economies, a lot of which are in Asia-Pacific, the problem still persists,” he told a press conference.

The report cited a “disconnect” between businesses’ concern about cyber-security and their attitude to unlicensed software.

It found that the worldwide rate for what it called “critical” sectors such as banking, insurance and securities industries was 25 percent.

No figure was given for Asia in those sectors.

Weststar presents Dodge Charger as fastest sedan

There might not have been any competition to determine the fastest vehicle in the sedan segment. But if the claims made by Weststar Associates Limited about the attributes of the 2016 edition of Dodge Charger are anything to go by, the vehicle will wear the crown of the fastest sedan in the world.

That assertion may be subjective; but what is not disputable is that the new Dodge Charger ranks among the fastest in its segment.

The car is powered by a supercharged 6.4 litre HEM V8 engine that delivers 485 horsepower and uncorks 475 lb-ft of torque, all harnessed by a torque-flite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission.

The auto firm, which features the supercar in its latest edition of ‘The Trail’, says, “The Dodge Charger not only roars for attention while on the road, it is also an amazing sight to behold the inside out.

“The front facia, hood and rear facia have all been designed for an even sleeker, chiselled appearance. Automatic bi-funchion HID projection headlamps, LED daylight running lamps are available for great illumination.”

It lists other features of the car as a beautiful black grille, dual rear tail pipes with bright tips, available black painted roof, solar controled glass, body-colour door handles, facia and auto adjust-in reverse exterior mirror, caples full fill, GPS antenna input, heated washer fluid nozzles, variable intermittent windshield wipers and remote fuel door release with proximity keyless entry.

For the interior, Weststar says the four-way heated powered  lumbar-adjust driver/passenger seats are covered in high performance Nappa leather with Alcantara suede.

Toyota upgrades Avensis with touch-screen display

Toyota says the 2016 Avensis has received a number of small upgrades, which are meant to raise the level of the elegant luxury sedan among its peers.

The facelift, which was acknowledged as the first since the launch of the Avensis last year, shows the new car coming with updated Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system. This features a seven-inch touch-screen display with connectivity to online apps and services.

The name Avensis came from the French term avancer, meaning ‘to advance’.

Experts say the Toyota Avensis over the years has advanced in size, technology, power,and economy to challenge its rivals such as the Peugeot 508 and Škoda Superb, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat.

The new 2016 Avensis, bearing the minor changes, was on display at the just concluded Lagos motor fair and it expectedly elicited a lot of interest, according to the Assistant Manager (Marketing), Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Alake.

A report by an online motoring journal, Automotive World, obtained on Monday, says, “The principal change for the 2016 range is the installation of the latest version of Toyota Touch 2, Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia system. Avensis benefits from latest iteration of the technology, as previewed at this year’s Geneva motor show.

“The home screen menu has been redesigned and access to the ‘My Toyota’ online customer portal has been made simpler. The satellite navigation package has been rationalised into a single customer offer – Toyota Touch 2 with Go – with the added benefit of three years’ free map and connectivity updates.”

The new Toyota Avensis, launched in 2015, is said to have established its credentials as a strong and attractive market competitor.

According to the manufacturer, the luxury sedan offers prestigious, dynamic styling, rich sensory quality inside and out and, achieved by its precision chassis and steering engineering.

The TNL, in its review of the vehicle on its website, says the Avensis offers prestige and dynamism with a touch of elegance and quality.

It also states, “The styling of the Avensis gives a dynamic and unique presence. The outstanding basic performance delivers agile driving with a reassuring feeling.

“Your pleasure is enhanced by the spacious cabin with its premium-quality interior finish and satisfying equipment. Creating a new dynamism full of originality, the Avensis provides a cutting-edge at the top level in its class.

The vehicle was introduced in 1997 as a direct successor to Toyota Carina E and was aimed at creating a more modern name for the Carina E/Toyota Corona.

Engine

Another online auto journal, Carcoops, says the engine range of the new Avensis remains unchanged. The TNL lists the 2.0L manual transmission fabric seat; 2.0L automatic transmission fabric seat; and 2.0L AT leather seat as available options in Nigeria.

Performance

The auto firm says the vehicle offers optimum response and maximum performance.

One of its listed special features is an auto air conditioning system, whose “powerful performance ensures quick cooling of the spacious cabin. Independent controls for the front seats enable individual setting of the preferred temperature.”

It says the outstanding basic performance delivers agile driving with a reassuring feeling, adding, “Your pleasure is enhanced by the spacious cabin with its premium-quality interior finish and satisfying equipment. Creating a new dynamism full of originality, the Avensis provides a cutting-edge at the top level in its class.”

Safety

The Avensis first introduced Toyota innovation in active safety with the standard provision of the Toyota Safety Sense systems package on all models.

Specific safety details of the car provided by the TNL included the Electric Power Steering/Vehicle Stability Control system. The EPS replaces the hydraulic power steering and eliminates the power steering pump with the hoses as well as their weight to improve fuel economy.

The VSC prevents side skids and helps stabilise the vehicle while turning on a curve.

“For instance, when cornering on slippery roads, the system controls the amount of steering torque assist of the EPS by coordinating conventional functions such as VSC and TRC to help realise excellent controllability and driving stability,” it says.

It says the car also comes with an Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

BMW enters large SUV market with X8

A renowned German automaker, BMW, may be late to the large Sport Utility Vehicle market; it has finally joined the league. It has announced that it will be introducing X8 for the 2018 market that will play in the large SUV segment.

It says the new BMW X7 will come to market in 2018 to sit above the X5 and expected to successfully compete against the high-sellers in this category such as the Mercedes-Benz GL.

It is a big, family-hauling SUV with three rows for seating seven people.

The automaker says the large premium SUV will be built upon the new car architecture and will share many of its components with other X models.

“The BMW X7 will come with some new features and a modern design, so we expect to see a larger than usual kidney grille, a massive front bumper with large air intakes and an elegant look from the side. Inside space and luxury will also be one of the main design points,” the firm says.

Under the hood, the BMW X7 is expected to use the X6 engines, from a 3.0 litre six-cylinder power plant to the 4.4 V8 with 555 horsepower.

Early projections put the sales of the BMW X7 between 40,000 and 50,000 units a year with the main markets being China, the United States and Russia.

Nigeria is also a strong market for the BMW models in Africa; next to South Africa on the continent. And this product should do well in the country.

An online auto journal, Car and Driver, writing on the platform, says, “As the BMW’s largest rear-wheel-drive platform but with available four-wheel drive, the X7 will have cutting-edge connectivity, driver-assistance, and infotainment systems.

“As to its off-road capabilities, this BMW is no Jeep, but that’s okay since its customers probably think of parking lots when they hear ‘off-road.’”

The high-end SUV will be built on the CLAR platform, which uses a mixture of high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber, increasing structural rigidity while saving weight, says Car and Driver.

“Just like the next 5 Series — which is rumored to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 kg — the X7 is expected to keep its weight in check, despite its large dimensions,” the reviewer says.

Powertrain: BMW’s proven lineup of inline-six and V-8 petrol and diesel engines will channel their torque to the drive wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic.

Looking at the competition, Car and Driver lists its rivals as Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

FG orders MDAs to buy made-in-Nigeria vehicles

Rasheed Bisiriyu

The Federal Government may have directed its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to henceforth patronise local auto assembly plants for their vehicle needs as a way to keep the industry running and improve the nation’s economy.

It is also projected that the gesture will form the plank for generating thousands of jobs.

This indication emerged on Tuesday, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated 283 locally assembled vehicles purchased by the Federal Road Safety Corps to boost its operations nationwide.

The vehicles, which included patrol cars, rescue buses and tow trucks, were supplied by Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited and Nissan Nigeria, a subsidiary of Stallion Autos.

About two weeks ago, local vehicles assemblers had decried the lack of patronage of their products by the government and its agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the assemblers, the Chairman, Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran, specifically criticised the Senate for allegedly splashing about N3.9bn on the purchase of 108 high-end Sport Utility Vehicles for each of its senators, at a unit cost of N36.5m.

NAMA also said the Senate could have saved about N1.47bn on the amount voted for the vehicles had it opted for Nigeria-assembled SUVs.

It, however, was reliably gathered on Tuesday that Buhari’s directive to all the MDAs on new operational vehicles made the FRSC to restrict the vehicle purchase  to Nigeria-assembled brands.

It was, however, not clear if the ministers, chief executive officers, directors and other top officials of the government would be compelled to use only vehicles built in Nigeria as official cars.

The injection of 283 vehicles to the FRSC’s fleet was said to be the first time such large number of operational vehicles would be introduced at a go in the 28 year history of the corps.

Buhari, who was represented at the inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), said, “My administration has remained unrelenting in its commitment to the provision of road infrastructure and capacity development of staff members of the Federal Road Safety Corps including the provision of facilities that could enhance effective management of the nation’s highways.

He commended the efforts of the corps’ personnel for their steadfast and commitment to duties, which had helped reduce the number of road accidents and earned the organisation international recognition and accolades.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, said the deployment of the 283 vehicles in the various patrol operations of the FRSC nationwide would lead to safer roads, boost the travellers’ confidence and encourage tourism activities.

He advised motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limits, use seat belt and carry out necessary checks and measures before setting out on any journey.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the approval for the vehicles’ purchase symbolised “the sustained intent of the Federal Government to raise the bar on road safety management,” adding that the gesture would lead to increased patrol activities and response time of the corps during disasters.

Jaguar rolls out first SUV F-Pace

It is a new dawn at Jaguar Land Rover as it stuns the auto world by rolling out its first Sport Utility Vehicle, the F-Pace. The vehicle is said to combine elegance with sophistication and cutting edge technology.

The luxury automaker describes it as a high performance vehicle that is designed and engineered to offer agility, responsiveness and refinement.

“When sensational performance meets dramatic looks, the result is pure exhilaration. Add everyday practicality and you have the all-new F-Pace, the first Jaguar luxury performance SUV,” the automaker declares.

The manufacturer says its decision to unveil the luxury SUV in an African country, Mauritius, is not a mistake. It is first to showcase its unique performance in appropriate terrain; and the value attached to the Middle East and African markets.

The new vehicle comes with a number of exceptional features aimed at making it a force to reckon with in the SUV category, according to the automaker.

In a statement obtained via email, Jaguar says, “On the road, it will have tremendous presence, thanks to the slender full-LED headlights, short front overhang, powerful rear haunches, distinctive taillight graphics, and a sleek aerodynamic design.”

One unique feature of the car is its revolutionary Activity Key that will be relished by those with active lifestyle. This is a wearable accessory that also serves as a key fob, designed for those with active lifestyles.

The vehicle is built on the company’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, and retains bold styling cues that make it undeniably a Jaguar.

Inspired by the C-X17 Concept, the vehicle has been designed in two unique paint colours. The vehicle’s first edition offers individuality with exclusive design details, high specification features and a choice of engines.

Interior

With seating for five occupants — including best-in-class legroom for rear passengers — the luxurious interior is a perfect blend of premium materials and finishes, as well as exquisite detailing.

Passengers will have access to heated- and electrically reclining rear seats, while drivers benefit from cutting-edge technologies like the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster and a laser head-up display.

F-Pace has an impressive 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and a versatile 40:20:40 rear seat folding configuration. Every inch has been carefully considered for maximum usability.

The Operation Director, Jaguar Land Rover, sub-Sahara Africa, Nigel Clarke, was quoted as saying, “The F-Pace is our first SUV, and the latest addition to the growing Jaguar range. We are committed to developing high-performance luxury vehicles that cater to the needs of our customers all over the world.

“Sports cars are part of Jaguar’s DNA, and we’ve used this expertise to develop the F-Pace to be engaging to drive, while offering excellent interior space and superb practicality.”

Engine performance

The range of engines includes the 3.0 litre V6 380 PS Supercharged Petrol and the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 180PS Turbocharged Diesel Ingenium. This can achieve 4.9l/100km and CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km.

Jaguar says the new F-Pace combines maximum driving exhilaration with efficiency.

“Technologically advanced to the core, F-Pace keeps you safe, connected and entertained. It has the capability for every road and the capacity for every day. The F-Pace is a Jaguar for you, a Jaguar for your family.

Exterior

Visually inspired by F-Type, the new Jaguar F-Pace is a performance SUV that has the DNA of a sports car.

“From the hood bulge to the pronounced rear haunches, its powerful looks make it distinctive and give it a head-turning road presence. F-Pace reinvents the energy, strength and purity of form of F-Type,” Jaguar says.

Copyright PUNCH.          

Peugeot introduces advanced 3008 SUV

Peugeot 3008 SUV

Rasheed Bisiriyu

Things are looking up for Peugeot both at home and abroad as the frontline French automaker has announced the introduction of what it calls its “most advanced vehicle” to date.

This is coming at a time Peugeot Nigeria Limited, the local assembler of the Peugeot brand of vehicles, is getting a big chunk of the nation’s automobile market. The firm supplied over about 50 per cent of 283 vehicles recently purchased by the Federal Road Safety Corps to boost the corps’ operations across the country.

The new 3008 SUV is said to be bigger, lighter and a better performer than its predecessor. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle also brings new technology and a unique driving experience to the popular C-segment SUV market, which will be formally unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September this year.

A report obtained from the automaker’s website says the new model comes with the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit, which includes an advanced sensory engagement for the driver and passengers. This is to enable the owners/drivers to enjoy and exploit the full potential of their new 3008 SUVs.

Interior

The New Peugeot 3008 SUV is one of the most compact models in its segment, offering greater passenger and luggage space over the outgoing model.

Specifically, the vehicle’s length of 4450mm is 80mm longer than the current model and has a longer wheelbase. Its interior space has greatly improved, most notably for rear occupants who now have an additional 24mm legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom.

The front elbow space has also increased by 17mm, despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1840mm, and height being 19mm lower at 1620mm.

“With a luggage capacity of 520L (under the luggage cover), this is almost 90L bigger than the previous generation. Like the previous version, owners can remove the luggage cover and fold the second row of seats flat; this results in a total luggage capacity of 1580 litres, one of the largest and most versatile load capacities in the segment,” it states.

Increased performance

The ultimate driving experience of the new vehicle is made possible with its reduced weight. The new model is said to be 100kg lighter than the previous generation versions.

Peugeot says, “This has been achieved though intelligent design and use of materials to provide improved efficiency, better fuel economy, increased performance, a more dynamic driving experience and class leading safety.”

It also notes that Very High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel have been used in the construction of the new model with a thermoplastic boot floor and tailgate and aluminium wings, front suspension arms and rear seat frames.

New Peugeot i-Cockpit

The new model offers the automaker the opportunity to expand the evolution of the Peugeot i-Cockpit as it features sensory buttons.

It says, “By simply pressing a dedicated key — next to the toggle buttons there is the opportunity to further enhance the driving experience: with i-Cockpit Amplify. In this way, all the senses are immediately aroused.

“With Amplify, occupants are treated to three exclusive fragrances from internationally renowned perfumer, Scentys and Antoine Lie. This includes ‘Cosmic Leather’, a vibrant and sensory fragrance, ‘Aerodrive’, a lively and stimulating fragrance, and ‘Harmony Wood’, an authentic and relaxing fragrance. Fragrance diffusion is adjustable, with three levels of intensity.

Connectivity

The driver’s need to stay connected while driving the new 3008 SUV is made possible with the use of MirrorScreen, induction smartphone recharging  and 3D connected navigation.

It says, “With the Mirror Screen function, a smartphone screen can be reproduced on the touch-screen to make best use of its applications. It is compatible with MirrorLink protocols (Android smartphones), Android Auto and Apple Carplay (iPhone 5 onwards).

“And with a touch of a button on the steering wheel, there is a remote voice recognition function through the smartphone (Android S-Voice and Apple Siri).”

Safety

Its special safety features include Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert, a distance alert function with automatic emergency braking (to avoid a collision or to limit the severity by reducing vehicle speed) and Active Involuntary Crossing Line, a lane departure alert for safer driving with visual and audible warnings and active vehicle control.

It also has the Driver Alert Warning function; with constant analysis of vehicle trajectory against road markings, it can then trigger several levels of audible and visual alerts and remind drivers to take a break after two hours of continuous driving and at a speed greater than 65km/h