THE Jeep range,comprising the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass and Patriot were over the weekend presented to the Nigerian Motoring Press for a test drive. The test drive which took place along Lekki expresway and Elegushi Beach, Lagos saw the Jeeps displaying both their on-and off-road capabilities. The test drive marks the official introduction of the Jeep brand into Nigeria. It brought the hidden sides of the Jeep range.

The Jeep models proved to be at home on the sandy beach and the Victoria Island Lekki expressway. The Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler which took to the sandy beach during the test drive made driving so exciting. The Jeep models have never been as good as the current models.

They are powerful and quiet with sophisticated communication equipment, uconnect, that helps you stay in touch with people, music and devices that matter.

Addressing the Motoring Journalists at their head office in Lagos, Mr. Kingsley Uwatse, Deputy Manager, Weststar Associates, representatives of Jeep and Mercedes Benz in Nigeria explained that the jeeps exploits on tough terrain dates back to 70 years ago when it was first produced for the America Army to conquer rough terrains and ever since then the jeep had never looked back. It became so popular to the extent that other Sports Utility Vehicles are now referred to as jeep.

Mr,. Uwatse explained that the jeep brand has always been a trailblazer in the Sports Utility Vehicle segment, hence they are introducing them onces again to Nigerians.

He noted that despite the fact that there was no official representative of Jeep in Nigeria in the last few years, a lot of Jeep models still dominated the Nigeria roads, an indication that the Jeep is a very strong brand.

According to Mr. Uwatse, the Jeep models rank among the most improved models in the world presently especially in the area of fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance.

To ensure that Jeep customers enjoy the best of after sale, the Deputy Manager said that they will use existing Mercedes  Benz Outlets across the country while ensuring adequate supply of spare parts. He disclosed that a lot of their technical staff have been trained both at home and abroad to handle the brand to the best of customers taste. For instance, the Jeep brand will compete in all segments of the Sports Utility Vehicle categories including large, medium and compact segments.

The Grand Cherokee which is the flagship of the family is available in 5.7 V8 and 3.6 V6 engines while, the Jeep Wrangler  is available in 3.8 V6 litre engine. The Compass and Patriot are powered by 2.0 litre engines. All the Jeep models are available in automatic transmission and leather seats. Safety features are five-star ratings.