By Theodore Opara

AP France in collaboration with M.S. and Sons has unveiled the new Peugeot 301 to the public  in Abuja.

Group Managing Director (GMD), ASD Motors, Alhaji Shehu Sani Dauda who unveiled the new 301 on behalf of AP France and M.S and Sons said the car was made from over 120 years of automotive experience and stands out in terms of safety, space and comfort.

He described the new 301 as a rugged car with enough room and comes at an affordable price, “with the new 301, Peugeot would adequately compete in the Nigerian automobile space, he said.

According to him, “Peugeot wants to use this car to make a statement that we are back. By we are back I mean that we have been absent for about a year. Our clients have been requesting us to be present in the sedan lower earning segment of the automobile sector. ” The coming of this car is to tell you that we have a new global initiative that is produced and suitable for clients’ world-over. We produce for the global market now, not just for segments like Europe and Africa.” The ASD boss disclosed that the 301 has been unveiled in countries like Dubai, Kuwait, China and other Asian countries, adding that the manufacturer targeted more of Africa.

The elated ASD Group Managing Director noted, “The 301 is rugged, spacious and affordable. One thing people should understand about this car is that it is very affordable and cheaper than most of its competitors. “While most other cars in this category go for above N4.3m, our product is about N3.5m. We are going to have another entry product which will come with a 1.2litres engine that will priced less than N3m. You can imagine what the impact will be? We intend to make it affordable. We intend to make all Peugeot lovers we lost to come back and to also make them know we are thinking of them.”

He explained that the car is very fuel efficient and powerful in the category. “It’s about 150HP and also more of the modified engine of 307. Speaking about their performance in the market he said, “In terms of sales, we are quite down but we are coming back. This is the product that will make us catch-up. As you can see, it’s definitely going to make an impact based on the quality and features it has. We will give competitors a run for their money. We are back. We are ready and they going to feel our impact very soon”, He said, explaining that the 301’s unmistakable Peugeot styling exudes French elegance, while its impressive road handling and superior fittings makes driving a pleasurable and comfortable experience.

“What I’m showing you is a product that has been developed to adapt to all conditions of use, even in extremes, such as hot countries, cold countries and poor road surfaces,” Dauda said, adding that the 301 is strong on the outside and also comes with a generous inside.

Speaking further 301’s fantastic features, the GMD revealed that the slogan of the new car is ‘Know how’ and that it is now on sale. He disclosed that the new bride has great promise in style and quality that can stand the test of time.  The 301 is car of today and the future in view of its robust design that inspires confidence, stability and durability. 301, he said, provides comfort for its passengers “and as if these unique qualities are not enough, it exudes great space and opulence”. The Allure, which is 1.6 engine capacity is the top range while and Active with same capacity is the middle range. Access which is the lower range has a capacity of 1.2.

The 301 comes equipped with a range of  trims to make your journeys pleasurable. From its comfortable interior to its driver assistance technology and plush dashboard, the 301 is a perfect blend of style and driving comfort. Its instrument cluster is complete with a monochrome matrix which displays information about the on-board computer, your journey and as an added touch of class, it goes for chrome rimming. Also, it uses ultrasound sensors installed in the rear bumper to detect nearby people or objects, thereby communicating the distance of the obstacle visually through sound via the screen of the Bluetooth audio system.

Furthermore, the speed limiter, working in tandem with the cruise control allows the driver set a maximum speed limit. A hard point in the accelerator pedal lets the driver know when the set limit has been reached. The driver can then momentarily override the limit if be by applying greater foot pressure on the pedal. The highly innovative 301 has a heating element inserted between the windscreen’s two sheets of glasses, a device which heats up the area around the wiper blades, ensuring they never stick. It is controlled through the same button as the rear windscreen demister and together the two guarantee the much needed convenience in cold weather.

Dignitaries who graced the unveiling ceremony include, Chairman ASD Motors Alhaji Sani Dauda, Chairman/CEO MBU Motors Dutse, Jigawa state, Alhaji Bala Muhammed Umar, MD/CEO MNL-ASAO, Barr. Ismail Oladejo, MD/CEO Road Truckers, Chief Oladele Benson Acting Managing Director PAN Nigeria Limited, Mr Jaime Pena amongst others.