By Theodore Opara

The pickup vehicle segment is becoming the vogue in this part of the world. Unlike in the past when pickups were seen as vehicle for doing dirty jobs, they have become very fashionable to the extent that people show off with them.

The credit must go to the Americans, who popularised this large size pickup segment  by using them for work and leisure. One of such pickups is the  Ram pickups.

Undeniably the most recognisable pick-up on the road, the 2013 Ram 1500 raises the bar with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies.

Ram engineers changed every area of the truck— from a newly designed frame, new engines and transmissions, to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® system, which ultimately offers new features without sacrificing capability.

The stop-start and active aerodynamics, Remote Keyless Entry plus grille shutters,  air suspension and remarkable handling, ensure that the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content and performance to truck owners.

Marketed in Nigeria by Weststar Associates, the new Ram 1500 has joined the likes of jeep Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler in Nigeria.

Models

Of the various unique and sophisticated models in the RAM 1500 family, the SLT Quad Cab 4×4 starts the upscale offerings with 8 speed automatic transmission, a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 powerful engine, bright chrome accents, a remarkable grille treatment, a Uconnect 3.0 AM/FM radio, power heated fold-away mirrors, and subtle but classy design touches for exterior glow and superb interior comfort.

The Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4×4 has an equally powerful 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine and radiates with a sharp two-tone exterior treatment, shows off 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels with plenty of exterior chrome to match, and an interior more typically associated with the distinguished class.

Features

Also notable are the Park Sense Rear Park Assist System, 8.4 Touch Screen Display, Ucon-nect phone with voice command and its 6-speed automatic transmission. It is simply everything you need in a truck.

The Ram 1500 runs at 305 HP and delivers a fuel economy of 18 MPG-city, a 25 MPG-highway.

In addition to boasting heavy duty engine cooling and transmission coolers, rare view auto dim mirrors, as well as auto high beam headlamp control, the Ram 1500 is equipped with safety and security techno-logy.

Dynamic front crumple zones and side-impact door beams help absorb impact forces from every angle. The Ram 1500 side occupant protection system includes side-curtain airbags and side-impact door beams.

Hightech brake systems

For optimum control, Ram 1500 combines Electronic Stability Control, ESC, Trailer Sway Control, TSC, and four-wheel Antilock Brakes, ABS.

ESC senses trouble and automatically performs brake and/or throttle corrections. TSC performs similar automatic corrections on sensing sway, while ABS helps improve braking and control on slippery surfaces.