By Theodore Opara

IT was perhaps an unusual test drive.
Unlike most representatives of other Motor companies in the country who would not like their new cars subjected to rigorous test on long journey, CIG Motors Company Limited, decided to put eight units of its brand new GAC crossover to test in the hands of motoring journalists from Oriental hotel, Lekki Lagos to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

Knowing how challenging, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway could be, the company decided that only the tough condition would prove their claim on the quality of vehicle they produce which are of world class. Apart form the fact that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was undergoing reconstruction, most parts of the road surface have been washed off by the long rainy season this year. So, it was unthinkable for a Nigerian company which is usually out to maximise profit, to put its new cars on a road of this nature.

Initially, I thought the itinerary would have changed on arrival at the take off point that morning but I was wrong as CIG officials led by Mr. Kayode Adejumo, Sales and Marketing Director, and Mr. Felix Lee, administrative Director lined up eight new GAC GS5 Crossover vehicles for the unprecedented test drive. With some stopovers made along the expressway for change of driver and light refreshment, coupled with the bad road, the journey lasted for few hours. And when we arrived in IITA premises, in Ibadan, there were smiles on the faces of the journalists indicating that the car delivered beyond expectations.

The GS5 took the road like a wounded lion to the admiration of the journalists and other motorists who watch as we zoomed pass them.

Powered by a 2.0 litre engine with automatic transmission GAC adopted array of premium features in building the GS5..

With more than ten international renowned suppliers as partners, including Bosch, continental, Magna, Vistoeon, TRW, Delphi, Johnson controls, Denso, Aisin to mention but a few, GAC produced the GS5 to rival most Japanese and European models.

The GS5 comes in either 2.0 litre or 1.8 litre turbo petrol engine. Four wheel drive is optional and the suspension system is double fork arm type in front and multi-link beam independent suspension at the rear. This is designed by Porsch.

Chassis turning with international companies like Pro-drive, Mira and Magna Steyr, puts the GS5 above its peers. Having earned C-NCAP 5 star safety rating, the GS5 is equipped with anti-lock brake system, Electronic Brake force, Traction control system, Hydralic Brake Assist, Electronic stability programme, Hill control, tyre pressure monitoring system and six air-bags as standard features.

Comfort has been raise to the next level in the car with quality leather seats, climate control with dual-zone and rear air outl5et, cruise control, passive entry passive start, among others. Most of these features standard in GS5, come optional in GS5 competing models.

Highlighting the qualities of the car at the IITA conference centre in Ibadan, Sales and Marketing Director of CIG Motors, Mr. Kayode Adejumo disclosed that the test drive was the first major attempt by his company to formally unveil the GAC brands to newsmen in grand style as a way of getting Nigerians and prospective customers gain insight into the unique selling points of the brand.

He stated that the launch of GAC brand of vehicles into the country was informed by the need to offer Nigerians the best from China with the highest standard applied in vehicle manufacturing, giving value for money with the most advanced technologies imputed.

“We are here to offer Nigerians the best from China with the highest standard applied in vehicle manufacturing giving value for money with the most advanced technologies imputed”.

He said the first set of models to be launched into the market which were used during the test drive exercise are GS5 2.0L engine, the mid luxury SUV, currently the flagship.