By Theodore Opara

Peugeot 301 won the 2016 Car of the Year Award in the Nigeria by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards, NAJA, beating two strong Japanese contenders, the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Almera for the coveted position.

The 301 emergence did not come to many as a surprise, having been shortlisted for the award the previous years. Ever since then, the 301 has never looked back in appealing to both private individuals, and the corporate world.

Apart from numerous private individuals who have found favour in the Peugeot 301, corporate organisation like banks, insurance companies as well as government agencies have found the Peugeot 301 good enough to dominate their fleets. Available in Active and Allure models, the 301 became very popular in Nigeria, following the launch of the national auto policy by Goodluck Jonathan’s administration which encouraged the local assembling of automobiles in the country. Like the Peugeot 504, 505 and 406 which ruled the Nigerian automobile market in 1970 to 80s the 301 took the market by storm with its price advantage, fuel efficiency, quality, safety features, to name but a few.

Peugeot brought its wealth of experience to bear in the award winning 301 which has become the benchmark in its category in terms of road handling and engine technology. It combines automotive creativity and passion with reliability and technical know-how to deliver class-leading performance.

Available in Nigeria in 1.2 litre VTi 72 break-horsepower, and 1.6 VTi 115 break-horsepower, the 301 is a delight of any driver any time.

The 1.2 litre engine version of the 301 comes in a manual or semi-automatic 5-speed gearbox which combines a next generation three cylinder engine with total control of the vehicle weight. This engine delivers amazing fuel efficiency in its class.

The top of the range model of the 301 with a manual 5-speed or 4-speed automatic gearbox is descent of a generation of engines that have earned a name for themselves across the entire Peugeot range. It offers class-leading fuel efficiency as well.

The 301 looks strong like its logo (the Lion sign). It is sturdy ad reliable and it has benefitted from Peugeot’s technical expertise in design over the years.

It combines strong styling, modern fittings with roominess of a family car, while it’s impressive handling allows for its best adaptability.

The 301 is beautifully crafted and commands attention. Its elegant design, eye-catching silhouette and harmonious lines are both modern and sturdy at the same time. The 301 asserts its identity through its strong front design, refined contours and well-grounded silhouette which further hints at its impressively spacious interiors and excellent road handling.

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 comes complete with a monochrome matrix, which displays information about the on-board computer, your journey and any reports. There is available chrome rimming too. The 301 rear parking assistance uses ultra sound sensors installed in the rear bumper, to detect nearby objects.

Speed limiters working in tandem with cruise control in the 301 allows you to set a maximum speed limit on your journey while its roomy interior and a host of other features for added comfort, gives you confidence like a car in the upper segment.

With a large boot, one of the largest in its class, and 2/3-1/3 split rear seat which folds down easily the 301 is a practical family sedan.

Peugeot 301 excellent road handling comes from a combination of features including powerful engine and gearbox coupled with good suspensions, which Peugeot cars are known for.

Its ground clearance is class-leading and makes it suited for Nigerian roads.

All-round safety is another strong point of the 301. The active and passive safety systems gives you confidence in the 301.

For instance, the Electronic Stability programme groups together five features: ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (ABFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA) plus anti-slip regulation (ASR) and dynamic stability control (DSC) which help the driver get the vehicle back on course within the limits of physics.

Four airbags, seatbelts and ISOFLX attachments, automatic hazard lights, are some of the safety benefits one gets in the 301.