Auto

Updated: Toyota sets new record as Hilux, Starlet undergo Smokin Hills test drive

Published

5 years ago

September 8, 2021

Although Toyota is a household name and a leading auto brand, it is often seen to shy away from test drive, especially in Nigeria.

But that notion no longer holds sway as Toyota Nigeria Limited last weekend released two of its models, the Hilux and all-new Starlet, for a comprehensive test drive at Ilara-Mokin, the hometown of the company’s chairman, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, which is some 20-minute drive from Akure, Ondo State capital.

While the new generation Starlet, launched in Lagos some days earlier, was taken through an on-road race course, where the vehicle was indeed ‘flogged’ and made to undertake a lot of cornering, speeding through bumpy and flooded terrains, the Hilux went through a deeper off-road exposure of hilly, sloppy, rocky and muddy terrains where kids are strictly disallowed from riding along.

It was a two-day event with each model having a separate day and professional race drivers had the task of taking Toyota customers and enthusiasts including journalists through the terrains a number of times so they could have a total experience.

Some daring, experienced and brave drivers, including Newstrends editor also had time to drive the vehicles along the Smokin Hills race course.

Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, represented at the event by the Head of Marketing at the TNL, Mr Andrew Ajuyah, said the main objective of releasing the Starlet for the test drive was to bring the vehicle to the doorsteps of customers, “offering you the opportunity to interact with the vehicle, get familiar with its features, ask questions as it relates to the vehicle and have a fun-filled day with us.”

He also said, “It is the latest on the stable of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited and the Starlet is a true Star in every sense of the word. It is a mini-subcompact SUV imbued with the Toyota DNA of quality, durability, reliability and style.”

Speaking on the Hilux Fleet Day, the TNL boss explained why the vehicle (Hilux) is described as a workhorse and a darling of many Nigerians.

He said, “The Hilux as you all know is a workhorse. This apt description of the Hilux is based on the fact that the vehicle responds to the dictates of the road no matter how rough. It glides as it takes on some of the most challenging terrains headlong. Indeed, the vehicle which is also described as Beyond Tough for its mastery of inclement terrains stands above its peers in that segment. Little wonder it is the darling of many Nigerians.”

Marketing Manager, TNL, Mr Bayo Olawoyin, provided the detailed features of the 1.4 litre Starlet and the 2.7-litre Hilux released for the test drive on Friday and Saturday respectively.

A prominent professional racer at the event, Argo Raak, who noted that it was his first time of driving the Starlet, described it as a fantastic car for city cruise, adding, “It may not be advisable to take it for state-to-state trips for now; Hilux is ideal for that. It is not that the car cannot do it but not really ideal for a rough terrain.

He also spoke on the performance and quality of the Starlet, saying, “The best quality of the car is its fuel economy. I also enjoy the handling; it’s very soft and enhances the driving.

“It is one of the rare cars that give you an opportunity to view everywhere and everything when you are around the steering; no blind spot and I can press all the buttons. It is a car for me and my madam; it can go places where my truck cannot go.”

Angela Idiong, Business Development Manager at RT Briscoe, commenting on the Hilux performance at the event said, “The vehicle is rugged and one can use it for private family ride (on road) or official taking it to project sites (off road). Even in remotest place, Hilux will go there and pull through. Its parts are available and easy to fix should it break down. Its fuel efficiency is also superb.

“It’s a vehicle that you can easily find a good buyer even after using it for 25 years.”

Adeoye Ojuoko, founder of Work and Play (motorsport), who is the brain behind the test drive project, said the event was sponsored by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

He noted that Hilux test drive had shown how people could engage the two-wheel drive or L2 to do a lot more than they thought.

Ojuoko also spoke on the choice of Ilara-Mokin for the event.

He said, “We are doing off-road rally at the Smokin Hill, Ilara-Mokin because of the terrain and we are building track there with the support of Chief Ade.Ojo.

“We are trying to look at the idea of creating a good environment for motorsport events as well as test drives. “One major thing the automobile industry in Nigeria lacks is an avenue or a centre to compare the performance of different brands of vehicles.”

He expressed optimism that the event would spur other automakers and dealers to take part in future motorsport programmes.

“What we are doing is not for Toyota alone; what we have built is for other brands and dealerships too. They will be given the opportunity for their customers to test drive available and new vehicles and engage them well in what they are doing,” Ojuoko said.

He said he was satisfied with the outcome of the programme, which attracted visitors from Ondo, Lagos and Abuja, among others.

“It has become a passion for me; it started from my hometown, Ilara-Mokin with the support of Chief Ade-Ojo; and it is growing,” he said.

Up Next

Hyundai introduces buy-now pay-later vehicle finance scheme

Don't Miss

Autochek acquires Cheki in Kenya, Uganda

Auto

NADDC Pushes Affordable Auto Loans to Boost Vehicle Ownership, More Jobs

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2026

Trends Admin

NADDC Pushes Affordable Auto Loans to Boost Vehicle Ownership, More Job

The National Automotive Design and Development Council has called for far-reaching reforms in vehicle financing to make car ownership more affordable while boosting local vehicle assembly, job creation and industrial development.

The Council said a properly structured financing system could turn vehicle credit from a mere consumer lending product into a major economic tool for expanding productive mobility and strengthening Nigeria’s automotive value chain.

Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, stated this in an address delivered on his behalf by the Council’s Principal Information Officer, Tanko Kyumnom, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Auto Sectoral Group Symposium in Lagos.

The symposium, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Henry Fajemirokun Hall of LCCI, was themed: “From Subsidy to Credit: Can Vehicle Financing Replace Fuel Subsidy as Nigeria’s Mobility Equaliser?”
Osanipin said the growing cost of mobility had made it necessary to explore financing models that would enable individuals, businesses and transport operators to acquire vehicles without bearing the full cost of ownership upfront.

According to him, spreading vehicle payments over an agreed period could provide a more sustainable pathway to vehicle acquisition, provided that the financing products are affordable, accessible and structured around the economic realities of Nigerian consumers.

He, however, cautioned that simply making credit available would not be enough.
“Vehicle financing offers a more sustainable approach by enabling individuals, businesses and transport operators to acquire vehicles and pay for them over time,” Osanipin stated.
The NADDC DG said the bigger opportunity lies in linking vehicle financing with the growth of locally assembled and Nigerian-made vehicles.

He explained that increased access to credit for locally produced vehicles could generate wider economic benefits by stimulating demand for domestic assembly, supporting component manufacturers, creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains.

Osanipin therefore urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial institutions, vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders in designing financing schemes capable of supporting both mobility access and automotive industrialisation.

The NADDC boss identified affordable vehicle loans, leasing arrangements, fleet financing, credit guarantees and appropriate interest-rate support as mechanisms that could broaden access to vehicle ownership and productive mobility.

lt also stressed the need for repayment structures that take into account the earning patterns and business realities of Nigerians, particularly transport operators and small businesses whose vehicles are directly linked to their income-generating activities.

Osanipin maintained that the objective should extend beyond increasing the number of vehicles on Nigerian roads.
“The goal is not simply to put more vehicles on Nigerian roads. It is to ensure that Nigerians can access productive mobility without placing an unsustainable burden on government finances or household incomes,” he said.

According to him, a properly structured automotive financing system could create a stronger connection between mobility, economic inclusion and domestic vehicle production.

“With the right policies and partnerships, vehicle financing can become a powerful instrument for mobility, economic inclusion and automotive industrial development,” Osanipin added.

The NADDC’s position places vehicle financing within the broader effort to build a sustainable automotive ecosystem in Nigeria—one in which access to credit supports vehicle users while also creating stronger demand for local assembly, components and associated automotive services.

Auto

Jetour T1 Storms Abuja as Automaker Accelerates Nigeria Expansion

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour T1 Set to debut in Abuja as Expansion Gains Momentum

Following a successful debut in Lagos, Jetour Nigeria will host the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, positioning its all-new T1 model as a major competitor in the country’s growing adventure SUV market.

The three-day event in the Federal Capital Territory will give prospective buyers and motoring enthusiasts direct access to product demonstrations, expert-led technical sessions, and hands-on test drives.

“Strong participation, extensive test drives, and significant sales enquiries at the Lagos edition, coupled with growing demand from Abuja residents, influenced the decision to bring the experience to the nation’s capital,” the company said in a statement. The show holds at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki.

To support its growing national footprint, Jetour Nigeria has established a network of seven accredited dealers: Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Autos. The partnerships cover retail sales, genuine spare parts supply, and comprehensive after-sales maintenance.

Jetour T1 Set to debut in Abuja as Expansion Gains Momentum

Auto

Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT

Published

5 days ago

September 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT

Jetour Nigeria is taking its seven-seater X70 Plus SUV to Abuja as rising interest from motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states fuels the brand’s latest push to deepen its presence across Nigeria.

The X70 Plus will headline the Jetour Experience Abuja, holding from September 22 to 24 at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, following the strong response recorded during the Lagos edition, where motorists turned out for test drives and made enquiries about Jetour models.

The Abuja activation is designed to give prospective buyers direct access to the X70 Plus and other models, with opportunities to test-drive the vehicles, engage product specialists and experience their technology, safety and comfort features.

The X70 Plus is positioned as a family-oriented SUV, offering seven-seat capacity and a range of features targeted at customers seeking comfort, technology and practicality.

The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engine options, with outputs of up to 145kW and 290Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.