Auto

Kia Optima transforms into K5 in 2021 model

Published

5 years ago

March 7, 2021

Kia has redesigned the Optima and renamed it K5 for 2021, making it consistent with the sedan’s global nameplate.

The Korean automaker has thus given the 2021 model a new look and a new family-sedan identity.

The latest edition is longer, lower and wider than the sedan it replaces and Kia says it will be available with all-wheel drive.

Powered by a 180-hp 1.6-litre turbo-4 or a coming 290-hp turbo-4, it has an alert, engaged companion for family drivers charmed as well by its strong warranty coverage and value, according to the Car Connection.

Built with a sharper style than Kia’s outgoing Optima, the K5 has deeply sculpted sides, a hawk-like nose bracketed by LED lighting, and a long band of metallic trim that soars along a roofline that is dropped the visual party trick of blacked-out trim that gave the Optima a “floating” roof.

Inside the K5’s more ritzy versions, open-pore wood and synthetic leather upholstery pull off the business-class look of the Telluride and Stinger, while GT-Line models and those below have more hard plain trim.

Longer in wheelbase, the K5 has more front-seat space to go with swell front-seat buckets.

Four adults fit easily, with room for a slim fifth and 16 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk.

Kia says every 2021 K5 has automatic emergency braking, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and five years or 60,000 miles of warranty coverage.

Options range from adaptive cruise control to Bose premium audio, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, woodgrain trim, synthetic leather upholstery—and cooled front seats.

Others are reverse parking sensors, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, power front passenger seat and heated steering wheel.

The new car’s dramatic shape can read a little busy, and its interior looks best in the more expensive versions, says the Car Connection, adding, “We give it a styling score of 8 (out of 10).”

The new K5’s signature feature, like the related Hyundai Sonata, is in lights that slash around the sides and into the honeycomb grille.

It wears a new grille that’s more hawkish, underscored by creases in the hoods that angle toward its beak.

Engine performance

Most K5 models are motivated by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Car and Driver says in its review.

The engine comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional, but not on the GT model.

“The front-drive, 180-hp K5 we drove demonstrated decent acceleration around town, and our testing revealed a 7.0-second trip to 60 mph,” it states.

Interior comfort

Inside the K5, the car really looks amazing. The layout is said to be both sophisticated and straightforward, and the cabin comes with attractive materials such as wood trim on the dash and doors.

The K5 offers an array of upscale interior features, such as ambient interior lighting on the dash and doors, heated and ventilated fronts seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad.

While the driver’s seat feels high even at its lowest point, the comfortable spot for the left foot and floor-hinged accelerator are nice touches.

The back seat provides generous legroom, and the trunk has plenty of space for luggage.

Safety features

The 2021 K5 has earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.

It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The family sedan offers a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, which include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking; standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Auto

CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

CFAO Mobility Open Day to offer special deals on new vehicles, parts, diagnostics

CFAO Mobility has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of its flagship CFAO Mobility Open Day, aimed at showcasing a wide range of innovative mobility solutions.

In a statement, the company said the event would take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9am to 6pm.

The Open Day is expected to bring together leading global automotive and equipment brands in a dynamic exhibition tailored to meet diverse mobility needs.

Participating brands are Toyota, BYD, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Fuso, JCB, Howo, Sino Equipment, King Long, TechKing Tyres, Yamaha, Winpart and Auto Fast.

According to CFAO Mobility, attendees will experience an extensive display of products and services, ranging from brand-new vehicles and motorcycles to outboard engines, fleet management solutions, spare parts and aftermarket services.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature test drives, professional vehicle diagnostics and exclusive spare-parts deals, offering participants a hands-on and engaging experience.

The company urged car enthusiasts, business owners and prospective buyers to take advantage of the Open Day to explore mobility solutions tailored to their personal and business needs.

With over 120 years of presence in Nigeria, CFAO Mobility remains a key player in the mobility and healthcare sectors.

It added that the Open Day reflects its continued commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused mobility solutions.

Auto

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.

From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.

The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.

Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.

Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.

The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.

In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.

Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.

The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70

The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus

The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)

The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing

Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.

In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.

The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.

“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”

Auto

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Published

2 weeks ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.

At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.

Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.