Hyundai launches new generation Tucson, an SUV with daring aura - Newstrends
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Hyundai launches new generation Tucson, an SUV with daring aura

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By Rasheed Bisiriyu

The launch of a new look Hyundai Tucson SUV on Monday was ecstatic as many SUV enthusiasts and analysts say they are excited about the entire virtual unveiling experience.

They acknowledge that the new vehicle, a fourth generation Tucson, built for the 2022 market, evokes a combative and daring aura.

“We were excited about the virtual launch event, which took place in West Hollywood, California, on Monday,” say MSN Auto analysts.

Hyundai’s Global Chief Operating Officer José Muñoz and SangYup Lee, who runs the Hyundai Global Design Centre, spoke at the event on the new wonder machine on the wheels.

The professional surfer Sage Erickson, a Hyundai brand ambassador, made an appearance as well.

Hyundai says the 2022 Tucson will be quieter, smoother, and more fun to drive than the outgoing model.

The automaker uses more sound-deadening materials and has an acoustic windshield to reduce the wind noise from coming into the cabin.

Hybrid models use “e-handling” technology, which should improve the steering response and vehicle stability while providing a fun-driving experience.

According to Motor Trends, the new vehicle has a lot of unique things. First, it notes that in a big departure from the current styling, Hyundai sketched the fourth-generation Tucson with angled character lines and a big grille, turning the compact SUV into a distinct player in an ultra-competitive segment.

“The styling isn’t the only big change for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, though. It’s longer, wider, and taller than the current SUV, and it will be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid for the first time,” it states.

Hyundai says the new car provides the automaker an opportunity to begin its next adventurous chapter and push the boundaries of efficiency a lot higher.

It says, “The entirely new look with a longer, wider body takes SUV design into more modern territory. And its complex network of sensors and cameras help keep you even safer while making driving—and parking— a lot easier.

“For the first time ever Tucson is giving you choices that push the boundaries of efficiency and performance: from the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid to the race-inspired N Line.”

The auto news website provides other striking details about the new Tuckson SUV. For instance, it notes that the change in proportions means more space inside.

The 2022 Tucson is said to be 5.9 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider and 0.6 inch taller than the model it replaces, with its wheelbase also increasing by 3.4 inches.

This means the new Tucson is now about the same size as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, two SUVs that have also got bigger recently.

The Tucson is the latest model to embody Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, which is seen in the Sonata and Elantra sedans but until now had not made its way to an SUV.

Motor Trends also states, “One of the most striking elements is the integration of the daytime running lights into the grille, which gives the 2022 Tucson a wider, futuristic appearance.

“Taking a page from the Kona and Santa Fe designs, the headlights are nestled in the front bumper, giving the Tucson a combative face. Combined with the well-defined fender openings and sharp character lines on the hood, the Tucson has a concept-y look in pictures, but once you see it in person, it embodies a sharper style that brings a new identity to the table.” 

Interior

The new Hyundai Tucson interior is spacious. When you enter the cabin, you will be welcomed by big screens and tons of techs.

The Tucson Limited model is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, capacitive HVAC controls, ambient lighting, and another 10.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster. Lower trims get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a 4.2-inch LCD display on the instrument cluster, but they benefit from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something you don’t get with the 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Sitting in the driver’s seat you get a sense of spaciousness from the cabin. The hidden air vents on the dashboard and the lack of a physical lever (say hello to push-buttons) make the cabin feel roomier.

The Limited model also uses piano black trim and cloth on the door panels that looks and feels premium while adding a bit of character to the cabin.

The bigger proportions mean more space inside. The second-row seats feel like a living room, with a whooping 41.3 inches of legroom.

Engine

It has three engine options. They are gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Tucson’s bigger 2.5-litre, four-cylinder gas engine gives you more power with an estimated 187hp and 182lb.-ft. of torque.

Tucson hybrid’s 1.6L turbocharged engine kicks out 226hp estimated total combined system power. And HTRAC All Wheel Drive comes standard.

The third option offers you electric when you want it; and gas when you need it.

Tucson plug-in hybrid’s 1.6L turbocharged engine with 13.8kWh battery power charges in just under two hours. And with standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive and all-electric drive mode, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is a win-win.

Those opting for the Tucson hybrid or plug-in hybrid will get a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic, an electric motor, and standard all-wheel drive.

The regular hybrid gets a 1.49-kWh battery to deliver about 226 hp and 258 lb-ft, per Hyundai’s estimates, while getting 37 mpg combined.

The plug-in hybrid uses a 13.8-kWh battery that allows the Tucson to cover about 28 miles on electric drive only before reverting to full-hybrid operation.

Power numbers rise to around 260hp and fuel economy numbers increase to about 70 mpg-e.

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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

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Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium mobility campaign to the Federal Capital Territory, with the flagship G700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline a three-day luxury automotive showcase in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.

The Abuja experience, coming on the heels of the brand’s major showcase in Lagos, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s aggressive drive to deepen its presence in the country’s premium automotive market while introducing consumers to a new generation of electrified mobility.

The G700 PHEV, positioned as Jetour’s flagship luxury SUV, combines executive-class comfort with advanced hybrid technology and serious off-road capability.

The model’s arrival in Abuja also comes at a time the brand is gaining increasing recognition in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Jetour Nigeria was recently honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year, underscoring its expanding market presence.

At the heart of the G700 is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, paired with dual electric motors. The powertrain delivers a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, offering a response to one of the major concerns surrounding electrified vehicles—range anxiety.

The flagship SUV also comes equipped with adaptive suspension, triple differential locks and up to 970mm wading capability, giving it the muscle to handle demanding terrain while retaining the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle.

Inside, the six-seat G700 delivers a premium cabin experience, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display, an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system and an onboard refrigerator.

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The Abuja showcase is expected to attract government officials, corporate executives, fleet managers, motoring enthusiasts and members of the media. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the G700 through an exclusive vehicle reveal, hands-on demonstrations and VIP test drives.

Jetour Nigeria promises ownership support

Beyond the vehicle itself, Jetour Nigeria is highlighting its after-sales support as a key component of the ownership proposition.

Customers purchasing through its authorised network will benefit from a five-year or 150,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, access to genuine spare parts, software upgrades and certified technical support.

The company currently operates through seven accredited dealerships, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Motors.

Jetour Nigeria is inviting prospective customers and automotive stakeholders to register for the Abuja experience and secure VIP test-drive slots.

Registration, vehicle specifications and event updates are available through www.jetournigeria.com, Instagram @jetour_nigeria and @Jetourngofficial, or via info@jetournigeria.com.

 

Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase

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Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years

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Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years

By Rasheed Bisiriyu

Global ride-hailing giant, Uber, has pulled out of Nigeria, ending its 12-year operation in the country and bringing to a close a major chapter in the evolution of app-based transportation in Africa’s most populous nation

The company announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it would wind down its Nigerian operations effective September 2, 2026.

Uber said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business in the country.

“We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said in a message to its customers.

The development marks the end of Uber’s 12-year presence in Nigeria, which began with its launch in Lagos in 2014.

Its arrival transformed the urban transportation landscape, particularly in Lagos, by popularising app-based ride-hailing and providing commuters with an alternative to conventional taxis and other forms of commercial transportation.

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Through its platform, passengers could request rides using their mobile phones and connect with independent drivers, while vehicle owners and drivers gained access to a new source of income.

Over the years, Uber became a familiar part of the daily commuting experience of many Nigerians, particularly in major urban centres.

The company, while announcing its exit, thanked Nigerians for allowing it to become part of their daily lives.

“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers,” Uber said.

“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely.”

Uber also apologised to customers for the disruption its departure might cause.

“We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” it said.

The company’s exit comes as Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has become increasingly competitive, with several local and international platforms offering app-based transportation services to commuters.

The sector has also faced challenges linked to rising vehicle operating costs, fuel prices, regulatory requirements and changing market conditions.

Uber said its Help Centre would remain available until September 23 to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.

“Thank you for welcoming us into your city,” the company said.

Uber’s departure brings to an end a significant chapter in Nigeria’s digital transportation story, following its role in changing how millions of commuters booked and paid for rides over the past decade.

 

Uber exits Nigeria after 12 years

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Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion

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Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion

A new nationwide driving competition designed to combine driver education with practical skills testing is set to begin in September, with organisers targeting safer roads and a reduction in crashes linked to human error.

‘Dubbed Naija Driver 2026’, the inaugural Nigerian Drivers Challenge is being organised by Notch Captains Limited under the Approval in Principle and Safety Frameworks of the Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), the country’s sole representative of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI).

The organisers said the initiative, which will be conducted free of charge, is aimed at creating a new culture of responsible motoring by giving licensed Nigerian drivers access to structured road-safety education, testing and practical driving assessment.

Registration and safety screening for the competition will open on September 1, 2026, through its digital learning portal. The programme is open to licensed Nigerian residents aged between 18 and 65.

According to a statement signed by Ingram Osigwe, Director of Media, Communications, Marketing and Public Relations of the organising committee, participants will undergo online training covering defensive driving, road-use regulations, crash-scene management, emergency victim stabilisation during the critical “Golden Seconds” and preventive vehicle maintenance.

The training will lead to a Unified National Computer-Based Test in October, with candidates expected to sit for the examination simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Project Director and Managing Director of Notch Captains Limited, Adrian Egonu, said the competition would use a decentralised verification system to ensure credible identity checks while eliminating the logistical difficulties associated with moving large numbers of candidates across the country.

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Under the arrangement, the three highest-scoring candidates from each state and the FCT will undergo document verification and practical screening in their respective locations in October.

The successful state and FCT champions will then converge on Lagos for the final live-action driving competition scheduled for November 7 to 10.

The final stage will test the contestants’ vehicle-handling agility, chassis control and emergency-braking precision, with the driving trials conducted before a live and televised audience.

Beyond the competition, the organisers plan to use the platform to promote emergency response awareness among motorists, particularly on what ordinary road users can safely do during the crucial first moments after a crash before professional responders arrive.

An Executive Road Safety Advocacy Gala Night will also be held ahead of the final driving trials, bringing together government representatives and senior executives of major Nigerian conglomerates to endorse a national highway safety advocacy pledge.

The initiative is also expected to deepen motorists’ understanding of vehicle insurance and risk protection through presentations by leading motor insurance institutions.

As part of its social-impact component, the organisers said official charity visits would be made to hospitals where road-crash victims are undergoing rehabilitation.

Gender inclusion is another major component of the competition, with organisers encouraging more women to enter and compete alongside their male counterparts.

The organisers have also partnered with Skinetics Med Spa on a “Glam n Drive” package, which will feature gifts and vouchers for participants throughout the tournament, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Osigwe urged individual motorists, corporate fleet managers, transport unions and e-hailing operators to take advantage of the free training and testing opportunities when the official portal becomes operational.

He said the ultimate objective was to ensure that Naija Driver 2026 goes beyond crowning a champion to create a nationwide pool of better-trained, safety-conscious and responsible motorists.

With the competition slogan, “Drive. Compete. Lead,” the organisers said Naija Driver 2026 would seek to demonstrate that driving excellence is not merely about speed or vehicle control, but also about knowledge, discipline, emergency preparedness and respect for other road users.

 

Who Drives Best? Naija Driver 2026 Opens Free National Search for Driving Champion

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