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Updated: Kia targets trendy young Nigerians with sophisticated, sporty Sonet, Seltos
The arrival of the two compact sport utility vehicles, the all-new Kia Sonet and the high-tech Kia Seltos may just be timely for those waiting for special vehicles to rock the end of the year known for festivities and unique automobiles.
The two Kia models assembled in Nigeria were unveiled in Lagos last Friday to the motoring journalists are expected to significantly raise the market share of the Kia brand in the compact SUV segment, which is fast becoming the toast of many new car buyers globally including Nigeria, especially young trendy people.
The Sonet

Kia says the bold compact Sonet now available for customers in Nigeria has been developed ground-up to set new benchmarks in design, technology, dynamics and safety.
According to the firm, the vehicle offers first-in-class six-speed automatic, alongside a wide choice of powertrains
“The urban and athletic Sonet has arrived in Nigeria and poised to revolutionise the sub-compact SUV segment. Designed to be bold and unforgettable, the Sonet boasts of key features that place it in a league of its own within the compact SUV segment,” says Kia’s Marketing Manager, Olawale Jimoh.
Specifically, he says the Sonet coming with multiple powertrain options has impressive features encapsulated in a modern exterior and incorporates the Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium appeal creating a strong presence on the road.
The Sonet is said to provide comfort, convenience and safety as it has been fitted with the largest and the best in class 10.25-inch (26.03 cm) HD and it comes with other smart features such as multi-drive and traction modes, and grip control for automatic models.
Designed around the driver with a well laid-out, intuitive infotainment and cluster interface, the Sonet was built taking into consideration the end user’s experience, harbouring functional qualities in every inch of its ergonomic space, says Kia.
Managing Director/CEO, Kia Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani, says, “Kia has manufactured a vision inspired by our young, ingenious customers who crave simplicity and seamlessness in their lives.
“The Sonet delivers on features that are simply not found in models belonging to the same compact SUV category. Packed with first-in-class, purposeful features and technologies. Our Nigeria customers will find in the Sonet a smart companion to navigate the needs of life.”
For the engine, Kia says with an efficiently petrol-powered engine, Kia Sonet offers its 1.5-litre MPI engine with the six-speed automatic transmission.
For safety, the firm says more than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body consists of high strength and advanced high strength steel, which creates a robust yet lightweight structure.
Kia says it has ensured that every drive with the Sonet is as hassle free and safe as possible, with a rigorous set of measures created in line with the automaker’s pillars of safety.
The Sonet will be available in a dual trim concept that includes a sporty GT-Line trim. Enhancing the Sonet’s athletic and energetic appeal, the GT-Line models offer sportiness both inside and out. Customers looking for a sharp, dynamic road presence have the choice to opt for this trim.
Seltos: Combining sophistication, comfort, efficiency
Kia says the new Seltos is one of the most high-tech cars in its class with a range of in-car features.
It is described as a technologically advanced and refined compact SUV equipped with a range of market and world-first features and designed to make driving safer and less stressful.
“The new Kia Seltos brings sophistication, assertiveness and cutting-edge technology and safety features to the global compact SUV segment,” says the Kia Nigeria
It adds, “The Seltos is characterised by distinctive design details, lending the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. It combines forward-looking technical features, class-leading space and a suite of world-class safety features, and is powered by a choice of highly-efficient Smartstream petrol and diesel engines.”
Kia Nigeria MD/CEO, Hathiramani, speaks on the new SUV, saying, “The Seltos is an important car for Kia as it will play a central role in the expansion of our footprints, and especially in a priority market like Nigeria.
“We’ve adapted our strengths in design, quality and technology to fulfil the needs of customers in the Nigerian market. Seltos is aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers and is packed full of our most cutting-edge technology and safety equipment.”
Looking at its exterior design, this easily reveals the Seltos’ sporty and sophisticated nature through its long hood, a strong, character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork.
It also sports a wide ‘tiger nose grille’, making the car instantly recognizable as a Kia, but with a difference.
The rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect accentuates this dynamic appearance.
For the interior design, the Seltos is designed with high quality, futuristic materials. With a target at youthful, tech-savvy buyers, the cabin is characterized by broad, sweeping shapes and highly technical details. Equipped with a range of technologies to maximize convenience, connectivity and ease of use, the bold design of the cabin incorporates a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The vehicle comes with the lounge-like and spacious interior and houses 8.0-inch head-up display system which unobtrusively projects relevant driving information on to a small-glass panel behind the steering wheel – such as turn-by-turn navigation directions and vehicle speed information.
The Seltos is equipped with a range of newly developed third-generation powertrains for high efficiency and powerful performance. All powertrains are engineered with Kia’s Smartstream technology for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Kia showcases the vehicle and its 1.6-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine, producing 177 PS.
It says other options are a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 149 PS; and a 1.6-litre diesel engine, producing 136 PS.
For the Nigerian market, the Seltos will be offered with an automatic transmission options to suit customers’ needs and driving style – a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) .
The car’s 10.25-inch advanced infotainment system is said to be packed full of technology and gives advanced split-screen functionality. This allows users to control or monitor numerous vehicle features at the same time, and customize the screen to display up to three applications simultaneously.
The driver can choose to have a single display (such as navigation) or combine different elements on-screen.
The vehicle has a full range of advanced active safety systems to keep its occupants well protected on every journey.
For instance, the Seltos’ body is made up of a blend of steel and aluminium, maximising torsional rigidity while keeping body weight low.
The vehicle is fitted with six airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems such as Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management system as standard, incorporating traction control and electronic stability control.
It is also fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, a Traction Control System, a Brake-Force Assist System and Hill-start Assist Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors, for assistance when parking.

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NAJA Holds 3rd Auto Industry Summit July 30 on Nigeria’s EV, CNG Future
NAJA Holds 3rd Auto Industry Summit July 30 on Nigeria’s EV, CNG Future
As Nigeria navigates the high-cost reality of post-subsidy transportation, the path toward a more affordable and sustainable future is coming into focus. On July 30, 2026, industry titans and top policymakers will converge at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, for the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit, aiming to turn the promise of electric vehicles and CNG into a practical, everyday reality for Nigerians.
The summit, scheduled for the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is themed: “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration”, according to a press release by the summit organising committee.
It specifically stated that the high-level forum would bring together policymakers, regulators, vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, transport operators, financiers and industry experts to assess the progress, opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in Nigeria.
Chairman of NAJA, Theodore Opara, said the summit is designed to provide practical solutions for reducing transportation costs, strengthening energy security and accelerating economic growth through clean mobility initiatives.
“Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s largest gas reserves. Expanding CNG infrastructure can provide a practical bridge towards a cleaner mobility future while supporting energy security and reducing pressure on foreign exchange used for fuel imports,” he said.
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He noted that collaboration among government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, financial institutions and transport operators would be essential if Nigeria is to achieve affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation.
Among key speakers expected at the event are the Chairman, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi – CNG and EV); Barrister Ismael Ahmed; Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, with other leading stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Participants will examine critical issues including policy implementation, infrastructure development, financing models, safety standards, local vehicle assembly, investment opportunities and consumer adoption strategies needed to drive Nigeria’s clean-energy transportation agenda.
The summit comes amid growing government support for alternative fuels following the removal of fuel subsidies and the rollout of initiatives by the PCNGI which have placed EV and CNG mobility at the forefront of national economic and environmental discussions.
According to Opara, deliberations will also focus on expanding charging and refuelling infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability and leveraging the media to accelerate public awareness of cleaner transportation technologies.
Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said industry leaders would present case studies from emerging EV and CNG projects while outlining strategies for overcoming challenges such as high vehicle acquisition costs, inadequate infrastructure and limited technical expertise.
He noted that the successful development of a robust EV and CNG ecosystem could significantly lower logistics and transportation costs, improve public mobility and reduce pressure on foreign exchange spent on fuel imports.
“Government incentives alone will not guarantee success. Investment in charging stations, CNG conversion centres, maintenance facilities and technical training will determine how quickly adoption can scale nationwide,” he explained.
With rising public interest in alternative-energy vehicles and increasing policy support from the Federal Government, the 3rd NAJA Auto Summit is expected to provide a roadmap for advancing Nigeria’s clean mobility transition and making transportation more affordable for citizens.
NAJA Holds 3rd Auto Industry Summit July 30 on Nigeria’s EV, CNG Future
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Auto
Jetour Puts Customer Peace of Mind at the Centre of X70 PHEV Rollout
Jetour Puts Customer Peace of Mind at the Centre of X70 PHEV Rollout
Jetour Nigeria has reinforced confidence in its X70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), highlighting a comprehensive after-sales support system, nationwide service network and extended warranty package designed to deliver long-term reliability and peace of mind for owners.
The automaker said the X70 PHEV is not only engineered for fuel efficiency and lower emissions but is also backed by readily available genuine spare parts, dedicated technical support and trained service personnel, underscoring its commitment to customer satisfaction beyond the point of sale.
The auto company lists its accredited dealers spread across Nigeria as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.
To further boost customer confidence, the brand is offering an extensive warranty of five years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
The X70 PHEV is engineered to reduce ownership concerns commonly associated with electrified vehicles. Its multiple charging options—fast charging, slow charging, engine charging and brake force charging—help minimize reliance on external charging infrastructure while ensuring the battery remains optimally charged during regular driving.
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According to Jetour, this design not only improves convenience but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.Supporting the vehicle’s reliability is a robust hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, a 19.43kWh battery and dedicated hybrid transmissions.
Jetour notes that the system is built for durability and efficiency, helping owners save on fuel while benefiting from reduced emissions and improved performance.In addition to mechanical reliability, Jetour’s after-sales framework extends to vehicle safety systems and advanced technology.
Features such as electronic stability systems, multiple airbags, driver-assistance technologies and smart electronic components are supported by trained technicians and specialized diagnostic tools within the brand’s service network.
Jetour’s growing reputation in the Nigerian market was further highlighted by its recognition as the “Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year” at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association awards.
The honour, according to the organizers, reflects the brand’s rapid acceptance, strong customer patronage and commitment to innovation and service excellence.
With the X70 PHEV, Jetour continues to pair advanced technology with dependable after-sales support, positioning itself as a brand focused not only on efficient mobility but also on long-term customer value and peace of mind.
Jetour Puts Customer Peace of Mind at the Centre of X70 PHEV Rollout
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Officers Abroad Benefit as FRSC Promotes over 10,000 Personnel in Tech-Driven Exercise
Officers Abroad Benefit as FRSC Promotes over 10,000 Personnel in Tech-Driven Exercise
In a major demonstration of its growing reliance on technology, the Federal Road Safety Corps has conducted a nationwide promotion exercise, enabling officers on academic programmes overseas to participate remotely while deploying surveillance cameras and independent observers to ensure transparency.
The promotion exercise, described by the Corps as one of the largest and most technologically advanced in its history, benefited more than 10,000 personnel.
It covered 3,597 Intermediate Rank Officers and 6,408 Junior Officers across the country, according to a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri.
The exercise was conducted under the leadership of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and formed part of ongoing efforts to modernise personnel management and ensure merit-based career progression within the organisation.
A major highlight of the exercise was the successful inclusion of FRSC personnel pursuing academic and professional programmes outside Nigeria.
Through the deployment of advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms, officers on study leave abroad were able to participate in the promotion process remotely without disrupting their educational activities.
The Corps said the initiative underscored its commitment to ensuring that no eligible officer was denied career advancement opportunities because of geographical location or personal development commitments.
“This development demonstrates the Corps’ resolve to remove barriers to promotion and create an inclusive system that rewards excellence regardless of where personnel are located,” the statement noted.
To guarantee fairness and credibility, the FRSC introduced real-time monitoring mechanisms, including surveillance cameras deployed across all examination centres and independent observers drawn from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal Character Commission.
The exercise commenced on June 14, 2026, simultaneously across the Corps’ 12 Zonal Commands, with representatives of the Corps Marshal overseeing proceedings to ensure strict compliance with established standards.
The FRSC, the technology-driven promotion system eliminated many of the traditional bottlenecks associated with promotion exercises, enhanced operational efficiency, and provided all eligible personnel with equal opportunities to compete based solely on merit, competence, and performance.
The Corps further stated that the successful conduct of the exercise reflected Corps Marshal Mohammed’s vision of building a highly motivated, professional, and future-ready workforce where hard work, innovation, commitment, and excellence are consistently recognised and rewarded.
Under his leadership, the Corps noted, significant reforms have been introduced to improve personnel welfare, strengthen institutional capacity, and leverage technology to enhance service delivery and internal administrative processes.
The FRSC said the promotion exercise has further boosted staff confidence in the organisation’s career advancement system, while encouraging greater productivity, accountability, and healthy competition among personnel.
The Corps described the successful completion of the exercise as another milestone in its drive to institutionalise global best practices and transform the agency into a modern, digitally driven organisation capable of meeting contemporary public service demands.
It maintained that the promotion process reinforced the principle that professionalism, dedication, and outstanding performance remain the primary pathways to career advancement within the Corps, while supporting its broader objective of building a motivated workforce committed to safer roads and improved service delivery for Nigerians.

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