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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Î Ëœ ͺ͸͚;
ESSENTIAL SKILLS with STEPHEN DIESERUVWE (Director General, Delta State TraďŹƒc Management Authority (DESTMA)
Pedestrian Crossing
Jaguar XJ present steering wheel
The future steering wheel
Jaguar Presents Sayer, Voiceactivated Steering Wheel Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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aguar Land Rover is revealing the intelligent and connected steering wheel of the future, known as Sayer, during the inaugural Tech Fest at Central St Martins art, design and technology college in London, UK, the automaker said in a statement. “This steering wheel concept lives in your home and becomes your trusted companion. Sayer is the first voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) steering wheel that will be able to carry out hundreds of tasks. Sayer could signal your membership of our on-demand service club. A club which offers either sole ownership or the option of sharing the car with others in your community. “Imagine a future of autonomous, connected and electric cars where you don’t own a
single car, but instead call upon the vehicle of your choice where and when you need it. That’s a future vision Jaguar Land Rover is exploring with Sayer, the connected steering wheel that could be the only part of the car you own.� Need to be at a meeting two hours away from home by 8am tomorrow? Simply ask Sayer from the comfort of your living room and it will work out when you get up, when a car needs to autonomously arrive at your door and even advise which parts of the journey you might enjoy driving yourself. A beautifully sculpted piece of art, like every Jaguar Land Rover product, Sayer owes its name to one of the most prominent designers from Jaguar’s past, Malcolm Sayer, who worked for the British marque between 1951 and 1970. Explore the future with Jaguar Land Rover
at Tech Fest 2017. About Tech Fest 2017: Technology with Heart ‘Technology with Heart’ is the theme of Jaguar Land Rover’s inaugural Tech Fest, an event that explores the positive role technology is playing in reshaping the automotive industry and beyond. The free-to-enter festival takes place at the internationally recognised Central Saint Martins art, design and technology college in London. It is open to the general public from Friday, 8th September until Sunday 10 September. The event will be packed full of innovative exhibits and interactive displays that demonstrate how technology is being used to make a positive difference. Attendees can fast forward to the future and glimpse a world where cars drive themselves and vehicles are shared, not owned.
Turbocharged Engine, Crossover-inspired Design for Kia Picanto X-Line
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ia has announced details of the all-new crossover-inspired Picanto X-Line ahead of its public debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). A statement by the company said following its premiere on 12 September, the new addition to the Picanto range goes on sale across Europe from the start of Q4 2017. The all-new X-Line variant further broadens the appeal of the Picanto, Kia’s smallest car, combining all of its best qualities with a new look which draws inspiration from Kia’s popular crossover and SUV model lines, including the Sportage and Sorento. The rugged design is highlighted by contrast colour packs andraisedgroundclearance(to156mm,15mmhigher thanthestandardPicanto),whichalsogivesthedriver a clearer view of the road ahead. The new derivative benefits from Kia’s 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, making it the most powerful Picanto ever. MichaelCole,ChiefOperatingOfficerforKiaMotors Europe, commented: “We launched the new Picanto in Europe earlier this year and it is already outselling its predecessor. Year-on-year, Picanto sales in the first half of 2017 grew 23% to 31,827 units, and globally it is one of our best-selling vehicles. The all-new X-Line will add to that momentum.� Design gives the Picanto SUV attitude While the new Picanto featured a bold and energetic design when it was launched earlier this year, the all-new X-Line variant introduces a series of rugged new design cues. Incorporating Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, the X-Line boasts more imposing, SUV-style bumpers with metal-look skidplates at the front and rear, for a more confident and go-anywhere appearance. Unique to the X-Line model, the grille and fog lamp surrounds are finished with lime green highlights (silver highlights are also available), while black cladding around the wheel arches enhances the visual effect of the raised ground clearance. 100 ps 1.0-litre T-GDI engine – the most
All-new Kia Picanto X-Line
powerful Picanto ever The all-new Picanto X-Line is powered by Kia’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine. Previously only available in the cee’d model family and new Rio, the lightweight, compact new engine is available with a Picanto variant for the first time. Aswellasofferinghighefficiencyandlowemissions, the lightweight nature of the new T-GDI engine perfectly suits the Picanto’s direct handling character. With minimal mass over the front axle, the more powerful engine ensures the Picanto remains fun to drive. The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine produces 100 ps at 4,500 rpm, and 172 Nm torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. The most powerful engine yet to be offered on the Picanto, it allows the X-Line model to accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 10.1 seconds. The new engine is capable of 4.5 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions from 104g/km(combined,NewEuropeanDrivingCycle).
The new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is also being introduced to the sports-inspired Picanto GT-Line, with identicalperformanceandpowerandtorqueoutputs. Third-generation Picanto: Quality, technology and versatility The Picanto X-Line is fitted with many of the features available across the rest of the Picanto range, including 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, shark-fin antenna, and keyless entry. The large 7.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) houses navigation with 3D maps, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration.Arear-view parking camera and wireless smartphone charger and USB port are also available on X-Line models. Like the Picanto GT Line, the Picanto X-Line is fitted as standard with a sporty D-cut steering wheel.
Pedestrian Crossings Pedestrian crossings provide a safe place for people to get from one side of the road to the other. Crossings are either ‘controlled’ or ‘uncontrolled’.At controlled crossings, both the drivers and pedestrians are given instructions. At uncontrolled crossings pedestrians have to decide for themselves when it is safe to cross, relying on the courtesy and consideration of drivers. There are several types of pedestrian crossing - School crossing, Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus. In each case you must try to identify the crossing early and use your Use the MSPSL or hazard routine. When approaching a pedestrian crossing you must always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children and elderly people. Be prepared to slow down and stop if there are pedestrians about. When pedestrians are on the crossing, they always have priority. Do not beckon on pedestrians to cross, allow them to make their own decisions. By waving to a pedestrian you could be inadvertently exposing them to a danger that you have not seen; for example, there may be another vehicle overtaking illegally. You must always be on the look-out for people near the crossing and be prepared to stop to allow them to cross. It’s dangerous and illegal to park or overtake within ten (10) metres of a pedestrian crossing. We will be discussing zebra crossing in detail, as it appears to be the most common crossing in Nigeria. A zebra crossing is a path across a road marked with black and white stripes where pedestrians may cross. Look for people standing near or moving towards on approach, and try to work out in advance whether they are likely to cross. You must give way when someone has moved onto a crossing. Never accelerate towards a zebra crossing hoping to beat the pedestrian to it. Approaching a Zebra Crossing Check your mirrors when you see a zebra crossing and approach with care. When pedestrians are waiting on the pavement at a zebra crossing and obviously want to cross, slow down and stop to let them cross. You must give way to anyone who is already crossing and anyone who has stepped on the crossing. Do not wave pedestrians to cross, as there could be another vehicle coming in the other direction. When approaching a zebra crossing, reduce your speed in good time and scan either side of the crossing to see if anyone is walking up to or is standing at the crossing. Remember to use the MSPSL or hazard routine on the approach to the zebra crossing. Courtesy Be prepared to pull up if someone is standing next to a crossing and it’s obvious they want to cross the road. Never wave pedestrians across the road as other vehicles may not be so willing to allow them to cross. When you are waiting for the pedestrians to cross the road never “rev� your engine. Imagine the pedestrians being very young or elderly, “revving� your engine could give them a fright and force them to hurry across the road. Show some patience and surely you will be rewarded by the pedestrians who have crossed the road with a smile or a wave. In next week’s article we shall be discussing turn in the road, which is, turning a vehicle to face the opposite direction. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author. Stephen K. Dieseruvwe
Director General, Delta State TrafďŹ c Management Authority (DESTMA) **Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant **Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com **Tel: +2348167814928