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By, Moses Akaigwe
One of the standout attractions at last Thursday’s 3rd Auto Summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, was the striking display of the Deepal G318 by Mikano International (Motors Division), the sole partner of Changan Automobile in Nigeria.
The G318 is one of the Deepal models – a modern, global brand of intelligent new-energy and electric vehicles created by Changan and currently being driven into the Nigerian market by Mikano Motors.
Positioned prominently at the entrance to the venue of the NAJA Summit, the sturdy-looking, yet luxurious Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) quickly became a magnet for delegates, industry stakeholders and top government officials attending the event.
Renowned for combining exceptional off-road capability with premium luxury, the boxy Deepal G318 has earned a reputation for turning heads wherever it appears, and the 3rd NAJA Auto Summit held on Thursday, July 30, was no exception.
Among those who took time out to inspect the vehicle was the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, who examined the SUV at close range and expressed admiration for its bold styling and imposing presence.
Joining the FRSC boss were the representative of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Badmus Abdulsamad; representative of the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Engr. Olalekan Omoniyi; the founder of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji; and Director, Press and Public Relations, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mrs. Suzan Bisong-Taiwo.
Others were the Head of Regulatory Compliance, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG), Engr. Zayannu Yabo; Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Mobility, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi; and Chairman of the Auto Sectoral Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Femi Eguaikhide.
The all-wheel-drive G318, together with other premium Range-Extended Electric Vehicles in the Deepal lineup, continues to generate growing interest in Nigeria’s emerging electric vehicle market, thanks to the efforts of Mikano Motors, one of the country’s fastest-growing automobile assemblers and marketers.
Its impressive outing at the NAJA Summit came shortly after Mikano Motors placed the Deepal brand in the spotlight during the 2026 FIFA World Cup through football-themed television campaigns aired across Nigeria and several African countries, with the Deepal G318 and Deepal S07 taking centre stage.
One of the G318’s strongest selling points is its smooth, quiet and refined driving experience. Unlike conventional hybrid vehicles, its built-in 1.5-litre petrol engine functions solely as an onboard generator, continuously recharging the battery while the electric motors provide all the driving power. The result is an electric driving experience with significantly extended range, effectively eliminating range anxiety during long-distance journeys.
Here are some of the other factors that make the Deepal G318 tick:
Exterior
The Deepal G318 comes with an impressive list of exterior features, including C-shaped Energy Headlights, Intelligent High Beam, Cyber Eye LED Lights, a headlight delayed shut-off function, electric headlight height adjustment, LED high-mounted brake lights, and a smart panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade.
There are also hidden door handles, fixed side steps, a side-opening tailgate, front and rear frameless wipers, a rain sensor, a rear-mounted spare tyre, a 1.6T-rated towing hook with an interface, roof racks, and an Array Energy High Beam with camping light.
Its uniquely designed exterior lighting creates an unmistakable and eye-catching appearance, with Trident daytime running lights, full LED automatic headlights with height adjustment, streamlined tail lights, LED rear fog lights, LED mirror-side repeaters, number plate lights, and ambient interior lighting.
Premium Interior
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Inside, the Deepal G318 combines rugged off-road styling with premium technology. It features dual digital displays, numerous clever storage compartments, and a large, versatile cargo area.
The front seats fold completely flat to form a bed, making the cabin highly comfortable for both everyday commuting and long-distance travel.
Other interior features include automatic air conditioning, a luggage rack, power windows, four-way steering wheel adjustment, multifunction steering wheel controls, an anti-glare interior mirror, one-touch anti-pinch windows, a second-row centre armrest with cup holders, and Cybertech ergonomic seats.
A six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and welcome functions, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, split-folding rear seats, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a co-pilot instrument panel with a 3kg utility hook, among many other convenience features, contribute to making ownership of the G318 a pleasurable experience.
Intelligent cockpit
The G318’s intelligent cockpit is highlighted by a 14.6-inch embedded high-definition smart touchscreen and a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster.
It also features three-finger flying-screen navigation, a display enhancement function with Low Blue Light Rheinland certification, a premium 16-speaker audio system, and a 150W wireless fast-charging system.
Power and performance
The Deepal G318 uses a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain. Its electric motors provide all the driving force, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine serves solely as an onboard generator to recharge the battery.
The SUV is available with two electric motor options and rides on a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear five-link independent suspension.
Drivers can choose between Economy, Comfort, Sport and Custom driving modes to suit different driving conditions.
Advanced Safety
The G318 is equipped with the ET-Terrain Response System and several advanced safety technologies, including U-turn on the spot, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Off-road Creeping Mode, Energy Modes for Urban, Highway and Mountain driving, a wading radar, and a brake energy recovery system.
Its safety package also includes an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), AUTO HOLD, Hill Hold Control (HHC), an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABS+EBD), and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
The driver and other occupants of the G318 are protected by front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, Brake Assist (BA), three-point pre-tensioned seat belts, rear pre-tensioned seat belts, and mechanical child safety locks.
Peace of Mind Hinged on reliable after-sales support
The Deepal G318 and other Deepal models occupy prominent positions in Mikano Motors’ showrooms on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, as well as in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the company, the vehicles are also attracting growing interest at its showrooms in Abuja, Ibadan, Kano and Port Harcourt.
To reinforce customer confidence, Mikano Motors offers an industry-leading six-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty on the Deepal range, one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the Nigerian automobile market. Customers also enjoy an extensive after-sales support network across the company’s branches.
Reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction, the company recently stated: “At Mikano Motors, we are dedicated to delivering not just vehicles, but complete ownership peace of mind. The Deepal vehicles represent our promise of quality, reliability, and long-term value.”
Among other important guests at the 3rd NAJA Summit were a delegation from Mikano Motors, including the General Manager, Tarek Mostafa, and the Marketing Manager, Giselle Bejjani.
They were visibly pleased that Deepal G318 commanded the attention of dignitaries who were at the annual event organised by the Motoring Journalists.
Deepal is following the trail of success blazed by Changan, a leading Chinese automotive brand rapidly expanding in Nigeria through the assembly, distribution, after-sales and warranty support activities of Mikano Motors.
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