The Live Drive Expo offered car tests and gave potential customers the chance to test-drive various models from different brands prior to taking the final decision to buy. The show witnessed many surprises on its first day with the debut of two new models.

The show gave visitors the chance to test-drive three cars within a circuit set especially for car testing. It also provided the visitors with the choice to enter the show during one of four periods throughout the day each extending for three hours.

Sixteen brands offered their cars for test drives, including Hyundai, Opel, Chevrolet, MG, Kia, Chery, Jac, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, Subaru, Mazda, Haval, Changan, Jetour, and Nissan.

Among the test-ready cars which joined the show were: the family car Kia Grand Cerato sedan, the SUV Kia Sportage, the SUV Kia Sorento, and the Peugeot family which includes the 301 sedan, the 2008 crossover, The 3008 SUV, the 5008 SUV, and the newly introduced 508 GT Max. The French brand Citroen contributed with its two models the C-Elysee sedan, the SUV C5 Aircross, and also available for testing were the Jetour X70 and X95.

The MG range included the MG5, the MG6, in addition to the MG RX5, the MG ZS, and the SUV MG HS was also available.

The Japanese brand Subaru joined the show with its SUV the XV; and the customers were also able to test-drive the Jac JS3 and JS4.

The Opel brand was represented by three of its models: the Opel Corsa hatchback, the SUV Opel Crossland, and the Opel Grandland.

The Renault models shown at LDX were the new Megane Sedan, and the SUVs Duster and Kadjar, in addition to the Logan sedan, the Stepway, and the electric Twizzy.

The Haval brand introduced its SUV the H6 and the Julian SUV.

LDX launch

The first hours of the show saw competition between the companies represented to show their offers to customers. The organizers divided the testing grounds to two sections to distribute the visitors, reduce traffic, and provide the chance for participants to enjoy the test time.

The New Tiggo 7 Pro debut

The show saw the debut of the SUV Tiggo 7 Pro, which was officially introduced at the LDX show.

The Tiggo 7 Pro comes with a Turbo 1.5 litre engine with a 154 HP power output, 210 NM maximum torque achieved between 1750 and 4000 RPM, and is connected to an automatic CVT gearbox.

The safety features in Chery includes airbags, air curtains, ABS, EBD, electronic stability programme for hills and slopes, driver fatigue warning, rear collision warning, and a rear view camera with 360 degree vision.

The new Tiggo 7 is packed with numerous accessories and equipment, including an entertainment seven-inch touch-screen which supports smart phone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a wireless connection system, a 10-way electronically controlled driver seat, front and rear LED light units, wireless charging, panoramic roof, and remote engine start and A/C activation.

The new Chery is available with an official price tag starting from EGP 350,000 to EGP 380,000 for the higher equipped category.

Jac J7

The show also saw the debut of the first sedan from the JAC brand in Egypt, the J7, which is available in two levels of equipment with an official price starting from EGP 300,000 to EGP 329,000 for the higher equipped category.

The new Jac sedan comes with a four-cylinder 1.5 litre turbo engine, providing 150 HP, 210 NM maximum torque achieved between 2000 and 4500 RPM linked to an automatic CVT transmission.

The Jac J7 dimensions are 4772 mm length, 1820 mm width, 1492 mm height, with 450-litre trunk space which can be increased to 1650 litres by folding the rear seats.

The Jac J7 comes packed with standard safety features including six airbags and air curtains, tyre pressure control, ABS, ESP, EBD, front and rear collision warning, reverse camera, 360 degree camera, and a blind spot recognition system.

The Jac J7 sedan’s cockpit is equipped with a 10.4 inch touch-screen supporting smartphone connectivity through CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity, folding side mirrors, engine start/stop button, panorama roof, leather seats, and a multi-function steering wheel.

Nissan reveals the NGV Sentra and Sunny

The show saw the introduction of Nissan’s Sentra and Sunny – the Natural Gas Versions (NGV).

Nissan provided the NGVs for testing during the first round of the show.

The new Juke

Nissan revealed its Juke with new equipment. The Juke was introduced with the same three-cylinder 1.0 litre DIG-T turbo engine with 117 HP and 180 NM torque at 1750 RPM, connected to an Auto DCT 7 speed transmission.

The Juke provides three driving modes, including sports and economy.

The new Juke’s equipment includes an eight-inch touch-screen supporting smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose speaker system, leather steering wheel, voice command system, steering wheel gear shifting, smart key, keyless engine start, various driving modes, infotainment screen in the dashboard, front seats heating system, ambient light, two-tone seat cover, Automatic A/C, USB for charging in the back seats, and cruise control. The Juke’s exterior equipment includes rear dark glass.

The new Juke comes with standard safety features including six air bags and air curtains, ABS, EBD, ESP, electric hand brake, tyre pressure control, front and rear distance warning, automatic high beam activation light sensors, rain sensors, internal auto dimming mirror, rear view mirror. Juke also comes equipped with a camera system which incorporates 360-degree view, front emergency brakes, lane-changing warning, blind spot warning, and rear traffic warning.

A successful first round

The first round of the LDX achieved successful results with many potential customers attending the show, giving hope for a fruitful future for the motor show business in Egypt and providing a fresh view to organizing car events in the future to cope with the ever-changing market and customer needs, while also encouraging auto companies to take their competition to the next level in the coming rounds.