Not A Venza Affair

The teeming Toyota enthusiasts wishing to own the Venza through Toyota’s authorised dealers in Nigeria, surely would not be happy to know that they cannot get a tropicalised Venza as official news from the office of the Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited has declared the car as  untropicalised vehicle for Nigeria and so, a no-go vehicle for his firm.

Mr C. K. Thampy addressing a cross-section of auto journalists in his Lekki office said his firm does not bring in cars that are not recommended for the Nigerian market because of fuel quality and other conditions. This was sequel to a question on why the Venza, high in demand in Nigeria within the grey and used car market, has not been marketed or given a ray of hope, by the authorized dealership.

Mr Thampy made it clear that TNL would not introduce any product that it does not have the capacity to back-up. “We do not like to bring in vehicles that are not recommended for this market because of the quality of fuel and other conditions. Presently, we are not equipped to provide support for the Venza with regard to after-sales.”

The Toyota Venza, a mid-size crossover SUV, which has been gaining popularity due to numerous used car market that abound in Nigeria without requisite after-sales and warranty, is powered by either Toyota’s 3.5-litre or 2.7-litre engine both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike other Toyota offerings that have different levels of equipment such as LE and XLE for the Camry and Sport and Limited for the RAV4/Highlander, the Venza has only one model trim but with a choice of packages and options until the 2012 edition that debuts a three grade model line LE, XLE and Limited only for the US market.

During the 2008 vehicle launch, Toyota marketed Venza under the campaign, “You’re More Than One Thing. So is Venza” According to Autoblog, the name Venza was derived from the words Venture and Monza (racing circuit) The Venza is currently Toyota’s only crossover without a third-row seating unlike the RAV4 and Highlander.

—Daniel Ekugo