Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Wisynco's William Mahfood (right) chats with (from left) Ian Lyn, brand sales and marketing manager for Motor Sales; Paul Issa, chairman of the Issa Transport Group; and Bruce Levy of Myers, Fletcher and Gordon. The gentlemen were exploring Motor Sales' new Mitsubishi pickups which were unveiled recently at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. -Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

In a style-conscious society, where more often than not, appearances triumph over substance, the chic and the well-to-do, unlike the nouveau riche, are always seeking new modes to marry both requirements. While conscious of the need to keep up appearances, those to the manner born do so with continental ease and not through the posturing!

And so, while the essence of style is never lost, and is second nature to those in-the-know, the operational rule here is that first, it must be practical. It must not only look good but it must serve a practical purpose and provide meaningful service. Meaning - whatever the accoutrement or accessory, it must have a practical purpose, other than the 'bling' factor! Remembering that here the clear but yet unstated rule is - style must never besacrificed - not even and especially for personal comfort.

Now, when it comes to making an appearance, how and in what one arrives, is of equal importance as one's personal ensemble. And so, little wonder here that luxury imports and stylised SUVs are the preferred mode of transportation for the well-heeled and ne'er-do-well, as these high-end modes of transport are considered best suited for the Jamaican terrain, not to mention some of the horrendous roadways that remain!

all-round winner

When one comes across an item that offers all three major components of the style test - bling-appeal, comfort and practicality, y'all know we are talking an all-round winner here, and nothing but! Well, my daahlings, so it is with the redesigned Mitsubishi L200 pickup and the luxurious turbo-diesel known as the Sportero!

Since its creation some years ago, The House of Issa, through its transport division, has been providing their patrons here with the best of what the manufacturing transport world offers to those wishing to travel in style and comfort. This was so since its inception in 1943, when the range of vehicles on offer then included Chryslers, Oxford, and the Morris, right up today, when the their fleet includes "Jamaica best loved SUV - the Mitsubishi Pajero.

Two Tuesday nights ago, Motor Sales & Service Co. Ltd. threw a snazzy little promotional cocktail reception at the Montego ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel to introduce the totally redesigned Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck and the luxurious turbo-diesel, automatic transmission version of it called the Sportero, and my dears, it all went down very well and then some!

Y'all might have heard of SUVs, but this is the world's first sport utility truck (SUT). You really have to forget everything you think you know about pickup trucks, as those who have driven the sporty new truck have been boasting. It combines the luxury and comfort of a high-end SUV with the strength and workhorse capabilities of a sturdy pickup, and with great visual appeal due to its fab new design!

And designed as it is, as a sport truck as well as a workhorse, the expectation here is that pretty soon, and not unlike how the Mitsubishi Pajero has become the SUV of choice for the discerning road user, the new Sportero is all set to be the vehicle of choice for those wishing to have a fab-looking vehicle with the practical capabilities and capacity to execute rugged chores, while maintaining its stylish appeal.

power vehicle

And my dears, a power vehicle it is! It was also one fine cocktail reception, with industry insiders and motor-vehicle enthusiasts gathered in appreciative numbers. They received overwhelmingly positive response from those in the know, and how!

Little wonder here really as the display units did have guests a-oohing and a-aahing in appreciation, many just gunning to get behind the wheels of the new offerings.

Among those in attendance included: Hon. Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Transport; Fenton Ferguson, Minister of State in the Transport Ministry; His Excellency Masahiro Obata, Ambassador of Japan, and Hiroko Obata; William Mahfood, CEO of Wisynco; attorney Bruce Levy; Bevon Francis; Leon Headley, vice-president of Jamaica Broilers Group; Omar Azan of Boss Furnishings; Newton James of Power 106; Andre Hylton; along with hosts Issa Transport Group Chairman Lee Issa and Deputy Chairman Paul Issa, along with managing director of Motor Sales and the Issa Transport group, Brian Stevenson - doing the honours in demonstrating the features and pluses of the new vehicles, to a obviously eager audience!