The Maesima NV-982 also known as the Celento in some markets is a midsize car which was manufactured by Maesima from 1982 to 1988. The sedan, liftback and wagon models were released in February 1982, they were produced in Anikatia at the main factory facilities in Namju.
The Maesima Celento (NV-982 Series II) sedan, liftback and wagon models were released in April 1985, featuring a revised look with new front fascia, tail treatments in addition to mechanical changes including an automatic transmission option and further refinements to the ride and handling. The range was revised and the new limited edition Trail-Trek edition was introduced.
The NV-982 was the companies first front-wheel-drive vehicle and was introduced above the long-running NV-975. It was powered by either a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol MC-OB1452 engine with single overhead cams and two valves per cylinder of the MCO series producing 52 kW (70 hp) and 102 Nm (75 ft lbs). The MCO series engine was introduced in 1982 and based on the MCP series OHV Inline six-cylinder petrol engines.
The Trail-Trek edition was a unique take on an offroad vehicle. Maesima at that time had only introduced the Celento in 1982 their first vehicle to the American market and while the lineup included a sedan, liftback and wagon variants there was nothing to compete in the growing off-road and sports utility market.
Instead what Maesima engineers sought to offer an alternative to buyers looking for something with some off-road capability. The Trail-Trek added additional ground clearance, underbody armour and locking differential which allowed the vehicle to make its way through terrain regular 2WD’s can only dream about.
The Trail-Trek offered in a 2-door wagon variant aimed squarely at tradesmen, farmers and those in rural areas who wanted extra ground clearance and diff lock to negotiate tricky fire trails, building sites and paddocks, Maesima never intended to compete against true 4x4’s.
The diff lock saw a vacuum operated system couple both axles together to provide 50/50 drive to both wheels. Like most diff lock systems this meant the Trail-Trek couldn’t be driven on bitumen with the diff lock engaged. A switch on the dash could activate the system at speeds under 40kph (25mph) while the diff lock remained engaged up to 70kph (44mph), engaging and disengaging automatically.
shown with the optional touring package (including sidesteps, roof racks, fog lights, removable tow bar, mud-guards)
All models were offered with competitive warranties and servicing deals but the Celento struggled against the established brands. But for those that wanted a simple, practical, affordable and dependable vehicle the Celento provided. The Trail-Trek edition failed to capture the market and was dropped in 1988 with the introduction of the second generation Celento (known in other markets as the NV-988).
The Celento Trail-Track was offered with a wide range of optional extras including sidesteps, roof racks, fog lights, removable tow bar, mudguards, washable rear cargo liner, cargo nets, boot divider/pet barrier, 13-inch alloy wheels and summer touring road tires.