Since the implementation of auto policy 2016-2021, Pakistan has gone through an auto revolution. Under the policy, enhancement of consumer’s welfare and boosting competition besides attracting new players has been the government’s priority. A major incentive of a 10% reduced custom duty on non-localized parts has been offered to the new investors helping flow investment in the country’s automobile sector that was previously 32.5%.
This facility by government has attracted a large number of investors in Pakistan. Car companies have opened their local outlets and number of imported cars is steadily increasing. With every emerging year, new models are introduced in the market and sells like hot cake!
Hatchbacks in Pakistan
Hatchbacks are extremely popular in the US. A hatchback is a car with a hatch-type rear door that opens upwards and often a shared volume for the passenger and cargo areas. They are typically a small utilitarian family car but rear hatch doors have been used in sports cars, SUVs and luxury cars.
1960’s modernized the structural form of hatchbacks but they rose to fame in 1970’s.
Hatchbacks are a new phenomenon in Pakistan as these are among the most affordable vehicles to buy in Pakistan. After the implementation of auto policy, competition in price and quality segments is increasing and this competition is proving productive as it increases the diversity in the range people can buy from. This compels the auto manufacturers to compete in-between themselves and provide a better choice to stay in the competition.
Hatchbacks Newcomers Should Introduce in Pakistan – https://t.co/1nZm9wvRLF pic.twitter.com/HwVqDnIta1
— CarSpiritPK (@CarSpiritPK) January 30, 2019
Companies like KIA, Zotye, and Prince are all set to release their hatchbacks in Pakistan and add another flavor to the ever-expanding market. Moreover, Hyundai is expected to launch a car every six months that can prove productive for Pakistan’s auto market.
Earlier this month, Hyundai Nishat Motor Private Limited announced that their manufacturing plant is ready for production in FIEDMC’s M3 Industrial City. The company will be producing up to 15,000 units per annum in its initial phase. It will start producing the Porter H-100 pickup as its first “made in Pakistan” vehicle.
Here is a list of hatchbacks that can make it to the Pakistan market in 2020.
Prince Pearl
Amid the economic slump that Pakistan saw in recent years, Suzuki decided to discontinue the production of its most used and economic “Suzuki Mehran’. To fill the void that was created by Mehran’s absence, Prince jumped in to save the day and introduced its “Pearl”, a budget-friendly alternative to Mehran. Prince Pearl is set to be launched today in Pakistan after its reveal was postponed many times in the past.
Prince’s Pearl REX7 Hatchback appears to be the newest contender for budget-conscious auto enthusiasts, and this 800cc car is the product of a joint venture between China’s DFSK and Pakistan’s Regal Automobiles.
Read more: Prince Pearl: New Alternative for Budget-Friendly Suzuki Mehran
With 40 Horsepower and producing 60.5 Torque per pound, Prince Pearl can give up to 20-22 km/liter mileage.
Prince Pearl offers LCD screen, spare tire, fog lamps, optional airbag, power steering, power windows, power door locks and warranty of 3 years or 60,000 km.
The price of Prince Pearl is PKR 850,000.
KIA Rio
Kia Rio is going to be the fourth model Kia motors is launching in Pakistan. Kia Rio will succeed KIA Picanto, KIA Carnival & KIA Sportage.
KIA Rio is powered by a 1.4L CVVT 4 cylinder petrol engine coupled with a 4 speed automatic transmission. The car boasts a 6-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat with a luxurious interior that also includes a 7 inch touch screen display with a rear camera, power doors, power windows and heated outdoor mirrors. The car’s engine is a 1598 CC offering 120 horsepower at 6300 rpm. The KIA Rio offers an 11.9 galleon fuel capacity.
The company claims to have installed the best safety features in this KIA that features
- Dual front advanced airbags,
- Dual front seat mounted airbags,
- Full length side curtain airbags,
- Electronic stability control and
- Hill start assist control.
KIA Rio is priced at 1.4 Million.
Zotye Z100
Topsun Motors have introduced four models that include hatchback and three models of JMC. Topsun Motors launched 1000 CC Zotye’s Z100 hatchback. The company has also introduced JMC in two variants: single and double cabin.
The company claims that the electronic version of the Zotye Z100 will travel the distance of 300 KM on a single battery charge and the price is expected to be around PKR 1.9 to 2 million.
Read more: Putting Cultus & Wagon R to shame: Zotye Z100, Pakistan first 1000CC Electric car
The current model of Zotye Z100 is based on the 1000 CC engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic version will be introduced in the second phase. The hatchback is at par with the Suzuki Wagon R and Cultus. It is expected to compete with FAW V2 and KIA Picanto.
Main features are,
- Disc/Drum Brakes
- Max Speed 150
- Seating Capacity 5
- Follow me Home Headlights
- Trip Computer
- Power Doors
- Power Windows
- Air Conditioning
- Dual Front Airbags
- Speed Sensing Door Locks
As per the initial price quoted by the company, Zotye Z100 costs PKR 1,490,000.
Zotye Z100 Plus
The electric version of Zotye Z100 Plus is not too different from the engine-based model. Apart from slight changes in the shape and the means of power there isn’t much different. The electric version, Zotye Z100 Plus, is already performing well in international market. Zotye Z100 electric version offers almost the same engine 998 CC with the electricity as the main power source. Transmission is manual and the car can travel a distance of 200 km with single charge. It has a 13.5 kw motor which offers 145 NM of Torque.
Main specs are,
- 60 horsepower
- Luxurious double padded interior
- Lit charging port
- Variety of colors
Zotye Z100 Plus’ price is 1.9 to 2 million.