At least six automakers are set to introduce new cars and models into the Pakistan automotive market. Toyota one of the largest players in the market is ready to launch its first model mid this year. This follows after the Chang’an Alsvin made its triumph last year in December.
The increasing number of Chinese firms eyeing for a market share in Pakistan are majorly using it as a platform of avenue growth. The need to expand to other markets is as a result of decreased sales and saturation of similar models in their already established markets.
Pakistan government has been at the forefront in encouraging auto manufactures to increase production and lower the prices of their cars. The economic growth, fall in interest rates and fall in diesel and gasoline have led to a booming car market that has attracted the attention of global auto dealers.
While the Al-Hajj FAW revamped the production of hatchbacks, KA Hanteng Motor working together with China Hanteng took the production of their models to a higher level.
Here are the new car models to be introduced in Pakistan this year.
Hyundai Elantra 2021
The most anticipated new car in the first quarter of 2021 from Hyundai Nishat Motor is Hyundai Elantra. The introduction of the 2021 Elantra is intended to be before the end of the 2016-2021 Pakistan Auto Policy. This will among the cheapest Sedans in Pakistan and will be offered in five trims: SE, SEL, N-Line, Limited Edition and Premium. Its expected price will range between Rs3.6million and Rs4million.
According to the model displayed at PAPS Auto Show 2020, the Elantra will feature a 1.6 litre Naturally Aspirated engine. To rival its competitors, the 4-cylinder engine can produce 122 horsepower and a torque of 156Nm. This engine is offered two transmission systems: a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission system.
Elantra will come loaded with 6 airbags, Hill Start Assist, Electric Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signals, rear camera and parking sensors.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Indus Motor Company CEO revealed they’ll be launching Toyota Corolla Cross in Pakistan. This was to happen last year but the official launch didn’t take place. Tests have already been done on Pakistan roads and only waits is the launch.
The company will launch the CBU units only. Its price tag is set to be Rs. 8.5 million, which is slightly above the popular Toyota Fortuner G – a 7-seater SUV. Import price is blamed for this.
This Crossover SUV as sold in Thailand is almost similar to RAV4 and the front end is characterized by a large framed grille while the rear features thin taillights and faux skid plate. The interior is luxuriously crafted and is equipped with automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, leather seats and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The 2021 Toyota Cross will have to engine options: a petrol-powered engine that powers 140 horsepower and 175Nm, and a hybrid engine whose motor can produce 142Nm of torque and 98 hp.
Proton Saga
After the launch of Proton X70 late December, the Proton Saga is set to start selling in Pakistan January of this year. In partnership with Al-Haj Automotive, Proton is optimistic of launching CBU units of this sedan to compete against Changan Alsvin, Honda City and Toyota Yaris.
The variants to be sold are Standard Auto, Standard Manual and Premium Auto. This Malaysian sedan Saga comes with a 1332cc inline 4-cylinder engine equipped with DOHC VVT technology.
But for Pakistan, Proton will sell a 1298cc engine that can generate 95 hp and 120Nm of torque. This 16 Valve engine is connected to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission system.
The Proton Saga has an Eco-Drive Assist indicator, hydraulic power steering, LED interior dome lights and a 7-inch infotainment touch screen. The premium sedan is loaded with Traction Control system, Hill Hold Assist, Stability Control system and is awarded a 4-star rating according to ASEAN NCAP crash testing.
All variants come with two frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
Honda City
The 7th generation of the Honda City will be launched in Pakistan in the first quarter of this year to rival Toyota Yaris, which was introduced late last year. The three variants of the City to be availed are the 1500cc, 1300cc and 1000cc. Apart from the 1000cc turbocharged engine, the rest carry naturally aspirated engines.
The Indian 1500cc City engine produces a torque of 145Nm and 121 horsepower. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission system or a 7-speed CVT system.
This City is expected to come with halogen projector headlamps, LED daylight lights, side view mirrors with LED indicators, 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay. In Addition, it has Vehicle Stability Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, push-button start and Alexa Remote Capability.
