Kia has just launched Base Version of its Sportage, under the name of Alpha. According to reports, the company has introduced this new vehicle at the cost of Rs4.4million. The reports further said that the company has excluded Panoramic Roof, Parking Sensors, Vehicle Stability Control, and Brake Hold.
New Trend in Local Automobile Industry:
Kia is not the first company that has launched a base version of its famous model. Earlier this year, Toyota launched the base version of Fortuner at the price of Rs7.3million. That base version came with some changes and fewer facilities, including fabric seats, 17-inch rims, Bi-Halogen PES headlamps.
This is the new trend in the local market as companies are trying to include more and more consumers as buyers. The purpose of these base variants is to give a relatively same experience of premium models in somewhat less amount.
The companies are taking these steps as car prices in Pakistan are increasing continuously. The local car manufacturers and assemblers have hiked the prices of all of their models extensively, especially in the last couple of years. The companies have linked this increase with high taxes, rupee devaluation, and slow market. These price jumps have taken new cars out of the buying range of local customers; henceforth, the companies are trying to stay relevant to the consumers.
It is yet to see whether these base models will be successful in the local market and make a place for themselves.
Time of Launch:
Kia has launched this car at a very critical time because release of Hyundai’s Tucson is around the corner. The South Korean company’s SUV is much awaited in Pakistan, although the company has not revealed the price of the new vehicle. Through different reports and sources, we have provided you the comparisons and features of Tucson.
Keeping Tucson’s launch in mind, it is undoubtedly a critical move by Kia as it seems, the company wants to grab as much as market before Hyundai’s new car. This move will also make a significant impact on consumers who are waiting for Tucson because they will consider Kia Sportage Alpha now. This will increase competition in the local market, which, to an extent, is suitable for local customers.
Kia Sportage Alpha Vs Hyundai Tucson:
Although there are expected to be major differences between two cars, but we are providing a brief comparison between both vehicles for our readers:
Features |
Sportage Alpha |
Hyundai Tucson |
| Engine Power | 2L 155HP | 2L 155HP |
| Headlights | Projector Halogen headlights | LED headlights |
| Gear Transmission | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic |
| Tire Rims | 225/60/ 17-inch alloy wheels | 225/55 18-inch alloy rims |
| Seats Material | Fabric | Leather |
| Panoramic Sun Roof | No | Yes |
| Safety | 2 Airbags | 2-front, 2-side Airbags |
Final Verdict:
As mentioned earlier, this is an interesting move by Kia Sportage, although the future will decide whether it will be successful or not. This latest development will increase competition in the local market, and now it depends on customers whether they go with advanced variants or choose base variants.
