Pakistan car market received multiple new cars in 2020 The new entrants arrived under the country’s first Auto Development Policy (2016-2021). Under this policy, the new companies got Greenfield Status and got exemptions in import duties and taxes. Furthermore, the companies are launching these new vehicles, because the policy is ending in June 2021, so they want to take benefit from the policy.
Pakistan got its first new car at the start of the year, then in March, but the situation went wrong due to COVID-19. After the end of restriction, a number of new vehicles hit the market, especially in December. The companies which launched new cars include Hyundai Nishat Motors, Changan Master Motors, MG Pakistan, Regal Motors and Proton Pakistan.
Following is the detail about the cars launched in 2020 in Pakistan.
New Cars and Prince Pearl:
Regal Motors launched Prince Pearl in January 2020, meaning right at the start of this year. The 800cc, with 4-speed manual transmission, was launched in the segment, dominated by Suzuki Mehran for decades. The manufacturer introduced multiple features in this hatchback including Power Windows, Power Steering, Digital Instrument Cluster and Centra Armrest.
The company also installed with seatbelts, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Spare Tyre, Alloy Rims and Body-Coloured Door Handles. Most of these features have not been offered in this segment before in Pakistan.
At the launch time, the car’s price was PKR 10,49,000, while its current price is Rs1,150,000.
Toyota Yaris:
Toyota Yaris was one of the most anticipated among new cars in Pakistan when Toyota Indus Motors (IMC) launched it in March 2020. The company introduced the car in 1300cc and 1500cc engines, with both manual and auto transmissions, in six different variants. Although the car made zero sales right after its launch in April 2020 due to COVID-19, however, it has recovered and has shown record-high sales. The price of Yaris models starts from Rs2,509,000 and goes up to Rs2,999,000.
It is pertinent to mention that the introductory price of Yaris started at Rs2,300,000. However, the company has hiked its price twice since its launch. The rate of this Sedan has gone up to around Rs150,000, since March.
The company has introduced several features in Yaris including Power Steering, Power Windows, Dual Airbags, and Immobilizer. Meanwhile, its top-of-the-line variant, 1500cc CVT offers, alloy wheels, Traction Control, Climate Control, Keyless Entry, Interior Lighting, and Steering Control Buttons.
As mentioned earlier, the car has shown record sales; even it has outsold Honda City and Civic combined in the last three months. According to the report of PAMA, Toyota sold 3,058 units of Yaris in October, as compared to 1,858 of Civic and City.
The car even outsold Honda’s vehicles in November. Toyota sold 2,338 units of Yaris last month, as compared to 2,088 units of City and Civic. This shows the local customer’s trust in this sedan vehicle.
New Cars in 2020 and Hyundai Tucson
After the end of COVID-19 restrictions in the country, Hyundai launched its much-awaited SUV, Tucson, in Pakistan. Hyundai Nishat Motors introduced this car as a competition to KIA Sportage. The 2000cc compact SUV was launched in Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants, with 6-Speed Automatic Transmissions.
Furthermore, the company has introduced dual airbags, Vehicle Stability System, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Start Assist (HAC) in the car. The SUVs also have Cornering Lights, Wireless Charger, Panoramic Sunroof, Cool Box, Leather Seats, and Driver Power Seat.
The introductory price of the FWD variant, named GLS Sport, was Rs4,899,000, while All Wheel Drive (AWD), named Ultimate, was Rs5,399,000. However, the company hiked up the prices after 2 days. Now the FWD costs Rs5,099,00, while the price of AWD variant is Rs5,599,000.
New Cars in 2020 and MG HS:
The HS SUV by Morris Garage (MG) is one of the most anticipated cars of the year 2020. The company and its local partner have successfully created hype for the car. Even, the rumours started to circulate that MG has booked 10,000 units. However, the news was false as PakWheels did research and told its readers that bookings are under 1,000 units.
The company has launched the HS in only FWD variant, with 1500cc Turbocharged engine, mated with 7-speed Auto Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Furthermore, the company has installed a number of features in the car, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Camera, and Rain Sensors. The HS also comes with 6 airbags, 360-Degree Camera, Anti-Collision System, Lane-Assist System and Paddle Shifters.
The company has introduced the car at the price of Rs5,500,000.
Glory 580 Pro
Glory 580 Pro is all set to make an entry in the local market, as DFSK will launch it on December 20. The Pro will compete in the thriving crossover compact SUV segment in Pakistan. The car will surely be an exciting addition to the local market. Glory Pro has a 1500cc Turbocharged engine, with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. Furthermore, the new SUV will come in only the FWD variant.
The manufacturer has installed LED front lights and fog lamps, Electronic and Heated, Auto Retractable side-view mirrors, 360-degree camera and Leather Seats. One of the major features of this car is its seating capacity, as the company is offering it in both 5 and 7 seats, meaning it is a great vehicle for a family. This new car will also come with Parking Sensors, which indeed is an excellent feature for the user’s convenience.
DFSK has also installed a state-of-the-art option in Pro, which is i-Talk, a Voice Command feature. Through this, you can control different functions of your car, including, open/close front windows, sunroof, switch the music on/off, and control the car’s AC temperature. You can also answer/reject your phone calls and open/close car’s GPS through your voice command.
The company will launch this car in Rs 4,400,000, which is the lowest in the SUV segment so far.
New Cars in 2020 and Changan Alsvin:
The Changan Alsvin was released in Pakistan on December 11, an exciting addition in news cars in sedan category. The new vehicle has been released in the competition of Toyota Yaris and Honda City. The company revealed the in Karachi on said date, while its first locally manufactured was rolled out on December 14.
The company has launched this car in three variants, i.e., 1300cc Manual, 1500cc Auto Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and 1500cc DCT Lumiere. The third one is the top-of-the-line variant.
The salient features of the new car include Start-Stop Technology (SST), Tyee Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Furthermore, the company has installed a Floating Touchscreen, Sunroof, Dual Airbags, High Adjustment Halogen Headlamps, and leather seats. The car also comes with Rear Camera, Parking Sensors, and Cruise Control.
It is pertinent to mention that many of these features are only offered in Lumiere variant.
Furthermore, the company has not revealed the price of this new sedan. Expectedly, it will be revealed at the end of December or the start of January 2021.
Proton X70:
The Proton X70 was unveiled in Pakistan on December 10; however, the official launch ceremony will be held on December 18. The launch of X70 will further intensify the competition in the SUV segment, meaning the buyers will have more options, which is great for them.
The upcoming SUV will come with 1500cc Turbocharged engine, Door Ajar Sensors and Parking Sensors, making it a quite safe vehicle. Along with these safety features, the company is also offering 6 airbags, Brake Assist, EBD and Vehicle Stability Control. The other salient features of this SUV include Panoramic Sunroof, Cruise Control, Heated Seats, 360-Degree Camera and Voice Control.
The company has not revealed the price of X70, as it will be revealed on its official launch on December 18.
