My personal opinion on Hyundai Launch Pakistan
After so heavy hue and cry created by Nishat group, I personally think it was not a good move to make an entry with an insanely priced car which is not even gonna be bought by people who can afford it.
Despite the auto policy accomodating them for duty rebates this price is still not justified and it has costed them much much much less than the retail they have listed. I wonder what they are trying to achieve here with this kind of a philosophy.
For a modest 1.85 crore (before additional charges and registration) I would rather buy a fresh import proper SUV with a Japanese badge on it or for comparison sake, buy 3 Fortuners instead.
All over the globe Korean cars sell because: they offer an A segment car in the price of a B segment car as compared to counter Japanese brands. And that is logical. I simply wouldn’t swap my Corolla or Civic for an Elantra in the same price bracket.
However if Elantra is priced lower (much lower) close to City, only then someone would consider it. For example in USA, Elantra is priced about same as a Honda FIT while the segment/category is of Civic/Corolla
A Honda CRV which is also a CBU 2.0 and full duty (unlike rebate offered to Hyundai as per Auto policy) costs 40% less than Hyundai Santa Fe. Now doing the maths of lesser duty (Hyundai) and base cost of CRV (with higher duty) I doubt it has costed Nishat group more than what CRV is costing Atlas.
For the sake of “LESS PRICE for MORE CAR” philosophy on which these Korean cars are considered in their respective markets by buyers. Following are comparisons of price taken from Honda and Hyundai US websites (both are top most trims available)
FIT = Elantra
Top trim FIT hatchback: USD 20,520
Top trim Elantra sedan: USD 20,600
So be careful with your future pricing Hyundai or get ready to pack your bags again.
