Almost two years ago around February 2021 , Kia Pakistan introduced much anticipated Kia Sorento. The model received overwhelming response at launch but overall, the sales couldn’t anchor as forecasted . The model had attractive pricing at the time of introduction , being a 7-seater and availability of a 3.5L V6 engine , making it one of the most powerful local assembled vehicle. The PK domestic model is 3rd generation which was globally revealed in late 2015 and later in 2018 , it got a facelift. The current PKDM version is a facelifted model. Although an AWD version is available in Pakistan, but it is only specific to the 2.4L MPI engine. The flagship 3.5LV6 is not offered with AWD, in fact a 3.5LV6 variant in right hand drive market was not available with AWD even outside Pakistan. An AWD was available with 3.5LV6 which was later changed to 3.3L V6 engine in overseas market but only in LHD regions. A New Kia Sorento? The 4th generation Sorento , the current global in production model outside Pakistan is over 3 years now (launched in 2020) and already got a mid cycle facelift few months ago. Unfortunately, we don’t have that model yet and I don’t expect it to be in Pakistan anytime soon.  If you follow Kia Motors Pakistan social media , you might have seen a new campaign ❞??????? ??????????? | ???? ????? ?? ???❞ ….”When power meets performance, that’s when you truly dare to conquer. Coming soon….. “ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LiK0UXf8-Q The notification from KIA Pakistan YouTube channel made me excited about a teaser but after watching , it is not much of a teaser as far as the model seen in the short video clip. It is the same Sorento currently already offered by Kia Pakistan.  So, what’s up with all this campaign ? Well! I have some opinion about it and maybe I am wrong. Hyundai Vs Kia We do know that Hyundai Pakistan is launching a 7-seater Santa Fe very soon and probably in less than 2 weeks time. KIA wanted to attract some of the limelight toward their model before competitors launch and let public know that they do offer a 7-seater Sorento.  Hyundai Santa FE and Kia Sorento compete each other although being technically relevant. We also do know that the upcoming PKDM Santa FE will be offered with hybrid. The arrival of Santa Fe, a 7-seater, that too with hybrid and keeping in mind the current high fuel pricing will for sure impact Sorento sales. Obviously, we don’t know yet what price tag Nishat will put on Santa FE but it is feared that it might put a heavy dent on customers pockets as some rumors suggest pricing in 14 Million +/- range. If that’s the case, it will be 2 Million more than the flagship 3.5LV6 Sorento. The rising fuel prices, the 3.5LV6 is not an efficient engine regardless how much powerful it is; Kia Pakistan is promoting POWER & PERFORMANCE, but I believe their new campaign will not attract or Inspire public/customers.  Like recent launch of so called Black Edition for Sportage, I think we might see a similar behavior/approach for Sorento. There is possibility we get some additional features in Sorento to make it little relevant and somewhat make it attractive.  & maybe 3.5LV6 gets an AWD although it has a very low possibility as it was never available on right hand side models with a V6 under the hood. I am sure there will be a question that if Sorento is relevant to Santa FE technically, why can’t KIA offer Hybrid in the Sorento? Kia Sorento & Hyundai Santa Fe Well! for that you need to read the following lines and I mentioned it earlier as well in my previous articles . The 4th generation Santa FE, with chassis code “TM,” went into production in 2018 and got a major facelift in 2020. Hyundai Santa Fe is the nonidentical twin of the Kia Sorento, and both models have been sharing technical under the skin. When the 4th generation Santa Fe was introduced in 2018, it shared its underpinning ( Y-Platform) with the 3rd generation Sorento ( chassis code UM ,the same model we currently have in Pakistan). Back then, Hyundai and Kia were developing a new modular platform that would be the basis of many upcoming new models for both brands. The platform must be more rigid, lighter, safer, fuel-efficient, and flexible in providing chassis for unibody crossovers, cars, and vans; Kia-Hyundai N-platform came into being to meet all these expectations. The current 8th generation Sonata [same as in Pakistan ] was the first model implementing this new chassis in 2019. Since then, it has been in use by all current new generations of models, for example, Kia K5, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, Tucson, Sportage, as well as the new Sorento. While in early 2020, an all-new 4th generation Sorento was introduced, in June 2020, Hyundai released a facelift of the 4th generation Santa Fe. Although the facelift of Santa Fe included major welcoming exterior and interior updates, there was more to that. Normally facelift includes updates in aesthetics and other minor improvements, but in the case of Santa Fe, the entire platform was replaced with N3. This resulted in an all-new, much-improved driving dynamics besides better interior space and safety. The new platform also helped Hyundai to offer Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid versions on the facelift 4th generation Santa Fe ( the same model will be offered in PK) It is also pertinent to mention that Kia Sorento adopted the same N3 platform, but with the current overseas 4th generation in production model’s introduction. The new 4th gen Sorento is now again relevant to Santa Fe under the skin. In other words, the facelifted 4th gen Santa Fe even being an older generation started using the new chassis. In brief, the 3rd generation Sorento facelift never adopted the newer chassis, and the hybrid or plugin hybrid was not an option. The 4th gen Sorento is for sure available with hybrid model being on new chassis. Lastly, whatever is the case with this new Kia Pakistan marketing campaign, one thing is clear.. this is the same Sorento and probably this campaign might bring some minor changes/ additional feature but as always with a new pricing.  No matter what KIA do with current Sorento, the upcoming PKDM Santa Fe with hybrid even being older generation will steal the show and possibly will also try to steal your bank account because it will not be cheap. The current Sorento prices are as follows; Sorento 2.4 FWD- PKR 10,800,000 2.4 AWD- PKR 11,700,000 Sorento 3.5 FWD- PKR 11,790,000 Stay Tuned !

In the midst of sharply deteriorating economy, rupee devaluation and months-long import curbs has raised serious reservations for local car makers in the country. After the recent rupee meltdown against US dollar, car companies don’t expect even a murmur of economic stability soon. In a bid to douse the flame this economic anger, car companies in the country unleashed a series of offers to at least maintain their sales volumes and confirm the survival. Kia Motor’s Offer In a recent update, Kia Lucky Motors has introduced price lock offer.  Under this offer, the company is providing a special opportunity to secure a new Kia Picanto, Stonic, Sportage, or Sorento with both immediate delivery and a locked-in price. Although the delivery timeframe for the SUV is uncertain at this moment. Pak Suzuki’s Offer Unlike the other auto makers, PSMC is entity grappling more with these difficulties, which in turn urged the company to announce offers more than any other market player. Pak Suzuki’s new offer allows you to enjoy a ‘price lock’ on all new booking this month. Mind you, this offer extends to all vehicle models except for the highly popular Suzuki Alto VX and Cultus VXR. Additionally, PSMC is providing a complimentary registration deal for those purchasing the new Suzuki Cultus and Wagon R models, along with a generous Rs. 150,000 exchange bonus for customers choosing the new Suzuki Swift. Coming to Pakistan Suzuki’s sales, the Company’s sales decreased by of 19% in July, selling 2,444 vehicles against 3,009 cars in June. Pakistan Suzuki Motor Company sold 1,440 units of Alto, 177 units of Suzuki Cultus, 245 units of Suzuki Wagon R, 249 units of Suzuki Swift, 146 units of Suzuki Bolan, and 187 units of Suzuki Ravi. What do you think about these offers? Will you cease anyone of these? Tell us in the comments section.

Kia Lucky Motors has increased the prices of some of its models, but interestingly, the company has not shared any specific reason behind this step. The increase was expected as the US dollar has increased by almost Rs. 20 in the last two weeks. It is essential to notice that the sales of every car company in Pakistan are low, and some even offer different discounts, free registration, free insurance, and other benefits to increase their sales, but Kia still increased the prices. Does this mean another wave of price hikes in the coming days? Well, we have to wait and see. The new Kia car prices will be effective from September 6, 2023. New Kia Car Prices  The following models of Kia have observed a price hike: Kia Picanto AT jumped Rs. 125,000, taking the price to Rs. 3,950,000 from the previous Rs. 3,825,000. The price of Kia Stonic EX+ has been increased by Rs. 230,000, and its new price is Rs. 6,280,000 compared to Rs. 6,050,000. Kia Sportage All Wheel Drive (AWD) will now cost Rs. 8,920,000 compared to the old rate of Rs. 8,820,000, meaning it observed a hike of Rs. 100,000 Lastly, Kia Sportage Black (Limited Edition) will now have a price tag of whooping Rs. 9,650,000 compared to Rs. 9,300,000 as its price jumped by Rs. 350,000. Terms and Conditions  According to the company: All orders booked on old prices till September 5, 2023, and are good to go with full payment credited to LMC's account as of September 11 will be delivered at previous ex-factory prices. All orders booked from September 6 and onwards will be delivered at new ex-factory prices. All order bookings will only be accepted on full payment (except Sportage Black Limited Edition). Ex-factory prices are exclusive of freight and insurance charges. The customer will pay new/additional duties and taxes, if any, imposed by the government and applicable at the time of the delivery. The consumer of cars is already facing serious troubles in buying a new vehicle due to record-high inflation, the highest-ever dollar rate, and a high ratio of duties and taxes. The latest revision in car prices would further harm the buying power of the masses, making the market more saturated. The only solution for the current plight is economic and political stability, but the situation seems to worsen every day.  What do you think about the new Kia car prices? Are they justified? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.   

In a surprising move that has left many car enthusiasts stunned, Kia has decided to bid adieu to the beloved Kia Rio in the U.S. As we gear up for the 2024 model year, the news of the Rio's discontinuation has sent ripples through the automotive world.  Kia Rio: Journey Comes to an End The Kia Rio, a trusty companion to many drivers seeking budget-friendly options, will not be making a return for the 2024 model year in the U.S. This subcompact sedan and hatchback, known for its affordability and practicality, has been a favorite among those looking for quality without breaking the bank. It was available in the U.S. for under $20,000. Kia's Path Forward While the discontinuation of the Kia Rio might leave a void, Kia is already gearing up for its next move. Enter the new Kia K3, a potential successor to the Rio's legacy. However, one thing is for certain – the K3 won't come with the same pocket-friendly price tag. As Kia shifts its focus towards more sophisticated offerings, it's likely that the K3 will come with a higher price point. Affordable Car Choices Decreasing The Kia Rio's departure marks another chapter in the story of affordable subcompact cars bidding farewell. With the Mitsubishi Mirage also on the brink of discontinuation, the options for sub-$20,000 cars are dwindling. As the automotive industry evolves, the landscape of choices for budget-conscious buyers is undergoing a significant transformation. Kia Rio: Impact and Legacy Although the Rio never topped Kia's bestseller charts, it made its mark as a reliable and economical choice. In 2023, Kia managed to sell 16,554 units of the Rio, despite a 2 percent decline from the previous year. The Rio's allure lay in its affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a sensible and cost-effective ride. Kia's Next Moves As we bid farewell to the Kia Rio, all eyes are now on Kia's compact Forte sedan. Taking the mantle as the most budget-friendly model in the lineup, the Forte aims to continue Kia's tradition of providing value-packed options. And while the new K3 is poised to shape the brand's future, it's clear that the era of sub-$20,000 cars is evolving into something new and different.