Tag: SUV

  • Declining sales: KIA slashes Sportage prices by up to Rs300,000

    Declining sales: KIA slashes Sportage prices by up to Rs300,000

    In a strategic move to stimulate demand, Lucky Motor Corporation, formerly known as Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan, has announced a significant reduction in the prices of its popular compact SUV, the Sportage.

    The revised prices, effective from March 4, have been lowered by up to Rs300,000.

    The basic variant, Alpha, has witnessed a substantial decrease of Rs250,000, now priced at Rs7.3 million.

    Additionally, the prices of Sportage’s FWD, AWD, and limited black edition variants have all been reduced by Rs300,000. Consequently, the new prices stand at Rs7.74 million, Rs8.47 million, and Rs9 million, respectively.

    This move comes amid challenging times for the automobile sector in Pakistan, which experienced a significant 50% year-on-year decline in sales during the first half of fiscal year 2024.

    Experts anticipate that Lucky Motor Corporation’s decision to lower Sportage prices could contribute to a resurgence in its sales.

    It’s important to note that while Sportage undergoes a price adjustment, other models such as Picanto and Stonic will maintain their current pricing.

    Kia had already implemented several promotional offers, including installment plans, cashback, and free registration, to entice potential buyers.

    This latest price reduction aligns with the industry trend, as competitors like Chery Tiggo and Changan Oshan have also lowered their prices by Rs300,000.

    Industry observers attribute Sportage’s recent sales challenges to intensified competition, particularly with the introduction of the Corolla Cross in the same price range.

    Although the latter is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it has further heightened the competition in the market.

    Despite Lucky Motor Corporation’s efforts, reports suggest that the previously offered interest-free loan policy and other incentives haven’t generated substantial demand.

    Furthermore, a cashback offer of Rs150,000 on booking across all Sportage variants, which was in place before the price adjustment, failed to attract significant attention from potential buyers.

  • All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    Kia Lucky Motor Corporation has introduced a new version of its Sportage SUV, named the ‘Black Limited Edition.’ This latest model is the top-of-the-line version of Sportage in Pakistan.

    The company recently held an unveiling event of the vehicle for its clients and industry experts in major cities across Pakistan, where they discussed the enhancements made to the latest variant.

    The ‘Black Edition’ is primarily a cosmetic package and comes exclusively with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrain configuration. The new variant features a gloss black front grille, 19″ gloss black alloy rims, gloss black rear scuff-plate, dark-satin mouldings, darkened Kia, Sportage, and AWD emblems, and an all-black leather-wrapped interior. However, the primary features and performance figures of the new model remain the same as the standard Sportage.

    Kia plans to produce the ‘Black Edition’ for a limited time, which could last up to a year. While the new model is visually appealing, its price is relatively high compared to other SUVs on the market. According to Pakwheels, the Sportage Black Edition is priced at Rs9.05 million, which is significantly more than its competitors like the MG HS and Hyundai Tucson.

    Despite the cost, given the Sportage’s overall popularity, the ‘Black Edition’ may still prove to be a big success.

  • Toyota to reveal Crown SUV 2022 next week

    Toyota to reveal Crown SUV 2022 next week

    Nearly 70 years after the initial vehicle went on sale, the Toyota nameplate for passenger automobiles, which was also the brand’s first to be exported to the United States, is ready to enter its 16th generation.

    It will forgo the standard sedan body form in favour of something resembling a high-riding fastback. Even the Japanese manufacturer rhetorically queries if the new Crown is a sedan or an SUV on its dedicated website.

    The updated model is anticipated to arrive in the United States in the summer of 2023, most likely as 2024MY. The world premiere is scheduled for July 15. It’s important to note that Toyota already increased the Crown lineup by launching the nameplate in China. It is utilised for premium versions of the Highlander SUV and Vellfire minivan rather than specific models.

    If the low-volume Century, which has a special status in the lineup and is only offered to VIPs, is excluded, the Crown has historically been Toyota’s flagship vehicle in its native Japan. Since sedans have lost favour in the Land of the Rising Sun, the next-generation vehicle will not resemble the current one at all, according to patent images.

    According to a recent report (connected to those patent images), the new model will measure 4,930 millimetres (194 inches) in length, 1,840 millimetres (72.4 inches) in width, and 1,540 millimetres (60.6 inches) in height.

    According to reports, the wheelbase is 2,850 mm (112.2 in) long, and the platform may be Toyota’s TNGA-K. There are plans for hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, as well as two- and four-wheel-drive versions.

    The company’s most costly vehicle in the lineup is expected to be the US-bound sedan/SUV, which is expected to cost around Rs11,428,488 ($50,000) before extras. A wholly electric derivative is anticipated for later in the product’s life cycle, according to sources familiar with the situation, but it’s not clear if the EV would be sold in North America.

    Reuters reported in April that Toyota planned to modernise the Crown sedan, retain it on the market in its home country alongside this new model, and make both of them in Japan.

  • Toyota Pakistan announces another massive price hike for all cars

    Toyota Pakistan announces another massive price hike for all cars

    For the second time in less than a month, Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC) has announced a hefty price increase for all of its locally assembled vehicles. The increase was attributed by the corporation to the ongoing depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar.

    All variants from Toyota have received a hike of more than Rs170,000, which goes up to nearly Rs600,000.

    Toyota Corolla

    The old price of the Corolla Altis X Manual 1.6 was Rs3,749,000, and it will now cost Rs3,909,000 after a rate hike of Rs160,000.

    The Altis X Automatic 1.6 witnessed a price increase of Rs170,000, and now costs Rs4,099,000, up from Rs3,929,000 earlier.

    Altis X Automatic 1.6 Special Edition (SE) was previously priced at Rs4,309,000 and is now priced at Rs4,509,000.

    Altis X CVT-i 1.8, which also got a Rs200,000 hike, bringing the rate to Rs4,499,000, up from Rs4,299,000 previously.

    The price of the Altis Grande X CVT-i 1.8 (Beige Interior) has increased by Rs210,000, bringing the total price to Rs4,859,000, up from Rs4,649,000 previously.

    The Corolla Altis Grande X CVT-i 1.8 (Black Interior) was priced at Rs4,689,000, which now costs Rs4,899,000 after a price increase of Rs210,000.

    Toyota Yaris 

    The present price of the Yaris GLI MT 1.3 is Rs2,899,000, however after a price increase of Rs140,000, the new price is Rs3,039,000.

    Yaris ATIV MT 1.3, saw a price increase of Rs150,000, bringing the total price to Rs3,209,000, up from Rs3,059,000 previously.

    Yaris GLI CVT 1.3, and following the recent rise of Rs140,000, the car’s new price is Rs3,249,000, up from Rs3,109,000.

    Yaris ATIV CVT 1.3, used to cost Rs3,229,000, is now priced at Rs3,449,000 after a price spike of Rs150,000.

    The revised pricing of the Yaris ATIV X MT 1.5 is Rs3,449,000, an increase of Rs160,000. It was last sold for Rs3,289,000.

    The new price of the Toyota Yaris ATIV X CVT 1.5 is Rs3,659,000, increase from the original price of Rs3,499,000.

    Toyota Revo

    The earlier price of the Hilux E was Rs7,059,000, and following a Rs300,000 rise, it would now cost Rs7,359,000.

    Hilux Revo G Manual 2.8: The business raised the price by Rs330,000, bringing it to Rs7,989,000, up from Rs7,659,000 previously.

    The Hilux Revo G Automatic 2.8 has increased by Rs350,000, bringing its new price to Rs8,379,000, up from Rs8,029,000 previously.

    Hilux Revo V Automatic 2.8 was formerly priced at Rs8,839,000, but it is now priced at Rs9,229,000, a Rs390,000 increase.

    The Hilux Revo Rocco, which used to cost Rs9,319,000, now costs Rs9,729,000 after a price increase of Rs410,000.

    Toyota Fortuner

    Fortuner 2.7 G, formerly priced at Rs9,499,000, will now cost Rs9,959,000 after a price increase of Rs460,000.

    Fortuner 2.7 V now costs Rs11,459,000 instead of Rs10,949,000, a huge difference of Rs510,000.

    Fortuner 2.8 Sigma 4, received a price hike of Rs550,000, bringing it to Rs12,039,000, up from Rs11,489,000 previously.

    The fourth is the Fortuner Legender, which used to cost Rs12,099,000 but now costs Rs12,679,000 after an Rs580,000 price increase.

    Customers affected by the new pricing

    The new price will apply to all bookings placed after April 30, 2022. All orders placed before March 23 will be charged at the previous rate. All vehicles booked between March 23 and April 29, 2022, or before June 20, 2022, will be billed at the old rate. From March 23 to April 29, 2022, or before June 20, 2022, all DFS orders will be invoiced at the earlier rate.

  • This 8-year-old started driving two years ago

    This 8-year-old started driving two years ago

    We have previously heard or seen 13-year-olds driving confidently on Pakistani roads, but this time a YouTube video of an 8-year-old boy driving a full-fledged Toyota SUV with his 10-year-old sister has stunned everyone.

    The video posted on the internet was shot by his own father, who owns the white Toyota Fortuner. The boy claimed in the video that he has been driving since he was six years old, which is even more surprising given that he is struggling to look out the window, confirming that he is unable to obtain a clear view of the road.

    In the comments section, the majority of viewers critiqued the video for encouraging underage driving and putting others’ lives at risk, while others applauded the boy’s driving skills. It is worth adding that this is not the first time a video of this kind has gone viral. Earlier, a kid who seemed to be 11–12 years old was recorded months ago driving a Toyota Land Cruiser on a busy road.

    Read more: This Mercedes has a smaller engine than the Honda Pridor

    Promoting underage driving is becoming a worrisome trend in Pakistan, which the government must address promptly.

  • Proton X70, the low-cost SUV that never arrives after booking

    Proton X70, the low-cost SUV that never arrives after booking

    The Malaysian SUV Proton X70 was introduced in Pakistan in December 2020. Still, there are very few vehicles observed running on Pakistani roads, implying that the low-cost SUV may have failed in the country’s auto market.

    The SUV reached Pakistan at a difficult period when there were several import restrictions due to COVID-19 lockdowns, which hampered deliveries of the new Malaysian entrant in Pakistan’s burgeoning auto sector.

    Proton imported the X70 units in Pakistan when deliveries resumed as Malaysian facilities reopened. In fact, the company revealed at the beginning of this year that it had begun assembling the SUV in its local plant. The automaker even stated that it is restarting production at full capacity, which relieved some of its customers; nonetheless, buyers disclosed that they were not receiving the SUV on time.

    Unfortunately, a number of consumers who valued the business and ordered the vehicle are still waiting, including those who booked the latter about a year ago, and some have even cancelled their orders and gone for alternative options in the market that offer a quicker delivery.

    Read more: Here’s a look at the 2023 BMW 7 Series

    Being a new brand, the business could have taken a more strategic approach, as the Pakistani automobile market is dominated by Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki, brands that Pakistanis have tried and tested for years.

  • Hyundai’s electric vehicle wins ‘World Car of the Year’ award

    Hyundai’s electric vehicle wins ‘World Car of the Year’ award

    The winners of the World Car Awards for 2022 were recently announced at an event held during this year’s auto show.

    Pure-electric vehicles won the majority of the coveted prizes, indicating how the world’s automotive marketplace is changing from combustion to electrification and demonstrating how emission-free autos are equal to or better than their gasoline or diesel equivalents.

    The Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all-electric SUV from the Korean automaker, won the top accolade, ‘World Car of the Year’. The futuristic Ioniq 5 received two more honours, including World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

    Launched in 2004, the annual ‘World Car Awards’, is now in its 18th year. As per Cision Insights’ 2021, it is the world’s number one award event in terms of media reach and analysis of twenty-five main worldwide markets for the ninth year in a row.

    The jury for this year’s awards comprises 103 expert automotive journalists from across the world who are tasked with evaluating, comparing, and selecting the finest car in each class.

    iF Design Award 2022

    Hyundai’s designs also won nine awards at the prestigious International Forum (iF) Design Award 2022.

    Since 1954, the iF Design Award has recognised outstanding designs of the year. Along with the ‘Red Dot Award’ from Germany and the Worldwide Design Excellence Award (IDEA) from the United States, it is one of three international design honours.

    Hyundai Motor has won the iF Design Award for the eighth year in a row, honouring the automaker in a variety of categories, including Product, Professional Concept, Interior Architecture, and Communication.

    Read more: Honda to discontinue Insight next year, confirms production of Civic and CR-V hybrid

    The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from Hyundai Motor, STORIA, which was recently launched in Pakistan, underlines Hyundai’s global product design prowess. It has the outside of a futuristic spacecraft and the cabin of a roomy and pleasant vehicle for the driver and occupants. Lesser beltlines and panoramic side windows are influenced by traditional Korean ‘Hanok’ architecture.

  • Hyundai Pakistan launches another variant of obsolete Elantra

    Hyundai Pakistan launches another variant of obsolete Elantra

    Hyundai-Nishat has introduced the long-awaited Elantra GL 1.6, with a hefty price tag of Rs4.3 million for the ‘base trim’.

    This model was predicted to compete with the Altis X 1.6, but Rs4.3 million for a base model does not seem to attract much for a car that already existed.

    The ‘latest sedan’ is now available for bookings at Hyundai dealerships for Rs1.2 million. In terms of appearance, the new Elantra GL is identical to the GLS model. The majority of the changes have occurred on the inside.

    GL’s naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 127 horsepower (hp) and 155 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque in the new model. It has a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

    The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6L, which is priced between Rs3.92 million and Rs4.3 million, will be the Hyundai Elantra GL’s main rival which comes with a 4-year or 100,00 km warranty. Hyundai, as a newcomer to Pakistan’s automarket, appears to be up against a formidable opponent: Toyota Indus, which has been selling automobiles for decades and is known for its sturdiness.

    Read more: Toyota to launch its first electric car with 559 km range next month

    It is too early to comment on its performance at the moment, as its fate will be revealed in the near future when Pakistan Automotive Manufacturer’s Association releases the monthly sales data.

  • Toyota to launch its first electric car with 559 km range next month

    Toyota to launch its first electric car with 559 km range next month

    Toyota announced that it will introduce its revolutionary bZ4X battery-powered SUV in its home market on May 12, as part of a larger push to minimise its carbon footprint.

    The bZ4X is Toyota’s first vehicle built on a specific electric vehicle (EV) platform created in collaboration with Subaru. It’s made at the Motomachi factory, which now employs CO2-free utility power sourced from renewable sources.

    It was also disclosed that the Japanese dealerships would start taking orders for the first batch of 3,000 vehicles in May 2022, with the second batch of about 2,000 vehicles anticipated early in the autumn. This year, the manufacturer plans to create and sell 5,000 units.

    The Japanese manufacturer claims that its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV has a power-efficiency rating of 128Wh/km and a touring range of 559 kilometers (347 miles). It is compatible with rapid DC chargers available all around the world, while its battery can be topped to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes.

    All bZ4X models delivered in Japan will be leased, as per the manufacturer, to alleviate customer concerns about electric cars and allow it to apply its 3Rs (Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle) battery management system. The batteries incorporated in the SUVs will be guaranteed for ten years and 200,000 kilometers (120,000 miles) at 70 per cent capacity retention.

    Read more: Here’s a look at the new Honda Vezel 2023

    The Kinto service will be able to lease the bZ4X models to private clients, while the Rent-a-Lease and Toyota Mobility Services networks will be able to lease the EV to corporate customers.

  • Elon Musk offers $43 billion to acquire Twitter

    Elon Musk offers $43 billion to acquire Twitter

    Elon Musk has submitted a takeover bid for Twitter, offering $54.20 per share, days after becoming the group’s largest shareholder. This is an offer worth more than $43 billion.

    According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Mr. Musk described this as a “best and last offer,” reflecting a 54 per cent premium over the day before he commenced investing in the business in late January 2022.

    Musk stated in the filing that “I don’t have faith in the management” and that he could not make the adjustments he desired in the public market.

    As per a letter written to CEO Salesforce and chairman of Twitter, Bret Taylor, Musk stated that if the proposal is not accepted, he will reassess his status as a shareholder as Twitter has a lot of potential which needs to be unlocked.

    The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and the world’s richest man, purchased a 9.2 per cent share in Twitter on April 4, according to a regulatory filing. The tech mogul was invited to join Twitter’s board of directors the next day, but he denied the offer by the end of the week.

    Musk wrote to Mr. Taylor on April 13: “I invested in Twitter because I believe it has the potential to be the global platform for free speech, and I believe free speech is a societal requirement for a healthy democracy”.

    Read more: Elon Musk is no longer joining Twitter board as the microblogging network is “dying”

    “However, after making my investment, I’ve come to recognize that the company, in its current form, can neither thrive nor serve this societal need,” he wrote. “Twitter should be turned into a private firm”.

    Considering the tweeted document, Musk’s financial adviser for the proposal is Morgan Stanley.