KIA Lucky Motors has once again entered into the local industry of Pakistan after a decade and this time with a long-term investment plan. The expectations with the auto manufacturer are high considering the lack of competition in the local market of Pakistan. Last three decades have been dominated by the big three including Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda. Pak Suzuki has been enjoying the monopoly of the only automaker in the entry-level hatchback segment in the country whereas Toyota Indus and Honda Atlas were the only players in the high-end vehicles. Alongside KIA, another South-Korean auto giant Hyundai has also returned to the local setup after years.
KIA has so far introduced its MPV Grand Carnival and Sportage in the country. Note that KIA had participated in the Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2019 which was a highly anticipated 3-day event held at Expo Centre, Karachi from 12th-14th April. The company displayed many of its vehicles including Stinger, Sportage, Picanto, Niro and Grand Carnival at the event. As mentioned the company had already introduced two of its vehicles in the country, and as the company’s announcement, it is all set to launch Kia Picanto for its customers as well. This will be Kia’s third car to be introduced in Pakistan.
It is imperative to mention here that, at first, the company was all-set to open booking of the car in August, however, due to unknown reasons it was delayed and now from the next week, the booking will open and anyone can book the car. The deliveries will be made from October onwards.
KIA Picanto:
KIA Picanto is an entry-level 5-door hatchback powered by 1000 cc engine displacement mated with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Euro-6 compliant 1.0-liter engine produces a maximum output power of 66 hp. Picanto shares platform with Hyundai i10 and as far as its economy figures are concerned, NEDC rates it up to 23 km/liter. The hatchback has a wheelbase of 2400 mm which provides optimum control over the car.
KIA Picanto was first introduced in 2004 which continued till 2011 before the 2nd generation model came into the market. The 2nd generation remained in production till 2017 after which the company launched the 3rd generation of Picanto at Geneva Motor Show 2017 and is currently being produced around the globe. The hatchback comes in 1.0-liter engine mated with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 1.2-liter engine which is offered under the optional automatic transmission. It is worthy to mention here that KIA Lucky Motors is planning to introduce the 2nd generation 1.0-litre engine model in Pakistan. So, once again, the country will get an older version of a new car; this time by a new player in the auto sector.
The 2nd generation KIA Picanto displayed at the PAPS 2019 had a signature compact tiger-nose radiator grille at the front and comes with 14” alloy rims. The hatchback also featured power steering, power windows (front), entertainment system and analog climate control. The upcoming car would be equipped with airbags as a basic safety feature but might lack the spare wheel at the back which is a necessity especially while traveling in Pakistan. The company claimed that they would offer a version of Picanto which would house more additional features as compared to the one showcased at PAPS 2019. The estimated price of the upcoming entry-level hatchback would be around Rs.1.7-1.9 million.
Competitors of KIA Picanto in the local market:
With the launch of KIA Picanto, the company will be mainly targeting to break down the monopoly of Pak Suzuki in the 1000 cc car segment. Its head-to-head competitor will be Suzuki Wagon R, Cultus, and also United Bravo. FAW V2 also falls in the same category in terms of the price range. Suzuki Wagon R VXR is currently priced at Rs.1,540,000 and the higher-end VXL costs Rs.1,625,000. On the other hand, the price of Suzuki Cultus starts from Rs.1,745,000 for VXR variant and goes all the way up to Rs.1,975,000 for the AGS variant. The only variant VCT-i of FAW V2 is equipped with a 1298 cc engine displacement and comes at Rs.1,499,000. Both Wagon R and Cultus lack any extra-ordinary features and only the top of the line variants of Suzuki Cultus is equipped with ABS brakes and two airbags as safety features. The price tag and build quality of KIA Picanto will be a key factor in determining the success of the hatchback in Pakistan. However, we do expect a better quality material used inside the car as compared to Pak Suzuki. With the entrance of new cars in this segment, the competition will rise, compelling auto manufacturers to produce high-quality products to stay ahead in the race.
KIA has a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on by introducing Picanto with several additional features under an attractive price tag which can build a huge following for the brand. A majority of potential buyers are already willing to move to something better than what Pak Suzuki offers in its cars. So, let’s hope it turns out to be a win-win situation for the consumers at the end of the day.
That’s it from our side for now. Stay tuned to PakWheels for more reviews and comparisons of upcoming cars. Leave your suggestions in the comments section below.
Welcome Kia AGAIN… I hope this time they’ll not runaway from the competition. A big question WHY 2nd Generation… That’s a utter defensive move… Already afraid of losing… Don’t they get it… Pakistani car buyers are crazy… if they can buy a 88 model shape car (Alto/Mehran) for 31 years… a 85 model shape van (Carry/Bolan) for 34 and… literally I am tired of using calculator again and again… So, i was saying… Pakistani car buyers are Crazy… KIA please be brave and bring the best.
This article does not provide any new information. These facts and dates known long ago.
It isn’t all good news. This is a second generation picanto launched globally in 2011 and coming to pakistan in 2019. It shares it’s platform with 1st gen Hyundai i10 launched in India in 2007 so it’s already an obsolete car. The 3rd gen shares its platform with Hyundai grand i10 for India or just 2 nd gen i10 for Europe and even that is also replaced by the New grand i10 Nios launched in India last month or 3 rd gen i10 which made it’s eruopean debut at Frankfurt which will form basis for 4 th gen picanto to be due around 2022. So this is basically a generation and half older kia picanto and 3 generations old in terms of platform and technology. All hatchbacks sold in pakistan are like that.
Suzuki Swift still in first generation while India, Europe and Japan have 3 rd gen. already on sale.
WagonR still in previous gen while Japan and India already have latest WagonRs on Sale.
Suzuki Cultus which is called Celerio in India and Europe will already move to it’s next generarion in India next year while european sales will be stopped after 2019 model year whereas in Pakistan it got launched just 2 years ago so when will the new one even come ?
Honda City is still in it’s 6 th generation while spyshots of 8 th gen are already seen in Thailand, India and Japan where it will be launched next year.
Pakistan has basically become a dumping ground for models which are obsolete and technologically too old to be sold in other countries.
I think they might just ship the assembling kits and leftover parts from other countries where 2 nd generarion was produced as other countries have moved to 3 rd gen already 2 years ago. Looks like they are basically trying to save a lot of money by selling this cars as new which they will be easily able to get away with as the cars it competes with are already a generation older globally.
Hello.
Everyone I’m already used Kia Picanto in United Arab Emirates this vehicle is small but awesome my waiting time is finish INSHA ALLAH asap i purchase Picanto in my country.
Thank You
So that makes it “Not a Good News”?? Its still good news as long as all other cars we get in Pakistan are also obsolete models in the world… At least we are getting some competition though… Better something than nothing..!
@Guest thank you for crisp and true analysis! Pakistani Nation is born with the fate to be bamboozled by politicians, govt officials and now these auto makers.
So Kia decided to bring the garbage in Pakistan at the launching and starting level which I think is not an intellectual decision. Hope they ll rethink and bring the updated version because this is time to grab market but if it is not impressing the customers, how can they survive in the market .
They should change their policy makers and market advisors.
why we purchase small car in Pkr 20 k, it should be around Pkr 13 to 14 K.
People criticizing KIA motors on 2nd Generation they need to think about Suzuki and other local cars in our country are soo pathetic than this 2nd generation version and we have no issue on it further 3rd generation or 4th generations cars are too expensive as well mostly ppl will not consider due to high prices thts why they are bringing older version to accomodate it’s current and potential customers however when KIA capture Market So they will be introduce more versions However I still think this price range bit high