Master Motors has rolled out its first-ever locally assembled Changan vehicle, a mid-sized van Karvaan in the 1st unit roll-off ceremony held on 2nd May 2019.
Changan Karvaan is a minivan that has the capacity to accommodate 6 persons easily. The 1.0-litre 4-cylinder OHC engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission system. It can produce a maximum power of 68 hp at 6000 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm. The mid-sized van works on the principle of a multi-point fuel injection system. The level of comfort is enhanced by the automaker as it uses MacPherson struts in the front suspension.
Its exterior features include:
- LED headlights
- Fog lamps
- The dual-wing chrome radiator grille
- LED tail lamps
- 14-inch alloy rims
- Rear sliding door
- Side mirrors with a wide-angle view
- Standard tyres 165/70 R14
The minivan has a space grey cosmetic color with an ergonomically positioned steering wheel. Other interior and safety features include the following:
- Fabric seats
- Foldable 3rd-row seats
- Additional cargo space
- The monochromatic blue meter cluster
- Air-condition with climate control
- Four air ducts
- FM radio and AUX connectivity
- Driver seat belt reminder alert
- Front disc brakes
The authorized Changan dealerships are already selling the completely built units (CBU) of Karvaan in the country. However, the company’s assembly plant has just produced the first local unit of the vehicle. Master Motors in a partnership with the Chinese automaker Changan has set up its assembly plant in Karachi that holds the capacity to produce almost 30,000 vehicles per year. As per the company’s initial plans, it will also be producing two commercial pickups M8 and M9 at its local assembly line. The CEO of Master Motors says that the Chinese manufacturer has selected a country like Pakistan as a strategic export base for right-hand drive markets. Therefore, the vehicles produced here will be sold to the company’s distributors in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, etc. Furthermore, the company has kicked-off the intensive localization process to promote the local auto sector of Pakistan. As a result, the manufacturing cost will be reduced and the automaker will be in a better position to compete in the local market.
The CBU version of Karvaan was priced at Rs.10 lacs. However, the company has not yet revealed any changes to it for the locally assembled unit. In the local market of Pakistan, its main competitor will be Suzuki Bolan which has long enjoyed its monopoly in this segment. Suzuki Bolan VX Euro II comes with a price tag of Rs.8.74 lacs (ex-factory) but considering the number of features offered by Changan Karvaan, it turns out to be a better choice for the consumers even if the buyers have to pay some extra amount of money for it.
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