Imports of used cars and minivans surged to 65,723 units in 2017, up almost 70 percent from 38,676 units a year ago, latest data released by the auto industry shows

It was one of the headlines of the Dawn News on January 26, 2018. At the time when Pakistan saw a massive revolution in both political and social arena, the year witnessed a lot of upsurge in the changing trends of ways people are living. At the time when there were changing preferences in buying properties, the Pakistanis were found to be more inclined to buy imported preferably Japanese cars rather than looking for local made.

According to a report published by the Import General Manifest (IGM), this year, about 75,723 cars were imported in Pakistan from around the globe and the most number of imported cars were from Japan. Despite the fact that the Government of Pakistan, added more tax on car import this year, an increase of about 70 % was witnessed, as said by the report. According to the survey report analysis, the topmost reason for the Pakistanis to encourage the use of Japanese cars is the latest technology and the comparatively economical price when they are asked about the locally made cars made in Pakistan.

Based on the survey report by the IGM, here are the top most appreciate imported cars in Pakistan that are bought and used in the current year.

1. Toyota Vitz

Toyota Vitz is basically a line of three-and five-door subcompact car initially manufactured in 1999 by a Japanese brand “Toyota”. This model has been appreciated by the people around the globe. From the first to third generation this car is being constantly appreciated by users. Toyota Vitz has a very broad international market and different countries are receiving the same vehicle under the Toyota Yaris name or Toyota Echo.

Since its very first import, this model has got massive popularity in Pakistan. Its elegant design, beautiful outlook and commendable road grip set it apart. Its mileage is one of the core reasons for its popularity which is due to the 996cc engine it has.

In countries like Pakistan where you can often get stuck in traffic jam and fuel prices are generally high, Vitz mileage (15-18 km/h (petrol) is good enough to to be in your budget. At the same time, the power steering adds more value to the model. Drivers have to put less effort to turn the steering wheel at any high speed which allows the drivers to enjoy the drive with sheer comfort. This model also comes in manual as well as an automatic gearbox.

Automatic gearbox makes the drive even more comfortable and effortless this is also thought to be a preferred choice for ladies. At the same time, the interior of a car is also of great importance, the high-quality leather stuffed with the most durable foam makes its interior super luxury. According to the IGM report in 2018, the import of Toyota Vitz has increased up to 40 % and 8,680 units have been imported to Pakistan.

2. Support Utility Vehicles (SUV)

These are a kind of estate cars with off-road vehicle attributes e.g. ground clearance and hardness. In the market, Sport Utility vehicles are available in four-wheel drive. These Station Wagon shaped vehicles are built on the light truck framework but work well as a family vehicle.

SUVs are designed to drive on rough and tough surfaces. More often than not, these are used on highway and city streets. In some countries ‘SUV’ has replaced the term like a jeep or Land Rovers. SUVs are built upright and tall. The high center of gravity makes its drive faster while marking it safe. The best quality interior packing and great seating position add worth in its comfort and luxury. These vehicles have the surprising towing capacity as that of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying room of a large sedan. The less fuel consumption ability of this support utility vehicles is the main reason of the fame.

SUVs have prevailed in the market as well as the thoughts of the people by becoming the world’s largest automotive segment in 2015. According to the IGM report, the import of SUVs increased up to 69% and 7,758 units were imported to Pakistan this year (2018). The increasing demand for these vehicles has given a market another dimension and compelled countries to increase its imports.

3. Daihatsu Mira

With an increase of about 73% and about 6,051 units imported in the year 2018, the Daihatsu Mira is the most used and appreciated car in Pakistan. It is a kei-car type vehicle built by a great Japanese car maker.

The latest variant has four models e.g. MIRA, MIRA AVY, MIRA GINO and MIRA VAN. Mira has been the absolute choice of the customer. It is the latest successor to the line of cars began with a fellow of 1966. It was originally uncovered and introduced as a version of COURE.

The firm road grip at high speed distinguishes it from other cars available in the market. It comes in 850cc to the 1000cc front engine. The design is very elegant with a classy outlook. Power steering allows the driver to drive the car with ease and ultimate grip at the same time. The deep fuel tank and best fuel consumption capacity adds more worth to the model. The most luxurious interior and comfortable seating take you away from any trouble. The automatic gearbox is the most suitable and friendly for drivers.

4. Toyota Aqua

IGM publishes a report every year and this year, IGM published some wonderful stats. According to the report, 7,123 units have been imported to Pakistan which is means 56% import rate has improved. This is the biggest testimony of the unstoppable popularity of Toyota Aqua (Toyota Prius c).

Toyota Aqua is basically a new name of Toyota Prius C (c means city). Aqua is a Latin word used for water. It is full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact hatchback produced and commercialized by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The Toyota Aqua is the third member of the Prius family. It contains the merged features of Toyota Yaris sized car with a super hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Aqua’s price is comparatively lower than the conventional Prius and has a greater fuel economy as far as city driving. The beautiful style of the car is attracting the attention of the people speedily. Power steering, power windows, ABS, and economical mileage make it more special. It comes with a central lock system and super comfortable seating.

Beautiful body shape and high power engine shake hands with each other resulting in a great combination. The best existing foam covered with fine leather, make the drive extremely comfortable.

5. Suzuki Every

Suzuki Every is an advanced version of the Suzuki Carry. Suzuki Every is manufactured by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The name was changed in 1982 from Suzuki Carry to Suzuki Every. This is actually a KEI-Car but the bigger version of this car Suzuki Every Plus had a long bonnet for safety issues. It had a large 1.3 LTR 86HP (63KW) four-cylinder Engine.

Suzuki Every has the engine power of 48HP @5700 RPM with EFI fuel (Petrol) system. It produces the torque of 62Nm @ 3500 RPM with sound value mechanism. The fuel consumption ability discriminates it from other vehicles as it has 19KM/LITER mileage average in the city while 21KM/LITER on the highway. High-level road grip and comfortable interior are its plus points. With the automatic gear transmission, it releases half of the problems for the driver. It comes with five doors and five-person seating capacity. The fuel tank is not the little one; 37 Liter fuel capacity and awesome mileage join to form a great combination. Its best power steering guarantees you the smooth and comfortable drive.

IGM gave some astonishing facts about Suzuki Every this year. In 2018 14.6 % import rate has increased and 5088 units imported to Pakistan. Suzuki Every is used the most in Pakistan. With high capacity and more seating, it has become the first choice of the people.

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 5 Most Popular Imported Used Cars in Pakistan in 2018 appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Why choose a Budget Car?

Here, where majority of the population belongs to the middle class, people look for budget cars that fulfill their daily needs without denting their savings too much. The average working class individual in Pakistan is likely to spend a maximum of 12 lac rupees and will hope to find a vehicle that can fulfill all the daily usage requirements. These budget cars are known for their passenger capacity, mileage and performance along with easy maintenance. They are more efficient in terms of fuel consumption hence more environmental friendly. Most also offer the added bonus of a fair resale value after a couple of years of usage.

Also read: 9 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Here is a list of the 10 best budget cars in Pakistan with both locally assembled and imported cars:

FAW V2

The FAW V2 was first introduced in the Pakistani market in 2013 as a front engine, front wheel drive hatchback. The exterior of the 1st Generation FAW V2 stands out amongst other cars in the same category especially among the very popular Japanese imported models. Other noticeable features include its spacious interior and a fairly decent ride quality.

Although the FAW V2 has some positives, the poor build quality of its interior along with a below average fuel mileage and poor resale perspectives tell a cautionary tale for potential buyers.

With a 1300cc engine and a 5 speed manual transmission, the FAW V2 is available for 10 – 11 lakh rupees.

Toyota Passo

The current 3rd generation Toyota Passo was first introduced in 2010, as a front engine, front wheel drive subcompact hatchback. The current model is available in two variants the Passo X and G. as one of the initial Japanese imported model the Passo is most favored for its compact exterior and a spacious interior. On the other hand some people might find the ride of the Passo a little too stiff for their liking.

Available in both 1000 and 1300 cc engines depending on the variant and also in both automatic and manual transmissions, the Passo is priced from 11 lakh rupees onwards.

Also read: Car Insurance in Pakistan: An Easy to Use Guide for First Time Buyers

Daihatsu Mira

The most popular Japanese imported car in Pakistan with some great features along with excellent mileage, comfort and safety features such as:

• ABS
• Air Bags
• Immobilizer
• Key Keyless Entry
• Power Locks
• Power Mirrors
• Power Steering
• Power Windows

Daihatsu Mira is a front engine four wheel drive kei car first introduced in 2006. The Daihatsu Mira 2016 featured an updated design language and a slightly larger body compared to the previous model of Mira. Daihatsu Mira is available in 4 variants TL, TX, X and L. The Mira is also available in 2 body styles 3-door hatchback and 5-door hatchback.With a 660 CC engine, the Mira is available in both automatic and manual transmissions at a price range of between 10 – 12 lac rupees.

Suzuki Alto

Similar to the Daihatsu Mira in terms of features it’s another favorite of importers in Pakistan with its powerful air conditioning and the ride quality being its outstanding features.

But the lack of spare parts and the expensive maintenance makes this a slightly risky choice as well.

With a 660 CC engine, the Alto is available in automatic transmission with a price range of around 10 lac rupees, being imported (Japanese assembled).

This car has been discontinued in Pakistan so will only be found as a japanese assembled, imported car.

Suzuki Wagon R

The Wagon R was first introduced by Pak Suzuki in 2014 with a front wheel drive, K series engine which is more efficient and quieter than other engines. Another feature of the Wagon R is its intelligent iCAT intelligent computerized anti-theft system.

The only major drawback of the Wagon R is its exterior body shape.

Suzuki Wagon R is available in 3 variants Wagon R VX, Wagon R VXR and Wagon R VXL.

With a 1000 CC K-series engine, the Wagon R is available in both manual and automatic transmission at a price range of 8 – 10 lac rupees.

Suzuki Wagon R (Imported)

The imported Suzuki Wagon R has more features than that of the locally manufactured one. This car comes with many features like those of the Mira and Alto. Some models are also available with Push Start system. This is an ideal car for this price range, giving an average mileage of 16-18km/L.

It has a 660cc engine and an automatic transmission at a price range of around 12 lac rupees.

Honda N One

Another new entrant in the Pakistani market, with quite impressive customer reviews. The ride of this car is quite smooth and it comes with a lot of cool features identical to all imported cars.

Available in two variants, the G variant of Honda N-One is base-grade while the Honda N-One is top of the line.

With a 660 CC engine and an automatic transmission the Honda N One is priced around 12 lac rupees.

Mitsubishi Ek Wagon

The EK wagon is another 660cc imported car you can purchase in the budget range, introduced in 2006. This car comes with the standard features almost every imported car has. This car has a mileage of between 16-18km/L.Ek wagon’s second generation comes in two varients, namely G and GS. This model has proved to be very competitive in the market.The Ek Wagon is priced around 10 – 12 lac rupees.

Nissan Moco

The Nissan Moco was first introduced in 2011 with a K series engine and an option of both front and all-wheel drive transmission. The Nissan Moco is one of the most fuel efficient cars in the imported class owing to features such as the start-stop technology. The Nissan Moco is available in 3 variants E, G and S. Although it has very strong points in its favor, the Nissan Moco can be quite expensive as for maintenance owing to a lack of spare parts in the market.

With a 660 CC engine and automatic transmission, the Nissan Moco is available for around 10 – 11 lakh rupees.

Suzuki Every

Similar to the Suzuki Bolan it’s another family van with ample seating capacity of up to 7 adults with spacious and comfortable interiors. It also has all the features of the other imported cars.

Suzuki Every gives a fuel average of 15-18Km/L.

With a 660 CC engine and automatic transmission, the Suzuki Every is priced around 9 – 11 lac rupees.

Also read: What you must know Before Going for Car Financing in Pakistan

With the budget restrictions, average salaries, and monthly expenses of most people that can afford cars, a budget car such as the ones mentioned above can prove to be the best sort of investment. Unless your job requires extensive travel across the country, or you are a car enthusiast, it makes a lot more sense to get a budget car and save for other expenses that you may have over the years.

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 10 Budget Cars in Pakistan You Can Afford appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.