Car prices in Pakistan are being revised quite frequently during the last 3 or 4 years, however in recent times the prices revisions have not only become more frequent– almost after every 3 months particularly during the last 12 months, the increase itself has been quite substantial every time taking the prices of ordinary cars beyond the limits of sanity.
Yes the currency has depreciated a lot, and the shipping costs (after the pandemic) have increased considerably too but that has affected almost every car market across the globe, not just Pakistan. But the bizarre way prices in which car prices go up in our country, can never be compared to any other country on the face of earth.
Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) the assemblers of Kia cars in Pakistan has recently given yet another push to the prices of its cars in the country. This is the 4th time within calendar year 2021 and 5th time since November 2021 that the prices of Kia cars have been increased in Pakistan. 5 times within the last 9 months means on average Kia prices have gone up after every 48 days.
Related: Globally Retired Cars in Pakistan
For other cars which are parallel to the rest of the world in terms of age, the high prices won’t come into debate the way they are criticized for the old and obsolete cars which have done past their lives in the rest of the world. One such example in Kia’s local portfolio is the Picanto hatchback, the second generation (facelift) of which was introduced in Pakistan almost 2 years after the 3rd gen model made its world debut.
The Picanto we have here debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011 and today its a 12 years old car by international standards. After the latest price increase, the obsolete 2nd generation Picanto cost PKR 31.0 lac for manual and PKR 32.0 lac for the automatic variant. The vehicle which is known as a direct competitor to Suzuki Cultus (Celerio) has been priced higher ever since it was launched in our market in 2019. With the latest increase in price (bear in mind Suzuki is yet to announce the price revision) the Picanto is priced PKR 4.38 lac higher than the Suzuki rival.
Related: Kia Picanto- Here vs Elsewhere
Kia Picanto, known as Morning in its home market (South Korea) & few other markets, is currently in its 3rd generation which was blessed with a facelift in year 2020 and is about to receive a new generation model in 2023. For how long the 12 year old Picanto will be on sale in Pakistan, nobody knows. However with prices that are being revised after every 48 days, its not too difficult to assume what will be the price of this obsolete hatchback towards the end of this year.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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