While the success of Hyundai Santa Fe highlights the broadening economic divide in society, it also explains why the majority of automakers, despite the ongoing economic challenges, feel compelled to introduce & sell expensive luxury models in the country rather than mass-market versions that are regarded to be unprofitable.

Just like the Chinese consumer, Pakistani consumer also loves features.
When it comes to features, small cars do not have any features.

In Japan, even the small cars come loaded with features. Pak Suzuki can offer fully-loaded Alto – yet they don’t. Toyota can offer a more loadaed base Corolla. Features aren’t even available as options. The fully-loaded 660cc orphaned JDMs by Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda and Suzuki are much preferred by rich people even they are small but expensive and is a staple in every bungalow.

In the bigger/expensive cars category the same trend can be seen. HR-V is featureless but the Korean and Chinese cars are fully-featured.

When will the car makers see the reading on the wall and improve their market offerings?