Lucky Motor Company (LMC) has just given yet another push to the prices of Kia cars in Pakistan. This is the second time in year 2022 that the prices of Kia cars were increased. Not to mention, the prices of Kia vehicles in Pakistan were already revised in the month of January 2022.
In the latest notification, the prices of Kia Stonic which was just launched in November 2021 were given a substantial push. With an increase of Rs 400,000 the price of Stonic base version called EX has reached PKR 41.5 lac whereas with an increase of Rs 475,000 the price of flagship Kia Stonic EX+ has now reached PKR 44.5 lac.
Marketed as ‘SUV for the City’, the Stonic in Pakistan is powered by 1.4L engine mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. Although the Stonic comes rich in features & equipment with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill-start assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), ISOFix child seat anchorage, multi-function steering, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay/ Android Auto and Bluetooth Connectivity, power retract & heated side mirrors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as standard to name a few, still the price (which is even higher than flagship Toyota Corolla Altis X Grande- PKR 41.99 lac) seems quite high for a small B-segment crossover.
Related: Auto Sales Trend Renders Widening Economic Divide in Pakistan
Since its arrival, the company has been trying to portray it as a rival to C-segment Honda Civic and Corolla Altis sedans as seen in loads of paid content across internet & social media. In reality however, the B-segment Stonic shares its underpinnings as well as interior with the 4th gen Kia Rio, so its in no way a competitor to Civic or Corolla as hyped.
Kia Stonic in Pakistan
In terms of dimensions and interior space, the Stonic is very much comparable (only marginally larger) to new Suzuki Swift which has just been introduced by Pak Suzuki. And with its flagship GLX variant at PKR 28.9 lac being the most equipped locally assembled Suzuki model ever, has started to look a lot more attractive compared to the Stonic, which is whooping Rs 1.5 million more expensive than Swift.
Related: The New Swift GLX is the Most Equipped Suzuki Ever to be Assembled in Pakistan
It looks as if the Stonic is willing to catch up with Honda Civic prices, the 11th generation of which is expected to make its debut on 4th March 2022 and will be priced between Rs 5.5 to 6.2 million. However in order to do so, the Stonic might end up as a marketing disaster just like Kia Sorento which despite rich features & equipment, is struggling to leave the showroom floors.
What is your take on new Kia Stonic prices in Pakistan, let us know with your comments.
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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