Kia has introduced a new base variant to the Sportage lineup in Pakistan dubbed as the Sportage Alpha which has already created quite a stir in the market.
Related: Kia Introduces Sportage Alpha
By omitting a few features off course, the base variant Sportage Alpha is priced at PKR 43.99 lac that makes it even cheaper than the flagship Honda Civic Turbo. Kia Sportage which was already known for troubling the Toyota Fortuner has now become a threat to the likes of Civic Turbo & Corolla Altis Grande both of which tap PKR 4 million price barrier.
The Sportage Alpha
Being an entry level variant the Sportage Alpha misses out certain features which are:
- No ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
- No HSA (Hill-Start Assist) & DBC (Downhill Brake Control)
- 17-inch wheels instead of 18-inch
- 7-inch infotainment system instead of 8-inch
- Projector halogen headlights & halogen tail lamps
- Manual parking brake
- No panoramic sunroof
- No fog lights
- No parking sensors
However it still offer features such as dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, alloy wheels, USB and AUX ports, driver-passenger airbags, ABS & cruise control etc. Under the hood the Sportage Alpha retains the 2.0 liter petrol engine that churns out 155 hp of power and 196 Nm of torque, & comes paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to front wheels.
Missing Features Matter?
At this point one might argue on the excluded features, particularly the stability management & uphill/ downhill control etc. However being an entry level variant it was bound to miss something, but considering the fact that most of the important features such as airbags, ABS, climate control, cruise control & alloy wheels etc are already on the menu, the Sportage Alpha is indeed an attractive option. Plus anyone willing to get the missing features can spend a couple of hundred thousand more to get the Sportage FWD so it isn’t a big deal considering the targeted buyers.
Related: Why Kia Sportage? Asif Rizvi Explains
Do note that the stability systems are considered important particularly in case of SUVs since due to their higher center of gravity, they are prone to roll over in maneuvering on higher speeds. So always drive safe no matter how much invincible you think they are. Watch the video below to understand what I am trying to say.
https://www.facebook.com/CarSpiritPK/videos/1198590946936947/
Smart Move to Target the Right Buyers?
However the company seems to have targeted the right set of buyers, since in our market ‘presence’ matters a lot. Remember the ‘vaddi gaari’ phenomenon which made people buy an underpowered 1.3L Corolla XLi/GLi over any other car just because it was big explains it all. People who were spending 4 million on sedan will obviously prefer an SUV in the same price bracket due to its presence, and the overall status of a well equipped SUV.
The Exclusivity Factor
Another reason is that for years the Civic and Corolla being the only options in that price bracket have become quite a commonality. People no longer find a wow factor as they get just another sedan you see regularly running on the roads. There is no exclusivity factor, but now it comes in shape of the Sportage Alpha.
Well-Timed Move
The timing of the launch is also well calculated since Hyundai is about to introduce the Tucson SUV in August which will go against the Sportage so having a low-spec variant will help Kia swarm a larger chunk of buyers well before the Tucson makes its way here.
Around the world SUVs are becoming more popular than sedans
Crossovers and SUVs are the fastest growing vehicle category in global automobile market, with sales constantly on the rise. In recent times the crossovers/ SUVs have become so popular that analysts believe they will overtake sedans (currently the most popular category) in terms of sales volume in near future. To know more about why SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, read our earlier article.
Related: Why SUVs Are Becoming Increasingly Popular
Overall the Sportage Alpha is a well-calculated move by Kia-Lucky and is expected to give them positive results. The Sportage which has already eaten Fortunter’s market share is well on course to disrupt Civic Turbo & Altis Grande’s party. However the company should consider implementing the same strategy to their Picanto hatchback too, a low-priced version of which can shake the market of not just one but 3 Pak Suzuki hatchbacks.
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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