The constant price hikes in recent times have pushed the prices of cars in Pakistan beyond the reach of many. At the same time, we have seen the sales of 660cc Suzuki Alto – which happens to be the cheapest mass-produced car in the country – increasing like anything.
Although on paper we have the likes of Prince Pearl and United Bravo & Alpha hatchbacks that are less pricier than the Alto. But due to a lack of nationwide presence (limited availability in a few selected cities of the country) and minuscule production of a few hundred units, these cannot be considered mass-market options.
During the last couple of years, the Suzuki Alto has shattered several sales records, not only because of its lowest price or features on offer but in fact due to skyrocketing prices, the buyers of entry-level sedan segments are tilting towards Alto since it now falls in the same price league of sedans from a few years ago.
Related: Alto and Corolla Emerged as Bestselling Cars of 2022 in Pakistan
And also due to fuel efficiency, since petrol has become costlier by 76% in just one year so people tend to go for Alto instead of other 1000cc hatchbacks or sedans with 1.2L or above engines which are relatively heavier on fuel compared to the 660cc Alto. After 3 major price revisions since the beginning of this year, the Suzuki Alto in Pakistan is currently priced as:
- Alto VX : PKR 21.44 lac
- Alto VXR : PKR 24.87 lac
- Alto VXR AGS : PKR 26.65 lac
- Alto VXL AGS : PKR 27.95 lac
Since its launch in Pakistan in June 2019, Suzuki Alto 660cc has witnessed a massive increase of up to 120% in prices. When launched, it was priced from just PKR 9.99 lac to PKR 12.95 lac.
Related: New Suzuki Alto Selling for Rs 4 Lac More Than its Actual Price
Due to a monopolized market, Suzuki Alto is the only attractive option (price-wise) left for car buyers in Pakistan, however, on the other side of the border, the competitive Indian market has not less than 29 quality options in this price range (PKR 27.95 lac converts into INR 8.2 lac, one Indian Rupee converts into Rs 3.4 in Pak Rupee as of writing this article). In addition to hatchbacks, these 29 options which include subcompact sedans, crossovers, and even 7-seater options are:
- Maruti Alto 800
- Maruti Suzuki Eeco
- Suzuki Alto K10
- Suzuki Espresso
- Suzuki Celerio
- Suzuki Wagon R
- Suzuki Ignis
- Mahindra KUV100 NXT
- Renault Kwid
- Nissan Magnite
- Tata Tiago
- Tiago NRG
- Tata Tigor
- Honda Amaze
- Hyundai Aura
- Suzuki Swift
- Tata Punch
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
- Tata Altroz
- Citroen C3
- Tata Nexon
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
- Hyundai i20
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno
- Toyota Glanza
- Renault Triber
- Renault Kiger
These 29 options include several trim levels as well, while there are more than 20 options that come cheaper than our bare bone Alto VX at PKR 21.44 lac (which comes without an air conditioner, alloy wheels, wheel caps, power windows/mirrors, matching door handles/ side mirrors & cd player as well as deprived of the safety features including ABS and airbags).
Car buying options under INR 8.0 lac in India
With constant price hikes and limited options that are feature-ripped, lack quality standards, and are obsolete models in most cases, the auto industry of Pakistan offers nothing worthwhile to our consumers compared to what’s being offered in the rest of the world. A comparison with a vast variety of options from across the border is just one plain example.
It’s high time our industry stakeholders and the government authorities realize that just increasing the prices isn’t going to be a long-lasting strategy. For the auto sector to flourish, there have to be more mass-market options that will come within the reach of the masses & eventually drive sales volumes & revenue generation. Launching super expensive products in the toughest of economic times may fulfill some short-term profits for the businesses & the elites, but it’s never going to help the industry achieve “volumes” nor it’s going to help our auto industry to make any “progress” at all.
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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