HRL Motors is on the verge of launching Zotye Z100 Chinese hatchback in Pakistan, however they seems to be taking too much time to launch and market the said vehicle. Although Z100 itself is a nice hatchback (based on 7th gen Suzuki Alto), if priced logically backed by proper after sales support, the Z100 has a fair chance of getting highly successful in our country.
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According to the information received by us so far, HRL does have plans to introduce other Zotye branded vehicles in Pakistan but it all depends on the success of their first shot, the Z100. HRL plans to setup a Complete Knock Down (CKD) assembly plant for passenger cars including sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs as well as Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and mini trucks. Initially however, they will launch passenger cars and LCVs as CBU imports.
Related: Zotye Z100 Specifications [Unofficial]
Zotye in China, develop vehicles based on either acquisition of an out-gone platform, or simply copying a successful model like most Chinese manufacturers do. The Z300 that we covered in our earlier post was a blatant copy of the Toyota Allion, however in addition to this some notable Zotye rip-offs include the Zotye SR9 which is a blatant Porsche Macan clone, Zotye Damai X5 is a VW Tiguan copy, the Zotye T600 is an Audi Q5 copy, Damai X7 is a clone of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE as well as the Zotye SR7 which is an Audi Q3 rip-off.
Let us look at one of these clones in detail, the Zotye SR7 compact SUV. Although having a striking resemblance with the Audi Q3, Zotye did manage to take similarities away with the help of a different front fascia and rear-end.
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It made its first appearance at the 2015 Chengdu motor show, carrying the nameplate “S21”. On 16th October 2015, Zotye re-named the SUV as “SR7”, being the first in the S series of vehicles, where ‘SR’ means ‘sixth revolution’). The SR7 was formally launched in December 2015.
The Zotye SR7 is powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 150hp and 198nm, sending power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The price ranges between 75,000 yuan (PKR 11.55 lac) and 118,000 yuan (PKR 18.18 lac).
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The interior however doesn’t resemble the Q3 as much as the exterior does, thanks to the huge 12 inch touch-screen in the center. In addition the interior boasts a multi-function steering wheel, analog meters and leather seats.
Features include Dual Front Airbags, Side-impact Door Beams, Energy-absorbing Steering Column, ABS+EBD, Auto-Hold Electronic Parking Brake, ESC, HSA, TCS, Engine Immobilizer, Anti-theft Alarm, Keyless Entry, Rear Parking Sensors, Reversing Camera, Climate Control, USB input, MP3 Player, Bluetooth Connectivity, Follow-Me-Home Headlamps, Alloy Rims, Power Steering, Power Windows and Power Side Mirrors etc.
Related: The Zotye Z300 Sedan
Zotye does have an impressive range of affordable vehicles out there, we will have to wait and see what HRL Motors bring us here and whether Zotye is able to become a success in Pakistan or not. Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK to know more about Zotye branded vehicles…
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
