For Pakistanis, 1000cc is the gold standard when purchasing a car. And there’s a reason for it. Generally, a 1000cc car is lighter on the pocket with its inexpensive parts, excellent fuel economy and spacious interior. These three are favorite considerations for anyone who’s looking to purchase a 1000cc car in Pakistan.
So, we have curated a list of the best 1000cc cars you can buy in Pakistan.
1. Suzuki Wagon R
If there has to be a “national car” of Pakistan other than Mehran aka The Boss, it has to be Wagon R. Launched in 2014, Suzuki Wagon R didn’t receive a great launch at first. With the passage of time, the car proved to be one of the best 1000cc cars you can get in Pakistan.
With its new K-series engine, it delivered a fuel average of 14-16 km/L which was perfect for a car of this size. The AC of Wagon R is at par with any sedan, and the interior has lots of headspace. However, the rear leg space is a little compromised. The model has been in production for almost 8 years now with the same shape and dimensions. However, in the latest model, minor changes were done like a chrome grille, alloy wheels and infotainment display.
All in all this car has passed the test of time. And it’s arguably the best 1000cc car you can get in Pakistan that’s reliable, efficient and cost-effective. If that sounds too positive – Yes! There is a caveat.
This car lacks basic features like rear power windows, retractable and adjustable mirrors, airbags and ABS brakes. All of these options are present in cheaper Alto VXL AGS. This car is also notorious for its lousy road grip which probably has to do with its tall body and soft suspension.
Wagon R comes in three variants. Following are the prices for Wagon R after the latest Suzuki car price increase:
| Model | Price(Rs) |
| Wagon R VXR | 2,084,000 |
| Wagon R VXL | 2,199,000 |
| Wagon R VXL AGS | 2,399,000 |
If you don’t want to pay this much for a new Wagon R, look for used ones on OLX Classifieds.
2. Suzuki Cultus
After ruling the 1000cc category for over a decade, Suzuki finally decided to upgrade Cultus. As a result, a completely new and modern Suzuki Cultus was launched in 2016. The new generation is using the same K-series engine as in Wagon R. Due to being 35kg lighter as compared to Wagon R, better aerodynamics and advanced MPI (Multi-point injection) fuel system, it delivers an outstanding fuel average of 16-17 km/L in the city.
At first, the new generation of Suzuki Cultus wasn’t well received. People preferred the older generation due to its long body and spacious look. However, with time Cultus was accepted.
Cultus is comfortable, however keep in mind it has stiffer suspension than Wagon R and Alto. Cultus doesn’t feel underpowered in a demanding situation. This 1000cc engine is more capable than any locally assembled car of the same engine capacity.
Suzuki Cultus is launched in three variants. Following are the prices for Cultus after the latest Suzuki car price increase:
| Model | Price(Rs) |
| Cultus VXR | 2,330,000 |
| Cultus VXL | 2,564,000 |
| Cultus VXL AGS | 2,762,000 |
The VXL variant comes with ABS, dual airbags, charging socket, fog lamps and alloy wheels. All of these options are absent in the basic VXR variant. You can always look for more affordable Suzuki Cultus listed on OLX classifieds.
3. Toyota Vitz
First generation of Vitz was introduced in 2000, since then every successive generation has been a hit. The first generation of Vitz is by far the most liked generation. It’s the only Vitz with a four cylinder engine and a digital speedometer.
Third generation of Vitz underwent many facelifts to cope with changing design and features of the car. Recent generations of Vitz come in three cylinder configuration and are imported in 1000cc, 1300cc and even a Sports 1500cc variant. The 1000cc variant is most common in Pakistan and that’s due to its excellent fuel average. Toyota Vitz delivers a fuel average of 15-16 km/L.
Vitz is known for its vibration and lag due to being a 3-cylinder engine coupled with CVT transmission. However, this is overlooked by many due to its excellent build quality, reliability and comfort that is unmatched by any local 1000cc car in Pakistan.
Third generation Vitz cost around Rs.1.8 to 2.7 Million while the most recent fourth generation Vitz cost around Rs.3 Million.
4. Toyota Passo
Despite sharing the same engine and build quality with Vitz, Passo remains people’s second choice. Infact, these two 1000cc JDMs have been competing with each other for as long as we can remember.
Interior as well as exterior designing of Passo is old school with simple looks. There are not many bells and whistles in the design department. However, the utility and practicality is amazing. Passo is spacious with comfortable seats.
Using the same engine as Vitz, Passo delivers quite a similar fuel average of 15-16 km/L. Somehow, Passo doesn’t vibrate like Vitz. It also uses a CVT transmission and the lag can be felt when flooring the car.
Older generations of Passo used a gear lever installed on the steering column on the left side of the steering wheel. In recent generations, the gear lever is located on the dashboard allowing for roomy sofa seats.
Passo can be bought for around Rs.1.5 Million to 3 Million depending upon the grade and condition of the vehicle.
5. KIA Picanto
KIA Lucky Motors launched its 1000cc hatchback in Pakistan in the last quarter of 2019. At that time, Picanto was quite a leap forward in terms of quality and features. KIA still holds up these two traits. However, it’s not as value for money as it used to be. After the recent price increases by KIA, Picanto now costs Rs.2,600,000 for manual variant and Rs.2,700,000 for automatic variant.
KIA Picanto is smaller in size on the outside. Rear seat passengers don’t have enough leg space for a comfortable city ride.
Its main competitor is the all-new facelifted Suzuki Cultus which comes with an infotainment system. This is lacking in Picanto.
Fuel average is also a major concern for Picanto owners. The automatic variant of KIA Picanto delivers a fuel average of 12-13 km/L in the city. The manual variant doesn’t do much better.
However, its build quality is much better than its competitors. It’s the only locally produced hatchback with a rear viper. Don’t take the front DRLs for fog lamps. These are only illuminated on the day time and switch off when headlights are turned on.
These were some of the most popular and best 1000cc cars in Pakistan. Which of these cars do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments below.
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