Ever since the Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21, the Pakistan auto industry has found its center. As a result of heavy foreign investment in the sector, the last few years have seen unprecedented growth in automobile manufacturing and sales. Many new entrants in the market now challenge the Big 3 monopoly. People’s choices have also evolved. From preferring sedans to now choosing SUVs, Pakistanis have acquired a taste for KIA, MG, Hyundai, DFSK, Peugeot.
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So, this begs the question – are SUVs taking over sedans in Pakistan in the near future? Let’s find out.
Price
Budget is the foremost consideration for many when buying a new car. A few years back, SUVs were considered expensive and luxurious. The soaring prices of local sedans have considerably narrowed this gap. Honda Civic 1.8 Oriel and Toyota Corolla Grande 1.8 Cvt-i are the most-sold locally manufactured sedans costing around 4.4 Million PKR and 4.2 Million PKR respectively.
At the same time, the base variant of Pakistan’s best selling SUV, KIA Sportage Alpha, costs around 4.8 Million PKR. DFSK Glory 580 1.5 CVT, a 7-seater SUV sells for 4.65 Million PKR. The lower price differential and higher spending power of people make the shift from sedans to SUVs seamless.
Fuel Average
Petrol prices keep going up fortnightly, or so it seems. In times like these, buying a car which is not a gas-guzzler matters. It was perhaps true a decade ago that SUVs consumed more fuel than sedans. But with the technological advancements in engine and transmission, fuel average of SUVs is pretty much equal to sedans of the same class.
However, turbo charged engines are high compression engines that need premium Hi-octane fuel. This is true for both sedans as well as SUVs. So the turbocharged sedans and SUVs end up consuming more fuel than regular naturally aspirated engines.
Seating position and a sense of importance
Long and wide bodies of SUVs offer higher and spacious seating. Raised seat height means you can see traffic ahead with better visibility. For some, it may also mean prestige and power. SUVs are taken as luxury and premium rides. Many people switch to SUVs from sedans for this reason alone.
So, SUVs gel in just fine in a status conscious society of ours.
Comfortable seats are not only reserved for front passengers but rear seats also allow excellent cushioning and comfort. These spacious SUVs also fit more people than many sedans.
Comfort and handling
A compact crossover SUV has the comfort level of a sedan and the raised height and soft suspension of an SUV. However, these are not true offroad vehicles by any means. However, you can do some light off-roading in these.
SUVs have great ground clearance, which make them ideal over bumps and speed breakers. Handling is also perfect for city as well as highway driving.
Road Presence
People have seen Suzuki, Toyota and Honda for so long that they are bored of them. Lack of innovation has added to this boredom. However, it’s different with the SUVs; their looks, features and specs still attract them.
Features
High competition in the SUV category has led to innovation and technology. SUVs are stuffed with luxury and safety features like automatic braking, TPMS, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, parking sensors, and a lot more.
Many of these features are still not offered in locally manufactured sedans.
Value to Money
The above mentioned give us a reason to believe that you get the most for your money with SUVs rather than sedans. This is one of the main reasons why many are switching to SUVs from sedans and the trend is only continuing.
Final Verdict
The reason why we see so many SUVs on the road has to do with the fact that the price difference is less. But at the same time, the value proposition is huge. The consumers are getting more value in terms of safety and luxury features, along with premium ride experience.
While, it can’t be said with certainty that SUVs will take over sedans in 2022, but it seems SUVs have already made a dent in the sales of sedans.
Meanwhile, check out KIA Stonic vs. Honda Civic to see if this compact crossover from KIA is worth giving up Civic? Let us know your thoughts on SUVs taking over sedans in Pakistan.
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