During the last fiscal year, the government of Pakistan had imposed a ban on imported cars. Despite that, imports of imported vehicles have increased by 70% as compared to the previous year!

The data obtained from Import General Manifest (IGM) has shown the following trends in Pakistan’s automotive sector;

“Time has come for the existing players to make prompt investment in capacity expansion, improve localisation, introduce new models and reduce delivery time to eliminate the menace of premium,” -Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers’ former chairman Aamir Allawala

• Toyota Land Cruiser successfully sold 3,301 units, sales up by 55.7%
• Toyota Aqua impressed Pakistani commuters as 7,123 units were imported, sales went up by 96%
• Suzuki Wagon R’s sales increased by 115% to 3,574 units
• Suzuki Every’s sale increased to 5,088 units, up by 14.6%
• Suzuki Alto’s sale increased by 100% to touch 4,158 units
• Imports of Daihatsu Mira also surged by 73.1% to 6,091 units
• Honda Vezel; total units sold in 2017 were 2,431 up by 57.5%
• 8,680 units of Toyota Vitz were imported in 2017, making it the most popular imported vehicle (an increase of 40%)
• The import value touched $276 million from July to December during the last fiscal year
• The import of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) increased by 59% to 7,758 units
• According to Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers Association, the industry lost Rs 23 billion in revenue
• Overall, used cars reached 65,723 units, up from 38,676 units last year

Toyota Yaris aka Toyota Vitz became the most imported car in Pakistan! As many as 8,680 units arrived in 2017, up almost 40pc from a year ago. The volume of Daihatsu Mira swelled 73.1pc to 6,091 units.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Toyota Aqua globally known as Prius C is a popular car in Pakistan and has a great appeal among car users.

The Japanese cars are already dominating country’s automobile market and Aqua is leading the roads with its attractive features.

On the parallel side, Korean hatchbacks are making their way to this arena and one such subcompact car is Kia Rio.

Let’s we have a close look at Toyota Aqua 2017 and Kia Rio 2018 to know what these bring for the car users.

Exterior

Toyota Aqua

The mini Prius or said to be an extended version of Vitz, Toyota Aqua has a refreshed sporty look and versatility of design.

The expressive detailing with bigger hexagon front grille, upswept headlights, and side-swept taillights, bigger hexagon front grille stand it like a complete stylish package.

It’s 15 inches, 8-spoke machined alloy wheels with dark grey accents are striking enough.

Kia Rio

Kia Rio 2018 model is sleeker, longer and sophisticated in the subcompact form. Kia’s iconic radiator grille (tiger-nose grille) has been restyled giving it like a dynamic outline. The 15-inch split-spoke alloy wheels present its sporty look.

Moreover, multi-reflector halogen headlights, fog lights, auto retractable side mirrors, eye-catchy taillights and the unique design bumper reflect a dynamic stance.

Interior

Toyota Aqua

With a seating capacity of five persons, Toyota Aqua is quite roomy and comfortable for its passengers. The 60/40 split fold-down rear seats create an ease of cargo space (17.1 cu. ft) for carrying your luggage.

The premium leather interior fabric, power seating and mirrors, 8-inch infotainment system, multi-information system, sunroof and push start are the other standard features.

Kia Rio

Rio’s interior is a complete package of detailing, comfort, and utility. Having seating capacity of four persons, it does have enough cargo space as well with 60/40 fold-down rear seats. Woven cloth seats, 6-way adjustable driver seat, rear camera, multi-information display and infotainment system makes the innovative and well-balanced interior.

Engine & Mechanical Performance

Toyota Aqua

Aqua comes with Toyota’s Generation 3 Hybrid Synergy Drive with a 1.5-litre DOHC four cylinder, 16-valve with a VVT-i petrol engine.

With Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), its displacement is 1496cc and can gain a top seed of 180 KM/H alongside maximum torque of 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The average fuel efficiency it provides is 21-24 km/l.

Kia Rio

Rio 2018 is engineered for fun with power play through the efficient engine. The fourth-generation 2018 hatch offers a 130-hp engine with six-speed automatic transmission. It gives you a smoothest and quietest ride as manufactured by high-quality, insulating materials.

The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) increases your control and responsiveness behind the wheel. The fuel mileage 20-25 km/l is almost same as Aqua, but it can clock a top speed of 120 km/h with the 999cc engine.

Driving Experience & Safety Measures

Toyota Aqua

With 5-speed automatic transmission, Aqua gives a super driving experience supported by a number of safety features.

Pre Collision System, Lane Department Alert, Automatic High Beams, SRS Air Bags for all, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are included to keep you safe during the journey.

Kia Rio

Kia Rio has active and passive safety systems and driving assistance features. The next-generation Rio is built to be strong with 30% more Advanced High-Strength Steel structure.

The 6 advanced SRS airbags with two of them as side curtains are for your ultimate protection. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Straight-Line Stability (SLS) are Hill Start Assistant Control (HAC) are included for your safety and driving ease.

Price

Toyota Aqua

Toyota Aqua 2017 model is available in Pakistan in PKR 2,455,000 and it’s a competitive price in the context of the specs of the car.

Kia Rio

The expected price of Kia Rio 2018 in Pakistan will be PKR 1,400,000 quite low than Toyota Aqua but not lesser in terms of specs.

Who do you think is the winner?

Stay tuned to Brandsyanrio for more news and updates.