2024 is about to conclude and interestingly this year was observed somewhat stable in terms of what we saw in 2023 like a series of price hikes and incessant disruptions in production lineups of local car makers.
In contrast, local car companies observed stability and took some bold decision to add variety in their electric and hybrid lineup, reflecting their inclination towards sustainable mobility. It is pertinent to mention that this year EVs and hybrids took the automotive market by storm this year.
Here’s a recap of the year’s most significant car launches that left a lasting impact on the market.
BYD Cars (Seal & Atto 3)
BYD, the global EV giant entered local market this year in October. Initially, the company unveiled three of its models SEALION, SEAL and Atto 3 but didn’t launch at that time . Later, BYD Pakistan launched Seal and Atto 3, adding new class in EV lineup. Below are the details translating features and specs of the duo.
a) BYD SEAL
b) BYD Atto 3
Deepal, another EV maker, a subsidiary of Changan Pakistan also launched its cars, L07 and S07, in the market. below are the features and specifications of these EVs.
a) Deepal L07
It comes with a unique and aggressive front panel boasts LED start petal Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), 19-inch alloy wheels with two-tone rims vying with Toyota crown or BMW i5.
Highlighting the rear profile, again, LED star flame though-type taillights translating the Chinese trend. The cabin make you feel there is all premium around you. From multi-color and dynamic ambient lighting to perforated synthetic leather seats, Sony surround system laced with 14 speakers to 10.2 Inches LCD Meter, 14.6-inch sunflower touch screen.
Deepal’s newly unveiled sedan is powered with permanent magnet synchronous motor producing power of 258 PS and 320Nm torque. The drive range of the EV is 540 km.
b) Deepal S07
At the front, it features a distinctive Chinese ‘Pedal of Power’ design that integrates DRLs and indicators, while the headlamps are positioned below.
The interior is crafted for a luxurious experience. The doors are adorned with wooden claddings, and the cockpit features Bentley-inspired styling elements, including a console with a built-in cool box. A 15.5-inch floating screen controls all functions, accessible via gesture control.
This SUV is equipped with a 66.8 kWh battery pack that produces 250 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It offers nearly twice the range of the Audi e-tron. With the S07, Deepal has aimed to address charging concerns by reducing charging time to just 30 minutes and extending the vehicle’s range.
Toyota Corolla Cross CKD
Thanks to the OEM, it has kept all the safety features the same as the hybrid variant with Hill Assist, Dual-Zone Climate Control, 7 Airbags, and Traction Control, bout the Blind Spot Monitoring System will be missed.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
it comes with a purely new front fascia and rear profile, flaunting the company’s parametric design concept. Wraparound LED headlights with a Parametric Jewel Pattern grille sharpen the front. Highlighting the rear profile, LED taillights stretch across the width of the car.
The Elantra’s interior perfectly complements its bold, futuristic exterior. Stepping inside, you’re immediately enveloped by a cockpit-like design, where the dashboard and center console gracefully curve toward the driver, creating a driver-centric space.
This year in May, MG Pakistan add a new powerful variant in the famous HS lineup ‘MG HS 2.0T’. The car, which took the local market by storm, has been the talk of the town since its launch.
The car is powered with 2000cc Turbo engine producing an impressive 226 horsepower and 360Nm of torque with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a top speed of 210 kilometers/hour.
Suzuki Every CKD
The Suzuki Every, a classic Kei car, boasts a distinctive boxy design. Its exterior features include halogen headlights, a small grille with multiple air intakes, sliding doors, and keyless entry in the top model.
Inside, the Every offers practical amenities like power steering, keyless entry, a 12V socket, and front power windows in the top variant. The interior is designed with a two-tone color scheme and fabric seats.
The front seats are adjustable, while the rear seats fold flat for added cargo space. Other interior features include air conditioning, cup holders, a multimedia system with USB, SD card, Bluetooth, and FM/AUX capabilities, fast charging (top model), front speakers, a folding front passenger seat, and a spare tire.
Powering the Every is a 660cc, 12-valve engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It delivers 43 horsepower and 58Nm of torque.
Between these biggest launches, which car launch made a bigger impact on the Pakistani market in 2024? Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments.