Suzuki unveils the 3rd Gen Wagon R

Suzuki unveils the 3rd Gen Wagon R

After quickly grabbing a huge share in Pakistan’s auto market, Suzuki’s Wagon R has made a name for itself. 

The 3rd generation of the Wagon R has finally been unveiled in India, and is expected to hit the local markets as well.

The starting price of the Wagon R third generation in India is Rs. 4.19 lakh (Rs. 823,000). It comes primarily in three different variants: LXI, VXI and ZXI. The Wagon R, in India, is offered in 7 different trims based on transmission and engine options.

The 2019 version of Wagon R has the feel of a completely new car, improving on its design, looks and even performance.

The front of the car gets a new grille and redesigned headlights. The bumper also has a different look with a trapezoidal housing for fog lights. Overall, the feel of the Wagon R has drastically changed for the better.

The rear of the car has also received major changes; a new tailgate along the elongated tail lamps. 

Suzuki has opted for Heartect platform with the new Wagon R which makes it much lighter but at the same time, more rigid and provides better safety and performance.

When we talk about the dimensions of the car, the third-iteration of Wagon R is 60mm longer, 145mm wider and 25mm shorter. 

One important fact to note is that this time around, the Wagon R has 35mm longer wheelbase which means that it will have significantly larger cabin space.

According to Suzuki, the safety element has also been improved; there is effective absorption of impact and dispersion of crash energy.

However, in Pakistan, the safety of the cars is an ignored factor and it remains to be seen which variants are imported/assembled.

The cabin also comes with various changes and most noticeable of all is the new dashboard and a new infotainment system with a two-tone finish.

There is no doubt that this is a huge step up on the models that are currently being sold in Pakistan or India, for that matter.

For the first time in Wagon R’s history, the vehicle now comes with a 1.2L petrol engine along with an already existing 1.1L petrol engine. The comparison of both engines paired to a 5-gearbox is as following:

The 1.2-liter motor makes 82 bhp and 113 newton meters of peak torque while the 1-liter unit makes 67 bhp and 90 Nm. Both engines are paired to a 5-speed gearbox.

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New car makers to invest $1.5 billion in Pakistani Auto Sector

New car makers to invest $1.5 billion in Pakistani Auto Sector

The leading automotive companies of Pakistan have committed to bring new investment of $1.5 billion in the auto industry of Pakistan.

Amir Allahwala, former Chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), made this statement while briefing the Senate Committee on Industries and Production on Tuesday.

He informed the committee that eight new car makers have already entered the Pakistani market with an investment of $1.5 billion while another investment of as much amount is also expected in the near future.

Under the investment plan, the new plants have been established to manufacture glasses and windscreens of vehicles. Moreover, another plant to make alloy wheels is being set up in the country.

The committee was informed that over the past five years, Pakistan auto industry had witnessed phenomenal growth as in 2013-14, Pakistan produced 116,000 units of cars, which reached 218,372 units in 2017-18.

Amir went on to say that Suzuki’s Mehran car will come to an end within the next two months.

Suzuki had launched Mehran in 1989 in Pakistan, and it has since been one of the most popular cars in the country.

“We have heard for a while that Suzuki is considering stopping manufacturing Mehran, but despite all the criticism and flaws, Suzuki sold more than 42,000 units of Mehran in 2017,” the panel was informed.

He also informed the upper house of the parliament that Pakistan exports as much as 75000 cars to countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka every year.

He, however, did not provide the numbers for imported vehicles.

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Top five best selling cars of 2018 in Pakistan

Top five best selling cars of 2018 in Pakistan

LAHORE, - Pakistan automobile industry has gone through massive changes in recent times as many global auto manufacturers were investing in the country besides local firms pumping millions into the industry to cater the burgeoning demand of vehicles in Pakistan. 

There are currently 3 major auto giants Toyota, Suzuki and Honda providing vehicles for thriving Pakistani market.

Let’s have a look at top five most selling cars of Pakistan in 2018

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla was launched in Japan in 1967 and in 1993 Toyota Indus Motors launched Corolla for Pakistani Consumers. Till now, it’s the most popular sedan of all time 49,840 units were sold during the past 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018). The current Corolla is available in several variants like Xli, GLi, Altis and Altis Grande.

 Honda Civic

The first Honda Civic was introduced in Japan in 1972; In Pakistan, Civic was introduced in 1994 by Honda Atlas Cars, The tenth-generation of Honda Civic is considered as the most highly featured in it’s league. There is currently only one variant 1.8 of Honda Civic available in Pakistan. 18,971 units were sold during the past 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018).

Honda City

Honda city was launched in Japan in 1981; Honda Atlas Pakistan launched this car in 2000 for Pakistani market. Honda City is currently available in 3 variants 1.3, 1.5 and Aspire 1.5. 18,971 units were sold during the past 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018). The cumulative sale of both cars is 42,984 units.

Suzuki Mehran

In 1984, Suzuki Japan introduced second generation Alto (Mehran). Pak Suzuki Mehran is based on a three-decade-old design and still comes with nearly the same look and features as the original one, which was introduced in 1989. 37,600 units were sold during the past 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018). Currently, Mehran is available in two variants VX and VXR.

Suzuki Wagon R

  The Suzuki Wagon R is a kei car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki since 1993. Pak-Suzuki launched the new Wagon R in 2014. It comes in two variants VXR and VXL. 28,406 units were sold during 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018).

Suzuki Cultus

The Suzuki Cultus is a supermini car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki in 1983. Currently, Suzuki Cultus is available in three models VXR, VXL, and Auto Gear Shift. 19,757 units were sold during 11 months (January 2018 – November 2018).