Suzuki, Honda And Kia May Launch These Hybrid Cars In Pakistan

On 21st June, the Ministry of Industries and Production issued an application to the Finance Division and FBR, where they opposed the new tax policy on hybrid electric vehicles, talking about current companies investing in it and new companies planning to bring hybrid cars in Pakistan. Here’s a copy of the notice below:

In the notice, if you see the 5th point, it is stated, “Additionally, companies such as Honda, Suzuki, and Kia are planning similar investments in the near future.”

It clearly shows that Honda, Suzuki, and Kia are planning to introduce either new hybrid cars or hybrid variants in their CKD lineup.

No one knows what’s going on in their minds, but based on Pakistan’s economic and market situation, we can guess what HEVs these companies can bring to the country.

Here’s our guess based on our market experts:

The bold text indicates a strong likelihood, whereas the regular text represents a more uncertain, 50/50 possibility.

Suzuki

Hybrid and Pak Suzuki are not even remotely related, but if they are combined, the result will be pretty good. Suzuki already makes best-in-class fuel-efficient cars, i.e., Alto, WagonR, and Cultus. A hybrid terrain will probably stretch their economy close to a 150cc motorcycle.?

According to our estimate, Suzuki will introduce the Hybrid system in these cars:

• Suzuki Alto ENE Charge (mild-hybrid)

Suzuki will likely introduce the Alto ENE charge in Pakistan as this technology is being used by Japanese Suzuki at a mass level, including Suzuki WagonR, Stingray, and Alto JDM.?

Salient features of Alto ENE Charge:

• 660cc Engine
• 52 HP power
• Mild-hybrid battery
• 35 Km/l fuel economy

Honda?

Just like Suzuki, Honda doesn’t get any CKD HEV models. If Honda is planning to launch an HEV model or variant, we guess it’ll be:

• Vezel Hybrid

Honda is most likely to introduce the HR-V hybrid with its international name; “Vezel”. And that’s a strong guess because the HR-V is an international hybrid and is being sold with the Vezel badge. However, due to Honda Pakistan’s lack of HEV infrastructure, they introduced the non-hybrid model and renamed it HR-V. Now, it seems like Honda is building its infrastructure, and they will probably introduce the HR-V hybrid first with the “Vezel” badge.

Salient features of Vezel hybrid:

• 1.5L i-Vtec engine
• 150 BHP power
• 155 Nm torque
• 5 Ah HEV battery capacity

Kia?

• Kia Sportage 5th Generation Hybrid

For the past few months, we have heard rumors that Kia will soon bring the new generation of Sportage to Pakistan. Currently, we’ve got the fourth-generation Sportage, and Kia will probably bring the fifth generation to Pakistan by the end of 2024.?

The fifth generation of Sportage comes with a hybrid option, and if Kia is planning to invest in its Hybrid infrastructure, it will probably first introduce the Sportage 5th generation with hybrid terrain.?

Salient features of Sportage HEV:

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
• 227? HP power
• 196 Nm torque
• 13.8-kWh hybrid battery capacity

Another HEV that Kia may launch:

• KIA Sorento Hybrid

We’re sure that Sorento will be hybrid this time. It’s because the Pakistani market is more sensitive towards fuel economy, and a non-hybrid 3.5L MPV will probably not be a good option for the Pakistani market. The Sorento is available in HEV option internationally; if Kia is to launch the new generation in Pakistan, it’ll probably HEV this time.

Salient features of Sorento HEV:

• 1.6L Turbo engine
• 227 HP power
• 258 Nm torque
• 6 Ah HEV battery capacity

Do you think these companies will launch these hybrid cars in Pakistan? Please tell us in the comments section.