2023 is concluding, and the departing year is culminating in inflation hitting a plateau, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and the new low in economic growth. Coming to the auto sector, low sales, production shutdowns, and price hikes series brought yet another tumultuous and frustrating year for the car enthusiasts and industry.

In a year marked by unfortunate tales regarding the subpar performance of Pakistan’s car sector, some heartening occurrences took place in the shape of new car launches. 

Five cars are currently competing for the title of the biggest car launch of 2022. Let’s examine each of them closely to determine which one has the potential to emerge victorious.

1- MG 4 EV 

MG Pakistan formally introduced MG 4 EV, aka ‘Mulan’ in Pakistan in Non’23. The interior flaunts a 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android.

It comes in six captivating colors, including the brand-new Volcano Orange, boasting the advanced driver assistance system dubbed MG Pilot. The system elevates safety with features like Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. Additional peace of mind comes from systems such as Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist.

Charging the MG 4 EV is effortless, allowing a quick transition from 10% to 80% charge in just 35 minutes. While real-world charging times may vary, this feature ensures readiness for long-distance journeys.

2- Locally Assembled Haval Jolion

Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SEWL) launched locally assembled Haval Jolion in May ’23. The car has a 1.5 turbocharged engine, which produces 147 horsepower (hp) and 220 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The engine is mated with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission and has four drive modes. 

Coming inside the cabin, it boasts 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, auto heated seats, panoramic Sunroof, fast wireless charger, premium Harman Karcon Sound, dual climate control system and six airbags. 

Whereas the safety features include adaptive cruise control, traction and hill start assist control, rear parking sensors, lane support system, blind spot detection, auto emergency brake, HD 360 camera, etc.,

3- Seres 3 EV

Another biggest launch of the 2023 is Seres 3, revealed in Nov ’23 in Pakistan. Here are the features and specifications of the SUV. 

Seres 3 flaunts 25-inch touch screen audio & smart phone connecting system, electronic panoramic sunroof, led headlamps with DRLs, electronic, heated & auto retractable side view mirrors, 3 driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sports), 18-inch alloy wheel and many more.

4- Locally Assembled Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Nishat famous for the its prominent Tucson (SUV) revealed its first MPV dubbed Santa Fe in the country in Oct ’23.

The car has 1.6 Turbocharged Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) GDi engine producing 177hp at 5500RPMs and 265Nm of torque at 4500 RPMs.

Santa Fe comes with LED headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch TFT LCD info + Rheostat, steering controls, six airbags, ventilated seats, black interior, central console switches, wireless charger, seat adjustment controls, speakers, and many other safety features.

5- Corolla Cross Hybrid (CKD)

Toyota Indus Motor (IMC) unveiled its first locally manufactured Hybrid Electric CSUV Corolla Cross in the middle of this month.

Under the hood, it carries 2ZR-FXE 1.8L Hybrid engine with the capacity to produce 196hp (combined) and 188Nm of torque (combined).

Other features includes3 driving modes (EV, ECO, Power), 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, leather seats, Auto AC dual-mode, and rear AC vents. Meanwhile, low-end variants have fabric seats, Basic audio system with CD/BT, Single-Mode Auto AC and no AC vents for rear seats, etc.,

However, 7 SRS airbags, blind spot monitor, clearance sonar + rear cross- traffic alert (RCTA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) + electronic brake force distribution (EBD) + brake assist (BA), and auto rain sensors are the safety features offered in the car.

The Winner?

By now, you’ve likely noticed the prevailing trend of hybrid cars in the automotive landscape this year. Consequently, the competition is now underway among IMC’s Corolla Cross Hybrid, Haval Jolion and Hyundai’s Santa Fe, another hybrid vehicle.

Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments: Among IMC’s Corolla Cross Hybrid and Haval Jolion, which do you believe has taken the spotlight as the most significant car launch of 2022 in Pakistan? Share your opinions below!