After the announcement of the new auto policy 2016, KIA along with Hyundai decided to enter the Pakistani automobile industry. There was a lot of media attention given to these two companies, given the longstanding monopoly of Suzuki, Toyota and Honda over the local automobile market. Along with many other models, KIA Motors launched the 2020 edition of its Sportage SUV which, in very less time, became immensely popular in the Pakistani auto market.
Hyundai Motors, trademarked in Pakistan as Hyundai Nishat, has already launched quite a few vehicles in the innovation stared Pakistani auto market. The South Korean company launched four different types of vehicles for different categories. In the hybrid category, Hyundai introduced Ioniq, while the Santa Fe was unveiled as an SUV. For greater passenger requirements, Hyundai launched a Grand Starex Van with the capacity of 12/9 passengers. Lastly, Hyundai introduced Porter H-100, a pickup truck for the commercial sector.
Hyundai Nishat Motors revealed Hyundai Tucson for the first time at the most-anticipated Pakistan International Auto Show 2020.
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Hyundai’s most anticipated vehicle in Pakistan; Hyundai Tucson, a crossover SUV, was officially launched on 11th August, three days before Pakistan’s Independence Day. The state-of-the-art feature-packed vehicle is expected to to take the Pakistani automobile market by surprise. Hyundai Tucson 2020 is largely believed to give a fierce competition to Kia Sportage and Toyota Fortuner G.
Kia Sportage 2020 looks sporty and is very practical to drive. It’s a five-seater car designed for extreme comfort; the rear leg space and headroom for both the front and rear passengers is ample.
Interior
Kia Sportage 2020 comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather dashboard, hill assist feature, along with cruise control, auto xenon headlights and automatic windscreen wipers. There are three modes of driving which include sports, regular, and economical. Hence, fuel consumption can be managed by users according to their needs. It also has rear vents for air conditioning which evenly distributes temperature in the car, and a 12V socket to charge your mobiles.
The compact crossover has a two-tone interior neatly designed by the auto manufacturer. It has several features including power windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt and telescopic adjustment feature. It also has a dual-zone climate control air-conditioning system and a smart key with a push-start system.
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The current model also has dual airbags and an auto tailgate which is very convenient for users. It has a JBL sound system with Bluetooth connectivity which offers loud and clear music on the go.
Hyundai Tucson comes in three distinct colour combinations which allow for a degree of flexibility as per personal preference, whether you desire a black-tone or 2-tone grey and 2-tone beige interior. The crossover has power windows, central locking and a power steering. Moreover, the engine has a push start and stop function and a fully automated air-conditioning system.
Both the vehicles are powered with advanced technological safety features including advanced traction cornering control system (ATCC), electronic parking brake (EPB), electronic stability control (ESC), blind-spot detection, etc. Both vehicles have airbags and seat belts as a basic safety feature.
Exterior
Hyundai Tucson 2020, in its first appearance, makes an aggressive statement with its exquisitely designed exterior in terms of a hexagonal front bumper grille. It has LED headlamps as well as daytime running lights giving the vehicle a luxurious look. If we look toward the rear side, Tucson offers a 3D lighting effect with its LED combination lamps. On the rear end, we find a rear spoiler along with a high-mounted brake lamp.
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On the other hand, KIA Sportage has an eye-catching design and unparalleled styling on the outside. The SUV has great aesthetics and KIA’s iconic radiator grille designing. The headlamps of KIA Sportage are powered by a bi-functional projection LED lamps with LED daytime running lights (DRL’s) and fog lights. The rear side has LED combination lamps and a high-mounted stop lamp with an LED.
Engine and performance
KIA Sportage 2020 comes with 6-speed transmission + SportMatic. It has a 2.0L Gasoline MPI engine which produces 154hp at 6200 RPM and 196nm torque at 4000 RPM. Sportage has 10.3 compressions ratio and 81×97 bore & stroke.
Hyundai Tucson is equipped with 2.0-litre multi-point fuel injection gasoline engine with an All-Wheel Drive system. It produces a maximum output power of 155 hp at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 192 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Dimensions
Hyundai Tucson is almost 4480 mm long, whereas its width and height are 1850 mm and 1655 mm respectively. 2670 mm is the size of the wheelbase.
On the flip side, the dimensions of KIA Sportage when it comes to the height is 1635 mm from the ground. Its body extends to 4485 mm and has a width of 1855 mm. The wheelbase of the 2020 model of KIA Sportage is same as Hyundai Tucson.
Both the vehicles are ranked at the same level when it comes to the ground clearance which is 172mm.
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Launch date & prices in Pakistan
KIA Sportage 2020 has already been launched in Pakistan. KIA’s crossover vehicle is available in both All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Front Wheel Drive (FWD) options. KIA has started booking of Sportage 2020 and the prices are as following:
| Model | FWD | AWD |
| *Ex Factory Price | PKR 4,899,000 | PKR 5,399,000 |
| Booking Amount | PKR 1,500,000 | PKR 1,700,000 |
Hyundai Motors announced the price of Tucson yesterday. The FWD model GLS Sport will cost 4,899,000 PKR. While the AWD Model Ultimate will cost 5,399,000 PKR. The pricing of Hyundai Tucson 2020 will determine the success of the upcoming vehicle in the local sector.
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The best part is, as KIA and Hyundai have officially begun their operations within Pakistan, owners have the option of getting some additional features installed from the automakers’ service centres for their Tucson and Sportage SUVs