Kia is reportedly preparing to introduce its latest Picanto hatchback in Pakistan, with Lucky Motor Corporation expected to bring the new-generation model to the local market as early as next month.
According to automotive expert Suneel Munj, Lucky Motor is making preparations for the launch of the updated Picanto. However, the company has yet to officially confirm the development or announce a specific launch date.
If launched, the new Picanto would mark the arrival of an updated version of Kia’s popular compact hatchback in Pakistan.
Earlier, LMC discontinued the Kia Picanto in Pakistan after nearly six years of local assembly, with new bookings reportedly closed across dealerships.
The 1,000cc hatchback was launched in Pakistan in September 2019 as Kia’s entry into the competitive small-car market. The model has now been removed from Kia’s local lineup, according to the information provided.
LMC has not publicly given a detailed reason for the decision.
The officials said that the discontinuation was due to low sales, weak resale value, relatively high maintenance costs and rising vehicle prices.
The Picanto also faced strong competition from Suzuki models such as the Cultus and Wagon R, which have traditionally dominated Pakistan’s entry-level hatchback market.
Demand for the manual version was reportedly particularly weak, while the automatic variant developed a smaller customer base in major cities.
Rising production and import-related costs also pushed the Picanto’s price close to Rs3.6m for the manual version and Rs3.85m for the automatic model, making it less attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
The Picanto sold in Pakistan was the second-generation model, despite the third-generation version already being available in international markets when the car was launched locally.
Existing Picanto owners are expected to continue receiving after-sales support and spare parts through Kia’s nationwide dealer network.
KIA Picanto price in Pakistan
The price of KIA Picanto in Pakistan right now is Rs40.90 lacs, as the new ones will no longer be manufactured.
The mentioned price is for the cars that have already been manufactured by the company; meanwhile, the second-hand models are more or less in price than the brand new one.
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