Since 2011, Toyota Avanza has been the least popular model sold by Indus Motor Company (IMC).Following Suzuki APV it was the second 7 seater MPV to be obtainable in Pakistan by a local manufacturer, while the Avanza has been sold as an import ever since.Primarily IMC sold the first generation Avanza with a price tag of almost PKR 25 lac, and since the start it has always been the priciest choice in its class. Those first generation Avanza MPVs were habitually seen amongst the PIA fleet vehicles.
In 2011 the second generation Avanza was initiated in international markets and it was made obtainable in Pakistan a year later. Obtainable with a 1.5 liter 2NR-VE engine capable for 107hp, the 2nd generation Avanza comes equipped with driver & passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, 3 point ELR seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiters, seatbelt warnings and engine immobilizer. Extra features comprise of a tilt adjustable multi-function steering wheel, MID display, power steering/ windows/ mirrors, dual air-conditioning, front fog lamps, 15″ alloy wheels, 2 DIN head unit, 4 speakers and rear windshield wiper etc.
The Avanza presents the finest built quality as evaluated to its rivals obtainable in the market, it’s even roomy than the 1st gen Avanza it replaced. It offers a sophisticated interior, which is a huge development from the previous generation, has easy seats, practical 7 seat capacity and is supported by Toyota’s reliability. Nevertheless it’s the price tag that puts the buyers away. You can rarely see a second generation Avanza on roads regardless of being here for more than 5 years now, conversely the newly launched Honda BR-V has turn out to be a regular sight on roads with sales continually improving. Honda Atlas sold over 4,400 units of BR-V last year which is a massive success for a recently launched vehicle.
Last year when we did a comparison among four 7 seater MPVs available in our market, the Avanza was obtainable for PKR 29.9 lac. On the other hand IMC has revised the price tag of the Avanza MPV which now cost a heavy PKR 34.5 lac, which is almost 12 lac more than the hot selling Honda BR-V. It’s hard to appreciate why IMC keeps presenting the Avanza with a high price tag regardless of zero sales, instead of swapping it with other successful MPVs for instance the new Rush, Calya or the Sienta.
7 seaters were never well thought-out as desirable alternative in our market until the Honda BR-V came into the scene, which has by some means proven the fact that there is constantly a market for a right product in a right price. Do you think IMC should present a reasonably priced MPV to contend Honda BR-V in Pakistan? Let us know with your comments.
