Any of the Japanese or Chinese automobile in Pakistan, is far behind when judge against the rest of the world. Mostly, models presented in Pakistan are done with their life in global markets.The current case was with the Zotye Z100, the once cheapest car in China that was introduced in Pakistan by HRL Motors for a shocking PKR 11.72 lacs.Its good to mention here that the Z100 hatchback was discontinued in China two years ago.
Comparable examples were found as (now inactive) Karakoram motors who signed a technical collaboration agreement with Chery to produce right-hand-drive vehicles in Pakistan. In spite of this all what we got were out of date Chery, Gonow & Changan minivans that were no longer obtainable for sale in China.
This in fact stains the image of Chinese cars (in Pakistan) which are rolling out as marvelous vehicles in their home plus export (competition driven) markets. HRL Motors who are the people at the back of bringing in the Zotye Z100 have totally ruined the launch of an overpriced hatchback and are however to arrange a single dealership in the country, as a consequence the Z100 can only be viewed on Facebook.
Zotye conversely are on a full swing in China. The company besides rolling out the facelift of their flagship Z700 saloon also has lately signed a joint venture agreement with Ford to manufacture low-cost electric cars in China. Zotye has also launched a sub-brand called ‘Traum’ aimed towards younger car buyers & will comprise crossover SUVs, a sedan, and a range of new-energy vehicles (NEVs), counting HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs.
The Zotye T500 line-off ceremony was held at Zotye’s Hangzhou base last month and we may still seem visible design influences here & there from other brands in Zotye T500.But the T500 isn’t an entire replica, it has a fine-looking side profile with a high bonnet, a thick roof, black wheel arches, and a blacked-out D-pillar.
The T500 will carries a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine generating 156 hp mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission distributing power to the front wheels. The interior is pleasant with a completely digital instrument panel, sporty multi-function steering wheel & an 8.8 inch touch screen standing on top of center stack.
The safety equipment is inspiring too; the high-end models will get body stability system, traction control, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a night vision system in addition to the regular safety features counting Airbags & ABS with EBD.
The formal launch is predictable in coming weeks and the expected price will start something like 70,000 yuan (PKR 11.02 lac) to up to 110,000 yuan (PKR 17.32 lac) for the fully loaded version.
With Chinese companies manufacturing sensational vehicles nowadays, one can simply imagine why the likes of outdated Z100 are launched in Pakistan at an unrealistically high price tag as a choice of the modern options that can still be introduced next to a much reasonable amount of money.
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
