Indus Motor Company, the renowned manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, made a significant announcement on Friday regarding the introduction of two gasoline (petrol) variants of the Corolla Cross. The booking for these variants will commence from March 23, with deliveries tentatively scheduled to begin on April 15.
The Corolla Cross 1.8X, positioned as the high-end gasoline model, comes with a price tag of Rs8.899 million, while its basic counterpart, the 1.8 (Low), is priced at Rs8.199 million.
In comparison, the hybrid variants of the Corolla Cross are priced at Rs9,399,000 for the mid-level category and Rs9,849,000 for the high-end category. The company emphasized during the launch that these prices are ‘introductory’.
“We are delighted to introduce the latest addition to our lineup – the all-new Corolla Cross in gasoline variants,” stated a letter addressed to the company’s authorized dealers.
“Following the successful launch of the Corolla Cross Hybrid electric variants, we are excited to present the gasoline models to cater to a broader spectrum of customers’ needs and preferences,” the letter added.
However, industry insiders suggest that despite the introduction of gasoline variants, the hybrid models of the Corolla Cross are expected to remain the more appealing choice for consumers, particularly amidst the backdrop of escalating fuel prices.
An automotive sector expert noted that while the gasoline variants are competitively priced in comparison to other compact SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and MG-HS, Toyota’s SUV may present formidable competition in this category.
In the face of declining sales, competition in Pakistan’s auto sector has intensified, with companies resorting to various incentives and discounts to attract customers.
Data reveals a significant drop in total car sales during the first eight months of fiscal year 2023-24, with figures plummeting to 59,699 units, marking a 41% decline from the corresponding period last year. This downward trend in sales has persisted from the preceding fiscal year, where sales witnessed a staggering 56% decline to just 126,879 units.
The introduction of gasoline variants for the Corolla Cross underscores Indus Motor Company’s commitment to diversifying its product range and addressing the evolving preferences of Pakistani consumers in the dynamic automotive market.
