Pakistan announced the new auto policy in 2016, the primary objective of which was to create competition between players, shorten the delivery period, curb the menace of own/ premium, bring down prices and improve the quality of products offered to the customers.
Related: Major Investments in the Automobile Sector of Pakistan
Although the policy has been able to attract a bunch of new comers, as more than 12 companies will be investing around $800 million in the auto sector within a couple of years. Renault, Hyundai, Kia and Changan are some of the big names emerging in the automobile market of the country. So far however, the bulk of what has been introduced is either in the form of commercial pickups or minivans.
Pakistan’s motorization rate stands at just 18 vehicles per 1,000 people, so the auto market has a huge potential of growth. However as long as the newcomers are unwilling to challenge the Big 3 (Toyota, Suzuki & Honda), that is, by not introducing the mass market vehicles such as the economical hatchbacks and sedans, the purpose of the auto policy won’t be benefitting the consumers at large.
Earlier in June, Master Motors & Changan Automobiles of China, had signed the joint venture (JV) agreement which remains one of the major developments in the auto sector, courtesy Auto Policy 2016-21. The JV agreement will see import and assembling of Changan branded LCVs, MPVs, SUVs and Passenger cars in Pakistan.
Changan’s initial lineup for Pakistan was showcased at the IEMA Expo held earlier this month. Soon after which the company launched the Karvaan minivan & M-9 pickup. An SUV is slated for a 2019 launch, however no sedan or hatchback is in the plans, despite Changan having some amazingly priced sensational products in their portfolio.
Related: Changan Launches Karvaan Minivan and M-9 Pickup
However since Changan will be relocating the production of its conventional gasoline vehicles to Pakistan, as the company is keeping itself focused on electric vehicles in China. And since Changan has already announced Pakistan as its production hub for RHD vehicles, we might be able to see quality Changan hatchbacks and sedans somewhere down the line.
One of the Changan sedans that we always envied is the Alsvin V7. Like its big brother the Changan Eado, the Alsvin V7 was also designed by renowned designer Dambrosio Luciano at Changan’s design studio in Turin, Italy.
The Alsvin V7 measures 4530 mm in length, 1745 mm in width and 1498 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2610 mm. To better understand these numbers, the Changan Alsvin V7 is bigger than the 5th gen Honda City and smaller than the 11th gen Toyota Corolla, so it’s a perfect fit between the two. However it stands taller than both Corolla and City.
| Corolla | Alsvin V7 | City | |
| Length (mm) | 4,620 | 4,530 | 4,420 |
| Width (mm) | 1,775 | 1,745 | 1,695 |
| Height (mm) | 1,460 | 1,498 | 1,470 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 | 2,610 | 2,550 |
The V7 gets powered by Changan’s self developed Blue Core 1.6 liter DOHC VVT engine. Blue Core is Changan’s low CO2 emission technology which provides powerful, clean and quiet driving experience. The engine with an output of 124hp is mated to either a 5-speed manual of 4-speed (Aisin) automatic transmission. Fuel economy figures are rated at 16.1 km per liter for the manual and 14.4 km per liter for the automatic variants.
Related: The Changan Eulove X6
Features worth mentioning include driver, passenger & curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and HHC (Hill Hold Control), seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, seatbelts reminders, ISOFIX child seat anchors, central locking, keyless and smart entry system, engine start/ stop button, remote trunk lid opener, engine immobilizer, rear parking sensors with visual assist, multifunction steering wheel, 6-way adjustable driver seat, power steering, power windows, power retract and heated outside mirrors, auto air conditioner, power sunroof, multimedia system with USB and AUX input, headlight height adjustments & follow-me-home lights etc. (features vary according to trim).
In China, the Alsvin V7 is priced from 52,900 yuan (PKR 9.5 lac) for the base model and goes as high as 79,900 yuan (PKR 14.35 lac) for the top-spec variant.
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The Changan Alsvin V7 is considered as one of the most beautiful Chinese sedan that’s not only economical and affordable but is packed with convenience and safety features and offers an amazing value for money. If introduced in Pakistan, it can be a good contender in the league of Corolla Altis 1.6 and City Aspire 1.5.
Do you think Changan should consider launching the Alsvin V7 sedan in Pakistan? Let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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