The automotive sector of a country plays a critical role as it is among the top contributors to the national economy. Government data shows that the auto sector contributed a 7.1 percent share in the national GDP
of India, making it a major stakeholder that creates millions of jobs each year. In a bid to promote new car sales, the government recently introduced GST 2.0 under which vehicles are now taxed at a flat rate of 18 percent or 40 percent, increasing the affordability of economy cars to bring more families into the four-wheeler fold. Today, the cheapest car in the country starts from Rs 3.50 lakh ex-showroom, which is the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.
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However, car buyers in neighbouring Pakistan are not as fortunate in terms of purchasing costs and available options. Cars that are generally available in India for under Rs 10 lakh cost upwards of Pakistani Rupee (PKR) 40 lakh in the neighbouring country. This is because of several reasons, including high taxes, extreme devaluation of PKR, next to zero local production, inflation and supply chain issues. Moreover, these exorbitant prices are often charged for basic economy car versions that are now globally phased out. Here are five such surprising examples.
1. Suzuki Celerio Gen 1 - PKR 40.89 Lakh
The Celerio hatchback has been a popular model under Maruti Suzuki in India over the last decade and is now available in its second-generation model. However, Suzuki still sells the phased-out Celerio in Pakistan at a starting price of PKR 40.89 lakh (approximately Rs 12.73 lakh) and calls it the Cultus. The first-gen Celerio's last recorded price in India was Rs 6 lakh ex-showroom for the top-end VXi CNG variant.
2. Honda City Gen 4 - PKR 47.37 Lakh
The previous generation of the popular City sedan can still be found in Honda showrooms in Pakistan. It is offered in two engine options and three variants and prices start from PKR 47.37 lakh (approximately Rs 14.75 lakh) for the base 1.2-litre petrol and manual gearbox trim. On the other hand, the same vehicle's last recorded price in India was Rs 14.31 lakh ex-showroom for the top-end ZX CVT automatic variant.
3. Toyota Fortuner - PKR 1.49 Crore
The Fortuner is often criticised for being an overpriced product by fans across the country. However, the Pakistani price of the same SUV may shock you. One has to shell out PKR 1.49 crore (approximately Rs 46.41 lakh) for a base model Fortuner, whereas the same car has a starting price of Rs 33.64 lakh ex-showroom in India.
4. Suzuki Swift Gen 3 - PKR 44.60 Lakh
The globally acclaimed Swift is also sold in Pakistan by Suzuki, but in its phased-out avatar. The previous generation Swift hatchback costs PKR 44.60 lakh (approximately Rs 13.89 lakh) in the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, the last recorded starting price of the same car was Rs 5.37 lakh ex-showroom in India, under Maruti Suzuki.
5. Toyota Hilux (Revo) - PKR 1.23 Crore
Just like the Fortuner, the Hilux is also another heavily taxed lifestyle SUV sold in India. The same car is also sold in Pakistan as the Revo but the price difference is significant. The Toyota Revo (Hilux) has a starting price of PKR 1.23 crore in Pakistan (approximately Rs 38.31 lakh). In comparison, the Hilux in India has a starting price of Rs 28.02 lakh ex-showroom.
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