KARACHI, Dec 24: The much-awaited Chinese car (imported) has finally landed in Pakistan at a price of Rs 185,000.

Surprisingly, its engine power is very low at 175cc, thus creating doubts in the minds of price conscious consumers whether the cheap car is really tough enough to carry the load of passengers.

The importer of this car, on condition of anonymity, claimed that the car is specifically meant for only four passengers including a driver and it can carry this load easily despite low engine capacity.

He claimed that the people are regularly inquiring about it and demanding cut in the price. He said the car is also available in Lahore.

Despite repeated attempts, the showroom owner located near the Tariq Road did not reveal any further details about the Chinese car. He also refused to give details as to how much units he had imported so far or intended to import in future. “We have enough cars right now ready for delivery,” he said without elaborating further details.

Meanwhile, market sources said the car is known as Sporty and it can run 30 km per litre with a maximum speed of 70 km/hour.

The new arrival of Chinese car has hit the market at a time when Habib Group of Companies is all set to roll out the first indigenously manufactured mini 170cc car named Sitara City Carts next year at an ex-factory price of Rs 98,500 (excluding sales tax and other government levies). After including the taxes and levies, consumers will be able to get it at Rs 115,000.

“The car is coming in the market in May 2004 hopefully,” Managing Director, Habib Group of Companies, Tufail Habib told Dawn on Wednesday adding that the group is trying to roll out the model much earlier.

“It is a 100 per cent Pakistani made vehicle with no foreign joint venture collaboration,” he said adding that the Group plans to set up a small production plant in Site area to kickstart the initial production of 3,000 vehicles per annum.

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 60 million and is projected to create job avenues for 100-150 people when full commercial production commences in May next year.

He said that the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has

already approved the specification for the car. Besides

the Engineering Development Board (EDB) and Industries Ministry have also approved the project.

He said the Pakistani car could run about 25 km per litre at a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The total weight of the car is 350 kg, having fuel tank capacity of 10 litres.

He claimed the car has the capacity to carry the load of four passengers including the driver at a low 170cc engine capacity.

So far, eight units at a plant in Karachi have been produced, he said.

Tufail looked unhappy over the arrival of Chinese car, saying that the import should be discouraged by the government. He said if imports continue then employment will flourish only in China rather than in Pakistan.