United Motors finally launched the Alpha hatchback on 2 January,kickstarting 2021 to an interesting opening for Pakistan’s auto industry.
Alpha is a 1000cc city hatchback that challenges the Suzuki Cultus and KiaPicanto, and the new Alpha is considerably the cheapest offering in the1000cc hatchback segment.Credits: Pakwheels.com——————————
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The launch took place at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi on Saturdaywhere the automaker reportedly shared its plans to add more vehicles and acouple more variants (automatic and electric) of the United Alpha to itslineup in Pakistan. The automaker also stated that the Alpha will beoffered as a Complete Knock-Down (CKD) unit to ensure its edge over itscompetitors in terms of price.Design
As pointed out by experts, the Alpha United is a rebadged and faceliftedversion of the first generation Chery QQ. Apart from the slight differencesin the front and the rear with different pairs of headlights andtaillights, it is basically the same car that was introduced by KarakoramMotors 16 years ago.Credit: Carspiritpk.com
It has familiar, smooth, and beveled body-lines and silhouette as part of asimple and functional overall design. Although the black plastic panels andthe questionable headlight and taillight design reduce the ‘clean look’,note that the United Alpha is a city car that is only meant for simple usein a cheap and reasonably comfortable manner.Interior
The theme of simplicity continues inside with a standard-looking dashdesign besides a touch-based infotainment screen, a modern-looking gaugecluster, and a two-tone design that makes the interior slightly bright. Italso includes soft, cotton fabric seating as the standard.
Although it has the basic features and amenities of a modern car, it lacksairbags which is a big let-down.Performance
The United Alpha features a 1000cc, naturally-aspirated Dual Overhead Cam(DOHC) 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68 hp and 93 Nm of torque,and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the engineis Euro-4 compliant.
The car has a McPherson Strut coil spring suspension in the front and asemi-independent, cylindrical, helical spring setup at the rear for asmooth ride.
While it has front disc brakes without ABS and conventional rear drumbrakes at the back, the relatively lesser curb weight of the car (890 kg)enables easy halting on normal brakes as well.Features
The Alpha will be offered in only one trim-level for now, and it will havethe following features:
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*Convenience*
– Power windows – Power door locks – Cupholders – Remote keyfob – 4 speaker sound system – Heater + air conditioner – Touch-based infotainment screen – USB connectivity – Reversing camera
*Safety*
– Driver and passenger 3-point seatbelts (front and rear) – Child locks in the rear doors – 3rd high-mounted brake light – Front Foglights – Anti-collision bars on the sides
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——————————Price
For almost Rs. 1.4 million (Rs. 1,395,000 to be exact) one can get a 1000cchatchback that competes with the Suzuki Cultus and the Kia Picanto for lessthan the price of a top-spec Suzuki Alto.
However, United Motors has always had questionable product quality, whichis why its Bravo failed to impress despite being the cheapest offering inits segment. Moreover, with the lack of basic features like airbags and theABS technology, the Alpha does not come across as particularly appealing.
Regardless, its price makes it a considerable contender among the otherbrand new cars being offered in Pakistan, but it remains to be seen it willbe able to hold its own against the WagonR, the Cultus, and the Picanto interms of sales figures.
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