Shashi Dhungel

Kathmandu, May 5:

Despite the opinion among industry watchers that the market for four-wheelers

is shrinking in Nepal, a dozen new brands have been launched in 2004 in Nepal.

Korean vehicles are gaining momentum with their assiduous effort to tap the market. Within a decade, Korean vehicles, particularly from Hyundai and Kia, have built a strong market share in the passenger car segment.

Last year, Kia unveiled two new car models. Kia Picanto, a mini car targeted at beginners and Kia Cerato, a premium luxury sedan for those who were willing to upgrade their status from a small car to middle-size sedan. Kia Picanto was launched in May and Cerato in November.

“Both the products are doing well. Picanto exceeded our targeted sales and Cerato is competing well in the arduous premium segment,” said Dev Swarup Maharjan, sales manager at Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd. So far, 300 units of Picanto and 15 units of Cerato has been sold, he informed.

Picanto is available in various versions, whose price varies with the added options in the car, whereas Cerato comes in a full version and a fixed price.

The 1.1 litre 1086 cc engine of Picanto delivers a maximum power of 65 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and is a four- cyli-nder type. It reaches a speed of 100 kmph from rest in 15.4 seconds, with its top speed being 154 kph.

The five-speed manual gear-box is fitted with a cable clutch for effortless shifting and optimum gear ratios.

Cerato is a spacious hatchback. Available in two versions of 1.6 litre gasoline engine and 2.0 litre diesel CRDi engine, Cerato has a host of safety features, air conditioning, CD audio with MP3 player and electric windows. Cerato is also available in a five-door hatchback as well as in a sporty four-door saloon.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine of Cerato delivers a maximum output of 110 BHP and the 1.6 litre gasoline engine gives 103 BHP.

Hyundai also unveiled two models in 2004. Getz hatchback in the middle car segment in February and Tucson, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in November. The sales of Getz has crossed 100 units and Tucson, 10 units.

“The market for four-wheelers is shrinking. However, some vehicle owners want to migrate to an advanced vehicle. That is the reason why new mo-dels keep being introduced in the market,” said Rabindra Shrestha, manager, marketing and sales, AVCO International.

The 2.0 CRDi engine of Tucson generates a maximum power of 112 BHP @ 4,000 rpm, while Getz is powered by a 1.3 litre SOHC three-valve engine, producing a maximum output of 60.3 KW @ 4,000 rpm.

Available in ‘four gear automatic transmission’ and ‘5 gear manual transmission’ Getz is smart and stylish. It is an amalgamation of clean and contemporary shape, versatile interior and advanced safety features.

“The Tucson and Getz both were launched to tap customers who were willing to upgrade into the luxury segment. It is good that customers have a greater choice to buy vehicles from,” he said.