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In Pakistan, people are seriously obsessed with Hybrid cars because of their fuel-saving capabilities.
If a regular ICE vehicle runs 12-14 Km/l, the same model in HEV can run about 20-25 Km/l. This is about Rs.360/day savings as per 50 Km daily running.
Now, if you’ve made up your mind to go with an HEV, you have two choices: either go with a JDM HEV vehicle or go with a brand new HEV vehicle.
In our previous post, we discussed the best new HEV vehicles in Pakistan. In this blog, we’ll list the best-used JDM hybrid vehicles that you can buy from the local market:
Why Choose the JDM HEV?
Cost!
A used Aqua, Prius, or Fit can cost you about 4-6 million PKR (2014-2016), while a brand new HEV like Haval H6 HEV and Santa FE HEV cost more than 10.2 million PKR.
Toyota Aqua
Internationally, Toyota Aqua is an affordable hybrid hatchback, but in Pakistan, due to currency issues, it’s an upper-range hybrid hatchback. It shares the same hybrid platform as the Prius and has a body shape similar to Vitz. Regarding its resale, a Toyota badge has such a high resale value that it will likely be sold in days.
Based on a Prius HEV platform, the honing of that formula results in a superbly smooth and efficient motor-to-engine transition with no jerk during the drive.
While it’s a car made for stop-and-go traffic, its gasoline engine is powerful enough for high-speed cruising on motorways, making it a sensible all-rounder vehicle.
The only issue with the majority of used Aquas is their battery. Most of their HEV batteries are refurbished, containing locally sourced 18650 Li-ion cells. Somehow, if you find an Aqua with a genuine battery, it’ll surely be a good VFM deal.
- Fuel average: 21-24 Km/l in City
- Hybrid battery price: 130K (Kaabli, approx.)
- Hybrid battery life: 100,000 Km (Kaabli, approx.)
- Used Price: 3.2-4 million PKR (2013-2015)
Toyota Prius
Just like Aqua, Prius is also the best game player in local JDM Hyrbid. It’s a class-up from Aqua and a price competitor to the Toyota Corolla (2020).
Based on Toyota’s iconic Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, the Prius was the car that glamourized Toyota’s HEV technology.
Reason? Due to its exceptionally smooth drive and best-in-class electric platform under the floor, it soon became the consumer’s 1st choice in Pakistan’s HEV market.
It might not be the best-looking car in the sedan class, but you can’t doubt its reliability. You’ll still see many old 2007-2010 2nd generation Prius’s on the road running fine with no major breakdown issues.
Again, just like Aqua, the Prius has the same non-genuine battery issue. Most of the vehicles in the market might be running on local 18650 Li-ion cells. Our opinion is to just change the battery with a “Kaabli” genuine battery as soon as you buy the car.
- Power: 76 HP
- Torque: 115 Nm
- Fuel average: 20-23 Km/l
- Hybrid battery price: 140K PKR (Kaabli, approx.)
- Hybrid battery life: 100,000 km (Kaabli, approx.)
- Used Price: 2.5-2.8 million PKR (2003-2009)
Nissan Note E-Power
The Nissan Note is a small MPV with generous interior legroom and headspace. Thanks to its boxy shape, it feels much larger from the inside than other cars with the same dimensions.
Unlike conventional hybrids, it doesn’t use electric motors at low speeds and then shifts to the engine. Instead, it uses the engine to charge the battery, which then powers the electric motors to move the vehicle.
From the outside, it might not be appealing to many people, and the interior is also not so great, with all the hard plastic on the interior. The only reason someone would buy it is if they’re seeking the best fuel efficiency in its class and require ample space to accommodate the entire family.
While we can’t say, it’s not worth buying. Besides not-so-good looks, it still completes its main objective, so it is a VFM deal if your only preference is fuel average and a spacious interior that can fit a whole family.
- Power: 78 HP
- Torque: 106 Nm
- Battery price: 170K PKR (Kaabli, approx.)
- Battery life: 120,000 km (Kaabli, approx.)
- Fuel average: 27-33 Km/l
- Used price: 3.5-3.8 million PKR (2015-2016)
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit, also known as the Honda Jazz in some regions, is a Hybrid hatchback styled like an MPV car. It has a spacious cabin, enough to fit five people.
One thing we must adore is Fit’s seamless transition from hybrid to electric. Unless you really try to notice, you won’t feel any jerk or lag during the shift.
Get behind the wheel; you won’t be mistaken that you’re in a Honda. The suspensions are really soft and smooth, the steering is light, and the sitting posture is also fine for long tours.
But note that it’s not really fun to drive if you expect. It’s meant to get you from point A-to-B in the most comfort and with least fuel consumption possible.
The practicality is also good. Two adults and one child can easily fit in the rear seats. Overall, it’s a nice car; just don’t expect a lot of fun in terms of driving and interior looks.
- Power: 99 HP
- Torque: 127 Nm
- Hybrid battery price: 130K PKR (Kaabli, approx.)
- Hybrid battery life: 100,000 Km (Kaabli, approx.)
- Fuel average: 22-24 Km/l
- Used price: 2.4-2.8 million PKR (2010-2012)
Toyota Premio
If you need the reliability, legroom, and drive quality of a Corolla but the fuel average of a Mehran, then the Premio is the car for you. It’s a C-segment sedan with optimal legroom and boot space.
Premio is also the most popular Toyota car in underdeveloped countries. Therefore, its spare parts are affordable and very easy to source. Just like the Corolla, its drive quality is superb, and noise isolation is up to the mark. However, the suspensions might not be best in the class, but they are highly reliable, good enough that you can make it a daly driver in backward areas of Karachi.
The Premio’s hybrid electric system works smoothly, and it uses a 1.5L VVTi engine with a CVT transmission.
In our opinion, it’s the best family sedan made for people who need a reliable hybrid car that can withstand Pakistan’s rough road conditions.
- Power: 109 – 152 HP
- Torque: 136 – 320 Nm
- Hybrid battery price: 100K PKR (Kaabli, approx.)
- Hybrid battery life: 100,000 Km (Kaabli, approx.)
- Fuel average: 14-16 Km/l
- Used price: 2.2-2.5 million PKR (2006-2008)
