Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited (HCAR) reported a strong financial turnaround in the first nine months of Market Year 2026 (9MFY26), driven by robust sales of its Honda HR-V Hybrid and renewed interest in the Honda City sedan. The company’s profit after tax jumped 117% to PKR 2.22 billion, compared with PKR 1.02 billion in the same period last year, according to a recent industry report. Earnings per share (EPS) also showed significant improvement, more than doubling to PKR 15.59 in 9MFY26, up from PKR 7.19 in 9MFY25, signaling renewed investor confidence and stronger bottom-line performance. This rebound comes as Honda Atlas leverages its updated product lineup to capture demand in Pakistan’s recovering automotive market. The Honda HR-V e:HEV hybrid SUV, launched in August 2025, has been a key contributor to sales volumes, appealing to buyers seeking fuel-efficient crossover options in a segment that was traditionally limited to petrol variants. In addition, the Honda City 1.5L Aspire S CVT, introduced in September 2025, helped invigorate interest in the compact sedan segment, long a strong category for Honda across Pakistan’s major urban centres. Despite the strong top-line momentum and surging sales, Honda Atlas faces some ongoing cost and margin challenges. A stronger Pakistani rupee against the Japanese yen aided gross margins, which remained stable at 7.9%, but marketing and distribution expenses went up three-fold due to aggressive nationwide promotions. Finance costs also surged by 157%, as the company increased borrowings to PKR 14.3 billion to support operations and growth initiatives. Heavy taxation remains a hurdle for the auto industry, with Honda Atlas recording an effective tax rate of 43.1% during the period. Nonetheless, the company’s ability to expand earnings while navigating these headwinds has been notable. Pakistan’s broader automotive sector is showing signs of recovery, supported by lower interest rates, easier financing and rising consumer demand. Car sales in the market recently surged 76% to over 17,800 units, and the sector’s profit projection climbed to roughly PKR 6.6 billion in Q2 FY26, highlighting industry-wide growth. Analysts say sustained demand for SUVs, hybrids and reliable compact cars — combined with supportive policy measures — are key to continued momentum. Honda Atlas, a joint venture between Honda Motor Co. and Atlas Group with decades of presence in Pakistan, is positioned to benefit from this uptrend as it expands its hybrid offerings alongside traditional models. As the company heads into the final quarter of FY26, the focus will be on maintaining profitable growth while managing cost pressures and capitalising on evolving consumer preferences in an increasingly competitive auto market.
GLi, VX, VXL & VXR – What Do These Car Variants Mean, and Which One Is Best?
When shopping for a car in Pakistan, India, or the broader South Asian and Middle Eastern markets, you’ll often see car variants labeled as VX, GLi, VXL, or VXR. These labels are not car models — they are trim levels, which indicate different feature sets and price points within the same car model. So, what do these letters stand for, and how do they affect your buying decision? What Is a Car Variant? A variant (also known as a trim level) defines what features, specifications, and equipment a particular version of a car includes. While the engine may remain the same across variants, things like infotainment systems, safety features, interior quality, and even wheel types can vary significantly. The Common Variants Explained VX – The Base Variant Features: Very basic. Typically includes: Manual windows, no ABS, no airbags, steel rims, basic dashboard. Target buyer: Budget-conscious users looking for a simple, no-frills driving experience. GLi – The Mid-Level Choice Features: Moderate comfort and safety. Typically includes: Power windows, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), central locking, colored door handles, better upholstery. Popular in: Toyota Corolla and other mainstream sedans. Best for: Drivers wanting a balanced car with both performance and basic features. VXL – Comfort Upgrade Features: Comfort-oriented and semi-premium. Typically includes: Touchscreen infotainment system, fog lights, keyless entry, steering-mounted controls, enhanced interior finish. Best for: Buyers looking for daily comfort, convenience, and a modern interior. VXR – Top-of-the-Line Features: Fully loaded or sporty. Typically includes: Airbags, alloy wheels, reverse camera, climate control, chrome accents, power mirrors, automatic transmission (in some models). Seen in: Suzuki Alto VXR, Toyota Vitz VXR, etc. Best for: Users who want a fully-featured car with the latest tech and safety. Which Variant Is the Best? If budget allows, the VXR is generally the most complete package — offering both safety and modern features that are now expected in today’s cars. However, GLi and VXL remain the most popular choices due to their balance of price and features. Car variant labels like GLi, VX, VXL, and VXR help you understand what you’re paying for — and what you’re giving up. Before choosing, always compare the feature list carefully. Sometimes a higher variant offers significantly more value for a slightly higher cost. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or upgrading your ride, knowing these differences can save you money — and get you the features you actually need.
iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Suggest a New Direction for Apple’s Flagships
Speculation around Apple’s next-generation flagship has intensified well ahead of its expected unveiling, with early leaks offering a glimpse into what could be one of the most transformative Pro models in recent years. Although Apple is not expected to unveil the device until September, reports circulating within the tech community have begun outlining what users might expect from the next Pro model. Design and Display: Familiar, but Refined According to current rumours, Apple is unlikely to overhaul the iPhone’s overall look. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a similar design language, featuring a 6.3-inch display and a raised rear camera platform housing three lenses. However, subtle refinements are expected. Leaks suggest a redesigned front layout, with Face ID technology moving under the display, allowing Apple to reposition the front-facing camera to the top-left corner of the screen — a noticeable shift from the current centred placement. On the back, Apple may introduce changes to the Ceramic Shield finish, particularly to improve MagSafe charging performance and durability. Camera Upgrades and Controls Camera improvements are also expected to play a key role in the iPhone 18 Pro. Reports indicate that Apple may introduce a variable aperture system, at least on one of the rear cameras, giving users better control over light intake and depth-of-field. Additionally, a redesigned camera control button is rumoured, though it may function more simply than earlier expectations, without swipe-based gestures. Next-Generation Performance and Connectivity Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro is widely expected to debut Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which could deliver gains in performance efficiency and AI-driven tasks. Apple also appears to be pushing further toward hardware independence. Leaks suggest the inclusion of an in-house 5G modem, possibly branded as the C1X or C2, replacing third-party solutions. Alongside this, Apple is reportedly developing its own N1 wireless chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Another rumoured addition is satellite-based web browsing, building on Apple’s existing satellite communication features. Colours and Pro Max Differences New colour options are also being discussed, with rumours pointing to deeper, more premium shades such as burgundy, brown, or purple. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could see physical changes. Reports suggest it may be slightly thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, while continuing to feature a 6.9-inch display. Possible Shift in Apple’s Release Strategy One of the more surprising rumours involves Apple’s launch timeline. Analysts believe Apple may experiment with a staggered release, launching the Pro models first, while delaying the standard iPhone 18 until 2027. If true, this would mark a significant shift in how Apple positions its flagship lineup. A More Experimental iPhone Era? Taken together, the leaked features suggest Apple is preparing to take a more experimental approach with the iPhone 18 Pro. Under-display Face ID, redesigned internals, new chips, and connectivity upgrades point to a renewed emphasis on innovation rather than incremental updates. If these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could signal the start of a new phase for Apple’s smartphone strategy — one that places premium users at the centre of design evolution and future-ready technology.
