Well every other Auto enthusiast do criticize Honda City and have been doing it for ever.
When it comes to KIA, everyone was expecting something different.. Picanto might be better as far as quality, features and we can lets say " price is ok" as well but question is will you buy an outdated City if it comes with all bells and whistles? NO obviously.. we all want models inline with international trend and generation.
With decades of monopoly by big 3 , pricing , poorly built and less features and safety.. as consumer we expected newer companies to be better.. but seems like in case of KIA, their mass market and core Product didn't meet expectations of many.
In case of Sportage, KIA offer standard side/ curtain airbags in every other market, in Pakistan they skipped it. I can live without some convenience features but as a consumer I want safety and standard safety equipment companies offer outside Pakistan and I am referring to all , regardless of brand, model. I am just giving you an example how companies operate or trying to operate in small tiny market like Pakistan. Unfortunately there is no intervention by any government or any other agency.
Pakistan government want Kashmir issue resolved as per UN resolution but Pakistani government failed to implement UN charter on automobile safety which require some basics standard safety which includes VSC as standard.
I hope things get better.