📖 4 min read
Welcome to the story of a car that is not just “a vehicle,” but a full-blown character: Atiqa Odho’s fiery red Kia Sportage, lovingly known as “Rani.”
Hosted by Sunil Munj on PakWheels ’ Owner Review series, this episode is less about boring specs and more about what a car becomes when it is driven hard, maintained properly, and genuinely loved.
Atiqa gets straight to the point:
Purchase year: 2020 (when it was still relatively new in Pakistan)
Decision-maker: Atiqa herself, from model to color
And that color? The headline-grabber: Fiery Red.
Not “safe white.” Not “resale silver.” Not “traffic-grey camouflage.” She chose red because it is her favorite and because it is practical in a very real way: you can spot it instantly in a parking lot full of identical black, white, and silver cars.
She even brushes off the classic “but resale!” argument: she has enjoyed the car for years, and that joy matters more than pleasing the next buyer.
When Sportage first arrived, many buyers were skeptical about Korean SUVs. Atiqa was not.
She says she already knew Kia had a strong reputation, and she felt comfortable buying from a setup where she understood the business backing and support system.
Her core logic is simple and solid: after-sales support matters, especially when you actually travel.
She also confirms she maintains the vehicle only through Kia, and praises how dealership coverage across Pakistan gives her peace of mind, particularly if she is out on long routes and needs help fast.
You can watch complete review here
The Real Story: She is a Serious Road Trip Person
Here is where the blog stops being a car review and turns into a road movie.
Atiqa casually mentions she regularly travels:
During COVID lockdowns, road trips became the main way her family moved between cities and she clearly fell even more in love with the idea of Pakistan-through-the-windshield.
She even pushes back on the common complaint that Karachi-to-Sukkur is miserable, saying that routes can be more engaging and adventurous, while motorways, though smooth and excellent, can sometimes feel monotonous.
And then comes a genuinely important detail for women who travel: roadside travel used to be stressful because finding decent washrooms was hard, but now major fuel stations have improved facilities, making road travel far more practical.
Her message is loud and clear: road travel lets you actually see Pakistan.
From Corollas to SUV Life: The “Right Size, Right Price” Switch
Atiqa says she spent most of her life driving Corollas . She liked practicality, but wanted something more elevated — without stepping into oversized, fuel-thirsty SUV territory.
higher driving position and better ground clearance
practical for daily life and long travel
In her words, it was disruptive because it offered an SUV experience closer to sedan pricing at the time.
Fuel Average: Realistic and Comfortable
Atiqa says she is comfortable with the fuel consumption. The host frames it realistically:
Highway: around 15–16 km per liter
Because her driving is more road trip and highway-heavy than constant city use, her experience leans positive.
The car is now in its fifth year and has covered about 75,000 km and the biggest compliment in the episode is this: it does not feel like it has done 75,000 km.
“Rani” Treatment: Clean, Upgraded, and Loved
Atiqa’s Sportage is not a neglected daily beater. It is maintained like a prized possession.
She has done tasteful upgrades (seat covers, trims, travel-friendly add-ons) because she treats the car like a “mobile home” for long journeys.
The most iconic detail: the Clifton Kia workshop staff gave the car a nickname, “ Rani .” Because of course the red queen needs a title.
Even the tires get a shoutout: the car is running brand new 2024 tires, and the host notes how clean and well-kept the vehicle looks inside and out.
Atiqa says she loves the car. The only reason she is considering selling now is simple: she wants an upgrade.
She even hopes the next buyer is a friend or family member, not because she is sentimental, but because she wants the car to go to someone who will appreciate how well it has been kept.
The Upgrade Debate: New Sportage vs Chinese SUV Temptation
Atiqa mentions she has been test-driving newer options, including Chinese SUVs, but she is cautious, especially about plug-in hybrid practicality in Pakistan.
Her concern is not about gadgets or screens but about real-world usability:
limited charging availability on long motorway routes
uncertainty about long-term warranty and support
preference for brands with strong local backing and service response
That after-sales reliability theme keeps returning, because for her, this is not theoretical, she actually drives across cities.
The Best Moment: Her Driving Origin Story
Then comes the moment that explains everything.
Atiqa shares a “sweet and naughty” story: she drove for the first time at 12 years old, sneaking a car out with her sisters onboard… and yes, she hit something.
It is funny, but it lands as something bigger: she is genuinely passionate about driving and treats it as a life skill.
Her advice, especially for women, is simple: learn to drive .
According to her, it is independence. It is safe. It is mobility.
Final Word: “Rani” is Up for Sale
The episode ends with Sunil confirming the famous “Rani” will be listed on PakWheels, and he will share the link.
Atiqa closes on a note that makes the whole review feel complete: now that she knows these owner reviews exist, she will check them before buying her next car.
A driver who loves driving. A car that supported a lifestyle. And a well-kept vehicle ready to be passed on.
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