United Alpha

Status and price

The United Alpha is a 1000cc five-door hatchback that United Motors launched in January 2021 at Rs 1,395,000. It is a rebadged, facelifted first-generation Chery QQ, assembled locally. Its last reported ex-factory price was Rs 1,849,000, after an unannounced Rs 80,000 increase in June 2023. United’s official car website could not be checked for this listing, and PakWheels now lists the Alpha as discontinued, so the availability of new cars is doubtful.

Engine and gearbox

The Alpha uses a 993cc four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with multi-point injection, producing 68 hp and 93 Nm of torque. It meets Euro IV emissions and drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox; the automatic version promised at launch never appeared. Claimed fuel economy is 12 km/l in town and 15 km/l on the highway, and top speed is quoted at 130 km/h.

Size and practicality

At 3,550 mm long, 1,495 mm wide and 1,485 mm tall, on a 2,340 mm wheelbase, the Alpha is a compact city car. Ground clearance is 152 mm, the fuel tank holds 35 litres and kerb weight is 890 kg. It seats five, rides on 155/65 R13 alloy wheels and carries a steel spare. Boot space has not been published.

Equipment

There is one variant, the 1.0 Manual. Brochure data lists air conditioning with heater, power steering, power windows all round, central locking with a remote key, steering-mounted buttons, a large-screen multimedia unit with USB and FM radio, four speakers, a reversing camera, a digital instrument display with tachometer and fuel-consumption readout, a driver seat-belt warning and an immobilizer. Outside there are front fog lamps, a rear wiper, a rear demister and a rear spoiler. Reported colours are white, silver, red, blue, dark grey and golden. The car has no airbags and no ABS. Gari.pk lists a warranty of 3 years or 60,000 km, but this could not be confirmed with United.

Which version to buy

Opinion: the Alpha offered a lot of equipment for the money while it was on sale, but the lack of airbags and ABS is a serious drawback, and its basic design dates from the early 2000s. Because it is discontinued, resale value and parts supply are real concerns. Families who want safety equipment should look at a Suzuki Cultus or Wagon R first, and anyone tempted by a leftover new Alpha should get the warranty and service support confirmed in writing.