The biggest automaker in Iran, Saipa, which is known for its licensed products, recently unveiled a new vehicle with a crossover supermini body. Despite having roots in the 1986 Kia Pride, the Saipa Atlas is an upgraded version of the Saipa Quick.
The Saipa Atlas is built on the X200 architecture, an updated version of the platform first used by the triplets of the 1986 Kia Pride. The majority-state-controlled Iranian carmaker created a number of variants based on the Kia Pride.
Saipa Atlas' front and back views have undergone design improvements, and it is now produced with a variety of trims and extra functionality.
We now have new lighting at the back. These lights, which are more in keeping with Atlas' fifth door and the size of the vehicle, evoke the design language of cheap European automobiles. Saipa Atlas generally has a more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious appearance than Quick. The elegance of this vehicle will increase if the Atlas has alloy wheels.
Although the dimensions were not disclosed, the footprint of the Atlas is most likely fairly comparable to that of the departing Quick, which is 3,989 mm long.
The mirrors and bumpers on the Atlas come in a variety of color combinations. While the aforementioned upgrades are appreciated, the diminutive 14-inch wheels hidden beneath the plastic fenders reveal the car's deteriorating underpinnings.
Another significant change from Saipa Quick to Saipa Atlas will be the enhancement of comfort and safety features. One of Saipa's newest models, the Saipa Atlas, will come with an ESC, or stability control system, which is a need for modern vehicles. Additional Saipa Atlas equipment will include new audio and video systems, shark antennas, motorized seats for higher model levels, LED headlights, rain sensors, electric mirrors with heaters, light sensors, tail lights, and 7-inch monitors.
Technical details of the Saipa Atlas have not been discussed, although the project manager for this vehicle said that two manual and two automatic versions of the Atlas would be available. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine is anticipated to be somewhat upgraded for the Atlas. The same engine, which generates 87 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque, is already present in many Saipa vehicles. It probably comes standard with either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
The Saipa Atlas will be introduced in Iran in 2023, progressively replacing the Quick in the local factory's production line.