Why do Changan Kalam owners in Pakistan frequently report loss of engine power when the vehicle is fully loaded o r on inclines?

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Why do Changan Kalam owners in Pakistan frequently report loss of engine power when the vehicle is fully loaded o r on inclines?

Many users claim the engine struggles during uphill driving o r under cargo weight. Is this due to engine underperformance o r fuel quality issues?

Sandeep asked on 18 Jun 2025 16:00:25 pm

1 Answer

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Car Mechanic Expert - on 18 Jun 2025 16:16:26 pm

Yes, this is a common complaint. The Kalam’s small-displacement engine around 1000cc–1200cc, depending on variant is not tuned for torque-heavy work, which is essential for:

Uphill driving

Full cargo loads

Stop-and-go city traffic

The problem becomes worse due to:

Poor fuel quality in rural areas, which lowers combustion efficiency

Use of low-octane petrol that causes engine knocking

No turbocharger o r torque assist, unlike more modern pickups

Thus, it’s a combination of engine underpower and fuel inconsistency, not just one factor.