Avtoexpert named the most profitable cars for import to Russia

Cars with economical engines and affordable components remain the most attractive for import into Russia. Andrey Osipov, Commercial Director of Interleasing Group, told Izvestia on December 10.

According to the expert, the best option in terms of cost and maintenance is the Mazda 3.

"Mazda 3 is a compact sedan equipped with an economical two—liter engine with less than 160 hp. This model remains attractive to the Russian market due to the large number of service centers and the availability of spare parts. It is suitable for the consumer looking for a reliable city car," he explained.

Osipov also stressed that the popular Mazda CX-5 crossover in the basic configuration can be brought to Russia for 2.7–2.8 million rubles, taking into account the recycling fee and delivery. Škoda Octavia and Škoda Karoq are available on a comparable budget.

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The auto expert drew attention to the fact that Kia Seltos also remains an attractive option for import, since for about 2 million rubles the buyer receives a car with modern equipment, including a digital dashboard, multimedia system, keyless entry and climate control. He clarified that the 148 hp 2.0 engine does not lead to a high waste collection size. The expert named Hyundai Elantra among the profitable Korean models.

In addition, Osipov said that Chinese models have become less attractive as local legislation has changed.

"Although up to now these have been the most profitable cars, as there are assembly plants in the country and logistics are easier than importing from Europe. Now the legislation has changed in China: you cannot sell new cars to foreign markets. Only after six months of being in stock will they be sold under the guise of a used car," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on December 8, the analytical agency Autostat reported that in November of this year, 20 models entered the Russian car market, which had not previously appeared in the registration statistics in the Russian Federation. More than half of the list of new products in the passenger car segment are Chinese. These are hybrid SUVs BYD Leopard 7, M-Hero M817 and Zeekr 9X, hybrid crossovers GAC Trumpchi S9 and Geely Galaxy M9, hybrid sedan Lynk & Co 10, Lynk electric crossover & Co Z20, seven-seat four-wheel drive crossover Nordcross 001 and minivan JAC Refine RF8. It is specified that only the last two models are officially represented on the Russian market.

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