The FAW model lineup available in Russia now shows a single Bestune T77 crossover remaining in the distribution. Reports circulating within dealer circles indicate that the Besturn X40 has effectively left the Russian market, even though a handful of units might still linger at some dealerships. On the official brand site for Russia, the X40 is no longer listed among current models, signaling a strategic withdrawal rather than a simple inventory clearance. This shift follows a period of model reshuffling by the importer, with plans to replace the outgoing line with other offerings that are closer to the brand’s current global strategy. The cadence of next steps remains uncertain, but insiders expect clarity to emerge in the near term as the importer outlines its fresh trajectory and potential product introductions for the market.
One insider observed that the last batches purchased by the distributor were from the 2021 model year. While a solitary unit may still exist in select dealer inventories, the practical status is that the model has been withdrawn from active sales channels. In place of the X40, the importer is signaling an expansion of the portfolio with new models. The expectation is that the forthcoming lineup will be unveiled in a staged manner, with a more concrete plan likely to unfold in April as retailers and corporate partners align on the regulatory and logistical aspects of bringing fresh models to the market. This context underscores a transition period in which the brand recalibrates its regional strategy to better reflect current demand and import conditions.
The Besturn X40, when it was offered as a front‑wheel drive compact, could be equipped with a 1.6‑liter engine producing around 106 horsepower. Buyers chose between a five‑speed manual transmission or a six‑speed automatic option. Pricing for the X40 started in the vicinity of 1.69 million rubles, positioning the model within a crowded segment of affordable small crossovers. Market data from the period shows that approximately 700 Bestun X40s were sold in Russia in the prior year, alongside roughly 414 Bestune T77 crossovers and 198 Besturn X80 vehicles. These figures reflect a modest but steady interest in FAW’s crossovers, set against a backdrop of evolving import rules and consumer sentiment as automotive brands recalibrate their regional exposure.
From March through May of 2023, the automotive scene in Russia was characterized by a stream of new products from Chinese manufacturers, many of which received official introductions during the spring season. Dealers signaled that parallel imports would bring in additional models from European brands as part of a broader diversification strategy, while FAW’s Russian distribution network focused on aligning its portfolio with the changing regulatory environment and consumer expectations. The overall dynamic suggested a transition period where brands sought to balance price, availability, and localization needs in a market undergoing shifts in import policy and competitive pressure. Observers noted that this period could see a broader range of China‑built products entering the market, alongside continued adjustments from established importers and megastores seeking to maintain product relevance amid the evolving landscape. For a deeper dive into the broader developments in the sector, industry coverage and market analyses were referenced to provide context for these moves.