A recent poll conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) reveals that Russians identify low quality as the primary drawback of many Chinese cars, capturing 37 percent of responses. The study explored how people in Russia view vehicles imported from the Middle Kingdom and what factors shape their opinions.
The same survey highlights other perceived weaknesses. More than a quarter of participants point to brittleness, weak metal, and subpar paintwork (28 percent). Additional concerns include insufficient technical equipment and electronics (7 percent) and overall reliability in harsh conditions (7 percent). These insights shed light on the specific issues that influence purchasing decisions among potential buyers.
On the flip side, respondents identified several perks of Chinese offerings. Availability tops the list with low prices noted by 15 percent of respondents, followed by a strong presence in the Russian market (7 percent) and accessible spare parts (5 percent). A portion of respondents also values appearance (10 percent) and technology (13 percent) when evaluating these cars.
When compared with other brands, Chinese cars lag behind in demand. The survey indicates that 36 percent of Russians prefer a Japanese car, 33 percent favor a domestic Russian vehicle, and 32 percent lean toward a German car. Korean options appeal to 22 percent, while only 14 percent of respondents dream of owning a Chinese car. These figures illustrate a mixed perception of Chinese automakers in the Russian market and the ongoing competition among global brands. [CITATION: VTSiOM, market attitudes study, 2023]
From there, expert assessments point to some compelling Chinese crossovers with front-wheel drive that could fit well into many buyers’ budgets. Considering the Chery brand, models such as Tiggo 7 Pro Max and Tiggo 4 Pro stand out for their comfort, reliability, and solid traction. The Jetour lineup features the Dashing, X70, and X90 crossovers, which are positioned as affordable options without sacrificing essential features. Within the Geely family, the Coolray remains a top seller in its class, and the Atlas crossover is presented as a recent addition that emphasizes a favorable balance of cost and quality. These recommendations reflect current market dynamics and the ongoing appeal of practical Chinese crossovers in the mid-range segment. [CITATION: automotive experts, 2024 regional briefing]
The discussion about popular models and consumer preferences continues to evolve as new launches enter the market and pricing strategies shift. This snapshot of attitudes and options provides potential buyers with a clearer view of how Chinese vehicles fit into the broader choices available in Russia and nearby markets. [CITATION: market insights, 2024 update]