Two Chinese automotive models are set to emerge as direct rivals to the refreshed Lada Vesta in the Russian market during 2023, as disclosed in an interview with the Samara Review featuring Dmitry Kostromin, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AvtoVAZ.
According to Kostromin, the Geely Emgrand IV generation, assembled in Belgium and Belarus, and the Kaiyi E5, manufactured at the Kaliningrad Avtotor facility, are positioned to compete head-to-head with the updated Vesta. This positioning places these Chinese sedans squarely in the same family of compact, value-focused vehicles that target urban and suburban buyers seeking modern features at a competitive price point.
Discussions around pricing reveal that the Kaiyi E5, produced at Avtotor in Kaliningrad, was announced with a price around 1.96 million rubles in early February. Market watchers were also awaiting the Geely Emgrand to join the brand’s lineup within the same calendar year, potentially expanding the choices available to customers exploring new or slightly pre-owned vehicle options alongside the Vesta upgrade.
The production and release timeline for the updated Lada Vesta was clarified, with manufacturing beginning on March 3 at the Tolyatti facility. The shift of production from Izhevsk to Tolyatti reflects a broader strategic realignment aimed at consolidating assembly operations and improving supply chain efficiency for this model family.
The redesigned Lada Vesta comes with a modern set of standard safety and comfort features. Front airbags are included as part of the standard equipment, and an ABS braking system supports safer stopping performance. Visually, the vehicle benefits from 17-inch alloy wheels and an array of LED lighting components, including headlights, fog lights, and taillights, delivering improved visibility and a contemporary appearance. Convenience touches include a heated windshield, heated exterior mirrors, and heated front seats, along with climate control for comfortable interior conditions. The cockpit features an infotainment system enhanced by steering wheel controls and a 7-inch touchscreen, creating an integrated user experience. Parking sensors contribute to easier maneuvering, especially in tight urban spaces, and the interior layout emphasizes accessibility and driver engagement.
Market activity around the Vesta line also notes that, as of January 1, 2023, a total of 595 thousand Lada Vesta vehicles were registered in Russia, underscoring the model’s established footprint and ongoing relevance in the domestic market. This registration figure provides context for the competitive landscape, where new variants from Geely and Kaiyi aim to capture a portion of a sizable, but evolving, customer base with refreshed styling, updated technology, and competitive pricing. Analysts and enthusiasts watching the segment are evaluating how the Vesta upgrade, together with these new Chinese entrants, might influence consumer choice, dealer incentives, and regional showroom dynamics in the coming quarters. The broader implications for aftersales support, service network adaptation, and potential financing offers are likewise areas of keen interest for stakeholders assessing the mid-cycle refresh’s impact on market share and brand perception. In this light, the 2023 automotive discourse in Russia centers on how these models balance price, features, and perceived reliability in a market looking for practical, value-driven mobility options, backed by local production capabilities and regional assembly strengths. Attribution: Samara Review coverage of AvtoVAZ leadership insights and production strategy.