The Jetta VA3 sedan is positioned to fill the budget car niche in Russia. Alexei Starikov, deputy general manager for new car sales at Avilon AG, explained that the model is a version of Volkswagen’s Jetta adapted for the Chinese market, and it is not the same as the Jetta commonly known in Russia.
Starikov noted that the plan was to bring these vehicles to market in January, acknowledging a clear gap in the budget segment. He pointed out that popular models like the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Solaris, and Kia Rio are currently in short supply, which he believes will drive strong interest in the Jetta VA3 as a practical, affordable option.
In Russia, the VA3 is offered in a relatively aggressive trim level with a price tag of around 1.75 million rubles. The car is powered by a 1.5-liter engine delivering roughly 112 horsepower, a setup designed to balance efficiency with reasonably brisk performance for city and highway use.
Dealers expect the sedan to appeal not only to private buyers seeking dependable daily transportation but also to taxi fleets and car-sharing operators looking for a cost-effective, reliable option with reasonable maintenance costs.
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This article is based on industry reporting from a major Russian newspaper and reflects the perspectives circulating at the time of publication.