Alexei Starikov, the Deputy General Manager for New Car Sales at Avilon AG, indicated that the introduction of the Jetta VA3 to the Russian market is planned for the start of the upcoming year. The information comes via a report from a Russian newspaper.
Starikov explained that the Jetta VA3 is a reworked version of the Volkswagen Jetta sedan tailored for the Chinese market and is not connected to the Jetta models traditionally associated with Russia. This distinction underscores the strategy of regional adaptation in the global car industry, where models can differ significantly by market while sharing core engineering features.
He noted that the initial delivery is expected in January 2023. The decision to bring in the Jetta VA3 was driven by a visible deficit in the value-conscious segment of the Russian automotive market. In particular, there were noticeable gaps in models like the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Solaris, and Kia Rio, prompting Avilon to anticipate strong consumer interest in the VA3, which is priced around 1.75 million rubles.
The first shipment is planned to consist of around 400 units. If demand proves robust, Avilon intends to maintain a continuous supply of the Jetta VA3 with higher volumes in the long term, signaling a potential shift in the budget-friendly car landscape within the country.
Under the hood, the Jetta VA3 is powered by a 112 horsepower 1.5 liter naturally aspirated EA211 engine delivering smooth, reliable performance. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, producing 145 Nm of torque. The standard equipment list includes electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, heated exterior mirrors, and front airbags. According to the manufacturer, the platform aligns with the architecture used by the previous generation Skoda Rapid and the Volkswagen Polo, which can influence ride quality, safety engineering, and aftermarket compatibility.
Earlier reports mentioned that dealers have begun selling Lincoln Nautilus crossovers in Russia, reflecting a broader trend of expanding the lineup in the domestic market as brands explore varied segments and update their regional portfolios for different consumer needs.