In the mid-range market, Kaiyi positions itself as a strong challenger to the compact Lada Vesta. The Kaiyi brand has begun local assembly through a semi knocked down (SKD) process at Avtotor in Kaliningrad, and those vehicles are already available for purchase. By year’s end, the plan was to establish a dealer network of roughly 80 centers across the Russian Federation. At the same time, AvtoVAZ officially unveiled the updated Vesta in Togliatti, with showroom availability slated for May.
Among the strong points of the Kaiyi E5, widely regarded as a contemporary counterpart to the successful Chery Arrizo 7, is its engine, according to industry observers and automotive editors. The powerplant is a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo four delivering 147 horsepower. This unit has earned a solid reputation in Russia. It features a cast iron block and is designed for durability, with maintenance kits available for purchase when service is needed. A reliable timing chain drive is used, and the engine runs on AI-92 gasoline. The projected service life is approximately 300,000 kilometers. In addition to a manual transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered, with an expected life of about 200,000 kilometers. These CVTs are produced in large volumes in China and have found use across a variety of models.
There are plans to reintroduce 16-valve engines in the Vesta lineup by May, with the CVT option appearing in the following year. In the initial trim levels, the power unit varies, reflecting different configurations aimed at balancing efficiency and performance.
- “Behind the Wheel” appears as a feature on RuTube, offering extended demonstrations and tests that help buyers evaluate driving dynamics and real-world behavior.
Overall, the evolving lineups from Kaiyi and AvtoVAZ highlight growing competition in the mid-price segment. Kaiyi’s approach centers on localized assembly, a broad dealer footprint, and a modern turbocharged engine that emphasizes a balance between power and fuel economy. The Vesta, refreshed for a new generation, continues to target the same market with updates designed to improve efficiency, ride comfort, and reliability. For prospective buyers, the choice between Kaiyi E5 and the updated Vesta may come down to preferences for drivetrain options, after-sales infrastructure, and perceived long-term service costs. The evolving product lineup signals a shift in the budget-conscious category, where mainstream features are increasingly accessible and local service networks are expanding to support growing ownership.