The Kaiyi brand from China is positioned to enter Russia’s crossover market in September 2023, per a Rossiyskaya Gazeta report that cites Ilya Petrov, who leads the Avilon Kaiyi dealership. This step marks a meaningful milestone in Kaiyi’s global rollout and hints at growing interest from North American regions, where automakers are widening SUV and crossover options to handle varied climates and road conditions.
Petrov said the Kaiyi X3 and X3 Pro crossovers should be in stock in the early days of September. While price details were not released at that time, the remarks point to a staged launch plan aimed at testing demand and aligning supply with dealer networks across Russia. The lack of price figures reflects a common practice in developing markets where manufacturers reveal MSRPs closer to the rollout date, enabling regional adjustments and promotions tailored to local purchasing power.
Today, Kaiyi E5 sedans are listed in Russia at 2,115,000 rubles, reflecting the brand’s position in the pricing spectrum as awareness grows. The X3 and X3 Pro appear as coming soon on the brand’s official site, a status shared by many automakers when introducing new crossovers. Regional availability, dealer allocations, and service networks all shape early demand and customer confidence.
The Kaiyi X3 rides on a platform shared with the Chery Tiggo 4, yet it differs in overall size and character. The base X3 uses a 1.5-liter engine producing about 115 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission, with front-wheel drive as the standard configuration for everyday efficiency and comfort. In the X3 Pro, the powertrain steps up to a 1.5-liter turbo delivering roughly 147 horsepower, maintaining the same CVT setup to emphasize smooth acceleration and fuel economy. Both trims emphasize front-drive layouts, matching typical crossover configurations aimed at urban living, family use, and practical cargo needs. This setup matters for international buyers who value reliability, parts accessibility, and after-sales support across markets, including Canada and the United States. The evolving lineup shows Kaiyi’s effort to balance performance with everyday practicality while broadening service networks across regions where crossovers remain popular with families and commuters.
In related industry disclosures, there have been prior announcements about pricing for another model family, including talk around the cargo-passenger version of Sollers Atlant. This backdrop illustrates how brands in the wider region calibrate offerings to meet varied consumer needs, from practical family vehicles to versatile crossovers. As Kaiyi presses ahead with its rollout, potential buyers in North American markets will watch closely for strategic moves, including feature sets, warranty terms, and the accessibility of parts and service—key factors shaping decisions in the class-leading compact crossover segment. [Source: Rossiyskaya Gazeta with attribution to Ilya Petrov, Avilon Kaiyi]