The summer of 2022 marked a notable moment in the Russian automotive market when a seemingly modest model captured the public’s imagination more than any other new offering. Reports from Automatic News of the Day highlighted that the so-called Simplified Lada Granta surged to become the most popular automotive novelty of that season, shattering expectations and drawing attention from buyers and industry watchers alike. The car’s rise wasn’t just about its styling or a fresh face in a crowded segment; it reflected a broader consumer appetite for affordable, entry level transportation that could deliver basic reliability in a volatile market.
Industry observers soon pointed to a significant but understandable compromise in the Lada Granta lineup. Because of supply constraints, the model was delivered without several safety features that most buyers typically take for granted. ABS, ERA-GLONASS, an immobilizer, and even airbags were not available, a consequence of missing components in the supply chain. These omissions, while controversial, also contributed to a sharp price adjustment. The market responded with a substantial reduction in price, more than 100 thousand rubles in some configurations, making the Granta one of the most affordable new cars available at the time. The lowest advertised price for the simplified version settled around 658,300 rubles, with promotional discounts included, underscoring a strategy that prioritized accessibility for buyers facing economic uncertainty.
Another major player in the Russian market during that period was the fifth generation Kia Sportage crossover. This model demonstrated a considerably broader spectrum of options in terms of trim levels and powertrains. Depending on the configuration, pricing spanned from approximately 2,849,000 rubles to just over 4,039,900 rubles. The Sportage arrived in seven distinct trim levels, paired with two gasoline engines, and offered both manual and automatic transmissions, catering to a wide range of preferences and driving styles. The vehicle’s position on the chart reflected its appeal to families and urban drivers who valued versatility, comfort, and modern technology features typical of compact SUVs in its class.
Close behind the Sportage in market momentum was the Haval Dargo SUV, entering a space increasingly crowded with capable, mid sized crossovers. Priced from about 3,199,000 rubles, the Dargo emphasized a blend of rugged appeal and utility, positioning itself as a compelling option for buyers seeking a robust, all weather capable vehicle with practical interior space. The Dargo’s presence underscored the continuing demand for crossovers that could handle both city lanes and country roads with ease, a trend mirrored in many markets around the world where buyers prioritize value, ride comfort, and cargo flexibility.
Following these models, the Changan Uni-K crossover and Exeed TXL rounded out the top five in terms of sales activity during the period. The Uni-K offered a contemporary design language and feature set at a competitive price point starting from roughly 3,220,000 rubles, while the Exeed TXL appealed to buyers with a more premium positioning and a potent 2.0 liter engine delivering about 197 horsepower. The Exeed TXL’s pricing rose to just under 4,650,000 rubles, reflecting a segment where performance, technology, and luxury cues increasingly factor into consumer decisions in the mid to upper range of the market.
Beyond the sales charts, industry news in the region also touched on product safety and regulatory considerations that influence buyer confidence. Earlier reporting from Chinese automaker BYD noted a large recall affecting around 53,000 Tang DM plug-in hybrid models. The root cause involved a battery housing defect that could allow water ingress and the potential for a short circuit. In the worst case, this issue might lead to a fire risk, prompting manufacturers and authorities to act decisively to address safety concerns and protect consumers. Such actions underscore the importance of rigorous quality control, transparent communication, and swift remediation when new technologies or rapid expansion introduce elevated risk profiles. The broader takeaway for readers is that the market rewards vehicles and brands that demonstrate proactive safety oversight, strong value propositions, and responsive customer service, especially in regions where highway speeds and climate conditions demand dependable electrical and battery performance.
Taken together, the summer 2022 snapshot offers a layered view of the automotive market in which affordability, feature trade-offs, and the balance between value and safety shaped consumer choices. While the simplified Lada Granta demonstrated what mass affordability can achieve, other models around the same time showed the demand for more equipped, capable crossovers that deliver a broader range of configurations to suit differing budgets and lifestyles. The ongoing conversation about recalls and quality controls also serves as a reminder that practical, trustworthy ownership experiences hinge not just on upfront price, but on after sales support, reliability, and the capacity of manufacturers to respond promptly when issues arise. In markets outside Russia, these themes translate into expectations for sensible pricing, comprehensive safety standards, and a willingness by brands to provide clear, actionable information when concerns surface, helping customers make informed decisions in an increasingly competitive global landscape.