More on Chery Tiggo
In Russia, the Chinese automaker Chery will market its electric vehicle lineup under a standalone brand, Chery Tiggo. The first offer in this electric range is the EQ7 crossover, currently undergoing certification and expected to enter the market soon.
The EQ7 arrives in Russia as a rear‑wheel‑drive model powered by an electric motor delivering 211 horsepower. The crossover features a touch‑control interface instead of traditional buttons on the center console, with many functions accessed via touch panels. Even the steering wheel spokes integrate touch controls. A massage function is available for the front passenger seat in this electric vehicle.
Official figures based on the CTLC test cycle indicate a claimed range of 512 km, a front trunk capacity of 40 liters, and a main trunk space of 386 liters. Chery has not yet announced a precise launch date or pricing for the EQ7. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup in Russia to five models.
Haval Jolion Gets Updated
The Haval Jolion, a compact crossover from the Chinese brand, appeared in Russia in 2021 and became a leading foreign vehicle in a market that saw other global brands exit. In 2023, sales surpassed 55,500 units. The official release of the updated Jolion was announced at the end of February, with major dealers expected to display the car in showrooms early in March.
The Jolion’s refreshed look includes a bold radiator grille with vertical slats and a sharper front bumper. A faux diffuser made of unpainted plastic appears at the rear, and chrome accents around the body have been replaced with a black plastic protective finish.
Among the welcomed updates is a steering column adjustable for both height and reach, now standard on the basic model. Under the hood, the front‑wheel‑drive Jolion retains a 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine with 143 hp, offered with a 6‑speed manual or a 7‑speed dual‑clutch automatic transmission. All‑wheel drive variants use the same engine but are paired exclusively with the automatic transmission and deliver 150 hp.
New interior options include 64‑color ambient lighting and a red interior theme. Prices for the Jolion range from about 2 million rubles for the base front‑wheel drive manual model to around 2.8 million rubles for the all‑wheel drive in top specification.
BAIC Introduces a New Flagship
The BAIC brand has established a presence in Kaliningrad via Avtotor. In February, the BAIC X75 crossover, set to be the brand’s flagship in Russia, joined the production line.
At 4745 mm in length and with a wheelbase of 2800 mm, the X75 sits in a size class comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Power comes from a 1.5 turbo engine delivering 177 hp, paired with a 7‑speed dual‑clutch automatic. All seats feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the front passenger benefits from an ottoman seat with a footrest.
BAIC plans to bring the X75 to market in March 2024. Details on options and pricing have not yet been disclosed.
Looking Ahead
Avtotor has begun preparing for the production of three new models from the Chinese brand Forthing. The brand, part of Dongfeng, is distributed in Russia by Ixen Motors. Alongside the T5 and T5 Evo crossovers, the Forthing M4 Yacht minivan is slated to be assembled at the Kaliningrad facility, with production and sales expected to start in March 2024.
Forthing T5 has been in Chinese production since 2018 and received an updated version at the start of 2024. The model measures about 4545 mm in length with a 2720 mm wheelbase, and typically offers a 1.6‑liter naturally aspirated engine with either a manual or CVT transmission. The other two models were scheduled for Russian release in 2023, with locally assembled units promised to go on sale before the end of the first quarter.
Renamed Solaris Lineup
Following the transfer of the former Hyundai plant in Saint Petersburg to the AGR group, assembly of the existing model range continues under the Solaris name. The refreshed lineup now includes Solaris HS, Solaris HC, Solaris KRS, and Solaris KRX.
Solaris HS is offered with 1.4 and 1.6 engines and both manual and automatic transmissions. The same powertrains appear in the Solaris KRS and KRX, which align with the Kia Rio sedan and hatchback family.
The Solaris HC, previously known as Hyundai Creta, also features a sporty N-Line variant with a more aggressive design. The Creta N-Line was slated for release in 2022 but did not reach the Russian market. In addition to the 1.6‑liter option, the lineup includes a 2.0‑liter engine producing 149 hp.
Chinese Alternative to Toyota Alphard
GAC unveiled the M8 minivan in Moscow, with a price range estimated between 5.5 and 6.5 million rubles. The seven‑seat model is powered by a 231 hp gasoline engine mated to an eight‑speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, folding tables, and a memory function for the second row seats.