Ruble Trends and Market Sentiment
The ruble recovered some of its losses and even strengthened compared with levels seen three months earlier. This optimistic tone suggested that car prices might fall, yet the forecast did not materialize. With new car imports suspended, sellers are hesitant to lower prices. They prefer to clear current inventories, hoping for a market reset only if trade volumes resume.
Another notable pattern is the buyers’ hesitation. Car showrooms are unusually empty. Those with cash already purchased, and fresh demand remains uncertain on the horizon.
Toyota
As before, the entire lineup was on display, each vehicle clearly priced. Yet the eye caught an SUV Land Cruiser 300 priced at 18 million rubles, while a similar unit appeared nearby at 20 million. The price tag left the observer speechless. When inquiring about the RAV4, options were available. The mid-range Comfort with all-wheel drive and a 2.0 engine was offered for 5.3 million rubles, unchanged from a month ago, which felt steep. Unlike prior visits, satellite navigation was no longer included as a gift. A less premium variant with front-wheel drive was quoted at 4.9 million, and there was an explicit note that warehouse stock was limited since the St. Petersburg factory had paused production with unclear restart timing.
The Land Cruiser 300 price for an unseasoned visitor could astonish: Maybach could once be bought for 18 million rubles.
Nissan
The hall remained well-stocked and pricing was transparent. Interest settled on the Qashqai. The entry price now sits around 2.8 million rubles, though inventory is limited. Front-wheel drive with a 2.0 engine and a modest SE package is offered for 3 million, while the SE Top variant goes for about 3.15 million. In comparison, the four-wheel-drive version remains at 3.7 million. In a shift from prior visits, reductions hovered around 200,000 rubles. A discount for trade-ins, previously immediate, now requires appraisal before any concession is made.
Mazda
Staff maintained a steady, businesslike demeanor, with price tags clearly visible across the hall. The full model range was on display, and the CX-30 that had left the market was noted as sold. The CX-5 attracted interest but did not feature any basic versions; the mid-range variant with four-wheel drive and a 2.0 engine was priced at 4.9 million rubles, while the top configuration hovered at 5.1 million rubles. This represented about a 200,000 ruble increase from the spring opener, and discounts were no longer being offered as freely as before.
Subaru
Sales staff appeared less welcoming this time, and the showroom was nearly empty. The Forester carried a steep base price of 5.6 million rubles, with the high end climbing to 6.6 million—an amount many customers would consider prohibitive. In a nearby room, an Exeed TXL crossover was listed at 4.3 million with a 250,000 ruble trade-in discount, hinting at a gradual industry shift toward Chinese brands while a familiar line-up faced reduced demand.
Suzuki
Display stock grew, particularly for Vitara in multiple colours and trims. The price range narrowed from 3–3.8 million to 2.5–3 million, which felt like improvement. The Jimny remained fixed at 4.4 million rubles. The outgoing SX4 persisted at 2.65 million rubles; a new generation seemed unlikely this year, though plans had briefly hovered in May.
Mitsubishi
The staff offered a warm welcome, inviting tea and coffee. In a casual exchange, the consultant proposed a 2.0-liter, front-wheel-drive option for 3.3 million and a fully loaded variant for 3.5 million, with a potential 100,000 ruble discount on a well-equipped model. A top-spec, fully loaded configuration approached 3.8 million—seen as a bargain next to its rivals like Toyota and Subaru. Before the crisis, price gaps were modest; now, differences amount to much more than before.
Haval
Notable progress was seen here: staff began greeting customers. Vehicles were in stock, and prices had edged down slightly in the recent period. For the Jolion 4×2, the price dropped from about 3.2 million to 3.08 million, while the four-wheel-drive option carried a premium of roughly 100,000 rubles. Insurance and trade-in perks were stronger, with a 300,000 ruble discount on average—double the advantage seen a month prior.
Renault
Firms observed that rapid price spikes from February cooled off buyer interest. The hall still displayed the same models as before, yet consumer appetite had waned. The Kaptur 1.6 CVT stood at 2.36 million, and the Arkana held at 2.45 million. Buyers faced the reality of new pricing more than they did a fresh model. The Duster remained a focal point: front-wheel drive paired with a manual gearbox could be taken for 1.96 million, while the top 2.0 engine version rose to 2.5 million, a diesel variant at 2.35 million. Updates with a 1.3 turbo engine remained unavailable, and prospects for those changes appeared distant.
Kia
The market mood shifted as demand cooled. The front-wheel-drive Seltos 1.6 AT in mid-spec was quoted at 2.8 million, with four-wheel drive falling to 2.95 million—roughly half a million less than the spring peak. The Sportage lineup followed a similar pattern: front-wheel-drive models started at 2.8 million. It represented good value for a higher-class interior with a 2.0 engine, though the absence of modern touchscreen equipment was noted. The trade-in program could trim up to 300,000 rubles off the price, adding a further incentive for buyers.
Skoda
Shoppers found a small resurgence in bargaining. The pre-facelift Kodiaq 2.0 TDI dipped to 5.17 million from 5.5, while the updated model with the same engine held at 5.86 million, down slightly from 5.89. A trade-in discount offered 500,000 rubles. The petrol variant could be taken for 4.5 million, though the overall price tag remained steep. Inventory existed but was not abundant.
Skoda prices softened marginally, but they still remained a stretch for most buyers.
Volkswagen
Negotiations around the Tiguan continued to be challenging. The Tiguan 1.4 Urban Sport display was turned down at 4.9 million, with an alternative offered at 4.5 million. The trade-in incentive was modest at 400,000 rubles. A note from a manager indicated that warehouse stock was depleted and meaningful discounts were scarce.
UAZ
Despite a pronounced price increase announced in early May, dealers kept price adjustments small. A Patriot with a rifle mount was priced at 3.2 million, and a pickup at 3.05 million rubles. The trend suggested margins had risen, making a 3.5 million price for a UAZ unlikely to find willing buyers. The market gaze turned toward the so-called “Russian Prado”—a clear signal that UAZ pricing had crossed a threshold.
Lada
Niva Travel remained unavailable. The three-door Niva Legend edged lower but still sat near double its suggested retail price at 1.53 million. Grant Cross was offered at 1.4 million, Vesta SW Cross at 1.65 million, both easing slightly from early spring levels. The most notable cut hit the seven-seater Largus Cross: now 1.93 million, compared with mental calculations pushing toward 2.4 million.
What is the Best Way to Buy?
The frenzied market activity from late February to early March has cooled. Fewer buyers, modest price reductions, and a ruble that is stronger does not trigger a full price rollback. Any meaningful price cut tends to be local rather than systemic. A basic truth remains: the market will not realign until automakers resume supply.
There is also a rising presence of cars with minimal mileage and six-month age on the market. Some units were released at roughly the same price seen before the spike, and many can be found for 300–500 thousand rubles cheaper than new. Those who search carefully may uncover a solid opportunity to save money.
- Behind the wheel can also be read in Telegram.