In the landscape of gray-market imports, Russian buyers show a clear preference for station wagons, with Korean and German models leading the way. Dmitry Rogov, founder of RogovMobil, discussed these trends in an interview with socialbites.ca, a platform that focuses on turnkey vehicle delivery from South Korea, Europe, and Japan. The takeaway is surprising only at first glance: wagons are favored about as much as crossovers when customers look abroad for their next vehicle. In practice, shoppers gravitate toward C- and D-class cars, typically priced around 2.1 million rubles, with a willingness to stretch up to 3 million rubles for the right combination of space and performance. Leading wagon models cited include the Kia Ceed, Kia K3 GT, BMW’s 3rd and 5th generations, the Audi A4, the Volkswagen Golf Wagon, and the Skoda Octavia [Citation: socialbites.ca].
Rogov notes that many buyers opt for wagons equipped with powerful engines paired with automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive, a setup that positions them as viable counterparts to sportier crossovers. The maxxed-out configurations are common, reflecting a demand for comfort, versatility, and robust performance in daily driving as well as longer trips. This preference aligns with a broader market shift where consumers assess total ownership costs, depreciation, and maintenance accessibility when considering non-native brands in the secondary market [Citation: socialbites.ca].
Industry observers highlight that the appeal of these wagons goes beyond mere cargo capacity. The combination of refined handling, efficient turbocharged powertrains, and advanced safety features in many of these models makes them attractive choices for families and professionals seeking practicality without sacrificing driving pleasure. While price points can fluctuate with currency movements and import fees, the general trajectory shows steady demand for reliable wagons from established European and Asian makers in the gray marketplace, with buyers frequently comparing model years and trim levels to maximize value over time [Citation: socialbites.ca].
Jan Haytseer, a former Vice President of the National Automobile Association (NAU), stated to socialbites.ca that crossovers tend to depreciate the least in Russia’s secondary automotive market, a factor that influences how buyers evaluate wagon options. The depreciation profile, combined with the ongoing availability of well-maintained examples from abroad, reinforces wagons as a practical substitute for SUVs in many scenarios. Prospective buyers often weigh long-term ownership costs, spare-parts accessibility, and dealer support when deciding whether a wagon from a foreign market makes sense for their needs [Citation: socialbites.ca].