Spacious Sedan
In the mid-2000s, Iran Khodro, commonly known as IKCO, sold about 12,000 Samand sedans in Russia, built on the older Peugeot 405 foundation. Over the past decade, Iranian manufacturers have showcased their cars at the Moscow Motor Show at least four times, yet deliveries did not resume then and there. Today, the outlook appears more hopeful for cross-border sales, suggesting a real chance of market reentry in North America and Europe through established overseas channels.
Following the Samand era, Iranian autos struggled to spark interest among Russian buyers. In the most accessible segment, the market has long been dominated by Lada. Early on, a wave of inexpensive foreign cars entered the scene, with Chinese models often marketed more aggressively than IKCO offerings. Later, budget sedans from Korean and European brands widened the field and raised competition.
Today the market feels leaner, and every new model draws attention. Dealers have raised prices on once-affordable options, nudging buyers toward alternatives. Used cars remain impractical for many, and Chinese offerings tend to skew toward crossovers, which are generally pricier. The Iranian sedan emerges as a practical option in this tightened landscape.
The Iranian team gave the front end of the body a distinctive, attractive appearance that catches the eye in a crowded lineup.
Very affordable, perhaps
Converted into rubles, the Tara sedan in its home market lists from 650 thousand to 875 thousand rubles, a price comparable to the simplified Lada Grant. Tara includes ABS and airbags, and overall it sits a class below domestic rivals. However, additional costs accompany bringing the cars from Iran and other logistics, and buyers should not expect dramatic “dump” pricing. If the pre-styling Vesta sedan costs 1.3 to 1.7 million rubles, it is hard to imagine Iranians pricing Tara far below that level.
Asking for a significantly higher price would also be risky for an unfamiliar model, not a name like Solaris or Polo with established reputations. The equipment list is solid: climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, and four airbags. All things considered, Tara does not lag behind Vesta in value.
Not so unknown
The front and rear designs carry an original influence from Iran Khodro, while the rear end echoes familiar Russian silhouettes, reminiscent of the Kia Rio. Yet the profile reveals the core identity: Tara is a derivative of a Peugeot 301, also known in some markets as Citroën C-Elysee. A decade ago this pairing didn’t win widespread favor in Russia, aided by lingering prejudice against French brands and higher prices than competing models. The interior remains largely unchanged, save for a touchscreen media unit. Promised options include heated rear seats, all-around cameras, and a built-in DVR, signaling ongoing modernization.
From the tail lights to the overall shape, Tara can be mistaken for a Kia Rio at a casual glance.
Don’t worry about the platform
The Iranian team identifies the platform as their own, but the underlying architecture traces back to the Peugeot 301. Tara is equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine delivering about 113 horsepower, a variant of the French TU5 family known for durability. In Russia, this engine is familiar from the Peugeot 206 and 307, and a 6-speed Aisin automatic is noted for smooth operation, though some concerns linger about its performance in certain markets. The Chinese-supplied Aisin units are common in vehicles from China, lending a degree of confidence in configuration and support.
For those evaluating reliability, the powertrain compatibility with regional service networks matters, and parallels with established European models offer reassurance for maintenance and parts availability.
Could Tara replace Vesta?
Interest in the Iranian model is expected to grow if the initial impressions meet price and reliability expectations. If early trials prove satisfactory, buyers may proceed with purchases. Sustained interest will depend on dependable service and accessible after-sales support, a critical factor for long-term adoption in Canada and the United States where service networks and spare-parts availability influence purchasing decisions. Market observers note that building a robust regional support system will be essential for any significant re-entry into North American markets.