In Moscow, the Kia Rio stands out as the most common passenger car model in registered fleets, a finding reported by AUTOSTAT Info based on the fleet’s own records. The data highlight a clear trend in popular choices among city drivers and fleet operators alike, reflecting preferences that have shaped the capital’s streets in recent years.
At the start of 2023, registrations showed that more than 92,900 Kia Rio units were on Moscow roads, a figure that underscores the model’s broad appeal, reliability, and accessible maintenance. In second place comes the Hyundai Solaris, with registrations surpassing 86,100. This compact sedan has attracted many motorists with its balanced performance, economical fuel use, and straightforward ownership costs. Close on its heels, the Volkswagen Polo logged about 77,100 registrations, demonstrating a strong demand for compact, urban-friendly hatchbacks that pair practicality with modern features.
Beyond these top three, the domestic label also appears in the ranks. The VAZ-2109, a single model from the domestic brand, reached the top ten in Moscow’s fleet. About 49,000 units of this classic model were registered, illustrating continued interest in heritage cars that offer straightforward mechanics and a familiar driving experience. Overall, Moscow reported a total of 3.85 million registered cars at the beginning of 2023, a large and varied park that reflects the city’s size, transportation needs, and economic activity.
In a broader context, February brought news about price movements for new cars in Russia, with four brands experiencing changes. This shift in pricing signals ongoing adjustments in the Russian automotive market that can influence fleet compositions, consumer purchasing behavior, and the depreciation patterns of popular models in Moscow. For researchers and analysts, such price dynamics are useful for understanding how affordability and value perception affect the choice between mainstream options like the Rio, Solaris, and Polo, as well as the appeal of domestic models like the VAZ-2109.
These insights, drawn from registration data and market reporting, help paint a fuller picture of urban car ownership in Moscow. They reflect not only the popularity of specific models but also how residents balance factors such as price, reliability, resale value, and service access. Observers note that the Kia Rio’s dominance aligns with its reputation for practicality and low operating costs, while the Solaris remains a strong option for commuters seeking efficiency and comfort. The Polo’s enduring popularity points to a preference for German-engineered compact hatchbacks with modern features that suit city driving. The presence of the VAZ-2109 in the top ten emphasizes that traditional, easy-to-repair vehicles still hold appeal in the fleet mix, especially among budget-conscious buyers.
In sum, Moscow’s vehicle landscape at the start of 2023 showcased a diverse mix of popular models, underlying a market that values affordability, ease of maintenance, and urban practicality. The evolving price environment in February and the ongoing dynamics of model registration data together offer a useful barometer for how residents and businesses in Russia’s capital navigate the ever-shifting terrain of car ownership. Source: AUTOSTAT Info, based on fleet registration data.