Several Chinese-made vehicles sold in Russia continue to face concerns about production quality, according to reports cited by Lenta.ru, referencing Alexander Strelnikov, founder of the Russian-Chinese shipping company RusTransChina.
He noted that despite meaningful progress, many Chinese brands still rely on cheaper interior materials, which can affect long-term reliability and durability. The assessment suggests that interior trim may not meet the standards expected by Russian buyers, potentially influencing ownership experience and resale value.
Strelnikov also highlighted that paintwork and anti-corrosion treatment on many Chinese cars are not consistently up to mark. When body protection is weaker, the risk of rust increases, especially in regions with harsh winters and salted roads.
Further concerns were raised about limited availability of spare parts for Chinese cars within the Russian market, coupled with comparatively high prices. This scarcity and cost can complicate routine maintenance and repair planning for owners.
The expert drew attention to electronic systems, noting that some models exhibit control layouts that feel inconvenient or less intuitive for drivers. Enhancements in onboard software and user interfaces could improve daily usability and safety monitoring.
There is also an ongoing discussion about how well certain Chinese models adapt to Russia’s climate and road conditions. The unique combination of temperature fluctuations, humidity, and road quality can stress components differently than in other markets, underscoring the importance of local calibration and testing.
Earlier, a report from The Chinese Cars portal identified mid-size crossovers offering high quality at prices under 180,000 yuan, about 2.1 million rubles at the exchange rate in play at publication time. The China Automotive Quality Network compiled this ranking based on various performance indicators.
In the top position of the quality ranking among mid-size SUVs was the Jetta VS7 crossover from FAW in collaboration with Volkswagen, receiving 154 penalty points. The runner-up was the Dongfeng Paladin with 156 points, a model that Russian enthusiasts may recognize from the Oting brand lineup. A third place went to another Dongfeng model, the ix5 fastback crossover, which earned 157 points.
The ranking was described as a synthesis of driver-reported malfunctions, risks, and defects, with those complaints translating into penalty points that formed the overall score. This method aims to reflect real-world reliability considerations rather than purely laboratory measurements.
Additionally, concerns were echoed by a human rights advocate regarding the durability of Chinese cars, with statements suggesting that some vehicles may experience significant wear after a year of use. This perspective adds a broader dimension to the conversation about long-term value and post-purchase satisfaction for buyers in Russia and neighboring markets.