Motor has compiled the top 5 new foreign cars at the price of a domestic car

From December 1 last year, the Russian authorities abolished preferential recycling rates for cars with more power than 160 hp. From this moment on, less “productive” options, which Russians call “pre-utility”, began to be in increased demand. The editors of Motor magazine have compiled a selection of the most affordable options that you can look at with about 2 million rubles.

Volkswagen Tharu XR

This is a classmate of the Hyundai Creta, which is well known to Russians. The SAIC-Volkswagen joint venture produces these cars. The 4355 mm long model can be considered a completely recent development – its debut took place in the summer of 2024.

In the PRC there are versions of different power, but for Russians the “passable” version is now the naturally aspirated version, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 110 horsepower and a classic 6-speed automatic transmission. The drive is strictly front-wheel drive – there are no all-wheel drive modifications.

In Vladivostok, cars cost from 1.61 million rubles, and in Moscow prices start from 1.95 million. In good configurations, the car has a rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, luggage rails, keyless entry, LED headlights and even a panoramic roof.

Kia KX1
Kia

Kia KX1 (Yi Run)

The front-wheel drive Kia KX1 hatchback is built on the platform of the best-selling Kia Rio, but is inferior to the latter in terms of external dimensions: its length is 4140 mm versus 4240 mm. The car is equipped with a non-alternative 100-horsepower naturally aspirated 1.4 engine, with which a classic six-speed automatic transmission is coupled.

It is important that Chinese car dealerships are now actively selling out 2025 models, which offer decent discounts. Therefore, even taking into account logistics, customs clearance and intermediary margins, it is quite possible to purchase a car without mileage for 1.8 million rubles.

For this money, the buyer will receive a good set of equipment, which will include four airbags, parking sensors, simple cruise control, keyless entry, climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen media system and a sunroof. What is missing is heated seats (a feature of the Chinese specification), but it can be installed for 20–30 thousand rubles.

Nissan Qashqai
Nissan

Nissan Qashqai

At the beginning of 2021, Nissan introduced the third generation Qashqai, but the Dongfeng-Nissan joint venture continues to produce second-generation cars called Glory. Moreover, a year and a half ago, the Chinese carried out a major restyling, which came with a new interior and a different design for the front end.

There is only one power unit – a two-liter naturally aspirated engine with a power of 140 hp, a CVT and front-wheel drive. There are several trim levels, but it is more profitable to take the top one – with a leather interior, climate control and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen. The price for this in Vladivostok starts from 1.69 million rubles, in the central regions – about 2.2 million.

Mazda CX-30
Mazda

Mazda CX-30

The compact crossover Mazda CX-30 is built on the basis of the Mazda 3, but at the same time it has an “adult” engine – a two-liter naturally aspirated engine with a power of 150 hp. With a manual transmission, the crossover will cost less (from 1.65 million from official dealers), but it is better to choose an “automatic” – this option is more liquid for subsequent resale.

Depending on the configuration and delivery channel, prices vary from 1.65 to 2.4 million rubles. At the same time, it is important to know that there are four configurations of the model (not counting special versions), which differ greatly in their content: it is advisable to take the most “packed” one.

Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai

Hyundai Elantra

Today it is possible to purchase the legendary Elantra at a price of about 2 million rubles, while some sellers are selling off the remains of cars produced in 2023. But Motor magazine recommends paying more for a more recent version – it will be much easier to resell later.

Perhaps the main disadvantage of this sedan is the 115-horsepower 1.5-liter engine: in a relatively large (4710 mm) car, I would like to see a more productive unit. And our public doesn’t like V-belt variators, but this is what is installed here.

What problems will the owner of Chery Tiggo 4 Pro face? How to find a car with a strong automatic transmission with a budget of 400 thousand rubles. How to enter the 200 plus horsepower club for 1 million rubles.