In 2024, the automobile market of our country was rich in new products. This is due to the arrival of several more Chinese manufacturers in Russia, as well as the development and subsequent decline of parallel imports and the emergence of its “semi-parallel” version. Along with this diversity of the current and passing, Motor tried not to forget about the eternal – we tested some of the coolest automotive classics. This selection contains 10 of the most iconic test drives of the past year, so that you definitely don’t miss the most important and interesting things.
Designer electric car Ora 03
Ora Electric Ora 03: looks like a toy, rides like a Mini
The car, reminiscent of a Mini, became a revelation for Dmitry Laskov. All thanks to the route successfully chosen by the organizers of the test drive, which ran across the road to the Sochi village of Solokhaul. The highway winding in the mountains allows you to move from turn to turn to your heart’s content. The cartoonish-looking hatchback not only didn’t disappoint there, but surprised! Despite the fact that it weighs a lot for its miniature dimensions, it cannot be otherwise with an electric power plant. But neither the large mass, nor the front-wheel drive, nor the young Chinese brand’s lack of experience with driver’s models prevented the Ora 03 from performing well.
Wrangler inspired BAIC BJ40
Motor.ru BAIC BJ40. Wrangler in Beijing
As we found out during a visit to an off-road festival in China (read this article about it), they understand a thing or two about off-road vehicles. BAIC BJ40 is a direct competitor to the super popular Tank 300. It has a similar design and components, but a more brutal appearance and a rougher interior. In the case of an SUV, it is impossible to say for sure whether this is a plus or a minus – we find out in the article. But they didn’t dismantle the removable roof a la Jeep Wrangler. Since this operation in the case of BAIC requires leisurely fiddling around in the garage, and not a couple of quick movements, as in conventional convertibles. But even without this, the car told us a lot of interesting things about itself.
Subaru WRX – a sure way to look younger
Dmitry Pitersky Talking about important things: test drive Subaru WRX
This sedan is both a greeting from the past to all fans of the charged mass market, and a curious present of the Subaru brand. The WRX now has crossover plastic all around the body, with a tablet in the cabin and a CVT. Well, at least the charismatic nostril in the hood is in place. What’s even more interesting is what’s going on with the driving part – is it possible to slide, like in the good old days, without a clutch pedal and with a non-switchable stabilization system? Or maybe you just don’t need to do this, because the model is now slightly about something else? The answers to these questions are in Mikhail Kononchuk’s material, saturated with nostalgia.
Long wheelbase Suzuki Jimny
Dmitry Pitersky Why five doors will no longer help Suzuki Jimny
When a five-door version was announced for the first time in the history of this model, fans’ opinions were divided. Many decided that the long wheelbase version looked awkward – like a four-wheeled dachshund; but there is little sense in increasing the dimensions. Others were inspired by the idea of adding some practicality to the compactness and toy nature of the Jimnik. What happened in the end? As a result of the test, reality somewhat diverged from the author’s hypotheses, and read the material for details and conclusions about the professional suitability of the five-door.
Hype train Xiaomi SU7
Dmitry Pitersky Xiaomi SU7 Max: gasoline goes by wire
Most likely, this is the only review of the first Xiaomi car where the author refrained from the hackneyed “top for the money” characteristic. Okay, I almost resisted – in the very last paragraph this phrase, which was born in the context of gadgets of a Chinese company, still sounds. But exclusively in a meme-like manner, where the author himself is ironic about it. Wait a minute though. After all, at the same time this is the conclusion of the entire test! It seems that we have an excellent example of the concept of post-irony: when something is presented and perceived as ironic, but in fact is true.
Citroen C5 X and its not-quite-parallel import
Dmitry Pitersky Checking the unique format and suspension of the Citroen C5 X
In recent years, there have been so many ways for different models to enter our market that it is difficult to divide them simply into parallel and official imports. Some are reassembled here under newly invented brands; others are produced locally as before; still others are brought in officially; the fourth are presented in parallel and in parallel with this – officially. Fifth… In general, this Citroen has a rather interesting history of appearing on our market, and the car itself is by no means boring. But, unfortunately, it is not as balanced as the author of the test drive would sincerely like.
Citroen C5 Aircross for those who can’t put up with the Chinese
Andrey Motorov Citroen C5 Aircross
Sorry for two Citroens in a row in one selection. Yes, and a selection of the main tests, and even Citroens with almost the same names. But this car, firstly, is rolling off the assembly line in Russia, and secondly, it has become what Dmitry Laskov was waiting for from the more status model C5 X. Thirdly, this is a really worthy option for those who are not yet ready to own car of a Chinese brand. Not only the unusual suspension with hydraulic dampers works great here, but also the chassis as a whole, and the engine and gearbox are perfectly tuned. And it is all the more surprising that the two “Sitras” consist of many of the same units and components.
The same Jensen Interceptor
Alexey Sulima Trinity. Test drive Jensen Interceptor
From the mundane to the high. A very rare and unusual car deserved not just an article on the pages of Motor, but a real longread. Therefore, prepare your favorite drink and half an hour during which nothing will distract you. And immerse yourself in history: the history of the most outlandish model and the story of how Mikhail Kononchuk met the rare specimen in person.
An ode to minimalism in the form of the Suzuki Fronx
Vyacheslav Krylov Suzuki Fronx – Lotus in the world of crossovers
Suzuki has always made cars that were not accepted by our society: too spartan, too small, too underpowered, too strange. But such a model range has its own philosophy, which may not be obvious until you try the car in person. And in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the minimalism of the Fronx, it’s a good idea to try all the other modern cars, which is what we at Motor do all year round. And against this background, Fronx, created mainly for “developing” markets, has something to offer – read about the detox model from Suzuki in the material by Dmitry Laskov.
Bond Roadster – BMW Z8
Vyacheslav Krylov And the whole time is not enough. Test drive BMW Z8
At the end of the year, we published another large-scale work by rarities researcher Mikhail Kononchuk. With his signature professional obsession, he approached the history of the car, and then drove it thoroughly. Despite the fact that this is a very expensive car from a private collection. This material explains why the Z8 is such a cool and desirable model for many classic lovers. Despite the fact that to the uninitiated eye the roadster can be mistaken for some ordinary “Z”. Once you read the article, you will never be confused again. /m
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