Since December 2025, new rules for the import of cars by individuals have been in force in Russia. It is possible to maintain the preferential recycling fee rate only under one condition: the engine power of the imported vehicle must not exceed 160 hp. As Za Rulem magazine columnist Kirill Mileshkin found out, this “power corridor” opens up unexpected opportunities for choosing interesting used foreign cars.
Among the most successful options for import are the Japanese Subaru Forester with a two-liter engine, the legendary Mazda 6 of the previous generation (its production was completed only in 2024) and the Suzuki Jimny SUV.
According to Behind the Wheel Expert Kirill Mileshkin, the category of “Chinese Europeans” – cars assembled in China, but wearing European nameplates – deserves special attention. We are talking about the basic diesel versions of the Volkswagen Golf VIII, Audi A3, BMW 1st and 2nd series. Formally falling within the 160 horsepower limit, they offer a completely different level of status and sensations.
This list even includes the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport in their most affordable diesel versions.
It was previously reported that the revived Russo-Balt is preparing an unmanned version of its van.
