To many people, Russian life seems to be like a different planet, not just a different country. Over the ages, Russia has had different political views, social views, and tastes to most of the other nations across the globe. Differences between us and them also spill out onto the roads and driving habits.
Russia is also a notoriously difficult place to get to and many people don't really go there on holiday which decreases the chance of seeing what their roads and car habits are like. The sights of Volkswagen Golfs and Ford Fiestas on the road is actually quite rare and you'd be surprised to read what the most popular manufacturers actually are.
Here at All Car Leasing, we're big into cars and personal leasing as well as business leasing. We've compiled a list from Statista.com of the top most popular cars (passenger and commercial) in the primary market in Russia, in the first quarter of 2021 to shed some light on life on the road over there.
10. Lada Largus VP
Coming in tenth on the list selling, having sold 8,733 cars in the first quarter of 2021 is the multitasking Lada Largus VP. A car that looks like a good taxi vehicle, mobility, or even a van. The Largus looks to be a utility vehicle popular with a wide range of people. This car's UK compatriot could potentially be the likes of the old Skoda Roomster or Yeti.
9. Skoda Rapid PA-II
The Rapid is the best-selling Skoda model on the Russian market. This compact, affordable crystalline is popular with families due to its balanced qualities of comfort, safety, and efficiency. It’s no wonder Skoda’s motto is ‘simply clever’! The Rapid sold 9,540 units in the first quarter of 2021.
8. Toyota RAV 4
In eighth place is the Japanese manufacturer's compact crossover vehicle, Toyota RAV 4. According to figures, 11,248 Toyota RAV 4s have been sold in the Q1 of 2021. As a contrast, the RAV 4 was not in the UK's top 10.
7. VW Polo
Not a huge surprise that a Volkswagen car is on this but a surprise that it's only at number 7. Russians can see quality just like the rest of us and 12,181 Russians have gone out and got a Polo.
6. Lada Niva
Formally called the Lada 4x4, the Niva is an off-road vehicle designed specifically for the rural market. The Niva is the longest-running four-wheel drive that’s original form is still in production! And it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon, having sold 13,194 cars so far in 2021!
5. Hyundai Solaris
The Hyundai Solaris (also known as an accent) is the first large hatchback on the list and looks to be the go-to car for families and businesses in Russia. 14,940 Hyundai Solaris were sold in Russia in Q1 of 2021.
4. Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta is not available in the UK despite looking very similar to the Hyundai Tucson (also known as the ix35). A crossover, hatchback, the Creta is a popular crossover in Russia during Q1 2021 selling 19,323 units.
3. Lada Vesta
The third Lada on the list is the Vesta sedan. Released in 2015 the Vesta quickly became one of the fastest-selling cars in Russia. The Vesta can be found as a crossover and an estate. 23,871 Vestas were sold in Russia in the first quarter of 2021.
2. Kia Rio
What an unbelievable result for the Korean car maker Kia to get the second spot on Russia's most popular cars list. The Kia Rio is a great car that seems to have resonated with comrades all over Mother Russia. 24,638 Rios were sold in Russia in Q1.
1. Lada Granta
Appearing for the fourth time on this list, yet another hatchback from the Russian automaker, Lada. The Granta is made in collaboration with Renault. It's another hatchback, too. The Granta sold a staggering 30,196 units in the first quarter of 2021, making it the best-selling car for passenger and commercial use in the primary market so far in 2021!
Were you surprised by any of these placements? Let us know!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 14 June 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.