Automobiles Review

Tag: Russia

  • Peugeot 408 Out in Russia

    Peugeot-408-Saloon-thumbIt was rather expected, but today, at a press conference, Peugeot launched the 408 Saloon on the Russian market. It will be made in Russia and sold under the price tag of 549,000 rubles which is roughly around 18,559 US dollars. The range will be moderately flexible with three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

    The thing is, anything above the Access (the entry one) would be pretentious. As standard features, you get electronic brake force distribution, airbags for the front, central locking, heated door mirrors with power adjustment, an engine pan guard and ABS.

    The whole power train range consists of 1.6 engines – one diesel and three petrol units. The pressure is on the diesel one as it is supposed to do 5 liters per 100 km on the mixed cycle and yet it has to develop 112 hp and 254 Nm at just 1750 rpm. The petrol ones range from 110 hp to 150 hp and have a figure of consumption at around 7.5 l per 100 km on average. A choice between a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission will be available.

    As a well rounded saloon, the Peugeot 408 sounds like the perfect car for a reasonably large family in Russia. In fact, it’s big enough to pass as an executive vehicle. Why would they put an Allure trim otherwise?

    Peugeot 408 Saloon
    Peugeot 408 Saloon
    Peugeot 408 Saloon
    Peugeot 408 Saloon
    Peugeot 408 Saloon
    Peugeot 408 Saloon

    Source: Peugeot

  • Russia has begun production of 2010 Skoda Fabia facelift

    Skoda Auto Russia has started a full production of the new Fabia in Kaluga factory. This is the second model, which has begun its full-cycle production in the factory. The first one was the Skoda Octavia.

    Fabia is a best-selling model of Skoda in Russia. Last year, 264 173 cars were sold, which is an increase of 7.1 per cent on the previous year. Skoda Fabia is also the best selling car in Russia in 2009.

    Reinhard Jung, head of Skoda Auto board of directors  said : “Over the past few years, Skoda has been very successful and record sales were once again achieved in 2009. A main contributing factor for this market growth is the continued development in areas such as Russia, India and China. With our investments in Kaluga production, dealer network and products we will continue to strengthen our position in the Russian market,”.

    Petr Janeba, Head of Skoda Russia added: “Russia is one of the key markets for Skoda and we expect to see sustained future growth.  One of our primary objectives is to increase our production capacities and we are already achieving success in this as all Skoda models are produced at the Russian factory in Kaluga; providing attractive price-quality ratio to our clients, faster reaction to the local market changes and to our Russian customers’ requirements. In October 2009, we started full-cycle production of the Skoda Octavia and today we are ready to announce the start of the second
    model production by CKD.

    Skoda Fabia Facelift (2010)
    Skoda Fabia Facelift (2010)
    2010 Skoda Fabia Facelift
    2010 Skoda Fabia Facelift

    “The Skoda Fabia is such a popular vehicle in the Russian market and we happy to say that it is now the second all-Russian car of our brand. We are pleased to showcase it for the first time at our factory!”

    “Skoda Fabia is the third model in the Group to be produced in full-cycle including welding, painting and assembly. Our Kaluga factory with its wide model line-up is unique for Volkswagen Group and we intend to increase the number of models in the future. Most importantly, we produce all vehicles in accordance with the highest quality standards,” concluded Dietmar Korzekwa, General Director of Volkswagen Group Rus.

    The new Fabia will be available at all official Russian dealerships from the beginning of May 2010.  Because of the good price of Fabia, Skoda gained a leading position in Russia’s compact car segment.

    Last decade, Skoda has proven themselves in the Europe as a reliable and high quality make.  Now they are expanding the production and dealerships in Asia. Definitely a smart move, because of the huge market and good opportunities.