New Jettas have been imported to Russia for two years now, but only recently has the import become official.
The Chinese brand Jetta has officially entered the Russian market, according to “Russian Newspaper”. The distributor is “FAW Eastern Europe”, which also represents the premium brand Hongqi in Russia. Dealers believe that this official status will make it easier to import, service and supply spare parts for Jetta vehicles. The Jetta brand is a joint venture between Chinese automotive concern FAW and Volkswagen and is particularly interesting to Russians because its models closely resemble the once popular Volkswagen Polo Sedan and Skoda Karoq.
Jetta VS5 is a close relative of Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Taos
The Jetta brand was launched in 2019 to offer affordable Volkswagen models in China. It currently features three models, two of which are the VS5 and VS7 crossovers, very similar in design and technical specifications, differing mainly in size.
The Jetta VA3 is a stretched first-generation VW Polo Sedan
The entry-level model, the VA3 sedan, shares similarities with the first-generation Polo, though there are noticeable differences. Firstly, the Jetta VA3 is considerably larger, with a length of 4,501 mm (compared to 4,390 mm for the Polo Sedan) and a wheelbase of 2,604 mm (compared to 2,553 mm for the Polo Sedan). Secondly, it features distinct design elements and technological advancements, with the Kaluga-assembled Polo boasting a fully galvanized body, while the Jetta has a partially galvanized body. It would be more accurate to describe the Jetta VA3 as a Polo tailored to specific Chinese market demands. The same applies to its features: for example, it lacks heated seats in any trim level, and the rear seat back does not fold. The trunk itself offers a generous 546 liters, but only a spare tire is found beneath the floor. Nevertheless, the car shares a conceptual resemblance to the well-known “Polik” and, from an engineering standpoint, remains a product of German, not Chinese, design.
The large trunk has a simple finish, the back of the rear seat does not fold, and under the floor there is only a spare tire. But the volume is like that of the Skoda Rapid liftback and the second-generation VW Polo
The official launch of Jetta in Russia has led to changes in the range of trim levels, with basic VA3 versions featuring a manual transmission becoming available. These are priced at 1.928 million rubles. The car is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine from the EA111 family (the Polo had a 1.6-liter engine) producing 111 hp.
There is one engine – a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, but in the modern EA111 series. The Russian Polo was equipped with the same engine, but with a volume of 1.6 liters
The VA3 package includes ABS, a stabilization system, front airbags, air conditioning, but lacks a radio. The surcharge for a six-speed automatic transmission is relatively low – 85,000 rubles. For an additional 9,000 rubles, you can get a car with a multimedia system, six airbags, parking sensors, cruise control, an onboard computer, and alloy wheels. However, climate control remains unavailable.
The interior looks and feels downright budget: simple materials, scant adjustments, a small multimedia system screen
The blower control (by the standards of modern “Chinese”) is primitive, recirculation is turned on with a slider. However, in some sense it is more convenient than control via a touch screen
With these features, the Jetta VA3 presents itself as a competitor to the Lada Vesta in CVT-equipped versions. For example, the VAZ sedan in the Techno trim level costs 1.866 million rubles, which is 156,000 rubles less than a similarly equipped Jetta. The Lada Vesta offers heated seats, a heated windshield and steering wheel, a rearview camera, a more powerful multimedia system, 16-inch wheels (compared to the Jetta’s 15-inch wheels), but the Jetta VA3 has superior safety features: it includes ESP, side airbags and curtains.
We tested the Jetta VA3 in severe frost. In terms of driving sensations, it resembles the Polo, but has a slightly softer and more comfortable suspension
Despite sales through FAW showrooms (frequently former Volkswagen dealerships), the Jetta VA3 sedan sold just over 2,000 units in 2023, falling short of becoming a bestseller. In comparison, Lada Vesta sold over 41,000 units in the first half of 2023 alone. The lack of promotion and limited brand awareness play a role: dealers attribute this to the threat of sanctions, leading to a restrained marketing approach and an effort to avoid associations with Volkswagen. The focus is on customers already familiar with the German brand, relying on media coverage and word-of-mouth to generate interest. Additionally, the lack of car adaptation to Russia presents a challenge, as “grey” imported Jettas lacked Russification, leading to limited functionality of their multimedia systems in Russia. However, the official status of the brand might improve this situation. For example, a 2-year or 100,000 kilometer warranty (similar to VW) is now offered.
The Jetta VS5 differs from the VS7 only in the length of the wheelbase and dimensions
The VS5 crossover, despite its higher price, achieved sales nearly equal to its smaller sibling last year – around 2,000 units. Among vehicles familiar in Russia, the VS5 most resembles the Volkswagen Taos and Skoda Karoq, and it is built on the contemporary MQB platform. It is exclusively available with front-wheel drive but features an independent rear suspension (in contrast to the semi-independent suspension found on the non-AWD Karoq). In terms of dimensions, the VS5 falls between the Taos and Karoq: it shares the same body length as the Taos (4418 mm) and the same wheelbase as the Karoq (2636 mm). A single powertrain is offered: a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (150 hp) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was previously paired with naturally aspirated engines in the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Taos, while turbocharged engines were linked to seven-speed robotic or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The Jetta VS5’s interior is much more solid than that of its younger sibling.
The price for the VS5 starts at 2.952 million rubles, placing it in a segment dominated by the Haval Jolion, along with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and numerous clones. The base version features air conditioning, a multimedia system, a rearview camera, four airbags, ABS, ESP, and 18-inch wheels. However, it lacks heating options, with heated seats and mirrors only appearing in the trim level priced at 3.108 million rubles. The top configuration costs 3.152 million rubles.
The VS7 crossover is technically nearly identical, but boasts a 90 mm longer wheelbase and a 206 mm longer body. These dimensions categorize it in the same size class as vehicles like the Haval F7 and Dargo. The price range, depending on the trim level, is 3.217–3.379 million rubles, with configuration options similar to the VS5. Its primary advantage lies in the increased space in the second row and a trunk with a capacity of 548 liters (compared to 482 liters for the VS5).
Both Jetta crossovers have large trunks for their class.
A representative from the dealership network shared that the official arrival of the brand in Russia is, in some respects, a formality, as the brand has been present in the country since 2022. Vehicles were immediately offered warranties from the importer and other hallmarks of official distribution. However, the brand’s close association with Volkswagen led to certain complexities in classification (whether it should be treated as a European or Chinese brand) and particularly hindered the import of the VS5 and VS7 models. All legal aspects have now been resolved, and the brand’s dealerships continue operating as before.
Simultaneously, the importer has informed dealers regarding the absence of plans for substantial expansion of the Jetta brand in Russia. Its target audience is primarily composed of those who are already familiar with and understand these cars. The projected sales for the remainder of 2024 are 10,000 vehicles, which is unlikely to propel the brand into the top 10 positions of the Russian automotive market.
Jetta cars are often sold side by side with FAW
The departure of foreign companies from Russia has become commonplace. The country now has a limited selection of mass-produced foreign vehicles available in dealerships. This scarcity impacts not only the popular market but also the premium segment. Over time, many prestigious manufacturers, including the iconic Toyota, whose Land Cruiser held great appeal among officials and wealthy businessmen, left the country.
However, the market has not remained vacant. It has been flooded with previously unknown Chinese brands. One such brand, TANK, aims to replace the Japanese. We conducted a test of the Chinese version of the luxurious and legendary “Kruzak” and have rendered our honest verdict.
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Jetta Officially Enters the Russian Market: Are They Worth the Price Tag?
The Chinese brand Jetta has officially entered the Russian market. Distributed by FAW Eastern Europe, the company which also represents the premium brand Hongqi in Russia, Jetta offers a range of models closely resembling popular former Volkswagen models like the Polo Sedan and Skoda Karoq.
## Jetta’s Story: From Chinese Spin-off to Russian Entry
Jetta was created in 2019 as a subsidiary of the Chinese auto concern FAW, aiming to sell accessible Volkswagen models specifically for the Chinese market. The brand currently boasts three models: the VA3 sedan, and the VS5 and VS7 crossovers.
## Jetta VA3: A Reimagined Polo?
The Jetta VA3 sedan bears a strong resemblance to the first-generation Volkswagen Polo, though with some notable distinctions. It’s larger in size, with a length of 4,501 mm compared to the Polo Sedan’s 4,390 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,604 mm versus the Polo Sedan’s 2,553 mm.
Design and technology also diverge: while the Kaluga-assembled Polo boasted a fully galvanized body, the Jetta features a partially galvanized one. The VA3 prioritizes features specific to Chinese market demands, resulting in some notable differences in equipment. Heating seats and folding rear seats are absent, and the trunk, while spacious at 546 liters, only accommodates a spare tire under the floor.
Despite these differences, the Jetta VA3 retains a strong connection to the familiar Polo Sedan, offering a vehicle rooted in German engineering.
## Jetta VA3 Specs & Pricing: A Budget-Friendly Option
With its official entry in Russia, the Jetta VA3 now comes with a wider array of trim levels and configurations. Entry-level models with a manual transmission start at 1.928 million rubles. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter EA111 family gasoline engine (the Polo had a 1.6-liter engine) with a power output of 111 hp.
The VA3 base package includes ABS, a stabilization system, front airbags, air conditioning, but lacks a radio. Adding an 85,000 ruble surcharge equips the vehicle with a six-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission. For an additional 9,000 rubles, buyers can enjoy a multimedia system, six airbags, parking sensors, cruise control, an on-board computer, and alloy wheels. However, climate control remains unavailable.
## Jetta VA3 vs Lada Vesta: Comparing Budget Sedans
With these features and price points, the Jetta VA3 competes directly with the Lada Vesta in CVT-equipped variants. The Vesta, priced from 1.866 million rubles, offers heated seats, a windshield and steering wheel, a rear-view camera, a more advanced multimedia system, and 16-inch wheels (versus the Jetta’s 15-inch wheels). However, the Jetta VA3 edges out with better safety features, boasting ESP, side airbags, and curtains.
## Jetta in Russia: Early Sales, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Despite being available in Russian showrooms since 2022, Jetta’s official launch formalizes its position within the market. The brand’s close ties to Volkswagen have resulted in hurdles regarding its classification and importation, particularly for the VS5 and VS7 models. The official entry aims to address these complexities.
However, Jetta’s future in Russia is uncertain. Limited promotion strategies, aimed at avoiding associations with Volkswagen amid potential sanctions, and the lack of Russian adaptation in previous imported models have led to lackluster sales figures. Only around two thousand VA3 sedans were sold last year, compared to over 41 thousand Lada Vesta sales in the same period.
Despite the challenges, Jetta’s official entry brings with it a 2-year or 100,000 kilometer warranty, mirroring Volkswagen’s policy, which might encourage more sales.
## Jetta VS5 and VS7: Crossover Options for the Russian Market
Jetta’s crossover offerings, the VS5 and VS7, are technically similar but differ in wheelbase length and overall dimensions.
### Jetta VS5: A Value Proposition for the Crossover Enthusiasts?
The VS5, despite its higher price point, sold almost as well as the VA3 last year, reaching approximately two thousand units. Its closest competitors include the Volkswagen Taos and Skoda Karoq, and it’s built on the modern MQB platform.
Despite its front-wheel drive setup, the VS5 boasts an independent rear suspension (unlike the Karoq without AWD). Its dimensions place it between the Taos and Karoq, with a length identical to the former (4418 mm) and a wheelbase identical to the latter (2636 mm).
Powered by a 1.4-liter turbo engine (150 hp) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the VS5 offers a distinct advantage over its rivals in terms of power output.
The VS5’s starting price of 2.952 million rubles positions it within a competitive segment occupied by the Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, and various clones. The base package includes air conditioning, a multimedia system, a rear-view camera, four airbags, ABS, ESP, and 18-inch wheels. However, options like heated seats and mirrors come with an additional surcharge.
### Jetta VS7: A Larger Offering in the Crossover Segment
The VS7 mirrors the VS5 technically, but boasts an extended wheelbase (90 mm) and a longer body (206 mm). This larger size aligns it with the Haval F7, Dargo, and similar vehicles. With pricing ranging from 3.217 to 3.379 million rubles, the VS7 follows the same configuration principles as the VS5.
The VS7’s key benefit: increased second-row space and a spacious trunk with a volume of 548 liters (VS5 – 482 liters).
## Jetta’s Official Entry: A Calculated Move or a Missed Opportunity?
Although Jetta has been unofficially available in Russia since 2022, its official entry signifies a calculated move. Despite facing challenges with brand classification and importation, the brand’s official presence offers greater clarity and strengthens its foothold in the market. However, Jetta’s future in Russia remains uncertain. Its conservative promotion strategy and lack of aggressive marketing may limit its reach. The importer’s projected sales target of 10,000 units for the remainder of 2024 is unlikely to propel Jetta into the top 10 of the Russian market.
Ultimately, Jetta’s success in Russia will hinge on its ability to balance its inherent connection to Volkswagen while establishing its own identity. Only time will tell if the brand can make a lasting impression in a competitive and evolving market.