Russia February 2022: Kia Rio repeats at #1, Hyundai Solaris at highest in over 5 years, market off -4.8%

The Hyundai Solaris ranks #2 in Russia, its highest position since December 2016.

The Russian new car market is down -4.8% year-on-year in February to 114,349 units, bringing the year-to-date talky down -4.3% to 206,011. It is too early to feel the potential effects of the economic sanctions levelled at Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Lada (-20.8%) falls four times faster than the market to remain at 19.6% share while Kia (-9.2%) also loses share year-on-year to 13.1%. Hyundai (-0.6%) edges down to 12% share. Renault (+2.1%) is the only gainer in the Top 8 with Toyota (-0.9%) holding up but Skoda (-22.6%), Volkswagen (-18.2%) and Nissan (-11.7%) struggling. GAZ (+16.6%) and Haval (+65.4%) round out the Top 10 in splendid fashion, with Chery (+45.5%), Mitsubishi (+47.2%) and Geely (+81.9%) also impressive outside. Cheryrexeed (+670%), Volvo (+83.7%), Citroen (+46.5%), Infiniti (+45.6%) and Genesis (+41.2%) also stand out further down. All-in-all, Chinese brands are up 127.7% to 9.2% share in February and up 117.3% to 9.7% share year-to-date.

Model-wise, the Kia Rio (-10%) repeats at #1 for the first time since May 2018, while the Hyundai Solaris (+31.3%) is up two spots to #2, its highest ranking in Russia since December 2016. The last time two foreign models topped the monthly Russian charts was in October 2016. The Lada Vesta (-18.1%) and Granta (-36.5%) are relegated to #3 and #4 respectively, while the Hyundai Creta (-35%) holds onto the #1 SUV crown, resisting a vigorous push by the Renault Duster (+80.2%) now taking full advantage of the new generation. The Lada Niva (-11.8%) makes its three SUVs in the Top 7. The GAZ Gazelle (+9.1%) is the only additional gainer in the Top 10 just as below, the Mitsubishi Outlander (+51.4%) is up 7 spots on January to #14, the Ford Transit (+64.8%) leaps up 10 ranks to #17 and the Haval Jolion manages a 4th straight Top 20 finish. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (+32%) and Kia Seltos (+27.7%) also stand out.

Previous month: Russia January 2022: Kia Rio best-seller, Haval and Chery both in Top 10 for the first time

One year ago: Russia February 2021: Skoda, Mazda impress, Haval break record in market up 0.8%

Full February 2022 Top 50 All-brands and Top 25 models below.