Part 4/9:
The initial appeal of Chinese cars stemmed from their affordability, offering features and performance levels that, when compared to domestic alternatives like Lada, were often more attractive. In a market where new foreign vehicle availability was drastically limited, Chinese cars seemed to provide a practical solution for many Russians, allowing them access to modern vehicles at lower price points.
However, this allure came with caveats. The low purchase price was often juxtaposed with the cars' lack of durability and reliability in Russia's grueling winter conditions. As time passed, Russian consumers began to realize that the seemingly cheap cars were not economical in the long run due to costly repairs and difficulties in sourcing parts.