Foreign cars change course

Photo: Opel Vectra Caravan

The beginning of the year is considered a low season for car dealers. The decrease in demand after the New Year holidays and the need to get rid of cars from last year forces them to make non-standard decisions. According to Dengi correspondent Bela Lyauw, right now you can save a lot of money by buying a foreign car made in 2003. Unless, of course, there are plans to purchase a new model from 2004.

New Year's items
The main news on the SUV market: deliveries of the BMW X3 and the updated BMW X5 have begun to Russia. According to the manufacturers, the X3 is capable of conquering tracks with any surface, and on mountain serpentine roads it literally clings to the road surface. The X3 features an intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system that quickly recognizes when torque distribution needs to change. For example, when cornering, the system instantly directs the necessary force to the appropriate axle and reduces the risk of the car drifting. Although the SUV class does not imply design refinements, the Bavarians tried to make the X3 as aesthetically pleasing as possible. The car has a new shape of “nostrils” - air intakes, headlights and taillights. And the impressively widened wheel arches and striking front end demonstrate the strong character of the newcomer. The X3 has three-liter inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. For the X3 3.0i, dealers are asking €55.9 thousand, for the X3 3.0 Diesel - €56.9 thousand.

Range Rover

During the modernization, the BMW X5 received two new engines: a 4.4-liter gasoline V8 and a three-liter diesel engine with a Common Rail system. The V8 engine accelerates the car to 100 km/h in seven seconds, the maximum speed ranges from 210 km/h to 240 km/h depending on the tire class. The updated in-line six-cylinder turbodiesel with a common rail injection system develops 218 hp in the new X5. s., and the car reaches the 100 km/h mark within 8.3 seconds after the start. Despite the impressive power, manufacturers claim that the SUV consumes only 8.6 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. A six-speed manual transmission is offered as standard, and a new six-speed automatic transmission is available upon request. In the BMW X5, not only the technical content has changed, but also the design. The X-shaped hood relief, characteristic of the series models, is more clearly highlighted; the lines on it have become wider and higher. Another SUV variant will go on sale in the spring - the BMW X5 4.8is. Price - from €69.9 thousand.

Ford Focus C-MAX

At the very end of last year, Land Rover began selling armored Range Rovers. So far, the only armored car imported into Russia is now in the auto center of the Independence company. Manufacturers claim that with protection level B6/B7, the armored version of Range Rover has excellent handling both on and off-road. If desired, you can install additional options: flashing lights, multi-tone siren, engine fire extinguishing systems, protected exhaust, additional battery, oxygen cylinders. You will have to wait about six months for an ordered armored Range Rover, unlike a regular SUV, which is delivered in three months. The base price of the armored version is €350 thousand.

Honda Civic Type R

The only station wagon going on sale in January is the Opel Vectra Caravan. The car is built on the same extended Opel Vectra platform, which is used in the Opel Signum model. The overall length of the Opel Vectra Caravan is 4.82 m, which indicates a significant amount of free space in the car interior. Opel engineers continue to develop the theme of transforming the interior space of the car. Following the FlexSpace system, which allows you to turn the Signum into an executive limousine, a van for transporting large items and even a bedroom, the FlexOrganiser system appeared in the Opel Vectra Caravan. It focuses on the convenience of accommodating not only passengers, but also cargo. The rear door of Opel's "shed" is electrically driven, thanks to which it can be opened slightly and firmly fixed in any position. This feature is especially useful for transporting long loads. The station wagon is equipped with petrol engines of 1.8, 2.2 and 3.2 liters, as well as a 2 liter turbocharged engine and a 3-liter turbodiesel. The Vectra Caravan ranges from $24,330 to $34,620.

Porsche 911

If you want a minivan, but don't want it to look like a delivery van, then the Ford Focus C-MAX is for you. Firstly, the C-MAX is a five-seater. The developers of this model conducted research and found that for buyers of family cars, the presence of seven seats is not a determining factor. Therefore, instead of two additional seats in the rear of the car, they decided to leave more space for five passengers. In addition, the C-MAX can be transformed from a full-fledged five-seater into an even more comfortable four-seater. The new product is equipped with three types of engines (two-liter Duratorq TDCi, 1.6 l Duratorq TDCi and 1.8 l Duratec). Price - from €20.2 thousand.
In January, the updated Honda Stream minivan appeared in showrooms: designers worked on its appearance and slightly modernized the interior. The front part of the car has been changed almost completely: all body elements have been redesigned, a more aggressive radiator grille with a single crossbar and transparent headlights have appeared. The new bumper with a large air intake houses round fog lights, which have now become standard equipment for all trim levels. The cabin still has three rows of seats, but in the second row, instead of a three-seater sofa, there are now two separate armchairs separated by an armrest with cup holders. The technical content of the Stream has not changed - buyers are offered cars with 1.7- and two-liter gasoline engines. The modification with a 1.7 liter engine costs $22.9 thousand, 2 liters costs $27.9 thousand.

Westfield XTR4

There is also a sensation in the executive class, and again from Bavaria. By creating the BMW 645Ci coupe, BMW decided to pay tribute to the legendary “six” of the 80s. The new “six” is very similar to it and is replete with advanced technological solutions. Only noble materials are used in the interior decoration. The luxury of the interior is successfully combined with the 4.4-liter engine with the Valvetronic valve control system. The electronically limited maximum speed is 250 km/h, and the car completes the classic sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 645Ci has an elongated silhouette with classic proportions - a low, long and wide coupe, with the cabin set far back. Optionally, you can install a head-up display that displays traffic information in the driver's field of vision. Other options include active cruise control and a glass panoramic lift-up roof. The price of the BMW 645Ci is worthy of its class: €101.9 thousand.
The Honda Civic Type R hatchback has received a new appearance, and there are changes under the hood. The appearance of the car was refreshed by three-section headlights, updated bumpers, a radiator grille and redesigned aerodynamic elements. New touches have also appeared in the interior - red inserts on the seats and door panels, fashionable chrome trim on the panels. Honda specialists seriously worked on the suspension, reworking some of its components, and also made changes to the steering. The top version of the Honda Civic Type R is equipped with a new clutch and a lightweight flywheel, which has reduced the acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h by 0.2 seconds (to 6.6 seconds). This car costs from $26.9 thousand.
For those who look sadly at the winter roads and dream of switching to a sports car as soon as possible, there are two new products - the Porsche 911 and the Westfield XTR4. True, none of them have yet arrived in Russia, but importers have begun accepting orders for them. At Sportkartsentr you can order the legendary Porsche 911 model, produced in a limited edition of 1963 copies. It was specially assembled in honor of the 40th anniversary of Porsche. The new 911 is available only with rear-wheel drive and in one color - metallic silver. Unlike the historical prototype, the “celebrator of the day” is equipped with bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof and the famous “911” inscription on the engine compartment lid. The interior looks more stylish than that of its progenitor - round aluminum frames on the instrument panel, an aluminum “911” trim on the center console. The interior of the car is trimmed with especially soft natural leather in dark gray color. Engine power reached 345 hp. With. (25 hp more than the basic version) and allows you to accelerate to 290 km/h. Manufacturers claim that the 911 anniversary model is the fastest among cars with non-turbocharged engines. This can be verified by paying €140 thousand.
Kit Car Sport, a dealer of rare cars (GTM Cars and Westfield Sportcars), has begun accepting orders for the Westfield XTR4 sports coupe. This car is designed for racing fanatics. The new Westfield XTR4 was created jointly with Audi at the Kingswinford factory. The car is equipped with a 1.8 liter engine producing 195 hp. With. The predecessor of this model, the Westfield XTR2, had a 1.3 liter Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engine. The new Westfield XTR4 has a significantly enlarged driver's cabin, and the adjustment of the driver's position has become more comfortable (if we can even talk about the convenience of getting into the car). The price of the Westfield XTR4 is ridiculous for this type of car - €38 thousand.

Exchange rate instability
The two most noticeable trends in the car market at the beginning of the year were the transition of some European companies from euros to dollars and the sale of stock cars. Dealers believe that buyers are receiving significant benefits today, and due to the downward trend in the dollar exchange rate, they predict a further improvement in financial conditions when purchasing dollar-denominated foreign cars. However, for citizens who keep their savings in euros, it’s also time to part with them: due to the difference in exchange rates, sellers are vying to reduce prices for European cars.
From January 1, the Russian representative office of Audi announced the transfer of prices from euros to dollars. Conversion rate €1 – $1.19 (only when purchasing on an Audi A8 – €1 equals $1.21). The Avtoganza company, the largest Volkswagen dealer, and all Nissan dealers did the same. The conversion rate for Japanese cars is more interesting than for European ones: about $1.15 per €1. Prices for Nissan Almera now start from $15.5 thousand, for Primera - from $20.9 thousand, for Maxima - from $28.9 thousand, for Patrol - from $50.3 thousand. Official dealers of Mercedes-Benz "Avilon" and Panauto have established a special rate for Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyers until January 31: €1 - $1.1. For example, the S 350 4M L sedan used to cost about €118 thousand, but now it costs $130 thousand.
Peugeot dealer "Armand" is selling cars of the Armand Allur version. They have a fixed price in dollars. The Peugeot 206 and Peugeot 307 cost $14,990 and $19,990 respectively as standard. "Lyon" offers a 10% discount when purchasing a Peugeot and taking out a motor hull insurance policy at IC "Soglasie".
From January 1, all Opel cars increased in price by 4%. True, discounts of up to 8% are offered on last year’s cars. Thus, an Opel Corsa can be bought cheaper by $900, an Opel Astra by $1,200, an Opel Meriva Essentia by $900, an Opel Zafira by $850, an Opel Vectra (sedan and hatchback GTS) by $2 thousand, an Opel Signum by $2.7 thousand. Discounts are valid until the last car is sold - 2003. The U-Service+ company has reduced prices for Subaru Impreza with a 2-liter engine by $1 thousand to $24 thousand. Flight Auto has increased prices for Honda Accord, H-RV and C-RV by $1 thousand. But whoever does If you order before February 1st, you will receive the car at the old price.
In the euro sector, discounts are also offered for cars manufactured in 2004. Thus, from January 15 to February 28, the Renault dealer network is running the “Automobile Race for Discounts” campaign. Prices have been reduced by €600-1000 for all versions of Renault Symbol, Renault Kangoo, Renault Clio and Renault Laguna. Until January 31, the Yuna-Auto car dealership is selling off stock from the warehouse imported last year. Discounts - up to 5%. For example, the Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed costs €24,814 instead of the previous €26,120. There is an additional €100 discount on weekends.
Some importers and dealers noted the reduction in prices due to the abolition of sales tax and a 2% reduction in VAT. Ford announced this loudest, reducing prices for the entire model range by 2%. Ford dealer Major also offers gifts - a set of winter tires, accessories or a branded souvenir. A funny gift in Major is intended for Chrysler and Jeep buyers: “1 kg = €1”. The amount of the gift is equal to the client’s weight. A more significant gift will be given to buyers of a Mercedes-Benz E-240 or E-320 in the Auto Karum showroom - in the amount of €3 thousand. The promotion will last until March 1.
Since January, Volkswagen dealers have been offering customers new equipment for the outgoing “fourth” VW Golf - Pacific and Ocean. The Pacific package includes Montreal II alloy wheels, sport front seats and a sport leather three-spoke steering wheel, chrome instrument panel surrounds, body-color moldings, climate control and custom trim. The listed options will cost the client €1.5 thousand less. The Ocean package includes R steel wheels, heat-protective window tinting, chrome dashboard surrounds, height-adjustable front seats, and air conditioning. Ordering these options will save you around €750. Buyers will be given numbered “Farewell Series” certificates. This will complete sales of Golf IV in Russia.

Financial hunger
There were almost no original offers for car loans and insurance in January. What’s new is the program of Citroen Center Moscow and Avangard Bank, launched in January. An interest-free loan for Citroen is now valid not for a year, but for two. The down payment for the car will be 50% of its cost, the remaining payments will be in equal shares.
Clients of FC Motors (Honda Accord Type S and Honda Accord Tourer), Avtoplaneta (Renault, Skoda, Nissan) and AZR Moscow (Mercedes-Benz) can now receive an interest-free, albeit only one-year loan for the purchase of a car. . The initial payment will be 50% of the car price.
The most notable offer of January is from the Peugeot dealer Lyon and Raiffeisen Bank. Buyers of French cars are offered to purchase them on credit at 5% per annum (in euros), while the amount of hull insurance will be 5% of the cost of the car. The down payment is 30% of the car price. The loan term is up to three years, early repayment is possible after six months.

Magazine "Kommersant Money" No. 3 dated January 26, 2004, p. 52