While the Moscow motor show features an eclectic selection of global brands, most of the vehicles on display there won’t be coming to the UK.
Russia’s unique market - largely dominated by SUVs and crossovers in rural areas and an increasing number of saloons and hatchbacks in town – demands a wide variety of cars nonetheless, and that’s why so many manufacturers are vying for a slice of the automotive pie.
With that in mind, here are Autocar’s picks of the cars that won’t be coming to the UK.
Datsun on-Do
The on-Do is a compact saloon priced at the lower end of the market. It starts at just below 400,000 Russian rubles, or £6684. For that, you get a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 85bhp, a five-speed manual transmission, five seats and a boot capable of holding 530 litres.
Lada Kalina NFR
A hot version of Lada's Kalina hatchback where power from its 1.6-litre engine has been pushed to 138bhp. Couple that with new styling accents and new air intakes on the bonnet, and we think this hot hatch looks relatively stylish. The 0-60mph sprint is covered in 8.5 seconds.
Haval H9
The H9 made its debut at the Beijing motor show earlier this year, aiming to provide China's emerging SUV market with an affordable off-road model. Two turbocharged direct-injection engines are available, in either 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre form, the larger of which gets 328bhp.
One of the curiosities of the Moscow motor show is the number of American-born models on display. Toyota is showing off its latest Venza crossover, available with either a 2.7-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Buying one will save you little at the pumps, though, as even the most frugal version of the Venza returns just 27.6mpg.
Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show last year, the C-Elysee is mechanically identical to the Peugeot 301, and is built in Spain for Central European markets. Power comes from PSA's VTI 72 engine, which produces 72bhp and can return upwards of 56.5mpg. Interestingly, it's makers say the VTI engine has been developed to run on varying fuel quality, depending on different markets.
PGO Cevennes
This retro-styled open-top model is stood next to a coupe version of the same name in Moscow. Exact output from its 1.6-litre hasn't been revealed, but plenty of eyes are on the two-door Cevennes, both from potential customers and rival manufacturers.
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