Winter is coming: which cars won't survive it
Despite the popularity of "warm" options, not all cars on the Russian market are equipped with them. This conclusion was reached by Auto.ru analysts after studying the specifications of new cars presented in Russia both officially and brought by alternative means. Which of the "warm" options is the rarest and why even Russian cars are not equipped with a full winter package, "Izvestia" analyzed.
Designed for a warm climate
In total, analysts of "Auto.ru" studied 920 car models. It turned out that not all cars (83%) have even such an option as heated mirrors. No less familiar seat heating is included in the equipment of only 74% of models. Heated rear seats (32%) are less common than heated steering wheel (43%). Remote engine start to warm up the cabin is available for 26% of models. The rarest "winter package" options are heated windshield washer nozzles (23%) and electric windshield heating (21%). Programmable preheater is included in the factory equipment of less than 2% of the models presented in Russia.
- In some premium cars, heaters are not always included in the basic equipment and may be available only at an additional cost. This is due to the fact that manufacturers often offer individual option packages, allowing customers to customize the car to their needs and preferences. In addition, some cars delivered to Russia through parallel channels from the UAE and China do not really include heated rear window and side mirrors. This is most often due to the fact that the specifications are designed for warmer climates and manufacturers have not provided such options for certain markets. Therefore, when buying cars from the UAE and China, it is worth carefully checking the equipment," Irina Frank, managing director of Frank auto, told Izvestia.
Winter "Vesta"
Cars on the Russian market are usually equipped with heated mirrors and rear window. Winter options, which first appeared on premium class cars, have gradually spread to the mass segment. They quickly became popular in Russia due to climatic peculiarities. However, even Russian manufacturers cannot boast of a full "winter package".
The cars of the new Russian brand Xcite are thoroughly equipped. In the Lada lineup, Vesta NG is best prepared for winter. The cars of the first editions lacked some options due to anti-Russian sanctions, which caused difficulties with the supply of components. Now "Vesta" has heated rear seats, steering wheel, windshield and windshield washer nozzles. Other models have simpler equipment. Granta, Largus and Niva Travel are equipped with heated windshield and front seats, classic Niva Legend - mirrors and front seats.
Lada Vesta car
UAZ offers heated windshield and front seats for Patriot.
Moskvich cars initially did not have "warm" options, but now heated front seats are available. Evolute brand has solved the issue of heating its most affordable electric car i-Joy by installing a fuel heater. Evolute's most winter-adapted model now is the i-Sky crossover, which has heated steering wheel, seats, nozzles, and windshield.
The warmest welcome
Currently, the best equipped with "warm" options are cars of the big Chinese three: Chery, Geely and Haval plus their sub-brands. Moreover, they appeared on cars for the Russian market due to insistent requests of importers.
Therefore, it was not without curiosities. Thus, Chery cars and its sub-brands had not the whole seat heated, but only the cushions. Later, heating threads were added to the backrests, but not on all models yet. In Naval Jolion, the logic of windshield heating was changed - initially it was turned off when the car was in motion. Oting Paladin SUVs were equipped with heated steering wheel on an emergency basis. The result looked frightening: sloppily laid strings of electric heating protruded under the leather upholstery. Now the steering wheels on the "Otinga" presented in showrooms have been re-stitched and look neat.
Car retrofitting is an additional cost, so the readiness of Chinese automakers to meet the wishes of importers depends on the results of sales and the ambition of plans for presence in the Russian market.
Only for the driver
Availability of "warm" options does not radically affect the sales results. Thus, Changan, the fourth most popular Chinese brand in Russia, is equipped with them worse than the first three leading brands and Jetour. Nevertheless, most Changan models have remote start.
The maximum number of winter options, including electric windshield heating, is equipped with the most budget (CS35 new) and the largest (CS95) crossovers of the brand. The Lamore sedan and UNI-V liftback have heated driver's seat only. The Hunter Plus pickup has heated front seats, but no heated rear window. However, in the pickup truck segment, the number of heated options is still small.
In other segments, more and more cars are being adapted to Russian winter conditions. This year the premium hybrid Voyah Free Sport Edition got additional options, crossover Solaris HC received a telematics system with the option of remote engine start. In the equipment package of crossover DFSK ix7, in addition to heated seats, rear window and mirrors, heated steering wheel was added. Other models presented in Russia are on the line.
Frosty leatherette
- The primary winter options are heated front seats, mirrors, steering wheel. Buyers are more interested in heated windshield, as passengers on the back seat are rarely taken. And children are obliged to sit in special restraints up to 12 years old, through which seat heating does not affect comfort, - Ilya Petrov, director of retail sales of Avilon AG, told Izvestia.
At present, the equipment with "warm" options is at least not worse, and for a number of Chinese brands even better, the expert believes.
- "Warm" options do not appear immediately, but after the urgent demands of our importers. Someone has already understood our need, because most of the country is not located in the most favorable climate. Besides, the seats of the lion's share of modern cars are upholstered with leatherette, which was given a noble name "eco-leather". It is cold, and natural leather is not warm either. When you sit on fabric, especially velour, you don't feel like you are sitting on ice," said Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem.
