The most striking automotive news of the week

Izvestia has collected the most striking automotive news for the week.

AvtoVAZ will show the updated Lada Niva Legend and other novelties at the SPIEF

AvtoVAZ will show the updated Lada Niva Legend and other novelties at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The company is organizing a street exhibition of serial and historical cars at the forum. AvtoVAZ will also show the Lada Azimut crossover, production of which will start in the third quarter.

Global NCAP: Toyota Starlet got zero stars and failed crash test

Global NCAP, an organization specializing in the assessment of new cars for safety, conducted a crash test of the Toyota Starlet hatchback for the South African market. The car did not receive a single star for protecting adult passengers. Experts noted the instability of the body and the weak side impact protection. For this reason, the pole impact test was not even carried out.

Changan expands production by localizing eight models in Russia

Changan's Russian division is expanding its production program at Avtotor's Kaliningrad plant. In 2026, the company plans to launch eight new and updated models. It will include crossovers, liftbacks, and pickups. To do this, the brand has secured three production lines with a total capacity of up to 120,000 vehicles per year.

Not counting the kilometers: how to travel on a hybrid and not get lost

Voyah Free Sport test drive from Moscow to Leningrad region and back

Xiaomi YU7 GT has become the fastest

The electric Xiaomi YU7 GT showed the best time among SUVs on the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife highway. The crossover completed a 20.8 km lap in 7 minutes, 34.931 seconds. The record is set on a special version of the YU7 GT with the Track Package. The car is equipped with a twin-engine power plant with a capacity of 1003 hp, a 101.7 kWh battery and an aerodynamic body kit.

AvtoVAZ has started selling SKM M7 minivans and vans

AvtoVAZ has announced the start of sales of SKM M7 light commercial vehicles. The novelty is available in passenger and cargo versions at a price starting from 2.86 million rubles. The first option is designed for seven people, and the cargo van is designed for 715 kg.