The Lada Granta remains one of the most affordable new cars on the Russian market. In fact, it has virtually no direct competitors among new cars. However, if you consider the used car market, the choice becomes significantly wider and more interesting.
Interest in right-hand drive cars from Japan has grown especially noticeably in recent years. Such cars have traditionally been popular in the Far East and Siberia, but are now increasingly appearing in the European part of Russia. The reason is simple: Japanese cars are usually well-equipped, reliable, and often cost about the same as a new Granta.
We’ve compiled a list of models that can be purchased today for about the same price—around a million rubles. At the same time, many of them are relatively new in terms of year of production and have modern equipment.
Toyota Corolla Axio / Corolla Fielder
Toyota Corolla Fielder and Toyota Corolla Axio sedan are probably one of the best options among Japanese cars in this price range.
For a little over a million rubles, you can find cars produced in 2016-2017. On the market, you can find both hybrid versions and cars with a classic naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of about 109 hp. In both cases, a CVT is used.
The main advantages of the model are high reliability, a roomy interior, fuel efficiency and excellent liquidity on the secondary market. The Fielder station wagon is especially appreciated for its practicality and large trunk.
Of the shortcomings, owners most often note the thin paintwork and not the thickest body metal, so many recommend additional anti-corrosion treatment.
Honda Fit
The third generation Honda Fit is another popular Japanese compact car. For the same money, you can find cars from around 2017–2018.
There are two main versions available on the market:
- petrol with a naturally aspirated 1.3 engine with a power of about 100 hp;
- hybrid installation with a 1.5 engine and a total power of about 110 hp.
All versions use a CVT. The car is famous for its reliability, good handling and a very well-thought-out transformation of the interior – the rear seats fold down so that you can carry quite large items inside.
In terms of liquidity, the Fit is slightly inferior to Toyota models, but many drivers note a more “lively” character and interesting handling.
Nissan Note e-Power
The new generation Nissan Note can also be found on the market for about a million rubles – most often, these are cars of 2018-2019.
Such cars are usually brought to Russia in a hybrid e-Power version. Its peculiarity is that the gasoline engine works only as a generator, and the wheels are driven by an electric motor. The total output is about 109 hp.
This system provides good dynamics and low fuel consumption, especially in urban conditions. However, it is the hybrid design that sometimes makes buyers wary, as maintenance can be more complicated and expensive.
Suzuki Hustler
Lovers of unusual cars should pay attention to kei cars — compact Japanese cars with special tax breaks in their home country.
One of the most striking representatives of this class is the Suzuki Hustler. This is a compact crossover hatchback less than 3.5 meters long with a 660 cc engine.
Despite their modest technical specifications, such cars often turn out to be surprisingly practical. The Hustler features a high body, good visibility, and an unexpectedly spacious interior.
In addition, for around a million rubles, you can find relatively new examples – approximately 2020-2021 production years.
Toyota Roomy and its analogues
The Toyota Roomy microvan could be an interesting option.
This car is equipped with a three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a volume of 1 liter and a power of about 98 hp. Thanks to the high body and almost vertical landing, the interior turned out to be very spacious for its class.
The compact size becomes a big advantage in the city – parking such a car is much easier than in a classic minivan.
The model also has “related” versions:
- Toyota Tank
- Daihatsu Thor
In fact, this is the same platform with minimal differences in appearance and equipment.
✅ Result
Buying a new Lada Granta is a logical choice for those who want a simple and inexpensive car without mileage. However, on the secondary market, for the same money, you can find better equipped and often more comfortable models, albeit with right-hand drive.
Japanese cars are valued for their reliability, efficiency and rich equipment. Therefore, for many buyers they become an interesting alternative to new budget cars.
