Today, a lot of rumors are circulating in Runet about what the new Moskvich will be like. Some of them appeared after KAMAZ denied the information that Russian models will be copied from JAC products. This, in turn, indirectly indicates that the new Muscovites will receive at least a unique body. Such an approach to design is quite justified, given that JAC is not only not going to leave the Russian market, but is also considering options for expanding its presence. Accordingly, the new “Moskvich” at least externally should be different from their prototypes.
Also around the revived brand runs a lot of rumors that relate to the types of cars. In particular, many analysts suggest that Moskvich will produce only crossovers, given their high popularity. However, at least one sedan will be created under the revived brand. This is, firstly, due to the fact that the Russian market for such cars has lost many models in recent months. Secondly, sedans are still in relatively high demand. And, thirdly, they are cheaper than crossovers with similar equipment. The domestic designer showed what the new Moskvich-412 2022-2023 sedan might look like. He published several renders revealing the potential appearance of the Russian model.
But the new Moskvich will not be a cheap car. This can also be explained by several reasons. Firstly, the most pronounced “drawdown” among sedans is observed in the segment in which Let’s go K5, Volkswagen Jetta and a number of other vehicles. Secondly, today the volume of sales in the Russian market is still at a very low level. Therefore, by creating a cheap sedan, the Moscow Automobile Plant can enter the segment dominated by Lada. That is, the new “Moskvich” will be unclaimed among buyers. And given that the production of cheap cars is only profitable if they sell well, the appearance of such a car in the model range of the Moscow Automobile Plant becomes an unlikely event.
In addition, despite official statements, it is most likely that JAC will become the supplier of components and necessary structures for Moskvich. At the same time, the Chinese company does not produce (at least for Russia) cheap sedans. That is, the prototype of the presented “Moskvich” can be JAC J7.
Design
The presented sedan AZLK-412 2022-2023 stands out against the background of its counterparts with a non-standard design: the Russian novelty has a rectangular body with smooth panels. At the same time, the latter are complemented by stampings, which give the car a more sporty look. The choice in favor of this design can be explained by the fact that it is relatively simple. Therefore, the Moscow Automobile Plant will need less time to adapt production capacities for this car. In addition, design simplification helps reduce development costs. That is, this design is beneficial for the Moscow Automobile Plant.
In addition, the choice in favor of this style can partly be explained by the fact that it preserves the continuity of generations: some exterior details make the presented Moskvich look like Soviet cars. At the same time, the Russian novelty still has a unique design. In particular, it has too compact glazing, which makes the side panels look larger than they really are. Due to the same feature, the front of the body seems longer.
This effect is reinforced by the fact that the line of the hood gradually lowers as it approaches the grille. And the side “waves” give the front of the body more volume. The maximum resemblance to the Soviet “Moskvich” is provided by rectangular head optics, supplemented by LEDs, and an elongated regular-shaped radiator grille, inside of which horizontal metal lamellas are stretched. But under them is a large bumper with three wide air intakes. Their presence makes the appearance of the Russian novelty more sporty.
The profile part of the presented model is interesting not only for large body panels, but also for the presence of large rims. This decision also indicates that the new Moskvich-412 2022-2023 will be presented in the same segment as Come on K5. The rear part of the body, due to the low-set roof, also looks elongated. But her trunk suddenly took on a stepped shape, which is more typical for crossovers. Here the developer has placed large optics, which is probably complemented by LEDs. From the bottom of the rear bumper, 4 exhaust pipes are visible. 2 of them, most likely, perform a decorative function, since the presented sedan will not receive powerful engines.
Specifications
It is not yet clear what technical part the new Moskvich sedan can get. It is most likely that the presented model will share it with the JAC J7. The Chinese model has already been adapted to the Russian market. Therefore, its engine corresponds to the climatic features of our country. That is, the new AZLK-412 2022-2023 can be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that develops up to 136 hp. power. Moreover, it is possible that the output of this engine will not be increased to 150 hp especially for the Russian model. The motor is combined with a 6-speed “mechanics” or CVT.
But it is possible that in order to reduce the cost of the basic versions of Moskvich, the developers will install 1.5- or 1.6-liter aspirated engines on it, which develop up to 115 or 120 hp. power, respectively. Both units are combined with the same transmissions.
Start of sales
The Moscow Automobile Plant has not yet announced the exact dates for the debut of its first cars. Perhaps they will appear no earlier than 2023. And first, the company will establish the production of crossovers, which are more in demand on the Russian market. Accordingly, the new Moskvich sedan can be expected no earlier than the second half of 2023 or the first half of 2024.