Currently reading: What to look out for at the 2014 Moscow motor show
Audi, Chevrolet, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Peugeot and Renault are expected to unveil new cars or concepts

The 2014 Moscow motor show begins on 27 August. Among the manufacturers expected to unveil new cars or concepts at the Russian event are Audi, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Peugeot and Renault.

While the car unveilings at the Crocus Exhibition Centre in the north west of the city will take centre stage, it's hard to ignore Russia's underlying political situation, which has had a severe impact on the country's new car market over the past months.  

According to the Association of European Businesses, new car sales in Russia dropped by more than 20 per cent in July, compared to the same month in 2013, with 180,767 new cars registered.

The AEB's chairman, Jörg Schreiber, described the situation as "worrisome", adding that the market was "unlikely to improve fundamentally any time soon".

Lada was the best performing brand in Russia last month, selling a total of 28,014 cars. However, that was still down by 25 per cent compared to the manufacturer's performance in July 2013. Behind Lada sit the likes of Kia, Renault, Hyundai, Toyota and Nissan.

Volkswagen sold a total of 76,363 cars in Russia between January and July this year, down by 16 per cent on 2013. However, some brands have shown small improvements, with Jaguar and Land Rover selling 981 and 12,086 vehicles respectively so far this year, rises of five and seven per cent.

Russian buyers are said to be delaying making large purchases, however, with one car dealer telling Reuters: "People are afraid to buy cars because they are uncertain about the future, while banks and insurance companies raise rates to protect themselves in a crisis."

Here are the key new cars expected at the Moscow motor show 2014

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

It's the motor show debut for the fastest and most powerful Land Rover model ever made, and the first time audiences outside the US will get to see this 542bhp leviathan. The SVR, which costs £93,450, comes with a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine which allows it to reach 60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Nissan GT-R Nismo

We've already seen the new £125,000 GT-R Nismo in the UK, but this is the first time prospective Russian buyers will have a chance to scrutinise the 591bhp sports car in their home market. Nissan promises a 0-62mph sprint time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 193mph. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine is also said to return around 24mpg on the combined fuel cycle.

BMW X5 Security Plus

Offering protection up to VR6 standard (including automatic rifles), this armoured BMW X5 is built on a dedicated production line in Mexico. It's based on the xDrive50i, meaning power comes from a 4.4-litre V8 engine with 449bhp. BMW has released scant details on how the X5 has been modified, but has said all the car's seams and joints have been strengthened, while toughened glass has also been fitted.

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Peugeot 508 facelift

The refreshed Ford Mondeo rival will make its motor show debut in Russia. The 508 has received cosmetic upgrades as well as new engines. Joining the range is a new Euro 6 emissions compliant 165bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, alongside a new 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel in either 148bhp or 178bhp guises. Changes to the diesel hybrid model mean it now emits just 85g/km of CO2.

Chevrolet Niva concept

A new concept car yielded from GM's joint venture in Russia with Avtovaz, the next-generation Chevrolet Niva looks to be a mid-size SUV tailored towards off-road performance. The Niva is scheduled to go on sale in 2016. Russia is exempt from GM's decision to axe Chevrolet in European markets from next year.

Renaultsport RS 01

Renaultsport's new 1100kg single-seat race car, dubbed the RS 01, will be powered by a Nismo-tuned engine developing more than 493bhp. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential transmission. It's a track-only car, and will race in the World Series by Renault championship from next year.

Toyota Camry facelift

Toyota has released a solitary preview photo of the facelifted Camry prior to Moscow, with styling changes including a smaller front grille and new headlights. Engine options from the current car are likely to be carried over, meaning 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 petrols will be offered.

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Add a comment…
Marv 21 August 2014

Isn't the NIVA name owned by Lada

Surely an American product 'stealing' a Russian car makers name isn't good for relations.
Factczech 20 August 2014

Tit for tat...

Seeing that the Russian president has decided to play politics with the motor industry by threatening to ban American and European cars isn't about time the greedy motor industry stand up for themselves. And withdraw from this farce of a show and if not shouldn't the relevant governments take action against these greedy car companies?

Funny also how Putin is so anti west and especially US but is dependant on GM ( American ) to make cars for Lada? How ironic as GM is part owned by the US Government by way of the auto bailout. So Mr Putin you are in the favour of the west after all!