Introduction: a new entrant in Russia’s crowded minivan market
Russia’s automotive scene is expanding with a new locally produced family transporter. The Sollers SP7 is now taking pre-orders, with production fully localized at the company’s Elabuga plant. Early dealers in several regions have posted prices, signaling that the SP7 aims to combine value with modern technology in a segment long dominated by imports from Japan and elsewhere. The big question is whether a domestically built minivan can challenge established names, including premium models that have historically been popular among Russian families.
Local production and what powers the SP7
A key selling point for the SP7 is its full-cycle localization, with manufacturing carried out at a single plant in Elabuga. Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 237 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front‑wheel drive. This combination aims to offer brisk acceleration and smooth highway cruising while keeping maintenance practical for daily use. The engine and transmission pairing also aligns with expectations for a family vehicle that balances performance with fuel efficiency.
Two configurations to fit diverse buyers
The SP7 will be available in two distinct configurations. The seven‑seat full‑size minivan is aimed at families and shuttle-style applications, while a four‑seat business variant targets executives and premium transport needs. The business version distinguishes itself with a quieter cabin and a more upscale feel, including enhanced sound insulation, dynamic interior lighting, a partitioned seating area, a media system with a screen integrated near the partition, and the ability to control cabin features via a dedicated tablet. These options illustrate Sollers’ attempt to cover both practical daily use and higher-end executive transport in a single model.
Standard and optional equipment: comfort meets safety
Even the entry-level SP7 feels well equipped. Buyers gain six airbags, a digital instrument cluster, modern infotainment, climate control, and a keyless access system. Power-operated doors and a powered tailgate add convenience for families juggling groceries and child seats. Comfort is a clear priority, with options for heated and ventilated seats, as well as seat massage functions and the ability to transform the rear sofa into a bed for long trips or overnight rests.
Safety and driver-assistance features
On the safety front, the SP7 includes a 360-degree camera system for better parking and maneuvering, adaptive cruise control for highway driving, driver-fatigue monitoring, and forward-collision warnings. These technologies aim to provide peace of mind for long family journeys and daily commuting alike, a crucial factor in the highly competitive family-vehicle segment where safety and reliability are top priorities.
Pricing, regional variation, and when to expect deliveries
Pre-orders for the SP7 have begun, with official sales slated for autumn 2025. Price announcements have appeared in multiple regions, illustrating a tiered approach to market entry. The base model is priced around 4.69 million rubles, with regional variations: 4.99 million rubles in Novosibirsk and 5.15 million rubles in Vladimir. These figures position the SP7 as an attractive option for buyers seeking a capable, feature-rich minivan without the premium of import brands.
Market context: a strategy to reduce import dependence
The launch of the SP7 comes amid a broader push to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign imports. Stories of competition with traditional Japanese models, including the Toyota Alphard, underscore Russia’s desire to offer competitive, locally produced alternatives. The SP7’s appearance alongside new offerings like the ST9 pickup signals Sollers’ broader expansion plan, aiming to capture a larger share of both family and utility vehicle segments while leveraging localization benefits and price competitiveness.
What this means for buyers and the road ahead
For families seeking a practical yet feature-rich minivan, the SP7 presents a compelling value proposition. Its combination of a robust turbo engine, modern safety systems, and two versatile configurations could make it a strong competitor in a market historically dominated by imports. As autumn 2025 approaches, potential buyers will be watching closely to see how the SP7 performs in real-world use, how dealer pricing evolves, and how the model stacks up against both domestic rivals and established Japanese offerings in terms of ownership costs and long-term reliability.
