Appearance of the brand Moskvich in the modern Russian market has become one of the most discussed events in recent years, namely the model Moskvich 3 aroused great interest among a wide audience.
This compact crossover, which is actually an adapted version of the Chinese JAC JS4, offers buyers an interesting balance between price, equipment and appearance.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical features, possible problems and real advantages of the car so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Body design and dimensions
The exterior of the car is designed with an eye to modern trends, dominated by aggressive lines and sophisticated optics. The front part of the body attracts attention with a massive radiator grille with an original relief pattern, which changes depending on the configuration.
Dimensions Moskvich 3 allow you to feel confident in dense city traffic. The length of the body is 4410 mm, width - 1805 mm, and height - 1660 mm. Ground clearance of 180 mm is unique advantage for Russian roads, allowing you to park at high curbs without fear.
The rear is designed in the style of a crossover coupe thanks to the sloping roofline, which gives the silhouette a dynamic look, although it slightly reduces the headroom of second-row passengers. The lighting technology is entirely LED in all versions, which has a positive effect on road illumination at night.
⚠️ Attention: Tail lights have a complex shape, and in the event of an accident, replacing them can be more expensive than for cars with simple optics.
The paintwork is applied according to modern standards, however, owners are advised to be careful about chips on the hood and sills, since the metal of the body requires careful handling.
Technical characteristics and dynamics
Under the hood Moskvich 3 hiding a time-tested naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine. This engine develops a power of 149 horsepower and a torque of 210 Nm, which is a decent indicator for an urban crossover.
Paired with the engine is a variator CVT from the famous manufacturer Bosch. This combination ensures a smooth ride and no jerking during acceleration, which is especially appreciated when driving in traffic jams.
Acceleration to the first hundred takes about 12.6 seconds, which does not allow for aggressive driving, but is quite enough for confident overtaking on the highway with the correct assessment of the distance. Top speed is electronically limited to 175 km/h.
To extend the service life of the variator, avoid sudden starts from a standstill (“gas to the floor”) on a cold engine, let the oil warm up for at least 2-3 minutes.
The fuel tank holds 55 liters of gasoline, which, with a declared consumption of 7.5 liters per hundred in the combined cycle, provides a range of more than 700 kilometers.
Interior and cabin ergonomics
The car's interior welcomes the driver and passengers with a modern design, where the central place is occupied by two dual screens of the multimedia system and dashboard, each 10.25 inches diagonal.
Finishing materials vary depending on the version: faux leather and soft plastic are used in top trim levels, while harder textures are used in basic trim levels. The assembly of the panels is done carefully, extraneous creaks are rare.
- 🚗 Multimedia supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows you to stream the navigator and music from your smartphone.
- ❄️ Climate control single-zone, but has a convenient touch control interface with quick access to settings.
- 🔌 Charging Accessible via two USB ports in the front and two in the rear, convenient for family trips.
The ergonomics of the driver's seat can be adjusted by adjusting the seat height and backrest angle. The steering wheel is only height adjustable, which can be a limitation for very tall drivers.
The trunk volume is 420 liters, which is average in the class. When the rear row is folded, an almost flat floor is formed, allowing the transport of long loads.
Options and price offers
On the Russian market, the model is presented in four main trim levels: Comfort, Style, Drive and Prime. Each of them offers its own set of options that affect the total cost of ownership.
| Equipment | Key Features | Approximate price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Basic equipment, 16" wheels | from 1,900,000 |
| Style | Climate control, 360 camera | from 2,100,000 |
| Drive | Power seats, luxury | from 2,300,000 |
| Prime | Full stuffing, 18" wheels | from 2,500,000 |
Basic version Comfort already includes the minimum necessary for a comfortable ride: air conditioning, cruise control and a full package of security systems.
Version Prime stands out with a panoramic roof, wireless smartphone charging and an expanded package of driving assistants, such as blind spot monitoring and parking assistance.
The most favorable price/quality ratio is the Style package, which already has a 360 camera and climate control.
Safety and driver assistance systems
The car received a wide range of electronic assistants designed to reduce the risk of accidents. The basis of the safety system is a high-strength body with reinforced pillars.
Among the available assistants, it is worth highlighting the collision avoidance system AEB, which automatically brakes the car when an obstacle is detected. There is also a driver fatigue monitoring system that analyzes driving patterns.
⚠️ Attention: The rear view camera in basic versions may have low resolution at night; you should not rely only on it when parking in the dark.
Six airbags are standard on all versions, providing driver and passenger protection in frontal and side impacts. Fastenings ISOFIX for child seats are conveniently located and easily accessible.
Maintenance and reliability of units
Engine series HF4GB1.6 has proven itself well on other models and is reliable with timely maintenance. The timing chain resource is about 150-200 thousand kilometers, but requires regular diagnostics of the tensioner.
CVT transmissions are sensitive to overheating and oil quality. The technical fluid in the gearbox must be replaced strictly according to regulations, at least once every 40-50 thousand kilometers.
☑️ Scheduled maintenance (10,000 km)
The chassis is adapted to Russian conditions: a classic MacPherson strut is installed at the front, and a torsion beam at the rear. This design is easy to maintain and does not require frequent adjustment of wheel alignment angles.
Hidden maintenance costs
The cost of original consumables (filters, pads) may be higher than that of mass brands due to logistics. Check with your dealer for prices in advance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Moskvich 3 have all-wheel drive?
No, currently the model Moskvich 3 Available exclusively with front-wheel drive. There are no 4x4 versions or electric modifications in the current line-up.
What octane gasoline is needed for the engine?
The manufacturer recommends using fuel with an octane rating AI-95. Using 92-octane gasoline is possible, but can lead to a decrease in power and increased fuel consumption.
Does Multimedia support installation of third party applications?
The stock operating system is closed for installing applications directly. However, the functionality can easily be expanded by connecting a smartphone using protocols CarPlay or Android Auto.
What is the real fuel consumption in the city?
In dense city traffic, actual consumption is about 9-10 liters per 100 km. On the highway at a speed of 100-110 km/h the figure drops to 6.5-7 liters.