Car ZAZ Chance (in some sources - ZAZ Chance A07) often raises questions among potential buyers: whose car is this, where is it produced and can the Ukrainian automobile industry be trusted? Even though the brand ZAZ (Zaporozhye Automobile Plant) is well known in the CIS countries; its modern models remain a mystery to many. In this article we will figure out who is behind Chance, what is its history, and what nuances are important to know before purchasing.
It’s worth clarifying right away: ZAZ Chance - this is not an independent development of Ukrainian engineers, but the result of cooperation with Chinese automakers. In fact, this converted Chinese car, adapted to the local market. But why then is the ZAZ logo emblazoned on it, and what pros/cons does this give? The answers are below.
Who produces ZAZ Chance: analysis of the brand and partners
Factory ZAZ (Zaporozhye, Ukraine) has historically specialized in the production of compact and budget cars - from the legendary “Zaporozhets” to models based on Daewoo (for example, ZAZ Lanos). However, after the collapse of the USSR and changes in the economic situation, the plant was faced with the need to look for new partners. So in the 2010s, ZAZ began cooperation with Chinese automakers in order to survive in the market.
ZAZ Chance - this is the result of a partnership with the company Chery Automobile (China). In fact, the car is rebranded version of the model Chery Bonus 3 (or Chery A19 in some markets), released under the ZAZ logo for Ukraine and the CIS countries. This is a typical practice for many post-Soviet car factories: taking ready-made Chinese platforms and adapting them to local conditions.
- 🏭 Manufacturer: Zaporozhye Automobile Plant (ZAZ), Ukraine.
- 🤝 Platform partner: Chery Automobile (China).
- 🔧 Localization level: Assembly from Chinese components (CKD) with a minimum share of Ukrainian parts.
It is important to understand that Chance - not a unique development of ZAZ. This licensed copy with minor changes in design and suspension settings. This strategy allowed the plant to reduce R&D costs and quickly bring a competitive (priced) product to the market.
Country of manufacture of ZAZ Chance: Ukraine or China?
Formally ZAZ Chance It is assembled in Ukraine - in the workshops of the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant. However, this does not mean that the car is “Ukrainian” in the usual sense. The fact is that ZAZ uses SKD/CKD method:
- 🚗 Body and main units (engine, transmission, suspension) are supplied from China in disassembled form.
- 🔩 Assembly carried out in Ukraine - plant workers connect components, install electronics and conduct testing.
- 🇺🇦 Local details (for example, glass, rubber products) can be purchased from Ukrainian suppliers, but their share is minimal.
This scheme allows ZAZ to avoid high duties on the import of finished cars and position Chance as a “domestic” product. However, in essence this Chinese car with Ukrainian registration. For the buyer this means:
⚠️ Attention: Warranty service ZAZ Chance in Russia and other CIS countries (except Ukraine) may be difficult. Official dealers Chery These cars are not always recognized as “ours”, and spare parts have to be ordered through Ukrainian suppliers.
| Criterion | ZAZ Chance (Ukraine) | Chery Bonus 3 (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Country of assembly | Ukraine (ZAZ) | China |
| Platform | Chery A19 | Chery A19 |
| Engine | 1.5L SQR477F (80–109 hp) | 1.5L SQR477F (80–109 hp) |
| Warranty | 2–3 years (only in Ukraine) | 3–5 years (global) |
Technical specifications: what's under the hood of the ZAZ Chance?
ZAZ Chance positioned as a budget sedan class B, competing with Lada Granta, Renault Logan and Geely Emgrand. Under the hood it has a time-tested Chinese engine:
- 🔥 Engine: 1.5 liter petrol
SQR477F(16 valves, distributed injection). - ⚡ Power: 80–109 hp depending on the version (atmospheric or turbocharged).
- ⚙️ Gearbox: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (torque converter).
- 🛣️ Drive: front
According to owner reviews, the engine SQR477F quite reliable, but sensitive to fuel quality. Main problems related to:
- 🔧 Electronics (frequent glitches of sensors and on-board computer).
- 🛞 Suspension (weak shock absorbers and wheel bearings).
- 🔋 battery (discharges quickly in cold weather).
On the other hand, Chance outperforms its competitors in several respects:
- 💰 Price: Cheaper Lada Granta and Renault Logan in similar configurations.
- 📏 Interior space: The back row is more comfortable than that of the Granta.
- 🎨 Design: More modern than most budget sedans in the CIS.
Before purchasing ZAZ Chance check the car history through the service Autocode or CarVertical — many cars are sold after accidents or with mileage “twisted” to 0 km.
Pros and cons of ZAZ Chance: is it worth buying?
Like any budget car, Chance has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed decision.
✅ Benefits:
- 💵 Low price: One of the most affordable new sedans on the CIS market (from ~600,000 rubles in the basic configuration).
- 🚗 Spacious interior: Outranks rear passengers in terms of comfort Lada Granta and Datsun on-DO.
- 🔧 Ease of repair: Details from Chery Bonus 3 suitable, and their price is lower than that of their European counterparts.
- 🛡️ Galvanized body: Better protected from corrosion than many domestic cars.
❌ Disadvantages:
- 🔌 Unreliable electrical: Frequent problems with wiring, sensors and on-board computer.
- 🛑 Weak dynamics: The 1.5-liter engine is a bit dull when overtaking, especially with automatic transmission.
- 🔊 Noisy suspension: Knocks and squeaks are heard on uneven surfaces.
- 📉 Low liquidity: On the secondary market Chance sold at a big discount.
If you need inexpensive car for the city with minimal maintenance costs, ZAZ Chance may be a smart choice. But if you plan to drive long distances or transport cargo, it is better to consider alternatives (for example, Renault Logan or Kia Rio).
☑️ What to check before buying ZAZ Chance?
Comparison with competitors: ZAZ Chance vs Lada Granta vs Chery Bonus 3
To understand how much ZAZ Chance competitive, let's compare it with its main rivals in the budget segment.
| Parameter | ZAZ Chance | Lada Granta | Chery Bonus 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (new, basic) | ~600,000 rub. | ~650,000 rub. | ~700,000 rub. |
| Engine | 1.5L (80–109 hp) | 1.6L (87–106 hp) | 1.5L (80–109 hp) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5–7.5 l/100 km | 7.0–8.0 l/100 km | 6.3–7.2 l/100 km |
| Warranty | 2–3 years (Ukraine) | 3 years (Russia) | 3–5 years (global) |
| Reliability | Medium (electrical problems) | Medium (build quality issues) | Above average |
From the table it is clear that ZAZ Chance loses Chery Bonus 3 in terms of warranty and reliability, but wins in price. Compared to Lada Granta, it has a more modern design and a spacious interior, but worse service support outside of Ukraine.
If you choose between ZAZ Chance and Chery Bonus 3, it is better to take the original Chinese model - it is assembled of better quality and has a global guarantee.
Where to buy ZAZ Chance and what to look for?
Buy new ZAZ Chance you can:
- 🇺🇦 In Ukraine: Through official ZAZ dealers (2-3 year warranty).
- 🇷🇺 In Russia: Only on the secondary market (new cars are not officially supplied since 2022).
- 🌍 In other CIS countries: Through parallel import (warranty not valid).
When buying used Chance be sure to check:
- Mileage: Many cars last up to 30–50 thousand km, although the actual mileage can be 2–3 times higher.
- Body condition: Pay attention to the sills, arches and bottom - rust often appears there.
- Documents: Make sure that the title is original and there are no restrictions on registration.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia, the official import of ZAZ cars has been stopped since 2022. Purchase Chance through “gray” imports is fraught with problems with registration with the traffic police and a lack of spare parts.
Average price on the secondary market (2026):
- 🚘 2018–2019 onwards, mileage 50–80 thousand km: RUB 350,000–450,000
- 🚗 2020–2021 onwards, mileage 20–40 thousand km: 500,000–600,000 rub.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about ZAZ Chance, let's study reviews from real owners (sources: Drive2.ru, forums Auto.ru and Ukrainian automobile communities).
✅ Positive feedback:
- 💰 «I bought a new one in 2020 for 620 thousand rubles. - cheaper than any foreign car. In two years I drove 40 thousand km, there were no serious breakdowns, only little things like replacing light bulbs.”
- 🛣️ «Enough for the city and highway. Consumption is 7 liters, comfort is normal. I like the design better than Granta’s.”
- 🔧 «Repairs are cheap. Spare parts from Chery are suitable and are cheaper than for Lada.”
❌ Negative reviews:
- 🔌 «Electrical is a nightmare. Over the course of a year, I replaced the speed sensor, generator and power window control unit.”
- 🛑 «Weak motor. He is reluctant to overtake, especially with air conditioning.”
- 📉 «I sold it a year later and lost 30% of the value. Nobody takes it on the secondary market.”
Overall rating on Auto.ru: 3.5/5 (based on 120+ reviews). The main complaints are about the quality of assembly and electronics, but for its price the machine is considered adequate.
The most common breakdown of ZAZ Chance
The crankshaft position sensor fails (symptoms: the car stalls while driving, does not start). Replacement cost: ~3,000 rub. (detail) + work.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ZAZ Chance
🔹 Whose car is ZAZ Chance really?
ZAZ Chance - this is a converted Chinese car Chery Bonus 3 (or Chery A19), assembled in Ukraine from Chinese components. In fact, this is a joint project between ZAZ and Chery Automobile.
🔹 Where is ZAZ Chance produced?
The car is assembled at Zaporozhye Automobile Plant (ZAZ) in Ukraine. However, all key components (engine, gearbox, body panels) are supplied from China.
🔹 Is it possible to buy a new ZAZ Chance in Russia in 2026?
Officially, no. Starting from 2022, deliveries of new ZAZ vehicles to Russia have been stopped. Only used vehicles or cars imported through “gray” imports (without warranty) remain on the market.
🔹 What spare parts are suitable for ZAZ Chance?
Most parts are interchangeable with Chery Bonus 3, Chery Amulet and other models on the platform A19. Some spare parts from ZAZ Vida (another model based on Chery).
🔹 How long does ZAZ Chance last?
With careful use and timely maintenance Chance can pass 150–200 thousand km without major repairs. However, electronics and suspension often require attention after 50–60 thousand km.