There are two main groups of Ukrainian drivers: those who choose cars with diesel engines and those who prefer gasoline. This is if you don't count electric cars, as their number has been growing over the past two years.
According to Ukravtoprom's statistics for February, gasoline cars accounted for 44% of the new passenger car market: the country's car fleet increased by more than 2,400 such models. And we are talking only about showroom purchases, so sales on the secondary market should be taken into account. Thus, gasoline cars are currently the leaders and are far ahead of diesel options.
The main reasons for the popularity of gasoline cars among Ukrainians
The number of new gasoline cars in February this year increased by 25% compared to last year. And there is a certain pattern in this. The situation is commented on by Oleg Novasov, founder of CarFy, a car buyer in Kyiv. He explains the popularity of gasoline cars for several reasons:
- pricing policy, because if you compare the cost of similar models with different types of engines, it is often gasoline models that are cheaper;
- The maneuverability and agility of such vehicles is quite high;
- A gasoline car does not have injectors, which are quite expensive to replace, so its maintenance is somewhat cheaper;
- models with gasoline engines are less demanding on fuel quality than diesel engines.
Auto experts analyzed the purchases of gasoline cars by Ukrainians in February 2024 and concluded that the Japanese crossover Toyota RAV4 was the undisputed leader.
Why Ukrainians choose Toyota RAV4 with a gasoline engine
The compact, comfortable, and highly safe Toyota RAV4 crossover could not help but win over Ukrainians.
Oleg Novasov agrees with this: "Thanks to my work, I see different cars every day. And I can say that the Toyota RAV4 deserves to be in first place in terms of popularity. It has been in production for 30 years and was first introduced as an option for young people who choose active pastime. Over the years, the Japanese crossover has significantly expanded its audience, becoming a great family option as well.
Oleg also characterized Toyota's RAV4 as a reliable and safe car that has several important elements to prevent scratches and dents when driving off-road: crankcase protection, hood deflector. And this is only part of its advantages.
Toyota RAV4 is worth choosing for several other reasons:
- It has heated seats, not only for the driver, but also for passengers;
- The car is equipped with seven airbags at once;
- The electric power steering system ensures easy control both in the city and on the highway;
- the car accelerates to 100 km per hour in just 9 seconds.
In addition, the crossover is equipped with dual-zone climate control, and its interior is comfortable, roomy and stylish.
What other gasoline cars are in the ranking of popular cars among Ukrainians
Other models of gasoline cars also competed with the Japanese crossover. In February 2024, Ukrainians were successful in their purchases: Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 301, Skoda Scala and Octavia, Mazda CX 5, Suzuki SX4 and Vitara, KIA Sportage, Renault Duster. These are showroom cars, while the situation on the secondary market is somewhat different.
Oleg shares his experience because CarFy regularly monitors this information: "Gasoline cars are also leading among used cars, but the brands and models are slightly different. Ukrainians often buy and sell BMW 5, Opel Astra, Renault Megane, Volkswagen Passat, Daewoo Lanos. Their advantages are affordable price, reliability, and optimality for Ukrainian roads.