Китайські авто для таксі: які моделі найвигідніші?

Chinese cars for taxis are increasingly becoming a popular choice among Russian drivers in 2025, especially given the rising costs of fuel and maintenance. Brands such as Chery, Geely, and BYD offer affordable models with low running costs, which appeals to taxi drivers working for aggregators like Yandex.Taxi. But which models are actually worthwhile? In this article, we will analyse the characteristics of Chinese cars for taxis, their running costs, and driver feedback to identify the best options.

Why are Chinese taxi cars popular?

Chinese cars for taxis are attracting drivers due to their affordable price and modern technology. For example, the Chery Tiggo 4, priced at around 1.5 million roubles, is cheaper than a Hyundai Solaris, which will set you back 2 million. Furthermore, such cars are equipped with fuel-efficient engines, reducing fuel costs.

Another advantage is the availability of spare parts. In large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, parts for the Geely Coolray or Chery Tiggo 7 are easy to find, which simplifies repairs. Moreover, Chinese cars for taxis often have a spacious cabin, which is important for passenger comfort.

Requirements for vehicles used as taxis

To work as a taxi, a vehicle must meet certain criteria. In Russia, aggregators like Yandex.Taxi and Citymobil require the car to be no more than 5–7 years old, have a minimum of 4 doors and a spacious boot. Reliability, low fuel consumption and inexpensive maintenance are also important.

Chinese cars for taxis, such as the Geely Atlas or Chery Tiggo 8, fit the bill. They offer economical engines with fuel consumption of 7–9 L/100 km and spacious interiors, making them suitable for working in urban environments.

Топ-5 моделей китайских авто для такси

Chery Tiggo 4: Compactness and economy

The Chery Tiggo 4 is one of the most popular models amongst taxi drivers. With a price of around £17,000 and a fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km in a combined cycle, it’s economical for city work. The boot capacity of 340 litres allows for the transportation of passengers' luggage, and a ground clearance of 18 cm helps with navigating kerbs.

However, the Tiggo 4's suspension can wear out after 50,000 km, requiring investment. Nevertheless, the low cost of parts makes this model cost-effective for taxis.

Geely Coolray: Style and Technology

The Geely Coolray, with a price of 1.7 million rubles, entices drivers with its modern design and 1.5L engine, boasting a fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km. The cabin is equipped with a multimedia system, which passengers appreciate. Furthermore, the Coolray has good sound insulation, important for long shifts.

The downside is the small boot (330 litres), which might be inconvenient for airport trips. However, the high reliability makes the Coolray an excellent choice amongst Chinese cars for taxis.

Chery Tiggo 8: Room for Big Orders

The Chery Tiggo 8, priced at around £25,000, is a 7-seater SUV, ideal for larger bookings. Fuel consumption is 8 l/100 km, and the 892-litre boot (with the seats folded down) accommodates bulky luggage. This makes the Tiggo 8 suitable for work in the «Minivan» fare category.

A drawback is the higher maintenance cost compared to the Tiggo 4. However, the spaciousness and comfort make it worthwhile for taxi drivers working with families.

Geely Atlas: Reliability and Comfort

The Geely Atlas, priced at £25,000 and offering 31 mpg, boasts a spacious interior and a 500-litre boot. Four-wheel drive and a 19 cm ground clearance help it cope with poor road conditions, which is relevant for the regions. The Atlas also features heated seats, which are essential for winter.

A downside is the higher price of spare parts; for example, shock absorbers can cost £100 for a pair. Nevertheless, the reliability makes the Atlas popular among Chinese taxis.

BYD Song Plus: an electric vehicle for saving money

The BYD Song Plus, with a price of 3 million rubles, is an electric vehicle with a range of 405 km and consumption of 18 kWh/100 km. At an electricity price of 5 rubles per kWh, this works out to 90 rubles per 100 km, which is cheaper than petrol. This makes the Song Plus a cost-effective option for taxi drivers in cities with well-developed charging infrastructure.

However, the lack of charging stations in the regions could be a problem. Therefore, the BYD Song Plus is suitable for megacities like Moscow.

Порівняння з конкурентами

If you compare Chinese cars for taxis with popular models like the Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio, the difference is obvious. The Solaris, with a fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km, is more economical than the Chery Tiggo 4 (7.2 l/100 km), but it costs more – around 2 million roubles. The Kia Rio, with a 480-litre boot, is more spacious than the Coolray, but its maintenance costs more.

Chinese taxi cars win out on purchase price and parts. For example, filters for a Geely Atlas cost £5, while for a Solaris it's £8. This makes Chinese cars attractive to taxi drivers.

Running costs

Running costs are a key factor for taxis. A Chery Tiggo 4, consuming 7.2 L/100 km with petrol at £1 per litre, will cost £72 a month for a mileage of 1000 km. A Geely Atlas, consuming 7.5 L/100 km, will require £75. A BYD Song Plus, consuming 18 kWh/100 km will only cost £15.

Servicing is also important. A service for a Chery Tiggo 8 costs around £100, whereas for a Geely Coolray it’s £80. Moreover, electric vehicles like the BYD Song require less investment in servicing, but depend on charging infrastructure.

Taxi Driver Reviews

Driver feedback helps understand which Chinese cars are genuinely profitable for taxi work. A Yandex.Taxi driver from Moscow, using a Geely Coolray, noted that the car is economical and passengers like it, but the suspension wears out after 60,000 km. Another taxi driver from Yekaterinburg with a Chery Tiggo 4 praises the low cost of spare parts, but complains about sound insulation.

Electric cars are also getting feedback. A BYD Song Plus driver in St Petersburg is saving on fuel but facing a shortage of charging stations. These examples show that the choice depends on the region and needs.

Problems and how to avoid them

Chinese taxis can have wear and tear issues. For example, the Chery Tiggo 8's suspension may require shock absorber replacement after 50,000 km, costing around £150. The Geely Atlas can suffer from corrosion if the body isn't treated with anti-corrosion measures.

To avoid problems, regularly service your vehicle and use high-quality fuel. For electric vehicles, such as the BYD Song Plus, plan routes considering charging stations. This way, proper care will extend the life of your car.

Prospects for Chinese cars in taxis

By 2030, Chinese car share for taxis could rise to 20% thanks to their affordability and improved quality. Geely and Chery plan to expand model ranges adapted for taxis, with strengthened suspension and economical engines. Localisation of production, such as Chery assembly in Kaliningrad, will reduce the cost of spare parts.

Furthermore, the growth of charging infrastructure will make EVs, such as the BYD Song, more appealing to taxi drivers. This will improve the economic efficiency of Chinese cars for taxis in the future.

Round-up: Top picks for value

Chinese cars for taxis, such as the Chery Tiggo 4, Geely Coolray and BYD Song Plus, offer a balance of price and running costs. The Tiggo 4 and Coolray are suitable for urban environments, the Tiggo 8 is good for larger fares, and the Song Plus is for saving on fuel in megacities. Their advantages are a low price and the availability of spare parts, but the suspension and sound insulation require attention.

If you’re working in the taxi business, the model you choose depends on the region and the fare. In 2025, Chinese cars for taxis are an economical option that, with proper care, can become a worthwhile investment.