Catalog / ZAZ
Zaporizhzhia Automobile Building Plant, widely known as ZAZ, holds a special place in the automotive history of Ukraine and the former Soviet Union. Founded in 1863 as a farm-equipment factory, ZAZ began its journey into automobile production in 1960 with the launch of the iconic ZAZ-965, affectionately nicknamed 'Zaporozhets'.
The ZAZ-965, inspired by the Fiat 600, became a symbol of affordable mobility in the Soviet era. Its unique design, featuring a rear-mounted air-cooled engine, made it stand out and earned it the nickname 'hunchback' due to its distinctive shape. This car marked the beginning of ZAZ's mission to provide accessible transportation to the masses.
In 1970, ZAZ introduced the ZAZ-966, which continued the rear-engine concept but with a more modern design. This model, often called the 'big-eared Zaporozhets' due to its protruding air intakes, became another cult classic.
The 1980s saw the introduction of the ZAZ-968M, an updated version of its predecessor, which remained in production until 1994. During this period, ZAZ also produced the ZAZ-1102 Tavria, the first front-wheel-drive car from the company, marking a significant technological leap.
After Ukraine's independence, ZAZ faced challenges but managed to adapt. In 1998, the company entered into a partnership with Daewoo Motors, leading to the production of rebadged Daewoo models. This collaboration helped modernize ZAZ's production facilities and expand its model range.
In the 21st century, ZAZ continued to evolve. The company started producing models under license from various international brands, including Chevrolet and Chery. The ZAZ Lanos, based on the Daewoo Lanos, became one of the most popular cars in Ukraine.
An interesting fact about ZAZ is that it produced the first Ukrainian electric car, the ZAZ Lanos Electric, in 2010. While it was a limited production model, it showcased the company's ability to innovate and adapt to changing automotive trends.
Today, ZAZ continues to play a significant role in Ukraine's automotive industry. While facing challenges in the competitive global market, the brand remains an important part of Ukrainian industrial heritage, symbolizing the country's engineering capabilities and the democratization of car ownership in Eastern Europe.
The cost of ZAZ cars varies significantly depending on the model, year of manufacture, and market conditions. In the European market, prices for ZAZ vehicles are generally positioned in the budget-friendly segment.
New ZAZ models, when available, typically range from €6,000 to €12,000. For instance, the ZAZ Sens, based on the Daewoo Lanos platform, has been offered in some markets for around €7,000 to €9,000 in its base configuration.
Used ZAZ vehicles are considerably more affordable. Older models like the ZAZ-968 or early Tavria can be found for as little as €500 to €2,000, depending on their condition. More recent models like the ZAZ Lanos or Forza (based on Chery A13) typically range from €3,000 to €7,000 in the used car market.
It's important to note that ZAZ has limited presence in many European markets, and prices can vary significantly based on import costs, local taxes, and availability. In Ukraine and some Eastern European countries, prices may be lower due to reduced transportation costs and taxes.
The most affordable ZAZ model in recent years has been the ZAZ Sens, with prices starting around €6,000 for a new vehicle in its most basic configuration. However, the availability of new ZAZ models can be limited in many European markets.
The final price of the cheapest ZAZ model can vary based on several factors:
It's worth noting that in the used car market, much cheaper options are available, with prices for older ZAZ models starting as low as €500-€1,000 for vehicles in running condition.
The most expensive ZAZ model in recent years has been the ZAZ Forza (based on the Chery A13), with fully-equipped versions priced around €12,000 to €14,000 when new. However, it's important to note that ZAZ's production and availability have been limited in recent years, especially in Western European markets.
The price of the top-end ZAZ model can increase based on various factors:
It's worth noting that these prices are estimates based on historical data, and actual prices can vary significantly depending on the specific market, availability, and current production status of ZAZ vehicles.
