Iranian automaker Saipa is preparing cars for the Russian market. The budget sedan Saipa Shahin was spotted at the Dmitrovsky test site, which is undergoing a series of tests to obtain Vehicle Type Approval.
After obtaining the VTA, the brand will be able to start official deliveries and sales through a dealer network, and not be limited to one-time deliveries.
Saipa Shahin was built on the proven Toyota Yaris XP90 platform, developed in the mid-2000s. The car received McPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent beam at the rear.
This design simplifies maintenance and increases reliability when operating on Russian roads. The manufacturer installed disc brakes on all wheels, and included ABS and two front airbags in the basic safety list.
Under the hood, the Shahin is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline turbocharged engine with a capacity of 110 hp. The engine is combined with a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.
The initial configuration offers air conditioning, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and an engine start button. In more expensive versions, buyers will receive cruise control, a sunroof, a multimedia system with a touch screen, tire pressure sensors and an ESP stabilization system.
In Iran, Shahin is sold at a price of $12,000. The Russian price tag will be announced after the completion of tests and certification.