China on the offensive and Europe’s car manufacturing response: things to see at the Riga Auto 2026
The biggest highlight of this year’s Baltic Motor Show Riga Auto 2026, which will take place on 24–26 April at Ķīpsala, will be the unprecedented number of market newcomers. For some of the cars this will be their debut on the Latvian market, several others will make their first appearance on the Baltic market and visitors will have an opportunity to see some exclusive rides even before they are sold on the market. Trade fair will also present some of the latest cars from China, notable for their technological innovations, and the response from their European rivals, the traditional brands, as well as new sports and electrical modifications from well-known producers.
Special, sporty VZ5 returns to Cupra line-up
After release of Cupra Formentor modernised version, the special, sporty version of the car - VZ5, which ran on Audi RS3 engine – disappeared from company’s line-up. However, as market situation changed, the new Cupra Formentor has proudly returned with legendary 2.5l, five-cylinder Audi engine that can reach 390HP in its stock. Like previous iterations of VZ5, the new edition is issued in limited number as there will only be 4 000 of these cars released. On 24 April, during the Riga Auto 2026, visitors will be able to experience the Baltic reveal of updated Cupra Formentor VZ5. See the full programme of events here: https://ej.uz/auto2026_pasākumi
Xpeng P7+ defines AI-powered cars
Xpeng, which recently entered the Latvian market, is a Chinese premium class car brand. On 24 April, during the Riga Auto 2026, visitors will be able to experience the Baltic reveal of its latest P7+ sedan, which marks Xpeng’s attempts to define the AI-powered automobile segment by offering a sedan equipped with modern technologies that allow using AI to make the car fit for autonomous driving. Xpeng P7+ uses the modern 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging. Putting aerodynamics at the centre (Cd coefficient is only 0.206), company has achieved an outstanding energy efficiency with relatively modest size battery.
Two new car brands entering the Latvian market
There will be not only new model reveals at the Baltic Motor Show Riga Auto 2026. There will also be reveals of whole brands. Jaecoo and Omoda are the two new car brands that will debut at this year’s Riga Auto trade fair in Ķīpsala. Both brands belong to China’s largest automotive group Chery. These new brands stand out for their modern safety features, high-level of comfort and environmentally friendly power pack. Their new models reflect the latest global automotive industry trends: electrification, smart connectivity and user-centred experience. Jaecoo and Omoda brands will participate in the trade fair with four different-size off-road cars: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions.
Electric modification of Subaru maintaining its classic values
Uncharted is Subaru’s first fully electric compact class off-road vehicle. It is suitable for those who love nature and adventure. With 21cm clearance, which is more than other popular city SUVs, it stands out in this crossover class. Like a true Subaru, this new model has robust 4x4 drive that is powered by two electrical engines. The crossover that has 338HP is so powerful that it can speed up to 100 km/h from naught in 5 seconds, which many sports cars would envy. It reaches the 470km range when fully charged.
Third generation Audi Q3 crossover
The latest Audi Q3 is based on the same, yet modernised, MQB platform. But the exterior and interior of the new iteration is significantly different. With smoother body lines, the car has become much curvier, giving it a more buffed-up appearance. With split headlights, the top line of light diodes can be adjusted to achieve the necessary pattern. Interior design uses new finishing materials made of recycled polyester and nylon. Front panel has two screens integrated in single housing: digital 11.9 inch-wide instrument cluster and 12.8 inch-wide multimedia screen that includes AC controls and eliminates the need to use separate cluster with knobs. Contrary to most off-road vehicles available on the market, Audi Q3 still has a diesel version as well.
Chery enters the Latvian market with a bang
Chery, one of the largest automotive manufacturers from China, made a strong market entrance in Latvia several months ago. Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 are the models that were already displayed at the dealership, whereas Riga Auto 2026 trade fair will present the other market newcomers such as hybrid version of compact crossover Tiggo 4, which will definitely challenge other similar off-road vehicles available on the market with its 25 thousand euro price tag, and the slightly bigger and technologically more packed Tiggo 9 SUV with 7 seats and plug-in hybrid modification. Brand’s authorised dealer WESS Select will also present two new crossovers from Dongfeng.
Legendary British MG will present several new models at once
The legendary British car brand MG made its return to the Latvian market lees than a year ago under the current Chinese ownership. MG4 Urban, S6 and S9 are the three latest models that will be simultaneously revealed on the Baltic market on the first day of the fair. The first of them is really essential for the Baltics and aims to become the market leader in the rapidly growing segment for compact and affordable EVs. Meanwhile, S6 is a new, electric compact class off-road vehicle that rivals many popular European competitors. MG S9 is the latest crossover that is packed with loads of technology and reflects brands strong ambitions for the European market. Moreover, Cyberster, MG’s impressive electric roadster, will also make an appearance at Ķīpsala to confirm that the lineage of classic, legendary British MG roadsters is well alive.
Strong representation of Kia new electrical vehicles
Kia representatives hope they will manage to bring the EV2 electrical vehicle, which was launched globally early this year, to Riga Auto 2026 too. This car is a revolutionary breakthrough for the European market – it is a low-cost gateway into the world of EVs. Kia will also bring its latest EV4 and EV5 to trade fair, along with unique electrical PV5 commercial van – a segment that is yet to experience its boom. K4 is the latest internal combustion Kia that visitors will be able to see, especially if they are nostalgic for the Ceed series that have been discontinued.
Petrolheads and industry professionals will gather for the 31st Baltic Motor Show Riga Auto 2026 at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre on 24–26 April 2026. Trade fair traditionally consists of three thematic sections: New Cars, Auto Mechanica and Auto Exotica. This year’s New Cars section will present the latest models from well-known market players and an unprecedented number of market newcomers: Audi, Volkswagen, Cupra, Škoda, Kia, Honda, Xpeng, Renault, Dacia, BYD, Nissan, MG, Great Wall Motors, Voyah, Dong Feng, M-Hero, Forthing, Subaru, Toyota, Lynk & Co, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo and many others.
Riga Auto is organised by BT1 International Expo Company. www.bt1.lv
Riga Auto 2026 partners: global trading platform eBay, which offers modern solutions for trading car parts.
The Baltic Motor Show Riga Auto is supported by the car buyer’s guide WhatCar?.
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