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Lada Azimut Marks Brand’s First All-New SUV in Nearly 30 Years

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Once cornered by international sanctions and forced to sell outdated Euro 2 models, Russian automaker AvtoVAZ is staging a surprising comeback. The company behind the iconic Lada brand is now preparing to launch what could be its most ambitious vehicle in decades: the Lada Azimut, a fully Russian-developed SUV that aims to redefine the brand’s image and capabilities.

The Azimut, set to debut in 2026, marks Lada’s first entirely new SUV in nearly 30 years. Developed entirely within Russia amid continued Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, the Azimut is a bold statement of self-reliance and renewed ambition from AvtoVAZ. It builds on the momentum the company has regained in recent years, including the revitalization of the Niva lineup and a return to some European markets with the rugged Niva Travel.

A Shift Toward Modern Design

With its sharp lines, robust stance, and refined detailing, the Azimut stands apart from Lada’s typically utilitarian styling. The SUV’s exterior design draws clear inspiration from European models like the Dacia Duster or the upcoming Bigster, suggesting a deliberate attempt to elevate the brand’s aesthetic appeal.

The front fascia features an upright stance and short overhangs, highlighted by a signature “X” motif, integrated LED headlights, and a sporty bumper design. Along the sides, 18-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint give the Azimut a contemporary feel, while the rear boasts a sleek LED light bar and aluminum-trimmed bumper details.

Tech-Forward Interior

Inside, the Azimut adopts a more serious, modern tone. A digital instrument cluster is joined by a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen equipped with navigation and a voice assistant, developed in partnership with Russian tech firms Sber and Navi. Standard features include a reversing camera, six-speaker audio, and keyless entry, while options range from a panoramic roof and wireless charging to a 360-degree camera and dual-zone climate control.

A drive mode selector hints at the SUV’s off-road intentions—though, for now, that’s mostly symbolic.

Powertrains and Platform

The Azimut will initially launch with three petrol engine options: a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 120 hp, a 1.8-liter with 132 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offering 150 hp. Depending on the variant, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual, a CVT, or a conventional automatic transmission.

Built on an updated version of the Vesta platform, which dates back to 2015 and was last revised in 2022, the Azimut offers a respectable 208 mm of ground clearance. Though its off-road styling suggests rugged capability, the SUV will launch in front-wheel-drive configuration only. However, a four-wheel-drive version remains on the table for the future.

Notably, the chassis has undergone extensive changes, with nearly 1,000 new or modified components compared to the Vesta, particularly in the rear suspension.

Ambitions and Price Tag

Production of the Azimut will begin at Lada’s Togliatti plant in 2026. However, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions, its availability will be limited to the Russian market for the foreseeable future.

In terms of pricing, local reports suggest a starting price of around 2.5 million rubles (approximately €29,000), with fully equipped versions reaching up to €35,000. That makes the Azimut the most expensive model in Lada’s current lineup—nearly triple the price of a basic Niva Legend.

Despite the steep cost by Lada standards, the Azimut is clearly aimed at redefining the brand’s aspirations rather than competing on affordability alone. Whether this strategy succeeds in reshaping perceptions of Lada, both domestically and eventually abroad, will become clearer once the Azimut hits Russian roads.

For now, one thing is certain: AvtoVAZ is no longer content with merely surviving—it’s aiming to evolve.

Source: AvtoVaz

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Lada Azimut Marks Brand's First All-New SUV in Nearly 30 Years
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Renault sold its stake in AvtoVAZ for 1 cent

After Russia invaded Ukraine, the European Union imposed sanctions, forcing many carmakers to halt production in Russia. One of them was Renault, which even considered restarting production a month later, but backed out. It controlled 30 percent of the entire Russian car market, and now it has been announced that the French manufacturer has sold its share in AvtoVAZ (68%) to the Russian automotive research center NAMI for 1 ruble (1 cent).

It is obvious that Renault has no intention of returning to Russia, and if it were to decide to do so, it would cost them a lot. According to NAMI CEO Maxim Sokolov, the company has invested a lot in AvtoVAZ, so if Renault were to decide to return, it would cost them 112.5 billion rubles ($1.3 billion).

According to Sokolov, Renault invested between $226 and $249 million in AvtoVAZ before withdrawing from Russia, so he believes it would be right for the French to compensate NAMI if they return.

In an interview with TASS, he also said that in 2023, AvtoVAZ NAMI had invested about $311 million. Last year, they invested almost $453 million, and this year they plan to invest another $510 million.

Current relations between Russia and the EU do not indicate that there could be a relaxation soon, so it is difficult to expect that European manufacturers could return to the Russian market in the near future.

Source: TASS

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2026 Lada Iskra is ready for ice racing

Before the new Lada Iskra goes into production, Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ has unveiled a version designed for motorsport. This car is built to conquer icy tracks, and it debuted at the 27th “Race of Champions” in Samara.

At first glance, this version is indistinguishable from the standard Iskra. The only differences are the new livery with the prototype of the factory Lada Sport Rosneft team with yellow, orange, red and black graphics, and new rims with studded snow tires. The cabin features a roll cage, a multifunctional electronic control panel mounted on the steering column, and a hydraulic handbrake. The car is slightly lighter than the standard version, which means that the rear seats have probably been removed, as well as most (if not all) unnecessary ones.

The car is equipped with new shock absorbers, stiffer springs, reinforced mounting points and ball joints instead of blocks. The factory front brakes have been retained, while the rear brakes have been taken from the Vesta model.

As for the powertrain, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine has been increased in displacement to 1.8-liters, and the engine has received a new crankshaft, reinforced connecting rods, improved intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU. The result is 175 hp (130 kW) and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque, significantly more than the standard version, which has 106 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a sequential gearbox with a limited-slip differential.

Source: AvtoVAZ