Tag Archives: AvtoVAZ

News

AVTOVAZ Begins Sales of New LADA Iskra Across Major Cities

On the eve of AVTOVAZ’s 59th anniversary, the Russian automaker marks a significant milestone with the official launch of the LADA Iskra, a brand-new model that is set to reinforce the company’s commitment to accessible, road-ready vehicles for Russian motorists. Sales begin today in Tolyatti, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, with nationwide availability expected within weeks.

The Iskra—whose name fittingly translates to “spark”—is available in three body styles from the outset: sedan, station wagon, and SW Cross wagon, offering broad appeal to a diverse audience. With a starting price of 1,249,000 rubles (approx. €15,949), the base sedan comes with a 1.6-liter, 90-horsepower engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, a compelling value proposition for entry-level buyers.

A Symbolic Debut

Timed to align with AVTOVAZ’s storied history, the Iskra’s debut is steeped in symbolism. Production began earlier this year on April 19, marking 55 years since the launch of the original VAZ-2101 “Kopeyka.” Now, on July 20, the day AVTOVAZ was founded, the Iskra officially hits showroom floors.

“LADA Iskra begins its history in the year of the 55th anniversary of the first VAZ-2101,” said Maksim Sokolov, President of JSC AVTOVAZ. “We deliberately linked the production and sales launch to our most important historical dates. The Iskra represents not only a new product but a new era for AVTOVAZ engineering and localization.”

Russian-Built, Russian-Ready

AVTOVAZ developed the Iskra on a reengineered and highly localized platform, a project launched in summer 2022 that involved recreating over 1,000 parts and conducting rigorous testing with 300 prototypes. The result: a vehicle that boasts over 90% localization, optimized for Russian roads and operating conditions.

Positioned as a B-segment offering, the Iskra bridges the gap between the budget-friendly LADA Granta and the more premium LADA Vesta, targeting a younger demographic with its contemporary design, practicality, and competitive feature set.

Trims and Features: From Comfort to Techno

Even in its most basic Comfort trim, the Iskra doesn’t skimp on safety or convenience. Standard features include:

  • Front airbags
  • ESC & traction control
  • Hill-start assist
  • LADA Connect telematics
  • Tire pressure monitoring
  • Remote central locking

Step up to the Life package (from 1,319,000 rubles/€16,843) and you get air conditioning, plus heated mirrors and front seats.

The Enjoy trim (from 1,439,000 rubles/€18,375) adds premium touches such as:

  • Heated washer nozzles
  • Cruise control
  • Cooled glovebox
  • Adjustable steering column
  • LADA Enjoy Evo multimedia system with Yandex online services and internet access

At the top of the range sits the Techno version (from 1,579,000 rubles/€20,163), which pulls out all the stops with:

  • Heated rear seats, steering wheel, and windshield
  • Parking sensors and rearview camera
  • Fog lights with cornering function

Powertrain Versatility

The Iskra lineup includes three drivetrain options, all based on a 1.6-liter engine architecture:

  • 90 hp / 5-speed manual
  • 106 hp / 6-speed manual
  • 106 hp / automatic transmission

This variety ensures the model caters to both traditionalists who prefer manual control and drivers seeking everyday ease with an automatic.

Smart Incentives for Key Demographics

In a strategic push to boost accessibility, LADA is offering up to 20% discounts on the Iskra through state-subsidized lending programs. Eligible buyers include large families, teachers, healthcare workers, and participants in the Special Military Operation (SVO).

Source: AvtoVAZ

News

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

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
News

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