Lada Vesta: A Russian Automotive Icon
Lada Vesta, first unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in 2014, stands as a testament to Russian automotive innovation. Built on the new Łada B/C platform, a collaborative effort between AwtoWAZ and French automaker Renault, the car showcases a blend of Russian engineering and international design. Steve Mattin, known for his work with Mercedes and Volvo, was responsible for the vehicle’s stylish aesthetics.
Production commenced on September 25, 2015, in Izhewsk, with most components manufactured in Togliatti. Initially, the vehicle was exclusively available in the Russian market, with 70% of production earmarked for domestic consumption.
The car initially featured a 1.6L, 106 HP gasoline engine (WAZ-21129), of Russian design, with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) version also offered. In early 2016, a new 1.8L, 122 HP engine (WAZ-21179) joined the lineup.
Notably, a racing version designed for the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) was also introduced.
In the first quarter of 2020, Łada Vesta became the top-selling new car in Belarus.
European Presence
In 2017, the car entered selected Western European markets, including Germany, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary. By the first 8 months of 2017, it secured the 76th position among the best-selling cars in Europe. Initially intended for the Polish market, the company later withdrew its plans.
However, in 2020, the car was withdrawn from sale in EU countries due to new emission regulations. The last Ladas, homologated under previous guidelines, reached European dealerships in the first quarter of 2021.
Łada Vesta Cross
In August 2015, a concept model named Vesta Cross, an off-road station wagon, was unveiled. In 2017, the estate (SW) version and its Cross variant were introduced. In 2018, the Cross variant was also added to the sedan lineup.
Łada Vesta Signature
In 2015, Vesta Signature was developed for the executive needs of AvtoVAZ. Featuring an extended wheelbase of 250 mm, it was designed for higher-ranking managers as corporate vehicles. Equipped with individual electrically adjustable seats and a 1.8L, 122 HP engine, it also boasted a 5-speed automated transmission.
Trim Levels
- Classic
- Comfort
- Suite
- Cross
- Sport
Optional features include automatic climate control, a multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a memory card reader. Electrically controlled mirrors and windows, heated front and rear seats, a heated front windshield, a heated steering wheel, and cruise control are among the available options.
Łada Vesta continues to be a symbol of Russian automotive prowess, blending modern technology with a touch of tradition.
Vesta Aura is an extended version of the second-generation sedan model, which is an equivalent to the first-generation Vesta Signature.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AvtoWAZ |
| Designer | Steve Mattin |
| Unveiled | Moscow 2014 |
| Production Period | Since September 25, 2015 |
| Production Location | Russia, Izhevsk |
| Predecessor | Lada Priora |
| Segment | C |
| Body Types | 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon (SW) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automated manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| – Length | 4410 mm (4424 mm for Cross variant)[3] |
| – Width | 1764 mm (1785 mm for Cross variant) |
| – Height | 1497 mm (1526 mm for Cross variant) |
| – Wheelbase | 2635 mm |
| Weight | 1230-1380 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Trunk Capacity | 480 liters (825 liters for SW) |
| Payload Capacity | 290-450 kg |