The new Lada Iskra is gradually being tested not only on test tracks, but also in real everyday use. The car has been in the Za Rulem editorial garage for several months, so the experts have had the opportunity to evaluate not only its equipment and driving characteristics, but also the first minor faults that appear after the start of regular use.
It is noteworthy that a significant portion of the problems discovered with the Lada Iskra turned out to be related not to the mechanics, but to the electronics. At the same time, several unpleasant features were eliminated during the first maintenance with a routine software update.
The main problem with the Lada Iskra turned out to be related to the speedometer
One of the most noticeable defects of the first Lada Iskra copies was the discrepancy between the readings of the two speedometers. The analog instrument on the panel was underestimating the speed, while the digital value on the central display was showing the correct data.
For the driver, such a situation may seem like a trifle, but for a new car, this is a rather significant drawback. Speed is one of the basic characteristics that the driver should receive as accurately and unambiguously as possible.
The problem was resolved during the scheduled first maintenance. The dealer installed a new version of the software, after which the readings of the analog and digital speedometers began to match.
This case is typical for the Lada Iskra in general: some of the initial complaints about the car can be resolved without replacing parts or major repairs.
Why did the dashboard darken on the Lada Iskra
Another electronic feature appeared when the light sensor was operating.
Under normal conditions, the brightness of the instrument cluster was adjusted normally at night. However, when entering a tunnel or under a bridge during the day, the system could abruptly reduce the backlight. As a result, information on the instrument panel became difficult to see.
This was particularly frustrating for the driver precisely because the situation arose unexpectedly: the ambient light changed for just a few seconds, and the electronics reacted excessively.
Specialists calibrated the sensor. After this, the decrease in brightness became significantly less, and the problem practically disappeared.
However, the automatic sensors cannot yet be considered completely ideal. The Lada Iskra still has some questions about the algorithms of the light and rain sensors. Unlike software errors, such issues can’t be fixed with a simple firmware reflash—the component itself must be modified.
The central locking also had to be “trained” to work correctly
Another complaint concerned automatic door locking.
The car’s settings provide for automatic locking of the locks after the vehicle is driven. According to the system’s logic, this operation should occur only once. However, early in the Iskra’s operation, it could activate the central locking relay several times in a row.
The constant clicking sounds didn’t pose a serious safety hazard, but they were annoying and created the impression that the electronics were operating unstable.
After the software update, the repeated clicking sounds disappeared.
This is another example of why the first months of a new model’s release often become a kind of continuation of factory testing. Even if the design of the car is already ready for serial production, real-life operating conditions can reveal scenarios that are difficult to fully simulate at the development stage.
Lada Iskra received more user-friendly dashboard graphics
Simultaneously with fixing errors, the developers also made useful changes to the interface.
The instrument cluster graphics have been redesigned: the font has become larger and bolder. For the driver, this means faster reading of information while driving.
In addition, an arrow has appeared that shows the location of the fuel filler flap. At first glance, this is a small thing, but it is precisely such details that gradually shape the convenience of the car in everyday use.
For a budget model, such changes are especially important. The Lada Iskra buyer primarily expects a simple and intuitive car, in which the main functions work predictably and do not require getting used to.
What is the bottom line with the reliability of the Lada Iskra
The first reviews of the Lada Iskra operation so far allow us to make a rather cautious conclusion. The problems identified cannot be automatically considered serious malfunctions of the car.
Most of the comments in this case relate to the software and settings of the electronic systems. They were resolved without expensive repairs and replacement of major components.
At the same time, the situation itself demonstrates an important feature of the modern Lada Iskra: there is more electronics in the car, which means there are also more potential software errors. For the owner, this is both a plus and a minus.
On the one hand, the manufacturer can fix some of the problems through a software update. On the other hand, the buyer essentially receives a car whose software continues to be refined after sales have begun.
Should you be wary of buying a Lada Iskra
The initial comments about the Lada Iskra do not in themselves seem to be sufficient reason to refuse to buy. How the manufacturer responds to the identified problems is much more important.
In this case, the response was quite constructive: the errors were diagnosed, the software was updated, after which several unpleasant features disappeared.
For a potential owner, this means that when buying a new Lada Iskra, it makes sense to check with the dealer about the version of the installed software and the availability of available updates. This is especially true for cars of early batches.
At the same time, it is too early to draw final conclusions about the reliability of the Lada Iskra. High-mileage vehicles will reveal the true picture—that’s when the reliability of the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and other key components will become clear.
For now, the first months of operation of the new Lada Iskra provide a rather mixed, but overall encouraging picture. The car does have its teething problems, but the manufacturer is able to address at least some of them with software updates. For a modern car, this is already becoming standard practice, and for the Russian auto industry, how quickly such fixes reach owners is especially important.
The main question now is not so much whether the Lada Iskra will develop new issues, but how quickly AvtoVAZ can identify and resolve them. This will be one of the most important indicators of the quality of the new model in the future.
