When AvtoVAZ officially presented the Lada Iskra, it became clear that this was not just a new model, but an attempt to reboot the idea of an affordable car in Russia. The model was developed on a deeply redesigned CMF-B-LS platform, and although it is based on French developments from Renault, the result was original. Yuzhny Avtomobil spent several days with the Lada Iskra in Minsk. The editor-in-chief of the Ufocar.ru portal Maxim Cherkashin found out why the new Lada Iskra is better than the Lada Granta and Lada Vesta.
Appearance: confidence and recognition
The first impression of the Iskra is a modern, strict, but not pretentious design. At the front is the signature X-shaped graphics in the optics and radiator grille. The hood with relief lines, smooth but collected proportions of the body, short overhangs – all this makes the car visually more expensive. At the same time, all the body panels of the Lada Iskra are original and there are no borrowings from other VAZ models. At the same time, all the body panels, except for the roof, are galvanized.
Ideologically, the car is a third-generation Renault Logan. This model was very popular in Russia, but after the French fled AvtoVAZ, domestic engineers had to radically modify the Lada Iskra, taking into account the missing Western components and technologies. It turned out to be a decent car.
The color palette includes 7 different options. The signature colors for Iskra are the enamels “Captain” (blue) and “Tabasco” (orange). The latter shade is available only for Cross station wagons. As for the bodies, the car will be available in three versions – a sedan, station wagon and cross-station wagon.
The length of the Lada Iskra sedan is 65 mm longer than the Lada Granta, and it also surpasses it in wheelbase – 2603 mm versus 2476 mm. In addition, the Iskra is 77 mm wider than the Granta. The basic configuration of the car includes 15-inch wheels, the top version will have 16-inch wheels with a signature pattern of alloy wheels.
Interior: a step forward
The main surprise is the interior. Here VAZ really stepped up to a new level. Simple but high-quality plastic, good assembly and even elements of soft trim on the front panel. The Techno configuration includes a two-tone trim, a multi-wheel, a nice dashboard, a multimedia system with an 8-inch screen.
The IPS screen displays the image from the rear view camera, but the display frames are wide, which reduces its useful area. AvtoVAZ engineers say that other multimedia with a larger screen may appear in the future.
You can also get at your disposal services from Yandex with the voice assistant Alice and a telematics complex, thanks to which you can remotely receive information about the condition of the car. The proprietary Lada Connect system allows you to track the condition of the car, as well as its location. At the same time, there is no remote start yet, however, the voice assistant Alice cannot open the windows or turn on the headlights at your request.
Hard plastic is used in the interior, but it is tactilely pleasant to the touch. The steering wheel can be adjusted for tilt and reach. The seating position is high but comfortable, visibility is excellent. The front seats are densely padded and have lateral support. The back row has a small reserve for the knees, but three adults will find it a bit cramped.
Engines and gearboxes
The Lada Iskra will be equipped in the base with a time-tested eight-valve 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 90 horsepower and a five-speed gearbox. This combination has long been time-tested and is familiar from the basic versions of the Lada Granta. There will also be a sixteen-valve VAZ 1.6 engine with 106 horsepower. AvtoAZ paired it with a six-speed manual gearbox. Most likely, this will be the most popular option among buyers.
The engine is sufficient for urban conditions and medium-length highways. The engine is economical and has a relatively low noise level. At the same time, the six-speed gearbox works quite clearly, and the gears are easily engaged without effort. For top-end versions, the 1.6-liter 106 ci engine is aggregated with a WLY variator from eastern partners. It feels like the car drives more dynamically with a manual transmission; at high revs, the variator and engine are a little noisy.
On the move
The suspension of the Lada Iskra is tuned for comfort, it dampens the unevenness of the asphalt well and is perfect for city roads. The handling is quite predictable – the steering wheel is responsive, the car holds the trajectory well in turns, but does not provoke aggressive driving.
Maneuverability in parking lots and narrow streets is at a height – a small turning radius and compact dimensions allow you to easily turn around even in tight spaces. On the highway, of course, a car with a manual transmission and a sixteen-valve engine is preferable, since such a combination gives more confidence when overtaking. One of the main advantages of the Lada Iskra is its low fuel consumption. According to the passport, the fuel consumption of the version with a 16-valve engine on mechanics is 7.8 liters per 100 km. But if you don’t drive too fast, you can get by with seven liters per hundred.
Prices
There are no cars available at dealers yet. These are mostly demonstration models. AvtoVAZ will produce 20-30 thousand Lada Iskra cars by the end of the year. The cars will be assembled not only in Tolyatti, but also in St. Petersburg at the former Nissan plant. This volume will clearly not be enough for everyone. The new model is currently offered in four trim levels. Comfort (from 1,249,000 rubles) is a sedan with a 1.6 liter engine (90 hp) and a manual transmission. Includes two airbags, stability control, hill start assist, tire pressure sensors, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rain and light sensors, and remote-controlled central locking. Life (from 1,319,000 rubles) — in addition to the Comfort equipment, it offers air conditioning, heated front seats and side mirrors. Enjoy (from 1,439,000 rubles) — extended equipment includes cruise control, heated washer nozzles, adjustable steering wheel reach, security alarm, and the new Lada Enjoy Evo multimedia system with Yandex online services. A cooled glove compartment is also provided. Techno (from 1,579,000 rubles) is the top-end configuration, which includes heated rear seat, steering wheel and windshield, rear view camera, parking sensors and fog lights with cornering light function.
Expert opinion: Maxim Cherkashin, editor-in-chief of “Yuzhny Avtomobil”
The new Lada Iskra model definitely has the right to exist and can become a real bestseller. AvtoVAZ needs to ensure a sufficient level of production of the new product so that everyone can buy the car. “Iskra” will stand right between the Lada Vesta and Lada Granta. For those who switch to it from “Granta” will feel the difference, since Iskra is a more modern and technologically advanced car. There will also be those who will switch to the Iskra from the larger Vesta.
Why Lada Iskra is better than Granta and Vesta: five reasons
Platform and technical base. Lada Granta is based on an outdated platform, with roots dating back to the 80-90s. Simple architecture, good for repairs, but not for safety, comfort and innovation. Vesta was developed with the participation of the Renault-Nissan alliance. More modern, but limited in terms of adaptation to electrification, modern assistants. As for the Iskra, it bypasses these two models. Built on deeply redesigned CMF-B LS — this is a localized Renault platform. In the future, it will allow AvtoVAZ to install new engines, modern multimedia systems, more technologically advanced electronic assistants on Iskra.
