The Renault-Nissan concern acquired shares in the Russian company in 2000. This event contributed to dramatic changes in the domestic automobile industry. Reforms began to be carried out, the purpose of which was to reduce production costs as much as possible. This promised car enthusiasts the release of fairly cheap cars. A striking example was the VAZ-2190 model. Subsequently the name was changed to Lada Granta.
During development, we saved on everything. And as a result, the manufacturer promised that the new model will cost from 200 thousand rubles. This significantly expanded the consumer market. Of course, such a publicity stunt applied only to the basic configuration. We'll tell you what it offered a little later.
AvtoVAZ kept its promise, and when the first copies of the VAZ-2190 left the container, the price did not exceed 230 thousand rubles.
Birth of Lada Granta
At the development stage, Lada Granta had the working name Low cost, which meant “low price”. The Kalina platform was taken as the basis. Since this model did not achieve sales targets, there was a lot of unused equipment that was purchased for its assembly. This decision made it possible to make maximum use of everything that was already in the warehouse. And this, as a result, significantly reduced costs and development time. Thanks to this, the Lada Granta (VAZ-2190) appeared in less than 2 years. The prospects for such rapid development made it possible to save about 30%, which influenced the price formation.
However, the savings didn't stop there. In technological terms, everything was also reduced to a minimum. If we compare some car parts, then in the VAZ-2190 their number was reduced three times or more. The door decoration became very simple, with virtually no decorative elements, there were no electronics on the instrument panel, and the front bumper had the most primitive appearance. The predecessor to this decision was the experience with Renault Logan, which, in turn, ousted the domestic brand from the Russian market.
With the arrival of foreigners in our auto industry, so-called “dummies” appeared. What does this mean? The new brand in its basic version is a combination of chassis, engine and body. This is where the configuration elements end. This is exactly the “Grant” (VAZ-2190) that was at a promotional price. To the surprise of drivers, even simple mirrors and glass were installed here. And such elements as power steering, multimedia, airbags and other equipment could be purchased for an additional fee.
Review
Lada Granta pre-facelift
The Lada Granta is considered a step away from the classic A, B and C class cars and towards the needs of young Russians and small Russian families who want the supermini sedans that have become more popular in Russia after 2010. Moreover, the Granta is likely to compete with the foreign market in Russia, since most European superminis exported there are hatchbacks, so they are smaller but more expensive.[8]
Interesting stories from Lada Granta
There were several interesting stories associated with Granta. The first is choosing a name. An advertising ploy was invented, the purpose of which was to bring the car as close as possible to the people. Thanks to the slogan “The people's car - the people's name,” it was possible to attract the attention of people of different incomes. A competition was held, in which a resident of Krasnoyarsk became the winner. The prize is a new Lada Kalina. Even here, the company ended up winning by presenting an unpopular model.
Another story that happened during testing of the VAZ-2190 car gave great interest to this model. The debut took place with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation. Putin personally wanted to arrange a test drive, but the manufacturers forgot to warn about the features of the gas pedal. In the pre-production version, an electronic version was installed. As a result, it was possible to start the car only on the fifth try. After this, people's opinions were divided; many considered this an imperfection and an indicator of poor quality of domestic products. However, the interest and attention of the masses was still attracted to Grant, and this is exactly what the manufacturer needed.
Plenty of choice
It should be noted that the configurations of the Lada Granta are different, or rather, there are only three of them: the Lada Granta Standard, the Lada Granta Norma, and the Lada Granta Luxury. The manufacturer, that is, the VAZ concern, deliberately took such a step in order to diversify the Russian automobile market. These models differ in configuration and price, but most importantly, in engine power. It should be noted that the engine, with a volume of 1.6 liters, is basic for all models, but its modifications are different. In addition, the external data of the models differ. Comfort and safety increase in proportion to the price.
The models also have different levels of security. In addition, the configurations of the Lada Grant vary in terms of comfort. The VAZ concern specially introduced several variants of “Grants” into production so that the buyer could choose a car according to his means. That is, if the main thing for a motorist is the appearance, and not the filling of the car, then he will be able to save money, and if the consumer needs “full stuffing,” then this option is available. And since 2013, hatchbacks of this model have also gone on sale.
External characteristics
The exterior of the car leaves much to be desired. It looks quite dull and simple. To develop it, the designers used a computer program, which, it is worth noting, was outdated. The resulting layout was so bad that the company had to invite British specialist Steve Mattin to the position of chief designer.
"Lada Granta" (VAZ-2190) is a B-class sedan, however, due to its increased dimensions, it is often classified as a "C" category. The weight of the car is slightly more than one ton, the ground clearance is 160 mm. Dimensions: 4260x1700x1500 mm. The wheelbase parameters did not exceed 2500 mm.
Sedan is the standard for everything
Oddly enough, this type of body is consistently popular among Russians. It turned out to be a practical solution due to the fact that the rear bench folds down to provide more space. Moreover, even initially 520 liters can be enough for almost everything. Surprisingly, the sedan turns out to be the most dynamic choice among other Granta variants. And this despite the fact that the base cost is almost lower than the others. There are rumors that the hatch may be discontinued altogether.
Buying a car is a serious matter and should be approached intelligently.
Interior
Compared to the exterior, the interior looks much more presentable. However, aesthetic and ergonomic qualities are inferior to even the cheapest Chinese cars. What can please the owner of Granta? First of all, there is a spacious trunk, like for a sedan. Its volume is 480 l. When compared with Kalina, the superiority was 80 units. Another advantage of the cabin is the sufficient amount of free space. As for the remaining elements, their use is reduced to a minimum.
"Lada Granta Norma"
The second type of model range is the Lada Granta Norma. Its equipment is already more saturated, and the cost, accordingly, is slightly higher. The exterior of this model already has two body-colored bumpers and daytime running lights in the headlights. The Norma also has stamped wheels, and they are 14 inches in size. This version of the Lada Granta also has one airbag for the driver, and there is a mount for a child seat. There are also hubcaps and grille moldings, which are sure to appeal to younger drivers. The interior furnishings of “Norma” are represented by door upholstery with high-quality decorative inserts. This middle configuration is qualitatively more comfortable, which is due to the presence of a height-adjustable steering column. In addition, there is electric power steering for driver convenience. Front electric windows are also available. The glass, like the “Standard”, is colorless, but there is a built-in cabin air filter. In addition, there is an electric lock for the trunk lid.
Engines
The VAZ-2190 is equipped with only two types of gasoline units. They have the same volume, but differ in the technical characteristics of the timing belt and piston group. 1.6 engines comply with Euro-4 standards. The eight-valve engine develops a power of 87 hp. s., and sixteen - 106 liters. With. Both engines are equipped with electrically controlled distributor injection.
It was noticed by the owners of Lada Granta that in winter the engines start with a half turn, and this characterizes them on the positive side. The 8-valve unit is equipped with a manual transmission (5 stages), and the 16-valve unit is equipped with a Jatco automatic transmission (4 stages).
Recommendations
- “Production of Lada Granta and Lada Kalina has begun in Kazakhstan.” Wroom.ru
. July 6, 2016. Archived from the original on August 14, 2016. Retrieved July 6, 2016. - ^ a b c d
“LADA Granta sedan - Technical characteristics of the car - Official website of LADA” (in Russian). Lada.ru. Retrieved June 19, 2017. - “Lada Granta will go on sale on December 1.” Autostat.ru. September 22, 2011. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- “Lada Granta sedans will appear at dealers on December 1” [Lada Granta sedan on sale from December 1]. Motor.Ru. September 20, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- The history of the VAZ “classic” will end on September 17 [The history of the VAZ Classic will end on September 17]. Auto.Vesti.Ru. September 12, 2012
- “AvtoVAZ presented the Lada Granta hatchback.” Wroom.ru
. March 3, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014. - "Sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles." AEB Rus
(in Russian). Retrieved December 21, 2022. - Alexey Nepomnyashchy (March 28, 2011). “Recently, there’s no time to even raise your head,” Igor Komarov, president of AvtoVAZ (in Russian). Vedomosti.ru. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
- "Lada Granta". Autoreview
. Retrieved December 22, 2022. - "ARKAP" (in Russian).
- "LADA Hungary". Lada.hu. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Otter, Josef (15 April 2013). “Lada Granta sa vybrala do vyspelej automotivebilovej Europy” (in Slovak). Zoznam, sro Archived from the original on December 12, 2022.
- “(photo) Ruşii sunt în extaz! Au fost publicate primele image oficiale cu Lada Granta facelift" [(photo) Russians are in ecstasy! The first official images of the Lada Granta facelift have been published] (in Romanian). AutoBlog.MD. July 17, 2022 Archived from the original on September 14, 2022.
- "Lada Granta is ready for racing." FIA WTCC. April 25, 2012. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
- “Mikhail Kozlovsky will replace Alexey Dudukalo at the WTCC stage in Morocco” [Mikhail Kozlovsky replaces Alexey Dudukalo]. Autosport.com.ru
(in Russian). Haymarket. March 28, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013. - Tremaine, Sam (November 3, 2013). "Rob Huff has reached a deal with Lada World Touring Car Championship for 2014." Motorsport
. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved November 3, 2013. - “AvtoVAZ is recalling more than 30 thousand of its cars.” Runews24.ru. May 30, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
Equipment
Like other VAZ cars, the Lada Granta is available in three options:
- The standard provides stamped wheels, special connectors for audio equipment, seat belts with an indicator, an airbag for the driver, and an immobilizer. Price from 300 thousand rubles.
- Norma will be pleased with air conditioning, partial power accessories, in particular, electric front windows, central locking and tailgate drive, power steering, and rear seat headrests. Cost - from 350 thousand rubles.
- Luxury - two airbags, multimedia systems, heated seats, climate control, as well as BAS and ABS. You will be pleased with the electric mirrors and automatic windows. For such a package you will have to pay at least 450 thousand rubles.
"Lada Granta Standard"
First of all, the (standard equipment) is simple and has only the most necessary options. That is, there is only one airbag installed in the car, which is intended for the driver. Further, the Lada Granta Standard is equipped with a 1.6-liter eight-valve engine with a power of 80 horsepower. The appearance of this “Grant” is also simple: the bumpers are not painted, there are no caps or grilles. But there are stamped 13-inch wheels and daytime running lights, which still give it some kind of solidity.
There is nothing in terms of driving comfort in this configuration, the glass is colorless, there are no electronics. There are inertial seat belts, and the kit also includes a mount for child seats, but the cost of the Lada Granta Standard is also the lowest and most affordable.
Popularity
In general, it becomes clear that the Lada Granta has firmly taken its position in the automobile market, and in the coming years it is unlikely to be supplanted by another domestic car. VAZ’s pricing policy is slowly changing, and the simple “Grants” package is becoming cheaper. In addition, the most economical car enthusiasts buy a car directly from the manufacturer’s factory, which allows them to save about fifty thousand in their wallet. At the end of 2013, the Lada Granta, along with such a car as the Hyundai Solaris, was recognized as the most popular car of the year.
