Is it worth buying a Lada Vesta? Comparison with competitors

Once upon a time, a Nobel laureate and Miss Universe met. “Let’s have sex and I’ll give birth to your children,” she suggested. - They will inherit beauty from me, and intelligence from you, and will be the best on the planet! “Perhaps they will take my beauty and your intelligence,” the laureate retorted.

Lada Vesta is certainly a beauty, but... What did car enthusiasts expect from the acquisition of AvtoVAZ by the Renault Nissan alliance? It is likely that the new Lada will have the quality and technology of foreign cars, but the “beautiful” Russian prices will remain. It definitely didn’t work out with the price, but what about the smart part, the technology? And what is more in Vesta, a foreign car or a Russian car? Perhaps it all depends on whether the glass of water seems half empty or half full, but let's figure it out...

Content

• Fact #1. Good handling
• Fact against #1. Poor quality suspension parts
• Fact #2. Large ground clearance
• Fact against #2. Windage on the track
• Fact number 3. Spacious salon
• Fact against #3. Poor quality interior assembly
• Fact number 4. Rich configurations
• Fact against #4. Poor quality options
• Fact #5. Competitive price
• Fact against #5. Inferior in comfort to foreign cars
• What problems can you encounter on the secondary market?

Front end

The main difference from richer trim levels is only the absence of fog lights. But if you have the desire and financial capabilities, they can be installed at any time. The asking price will be quite reasonable. At the dealer, this service will cost an average of 13 thousand rubles. This is the price for the necessary components and installation work.

The radiator grille is not painted, matte in color. In luxury versions it is painted glossy and looks very beautiful. Block headlights provide good visibility at night and look nice. But the incandescent lamps used in them are already a thing of the past. Many competitors are starting to offer diode headlights in basic configurations, which look cooler and shine brighter.

I sincerely hope that the restyled Vesta will have LED optics. Black washer jets on a white hood look somewhat alien. But during the restyling they were promised to be moved to the windshield frame trim so that the hood would look holistic and neat.

Windshield wiper blades are now installed on all Vesta frameless ones, their length has remained unchanged. The driver's side is 600 mm, the passenger's side is 450 mm. There are no reviews on them yet, but they should freeze up less in winter and provide better windshield wiping quality. A standard active antenna is installed in the front part of the car roof.

Fact against #1. Poor quality suspension parts

Having improved the suspension, the manufacturer did not take care of the constantly squeaking bushings. Owners have to modify and lubricate them themselves.

The suspension is hard. When driving over uneven surfaces, various noises occur. If there are passengers sitting in the back, the struts can break through bumps. Those who change from earlier VAZ models immediately notice this.

When the brake pads wear out, the calipers begin to tap even halfway. Installing new pads or “makeshift” pressure springs helps solve the problem.

Also read: Which suspension is better: soft or hard

Rear seat

The tailgate has a feature that few people know about. This is a door lock that prevents children from opening it. You need to move the flag down, and the door from the passenger compartment will not open.

It can only be opened from the outside. The rear windows are mechanical. The back of the rear sofa folds in a ratio of 60 to 40.

For rear passengers there are 2 L-shaped head restraints, the third is available only in luxury versions. There are also mountings for Isofix child seats. A significant advantage of the Lada Vesta is its spacious interior. The back row is very roomy, leaving plenty of room for your knees. There is also plenty of headroom.

There is a pocket only in the back of the front passenger seat. There is no courtesy light for rear passengers, nor is there an armrest. But these are minor things.

Fact against #3. Poor quality interior assembly

The whole “raspberry” is spoiled by the constant creaking of the front panel and other plastic parts. The driver himself has to look for the source of the annoying sound and add an anti-creak.

The plastic parts do not fit tightly. Due to the gaps between them and the body, extraneous sounds occur. In addition, the plastic itself looks cheap, and its texture is unpleasant to the touch.

Also read: All Russian cars are bad: truth or stereotype

Appearance

Looking at the car from the outside, it is worth noting the fact that AvtoVAZ has learned to make even gaps between body elements. Everything looks clear and neat. The front parts of the Vesta body are made of galvanized sheet.

The SV versions are completely galvanized, while the sedans have a roof without a zinc coating.

A distinctive feature of the Classic package is that the handles and mirror caps are not painted in body color. To better seal the opening, in addition to the main seal, there are two additional ones on the door: one at the bottom, the other at the top.

There is a question about the upper seal: couldn’t it be made 10 cm longer? Just ahead, all the dirt flies through the uncovered area. AvtoVAZ began to install normal door stops that have 3 clear fixed positions. Now the door does not hang like a gate.

Fact number 4. Rich configurations

Vesta is equipped with the latest technology. In the “fattest” trim levels you can find:

• four airbags;
• rain and light sensor;
• ERA-Glonass system (assistance in emergency situations);
• active safety systems: ABS, BAS, EBD, ESC, TCS, HSA;
• climate control;
• multimedia with navigation;
• leather interior.

This Vesta is a worthy competitor to budget foreign cars such as Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris.

Lada Vesta - owner reviews

Nikolai

It’s a good car, I drove 70 tons in 2 years, I replaced the timing belt and all the reviews above are hands-on after foreign cars, it’s not your thing to drive on basins

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2016/73415/

Andrey Myshkin

GENERAL IMPRESSION

Took it on January 16th. XV Line equipment. I like the car very much. I can't wait to go. It drives very confidently on the highway. Snowy eyebrows move at once and without hesitation. Handling is excellent. The steering wheel feels very tight - if you pull it out of the ground, apply some force, but it turns with just your little finger. The design is super, I really like it. The trunk is huge. The engine easily drags a loaded car uphill to overtake a truck. There's plenty of space inside. The mirrors are large - you can see everything perfectly. The rear view camera in urban conditions is generally a miracle - driving out of a diagonal parking onto the roadway is no problem - everything is clearly visible even if the view from the driver's seat is blocked by a car standing next to it. I'll go again and write more.

I'm finishing it up. Today I changed the oil in the engine and gearbox. It cost about 650 rubles including washing and removing the protection. The oils and filter are mine (not advertising! ZIC HQ 5W40 and ZIC 75W90 oils in a box, MANN filter). Let's go. Now I’ll finish the gas in the tank and write down the consumption. Then I’ll do the same thing, but completely with new oils.

Promised consumption: according to BC 8.0 l/100km; according to top-ups: I filled in 50.56 liters of gasoline, which was enough for 591 km = 8.5 l/100 km. This is for running in and warming up in the morning for 10-15 minutes (while I brush my teeth and get dressed) and in the evening for 5-10 minutes (while I’m leaving work). The next consumption will be on new oils. Yes, by the way, after changing the oils, I didn’t save much gas - I tried how it behaves in a more dynamic mode. It behaves very well, the speakers are quite enough for overtaking in a loaded car (2 passengers on average 90 kg each and the cargo in the trunk is 20 kg and the driver of course).

Mileage 3500, replaced the driver's door glass (scratched by sand that got into the velvet), trimmed the velvets (in new cars the velvets have already been modified, so there should not be such a problem). Now the consumption according to BC is 7.1 l/100 km over the last thousand kilometers (I didn’t reset the data). On the highway, at the beginning of the measurement at this thousand, I drove 190 km with an average fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km.

11/14/2016. Mileage 15,000 km, first maintenance done. Not counting the oil (ZIC X9), the cost of maintenance was 2,620 rubles. The only problems that remain are the rattling lampshade and squeaky ice, which accumulates wherever it can (near all windows, and especially the windshield and rear). In the summer, an air conditioner, and in the winter, a stove and heated windows and mirrors add to the driving comfort. Over the last 6-7 thousand km, the average consumption was about 7.4 l/100 km (I didn’t reset the readings).

ADVANTAGES

1. Lots of space inside.
2. Sufficient engine for me.
3. Convenient robot for me.
4. Rear View Camera.
5. Controllability.
6. Design (definitely +).
7. Turn signal indicators in mirrors.
8. Good optics and light.
9. Multimedia with navigation.
10. Active safety systems (they work like a charm - they prevent the car from skidding when turning, they help when one wheel is suspended and the other is loaded).
11. Heated windshield (definitely +).

FLAWS

A spoon of tar.

1. There is no full-fledged climate control, and the heater control knobs are a little far away for me (height is 173 cm) - not scary, just a little inconvenient. The trunk is closed with springs. Everything would be fine, but cover them with strange scraps of rubber tubes...
2. Several controversial design decisions, such as the strange color of the inserts on the front panel and doors.
3. Recently strange noises have appeared in the suspension. The dealer has not yet resolved the problem.
4. Outdated design of mirrors with a rattling spring.
5. A strange implementation of heating the windshield together with the rear and mirrors. Cheap wipers (however, I’m happy with how they clean them. I’ll change them when they wear out).
6. The lumbar support in the driver's seat is a little unclear: it pushes me forward out of the seat if I don't rest my left foot on the platform on the front wheel arch).
7. The armrest complicates the procedure of fastening the seat belt (I’m already used to it - it doesn’t bother me). Too lazy to fold it. But the right hand rests on the armrest, and not, as before, on the gearshift lever.
8. The problem with squeaks in the front suspension goes away on its own in wet weather, but judging by the information, the plant will replace the stabilizer bushings. At the rear, the problem was solved by the dealer at once - it turned out that in my car the bolts securing the rear shock absorbers to the beam were installed with a flash on the tip. Because of this, the bolt rested and did not tighten completely, as a result of which the stand was loose on this bolt. The problem was on one side and only for me - no one else had this.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2016/74293/

fildos1988

GENERAL IMPRESSION

I’ll say right away that Vesta is my first domestic car, so I compare it not with Grants and Kalinas, but with models like Renault Logan, Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Focus. Before purchasing, I read a bunch of reviews and articles about Vesta, traveled to competitors’ showrooms and realized that there was simply no alternative within my budget. The closest price is Renault Logan in the Prestige configuration for 608 thousand (50 thousand discount on 2015 cars), if we take 2016, then 658 thousand. The showroom offered a 15-year-old Logan Prestige, but with a 1.6 82-horsepower engine, but I didn’t want to take it with such an engine. Solaris, Rio and Polo were even more expensive. Vesta cost me 540 thousand (comfort equipment), according to the price list it costs 570, but the salon made a discount. Now the mileage is approaching a thousand, to be honest, I don’t see any difference from foreign cars. The car does not fall apart, does not knock, everything works as it should. Compared to my 8-year-old Chevrolet Aveo, it’s just heaven and earth. Most of Vesta's childhood problems are already known - creaking of stabilizer bushings, knocking of stabilizer struts, scratched front side windows, all this is corrected under warranty, some problems have already been solved at the factory.

ADDENDUM AFTER 3500 KM. MILEAGE:

Childhood illnesses have not spared me

• creaking of stabilizer bushings in wet weather when driving over speed bumps. Absolutely all Wests have this feature. The dealer cleaned the bushings and lubricated them with new grease. I doubt it will last long, we'll see.
• the clanking of the trunk lid. I adjusted the lock and the sound disappeared.
• rubbing of one of the pipes with corrugated wiring. I wrapped the hose with electrical tape and secured it with a tie.
• cricket in the dashboard. Instrument wells creak on small uneven surfaces. I haven’t worked on it yet, I plan to disassemble the tidy and glue it.

That's all for now. I still like the car and don’t regret the purchase. All these problems are minor and can be cured in 5 minutes.

ADVANTAGES

The most important advantage is the feeling of a large, solid, well-assembled car. In terms of build quality, Vesta is far from other AvtoVAZ models. The doors open and close softly with a pleasant sound. The interior is spacious, I have a child seat in the back and my son can’t even reach the front seat with his legs. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, the seat is height adjustable. I liked the VAZ engine with 106 horsepower - it pulls well, the consumption is acceptable - 10.2 liters purely in the city, they say after running it should decrease by exactly a liter. On the highway, consumption is 5.5 - 6 liters. The ride is a bit harsh, but it swallows small things perfectly. The car steers very well, it takes corners on time, the trajectory is felt and can be easily adjusted if necessary. The factory radio plays decently, picks up the radio well, has a USB output and a slot for memory cards.

FLAWS

A new model, developed and put on production line in a short time, children's ailments are present, although not critical. From the factory, Rosneft semi-synthetic is poured into the engine - it’s just so-so, at 2-3 thousand I plan to change it to normal synthetics. The same applies to the original windshield wiper blades - complete crap. If I'm being picky, I don't like that the instrument panel is not illuminated in the running lights mode. In wet weather, the rubber bushings of the stabilizer squeak on speed bumps, it doesn’t bother me much, we’ll see what solution the dealer offers. In general, these are all shortcomings.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2015/74954/

[email protected]

GENERAL IMPRESSION

Good design, fresh colors, larger interior size, better ergonomics and finishing compared to other AvtoVAZ models. In the stream I still attract attention and mostly positive feedback - in general, I’m not ashamed of my native auto industry!

ADVANTAGES

the advantages are banal, but there can be no miracles in this segment: The interior is spacious. The doors close softly with a pleasant sound. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, the seat is height adjustable. I liked the VAZ engine with 106 horsepower - it pulls well, the consumption is acceptable. The chassis is a bit harsh, but absorbs bumps well. Handling is good. The radio has a slot for memory cards and USB.

FLAWS

1. The automatic was not included at the time of purchase
2. creaking stabilizer bushings,
3. The front side windows are scratched. But this is corrected under warranty and I heard that the plant eliminates these childhood diseases.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2016/74913/

Usoltsev Mikhail

GENERAL IMPRESSION

I switched to a Vesta from a diesel car with an automatic transmission, on which I made a little less than a hundred thousand. I can’t say anything bad about the solarium - it’s a good car, reliable and well made (under warranty, I only used the belt tension roller once). It hasn’t bloomed at one point in five years. According to the “news”, it is definitely larger than a diesel fuel. It's comfortable to sit in the back. A full-fledged family car with dimensions approximately the same as an i40. When using the robot for the first time, a state of despondency arose - it was dull, the car bit when switching, etc. After a short run-in, I became friends with the robot. Well suited for a measured driving style. Apparently he is trained. In terms of noise level, Vesta is better than a solarium. The steering is also better judging by the feel. By suspension. Closer to the Logan that I had before the solarium.

I bought it because of the design. I liked it. Well, for the size, of course. It’s interesting that the diesel engine had 1.6 123 hp. (supposedly). There are 106 hp here, and the cars “pull” the same. Apparently the horses in the solarium were short Korean ones :).

Along the way, I bought deflectors. Then anticorrosive soundproofing. Lockers. Crankcase protection. I will change the oil after break-in, i.e. somewhere after 6 - 7 thousand km. However, these costs are the same for all new cars. Well, in conclusion: I took the “Lux” package.

I read in reviews about some squeaks in rainy weather. I don't understand what they are writing about. Nothing creaks. Another thing is that after starting the engine with the starter, some kind of metallic sound is heard. By the way, the starter turns for a long time even at summer temperatures. To be honest, I’m out of the habit of starting the engine for such a long time. Let's see what happens in winter.

I'll add more as I use it.

So far the impressions have been positive.

ADVANTAGES

1. Design (both external and internal).
2. Dimensions (in the “camp of classmates”).
3. “Minced meat” - I didn’t expect that there were a lot of “goodies” for such little money. Satisfied.
4. Color. I have lime. So joyful even in the rain
5. There is still quite a lot of space next to the spare tire, so a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc. fit there and do not hang around the main volume of the trunk.
6. Folding rear seats. I’ve never had this before, although now all my “classmates” have this (I looked at new solariums, Renoshki, etc.).
7. Good powerful interior fan.
8. Very good heated seats, although without adjustments (gradations).
9. The standard music has very good sound. The “surround” sound differs from the same solarium.
10. ERA GLANASS is an interesting feature, but considering that it is for an emergency, it would be better if there was no reason to use it, just like a fire extinguisher.
11. Driver and front passenger seats. Definitely better than Logan (old version 2008) and Solarik.
12. Indication of unfastened passengers.
13. Pretty good condo. It’s +32 C outside, the fan is on “two sticks” and it’s cool in the cabin :). True, when the air conditioner is turned on, the robot becomes a little dull. However, this was also on a 123-strong diesel engine. I am convinced that for normal operation of the air conditioner you need a stronger motor.
14. Automatic modes on the windshield wiper and exterior lighting. I really liked this feature. So now I only drive “automatic”. :). External lighting is sufficient.
15. Interesting upholstery on the seats. My back was sweating in the solarium, but here is the mesh :).
16. Antenna. The standard antenna is much better than in the same Solarik or Logan. The radio continues to pick up where the radio refused to work in the solarium.
17. The trunk is normal. I have never had a car with a small trunk.

FLAWS

1. There are no cup holders in the center stack. More precisely, they are brought forward, which does not seem very convenient after a solarium. True, in the solarium, the bottled water in these cup holders quickly became warm :(. I don’t know yet how it will be here. In any case, the cooled volumetric glove compartment gives some hope.
2. There is no separate courtesy light for rear row passengers. We’ve never used it before, but it would be nice to have it.
3. There is no illumination of the position of the manual transmission - was it a pity to have a few small LEDs?
4. There is no auto mode for the driver's door window - a good option, I've used it often before.
5. There is no backlighting of the instrument panel in the running lights mode :(. The on-board computer display is relatively small and not convenient to read. The new-fashioned control of the on-board computers at the end of the steering column is not an acquired taste. It takes some getting used to.
6. Fuel filler flap! This is why you want to swear. Do you feel sorry for installing an old-ruble cable in a Nissan-Renault-VAZ?!!!
7. One “socket” 12 V. In the solarium there was a cigarette lighter + “socket” - it was convenient.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2015/74524/

Shurik

GENERAL IMPRESSION

I bought Vesta one of the first, in December 2015. I bought it from a reseller; it was not officially sold here at that time. Luxury equipment. I liked the spaciousness of the interior, the overall design is bomb, I really liked the suspension and the interior.

ADVANTAGES

• Design
• Salon
• ground clearance
• wealth of options, competitors don’t have this for the money
• Era Glonass system,
• the doors close perfectly, better than those of any Soplyarios
• Shumka is not bad for a budget car

FLAWS

The only problem. defect - the glass was scratched.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2016/143563/

Nikolay Kupriyanov

GENERAL IMPRESSION

Overall, a great car! There are of course nuances)) I skated 15,000 and decided to write. I bought the car new in June. Having driven 1000 km around the city, I drove it to Crimea. On the road the car performed well. The suspension is moderately soft, roll is low, and the brakes are effective. The dynamics of acceleration, at that time, were not pleasing (But on the way back it improved. There are no roads in Crimea, but I had no problems with this car. I drove everywhere as if on a good road, and at night too. The headlights were quite enough. The car’s handling was a solid five !! Excellent! I was pleased with the interior, very spacious and ergonomic. By and large, the car is almost in no way inferior to “budget” foreign cars. The only thing that bothers me is the poor cross-country ability in slushy snow, it slips often and is difficult to overcome snow drifts (this is not the case with chisels never happened. But I still blame the tires)) It’s not new, it’s from a previous car..

ADVANTAGES

Noise insulation, suspension, comfort, efficiency, design))

FLAWS

Creaks in the front suspension when driving over speed bumps. Incomprehensible system of operation of the rain sensor. The stove fan is a little noisy.

https://cars.mail.ru/reviews/lada_vaz/vesta/2016/98781/

Alexander

GENERAL IMPRESSION

I bought it for my wife, but I’ve been actively riding for a month myself. Consumption is 7.8 average (Moscow traffic jams/marching to Volgograd and back). In general, the car is not annoying in any way, no worse than Solaris/Rio. Rides. The robot is stupid, but recently a salon called and invited me to fix it. I’ll go. Of course, the engine could have been set to 1.8, the car would have driven more pleasantly.

ADVANTAGES

• Good Light,
• Nice appearance
• Spacious salon
• Large trunk
• Precise steering
• High ground clearance

FLAWS

The robot is dull, at 1-3 gears, there are jerks, but I feel when it shifts and I release the gas a little, it shifts more smoothly.

The armrest is purely for the purpose of being there, and not for convenience, although it’s probably a matter of habit.

It is better to have constant instrument lighting. Not very good during the day.

Fact against #4. Poor quality options

The poor execution of some options is disappointing. There is no indication of any kind indicating the activation of the traction control or stabilization system. Therefore, the driver may not notice that the car is “carrying.”

There should be an indication on the stabilization deactivation button itself, but it does not work. Therefore, you never know whether ESP is turned on or, conversely, turned off. It seems like a small thing, but it’s unpleasant.

The rain sensor does not work well and does not work at the right time even at maximum sensitivity.

The quality of the eco-leather interior leaves much to be desired. The seats wear out quickly, and the material is susceptible to scratches even with the slightest impact of a hard object.

Also read: Which is better: Granta or Kalina 2?

Chassis

Car wheels: 15-inch steel wheels covered with original hubcaps. The tires used are high-quality Pirelli model Cinturato P1, size 185x65 R15. The fact that the wheel is small is even a plus, since it is lighter and has a higher sidewall. Accordingly, there is more air in it, the car rides smoother. Although the suspension works great with 17 discs.

Plastic fender liners are installed in the front wheel arches. They do not cover all the metal. Mud flaps for the front wheels are installed as standard, and soft felt fender liners are installed in the rear arches, which cover the metal everywhere. Rear wheel mudguards are not provided here.

The ground clearance of a regular Vesta is 178 mm. I believe that this is the most optimal ground clearance for a car in Russia. The car is neither high nor low. I drove the Vesta on different roads and went off-road. There was not a single case where I caught the bottom somewhere. For comparison, Vesta Cross has a ground clearance of 203 mm, a regular Granta has 160 mm, and a Niva has 220 mm.

Fact #5. Competitive price

The average price tag of Vesta on Avto.ru is 561 thousand rubles. For this money you get a fresh car from 2016, with a multimedia system, multi-steering wheel and leather/Alcantara interior:

The closest competitor - KIA Rio in a similar configuration costs from 600 thousand:

The new Vesta 2022 in the Comfort package with multimedia, 1.6 liters and “robot” will cost 680,000 rubles.

Rusting exhaust system corrugation

The short-lived exhaust tract has always been the weak point of the Lad, and Vesta is no exception. Corrugation rusts very quickly. For some time this does not appear in any way. However, after about 40 thousand km, the timbre begins to change, and in the end the “swallow” with the roar of a fighter has to go for repairs.

Previously, the production warranty was only 1 year or 35 thousand km. But now the domestic manufacturer is ready to replace the failed device within 3 years of operation (100 thousand km).

Fact against #5. Inferior in comfort to foreign cars

Some buyers prefer to overpay 50 thousand rubles and get a foreign car. Or they choose older models, but from famous brands. For 550 thousand rubles you can buy, for example, a Toyota Camry VI (XV40) 2006-2008 with a leather interior:

Or Mazda 6 II (GH) 2008:

Also with a leather interior, multimedia and a more powerful engine than the Vesta.

Such cars will certainly be a good alternative to almost new Vestas. They are better in technical characteristics and comfort level. They will only be 8-9 years older.

Also read: 10 most reliable cars

Gluttonous 1.8 engine

The original 122-horsepower 1.8 unit, which had been reaching production cars for a long time, was disappointing in 3 ways: it turned out to be not very vigorous, and also greedy for fuel mixture and oil.

Car owners will have to come to terms with gasoline consumption in toffees exceeding 10 liters. But after upgrading the engine, we managed to get rid of two other problems.

To improve traction characteristics, engineers dug into the firmware. And to eliminate the oil burn, large-scale modifications to the hardware and assembly procedures were carried out.

Newsies have begun to complain less frequently, but individual episodes of increased oil consumption still occur.

Read - what kind of oil to pour into the Lada Vesta engine.