The article talks about the best-selling passenger car in Russia - the Lada Priora. Where did the Priora come from, how does it differ from its derivative (“tens”), what characteristics does it have, and how is it planned (and whether it is planned) to modify and improve the Priora further - answers about all this can be found in the presented article.
Lada Priora is a Russian-made front-wheel drive car, the best-selling model of the LADA family, produced by AvtoVAZ OJSC since 2007. According to the European classification it belongs to class “C”.
Lada Priora
VAZ Priora is a modernized car of the 10th AvtoVAZ family. The first batch of sedans was released in March 2007, and mass production began in April of the same year. Other body types appeared at Priora the following year: hatchback - in February, station wagon - in October 2008 (serial production began in May 2009). Around the same time, Priora completely replaced the Lada 110 family from the assembly line.
There is a lot of debate about what Priora is: a slightly modernized “ten” or a full-fledged new car. The history of the VAZ Priora begins back in 2003, when an American audit company, hired to calculate possible development paths for the plant, proposed relaunching the “tenth” family, designed back in the 1980s. Restarting means gradually, unit by unit, without stopping the conveyor, replacing almost everything in the car taken as a basis that can be replaced. The work is complex and will take more than one year: in order to imagine the volumes, I will say that there are more than three thousand parts in the “ten”, of which a little less than one and a half thousand were replaced in Priora. Almost half of the car is made differently - but is it really different?
Simultaneously with the “insides,” the appearance of the car also changed. The exterior is the work of Russian designer Sergei Taranov, the interior is the fruit of the efforts of designers from the Italian company Carcerano. And we must admit that such a Russian-Italian synthesis looks quite modern and stylish, and therefore invariably attracts the attention of potential buyers.
Test Drive
A hint of respectability
Despite the fact that in terms of body dimensions, the Priora is virtually identical to the Ten, it looks larger.
This optical illusion was achieved thanks to lighting optics located at the corners of the body, as well as due to its more convex front part. In general, the Russian “state employee” looks harmonious and, to some extent, even representative.
Specifications
The VAZ Priora has a modernized engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters (with eight- and sixteen-valve cylinder heads), almost one hundred “horses”. The connecting rod and piston group has been lightened to the limit, which has reduced power losses by approximately 9 hp. With all this, the engine complies with Euro-3 standards in the standard version, Euro-4 in the “export” version, and now the process of bringing the engine characteristics into compliance with Euro-5 standards has been launched. But the announced increase in engine displacement to 1.8 liters never happened and is not even planned.
The gearbox is mechanical, with problematic gear shifting during acceleration inherited from the “ten”. The gearless electric power steering is beyond praise: in traffic jams the steering wheel can be rotated with just one finger; at speed, the assistance of the amplifier disappears. The gearbox drive mechanism with closed bearings and a reinforced clutch, as well as updated front suspension struts with barrel springs and rear suspension shock absorbers, distinguish the Priora from the “ten”.
A big and undoubted plus is that with the release of the Priora, driver airbags finally appeared in the basic configuration of AvtoVAZ models and a passenger airbag as an additional option.
Among the additional available bonuses, we should note heated front seats, air conditioning with climate control and a light and rain sensor - a trifle, but nice. Unfortunately, the reliability and build quality of the Priora leave much to be desired. A survey conducted by the analytical company clearly shows that Ladas (Priors and Kalinas) break down on average twice as often as foreign cars of the same price category. During the warranty period, 10% of Lada cars have problems with the suspension (versus 3-6% for inexpensive foreign cars), and 5% have problems with the gearbox. After the end of the warranty period, 10% of Lada cars have electric power steering and some other problems with the engine appear; 20% have problems with the suspension. And if we also take into account the fact that the Lada Priora breaks down on average more often than the Lada Kalina, the picture becomes completely bleak.
VAZ Priora car in the photo:
[ngg_images source=»galleries» container_ids=»2" display_type=»photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails» override_thumbnail_settings=»0" thumbnail_width=»240" thumbnail_height=»160" thumbnail_crop=»1" images_per_page=»20" number_of_columns=»0" ajax_pagination =»0" show_all_in_lightbox=»0" use_imagebrowser_effect=»0" show_slideshow_link=»0" slideshow_link_text=»[Show slideshow]» order_by=»sortorder» order_direction=»ASC» returns=»included» maximum_entity_count=»500″]Build quality remains typical AvtoVAZ - that is, terrible. The vaunted seals of the rear and windshields do not cope with their task, the glove compartment opens and closes solely at their own request, and not at the request of the car owner. Cheap and strongly smelling plastic has been poisoning the happiness of owning a completely new car for quite a long time - This smell does not disappear from the interior for several months after purchase.
Types of configurations for production models of Lada Priora
The presentation of the model began to be prepared already in 2006, and a year later the first version rolled off the assembly line. The VAZ factory index is 2170. The platform for production was the base from the Lada 110.
Unlike the “10”, the doorways have become wider by 7%. Absolutely new form of optics, hood, luggage compartment lid, fenders, sills. Standard wheels "Kama Euro" 185/65 R14.
High-quality polymer materials were used in the finishing. The upper contour is made in light colors, the lower one in dark colors. The two-tone door trims look great.
On the armrests of the front doors there are pre-installed control units for double-glazed windows, adjustment of side mirrors, and a central locking remote control. The ergonomics of mechanical keys are designed to prevent accidental pressing.
Between the front seats there are two storage compartments for storing small items. On the headliner in the front part there is a lamp with lighting and a place to store sunglasses (see photo).
The information content of the dashboard is good, the indicators are arranged in a cluster, providing a generalized picture of the functionality of the technical tool.
In the central part of the tidy there is a place for a monochrome display of the electronic engine control unit (ECU). Of course, the window is small, but it is quite sufficient for visual diagnostics.
To the left of the steering column there is a control module for side lights, high and low beam. Pre-installed electric headlight adjustment and dashboard brightness control.
The mechanical button for activating the trunk lid has been moved to the central channel. The useful space of the luggage compartment is estimated at 430 liters. Unfortunately, you can open the lid using a button from the inside or on the key fob. There is no mechanical button on the lid itself.
In the center of the dashboard there is a connector for installing a DIN, 2DIN radio (with LCD display).
In the engine compartment there is a 1.6-liter power unit, 98 hp, with a torque of 145 Nm. Transmission type: five-speed manual. In order to increase the efficiency of the braking system, a vacuum booster is pre-installed.
Reinforced shock absorber struts and improved front suspension design improve driving comfort.
All production models of Lada Priora comply with Euro 4 standards. This is possible due to the displacement of the standard catalyst closer to the exhaust manifold. As a result, the catalysis process occurs much faster due to an increase in operating temperature.
Norma and Lux
The basic package includes: airbag, immobilizer, power steering, armrest, central locking.
Lada Priora received a completely new ventilation and interior heating system. Thanks to the efficiency of the stove heater, the microclimate is maintained for a long time.
At the same time, the active safety systems in the “Norma” are not given due attention, unlike in the “Lux”.
The “Lux” is pre-installed with air conditioning, full power accessories, two airbags, and seat belt pretensioners. Externally, you can “recognize” the Lux by the presence of PTF fog lights on the lower edge of the front bumper. As well as alloy wheels, a parking sensor on the rear side.
The body is made of galvanized metal and low-alloy steel. The wheel arches are treated with anti-corrosion coating on both sides. The manufacturer provides a 6-year factory warranty for the body and its elements.
In 2013, AvtoVAZ introduced a restyled version of the Lada Priora with a new body. No significant changes were expected, just minor improvements. Daytime running lights (DRL) are pre-installed, front and rear optics are permeated with LEDs. The radiator grille has a mesh structure.
Like its predecessor, the new Lada Priora is available in four body styles: station wagon, coupe, sedan, hatchback. There are significant changes inside the cabin. The dashboard is covered with a soft-look - increased resistance to scratches, plus piano lacquer inserts in places.
The door cards received new upholstery and reinforced security pillars. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and tilt. Paddle shifters are pre-installed.
Sales and prospects
Demand for Priora has been growing steadily for several years now, and it is quite natural that Priora, which was second in sales in 2010, became first at the end of 2012.
By the fall of 2013, updated VAZ Priora cars are planned to appear, and the updates will primarily affect the appearance of both the interior and external elements. It is also planned to produce Priora cars equipped with ESC, side airbags, a multimedia system, climate control and pre-heater, but the release date for such cars has not yet been announced. In general, AatoVAZ plans to sell Prioras until 2016 inclusive.
Restyling
In 2013, an updated version of the Lada Priora was presented in Tolyatti. It is worth noting that even before the official debut, pictures and videos of new items appeared on the Internet.
In terms of exterior design, the car has not undergone significant changes. The reforms slightly affected the bumpers, radiator grille, and moldings. But the rear lighting optics have acquired LED lamps, which provide brighter light compared to conventional ones and are also more durable.
The interior looks more modern due to a different layout of the instrument panel, as well as the multimedia system screen. The analog chronometers on the center console disappeared, and in their place was a storage niche.
_MG_6067
Priora SE was already presented at the Moscow Motor Show, but the current version also received built-in turn signals on the rear-view mirrors. The repeater sockets on the wings are covered with decorative plugs with the index “SE”. The braking system of the new Priora is equipped with ABS with brake assist, a system that allows emergency braking to be performed more effectively if the driver does not press the pedal hard enough.
Previously, it was planned to install a GLONASS/GPS navigation system integrated into the audio system. The navigator’s “picture” will be projected onto a 4.3-inch display, and the image will be accompanied by voice prompts. If there is music playing in the cabin, a message from the navigator prompter will force the system to mute the sound. You can switch navigator modes using the steering wheel joystick.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lada Priora
Among the advantages are a largely updated appearance, bright modern headlights, a functional dashboard, high-quality finishes, and more reliable engines. Sound and noise insulation has been significantly improved.
The developers paid special attention to the security system. The results of the tests confirm that the work done was not in vain. All models are equipped with driver airbags, and the body is designed to meet modern passive safety requirements.
There are also some disadvantages. First of all, unstable engine operation, loss of power. Sometimes the engine does not start. The causes of such failures may be problems with the level of fuel pressure, malfunction of the timing belt, faulty sensors, or air leaks through the hoses. As with previous models, the components supplied to the assembly line are not always of high quality.
You can also note the possibility of failure of the electric amplifier, most often this happened in cars of the first series. This is due to imperfect design. The malfunction is corrected under warranty service
History of the creation of Lada Priora
Lada Priora is an updated version of the popular model of the VAZ 2110 family, discontinued in 2007. Due to the fact that about a thousand changes were made to the design of the “ten” to transform it into the Lada Priora, the VAZ-2170, 2171, 2172 and other modifications can be considered a new family. The Priora family includes three models: VAZ-2170 - sedan, produced since March 2007; VAZ-2172 - hatchback, since February 2008; VAZ-2171 is a station wagon, produced since May 2009.
As a result of a significant modernization of the 2110 family, AvtoVAZ received a new, comfortable car that meets the basic standards of the modern market. Even in the basic configuration, the car has a significant set of options: an airbag, electric front door windows, electric power steering, central locking with remote control, height-adjustable seat belt mounts and steering column, electronic clock, athermal glass.
Since Priora is officially considered a restyling product, you can see a “ten” in the middle part of the body, but the bow and stern have nothing in common with similar parts of the previous model.
The exterior was entirely designed by Volzhsky designers from the Italian studio Carcerano. Thanks to their help, the front panel can no longer be classified as “Russian”, since it rather resembles the average dashboard of a foreign-made car. The panel is trimmed with soft plastic, the visor above the instrument cluster has a curved shape that goes well with the oval-shaped clock built into the silver trim at the top of the console.
In addition to the Italians, specialists from Italy, Germany, France, Japan and Korea took part in the creation of the machine.
In March 2007, the first small batch of Priora sedans was released. A month later, in April 2007, cars began to arrive in showrooms. In 2010, a small restyling was carried out.
In 2022, according to the press service of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant, it is planned to release a new generation Priora, on the new Lada B platform. AvtoVAZ previously announced that the 2017 Priora will outwardly resemble the Lada Xray concept car, the author of which was Steve Mattin, the new chief designer of the plant.
