Lada Granta is a budget car with front-wheel drive, which has gained great popularity among buyers due to its price and good technical characteristics. This truly “popular” transport appealed to many motorists who daily roam the roads of Russia. You can read more about owner reviews about the Lada Grant, trim levels and pricing in this article.
"Lada Grant" - a new word among Russian cars
Lada Grant was developed in 2008. The car was based on the Kalina model, which already at that moment needed to be finalized. When taking into account the economic crisis, engineers tried to make a budget model with sufficient technical equipment. Since the manufacturer did not want the appearance of the new car to resemble Kalina, a competition among designers was announced. The best project was Ivan Lepeshkin, who became the author of the new Lada style.
The project manager for the creation of "Grants" was Vasily Batishchev. Largely thanks to him, this car is now exactly the way we know it. The main task of the developers was to create a “people's” car that would be adapted to Russian conditions. On May 16, 2011, the first copies were produced on the AvtoVAZ conveyor. Sales started on December 1. Currently, Lada Granta is available in a sedan, hatchback and classic, has several trim levels and different specifications.
Specifications
Owner reviews of the Lada Grant sedan mark not only the acceptable cost of the car, but also its excellent technical characteristics. Let's see what its features are. At the moment, you can purchase several versions of the model with different types of engine. The first is equipped with a power unit with a capacity of 87 hp. and a volume of 1.6 liters. The eight-valve engine develops 140 nM of torque and consumes 7-9 liters per 100 km, depending on driving conditions. Accelerates "Lada Grant" to 100 km is not very fast: in 12.6 seconds. But the maximum speed that a car can pick up is quite comfortable for this type of engine: 166 km / h. In this configuration, an automatic gearbox is not provided, so you can only buy such a machine with a manual transmission, which has 5 gearshifts.
Another Lada Grant model with a 106 horsepower engine and 16 valves is positioned as a more powerful car that develops more speed. Its maximum figure is 179 km / h. This Lada Grant accelerates a little faster: in 10.9 seconds. This model is presented with both a manual and an automatic transmission.
As for other technical features, the Lada Granta for the first time received a negative camber on the rear wheels. The installation angle does not exceed 1.5 degrees. This gave the car greater stability, a clearer entry into the turn, even at high speed. The high rise traditional for VAZ products made driving on Russian roads less traumatic for a car.
Exterior and exterior
Although the “Grant” was developed on the basis of the “Kalina”, the designers tried to make the appearance look nothing like it. The design of the car is very stylish and concise, and this is proved by the reviews of the owners about the Lada Grant. The expanded radiator grill makes the hood look more powerful, while the elongated headlights in the corners add even more aggressiveness to the exterior design. The back of the car looks very neat. Lanterns consist of several colors of plastic, which harmoniously combine with the overall color scheme of the “Grants”. Slightly raised rear bumper makes a simple “Lada” car with a sports bias.
Unsharp transitions on all the details, carefully crafted lines and a smooth silhouette make Lada Grant a welcome purchase for many motorists. The Russian manufacturer has released a truly worthwhile car, which is not a shame to drive. Inside the "Grant" is framed in the same laconic style, while the cabin has everything you need for the convenience and comfort of the driver and passengers. The dashboard is highlighted with silver plastic and highlighted with a blue-red light, which allows you to clearly distinguish the readings of sensors even in the dark. The interior is not designed too complicated, but the dark fabric lining is quite convenient to use. A glove compartment, a compartment for little things on the panel, trunk lighting - all these little things certainly make the trip to Grant much more comfortable.
Lada Granta liftback
Lada Granta liftback came out a few years after the start of production, in 2011. The fact is that the first generation was not at all perfect, so the project managers decided to refine the model a bit. What are the differences between this version and the previous one? According to the company, the engineers managed to solve some of the problems that were in the first version of Grants. The first is appearance. The Lada body has acquired more harmonious and pleasing to the eye forms. Sedan compared to liftback looks boring and uninteresting. Bumpers are painted in body color. The shape of the bumper is also slightly changed. The tilt angle of the rear window has become more sloping, which improved the aerodynamics of the model. All these seemingly small changes helped to significantly improve the design of the Grants.
But not without flaws. Owner reviews of the disadvantages of the Lada Grants liftback indicate the main disadvantages in this car. In some instances, poor closing of the rear doors was detected. Also, many drivers are confused by the clicks when squeezing the clutch pedal, which are heard due to the operation of the automatic tensioner. There are also a few minor drawbacks: insufficiently smooth running, noise when shifting gears. But the rest of the car after break-in becomes more cheerful, and fuel consumption is reduced. Therefore, you can close your eyes to these flaws.
Lada Granta Sport
The “sports” version of Lada Grants was born in 2013. At the moment, it is popular and in demand. Responses of owners about “Lade-Grant-Sport” speak of the car as a decent sedan, which has little in common with racing cars. Despite the deliberately sporty appearance, the technical specifications of the Grants have remained the same. The machine is equipped with a 1.6 liter power unit and a capacity of 118 horsepower. Only the speed that the machine can develop has changed. For Lada-Grants-Sport, it is a record 197 km / h.
The chassis is made more rigid, which allows you to add advantages to sports riding, albeit sacrificing comfort. This version has a lower landing, which reduces cross-country ability, but improves car handling. An important innovation of the Sport model is the presence of disc brakes with a diameter of 280 and 240 mm. They easily stop the car even at high speed. The front brakes, in addition to everything, also have a ventilation system that prevents them from overheating.
Lada Grant with AMT: owner reviews
This sedan with an 18-valve 1.6-liter engine was the first car to have an automatic transmission installed. The suppliers of this breakthrough became the Japanese company JATCO, which produces transmissions for almost all the most well-known car companies. The first cars left the assembly line in 2012, the cost at that time was about 400 thousand rubles.
Responses of owners about “Lada-Grant” with “robot” are quite positive. It is difficult to find the opinions of owners whose vehicle has traveled more than 100 thousand kilometers. But even on new cars, it becomes clear that the gearbox is very high quality and rarely needs repair. The reliable machine from the Japanese manufacturer has four speeds and several positions: "neutral", "parking" and "backward movement". Due to the simplicity in operation and maintenance, the Grants model with automatic transmission is often purchased by both novice and experienced drivers. All that is required of the driver is to change the oil and filters on time.
Since 2016, the automatic transmission is available only with the purchase of a complete set "luxury". Thus, in addition to a convenient transmission, you will get a high-quality audio system, power accessories, parking sensors, airbags and other “lotions”. Owner reviews of the Lada Grant with a gun indicate that taking a car in this configuration is profitable and reliable, as it has the proper comfort. This “Lada” accelerates a little longer than the version with a manual transmission: in 13.3 seconds. A special system protects against accidental switching while driving, which will definitely prevent reverse gear from moving forward.
Options
According to the configuration, "Lada Grant" is divided into the following types:
- "standard";
- "norm";
- "Luxury".
The “standard” package is the most affordable “Grants” model at the moment. It is equipped only with the most necessary. Responses of owners about the Lada Grant sedan indicate that even in the minimum configuration, the car does not break and shows its best side. Is it necessary to say that many buyers are attracted by the price of a standard package? It includes the driver’s airbag, immobilizer, spare tire, fastened seat belt indicator and audio preparation.
Options "norm" looks much more comfortable for motorists. It already has an electric power steering, a child lock on the rear doors, window lifts and the ability to adjust the steering wheel in a tilt angle. This option is often purchased by Lada Grants, as it remains affordable, but equipped with all the essentials.
The richest equipment is present in the Lada Grant Suite. It is equipped not only with everything necessary. It has many details and elements that make the trip much more enjoyable. For example, athermal glass that absorbs heat from the sun in heat and protects the interior from overheating. It seems to be not the most important thing, but very pleasant. Or anti-lock brakes. In this version of the Lada, a second airbag and the most important "novelty" appear: automatic transmission. Owner reviews of the Lada Grant with automatic transmission are mostly positive. Only in a complete set "luxury" you can get "Lada" with automatic transmission. Also, the car is equipped with heated front seats, multimedia and climate systems, improved sound insulation and many other pleasant things. Owners' reviews of the Lada Granta liftback ("luxury") indicate that this equipment is excellent in all respects. However, the car has its drawbacks.
Responses of the owners of Lada Grants: all the cons
As practice shows, any car has its own weaknesses. And Granta is no exception. By experience, the most vulnerable places were identified that should be paid special attention to during operation. What is this? Reviews of the owners of Lada Grants about the shortcomings of this car indicate that the most common problem is the chassis and gearbox. The front struts of the machine begin to knock over time, and the traction extension arms can eventually burst. To correct the situation, it is advisable to do diagnostics every 20 thousand kilometers. The gearbox sometimes goes tight, and when you switch you can hear a rattle. Most likely, the point is in transmission cables, which quite often need replacing or lubrication.
Owner reviews of the Lada Grant liftback also indicate brake drums that need to be lubricated regularly, as well as brake discs that wear off pretty quickly and must be replaced shortly after purchase. Many motorists are unhappy with the interior, which has more minuses than pluses. The air conditioning system is available only in the top configuration, and before that, drivers have to do with open windows and a fan. The material involved in the upholstery is quite cheap, and therefore quickly deteriorates. Among other unsuccessful moments, the owners of Grants distinguish taillights, some elements of the body, the lack of a thermostat, almost zero configuration in the basic version and a weak motor.
But even all the minuses in the reviews of the owners of Lada Grants are not able to overshadow the positive qualities that this car has. So what does that apply to them?
Benefits
Lada Grants has many advantages. First of all, it is low cost, which has virtually no competitors in the market. For this price, you can only buy a used car, which may be imported, but it will break more often. "Lada Grant" is equipped with an impressive trunk of 500 liters. It is designed in such a way that quite a lot of things fit into it. Responses of owners about the Lada-Grant liftback note that it is not so convenient to operate precisely due to the reduced trunk. If you decide to carry a particularly heavy load, a folding rear seat will come to your aid, which allows you to expand the capacity to 2 meters in length.
The safety of Grants is worth mentioning separately: according to the Euro NCAP rating, Lada passed all the tests with dignity and scored 8.2 points. This figure is the highest in the domestic auto market. The only thing that upsets is the presence of only one pillow in the initial trim levels. Inside the "Grant" is very spacious. The inside of the car is organized in such a way that it can comfortably accommodate 5 people.
The most important part of the car, the engine, can also be attributed to advantages. The assortment contains three types of power units, and motorists have plenty to choose from. In addition, it is quite simple in design, so it crashes less often than its "advanced" brothers. In general, the overall reliability of Lada Grants, according to owners, is quite high. Most likely, because it was built on the basis of Kalina, and many details have already been tested by time. The designers managed to combine many qualities inherent in the "people's car" in this model. People who before could not afford to change to a more comfortable car without getting into a loan can now do it.
Owner reviews
The best way to help you understand whether to buy a car is to read the real reviews of the owners about the Lada Grant liftback. What do they write? This vehicle is recommended by 88% of users, which indicates a positive assessment of drivers. Most speak of him as an “attractive and modern car.” The owners are pleasantly surprised by the daytime running lights on the headlights, the stove, high ground clearance and good visibility. Of the shortcomings, the absence of an engine temperature sensor is most often noted. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of cheapness, the designers somehow decided to get rid of it. The “Grants" also include bad lifts, which often break, and a strong smell from poor-quality plastic in the cabin.
Thus, Lada Granta has all the necessary arsenal for comfortable trips, both long and short distances. It perfectly combines good technical specifications and low cost. And although designers decided to save on some things, this does not greatly affect the progress of the machine. And some things like power windows or an audio system can be forgiven, given that the closest imported competitor, Logan, is 150 thousand more expensive.
Cost
Speaking about the price, it’s worth mentioning right away that Lada Grant is one of the most budget offers on the market at the moment. And such a combination of price and quality can hardly be found in other cars of this price segment. What is the cost of various trim levels? "Standard" with a 1.6-liter engine and a 5-speed gearbox can be purchased for 268,000 rubles. In the classic "Lada" you will find more options for the price from 300 to 330 thousand rubles. The maximum grade "luxury" is sold on the market for 380-400 thousand rubles. The reviews of the owners about the “Lada Grant” (“luxury”) indicate that for this money you will receive maximum safety and comfort. Each configuration also has a set of additional parameters that can be set for an extra charge.
Summary
Grant, which replaced Kalina and the Samara family, is one of the most successful models of a domestic manufacturer. The company's designers did their best: they managed to release a car that combines affordable price, safety and reliability.