The Renault-Nissan concern in 2000 acquired the shares of the Russian company AvtoVAZ. This event contributed to the dramatic changes in the domestic auto industry. Reforms began to be carried out, the purpose of which was to minimize production costs. This promised motorists the release of fairly cheap cars. A vivid example was the model VAZ-2190. Subsequently, the name was changed to Lada Granta.
During development, we saved on everything. And as a result, the manufacturer made a promise that the new model will cost from 200 thousand rubles. This greatly expanded the consumer market. Of course, such an advertising move concerned only the basic configuration. What was proposed in it, we will tell a little later.
AvtoVAZ kept its promise, and when the first copies of the VAZ-2190 came off the container, the price did not exceed 230 thousand rubles.
Birth of Lada Granta
At the development stage, Lada Granta bore the working name Low cost, which meant "low price." The platform was taken "Kalina". Since this model did not reach the planned sales volumes, there remained a lot of unused equipment that was purchased for its assembly. This decision allowed to maximize the use of everything that was already in stock. And this, as a result, significantly reduced costs and development time. Thanks to this, the “Lada Grant” (VAZ-2190) appeared in less than 2 years. The prospects of such rapid development allowed to save about 30%, which influenced the formation of prices.
However, the savings did not end there. In terms of technology, too, everything was minimized. If we compare some parts of the car, then in the VAZ-2190 their number was reduced three times or more. Door decoration became very simple, with almost no decorative elements, there was no electronics on the dashboard, the front bumper had the most primitive look. The predecessor of this solution was the experience with Renault Logan, which, in turn, displaced the domestic brand from the Russian market.
With the advent of foreigners in our auto industry, the so-called “dummies” appeared. What does this mean? The new brand in the basic version is a combination of the chassis, engine and body. This completes the configuration items. It was such a “Grant” (VAZ-2190) that was at a promotional price. To the surprise of drivers, even simple mirrors and glasses were installed here. And elements such as power steering, multimedia, airbags and other equipment could be purchased at an additional cost.
Interesting stories with Lada Granta
There were several interesting stories connected with Grant. The first is the choice of name. An advertising move was invented, the purpose of which is to bring the car as close as possible to the people. Thanks to the slogan “People’s Car - People’s Name”, it turned out to attract the attention of people of different incomes. A competition was held in which the winner was a resident of Krasnoyarsk. The prize is the new Lada Kalina. Even here, the company has benefited by presenting an unpopular model.
Another story that happened during the testing of a 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 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 a car only from the fifth time. After this, the opinions of people were divided, many considered it an imperfection and an indicator of the poor quality of domestic products. However, the interest and attention of the masses was still attracted to Grant, and this was exactly what the manufacturer needed.
External characteristics
The exterior of the car is poor. It looks rather dull and simple. For its development, designers used a computer program, which 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, but due to the increased size it is often referred to as category “C”. The mass of the car is a little more than one ton, the clearance is 160 mm. Dimensions: 426017001500 mm. Wheelbase parameters did not exceed 2500 mm.
Interior
Against the background of appearance, the interior looks much more presentable. However, aesthetic and ergonomic qualities are inferior even to the cheapest Chinese cars. What can please the owner of the "Grants"? First of all - a roomy trunk, like a sedan. Its volume is 480 liters. When compared with Kalina, the superiority was 80 units. Another advantage of the cabin is a sufficient amount of free space. As for the remaining elements, their use is reduced to a minimum.
Engines
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 and piston group. 1.6 engines comply with Euro-4 regulations. The eight-valve develops a capacity of 87 liters. s., and sixteen - 106 liters. from. Both motors are equipped with distributive injection with electric control.
It was noticed by the owners of "Lada Grants" that in winter the engines start half-turn, and this characterizes them on the positive side. The 8-valve unit is equipped with a manual transmission (5 degrees), and 16 - automatic Jatco (4 stages).
Equipment
Like the rest of the VAZ brand, the Lada Granta comes with three options:
- The standard provides stamped discs, special connectors for audio equipment, seat belts with an indicator, an airbag for the driver, an immobilizer. Price from 300 thousand rubles.
- Norma will appreciate the air conditioning, partial power accessories, in particular, the electric windows of the front windows, a central lock and a tailgate drive, power steering, rear head restraints. Cost - from 350 thousand rubles.
- Suite - two airbags, multimedia systems, heated seats, climate control, as well as BAS and ABS. Electric mirrors and automatic windows will delight. For such a configuration will have to pay at least 450 thousand rubles.