On August 26, 2015, at the international exhibition of SUVs in Moscow, a new concept of the Russian automobile industry was introduced - the Lada-Vesta crossover. It is radically different from its ancestor of the Vesta sedan, because the model has incorporated more than 300 improvements and changes. This car has become such an unusual production format that it was personally presented to the general public by the president of AvtoVAZ and the chief designer of the Lada Togliatti plant, Bu Inge Andersson and Steve Mattin (he personally made many adjustments).
Thanks to the experience gained after the development of Kalina-Cross and Lagrus-Cross, experts predict the release of a truly ideal station wagon. Designers already know what points need improvements. All motorists are looking forward to the new model on sale in order to fully enjoy the updated domestic car.
Secrecy
After a brilliant presentation of the Lada-Vesta model, the crossover (photos of non-serial copies can be found in the article), the developers almost completely closed the scenes to the characteristics and other data that could at least tell something about the new product. Officially, only one reason for such secrecy was voiced, however, most likely, this is just another PR move specially developed by marketers. His goal is to maximize interest in the model, thereby creating popularity artificially.
But in our country it’s almost impossible to hide everything, so a significant part of the information was still able to seep through independent sources and from exhibitors in Moscow. Over the course of several months, more and more characteristics about this car have surfaced, so today you can take a short excursion to study and analyze the new model of the Lada-Vesta Cross crossover series.
Short review
At the moment, it is known that the car has become the fourth major modification of the new Lada line of cars. There is also information that it will be put on serial stream from about September 2016. Such secrecy, maintained for several months, has formed around itself a large number of people who want to learn more about its qualities and differences from its predecessors.
In this article, we will try to maximally honestly and thoroughly voice all the information that relates to the car "Lada-Vesta" crossover.
Body characteristics remain in the same wagon format. The overall styling and design of the car also remained unchanged, made in the style of X, which caused a number of unpleasant legal issues and intrigues within the AvtoVAZ concern for a relatively short period of its existence. However, abandoning it was impractical, since just such a design has recently become as much as possible.
Engine
It is known that the Lada-Vesta crossover will be equipped with a 1.6 liter gasoline engine (as in the previous version), but with a significant difference in power - 87/106/114. It is also likely that models with units of 1.8 liters and 126 horsepower, which are currently in active development by Lada enterprises, will be presented.
Technical equipment
Motorists will also be presented with a variety of options when choosing the type of gear shift: mechanics, automatic (robot) and CVT. The new cars will also use the familiar 5-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 5-speed automatic robot, which, in principle, was very expected in the new Lada-Vesta crossover. The station wagon will continue to work on front-wheel drive, but the concern ambiguously made it clear that versions of a model working on all-wheel drive, or 4x4, are being developed.
The car developers were given the task of gaining confidence, attracting new customers and becoming competitive in the segment of the B + market that is still inaccessible to the Russian automotive industry, and compete for leadership in such brands as Hyunday Solaris, VW Polo and Kia Rio.
Design
In appearance, the balance between dynamics and practicality of application is clearly highlighted. All elements are scrupulously brought to a balanced level: discs, glass sizes and layout, body streamlining, headlights, etc. The front of the Lada-Vesta crossover (the photo completely demonstrates the design) does not differ much from the previously presented Lada Vesta, but the entire rear the part has external features inherent only to this model: a fin-type stand, a drop-down body roof, a raised (taut) feed with new and stylish optics. Experts also note considerable similarity with another promising model Lada XRay Concept 2. This was the preservation of the X style, as well as dividing the headlights of the front of the car into sections, which in total gives a feeling of plagiarism.
The body kit made of unpainted plastic adds strict tones to the overall appearance and character of this machine.
Also noteworthy are the new wheels with which the Lada-Vesta crossover will be equipped. Technical characteristics of cars in this line are impressive. 16-inch wheels have proven themselves only on the positive side. And now a decision has been made to fix this size for a whole model range.
However, the developers did not think to rest on their laurels and installed 18-inch wheels in the cross version. In addition to increasing the dynamic properties of the car, this also affected the increase in ground clearance, which now amounts to 300 mm.
Interior
In the cabin as a whole, the new Lada-Vesta (crossover) received almost no changes: the same steering wheel, seats, 7-inch TV, multimedia set and climate control unit. However, the original applications of individual interior elements completely change the atmosphere inside the car. Also needed features will be retained in the new concept, such as steering wheel adjustment , seat heating, power mirror control and other little things inherent in Lada Vesta, providing comfort inside the cabin.
The exact amount of luggage is still unknown. It is estimated that it will be 500 cubic meters. see. However, it is possible that this parameter for the current year before delivery to mass production will be changed upwards.
Summarizing
Until the car has passed the final stage of development. After the presentation at the international exhibition of SUVs, it still goes through individual stages of refinement and testing. Perhaps this model did not have time to prove itself in full glory, but one thing is certain: Lada Vesta is a new level crossover that can compete both in the markets of the CIS countries and among European consumers.