2 new models got to the Russian market in 2017 – LADA Vesta SW and LADA Vesta SW Cross. Combining practicality, high level of comfort, sport character and expressive style, these models opened a new niche of Russian car market and let LADA Vesta family to become the most popular LADA in November and the 2 car by popularity in Russia.
Serial bi-fuel model – LADA Vesta CNG – got to the market for the first time in the LADA brand’s history. The car can run both on petrol and on methane (compressed natural gas) which is one of the most widely used fuels in Russia. Its advantages are safety, environment friendly operation and low price: methane usage allows to decline expenses by 3 times.
The Company offered special trim levels of LADA Vesta and LADA XRAY in an attempt to extend the choice for potential LADA customers. A trim version called Ecxlusive distinguishes with combined seats upholstery of black or beige eco-leather combined with alcantara. Some new stylish elements were used in interior and exterior, from original design of wheel disks to glossy black inserts.
LADA 4×4 production turned 40 on April, 5, 2017. A batch of 3-door and 5-door LADA 4×4 was produced in honor of this event. Main features of LADA 4×4 “Anniversary” are special interior and exterior trim, original wheel discs. Every car has a unique serial number: from 0001 to 1977 that shows the year of LADA 4×4 production and its number in the limited serie. A part of anniversary SUVs was painted in Camouflage in workshop conditions for the first time.
Several new powertrains were offered to buyers while renewing of LADA model range. LADA Largus family got 16-valve more powerful and with better torque LADA engine with 1.6 l volume in October, 2017. New versions of LADA Vesta sedan went on sale in the same month. They are equipped with 1.8 l engine generating 122 hp and MT. Earlier this powertrain, the most powerful in the LADA engines’ range, was installed only in the Exclusive level trim and now it is being offered in the Comfort and Luxe trim levels.
New technologies: in cooperation with Alliance
In January 2017, AVTOVAZ mastered casting of main elements of HR16 engine, namely cylinder block and cylinder head, machining of these aluminum blank parts, and crankshaft machining. Thereby, AVTOVAZ and Renault-Nissan Alliance have brought localization of HR16 engine (produced in Togliatti) to the maximum. Also the technology of clutch housing casting for Alliance gearboxes was mastered. All engines conform to international standard on quality.
The dealership network development – in Russia and abroad
The process of re-equipment of LADA dealerships in accordance with modern Brand standards was continued in 2017. There was training and re-education of personell of show rooms at the same time.
LADA also continued to expand its export markets. In 2017 LADA Vesta was shipped to Germany and Hungary markets. Engines of LADA Vesta in the EU market correspond to Euro-6 eco-standard. Besides, LADA returned to Cuba and Jordan. Totally, LADA vehicles were delivered to 27 countries in 2017.
Awards for LADA
LADA gained a lot of professional awards in 2017.
Two LADA models – Vesta и Largus van – won the Russian Car of the Year 2017 Annual National Award. Vesta is awarded in the “Small Class” nomination. Russian car enthusiasts have appreciated bright exterior of car, its equipment and technical characteristics. Vesta won the Car of the Year award for the second time; in 2016 the car was awarded in the nomination “Novelty of the Year”. As for LADA Largus van, it became the Car of the Year in “Mini vans” class for the fifth time.
LADA Vesta also won the Russian Automobile Forum Award. The car was awarded in the nomination “The Best product of the year“.
LADA bestsellers were high appreciated by media experts: LADA Vesta and LADA XRAY won the prestigious automotive award – the Grand-Prix of “Za rulem”. Compact city crossover LADA XRAY became the best in the nomination “Small Class”. LADA Vesta sedan was awarded by the special prize “The Choice of Za Rulem Editorial Office”.
A special award deserved the design of LADA Vesta sedan and Vesta SW Cross – it was singled out by First Moscow Biennale Design.
LADA Granta took the second position in the RBC ranking of “Products for people“ as the best Russian car. It was the only vehicle among participants of the rating.
Autosport: debut of LADA Vesta
The sport season of 2017 was successful for LADA and its firm team LADA Sport ROSNEFT.
The special sport version of LADA Vesta participated in the Russian series of circuit races for the first time, in two most powerful classes. LADA Vesta with 2-litres turbo-engine powered 350 h.p participated in the ”Touring”. LADA Vesta with 1,6-litres turbo-engine powered 255 h.p competed in the Super-Production. LADA Sport ROSNEFT team became Champion of Russia in the Touring class, racers won Silver Cup in ”Super production”.
LADA Sport ROSNEFT on LADA Kalina NFR took the second position in the team classification in National class.
The Rally season-2017 was triumphal for LADA Sport ROSNEFT. Racers of LADA became the owners of Champion title for the second time and Russia rally cup winners for the third time.
