Lada Vesta SV Cross AMT transmission: features of the Lada Vesta SW Cross automatic transmission. reviews, prices, characteristics

Lada Vesta replaced the Renault gearbox with a domestic one

AvtoVAZ is trying to reduce the cost of its cars, and one of the most effective ways is to abandon imported components and components in favor of Russian ones. Not so long ago, Nissan engines stopped being installed on Lada XRAY hatchbacks, and now Vesta has lost its Renault manual transmission - since September, all sedans have been equipped with the domestic VAZ-21807 manual transmission.

This is a reinforced version of the VAZ-2180 gearbox with a cable-driven shift mechanism, which is installed on Grants, Kalinas and Prioras. Modification 21807 is designed for more torque than 2180, and in addition should be quieter than the original box: new equipment was installed at the factory for the production of parts for the main pair and second gear.

Let us recall that it was precisely because of the hum of gears that the former president of AvtoVAZ, Bo Andersson, killed the domestic gearbox on Vesta, preferring the “mechanics” of the Renault JH3. These transmissions are assembled in Togliatti, but they still contain a lot of imported components: even before the launch of Vesta production, VAZ employees told Autoreview that the Renault gearbox is 3,000 rubles more expensive than the domestic one, that is, about 20%! Obviously, this difference has now become fundamental. However, from the very beginning Vesta was equipped with VAZ AMT “robots”, and VAZ-21807 boxes will later be installed on the version with a more powerful 1.8 engine.

The gear ratio of the main pair with the change of gearbox was slightly increased: from 3.87 to 3.94. According to the passport, Vesta has become more dynamic: the acceleration time to 100 km/h decreased from 11.2 to 10.2 s, and the maximum speed increased from 175 to 188 km/h. But fuel consumption also increased: from 6.9 to 7.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

Cars with Renault gearboxes can still be found on sale, but the production of such sedans has been discontinued, and versions with VAZ “mechanics” have already begun to arrive at dealers. The lever in the cabin has not changed, but you can identify the gearbox model by the car’s VIN number: if it has the code GFL13, then the gearbox is Renault, if GFL11, a VAZ “mechanics” is installed. Versions with a “robot” have the code GFL12.

The saddest thing is that with the change of gearbox, Vesta did not become cheaper: the basic Classic version costs 529 thousand rubles, for the Comfort version you need to pay 582 thousand, and a sedan in the Luxe configuration will cost at least 645 thousand rubles.

Types of gearboxes for Lada Vesta

In our Vesta, two versions of the gearbox are equally possible:

Robotic transmission;
Manual Transmission.

There is no classic automatic transmission on the Lada Vesta! Interesting move. But maybe a CVT will be added soon.

Automatic transmission (actually a robot)

This is what a robotic gearbox lever looks like.

In the first case, we are talking about a modified version of the “automatic”, in which the computer itself is in charge: it depresses the clutch, changes the speed.

This option turned out to be no worse, and, according to many, even better than imported analogues.

AvtoVAZ was planning, at one time, to organize demonstration performances with the participation of foreign developments, hoping for a solid lead over its competitors. There are, of course, some not particularly encouraging moments. So, with an automatic transmission, Vesta will accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in 14.1 seconds , which is far from record figures.

Service

Two pedals. It's a robot, no more needed!

According to data from the service manuals, the oil in the box is changed at a mileage of 120 thousand km. But the officials secretly talk about the need for replacement at 75,000 km.

Manual Transmission

The manual transmission on Vesta is currently of domestic production.

At the time of release, the Lada had an imported box from Renault. The reason was the noisiness of the VAZ version.

Less than a year has passed since Vesta got its own domestically produced transmission.

First of all, the manufacturer was driven by the desire to reduce the cost of the car, so abandoning the imported gearbox turned out to be a good help. If the predecessor had problems with noise, how the updated version behaves is worth finding out in more detail.

Modification 21807

Under the hood, the difference between the domestic version and the French version is noticeable.

This option is a modified version of the VAZ-21080, in which the torque has increased and excessive noise has been eliminated to a certain extent. The new filling of the main pair and the second speed gear contributed to quieter operation. Unlike the robot, this transmission option no longer stalls and copes well with acceleration.

Cost and Savings

The cost of the unit was immediately reduced by 20%!, which is approximately 3,000 rubles. Some characteristics have improved, while others remain at a decent level. Let's talk about everything in order.

Driving performance

With the change in the main pair, the gear ratio , it increased from 3.87 to 3.94 . The car has become more playful and dynamic.

To reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour it will take 10.2 seconds , which is faster than the Renault box from Logan by a full second of time.

The top speed has also increased. It increased from 175 to 188 kilometers per hour on the domestic gearbox. Unfortunately, such agility will consume a little more fuel than before.

Consumption

On the foreigner, consumption was 6.9 liters in the combined cycle, now consumption has increased to 7.5 liters .

Reliability of housing assembly

This element was a great success, because the part became noticeably stronger. You don't need to add oil as often as before. The service life of the seals lasts longer, which means that the tightness is at a higher level than that of its predecessor, and therefore makes much less noise.

Available configurations

If you go to the official website lada.ru, you will see that the most affordable configuration of the Vesta SV Cross, on which you can install a robotic box, is Luxe with the assigned code GFK32-52-X00. Its cost is 845,900 rubles. A machine of this configuration is equipped with almost everything necessary, is very comfortable and safe.

The next model configuration is called Luxe Multimedia with code GFK32-52-XK2. The price tag for it is higher than the previous one and equals 873,900 rubles. As is clear from the name of the configuration, the difference between it lies in multimedia. The more expensive trim level is equipped with a navigation system and six speakers, while the poorer trim level has “only” four speakers.

The last, most expensive trim level is Luxe Prestige. Code designation GFK32-52-XSH. It differs from the “multimedia” version in the presence of a rear armrest, tinted rear windows, a power outlet in the rear and heated rear seats. For the “fattest” configuration you have to pay 891,900 rubles.

Reviews from car owners

№	Positive
1.	Vladimir , 37 years old (drive2.ru): I like the AMT on the Lada Vesta, it’s better than the manual one. It's unusual to control gears with the gas pedal. The harder you press the accelerator, the lower the gear becomes. To change to increased speed after a kickdown, release the pedal a little. In general, you need to get used to it. At first I was confused about what and how. Once I almost collided with the vehicle in front.
2.	Dmitry , 42 years old (prom.ua): I bought Vesta last year with AMT. I had some doubts about the correctness of my choice, but overall I am pleased with the results of a year of operation. Shifts are not the fastest, but quite tolerable. The torque converter in the first models had better smoothness. I had a chance to drive old versions of Vesta. On the highway, the car is economical, rides smoothly, quickly picks up speed, and is maneuverable when overtaking. I drove 17,000 km without capital investments, repairs, only scheduled maintenance. My review of the Lada Vesta automatic is only positive.
3.	Alexey , 38 years old (drom.ru): The first few hundred kilometers the impressions were incomprehensible. I haven’t encountered AMT before, only manual and CVT. The first “step” was as if according to the instructions: I got behind the wheel, turned on the automatic mode on the transmission, released the brake, increased the gas and drove off. It’s not entirely clear why it shifts to fifth gear already at 80 km/h. This is low for a car with such an engine. Therefore, I switch to the manual, dial 90 - 95 km/h, and then engage fifth. The motor allows you to reach a speed of up to 125 km/h in fourth gear. I noticed that Vesta’s consumption on the robot is 0.5 liters less than the manual one. It's a small thing, but nice.
4.	Petrovich , 47 years old (rozetka.ua): Before the Lada Vesta Cross automatic, I had an Opel Corsa, I took the Lada in the Comfort configuration with a radio. It took me a while to get used to AMT, and I even got confused. I avoided traffic lights on the “tenth road” so as not to mess things up. In general, the opinion is positive about the box, too. In comparison with mechanics, the transition to higher gears is a little slower, but this is not important for me. The good news is that you don’t need to warm it up in the cold for a long time. I sat down, started it for 3 minutes and drove off. The accelerator is very sensitive, it needs adaptation after the mechanics. I hope that the resource of 75,000 km goes out with a bang.
Negative
5.	Gennady Dmitrievich , 53 years old (prom.ua): Lada Vesta Station wagon automatic for a year, has already driven 18,000 km, I think this is above average. The robot works properly, but there is a rustling noise from time to time. At the service station they said that the release bearing needs to be tightened. The car is new, but already forced to repair something. It is obvious that the quality of the domestic manufacturer is not yet at the proper level, the model is crude and requires improvements.
6.	Vladimir , 48 years old (Bibika.ru): first experience with a robotic gearbox, and a sad one. The release bearing failed at 15,000 km and was replaced at the workshop under warranty. After the seal leaked, I also had to replace it. I am dissatisfied with the quality, I think that the model needs careful improvement.
7.	Semyon Sergeevich , 49 years old (drive2.ru): I took a Lada Vesta from scratch, there were no complaints about the work. After winter, the gears began to engage with a delay, and the clutch began to slip. In general, I visited the service station and agreed on a comprehensive diagnosis under warranty. My comrades advised me to take a manual, but I didn’t listen and took an automatic.
8.	Stepan Vasilyevich , 45 years old (Avtodispatcher.ru): after two years of active operation of the Lada Vesta Cross, the release bearing flew off. I think that this is not my fault, since I drove carefully, did not drive, and treated it with care.

We recommend: Design and principle of operation of a manual transmission

Alternative, what to choose for this money?

Agree, it’s difficult to realize that the cost of a domestic car can be more than 800,000 rubles. Probably every car owner will think several times about what new cars he can buy for this amount, besides Vesta. It is noteworthy that SW Cross simply has no competitors in this segment; many will choose between Vesta SV Cross and Solaris, Rio, Polo sedan and Rapid. Of all the above, we would give preference to Rapid, because The trunk of a Czech car is more spacious, and there is the option of choosing an automatic transmission. Not many journalists mention that for the amount of 890,000 rubles you can buy a Renault Duster crossover with a 2.0 liter gasoline engine and all-wheel drive. Yes, of course, the Duster will be more expensive, but you will get all-wheel drive.

Another alternative is to consider purchasing the Chinese crossover Chery Tiggo 2

This model, in our opinion, also has a very attractive interior and exterior design; moreover, the technical parameters of the Chinese crossover and the domestic station wagon are similar. Both cars have plastic body protection, high ground clearance and front-wheel drive. Chery Tiggo 2 is equipped with a 1.5 liter petrol engine producing 106 hp. The price of a car in Russia, depending on the configuration, varies between 598,000 – 789,900 rubles.

Read also: Purchase and sale agreement for self-propelled vehicle 2018 form

This list may also include a huge list of Chinese crossovers whose price will be comparable to the all-terrain version of the station wagon.

I don’t like Chinese cars, ok, as an alternative you can consider the Korean crossover Hyundai Creta

Yes, of course, it will be a car with a basic configuration and front-wheel drive, but you will receive a 5-year warranty, a 1.6 liter gasoline engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, a high seating position, an attractive design and, most importantly, reliability.

Owner reviews about AMT on Lada Vesta SV Cross

If you browse the forums a little, you can find many reviews from car owners about the operation of the checkpoint. As happens in such cases, reviews vary, but most users note the AMT as a good and problem-free unit. There are also those who are less fortunate. Actually, the bulk of bad reviews come from such people. Below we offer you a few random reviews about the AMT on the Lada Vesta SV Cross:

I am writing this review at the threshold of 7,000 kilometers traveled. First of all, I’d like to note that my opinion about the AMT or the robot from AvtoVAZ, whatever you like, hasn’t changed a bit. Of course, the operating principle is different than that of the same mechanics, but this is a matter of habit. It can be seen that the manufacturer tried hard when working on the robot; it’s a long way from a hydraulic automatic machine, but still. I personally like the convenient modes of operation of the robot (city, highway, sport), as they help to properly adapt to the driving style in which I drive. In general, regarding AMT, I want to say that the system is good and I hope for further development from AvtoVAZ in this direction. The operating principle of the Lada Vesta robot may be specific, but adapting to it is not difficult.

Vladislav, Arkhangelsk

The AMT gearbox, by the way, is not just tolerable, but quite easy to use. I had to get used to it, but now I’ve gotten used to it. What can be said about the robot is its soft and smooth operation. A small minus is the short first gear. In general, I’m happy with the robot’s performance, but, again, you’ll have to get used to it (I’m speaking as a 6-year-old owner of a 99 with a manual transmission).

Andrey, Ekaterinburg

I took the Lada Vesta because of its design and good ground clearance. The ride feels soft and comfortable. On a wet road you can hear the front suspension creaking. The robot left mixed impressions. This AMT seems to be working normally, but at the same time it’s somehow incomprehensible and strange. It may be purely out of habit; my wife seems to like it and there are no problems in using it.

Peter, Simferopol

From the reviews it becomes obvious that for the most part the robot from AvtoVAZ shows itself to be a completely reliable and good unit. Yes, perhaps other problems will emerge over time, but at the moment there are no particular complaints. In addition, this box has already been tested on early models: Priora, Grant and Kalina. The problems, if any, are for the most part the same as with the mechanics. In the end, you can slightly close your eyes to the smoothness of the switching, because on foreign cars of the same class the robot works no better, and in some cases even worse.

Video reviews of Lada Vesta SV Cross box (robot):

Robotic gearbox - history of creation

The AMT box, which is installed on the Lada Vesta SV Cross, is not completely new . Experienced car owners are already familiar with this gearbox, as it is installed on models such as Priora, Granta, Kalina and X-ray. Yes, initially there were rumors on the Internet that this version of the gearbox was the development of Renault-Nissan engineers, but the rumors turned out to be false. AvtoVAZ representatives confirmed that AMT is its own development.

The development of this robot began in 2015. At the same time, the first robotic box for mass production was released. The proven five-speed manual transmission 2180 was used as the basis. ZF electric actuators were added to it, which were used as an actuator. They are activated when the clutch pedal is pressed and the desired gear is selected. In addition, the gearbox has acquired a shaft speed sensor. The assembled structure is the robot under the symbol VAZ-2182.

Video test drive Lada Vesta SV Cross AMT box:

Classic automatic or CVT on Lada Vesta

As practice shows, even taking into account a number of advantages, the AMT-type robotic transmission turned out to be cheap, but far from the most successful solution. Moreover, this is quite true when it comes to budget cars.

To put it simply, such a box does not provide adequate comfort compared to automatic transmissions, CVTs and preselective robots with two clutches. Also, the short resource of the AMT transmission servomechanisms became another problem.

In fact, the low maintainability of actuators is a reason for their complete replacement. At the same time, the cost of these elements is quite high. For these reasons, automakers around the world are gradually abandoning single-disc AMT-type robots, replacing them with proven automatic transmissions or CVTs, even in the budget segment.

It is quite obvious that the idea of installing a classic automatic transmission on the Lada Vesta is also relevant for AvtoVAZ engineers. However, for a domestic manufacturer this is a very difficult task, even taking into account the successful installations of automatic transmissions on the Grant and Kalina models.

The fact is that installing a full-fledged automatic or CVT on Vesta will require serious financial expenses. In other words, installing an expensive hydromechanical or CVT gearbox on a Lada Vesta will be difficult and expensive. You also need to take into account that in the event of such a step, the cost of Vesta with automatic transmission will increase significantly (by at least 20%!).

You should also be prepared for the fact that fuel consumption will increase in the case of an automatic transmission. However, car enthusiasts continue to count on the fact that AvtoVAZ management will sooner or later find a way to replace the AMT robotic gearbox with a hydromechanical analogue of the automatic transmission for the Lada Vesta.

Moreover, at one time there was information in various sources that a 4-speed automatic transmission would appear on the Lada Vesta (similar to the Granta and Kalina). VAZ management denied this information and stated that it does not completely rule out the possibility of a version with an automatic transmission, but in this case the automatic transmission will have 6 steps.

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The same can be said about the CVT, which may also appear on Vesta thanks to cooperation with the Renault Nissan alliance. As you know, Jatco (a subsidiary of Nissan) is one of the three world leaders in the production of automatic transmissions and CVTs.

For this reason, it is possible to replace the AMT with either a hydromechanical automatic or a stepless variator. In the second case, the smoothness of the Vesta model will be significantly increased, since the variator is the most “comfortable” transmission.

We also recommend reading the article about what the X Tronic variator is. From this article you will learn about the features, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the latest Nissan X-Tronic CVT.

If we talk about the disadvantages, low maintainability, average service life and the extreme high cost and complexity of repairing CVT are its weak points. One way or another, abandoning the AMT robot in favor of an automatic transmission or a variator for the Lada Vesta is quite possible, but one should not expect the appearance of such versions of the popular model in the near future, since there are no prerequisites for this (even taking into account the known shortcomings of the AMT).

“Pros” and “cons” in comparison with an automatic machine (robot)

Advantages	Flaws
Acceleration dynamics have become better, the car picks up speed faster	Increased fuel consumption in the combined cycle
The car is 30 - 35 thousand cheaper when purchased with a manual transmission	Crunching, creaking when driving at low speeds
Long service life
Cheapness of spare parts and components
The car is more expensive on the secondary market compared to the robotic version

How to determine the manufacturer of the box on Lada Vesta

Manual gearbox bottom view.

Today, it is unlikely that you will be able to find copies with French gearboxes, because AvtoVAZ has already stopped their mass production. The only available options are with domestic mechanics. Externally, the box has not changed, the lever in the cabin remains the same.

You can determine the manufacturer of the box only by the VIN number of the car itself. If it has the combination “ GFL13 ”, then this is a new part, “ GFL11 ” indicates our 21807 version, and “ GFL12 ” indicates the installed robotic VAZ transmission.

Whose mechanics?

Perhaps one of the main questions among potential owners is the question related to the manual transmission, or rather, is there a French or Russian gearbox on the new Lada Vesta St. Cross station wagon of the 2022 model year? This question is very relevant, because... The first versions of the Vesta sedan were equipped with French transmissions, then in order to reduce the cost of the car, Vesta began to be equipped with Russian gearboxes. This raises a reasonable question: is Russian or foreign mechanics installed on the SV cross. We managed to find out from AvtoVAZ representatives that the car is equipped with a French 5-speed manual JR5 from Renault (the main pair is 4.212).

It is worth noting that the Lada Vesta sedan is equipped with two mechanical transmissions, the first made in Russia, the second made in France. You can understand which transmission a car is equipped with by looking at the engine index. The Russian box has the index VAZ-21179-01 (Vesta MT 21807), while the French one is called 21179-50 (Vesta MT JR5-515).

The disadvantages of the JR5 gearbox from Renault are the high price compared to the domestic design, there are problems with engaging reverse gear, and noisy operation (box whine).

Service life of AMT according to instructions and actual

The AvtoVAZ manufacturer indicates a warranty life of an automatic transmission of 75,000 km or 5 years.

In general, AMT takes care of the designated resource, but already in the first ten it is necessary to carry out small works:

replacing the clutch disc;
flashing of the electronic control unit;
tightening the pressure bearing;
replacing the sealing gland on the AMT.

Conclusion

The presence of a robotic version of the gearbox on the Lada Vesta was greeted positively by many car enthusiasts. Although breakdowns do occur, they are not critical; in some cases they can be prevented by careful driving and timely maintenance. The final decision rests with the owner of the technical device.

Actuating mechanism

If you completely or not completely understand what an actuator is, we will now clearly demonstrate to you what it is and why it is needed. As we noted above, it is responsible for selecting and switching gears directly on the AMT. The illustration below describes everything in detail.

Gear selection drive.
Electric motor.
Gear drive.
Electric motor.
Gear selector rod.

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The design uses ZF electric motors from a German manufacturer.