One of the competitors of Lada Vesta is Cruz. Can Vesta and Cruz compete - in my opinion, they can - let's take a closer look at how! It is necessary to compare their constituent qualities and get a more or less clear answer which is better. The Chevrolet Cruze is a famous American car. The brand’s models have been known, or even in demand, all over the world for almost 10 years. Russian automotive industry specialists began assembling American vehicles in their homeland in 2010. Lada Vesta has been in production for 4 years now - during this time the car has been modernized, new modifications have been released: St, sw Cross, Sport.
AvtoVAZ produces cars that recently can compete with foreign models. Lada vesta can compete with Chevrolet Cruze. External data and technical characteristics of the AvtoVAZ model are not inferior to the American. Lada Vesta St is in demand and on sale. In addition to the sedan and station wagon, there is a crossover version.
Which option is more optimized for driving on our roads - Chevrolet Cruze or Lada? Let's take a closer look at the comparison of the two cars.
Model design
Externally, both models are similar. Stylish, laconic. It seems that there is nothing superfluous in the design of both cars. At first glance, it’s even difficult to say which is better – the Lada or the Cruze.
If you take a closer look at your compatriot, you can feel the hand of professional designers. There is a characteristic x-shaped design, which adds creativity. Smooth lines and a streamlined shape make the Lada look like an elite foreign car. The bumper is equipped with a neat, discreet black radiator grille, flanked by massive lighting fixtures. The grille smoothly flows into the space on which the license plate is placed, then into the air intake grille, in the lower part of which there is a “skirt” and a protective trim. The bumper looks massive, and the letter “X” can also be seen in its design. Its appearance is complemented by chrome inserts. From the rear, the car resembles most foreign sedans. The only thing that gives it away is the LADA inscription on the luggage compartment lid. In the rear, large lighting fixtures stand out, some of which are located on the luggage compartment lid, the second part on the rear of the wing. Manufacturers offer a rich selection of colors - nine tones. All colors are metallic, mostly dark.
The American also looks stylish and modern. The design has a hint of a sports model. The bumper is as massive as that of the Vesta. The radiator grille is divided horizontally into two parts for aesthetic purposes. Lighting fixtures deserve attention. Massive, broken in shape, they fit into the overall style and give it aggressiveness.
If we compare the Lada vesta and the American car, we note that both options are made in the same, or very similar, style, although each has features characteristic of the brand.
Exterior
Both cars are made in an aggressive outline, but the implementation of this concept turned out to be different. Vesta's appearance is more rational - the straight lines of the headlights and radiator grille, the curves of the chrome strips in the shape of the letter "X", a powerful air intake and a sloping hood.
The front of Vesta looks very impressive.
Overall, the front looks harmonious. The profile is also not bad - a slightly inclined silhouette, stampings on the doors and fenders reflecting the company's corporate style, split-spoke wheels, etc. The rear was no less successful - straight lines in the outline of the rear lights, a trunk lid decorated with the company name, like in Volvo, and a very nice rear bumper.
But the Lada’s food isn’t far behind.
Aveo is not so harmonious. In its full face, aggression simply pours over the edge - headlight bells, large foglights, an air intake and a radiator grille made in a trapezoidal shape. Overhanging all this is a large hood. The profile is also swift - the car is tilted forward, a line runs across its entire sidewall, and the bottom of the doors is decorated with another arch. And stylish wheels complement the surroundings.
Aveo's front view is impressive. Definitely.
But the food causes outright dissonance. As many people note, it’s all about the feet - they are too “cute”. The car clearly lacks equally aggressive lights. Otherwise, the Aveo was a success - the trunk, bumper and stamping along the arch of the rear wing combine very well.
But the rear of the Chevrolet definitely lacks seriousness.
Comparison of bodies and wheelbases
Both cars have a body type - class B sedan, both have four doors. Comparative body characteristics of both are presented in the table.
| Characteristic | Fret parameters (mm) | Chevrolet indicators (mm) |
| Width | 1765 | 1787 |
| Height | 1498 | 1476 |
| Length | 4408 | 4596 |
| Wheelbase size | 2636 | 2686 |
| Clearance | 177 | 157 |
| Wheel size | 15 | 16 |
An American car has good directional stability. Its curb weight is 1280 kg, while that of its opponent is 1155 kg. The total weight of a foreigner is 1785 kg, of our compatriot - 1625 kg.
Body paintwork and metal thickness
The base of the body of the Lada Vesta Cross 2022 model year is made of steel. The paint and paint layer includes several layers:
— steel frame;
— layer of anti-corrosion treatment;
- primer;
- dye;
- varnish coating.
Manufacturers took into account the climate, the large amount of reagents on the roads during the cold season, and improved the anti-corrosion coating. The thickness of the zinc layer of the AvtoVAZ model is 9-10 microns.
The thickness of the steel frame in its different parts is not the same and is:
— doors – 144 microns;
— hood – 108 microns;
— luggage compartment lid – 129 microns.
Manufacturers claim that such a layer of galvanization and the thickness of the steel frame will withstand changes in temperature conditions, ice and exposure to road reagents.
The American has a thicker layer of zinc treatment - 10-13 microns. The paint and varnish coating also includes several layers:
— steel frame;
— anti-corrosion layer;
- primer;
- base;
- dye;
- varnish coating.
Chassis and ground clearance
The Russian car is the leader in terms of ground clearance. Its ground clearance is 177 mm, the American’s is 157 mm. This means that the Lada is more adapted for use on Russian roads than a foreign car.
The suspension of the Russian car is no different from other models of the manufacturer. The MacPherson system is installed at the front: shock absorber struts, horizontal arms in the shape of a triangle, horizontal stability stabilizer, at the rear - semi-independent: vertical arms connected by a horizontal jumper, telescopic shock absorbers, coil springs. The brake system is disc at the front, drum at the rear.
The front suspension of the American consists of shock-absorbing struts and coil springs, horizontal and vertical arms, and a horizontal stabilizer.
The Chevrolet Cruze and Lada are front-wheel drive. An American's car tire size is 16, a Russian's is 15, a station wagon or crossover's is 16.
Appearance
We are all used to square Lada cars and we were simply not ready for Vesta’s appearance. The design turned out to be excellent and even a little sporty (by the way, the abbreviation SW means Sport Wagon), for which thanks to AvtoVAZ chief designer Steve Mattin. He managed to turn a budget car into a car that is simply pleasant to look at. The anti-gravel linings around the perimeter of the body alone cause frantic delight. Look at the photo and try to disagree with us:
The only downside is the lack of LED headlights at the rear, optical halogen lights at the front and a large number of plastic parts. Otherwise, this is a decent, pleasing car.
For lovers of numbers, there are also overall dimensions - 4424x1785x1532 mm. The wheelbase is 2635 mm and the ground clearance is 203 mm, which allows you to move off-road without fear of sitting on your belly.
Salon
Both cars are designed for five people. The interior space of the fret is decorated laconicly and looks expensive. Convenient, comfortable instrument panel. Indicator sensors are placed in three wells, similar to sports models. On top of the three wells there is a volumetric canopy. Comfortable three-axis steering wheel. There are decorative inserts on the inner surface of the doors and on the front panel. A multimedia device with a built-in navigator in the luxury and top-end configurations has an accessible menu conveniently located on the front panel. The climate control device is equipped with a small monitor. The rear seat is spacious for three passengers. The only drawback is the lack of lighting for the rear row of passengers.
The Chevrolet Cruze looks elegant, sophisticated from the inside, and meets all fashion trends. The front panel is made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch with fabric elements. Panel with lighting function in the dark and during daylight hours. The brightness of the lighting is user adjustable. The front row of seats is equipped with convenient position adjustment levers. There is a heating function. There's quite a lot of space in the back. The passengers who are accommodated there are not cramped.
Main differences
In reality, the cars are very similar, especially when it comes to interior and exterior design. Virtually no changes in the interior. All the main differences relate to technical characteristics, equipment and price.
Salon design and interior
There are also differences in design. Cross models are distinguished by the fact that on the sills, arches and bumpers there is a plastic body kit with protection from scratches and chips. An individual bright orange has appeared in the color line, like the “cross Kalina”. What both models have in common are roof rails on which a luggage rack can be attached. Another detail of the image is the decorative nozzle on the exhaust pipe.
The interior has many almost identical parts, but there are many interesting solutions that make the “cross” version stand out. The interior of the new product is made more interesting and brighter, and all thanks to the decorative trim. At the same time, there are additional options, the installation of which is not provided for on the SV. However, all decorative differences can be ordered separately on the SV.
The main differences in the cabin are as follows:
- original interior lighting;
- light and rain sensor;
- use of combined eco-leather and fabric in seat upholstery;
- heated windshield;
- the inscription on the dashboard Cross;
- LED lighting in the front doors and interior;
- decorative bright inserts;
- use of climate control.
In all other respects, there are no differences in the interior of both models. In general, all the differences in the interior are only that the decorative parts are made in the color of the body.
Difference in car sizes
Naturally, both modifications are very similar in appearance. But there is a certain difference regarding the dimensions. So “Cross” is a little longer, wider and higher (4424x1785x1532) than “SV” (4410x1764x1512). At the same time, the mass did not change - 1280-1350 kg. The ground clearance has also been increased, which is 203 mm compared to the previous 178 mm.
Luggage compartment differences
The luggage compartment volume in both models is 480 liters, which is average for station wagons. The useful volume could be larger, but it is reduced by an organizer with various shelves and niches that are used to store various small things. The organizer is convenient for neatly arranging, securing and transporting small loads.
However, if you need to transport large items, then it will be completely useless. In general, it takes up quite a lot of free space and raises the floor.
To really get the full claimed 480 liters you will need to remove this organizer.
Suspension, transmission, price
The changes also affected the wheels; in the modified version they put 205/50 R17, and in the regular model they offer 195/55 R16 and 185/65 R15. In the rear suspension of the SW, they installed station wagon springs, which are 9 mm larger than those of the sedan, the Cross has completely different springs and shock absorbers, the suspension settings have been changed, and the track has become wider by 14 mm, the suspension has been retuned
The choice of transmission for the Cross is smaller than in the SW. For the city station wagon, the manufacturer offers 4 transmission options – 2 manual and 2 automatic. The “cross” version does not have a 1.6 liter engine option with a robotic transmission. In other words, the regular version is offered with a range of four engines, while the all-terrain model offers only three.
It’s not surprising that the Cross is more expensive than the regular SV version. If you don’t want to overpay and you are quite satisfied with the characteristics of the city version, then you can purchase it for 640 thousand rubles, and the maximum price tag will be 805 thousand rubles. But the price for the “cross” version starts at 756 thousand rubles. and reaches 848 thousand rubles.
Engine performance and fuel consumption
Let's compare Lada and Chevrolet Cruze engines. The characteristics are shown in the table:
| Characteristic | Chevrolet Cruze | Vesta |
| Engine capacity | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power | 109 hp | 106 hp |
| Maximum torque | 150/4000 | 145/4000 |
| Number of valves | 16 | 16 |
| Acceleration time from zero to hundreds | 13.4 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Type of fuel | Gasoline 95 | Gasoline 95 |
| Fuel consumption Along the city highway In the country | 7.5 liters per 100 km 9.7 liters 6.0 liters | 6.8 liters per 100 km 9.3 liters 5.5 liters |
| Highest speed | 188 km/h | 177 km/h |
“Chevy Niva” or “Lada Vesta Cross”: what to choose if you have 800 thousand rubles in your pocket
January 20, 2022 Vladimir Pshenin photo by the author
For eight hundred thousand rubles you can buy any car: Russian or imported, new or used. The choice is huge, and often even deciding on the class of car is not easy. Today we’ll just look at cars in different categories - Lada Vesta and Chevy Niva.
Despite the fact that these cars seem to be completely different, they have at least one thing in common: they are Russian developments on Russian platforms. And the saddest thing is that they are most likely the last of their kind. In the future, both passenger cars and all-wheel drive vehicles of the Lada brand risk completely switching to the platforms of the Renault-Nissan alliance.
Appearance is not the main thing
Two years have passed since the start of sales of the Lada Vesta SW Cross station wagon, and seventeen years have passed since the debut of the Chevrolet Niva model. And not to say that the latter looks like a dinosaur. On the contrary, thanks to the initially calm “forever” design, you won’t be able to give it that many years at once. For example, headlights with a black backing and low beam lenses look very expensive. But Vesta, of course, is more modern and respectable.
Internal content
It is clear that the Niva is not a driver’s car and does not have a “hugging” anatomically accurate seat shape, but it doesn’t need that. “I sit high, I look far away” - this is the advantage of the car. And in general it’s very convenient here. Since the seat is located high, the hips rest completely on it and do not get tired. The seat, by the way, is height adjustable, as is the steering wheel. The armrest is present, but it is not adjustable.
The new instrument cluster, due to the small numbers, is less readable than the old one, from the “tag”. The multimedia system added recently is, of course, a step in the direction of modern trends, but with nuances. By the way, we have already talked about it.
Rear seating? On the one hand, sitting “behind me,” I, with a height of 184 cm, touch the back of the front seat. On the other hand, considering that the length of the car (without the spare wheel) is less than four meters, the space is used very rationally. In addition, the sofa stands high, does not leave your legs without support, and there is enough space in width. The only additional amenities are cup holders, which can be accessed when the driver's armrest is turned over.
Behind the rear seats hides bashfully what the Chevrolet Niva is criticized for most of all - the trunk. The door to it, by the way, opens in the right direction, with access from the sidewalk, but you won’t be able to find a decent volume there. The height seems to be normal, but the depth of the compartment is too small. Out of curiosity, I tried to lie down there, but didn’t fit. And you won’t be able to spend the night with the seats folded down. And, of course, Niva owners shouldn’t even dream about additional compartments and other options.
But the Lada Vesta is a product of a new time and a different class. There is a more comfortable seat, additional adjustment of the steering wheel for reach, and a good selection of options (climate control, cruise control, rear electric windows, rear armrest with cup holders, and so on).
The rear seating position is, naturally, much better: the front seat is ten centimeters, or even more, the cushion is slightly lower but longer, there is plenty of room in width, and you can also lean on the armrest for added convenience. In general, it’s quite expected given the half-meter difference in the length of the cars (in favor of Vesta, of course).
It is also clear from the trunk that the additional centimeters of body length did not go to waste. The volume is decent, and there are quite a few additional compartments: two identical foam trays with lids, special compartments for a canister of washer fluid and tools.
There are also additional joys: a 12-volt socket and two backlights. Here I already fit quite well, curled up into a ball. Well, if the seats are folded out, you get an almost flat platform without steps, on which two people can quite successfully spend the night.
Habits and skills
Koneno, the Chevrolet Niva grew out of the classic Niva, which, in turn, was a relative of the Zhiguli, but this does not require any specific management skills. There is an absolutely transparent feel on the steering wheel thanks to the hydraulic booster; the gear lever, although it is located a little far from the driver, gives absolutely clear engagement of the gears. True, on a new machine this is very difficult, and then the mechanism gets used to it. The pedals do not raise any questions.
And it’s impossible not to notice the unfortunate dynamics of acceleration. Well, without running in, it’s generally a quiet horror. But in general, if you are not in a hurry, then driving even on asphalt is quite good. The car reacts to actions lazily, but without unpredictability. And the smoothness of the ride and the energy intensity of the suspension are such that any bumps in our native roads seem to be smoothed out.
The Niva, of course, can move on roads, but it easily and happily rides where the roads have just ended. This is where small dimensions, high ground clearance, small overhangs, soft responses, and, of course, permanent all-wheel drive with a center differential lock and reduction gear come in very handy. In some cases, there is not enough rear locking, but in its absence some obstacles can be overcome by walking. Fortunately, the geometry and suspension are very flexible to this.
“Vesta SW Cross” is expectedly perceived as a representative of a more developed civilization. Despite the fact that the power steering here is electric and not hydraulic, this does not particularly affect the naturalness of the sensations. In this case, you can’t say anything about the clarity of gear shifting, since we have an AMT “robot”. Fortunately, it is at least in version 2.0, that is, much more adequate than before. But it still can’t escape traction interruptions during switching, so AvtoVAZ has already replaced the robotic gearbox with a much more expensive but smoother CVT.
Well, the mechanics on the Vesta have not gone away. The gears engage perfectly, but the silent gearbox (both the VAZ one on the 1.6 engine and the French one on version 1.8) cannot be called silent. However, after Niva it will seem like absolute silence. The acceleration of the test car with a 1.8-liter engine is not gun-like, and it doesn’t feel like it’s far from version 1.6, but there are quite enough possibilities both in the city and on the highway. In terms of reactions, everything is simple here: what you showed the car with the pedals and steering wheel, so it drove, and right away.
The energy intensity of the suspension is very decent not only for a passenger car, but also for other crossovers, but in terms of smoothness (primarily, we are talking about small irregularities and various joints), the VAZ flagship is noticeably inferior to its test partner. The low-profile 205/50 R17 tires and the “compacted” suspension of the high cross version are partly to blame for this. The regular Vesta on basic 15-inch wheels is noticeably softer.
Guarantee
The Lada Vesta manufacturer offers different warranty services for various components:
- Body – 6 years;
- Battery – 24 months;
- Suspension elements and sensors - 12 months or 40,000 kilometers;
- Lighting devices, seat heating system, steering system - 36 months or 40,000 kilometers.
AvtoVAZ reserves the owner's right to take advantage of warranty repairs if the operating rules are followed and the vehicle is submitted for diagnostic control within the specified period.
The Americans also offer a car warranty
- Chevrolet Cruze body – 5 years;
- Lighting devices, steering system - 24 months or 50,000 kilometers;
- Rechargeable battery – 24 months;
- Suspension elements, brake system, transmission - 12 months or 50,000 kilometers.
Sedan capabilities
After a test drive of the car was carried out in the city and on the highway, it was decided to drive on a country road. And due to the almost 18 cm of ground clearance, we were able to easily drive in those places where the Rio and Solaris began to touch the ground with their bottoms. Vesta, practically without slowing down, drove along a very deep rut, while the SUV drivers in front were in bewilderment when the domestic Lada Vesta blinked its headlights behind them. Carrying out such a very extreme test drive for the sedan, we understood that there was a high probability that a tow would be needed, but the car continued to calmly cope with the assigned tasks.
Moving along the highway, the car holds well at high speeds, so before even a strong climb, you can not be afraid to accelerate and go into third gear. By the way, on the new Lada, we had to feel the traction control system only once, when we missed a necessary turn. Therefore, the pre-prepared shovel and the accompanying SUV for towing never had to be used.
When we returned to the city, all test drive participants came to a unanimous opinion about the car. It really is worth the price. By the way, we recommend that off-road enthusiasts take care in advance about installing good crankcase protection. The factory installed option does not have the required level of protection and therefore stones can damage the engine.
Price for minimum and maximum configuration
If you compare the price of the basic configuration, the domestic car will have an advantage. This is quite expected. The price of the basic Lada Vesta is 550,000 rubles. For this price the manufacturer offers:
— two airbags;
— steering column, which is adjustable in two modes;
— electric lifting of windows on the front windows;
- on-board computer;
— audio speaker system.
The basic version of the Chevrolet Cruze will cost buyers 580,000 rubles.
How can it be profitable to buy a Lada Vesta in any configuration?
Regardless of what class of Lada Vesta car or what class of Lada Vesta SV Cross car, it is important to profitably purchase absolutely any configuration without overpaying. If the car is sold by an official Lada dealer, the configurations of any model (except CNG) can be customized thanks to a wide selection of various add-ons and options. This solution allows you to literally create a car that will meet both your financial capabilities and your expectations. However, for those who would like to purchase a more expensive version of their favorite car model, the official dealer offers many convenient solutions to the problem.
- If the car is sold by an official Lada dealer, prices and configurations can be changed with equal success. How? Take advantage of an impressive discount on a new car! The simplest and most popular way is a trade-in, which allows you to trade in your old car for a new one. No additional action is required on your part. After a detailed diagnosis and an honest assessment, specialists will help you complete all the necessary documents and will count the cost of your car when calculating the cost of a new one. At the same time, you get a new car and get rid of the need to look for a buyer for your old one.
- In addition, you can purchase a complete set of the Lada Vesta car model you like on credit. The official Lada dealer provides favorable lending conditions with the ability to choose from several banks (if your application is approved at the same time). This way you get the most favorable conditions and the minimum loan rate, and concluding an agreement with the help of a qualified specialist will allow you to gain confidence that the loan terms will be observed regardless of the term and economic situation.
- Leasing is also a very convenient way to get your cherished car. To do this, you need to fill out the appropriate documents and rent a car with the option of full purchase later. This option has many nuances, and consultation with a competent specialist will not hurt when choosing the best way to buy a Lada Vesta car as profitably as possible.
Box
The AvtoVAZ car is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox. The Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
In general, it is worth noting the similarity of the two cars in many respects. It is noteworthy that Vesta is not only not inferior to the American, but in many ways superior to him. For those who are planning to purchase personal transport for the purpose of moving around the city, it is recommended to choose Vesta. High ground clearance, more economical fuel consumption, and a spacious trunk make it suitable for practical people who want comfort. For those who want a more powerful, fast, maneuverable car, this is the Chevrolet Cruze.
