The Lada Granta car (its factory designation is VAZ-2190) was conceived from the very beginning as an inexpensive and high-quality vehicle that would meet modern safety requirements, but at the same time remain affordable for the buyer. The model was developed on the basis of the first generation of Lada Kalina cars. But so many changes were made to the basic design that the Lada Granta can be considered an original development. Before you purchase this car and independently evaluate all its advantages and disadvantages, you should familiarize yourself with the test drive data and an analysis of the main technical characteristics of the model.
General impressions of the Lada Granta test drive
Every Russian motorist has heard about the Lada Granta. For many, the release of this model caused some skepticism, which is explained by past mistakes of the AvtoVAZ concern. Nevertheless, the overall impression from the Lada Granta test drive is the most favorable . Regarding the model released in 2022, we can say that its creators managed to improve the quality of the main components and eliminate some of the shortcomings that consumers had previously reported. The operation of the gearbox has been improved.
The new Lada Granta features an increased level of sound insulation compared to previous versions. Moreover, this affected the insulation not only on the floor of the cabin, but also in the trunk and on the engine panel. Together all this makes a good impression. And if we add to this the minor changes that affected the interior design and made driving more comfortable, we can say that the new Granta can compete with more expensive car brands. Perhaps, at first glance, these changes are not so noticeable, but once you spend some time behind the wheel, you begin to appreciate them.
Table: Top 12 best tires
| Model | Best Features | Diameter, R | Run Flat | Maximum speed index | |
| Pirelli Ice Zero | studded according to reviews | 14/15/16/ 17/18/19/ 20/21/22 | optional | H (up to 210 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ | studless tires according to reviews | 13/14/15/ 16/17/18/ 19 | No | S (up to 180 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Continental IceContact 2 | studded 2016 - 2017 | 13/14/15/ 16/17/18/ 19/20/21 | optional | T (up to 190 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 | studless 2016 - 2017 | 12/14/15/ 16/17/18/ 19/20/21 | optional | W (up to 270 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Continental IceContact 2 SUV | studded for crossovers | 15/16/17/ 18/19/20/ 21 | optional | T (up to 190 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 | studless for crossovers | 15/16/17/ 18/19/20/ 21/22 | No | T (up to 190 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 | inexpensive | 13/14/15/ 16/17/18/ 19/20 | optional | T (up to 190 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Cordiant Winter Drive | budget (Velcro) | 13/14/15/ 16/17 | No | H (up to 210 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 | studded, “Behind the wheel” test | 13/14/15/ 16/17/18/ 19/20/21 | optional | V (up to 240 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | studless, “Behind the wheel” test | 15/16/17/ 18/19/20/ 21 | optional | R (up to 170 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 | studded, Autoreview test | 16/17/18/ 19/20/21/ 22 | optional | T (up to 190 km/h) | Find out prices |
| Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV | studless, review "Autoreview" | 14/15/16/ 17/18/19/ 20/21 | optional | R (up to 170 km/h) | Find out prices |
Car appearance
The body of the Lada Granta has changed little in appearance. As before, there are several body styles. This is a sedan, a sport, and also another interesting modification of the Lada Grant - Liftback . The latter option is considered universal, while the sports model will certainly be of interest to those who often go out of town to the highway. The front part of the car has undergone the most significant changes - an updated radiator grille and bumper have been used here. The sedan's lights, bumper and even trunk lid have also changed slightly in shape.
The new body of the Lada Granta boasts a spacious trunk. Its volume depends on the type of model. For a sedan this is 520 liters. But in the Liftback it is a compartment with a volume of 440 liters, and if the driver folds down the rear seat backs, the trunk volume can be increased to 760 liters. In this case, its cover will open together with the rear window. Thanks to the design features, loading things into the trunk will be convenient and practical.
The company has not yet released the promised crossover. As planned, the car will be very different from all previous versions.
As for the design of the Granta, the manufacturer provides such body colors as white, orange-brown, purple, light and dark shades of blue, blue-green, gray, including those with a brownish tint.
Salon - Interior - Ergonomics
The main principle that the designers implemented in the Lada Grant in relation to the interior of the cabin is minimalism, according to the principle “the simpler the better.” This approach helps both reduce costs and pay more attention to sound insulation, although the sound of a running engine can still be heard inside the car. The interior of the Lada Granta is quite spacious, so the driver does not feel cramped. The ceiling inside is quite high. This is important for tall drivers. And in general the car has become more ergonomic.
The interior of the cabin is well thought out. It is finished with high-quality plastic, and compared to previous models, it should be noted that it looks better. In addition, the casing is now made at a higher level, and its parts do not creak during operation. Inconspicuous fastening materials were used to secure the elements, and some brackets were improved.
As for ergonomics, there are no special surprises in the basic configuration of the Lada Granta. But in the “Lux” configuration there are many little things that make the trip more comfortable - these are heated seats, the presence of a sun visor, the possibility of folding the rear seat and the presence of a headrest on it.
Even the Norma Classic package already includes an on-board computer. It is located between the speedometer and tachometer. This is a convenient place to display vehicle data on the screen.
But most of the changes still remained cosmetic. In particular, the steering wheel and gearbox were redesigned. The trunk shelf is trimmed with new material. The body was strengthened in the area where the engine mount passes. Theoretically, all this should fit better into the interior than it did in previous Granta models. But, of course, it all depends solely on individual preferences.
Castle in defense
Yes, yes, the Samara province has its own castles in the geogothic style. This masterpiece of architecture is located just 40 kilometers from Tolyatti in the village of Khryashchevka and belongs to local businessman Oleg Kuzichkin . It took us a little less than an hour to get to the final point of the route.
The Khryashchevites showed the way to the castle with pleasure. We are glad that they have their own attraction in the village. And they also hope to earn income from tourists. Of course, the local Khryashchevites will no longer be surprised by the “Grant”. They say they have seen it more than once. And at first they even confused it with Vesta. They're too similar.
Question answer
Why do Russians start buying domestic cars more often?
The castle is not an architectural monument (they weren’t built like that in Ancient Rus'), although it looks like real antiquity, even though it is made of real stone (slate). It may be a remake (construction began in 2006), but on the other hand, it is not a copy of a specific European castle, but an original architectural fantasy on the theme of European Gothic and Romanticism, incorporating all the most beautiful and interesting elements of European architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and Victorian era. Designed by our architects.
Why, in fact, is the castle named after Garibaldi? Oleg Kuzichkin dedicated it to his father Garibaldi Kuzichkin, who is not even the most distant relative of the hero of Italy Giuseppe Garibaldi . His name is simply Garibaldi Arkadyevich. Lucky with the name, one might say.
Alas, they are not allowed inside the castle; construction work is still underway there. The guard even threatened to set fire to the brand new Granta if we did not leave voluntarily. I had to listen. The guards of the Khryashchevsky castle are very fierce people, as it turned out. But from the outside you can admire the architectural beauty to your heart’s content. They don't charge money for this.
Photo: AiF
Control and driving comfort
The new Lada Granta has become safer to operate - for this purpose the braking distance has been reduced. In addition, thanks to its streamlined shape, this car accelerates faster, which affects not only safety, but also good handling.
The car performs great on dry road surfaces. Its advantages include stability and the absence of the need for a sharp reduction in speed when cornering. The Granta's engine is powerful enough to quickly accelerate or climb uphill. But still, the speed in front of an obstacle should be reduced, mainly due to the high landing.
On high-speed roads, the new Lada Granta also behaves confidently and maintains excellent speed. There are no knocks when driving, but even improved sound insulation does not allow you to completely get rid of extraneous sounds like those made by cars passing by.
Speaking about the features of the Grant, it should also be noted that it has lower fuel consumption compared to previous versions of the same car. This allows you to reduce costs by about 10-15% from normal levels. This plus can be a serious savings when using the car frequently, especially in urban environments. The new model helps you brake quickly when you see a pedestrian crossing or traffic light.
A car with a manual transmission is the most practical option. If necessary, it will be possible to turn on a hint that will help you choose the right speed and switch to the desired mode for more efficient fuel economy.
In bad weather conditions, it has become easier to drive the car, since you can now choose a package that includes the installation of rain and light sensors. The adjustable steering column performed well. It is clear that the use of all these systems makes driving safer and prevents unnecessary extreme maneuvers in poor visibility conditions.
Technical characteristics of Lada Granta
The main characteristics of the Lada Granta can be reduced to the following indicators:
body type - four-door 5-seater sedan (although there are other options - sport and liftback),
- external dimensions - 4260x1700x1500 mm;
- trunk volume is 550 liters, which will be appreciated by people who love traveling by car;
- wheelbase size - 246 cm;
- The front wheel track is 1430 mm, the rear wheel track is 1410 mm;
- ground clearance averages 160 mm;
- engine type - gasoline, injection type, with distributed fuel injection, which is controlled by an electronic system;
- engine displacement - 1596 cc;
- The engine power in the basic configuration is 87 hp, the torque value is 132 N∙m;
- The fuel tank capacity is 50 liters, the average gasoline consumption is 7.4 liters per 100 km, if calculated for urban conditions;
- the maximum possible speed of the model is 165 km/h, while from zero to “hundredth” the car warms up quite quickly - in 12.6 seconds.
In addition, the car is equipped with front-wheel drive and can have either a manual or automatic transmission. The front suspension is independent, the rear suspension is semi-independent, spring type.
High ground clearance is necessary for driving on bad roads, therefore, it is a fundamentally important point for the Lada Granta. This indicator depends on the model and configuration. For the Lada Granta Sedan, the ground clearance under the engine crankcase when fully loaded is 160 mm for manual transmission and 156 mm for automatic transmission. This value will be relevant for all types of equipment - standard norm and luxury. Under the gearbox housing with a manual transmission the same value will remain, but for an automatic transmission it decreases to 145 mm.
By the way, the clearance value for the Lada Granta Liftback will be slightly different from the sedan in any configuration.
It is also worth noting that when calculating ground clearance, the manufacturer takes the total weight of the car and adds an additional 400 kg to it. But in real life, the car does not receive such a load, so the ground clearance may be higher than its declared value.
Auto view
Two updated Grants with a 106-horsepower engine under the hood were tested:
- with a robotic transmission (with new firmware, like Vesta);
- with a 5-speed manual transmission.
About AMT
:
- Sluggishness and inadequacy have sunk into oblivion. Gears shift clearly and without hard pokes, delays do not appear either in city traffic jams or on country roads.
About manual transmission
:
- The manual transmission surprised me in a good way. It works with the clarity of an automatic shutter and there has never been any confusion between “first” and “third”. Moreover, each transmission is quite “long”. For example, in “second” it is quite possible to accelerate the car to 80 km/h.
Link to test drive.
Prices and options
The price of the Lada Granta is perhaps the most pressing issue for potential buyers. As always, everything depends on the configuration - in the cheapest version the cost will be 329,900 rubles, and in the most expensive - over 572 thousand rubles. Moreover, even in the basic model they are distinguished by a rich selection of equipment - from a multimedia system to an on-board computer and many other devices.
The list, which includes the basic configurations of the Lada Granta , looks like this:
- “Standard” package - main characteristics: power 87 hp, manual transmission, window frames are made in body color, no bumper paint. There is a driver airbag, child seat mounts, and a rear door locking function (this is important for families with small children). Also noteworthy are the presence of daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes and a modern braking system equipped with electronics. The price ranges from 329.9 - 389.9 thousand rubles
- “Standard+” package - the main indicators correspond to those given above - the same power of 87 hp, manual gearbox5, but the bumpers are painted in body color, the door frames are made black. The price is 333.9 - 392.2 thousand rubles
- “Norma Classic” package - the main indicators are not much different from the classic package - the same 87 hp. and manual transmission5, but the rear seats have headrests, which increases the level of passenger comfort, and the car itself is equipped with an on-board computer. The price of this version is 365.6-425.6 thousand rubles
- The “Norma Classic+” package has the same characteristics as the previous package, only it additionally has air conditioning, an electrically heated exterior mirror function, and electric windows. The price is 387.7-447.7 thousand rubles
- The “Lux” package already has a power of 106 hp. and MCP5. In addition, the model offers a higher level of comfort - climate and multimedia, an additional airbag for the passenger, fog lights, a built-in security alarm system, heated front seats and many other functions that help make any trip enjoyable. The price of the Luxury version will be 443.4-519.4 thousand rubles. A “Lux” package with a robotic gearbox is also available. Its price is up to 544.4 thousand rubles
- “Luxury Navigation” package - Can be equipped with both MKP5 and RKP5. At the same time, there is a climate system, parking sensors, an audio system, a navigator and many other useful functions. The price is 547.4-572.4 thousand rubles.
Choosing a used car
Many people agree to buy a Lada Granta with mileage, that is, already used. But in this case, you need to know what you might encounter, given that these cars have been produced not so long ago, since 2011, and therefore, with a relatively low mileage, the degree of wear and tear will also be low.
Firstly, it should be noted that initially this family included only one option - a four-door sedan. Then in 2011, the Lada Granta Sport appeared on the market. Its main differences from the classics were alloy wheels with a diameter of 16 inches, an increased size of the rear and front brake discs, and a reduction in ground clearance by 20 mm. In addition, Granta Sport has gas-filled shock absorbers and low-profile tires. Another body option is the Granta Liftback, which appeared on the market in 2014. It differs from other types in the shape of both the body itself and the rear side doors, as well as the front bumper and some other small details. So even among cars that are no longer new, there are various options - Lada Granta sedan, Liftback and Sport.
Secondly, many of those who would like to buy a used Grant are primarily interested in its engine, despite its short service life. For some reason, domestic motorists are confident that the Lada Granta’s engine is its weak point. In fact, any budget car will have certain problems with the engine. In this case, it should be remembered that cars of this family can be equipped with 8- and 16-valve engines. And they behave differently during operation.
Among the positive characteristics of 8-valve engines, it can be noted that even if the belt breaks, the valves do not bend, so everything is not so bad. But 16-valve models behave worse; they require urgent replacement of a failed part. But when replacing the belt, you will need to install new tension rollers. At the same time as these breakdowns, the water pump is often replaced.
Another important point: oil smudges are typical for all variations of engines used in this family. This may bother the motorist, but in fact it does not in any way affect the operation of the power unit. But if, when starting the engine and changing the speed, blue smoke from the muffler is noticeable, this is already dangerous.
Thirdly, certain questions arise regarding the transmission in the Lada Grant. Here, squeaks in the clutch pedal are a common occurrence; there is no need to be nervous about this. However, experts recommend regularly lubricating both the bushing on the cable near the clutch fork and the place where the pedal connects to the rod.
Some experts advise filling a new car with synthetic compounds, and after 100 thousand kilometers - semi-synthetic ones. But, of course, when buying an old Lada Granta, it is difficult to say how its owner treated it in this case. In general, the figure of 100 thousand kilometers plays an important role for such cars. If before this the engine worked perfectly, then after this indicator the compression begins to drop and the power decreases. Over time, it may happen that the situation worsens, and then the piston group as a whole will have to be changed.
Gradually, of course, the clutch disc wears out, and the pedal rises higher than normal, and at the same time there is an increase in free play. In such cases, you need to change both the disk and the basket at once, and it is advisable to purchase imported spare parts for this, since their service life is much longer.
Finally, it is worth noting that the main problems with used cars occur mainly with a manual transmission. When tested, it may make noise when switching. In addition, when driving at speed, the lever may begin to vibrate quite strongly, and then the clutch will begin to creak. This sound may be heard when the clutch is depressed, which means something needs to be done to the pedal bushing. But sometimes the sound comes from the engine compartment. This means that the problem is in the tip drive. In general, most often the clutch on a Lada Grant has to be repaired after 50 thousand kilometers.
Your problems may also be related to the automatic transmission. As a rule, they are especially pronounced during rain. Usually the problem comes down to the fact that there is a special sensor in the automatic control unit, but in wet weather it works worse, and sometimes the car may not start at all because of this. So you need to contact a specialist.
Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 – inexpensive studded tires for winter
In the budget segment of studded winter tires, Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 have proven themselves with a long service life. The tires do not have spikes coming off, and the tires hold the road well in mixed driving styles. The tread does not wear off for a long time, the studs do not allow air to pass through.
The studded Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 5 handle equally well on ice and snow; on asphalt they brake a little worse, which is understandable for this type of winter tire. The rubber has excellent build quality and the installation of studs, allowing it to hold the road well even in part-time drive. They have a long service life and do not wear out for a long time.
Let's sum it up
Lada Granta is a budget car with an optimal price-quality ratio. On the road, this vehicle behaves confidently and has good handling. The car is able to accelerate quickly, without sudden jolts, and the speed changes easily. In addition, this car differs from competitors in the same price group in its increased traction, which makes it a more practical option for harsh winters. The ergonomics of the interior, laconic but expressive design, good assembly - all these are arguments in favor of purchasing this particular model.
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Dmitry Seregin September 24, 2017
Published in: Russian cars
Tags: AVTOVAZ, used cars, Our cars, Russian cars
