"A dream embodied in metal." It is with these words that the official promotional website of Lada Priora greets visitors. Weren't you mistaken? Having tried the Priora in the “Norma” configuration in winter, none of us wanted to have such a dream. Maybe we're just unfamiliar with its luxury version?
And now let’s return again to the pleasant phrases from the company’s website: “Elegant, solid and impetuous.” A black Priora, polished to a shine, is waiting in the parking lot, but maybe we were really mistaken? “It attracts attention and evokes a feeling of genuine admiration,” we read from the tablet monitor, circling around the Lada. “The car is eye-catching.” Of course, we understand the task of AVTOVAZ marketers and will slightly dilute their fanatical mood: yes, in a black dress Lada looks more serious, but what about the rest? Does it attract attention? Does it catch your eye? It seems to us that the particle “not” with verbs would look more appropriate: you need to be more modest, comrades, because in essence the old ten-wheeler body, although with a deep restyling, does not fit the mentioned descriptions. But we will continue to look for this most genuine admiration. Wait, don’t be upset, maybe we’ll find it.
We pull the new door handle. By the way, it is narrower and allows you to confidently grab it, and hello to the new alliance of style, technology and comfort. From a distance it's an ordinary Priora, and nothing more. The instrument panel is gray, the upholstery is fabric, the steering wheel is standard, but... we concentrate our attention, and here they are, the hearths of modernity - there are two airbags. Imagine, now the passenger has his own. We made it! By the way, as he assures, there are already other pillows, modern and of a different size. “Lux” is also in a luxury hotel. Let's look lower - a real branded 2-din audio system! And not the one that is often offered for installation by a dealer upon purchase, but a native one, with an original design and a pleasant interface. I still waited for this moment when Lada began to be equipped with its own sound. Even if it’s not Mark Levinson, it still plays tolerably well. One of the most important advantages of the entire media system is the ability to connect a phone via Bluetooth, and, of course, read MP3 format and the presence of a USB connector for flash drives.
The 2-din audio system is very neatly and successfully placed on the center console. That's what was missing here
In the “Lux” there is an airbag for the passenger too. By the way, here these same pillows are different, unlike those in “Norma”. Modern, larger volume!
The passenger airbag, by the way, does not turn off. Children should only be transported in the back!
Question: how to switch the light to automatic mode?
Answer: press the special button on the center console
We look further and search - somewhere here we must find the connecting links of the system of the so-called rain and light sensor. First look under the interior rearview mirror. Yes, the sensor itself is in place, there is some kind of twist on the body. As we all know, the sensitivity of the rain sensor is adjustable, and usually on other cars the control is located on the windshield wiper lever. Here the engineers decided to take a simpler approach and screw this regulator directly to the sensor itself - it’s easier, especially since the lever itself has long been occupied by on-board computer buttons. But making adjustments is actually not very convenient, although the operation of this fashionable gadget did not cause any complaints: the wipers react to small droplets of simulated rain (we sprayed it on the windshield with a hose) and the sensor automatically selects the speed and frequency of operation of the wipers. What's with the light? Again, on the headlight switch itself, we did not find the required letter A, which characterizes automatic switching on. This button is located on the central beard next to the rear window heating switch. Even though not everyone will understand why it is there, there is one less plug in the cabin. But in principle I like it. Of course, it looks a little fancy. I remember when I had my own Zhiguli cars, I improved them myself: I inserted additional keys where there was room, a clock, backlighting and something else. And it looked like it was factory made. The luxury Priora allowed me to remember this time, only here all the additions are indeed factory, but they resemble those from the garage.
One big plus in the audio system is the presence of Bluetooth. Now you can talk on your mobile phone without your hands, like in all modern cars. If you look for the promised USB connector on the panel, it is hidden in the glove compartment
The climate control is easy to use and works great, only when the air conditioning is turned on the engine power drops noticeably
By the way, we forgot about the climate control system, it also has an AUTO mode and, in theory, should independently select the settings. In principle, climate control practically meets all modern requirements: comfortable handles, soft rotation and switching of modes, although the temperature control dial could be digital. In winter, everything is clear: I turned the knob all the way to maximum - and it’s fine (we tried the stove back in December (KF No. 50 (188), warms up mentally). Today is the time to try the climate in summer conditions. Outside it’s a little more than 30 degrees heat, black enamel under the sun's rays allows you to effectively heat up the body, and in some places it even freezes in the cabin. In general, the main problem of the climate system is not even the temperature change, but a strong drop in engine power due to the operation of the air conditioner. Of course, this phenomenon observed on all cars, but in the Priora, even with a 16-valve engine, I emphasize once again, it is felt much stronger. In this case, starting from a stop is disgusting: the engine does not pull, it twitches, you have to endlessly apply gas and keep high speeds. Maybe we didn’t come across the wrong one the best example of “Lux”? I don’t think so. Turn off the “snowflake”, and here you have the runaway forces! It’s like a mountain has been lifted from your shoulders. Everything is in order with the engine, and it pulls normally for its 1.6 liters. Not a fountain, not super, but normal . By the way, we appreciated the new e-gas (electronic gas pedal) not only by the response of the pedal, but also by the sensations that are transmitted to the foot: the pedal moves softly, without intermittent sticking, as was the case with that car in the winter.
— EBD helps to correctly distribute braking forces when turning. Tested, proven
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The average braking distance from 70 km/h on dry surfaces was 17.3 meters
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The braking distance from 70 km/h on wet surfaces was 21.4 meters
But in fact, we were interested not so much in the everyday bells and whistles in Priora (in fact, all AVTOVAZ innovations can be found in every third car from 5 years ago), but in its new safety systems - a passenger airbag and an ABS system. We still didn’t dare try the first one, but the second one – for trial! We drive back and forth, brake on dry asphalt, then on wet asphalt. We’ll also see how Priora behaves in the skid we provoke with sharp braking.
Gas to the floor, and immediately I noted that there is no difference at all in sound insulation compared to the Norma, the Priora was and remains a noisy car with a characteristic “eight” sound. Genes still cannot be cut out with any sweet speeches, painted over with black paint and drowned out with new audio systems.
Acceleration is a “snake”, acceleration is a “snake”. The more I roll, the more I understand that the steering wheel is too light - between the wheels, by the way, there is an electric power steering. In winter, I made allowances for slippery surfaces, but now excuse me! But this does not make Priora difficult to drive. The car skids playfully (plus it also rolls), but it stays on its trajectory, squealing with its universal tread. And everything seems to be fine - easy! But it is precisely this sense of ease that fuels misinformation. And especially if you need to slow down at this moment. ABS was not called here in vain, to somehow erase the “Danger” label from the car. In addition, few people know that this system also combines an EBD (electronic brake force distribution) system, which will help in turning. Well, we'll try. We decided to measure braking from 70 km/h on both dry and wet surfaces. This speed is still close to our realities - both city and seemingly average on our country roads. Hands on the steering wheel, getting ready to start! By the way, while I was waiting for the start, I noticed a noise somewhere in the depths, squeezed the clutch - there was no noise (the old story - the release lever rattles). Here it is, the moment of truth - the 70 km/h mark, I take my hands off the steering wheel and hit the brakes! The pedal buzzed under the sole, several strong jolts, hissing and a slight squeal of tires - we were standing still. Exactly, on the axial. Bosch... And that says it all, failure of the test could not have been expected. After several repetitions, we recorded an average dry braking distance of 17.3 meters, and, by the way, there was no big difference in length between cold and heated brakes. The track flooded with water showed a braking distance of 21.4 meters, and here the differences were more noticeable - the maximum run-up between the results reached 1 meter, but the car, as in the first test, maintained a straight direction without any hint of drifting to the side. Afterwards, here on a wet surface, we looked for the ABS response threshold - it also turned out to be within comfortable limits. ABS comes into defense neither early nor late, which, by the way, is very important.
How, I wonder, will EBD handle the job? We rock the Priora at a speed of about 60 km/h on a heterogeneous surface (dry asphalt with puddles), let it skid and try to brake sharply and straighten the trajectory. There is a reaction - one wheel slows down, then I feel the system throwing force on the other, then, apparently, all together and in turn. And the car is in my hands. And so on several times. Our attempts to drive the car out of control were unsuccessful. We shrug our shoulders - Priora passed our test without any problems.
The system for safe parking of a car is exactly what a regular parking sensor is called in the VAZ interpretation. But we must be glad that he still exists.
The external radio antenna is also an external difference between the “Lux” and the “Norma”. An interference suppression capacitor is also installed on the motor.
You can tell by the patch on the top of the glass that the Priora is equipped with a rain sensor, cool! True, according to a survey conducted by AVTOVAZ, ¼ of the buyers would exclude this device from the list of options in order to reduce the cost of the car
The sensor sensitivity control is located directly under the glass. We didn’t find it right away, and then we also realized that it wasn’t very convenient to use.
It remains to truly reach that level, as they write on that very official promotional page: “You will notice it both on busy streets and on highways. A car that you aspire to as a measure of success.” Well, let's be honest, after all, laughter is laughter. So far, alas, the indicators of success are at least the brave three from Germany, not to mention luxury brands. And Priora is still like that, fast food in a hurry, but, I note, it has improved in quality and taste. The interior, of course, still stinks unpleasantly, and there have been no changes in terms of seating, but I really liked the radio. By the way, they completely forgot about parking sensors. Native! And so far only the rear ones. A beeper located somewhere behind signals the approach to an obstacle. Good manners began to show.
Epilogue
The black luxury Priora tried to change our minds and make us admire it. In some places she succeeded, but in others she definitely didn’t. Progress, of course, is obvious - after all, this is truly the first Russian (and national manufacturer in Russia No. 1) that is equipped with such a package of security options. But all this stuff would be stuffed into a new body! Swift, elegant. Where the alliance of style, technology and comfort will truly be felt. What about the price? Like, what do you want, all five fingers in your mouth! We think that with a competent approach and calculation (at least using the Lada Granta as an example), the price should not rise globally. Today, for a “Lux” in Almaty they are asking approximately $12,700. An excellent price! But only for Priora, which is mentioned on the promotional website. In reality, unfortunately, she is different.
Design
The new Lada Priora car was developed, of course, with an eye on its “donor” - this is the “ten” family, from which Priora received not only a platform, technical equipment, but also a line of engines, with a slight revision. The appearance, of course, required global interventions, but, as we see, they did not happen. In the new body, the image of Tolyatti residents is preserved, with straight lines, angular shapes and a discreet look.
The changes affected the optics, the structure of the bumpers, the trunk lid, the overhangs of the arches and wings, the structure of the rear pillars and the shape of the glazing. They made the silhouette of the car, in general, more flat and voluminous, adding, albeit a little, some kind of improvised modernity that was noticeable only to VAZ designers. The 2019-2020 Priors are no different in appearance from their first prototypes at all, that is, they are the same body.
Exterior
Lada Priora from 2019-2020 looks quite modern, so for the “zero” years. The “tenth” heredity is noticeable in literally every detail of the body. In total, Lada Priora underwent two updates, which mainly affected the interior. Externally, the bumper and optics were changed, and daytime running lights were added.
Otherwise, nothing new was simply introduced. A radiator grille with a “bee” structure, “drop-shaped” optics, a raised bumper with an air intake “mouth”, chrome edging, all this has been observed throughout all the years of production without the slightest change.
The side part of the restyled Priora is even less susceptible to temporary “cataclysms”. The silhouette does not inspire a hint of sportiness and dynamism, barrel-shaped, sloping arches, fenders, and hood.
A protruding bumper will not be able to surprise with similar design delights. Both the 2019-2020 sedan and station wagon can be pleased with only LED optics sections, as well as a small body kit on the rear bumper.
Photo of the Lada Priora hatchback, station wagon, and sedan have virtually no differences in appearance. The only difference is in the rear; the station wagon has an almost 90-degree roof angle, creating incredible dimensions of the luggage compartment.
The Lada Priora from the photo is the personification of the former corporate style, which has already gone down forever in the history of the Russian automobile industry.
Interior
The Lada Priora of recent years can even be accurately compared with budget foreign cars in terms of equipment and interior design. A characteristic torpedo cut, a built-in multimedia “window”, a wide range of adjustments, a wide selection of keys. The 7-inch music center occupies a leading position and accentuates exactly the same opinion about its similarity with foreign cars. Below are the classic “Zhiguli” heater deflectors, a radio, a climate control panel with “washers” and other keys.
The “tidy” of the VAZ 2170, also known as Priora, deserves special attention, with a huge three-spoke steering wheel hiding two huge “wells” and a small on-board computer. Of course, you won’t find any keys on the steering wheel, everything is simple and ascetic.
In terms of the finishing of the Priora, there is no need to harbor illusions; here is the simplest and most inexpensive plastic, which, if it does not creak as before, is a complete utopia in terms of aesthetic pleasure. Varying the color scheme only partially smoothes out the impression by playing with colors.
Traditionally, the “disease” of the domestic automobile industry persists, expressed in the leaving of huge gaps between panels.
The new Lada Priora hatchback or Lada Priora station wagon and sedan are equipped with the same seats. They are deprived of any lateral support, although the adjustments are more or less well chosen, which allows you to fit, if not comfortably, then at least somehow. The second row of seats clearly hints that the third is superfluous; the tunnel protrudes to a considerable height, which makes boarding the passenger unbearably painful.
The luggage compartment in the classic sedan version is no more than 430 liters, which is quite enough for this segment. But another sad thing is that you can’t fold the rear backrests; they simply don’t fold. The small compartment can only be opened to load long cargo, but this does not solve the problem. The trunk of the Lada Priora in the hatchback version is even smaller, only 380 liters.
New to the class!
Hyundai Accent is a serious rival to Lada Priora in its segment. But it also costs significantly more
In April of this year, a new competitor appeared on the market in addition to the previously present Daewoo Nexia and Renault Logan. Who is he? Hyundai Accent assembled in St. Petersburg. A very bright, very attractive and modern representative of the segment. For a new Accent in the top-end configuration with an automatic transmission, they are asking just over $21,000 in the showroom, and if you compare it with a manual configuration, approximately like the Priora, then the “Korean” will cost about $16,900. By the way, the cheapest Accent is offered at a luxury price Lada Priora, i.e. for about $14,000.
What does Priora “Lux” contain?
Interior equipment
Climate control, seat and door upholstery - velvet, interior trim - velvet, central locking, remote control door locks, immobilizer, electric windows on all doors, electrically adjustable mirrors, heated mirrors, heated front seats, adjustable steering wheel (height), folding rear seat (60/40), electric power steering, on-board computer, light sensor, rain sensor, audio system, preparation for phone (via Bluetooth), analog clock, additional connectors (USB).
Vehicle equipment
Alloy wheels, fog lights (front/rear), parking sensors (rear), full-size spare wheel, alarm.
Security systems
ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), seat belt pretensioners, front airbags.
Exterior and interior of Lada Priora “Lux”
The front part with a wide radiator grille and new lights gives the Lada Priora “Lux” an attractive and solid look. The model is equipped with high-quality 14-inch alloy wheels. The body is equipped with chrome holdings for the trunk lid and hood. Door handles and side mirror trims are made in body color. The mirrors are complemented by turn signal repeaters.
The interior of the model is made using modern materials.
The plastic is not damaged due to its increased strength and has a pleasant matte finish. The seat upholstery is made of special automotive fabric. For the driver's convenience, there is a special case for glasses and an armrest. Ease of control of the media system and additional applications is ensured by a modern on-board computer. The rear seat is equipped with an armrest and allows easy access to the luggage compartment. Illuminated lamps are installed above the front doors and in the trunk.
About security
The crash test of the modernized Priora with a reinforced body (according to the factory abbreviation “Phase-2”) was currently carried out only by AVTOVAZ specialists. According to the results of this crash test, the car scored 10.56 points out of 16 possible for frontal impact, 13 points for side impact. To receive an overall rating of 4 stars, a car needs to score a total of 24 points; Lada Priora scored 23.56. The European Safety Agency in such cases uses the usual method of arithmetic rounding, i.e. As a result, we can say that the level of passive safety of the Lada Priora corresponds to 4 stars. With a stretch, of course.
Earlier, in 2007, during the Autoreview crash test using the EuroNCAP method, Priora received only 5.7 points out of 16 for the front and 9 for the side. This result is rated only 2 stars for the “Norma” configuration and 3 stars for the “Lux” (the passenger airbag allowed us to earn more points and increase the rating).
Types of configurations for production models of Lada Priora
The presentation of the model began to be prepared already in 2006, and a year later the first version rolled off the assembly line. The VAZ factory index is 2170. The platform for production was the base from the Lada 110.
Unlike the “10”, the doorways have become wider by 7%. Absolutely new form of optics, hood, luggage compartment lid, fenders, sills. Standard wheels "Kama Euro" 185/65 R14.
High-quality polymer materials were used in the finishing. The upper contour is made in light colors, the lower one in dark colors. The two-tone door trims look great.
On the armrests of the front doors there are pre-installed control units for double-glazed windows, adjustment of side mirrors, and a central locking remote control. The ergonomics of mechanical keys are designed to prevent accidental pressing.
Between the front seats there are two storage compartments for storing small items. On the headliner in the front part there is a lamp with lighting and a place to store sunglasses (see photo).
The information content of the dashboard is good, the indicators are arranged in a cluster, providing a generalized picture of the functionality of the technical tool.
In the central part of the tidy there is a place for a monochrome display of the electronic engine control unit (ECU). Of course, the window is small, but it is quite sufficient for visual diagnostics.
To the left of the steering column there is a control module for side lights, high and low beam. Pre-installed electric headlight adjustment and dashboard brightness control.
The mechanical button for activating the trunk lid has been moved to the central channel. The useful space of the luggage compartment is estimated at 430 liters. Unfortunately, you can open the lid using a button from the inside or on the key fob. There is no mechanical button on the lid itself.
In the center of the dashboard there is a connector for installing a DIN, 2DIN radio (with LCD display).
In the engine compartment there is a 1.6-liter power unit, 98 hp, with a torque of 145 Nm. Transmission type: five-speed manual. In order to increase the efficiency of the braking system, a vacuum booster is pre-installed.
Reinforced shock absorber struts and improved front suspension design improve driving comfort.
All production models of Lada Priora comply with Euro 4 standards. This is possible due to the displacement of the standard catalyst closer to the exhaust manifold. As a result, the catalysis process occurs much faster due to an increase in operating temperature.
Norma and Lux
The basic package includes: airbag, immobilizer, power steering, armrest, central locking.
Lada Priora received a completely new ventilation and interior heating system. Thanks to the efficiency of the stove heater, the microclimate is maintained for a long time.
At the same time, the active safety systems in the “Norma” are not given due attention, unlike in the “Lux”.
The “Lux” is pre-installed with air conditioning, full power accessories, two airbags, and seat belt pretensioners. Externally, you can “recognize” the Lux by the presence of PTF fog lights on the lower edge of the front bumper. As well as alloy wheels, a parking sensor on the rear side.
The body is made of galvanized metal and low-alloy steel. The wheel arches are treated with anti-corrosion coating on both sides. The manufacturer provides a 6-year factory warranty for the body and its elements.
In 2013, AvtoVAZ introduced a restyled version of the Lada Priora with a new body. No significant changes were expected, just minor improvements. Daytime running lights (DRL) are pre-installed, front and rear optics are permeated with LEDs. The radiator grille has a mesh structure.
Like its predecessor, the new Lada Priora is available in four body styles: station wagon, coupe, sedan, hatchback. There are significant changes inside the cabin. The dashboard is covered with a soft-look - increased resistance to scratches, plus piano lacquer inserts in places.
The door cards received new upholstery and reinforced security pillars. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and tilt. Paddle shifters are pre-installed.
