Lada Vesta Exclusive 1.8 AMT: review of the Lada Vesta modification

At the Moscow International Motor Show 2016, held from August 25 to September 4, AvtoVAZ products were well represented by 19 cars, including 6 concept cars. At the demonstration site, despite the bright variety of new models, a spectacular sedan stood out - Lada Vesta Exclusive.

A visual acquaintance with the car shows that the name Exclusive of this Lada Vesta modification is certainly justified. The list of Vesta Exclusiv equipment and options is also decent, although it does not amaze with the novelty of technical developments.

The sedan's equipment includes:

2 front airbags;
"climate control";
multimedia complex;
Rear View Camera;
navigation system;
rear parking sensors;
heated front row seats;
rain and light sensors;
anti-lock braking system (ABS);
dynamic stability system (ESP).

Exterior

Lada Vesta Exclusive was released on the basis of the base model, from which it inherited the following dimensions:

length – 4.410 m;
width – 1.764 m;
height – 1.497 m;
wheelbase - 2.635 m;
ground clearance - 0.178 m.

But the additional elements installed by the manufacturer on the outside and new touches in the interior design provided the Lada Vesta Exclusive with a spectacular visual difference from other modifications of the sedan.

The car is equipped with low-profile tires on alloy wheels of a striking, unique design, the size of which has been increased to 17 inches. The design of the rims is original and was developed specifically for this modification.

The door lock handles are chrome-plated, chrome moldings are located along the bottom of the doors parallel to the body sills, a standard spoiler is installed on the trunk lid and there is a nameplate with the name of the modification.

These insignificant, at first glance, but thoughtful additions, combined with the exterior advantages of the basic version, make Lada Vesta Exclusive stand out even among the latest AvtoVAZ developments. The only thing that looks more representative is the Vesta Signature, which is also preparing for serial production - a limousine based on the Lada Vesta with a wheelbase increased by 25 cm, which not only added to the car’s presence, but also provided comfort for passengers in the rear seats.

Exterior features of an elite sedan

To develop the Lada Vesta Exclusive, the designers of the AvtoVAZ concern took the platforms of the base model as a basis. It follows that the body dimensions remained the same:

the length of the car is 4 m 41 cm;
machine width – 1 m 76 cm;
model height – 1 m 50 cm;
ground clearance is also high: 178 mm;
the wheelbase, which allows for comfortable seating of passengers, is determined by the parameters 2 m 63 cm;
The big advantage of the Lada Vesta exclusive is the custom-made 17-inch light alloy wheels, which are covered with low-profile tires;
the luggage compartment can accommodate approximately 480 liters of cargo.

Interior

The interior design of "Vesta Exclusive" is made in contrasting colors, consisting of black and beige colors. The interior trim impresses with the quality of workmanship and thoughtful selection of materials - a combination of leather and Alcantara seat upholstery, a leather steering wheel cover with contrasting figured stitching, glossy black plastic for the console trim and inserts made of it in the trim of the door handrails.

The control pedals have steel linings, hinting at the sporty nature of the car, the interior sills are lined with original linings, the door upholstery and the instrument panel are decorated with moldings. The silver housings of the side deflectors contrast effectively against the black background of the front panel, and the glossy frame of the multimedia system also stands out well against its matte plastic.

The improved illumination of the instrument cluster panel is pleasantly surprising, as is the illumination in the feet of the driver and front passenger, which, although a little exotic, is quite functional.

The interior carpeting is made of dense carpet of improved quality; comfortable mats made of special material are included as standard.

The general impression of the Vesta Exclusive interior is full compliance with the name of the sedan version, which has a comfortable, functional interior and a capacious trunk with a volume of 480 liters.

Competitors

Next, we list the closest competitors of the Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 1.6 (113 hp) CVT for 1,058,900 rubles.

Skoda Rapid “Active” 1.6 (110 hp) 6AT - 1,028,000 rubles

Which is better: Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2022 or Skoda Rapid “Active” 2021 - comparison of models.

List of identical options (Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2021 / Skoda Rapid “Active” 2021)

Driver's front airbag
Front passenger airbag
3 rear head restraints (3 rear seat head restraints / 3 rear head restraints)
ISOFIX child seat anchors (ISOFIX child seat anchors / Rear child seat anchor)
Immobilizer
Emergency call device "Era-GLONASS"
Rear disc brakes (Rear disc brakes (AT only) / Rear disc brakes (except 1.6 MPI 90 hp))
Stability Control (ESC) (Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Disable / Electronic Stability Control (ESC))
On-board computer
Second-row split-folding backrest (60/40 split folding rear seat / split-folding rear seat, split-folding backrest)
Driver's sun visor with mirror
Front passenger sun visor with mirror
Power steering (Electric power steering / Electric power steering)
Adjusting the steering column height
Adjusting the steering column reach
Driver's seat with height adjustment
Folding ignition key (Folding ignition key/Folding key)
central locking
Central locking control panel in the key
Front electric windows
Audio system (FM/AM) (Lada Enjoy Pro multimedia system with built-in Yandex.Auto / Radio Swing services)
Color touch display multimedia system (8.0" TFT-IPS capacitive HD display multimedia system / 6.5" color touch display)
Front USB (2x Front USB / 2x Front USB-C)
Painted side mirror housings (Black exterior mirrors / Body color side mirrors)
Exterior door handles in body color
Spare wheel with steel rim

Differences Lada Vesta "Exclusive"

Possibility to disable the front passenger airbag
Side airbags
Locking the rear doors against opening by children
Automatic door locking when driving
Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking
Automatic door unlocking and hazard warning lights in the event of a collision
Daytime Running Lights
Fog lights with turning light function
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Brake force distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Traction control system (TCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Engine and engine compartment protection
Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster
Central armrest with box
Center rear armrest
Black headliner
Seat upholstery - combined fabric/eco leather, gray
Textile rugs
Pads on the pedals
Case for glasses
12V socket for driver and front passenger
12V socket for second row passengers
USB port for passengers in the second row of seats
Automatic headlight switch off
Atmospheric interior lighting
Illumination of entry and exit points in the front doors
Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
Driver's seat with lumbar support
Cabin air filter
Light window tinting
Enhanced rear window tinting
Electric folding exterior mirrors
Rear electric windows
Leather steering wheel
Heated steering wheel
Heated front seats 3 levels
Heated rear seats
Electrically adjustable side mirrors
Heated side mirrors
Heated windshield
Rear parking sensors
Rear view camera with dynamic lines
Rain sensor
Light sensor
Climate control
Cooled glove box
Cruise control
Speed limiter
Multifunction steering wheel
Bluetooth, Voice Control, Hands Free with Dual Mic and Noise Canceling Function
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6 speakers
Turn signal repeaters in exterior mirror housings
Rear spoiler
Decorative exhaust pipe nozzle
Wheels 16-inch
Original light alloy wheels
Spare wheel small size 15-inch

Differences Skoda Rapid "Active"

Bumpers in body color
Thermal glazing
Suspension for bad roads
Low LED headlights (high beam - halogen)
LED daytime running lights
LED lights
LED rear license plate illumination
Chrome grille frame
Cup holder in the center console
2 front reading lights + 1 rear reading light
Non-smoking version
Storage compartments in rear doors
Storage compartments and bag hooks in the luggage compartment
Chromed door handles inside
Artificial leather gear lever cuff
Tire pressure indicator
Driver's seat belt indicator
Front headrests, height adjustable
Motorist set
2-spoke steering wheel
Air conditioner
External temperature sensor
Side mirrors with mechanical adjustment
Daytime running light mode (can be switched off)
Interior rear view mirror with shielding
Ice scraper
12V socket in luggage compartment
4 speakers
Wheels 15-inch, tires 185/60 R15
Steel wheels 6J x 15 with hubcaps
Full size spare wheel
Tool kit and jack

Hyundai Solaris “Comfort” 1.6 (123 hp) 6AT - 1,031,000 rubles

Which is better: Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2022 or Hyundai Solaris “Comfort” 2022 - comparison of models.

List of identical options (Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2021 / Hyundai Solaris “Comfort” 2021)

Driver's front airbag
Front passenger airbag
ISOFIX child seat anchors (ISOFIX child seat anchors / ISOFIX rear child seat anchors)
Rear Emergency Brake Alert (ESS) (Automatic Brake Warning / Rear Emergency Brake Alert (ESS))
Immobilizer
Daytime running lights halogen (Daytime running lights / Daytime running lights halogen)
Emergency call device "Era-GLONASS"
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Brake force distribution (EBD)
Stability Control (ESC) (Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Disable / Stability Control (ESP, VSM))
Traction control system (TCS)
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (Hill Start Assist Control (HSA) / Hill Start Assist Control (HAC))
Second-row split folding backrest (60/40 split folding rear seat / 60:40 split folding second row seatback)
Driver's sun visor with mirror (Driver's sun visor with mirror / Driver's sun visor mirror)
Front passenger sun visor with mirror (Front passenger sun visor with mirror / Mirror in the front passenger sun visor)
12V socket for driver and front passenger (12V socket for driver and front passenger / Two 12V sockets on center console)
Power steering (Electric power steering / Electric power steering)
Adjusting the steering column height
Adjusting the steering column reach
Driver's seat with height adjustment
Driver's seat with lumbar support (Driver's seat with lumbar support / Driver's lumbar support (power adjustable))
Cabin air filter
central locking
Central locking control panel in the key
Front electric windows
Rear electric windows
Leather steering wheel
Heated steering wheel
Heated front seats (Heated front seats 3-level / Heated front seats)
Electrically adjustable side mirrors
Heated side mirrors
Cruise control
Speed limiter
Steering wheel audio controls (Multifunction steering wheel / Steering wheel audio controls)
Audio system (FM/AM) (Lada Enjoy Pro multimedia system with built-in Yandex.Auto services / Audio system (Radio/MP3))
Color touch display multimedia system (8.0" TFT-IPS capacitive HD display multimedia system / 8.0" color touch display)
Front USB connector (2 front USB connectors / USB connector for connecting external devices)
Bluetooth (Bluetooth, Voice Control, Hands Free with Dual Mic and Noise Canceling / Bluetooth)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6 speakers
Painted side mirror housings (Black exterior mirrors / Body color side mirrors)
Painted exterior door handles (Body color exterior door handles/Body color door handles)

Differences Lada Vesta "Exclusive"

Possibility to disable the front passenger airbag
Side airbags
Rear seat headrests 3 pcs.
Locking the rear doors against opening by children
Automatic door locking when driving
Automatic door unlocking and hazard warning lights in the event of a collision
Fog lights with turning light function
Rear disc brakes (AT only)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Engine and engine compartment protection
On-board computer
Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster
Central armrest with box
Center rear armrest
Black headliner
Seat upholstery - combined fabric/eco leather, gray
Textile rugs
Pads on the pedals
Case for glasses
12V socket for second row passengers
USB port for passengers in the second row of seats
Automatic headlight switch off
Atmospheric interior lighting
Illumination of entry and exit points in the front doors
Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
Light window tinting
Enhanced rear window tinting
Folding ignition key
Electric folding exterior mirrors
Heated rear seats
Heated windshield
Rear parking sensors
Rear view camera with dynamic lines
Rain sensor
Light sensor
Climate control
Cooled glove box
Turn signal repeaters in exterior mirror housings
Rear spoiler
Decorative exhaust pipe nozzle
Wheels 16-inch
Original light alloy wheels
Spare wheel small size 15-inch
Spare wheel with steel rim

Differences Hyundai Solaris “Comfort”

Washer fluid low level sensor
Tire pressure monitoring system
Front seat belt height adjustment
Sound insulation of the hood
Triple blinking of turn signals when the lever is not fully pressed
Outside temperature sensor
Increased ground clearance to 160 mm
Air ducts to the rear passengers' feet
Pocket in the back of the front passenger seat
Rear door pockets
Antenna
15-inch wheels with 185/65 R15 tires
Steel wheels
Interior lamps
Trunk lid interior trim
Air conditioner
Driver's power window with one-touch up/down, safety closer and delayed shutdown
Signaling
Speakerphone Hands Free
Phone control on the steering wheel
Supervision instrument panel with 4.2-inch color screen

Kia Rio “Lux” 1.6 (123 hp) 6AT - 1,039,900 rubles

Which is better: Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2022 or Kia Rio “Luxe” 2021 - comparison of models.

List of identical options (Lada Vesta “Exclusive” 2021 / Kia Rio “Luxe” 2021)

Driver's front airbag
Front passenger airbag
Automatic door locking when driving
Rear Emergency Brake Alert (ESS) (Automatic Brake Warning / Rear Emergency Brake Alert (ESS))
Daytime running lights halogen (Daytime running lights/Daytime running lights (DRL))
Emergency call device "Era-GLONASS"
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Stability Control (ESC) (Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Disable / Electronic Stability Control (ESC))
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (Hill Start Assist Control (HSA) / Hill Start Assist Control (HAC))
Second-row split folding seatback (60/40 split folding rear seat / 60/40 split folding rear seat)
Power steering (Electric power steering / Electric power steering)
Adjusting the steering column height
Adjusting the steering column reach
Driver's seat with height adjustment
central locking
Central locking remote control in the key (Central locking remote control in the key / Key with remote control for central locking and trunk)
Front electric windows
Rear electric windows
Leather steering wheel (Leather steering wheel / Leather steering wheel)
Heated steering wheel
Heated front seats (Heated front seats 3-level / Heated front seats)
Electrically adjustable side mirrors
Heated side mirrors
Electric heating of the entire area of the windshield (Heated windshield / Electric heated windshield)
Rear parking sensors
Climate control
Steering wheel audio controls (Multifunction steering wheel / Steering wheel audio controls)
Audio system (FM/AM) (Lada Enjoy Pro multimedia system with built-in Yandex.Auto services / Audio system (FM/AM))
Front USB (2 Front USB / Front USB)
Bluetooth (Bluetooth, Voice Control, Hands Free with Dual Mic and Noise Canceling / Bluetooth)
Painted side mirror caps (Black exterior mirrors / Body-colored rear view mirror caps)
Painted exterior door handles (Exterior door handles in body color / Door handles painted in body color)
Small spare tire (15-inch spare tire / Small spare tire)
Spare wheel with steel rim

Differences Lada Vesta "Exclusive"

Possibility to disable the front passenger airbag
Side airbags
Rear seat headrests 3 pcs.
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Locking the rear doors against opening by children
Automatic door unlocking and hazard warning lights in the event of a collision
Immobilizer
Fog lights with turning light function
Rear disc brakes (AT only)
Brake force distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Traction control system (TCS)
Engine and engine compartment protection
On-board computer
Gear shift prompt in the instrument cluster
Central armrest with box
Center rear armrest
Black headliner
Seat upholstery - combined fabric/eco leather, gray
Textile rugs
Pads on the pedals
Driver's sun visor with mirror
Front passenger sun visor with mirror
Case for glasses
12V socket for driver and front passenger
12V socket for second row passengers
USB port for passengers in the second row of seats
Automatic headlight switch off
Atmospheric interior lighting
Illumination of entry and exit points in the front doors
Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
Driver's seat with lumbar support
Cabin air filter
Light window tinting
Enhanced rear window tinting
Folding ignition key
Electric folding exterior mirrors
Heated rear seats
Rear view camera with dynamic lines
Rain sensor
Light sensor
Cooled glove box
Cruise control
Speed limiter
8.0-inch TFT-IPS capacitive HD display multimedia system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6 speakers
Turn signal repeaters in exterior mirror housings
Rear spoiler
Decorative exhaust pipe nozzle
Wheels 16-inch
Original light alloy wheels

Differences Kia Rio "Lux"

Front mudguards
Air ducts to 2nd row seats
High capacity battery (60 Ah)
Increased ground clearance (160 mm)
Treatment of the car body and underbody with anti-corrosion coating
Extended service life of headlight bulbs (up to 1500 hours)
Enlarged washer fluid reservoir (5.3 l)
Sound insulation of the hood
Triple activation of direction indicators when pressed once
Integrated Active Management System (VSM)
Tire pressure monitoring system
Reflector halogen headlights
Heated windshield washer nozzles
15-inch wheels with 185/65R15 tires
Steel wheels with decorative caps
Fabric seats
Leather-trimmed transmission selector knob
4 speakers
Driver's electric window with Auto function

PS The new Lada Vesta sedan of the 2022 model year is sold by official dealers for 862,900 - 1,232,900 rubles in the following trim levels: “Classic”, “Comfort Light”, “Comfort”, “Lux Joy”, “Lux Joy Pro” and “Exclusive”.

Engine

And yet, the main feature of the Lada Vesta Exclusive sedan is not the exterior and interior, but the most powerful engine in the Lada line. Under the hood of the car there is a VAZ-21179 naturally aspirated power unit, previously installed only on the Lada X-Ray crossover.

Main characteristics of the power unit:

volume – 1774 cm3;
cylinders – 4;
number of valves per cylinder – 4;
power – 122 hp;
fuel type – AI-92, AI-95;
consumption (l/100 km – city/highway/mixed) – 8.5/5.7/7.1;
compliance with environmental requirements - Euro-5.

The engine is an in-house development of the AvtoVAZ concern, has an electronic variable valve timing system, a service life of 200 thousand km and dynamics of less than 11 seconds.

The technical characteristics of the VAZ-21179 engine are very attractive for a sedan, but the manufacturer has not yet commented on the possibility of equipping it with less comfortable versions of the car in the future.

Engine, transmission and suspension Lada Vesta exclusive

The characteristics of the elite version of the internal combustion engine are distinguished by excellent power. The power unit number 21179 was previously installed only on X-ray in crossover configuration. The engine, which complies with Euro5 toxicity standards, has a power of 122 horsepower, a volume of 1.8, 4 cylinders with 4 valves each. Both 92 and 95 fuel are suitable for the car. Gasoline consumption in the city is 8.5 liters, on the highway – 6 liters.

This motor is the Tolyatti plant’s own development. It is equipped with an electronic valve timing control system. Its working life is about 200,000 km.

For such an internal combustion engine, a 5-speed manual transmission is provided, as well as an AMT-type robot made in Russia with components from Germany. The “mechanics” here are more dynamic and respond more easily to clutch shift requests.

Lada Vesta exclusive is equipped with a front-wheel drive platform. In front of the sedan's chassis there are independent MacPherson-type fastenings, and at the rear there is a high-strength torsion beam. The car's steering wheel is equipped with an electric booster. The front braking system consists of discs, the rear - of drums.

Transmission

The VAZ-21179 power unit on the Vesta Exclusive is installed in combination with a 5-speed manual transmission manufactured by Renault or an automated automatic transmission (AMT), created by AvtoVAZ together with the German manufacturer ZF.

It should be equipped with a manual transmission, it is more dynamic, although it consumes more fuel. A robotic automatic transmission, designed to automatically adapt to the owner’s individual driving style, does not provide full adaptation.

Driving an AMT until a certain driving algorithm has been developed - ensuring that the engine speed matches its speed - is accompanied by jerks when switching. When mutual understanding with the AMT electronics is achieved, smooth switching is ensured, but delays between them still remain.

Suspension

Lada Vesta Exclusive is produced on the front-wheel drive Lada V platform. The front suspension of the sedan is independent, MacPherson type, the rear is a beam. The car is equipped with electric power steering, ventilated brakes - disc in front and drum in rear.

Despite the lower efficiency of drum brakes, this braking system has proven itself well on previous modifications of the Lada Vesta.

The car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a switchable stability control system (ESP).