In the fall, AVTOVAZ presented the updated Lada Vesta. Now this family is equipped with a Renault-Nissan alliance engine (1.6 l, 113 hp) and a continuously variable automatic transmission JF015E (hereinafter referred to as “variator” or CVT). We managed to find out how the car turned out during the test drive.
About the engine
Renault-Nissan HR16DE (1.6 l, 113 hp) is already familiar to us as H4M, because previously installed on Lada XRAY.
The main distinguishing features of this motor
:
- aluminum cylinder block;
- timing chain drive (no need to replace);
- automatic variable valve timing system, which improves filling of the engine cylinders in all operating modes;
- lack of hydraulic compensators (you will have to adjust the valves every 80 thousand km)
Specifications
:
- Maximum torque - 152Nm/4000rpm
- Maximum speed - 170 km/h
- Acceleration to 100 km/h - 12.2 seconds
- Fuel consumption in the combined cycle - 7.4 l/100km
The HR16DE/H4M engine is also installed on foreign cars: Nissan Note, Nissan Tiida, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Juke, etc. It has proven itself well among the owners of these cars and is an average engine.
Read more about this motor here.
Nissan engine malfunctions:
At the moment it’s difficult to say anything about this engine in the VAZ version, because sales began relatively recently and the mileage of these engines is minimal. But the long history of the life of these engines on other cars can tell us something:
- Alternator belt whistling (tighten or replace belt)
- engine knocking during operation (most likely it’s time to adjust the valve clearance)
- hard to start in cold weather
The range of other motors installed on Vesta:
- VAZ 21179 1.8 l, 122 hp
- VAZ 21129 1.6l 106 hp
It is still unknown which transmission this engine will be paired with. In principle, both new mechanics and our robot will do.
About the variator
According to this site, the upgraded JF015E variator replaced the JF011E. The constructive idea is fundamentally different from its predecessor. The JF015E also has a torque converter that softens the load on the shafts, a planetary gear for reverse, but the main feature is two forward stages and three clutch packages: Direct No. 1 (Low), - No. 2 (High) and Reverse. This design made it possible to reduce the cone, increasing the gear ratio to a record 1:7.3 using two forward gears. Thus, this Jatco transmission can be called a two-speed CVT.
Automatic transmission problems for the Russian new car
Automatic transmission The idea of installing an automatic transmission is in the minds of Russian designers, but to bring it to life, special circumstances and high costs are needed. Management is already negotiating with foreign investors on the construction of a new enterprise, which will be equipped with everything necessary. Don’t forget: the Togliatti plant is focused on selling cars to the middle class of consumers.
- Today it is quite difficult to introduce expensive automation into the Lada Vesta.
- To create your own high-quality development, you need a base. In the case of automatic transmission, VAZ does not have one. The use of foreign parts increases the cost, which negatively affects sales themselves.
- The automated mode consumes much more fuel than its robotic counterpart. If we add here the cost of the second point, we get an incredibly expensive design. It is quite understandable that credit is given to AMT, which had a basic prototype for constructing its own box for the Lada Vesta.
On a note!
Information has appeared that they are launching a test drive to examine the operation of the automatic transmission (4 gears). VAZ directors rejected this news and said that if development begins, the automatic will be six-speed.
If you thoroughly understand which is better: a Lada Vesta automatic or a robot, it will take a lot of time. Both modifications have their own distinct pros and cons, visible to the naked eye.
How Vesta drives with a CVT
During the test drive of the Lada Vesta with a CVT, the following features
:
- There is a creeping mode (in “D” mode, the car itself begins to move smoothly when the brake pedal is released).
- During acceleration, there is an imitation of gear shifting (during normal driving, shifting occurs at 3500 - 4000 rpm, at full throttle - after 5000 rpm).
- There is no monotonous howl of the engine during acceleration, which many owners of cars with a CVT do not like.
- “Shifting gears” occurs without the slightest jerk.
- In manual shift mode "M" there are 6 virtual gears.
- In manual mode, the virtual gear is automatically reset to 1st when stopped.
- In manual mode, the virtual gear will automatically shift at 5500 rpm (500-800 rpm higher than in "D" mode).
- Acceleration of the Lada Vesta SW Cross to 100 km/h with one passenger and a full trunk takes 16 seconds, without a passenger - 13.4 seconds (according to the passport 12.2 seconds).
- Acceleration of the Lada Vesta Cross sedan to 100 km/h was 12.7 seconds in one direction, 13.7 in the opposite direction (11.3 seconds according to the passport).
- Fuel consumption during fairly active mountain tests did not exceed 10.3 l/100km.
- The CVT settings keep the engine speed low, which allows the engine to be quieter than other transmissions (at 120 km/h your tachometer will read 2000 rpm).
- With a sharp start, a slight delay is felt before the start of movement.
- The engine braking capabilities of the car are very limited; there is no noticeable deceleration.
- Due to the appearance of new universal joints of the same length, now during acceleration, especially on poor surfaces, the steering wheel no longer breaks out of your hands, and there is more stability during emergency braking.
- Off the asphalt, the car feels very insecure (the car has difficulty crawling even on a grassy slope with a soft top layer, not to mention driving on a liquefied primer or slippery gravel).
- It is better to overcome steep climbs by walking. If you stop on such a hill, the variator sometimes rebels - when starting from a standstill, it releases the clutch and refuses to go further.
- The overtaking margin at speeds above 120 km/h is not enough, especially on mountain roads. On the plains the situation is better, but not globally. Even in manual mode it feels like you're driving in ECO mode.
In general, everything is simple, clear and practical. For the city, Vesta with a CVT is enough, but outside the asphalt the car feels very insecure. Have you ever driven a Lada Vesta with a CVT? What feedback and impressions can you leave?
Some features were taken from test drive data from wheels.ru and artemspec.
What kind of automatic machine does the Lada Vesta have?
Automatic and manual transmissions The new product has two transmission options: domestic automatic and French manual. Since many tests of the car were carried out (automatic test drive video below), we can confidently talk about the pros and cons of the first and second gearboxes.
Important!
The difference between AMT (robot) and automatic transmission is quite significant. On the latter, switching occurs without driver participation. The first, in fact, is a mechanics modified by an electrical unit.
The global market has shown that the frequency of implementation of AMT in vehicles is beginning to fall, this is due to the following factors:
- the mechanism operates with small and unauthorized delays, which makes the driver very nervous;
- the robot switches gearbox gears quite sharply, this is noted by a large number of owners who have a colossal love for dynamic driving;
- The robot does not reduce gears in a timely manner on slopes, and when driving up a mountain in reverse, it excessively “rips” the gears.
Prices
The version with a CVT will be 50 thousand more expensive than the version with a VAZ-21179 engine and manual transmission. With the launch of the CVT version, all trim levels have been updated:
- The most affordable version is the 1.6 sedan (113 hp), AT Jatco, Classic + Start Plus - 736,900 rubles.
- The maximum cost for Lada Vesta SW Cross 1.6 (113 hp), AT Jatco, Luxe + Prestige is 982,900 rubles.
Problems during operation of Jatco JF015E
AvtoVAZ engineers have improved the box installed on the Vesta. However, problems arise when operating the variator.
Oil quality
The variator is demanding on the quality of the oil. If the ATF fluid in the box is contaminated, malfunctions may occur. The previous generation JF011E has a lubricant class of NS-2, JF015E is recommended to be filled with NS-3 grade.
The valve body of the variator is most susceptible to malfunctions associated with oil contamination. The manufacturer states that transmission fluid is filled for the entire service life of the box. However, service centers recommend checking the quality of the ATF material during each maintenance. An incomplete replacement should be carried out after a mileage of 60 thousand kilometers.
Taper bearings
Bearings mounted on the drive or driven shaft are subject to premature wear. A symptom of this malfunction is the appearance of a hum in the box. In the new model, these parts themselves have become of higher quality, but their service life remains the same.
Sun gear
This element is responsible for switching forward or reverse. The gear is welded from two parts; under increased loads, the seam may fail, which leads to transmission malfunction. Symptoms: When the handle is switched to the reverse position, the car does not move or does not move forward when position D is set.
Pump in the variator
The variator is equipped with an oil pump. When the lubricant is contaminated, the valve hangs. The pressure decreases, and the driver feels shocks and dips in traction while driving.
What's new
Let's list the changes in the new Lada Vesta:
- The fog lights are automatically illuminated when turning. We turned the steering wheel and the fog lights turned on.
- Frameless wipers were used along with a leash.
- Folding electric mirrors. They have a different shape, do not rattle or knock.
- There is a fin-shaped antenna on the roof.
AvtoVAZ says that starting with the “Image” version there will be a heated steering wheel. Starting this year, new locks are installed on the doors. This is convenient for some, not for others. I didn't really like it. I love it when the door is light, like on previous Vestas. But everyone complained, and AvtoVAZ listened, and the door now has fixed positions.
If you need a city car and live in a big city, then the Lada Vesta with a CVT is your choice. AvtoVAZ has reached the point where this car is in no way inferior to cars with automatic transmissions of other brands.
Service life of AMT according to instructions and actual
The AvtoVAZ manufacturer indicates a warranty life of an automatic transmission of 75,000 km or 5 years.
In general, AMT takes care of the designated resource, but already in the first ten it is necessary to carry out small works:
- replacing the clutch disc;
- flashing of the electronic control unit;
- tightening the pressure bearing;
- replacing the sealing gland on the AMT.
Conclusion
The presence of a robotic version of the gearbox on the Lada Vesta was greeted positively by many car enthusiasts. Although breakdowns do occur, they are not critical; in some cases they can be prevented by careful driving and timely maintenance. The final decision rests with the owner of the technical device.
Video - Review from a real owner
A new robotic gearbox has appeared on Vesta - AVTOVAZ has dubbed it AMT 2.0. Well, not new - updated. We managed to get one of the cars with such a robot “Behind the Wheel” for acquaintance.
LADA > Vesta SW
Finally! The robot had a lot of problems, and we knew about them better than many, because Vesta and the robot have been living in the editorial office for more than two years. But - shh! — the plant released an updated robot “no dust, no noise.” They just started selling cars with AMT 2.0. Information - zero. Taking a car from a factory is also unrealistic. Not a word was said about the new robot even at the presentation of the Vesta Cross sedan (ZR, No. 7, 2018).
Let's crawl out of here
I notice changes almost immediately after leaving the editorial gates. How I missed the “crawling” Creeping Mode during all two and a half years of living together with Vesta! Especially when parking in a confined space in winter, when there is ice under the wheels. The car started to move only after pressing the gas. Now the robot acts like a classic automatic machine: for the car to move, you just need to release the brake pedal. Moreover, there is enough traction to overcome the speed bump, to which the front wheels are located close, from a standstill without pressing the gas. This means that the robot can handle winter snow and ice mounds in the yard.
Vesta does not start as quickly as cars with classical hydromechanics. The box thinks for a second, then slowly engages the gear, and only after that does the movement begin. I noticed only one problem with the robot version 2.0: the car starts moving, making the engine tremble, as if an inexperienced driver had not yet gotten used to the manual gearbox. On the one hand, this is understandable. In the “creeping” mode, there is no need for high engine speeds; the car must move off very smoothly, without jerking, so it is necessary to smoothly close the clutch discs with minimal gas supply. The electronics are trying, but you need to operate the clutch even more gently. The shaking is not very pleasant, and such treatment is not good for the units. Therefore, when jostling in a traffic jam, it is better not to twitch once again, “creeping” 20–30 centimeters. And when maneuvering in the yard and in the parking lot, the “creeping” mode is just right!
Pros and cons of AMT compared to mechanics
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Gear activation clarity | Cost of major repairs after the end of the warranty period |
| Resetting several gears at the same time by sharply pressing the accelerator pedal | The price of a car on the secondary market is 30 - 40 thousand lower compared to a manual one |
| Fuel economy with moderate driving style | Delays when upshifting |
| No need to warm up for a long time at subzero temperatures | |
| It is allowed to start the car from a pusher at a speed of no lower than 7 km/h and no more than 24 km/h | |
| Unpretentious, does not require frequent maintenance |
Related link:
Recommendations from experts for self-installation of front mudguards on Lada Vesta
Let's not slow down!
The previous robot did not allow us to start from second gear. Because of this, in icy conditions I sometimes had to involuntarily skid. Now a “winter” operating algorithm has been introduced into the control unit. Just don’t look for a key with a snowflake near the gear selector in Vesta. The second gear must be engaged manually by moving the lever to manual control mode. After jerking around in the “creeping” mode, I was skeptical, but in the “winter” mode the car starts moving quite confidently - although, of course, with the help of the right pedal. Pass!
