The recently launched Lada Vesta was one of the most anticipated cars from a domestic manufacturer in recent decades. The version released into production fully met the expectations of motorists and made the car one of the most popular among AvtoVAZ products.
Based on the success of the basic version, the Lada Vesta Cross 4×4 (station wagon), taking into account the great demand among CIS car enthusiasts for such a body solution, has become another long-awaited new product from the Tolyatti company. What configurations will be available for Vesta? What technical characteristics and luggage capacity will the Lada Vesta station wagon have? When is the planned release date and what will the price be? Answers to these and many other questions below.
If you were looking for the song from the commercial, the title and artist is Epic Pop 3 “Chasing Stars” Rupert Pope & Giles Palmer. Do not mention it:)
Appearance of Lada Vesta
The body design of the Lada Vesta SW exactly continues the concept used in the standard version of the car. The car is based on a platform identical to the sedan model. Moreover, even identical rear optics are used. The design retains the stylish silhouettes of the letter “X”, powerful wheel arches, a stylish radiator grille and many other elements loved by customers. Motorists will also be able to install advanced headlights presented on concept versions of the car. As one famous person said: “Chevrolet Niva can compete with new crossovers only in cross-country ability.” Among the important elements of the body design of the Lada Vesta Cross, it is necessary to highlight the fact that the developers sought to provide the maximum amount of usable space in the trunk of the car, for which the rear window was made as vertical as possible. At the same time, the aesthetic and aerodynamic properties of the body are preserved. Also quite an interesting element is the black insert under the rear spoiler. Thanks to this element, it feels as if the roof is not attached to the main body at the rear.
Vesta Cross and XRAY Cross: AvtoVAZ has almost decided on the choice of all-wheel drive
To become competitive in the “hot” SUV and CUV segments, that is, among compact and subcompact crossovers, Lada must offer a new all-wheel drive. Nicolas More has already spoken about this earlier - this thesis is included in his program for the recovery of AvtoVAZ. And at the conference of automotive engineers in Tolyatti, Vice President for Technical Development Harald Grübel spoke in more detail about the prospects for the emergence of all-wheel drive transmissions.
Now AvtoVAZ is at the stage of searching for a technical solution and, on the one hand, the company has room to choose: Grübel said that three transmission options are currently being considered. But on the other hand, based on the options Grübel listed, the choice seems almost predetermined.
The most exotic is the French hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic motor driving the rear wheels, which is currently being tested on Renault Sandero hatchbacks. As Harald Grübel said, technically this is an acceptable and even attractive option, however, both the management of AvtoVAZ and the leaders of the Renault-Nissan alliance are apparently confused by the financial side of introducing this transmission, so the final decision has not yet been made. And on our own behalf, we can add that one of the key nuances, apparently, is also the unpredictable reaction of consumers to such a scheme - especially their idea of its reliability.
Along with this, AvtoVAZ is also considering a hybrid all-wheel drive - most likely with a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels. However, this option is in the very rudimentary stage of research and is therefore unlikely.
The transmission from Duster with a traditional automatic clutch in the drive of the rear wheels has the greatest chance of implementation. However, according to Gruebel, there are also questions about the economic side of the project. Obviously, the fact is that the components of such a transmission are not localized in Russia.
The transmission of the classic Niva is not considered - only the Lada 4x4 itself will retain it, and only if AvtoVAZ nevertheless decides to create a new generation SUV on its own chassis. There is still no final decision on this issue and the same Duster units remain an alternative to the “classic” scheme, even for the Niva.
The Lada could have another all-wheel drive option - a domestic one, based on the transmission that was being prepared in Tolyatti for Project C. But according to Harald Grübel, this option is not being considered. This means that almost certainly crossovers under the Lada brand - and first of all, Vesta Cross and XRAY Cross should see the light - will receive Duster all-wheel drive.
Interior
The interior of the Lada Vesta station wagon is also almost completely borrowed from the basic version of the car. Nevertheless, the developers made a number of additions that made the car’s interior more comfortable, respectable and at the same time youthful.
First of all, it is necessary to note the addition of plastic inserts on the front panel and door trim. The color of the insert is chosen to match the main color of the car, which not only complements the interior of the car, but also connects it with the exterior. Many motorists will appreciate the updated steering wheel of the Lada Vesta Cross, which is now lined with leather upholstery and has become more comfortable in the hand due to its increased thickness. The steering wheel of the car has a large number of functional buttons, including starting the steering wheel heating function. Vesta's chairs have also undergone modernization. Fabric inserts were added to the seat upholstery to match the main color of the car. Metal nameplates with the inscription “LADA” appeared under the headrests. Not only does this make the interior look more stylish, but it will also prevent abrasion on that rather touch-sensitive part of the seat. It should be noted that a touch screen for controlling the infotainment system is provided even in the basic configuration of the Lada Vesta Cross. Such solutions are quite rare among global automakers.
Design
The Lada Vesta SV Cross in the photo, like its regular sedan version, is almost identical in design, with the exception, of course, of the rear. Otherwise, the body has similar lines, with an original and impressive structure. A smart and even sporty style, with consistent proportions, predominates.
The new Lada Vesta from 2019-2020 in both modifications is rather a demonstration by the company of its ideas, developments that it puts into practice. Well-thought-out ergonomics of the Lada Vesta SV in 2019-2020 in a new body, with originality, practicality and surprisingly dynamism.
Exterior
Lada Vesta first appeared in the photo back in 2014, when the premiere was presented. Since then, year after year, the company has made a certain number of changes to the car, introducing first in 2015 and then in 2016 the Lada Vesta Cross sedan and the Lada Vesta Cross station wagon, including with a characteristic off-road body kit.
The front part seems to be the brightest and most eye-catching, due to the embossed hood lid, sculpted bumper, fashionable optics, and radiator grille. But the main advantage of the “front” is the played out motifs of the letter “X”. Continuing the “X” theme, on the sidewalls of the Lada Vesta we find characteristic stampings with floating lines.
The well-shaped rear in both versions looks sporty and fit, adding sportiness and dynamism to the car's silhouette. Depending on the configuration of the Lada Vesta, for example, the Exclusive version receives additional chrome moldings, adding to the high cost of the car.
A photo of the new Lada Vesta SV Cross clearly shows how radically they decided to change the rear, in contrast to the sedan version. A huge overhanging spoiler, a beveled lid, and littered rear pillars are reminiscent of “English” motifs. The “tinted” pillar looks interesting and beautiful, adding airiness to the car. The new model Lada Vesta 2019-2020 from the photo represents, as already mentioned, a new style and direction in the Russian automotive industry.
And if we talk about Lada Vesta Sport, then the domestic manufacturer is seriously thinking about sports cars. Let's see what comes of this.
Interior
The Lada Vesta station wagon, based on the photo of the interior, is practically no different from its version with an off-road body kit, not to mention the sedan models. From the photo, Lada Vesta looks beautiful, dignified, pleasant and quite modern. Of course, there are questions in terms of finishing and materials, but we must not forget what price category the car is from. There will be no expensive plastics, real wood, metal, leather, in the end. Banal hard plastic, with an unpleasant-to-the-touch coating.
Lada Vesta Sport, like its less charged versions, receives a decent equipment package. Here we will see modern multimedia, air conditioning and even a multifunction steering wheel. Lada Vesta Exclusive in addition receives a full-fledged climate control system with a clear and well-thought-out interface. Moreover, all this is “put together” with good ergonomics, beautiful and stylish. The new Lada Vesta SV Cross only in the basic version can disappoint, because it is equipped only with a regular radio, without any bells and whistles.
The front seats, despite the photo, are quite comfortable; riders of any height and build will be able to fit, given the wide range of adjustments. The only sofa in the back is unsuccessful, although in size it is ready to accommodate three passengers. Discomfort is caused by a sharp collapse of the roof in both the SV and sedan versions. The luggage compartment pleases not only with its correct geometric shapes, but also with its huge volume by the standards of the segment.
For both modifications, the trunk reaches 480 liters, and taking into account the ability to fold the rear backrests, more than 800 liters.
Crossover technical characteristics
The technical characteristics of the Lada Vesta Cross will remain virtually unchanged in comparison with the sedan version of the car. Motorists will be able to choose from three power units:
- VAZ 11189 – 87 horsepower, 8 valves;
- VAZ 21127 – 106 hp, 16 valves;
- HR16DE-H4M (Nissan-Renault) – 114 hp, 16 valves.
All power units have a volume of 1.6 liters.
Domestic engines can only be equipped with a manual transmission. The engine from the Renault-Nissan alliance, in addition to the domestic manual transmission, can be equipped with two types of automatic transmission: robotic and CVT. The maximum speed of the Lada Vesta will be up to 185 km/h, and acceleration to 100 km/h will be carried out in 10.5 seconds. Average fuel consumption in mixed mode will be about 7 liters per 100 kilometers. The trunk capacity in normal mode will be almost 500 liters, and with the rear row passenger seats folded, this figure will increase to 820 liters. According to the latest news from AvtoVAZ, the concern's specialists are developing a version with all-wheel drive. According to some sources. All-wheel drive will be provided by Renault, but at the moment there are no official details about its drive details.
Do Cross's competitors have 4x4 drive?
Renault Sandero Stepway and Renault Duster are produced with a front drive axle, but modifications for Europe can be purchased with 4WD. The Duster hatchback was created by Romanian developers as an urban crossover, with front-wheel drive and, of course, without inter-wheel locks. To travel to the country and conquer off-road conditions, you will have to increase the budget for the purchase of an all-wheel drive car. The same can be said for the Renault Sandero Stepway.
Renault Capture has 2 drive axles, but is much more expensive than Vesta. Renault Kaptur is a crossover with full 4WD traction, suitable for use in Russian conditions. On the one hand, it is similar to the model from Europe, on the other, it has a completely different design solution. Russian experts who examined the Kaptur in our conditions came to the conclusion: the car’s interior is cramped, the hatchback’s short-travel suspension, designed for European roads, is not energy-intensive enough and frankly reacts harshly to irregularities.
The Hyundai ix 35, which has a starting price of 939,900 rubles, has a 4-wheel drive, feels comfortable on slippery roads in winter, in spring thaw, and on sand in summer. “IX Thirty-Fifth” is based on the “Tukson” (by the way, in Korea it is still called Tukson with the index “ix”). It is close to the third generation Kia Sportage, they share a common platform. It was presented at an exhibition in Frankfurt in 2009.
Hyundai Creta also has 4wd. The Creta's full traction system is a system that transmits engine power to each wheel of the car. A 4x4 drive is needed by any crossover to increase traction when overcoming unfavorable sections of the road with ice, mud, and sand. 4 wd is switched on when driving in off-road conditions with the speed reduced to the minimum level.
