The article talks about the best-selling passenger car in Russia - the Lada Priora. Where did the Priora come from, how does it differ from its derivative (“tens”), what characteristics does it have, and how is it planned (and whether it is planned) to modify and improve the Priora further - answers about all this can be found in the presented article.
Lada Priora is a Russian-made front-wheel drive car, the best-selling model of the LADA family, produced by AvtoVAZ OJSC since 2007. According to the European classification it belongs to class “C”.
Lada Priora
VAZ Priora is a modernized car of the 10th AvtoVAZ family. The first batch of sedans was released in March 2007, and mass production began in April of the same year. Other body types appeared at Priora the following year: hatchback - in February, station wagon - in October 2008 (serial production began in May 2009). Around the same time, Priora completely replaced the Lada 110 family from the assembly line.
There is a lot of debate about what Priora is: a slightly modernized “ten” or a full-fledged new car. The history of the VAZ Priora begins back in 2003, when an American audit company, hired to calculate possible development paths for the plant, proposed relaunching the “tenth” family, designed back in the 1980s. Restarting means gradually, unit by unit, without stopping the conveyor, replacing almost everything in the car taken as a basis that can be replaced. The work is complex and will take more than one year: in order to imagine the volumes, I will say that there are more than three thousand parts in the “ten”, of which a little less than one and a half thousand were replaced in Priora. Almost half of the car is made differently - but is it really different?
Simultaneously with the “insides,” the appearance of the car also changed. The exterior is the work of Russian designer Sergei Taranov, the interior is the fruit of the efforts of designers from the Italian company Carcerano. And we must admit that such a Russian-Italian synthesis looks quite modern and stylish, and therefore invariably attracts the attention of potential buyers.
Test Drive
A hint of respectability
Despite the fact that in terms of body dimensions, the Priora is virtually identical to the Ten, it looks larger.
This optical illusion was achieved thanks to lighting optics located at the corners of the body, as well as due to its more convex front part. In general, the Russian “state employee” looks harmonious and, to some extent, even representative.
Specifications
The VAZ Priora has a modernized engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters (with eight- and sixteen-valve cylinder heads), almost one hundred “horses”. The connecting rod and piston group has been lightened to the limit, which has reduced power losses by approximately 9 hp. With all this, the engine complies with Euro-3 standards in the standard version, Euro-4 in the “export” version, and now the process of bringing the engine characteristics into compliance with Euro-5 standards has been launched. But the announced increase in engine displacement to 1.8 liters never happened and is not even planned.
The gearbox is mechanical, with problematic gear shifting during acceleration inherited from the “ten”. The gearless electric power steering is beyond praise: in traffic jams the steering wheel can be rotated with just one finger; at speed, the assistance of the amplifier disappears. The gearbox drive mechanism with closed bearings and a reinforced clutch, as well as updated front suspension struts with barrel springs and rear suspension shock absorbers, distinguish the Priora from the “ten”.
A big and undoubted plus is that with the release of the Priora, driver airbags finally appeared in the basic configuration of AvtoVAZ models and a passenger airbag as an additional option.
Among the additional available bonuses, we should note heated front seats, air conditioning with climate control and a light and rain sensor - a trifle, but nice. Unfortunately, the reliability and build quality of the Priora leave much to be desired. A survey conducted by the analytical company clearly shows that Ladas (Priors and Kalinas) break down on average twice as often as foreign cars of the same price category. During the warranty period, 10% of Lada cars have problems with the suspension (versus 3-6% for inexpensive foreign cars), and 5% have problems with the gearbox. After the end of the warranty period, 10% of Lada cars have electric power steering and some other problems with the engine appear; 20% have problems with the suspension. And if we also take into account the fact that the Lada Priora breaks down on average more often than the Lada Kalina, the picture becomes completely bleak.
VAZ Priora car in the photo:
[ngg_images source=»galleries» container_ids=»2" display_type=»photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails» override_thumbnail_settings=»0" thumbnail_width=»240" thumbnail_height=»160" thumbnail_crop=»1" images_per_page=»20" number_of_columns=»0" ajax_pagination =»0" show_all_in_lightbox=»0" use_imagebrowser_effect=»0" show_slideshow_link=»0" slideshow_link_text=»[Show slideshow]» order_by=»sortorder» order_direction=»ASC» returns=»included» maximum_entity_count=»500″]Build quality remains typical AvtoVAZ - that is, terrible. The vaunted seals of the rear and windshields do not cope with their task, the glove compartment opens and closes solely at their own request, and not at the request of the car owner. Cheap and strongly smelling plastic has been poisoning the happiness of owning a completely new car for quite a long time - This smell does not disappear from the interior for several months after purchase.
Sales and prospects
Demand for Priora has been growing steadily for several years now, and it is quite natural that Priora, which was second in sales in 2010, became first at the end of 2012.
By the fall of 2013, updated VAZ Priora cars are planned to appear, and the updates will primarily affect the appearance of both the interior and external elements. It is also planned to produce Priora cars equipped with ESC, side airbags, a multimedia system, climate control and pre-heater, but the release date for such cars has not yet been announced. In general, AatoVAZ plans to sell Prioras until 2016 inclusive.
Changes in Lada Priora: copy is correct
It was
Testers have already met the updated Priora on the roads of Tolyatti (ZR, 2013, No. 10). This time we brought the restyled Priora to the Dmitrovsky Automotive Test Site paired with the previous version of the sedan from 2007, which has only been slightly modernized since then. Against the background of its snow-white body, the changes should look brighter. Moreover, both cars are in the same “Norma” configuration.
It became
Facelift
On the training ground we looked like children looking for differences in two seemingly identical pictures. So, looking back at the pre-restyling car, which we immediately dubbed old, we begin to bend our fingers, counting the updates. The front bumper, which appeared on the model last year, has not changed, so at first glance both Prioras appear the same.
It WAS: there are horizontal slots in the radiator grill of the pre-restyling Priora
The only difference is the plastic radiator grille - the new honeycomb structure has refreshed the exterior. Although at a distance the honeycombs still need to be seen. The headlights are the same. I agree with the opinions of the owners on numerous forums: they work as they should.
It has becomeBECAME: inside the chrome edging of the updated Priora there is a honeycomb structure
In the stern, the main focus is on the lights. Now in their lower part there are LEDs, which are longer lasting than ordinary lamps that are on a white car. Larger reflectors on the bumper also help to outline the dimensions. At dusk, the new lighting technology really showed itself better - it was noticeably brighter.
WAS: Simple and no frills. The clock on the front panel is from the last century. There are no cup holders or compartments for small items on the center console. WAS: Simple and no frills. The clock on the front panel is from the last century. There are no cup holders or compartments for small items on the center console. IT WAS: simple and no frills. The clock on the front panel is from the last century. There are no cup holders or storage compartments on the center console
Anti-aging treatments
As soon as you start the engine, the new car’s low beam headlights flash, even if the switch is in the “0” position - convenient. The indicator squeaks to warn you that your seat belt is not fastened, and when you lightly touch the steering column, the turn signal flashes three times.
Design is a great thing. It seems like they didn’t change that much, but the front panel immediately began to look more attractive. Design is a great thing. It seems that not much has changed, and the front panel immediately began to look more attractive. BECOME: design is a great thing. It seems that not much has been changed, but the front panel immediately began to look more attractive
I turn on the side lights sequentially, then the headlights... Not one icon appears on the instrument panel, like in an old car, but two. It’s a small thing, but now you don’t have to guess what lighting equipment works.
WAS: The tools are from the late nineties, but there are no complaints about readability. The only criticism is that the on-board computer screen is too small. WAS: The tools are from the late nineties, but there are no complaints about readability. The only criticism is that the on-board computer screen is too small. IT WAS: the tools were from the late nineties, but there are no complaints about readability. The only remark is that the on-board computer screen is too small
The new instrument panel is more interesting in terms of design. In general, there were no special complaints about the previous one, but it was too simple and had already become familiar. And then there were the wide white arrows and well-arranged pictograms, and I immediately fell in love with the new product.
BECOME: The nice-looking instrument cluster is not bad and functional. The backlight, numbers - everything is bright and clear, so there are no problems with the perception of information while moving. BECOME: The nice-looking instrument cluster is not bad and functional. The backlight, numbers - everything is bright and clear, so there are no problems with the perception of information while moving. BECOME: the nice-looking instrument cluster is not bad and functional. Backlighting, numbers - everything is bright and clear, so there are no problems with the perception of information while moving
The updated dashboard not only refreshed the interior, but also added convenience. The on-board computer screen was placed in the center. There is no unnecessary beauty on the monitor, everything is simple, but large numbers are clearly visible in motion.
WAS: The new instrument panel is more interesting in terms of design. In general, there were no special complaints about the previous one, but it was too simple and had already become familiar. And then there were the wide white arrows and well-arranged pictograms, and I immediately fell in love with the new product. BEFORE: The new instrument panel is more interesting in terms of design. In general, there were no special complaints about the previous one, but it was too simple and had already become familiar. And then the wide white arrows, well-arranged pictograms, I immediately fell in love with the new product. IT WAS: opening a compartment for small items in a pre-restyling car is not an easy task. The latches are hard, the handle is small and inconvenient
The driver's position is praised by many owners, but being 190 cm tall, I feel uncomfortable in the seat: there is very little space in the area of the pedal assembly of the old car, and there is not enough longitudinal adjustment of the seat. The updates have corrected the situation a little: the seat slides in the new car have been lengthened, so you don’t have to lean the back too much back.
WAS: The boxes in the front armrests are different. In the previous model it is flatter, which is why it is wider. WAS: The boxes in the front armrests are different. In the previous model it is flatter, which is why it is wider. WAS: the boxes in the front armrests are different. The previous model has a flatter, therefore wider
The chair is denser, it better fixes the body in turns. The distance between the gas and brake pedals is noticeably greater. Having adjusted the driver's seats in both cars, I tried to sit back and couldn't. The backs were too close to the rear sofas. And if four people get into the car, I, the driver, will have to press my knees to my ears.
NOW: The new one is deeper and more voluminous. NOW: The new one is deeper and more voluminous. NOW: The updated Priora has a box in the armrest that is deeper and more voluminous
Color change
“First impressions: the car needs to be rolled out, it doesn’t drive. There is no sound insulation, locks and door handles require improvement. The standard tires are noisy and dull. You’re riding like you’re on stumps.”
WAS: In the previous sedan everything is simple. WAS: In the previous sedan everything is simple. WAS: In the previous sedan everything is simple
“In two difficult months, the car covered 18,000 km, but did not cause any problems. The chassis, in my opinion, is quite tolerable, the only thing is that a knock is heard in the right pillar when passing speed bumps. I came to the service, looked at it - everything is fine, they say it’s their illness. The brakes are not bad, 4"...
NOW: In the restyled Priora, a plastic lining is screwed to the front of the front seat cushions. NOW: In the restyled Priora, a plastic lining is screwed to the front of the front seat cushions. NOW: in the restyled Priora, a plastic lining is screwed to the front of the front seat cushions
I compare the impressions of Moscow Prior owners with my own. The cars have the same 98-horsepower engines, so there are no fundamental differences in movement. The suspensions regularly absorb large bumps, but shake on small bumps. However, the gray car is more interesting at the level of nuances: it is more composed in corners, a little more stable on the way out, and absorbs road bumps more smoothly.
Our pair have the same trunks, the only difference is the carpeting. I liked the carpet in the white car because it is denser. Our pair have the same trunks, the only difference is in the carpeting. I liked the carpet in the white car because it is denser. Our pair have the same trunks, the only difference is in the carpeting. I liked the carpet in the white car because it is denser
In terms of acceleration dynamics, the new and old “Priors” are practically no different from each other, while a noticeable monotonous rumble fills the interior. I remember that during our first meeting with the car they told us about improving the sound insulation. We measured the noise level in the cabin (both Prioras were shod with the standard Kama-Euro) and were surprised: the new car turned out to be not as quiet as the previous version! The reason was found in the trunk: it turned out that the carpet in the pre-restyling car was thicker.
Was
The steering is equally uninformative, and the updated car has a sharper steering wheel only in the Lux. We are waiting for him in other modifications.
It became
“The transmission works fine, except for first gear. I switch to lower with effort. This happened to me on all Zhiguli cars, from the “six” to the “ten,” - I continue to study the forum of Prior owners.
The white Priora has a similar behavior, but here the fifth gear is difficult to engage. I push the lever by force, and it doesn’t work the first time. In a restyled car, it is more convenient to operate the lever. New cable driven unit? Unfortunately, no: both have well-known boxes with the VAZ-2112 index, which my colleague was not enthusiastic about when he tried out the new Priora in Tolyatti. Therefore, they decided: these are the features of specific machines. I would like to believe that the better performance of the transmission is evidence of improved build quality. By the way, when the engines are idling, the gearbox levers of our pair vibrate equally strongly.
The brakes lack information content and tenacity of reactions. The mechanisms seem to be lubricated with soap: I press the pedal - and every time I am dissatisfied with the rate of deceleration. I want to push the pedal harder, but the travel is not unlimited.
Was
I remember the “Chinese” - “Lifan-Solano” and “FAW-Oley”, which I had a chance to ride on earlier. I liked the braking performance of these budget sedans much more. I wish the replacement of the Priora that her main automotive system becomes clearer and more reliable.
HOW TO: At the bottom of the lights, LED sections for side lights and brake lights were placed. Traditional lanterns are inferior to them in brightness. And the response of incandescent lamps is not as fast as that of LEDs. NEW: LED sections for side lights and brake lights were placed at the bottom of the lights. Traditional lanterns are inferior to them in brightness. And the response of incandescent lamps is not as fast as that of LEDs. NEW: LED sections for side lights and brake lights were placed at the bottom of the lights. Traditional lanterns are inferior to them in brightness. And the response of incandescent lamps is not as fast as that of LEDs
Well, although our pair is not in the richest configurations, there are more than enough differences between them. But there is also a “Lux”, in which you will find a multimedia system, side airbags and a more powerful 106-horsepower engine. But even without that, the old Priora still pales in comparison to the new one. However, only a new model can correct the global shortcomings of the Priora. Completely new in design.
Further more?
There is very little room for feet in the Priors. In the old one, when I pressed the gas, I often touched the brake pedal. Because of this, you have to move your leg to the right and turn your foot out.
Was
I don’t even want to think about what will happen to my leg in the event of an accident. It is better to sit in the updated car due to the fact that the distance between the gas and brake pedals has been increased by about 7 mm (up to 47 mm).
It became
PLUS: The LED lights are good, the car has become more visible. The on-board computer screen is clear and understandable.
MINUS: Weak, uninformative brakes, and still cramped in the back.
We thank the Temp Auto Balashikha and Avtorezerv car dealerships for providing the cars for testing.
Restyling was carried out with little effort. The car has clearly become better, but you shouldn’t expect miracles from a long-lived Russian market driver. The shortcomings that require serious modifications to the body and chassis remain. We hope they will be eliminated in the new model that will replace the Priora at the end of 2015.
Maxim Gomyanin
Changes in Lada Priora: copy is correct
