At the outset, it is stated that the updated Vesta will launch with a single gearbox option: a five‑speed VAZ transmission. This baseline is seen as a reliable starting point for the model’s refreshed powertrain lineup, aligning with established regional expectations for domestic automatics and ensuring a familiar driving feel for current Vesta owners.
Meanwhile, development teams are actively collaborating with colleagues from China to explore alternative configurations. In particular, two‑pedal versions, which prioritize a more seamless and fuel‑efficient driving experience, are anticipated to reach the market early next year. This indicates a strategic push toward modernized transmissions that can offer smoother operation and potentially better overall efficiency for urban and highway use.
For the most powerful variant of the Vesta, engineers are targeting a CVT setup paired with a 1.8‑liter engine. While precise horsepower figures remain undisclosed, insiders suggest that this powertrain will sit at the top of the lineup, signaling a shift toward more refined acceleration and belt‑driven performance without the abrupt shifts of traditional automatics. The emphasis on a CVT for the flagship underscores a broader industry trend toward continuously variable gearboxes that deliver steady, low‑to‑moderate RPM operation and strong torque delivery across a wide range of speeds.
Ultimately, the decision was made to equip the VAZ flagship not with conventional automatic transmissions but with imported CVTs. This choice mirrors a preference for modern transmission technology that can enhance drivability and efficiency, while leveraging international partnerships to bring advanced components into the model through collaboration with external suppliers.
The above discussion reflects ongoing strategic considerations in the Russian automotive sector, where product modernization and component sourcing are continually balanced against domestic production capabilities and supply chain realities.
- The Lada Vesta NG engine line is presented here.
- “Driving” can be seen on YouTube.