Volzhsky Automobile Plant began testing the first driving prototypes of the future crossover based on the chassis, engines and units of the Lada Vesta model. Oleg Grunenkov, AvtoVAZ’s director of product programs and projects, told socialbites.ca.
“We really set out to create a crossover on the Vesta platform. We will position it in the B+ segment. However, we are not announcing the launch date of this car for now. We have already developed a design and it is being approved. We are now in the supplier selection phase. “While the ‘Mules’ are being tested, our developments on the Vesta platform are prototypes by our standards,” Grunenkov said in an interview with the socialbites.ca correspondent.
The interlocutor noted that AvtoVAZ now uses a new production preparation technology and many operations are carried out using computer modeling. Effects etc. All designs, including things, are digitally verified and adapted.
“Physical samples, final version [кроссовера], will appear when the bodies are produced directly in production. As a rule, this is a year before the release of this car. There we will create certain prototypes and pilot series from these bodies. We will carry out all verification and certification cycles regarding these. We have not started doing this yet,” said an AvtoVAZ representative.
At the end of December 2023, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told reporters that production of a crossover based on Lada Vesta should start in 2026. The upper body of the plant’s first SUV is expected to differ from Vesta, the car will be front-wheel drive only. But the plant hopes that it will be able to replace the once popular all-wheel drive Renault Duster crossover for Russians.
Previously it was known that AvtoVAZ will be added Lada Vesta has new options.