AvtoVAZ has expanded the Granta lineup by adding a liftback version called Drive Active, a move the company confirmed through its press service. The new model carries a price tag of 980,900 rubles, positioning it as a practical option within the brand’s evolving family of compact cars and appealing to buyers looking for a blend of everyday usability and a touch of sportier styling.
The liftback variant stands out with an aerodynamic body kit that smooths airflow and a bold visual identity marked by bumpers accented with red stripes, chrome exhaust tips, and distinctive 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is treated to a striking contrast in bright red, featuring red-accented seat inserts, highlighted instrument cluster edges, and stitching that runs along the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the leather gear lever boot. The design choices aim to deliver a more energetic and youthful feel without sacrificing the practical ergonomics for which the Granta is known. The seating in particular emphasizes comfort and support, designed to help passengers feel planted during longer trips while maintaining an approachable, everyday driving experience.
Equipped with the Comfort package, the Drive Active liftback brings a well-rounded set of conveniences and safety features. Buyers gain two airbags as part of the standard protection, air conditioning for climate control, heated front seats to boost cold-weather comfort, and an audio system to keep occupants entertained. Under the hood, the car relies on a 1.6-liter gasoline engine rated at around 90 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission that emphasizes a straightforward driving dynamic. This powertrain combination aims to deliver reasonable acceleration in urban settings and reliable performance on highways, paired with acceptable fuel economy for daily commuting and family use. The overall package reflects AvtoVAZ’s ongoing strategy to broaden its offerings with variants that capture different consumer preferences while keeping maintenance and ownership costs approachable.
Beyond the Granta news, there is related momentum in AvtoVAZ’s broader industrial plans as it aligns with Sollers to enhance powertrain development opportunities. Earlier announcements highlighted Sollers’ production plant in Yelabuga, where efforts are underway to bring a new generation of diesel engines to market. The intended power unit family is expected to range from 2.0 to 2.7 liters in displacement, signaling a shift toward more efficient and potentially higher-torque options that could be introduced across various model lines under the Sollers umbrella. This strategic move mirrors the automotive sector’s push toward diversified engine portfolios that balance performance, emissions, and cost considerations for consumers in Canada, the United States, and other markets where affordable, durable vehicles are in steady demand. By trying out diesel technology alongside gasoline options, the company signals a willingness to adapt to shifting regulatory landscapes and consumer preferences, while maintaining a focus on reliability and ease of service that long-time AvtoVAZ buyers expect.
In practical terms, the new diesel initiatives at Yelabuga could influence the product cadence and feature sets across AvtoVAZ’s model range in the coming years. For customers, this may translate into future Granta variants or related compact models offering alternative powertrains, deeper customization options, and enhanced driving dynamics designed to suit both city commuting and weekend getaways. Observers note that AvtoVAZ’s strategy remains rooted in delivering value, with a careful balance between modern design cues, essential comfort features, and robust handling characteristics that drivers can rely on. As the automaker continues to refine its lineup, the Drive Active liftback stands as a tangible example of how AvtoVAZ updates its classic models to meet contemporary expectations while preserving the lineage that has defined the brand for years. The approach appears to promise steadier growth for the company in competitive segments, supported by a manufacturing and engineering backbone that aims to keep costs predictable for customers and service networks accessible across key markets.