In a development reported by Avtograd News and circulating on VKontakte, Russian automaker AvtoVAZ announced the return of driver and passenger airbags to the Lada Vesta lineup starting February 2024. The company specified that Vesta units produced from around February 20 would roll off the line with airbags installed, enhancing safety features across multiple configurations.
The specification details indicate that models equipped with a 1.8-liter engine and a manual transmission will bring airbags rated at 122 horsepower, with the vehicle platform prepared to accommodate both the driver and passenger airbag units. For the 1.6-liter engine option, which appears in some Vesta variants, airbags are still included, and the manual transmission variant will be shipped with a driver airbag as a standard feature. This information reflects AvtoVAZ’s intent to ensure comprehensive occupant protection across its Vesta range following production adjustments.
As of December 11, 2023, AvtoVAZ paused airbag installation on Vesta cars due to shortages of certain components. The pause was a practical measure to prevent conveyor downtime and avoid aggravating supply bottlenecks at the plant. The manufacturer indicated that the airbag option would resume in 2024, aligning with the broader restart of production activities and supplier recovery efforts.
The baseline Vesta configuration without airbags was noted to feature gasoline engines with 106 horsepower and a manual transmission. This entry-level setup underscores the importance of understanding how safety features vary across trims and how optional equipment can influence the overall driving experience.
Earlier in the year there were reports of Lada Vesta SW Sportline sport wagons reaching AvtoVAZ dealers. These models were equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine generating 118 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The price tag for these Sportline variants was about 2.3 million rubles, highlighting a distinct tier within the Vesta family focused on sport-oriented performance and styling cues.
There were also prior mentions that Lada Vesta could be purchased with a discount of approximately 200,000 rubles, reflecting ongoing promotions or incentives seen in the market as the brand navigated production realignments and inventory considerations. This context helps explain the broader picture of how feature availability and pricing interact during periods of supply fluctuation and model refresh cycles.