AvtoVAZ Reconsiders Lada Vesta Variants with CVT Versus Manual Transmission
This year the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ plans a notable shift in the lineup for the Lada Vesta by cutting back on manual transmission sales and increasing the share of the model equipped with a Chinese CVT. These changes were reported by the Telegram channel Unlimited.
According to a representative from the factory, the initial plan calls for roughly one in five Lada Vestas to be offered with a CVT, with that share rising to half over time. The approach reflects the company’s response to market signals and the growing preference among buyers for two-pedal operation.
Looking ahead to the next calendar year, AvtoVAZ intends to keep expanding the CVT fraction until it accounts for about 50 percent of all Vesta production, without making other alterations to the model lineup. The Unlimited source described the move as a direct result of strong customer demand for the automatic variant.
At the moment, the price of a Lada Vesta featuring the 1.8-liter Evo engine producing 122 horsepower and a CVT starts from 1.6 million rubles, roughly 75 thousand rubles more than the manual-equipped version with a similar configuration. This price delta positions the CVT option as a premium choice within the Vesta family, reflecting both the cost of the 1.8-liter powertrain and the automatic transmission technology.
Industry analysts have long warned that the share of manual transmissions in new car sales is shrinking. In the near term, this trend is expected to continue in Russia. By 2022, about 34 percent of new cars from European manufacturers were equipped with manual gearboxes, while in the domestic market the manual option has held a share in the range of 30 to 35 percent. These figures help explain why manufacturers are increasingly favoring automatics for new models as consumer preferences shift toward easier driving, smoother acceleration, and improved fuel efficiency in city traffic.
Practical considerations also influence decisions about transmission choices. For some drivers, energy management and consistent performance with city commuting patterns become a priority, while others focus on outright cost and maintenance implications. In this evolving landscape, the industry is moving toward transmission technologies that deliver convenience and efficiency without sacrificing reliability or value for money.
Related conversations touch on how the shift to automatic transmissions affects overall vehicle ownership costs, resale value, and long-term durability. Analysts emphasize that while the CVT can offer smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency in certain conditions, it remains essential for buyers to compare total ownership costs and performance across different trims and engine configurations. The ongoing transition in Russia mirrors broader global trends where automakers balance demand, pricing, and technology to meet changing customer expectations.
Notes: The statements above reflect market commentary gathered from industry channels and cannot be treated as official corporate forecasts. Market dynamics, regulatory developments, and supplier arrangements may alter planned production mixes in the coming months. Local pricing and availability can vary by region and configuration. Attribution: Unlimited, with corroboration from industry observers who monitor European and Russian auto markets.