AVTOVAZ has secured a patent for a push button switch bearing the label “Sport.” The documents surfaced in the public portion of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS) database. A small cylindrical component with an LED indicator will likely be mounted on the front panel to signal when the feature is active.
Historically, this kind of switch has not been a standard feature on Lada models. In the XRAY Cross, a model that has since been discontinued along with the XRAY range, the Sport button served as part of a broader drive mode system. That system functioned as a drive mode controller, adjusting throttle response and the level of electronic stability control, including ABS and ESP interventions.
When Sport mode is selected, the vehicle adjusts its electronics to address wheel slip and drifts that are more pronounced, offering greater sensitivity to the accelerator pedal. In vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission, the system tended to keep a lower gear for longer during acceleration, amplifying throttle feel. The new push button is expected to trigger a similar algorithm that emphasizes sportier dynamics while maintaining control, albeit in a simplified form that fits a broader range of future models.
Which specific models will gain this feature remains to be seen. There is speculation that the Niva Sport, teased for next year with a purported engine output around 122 horsepower, might incorporate Sport mode. Another strong candidate is a performance variant of the Lada Vesta NG. It is noted that the current Vesta Sport uses a 1.8-liter engine producing a substantial 145 horsepower in AvtoVAZ’s lineup, yet it lacks dedicated driving modes beyond basic performance tuning.
Some industry observers note that AVTOVAZ plans a measured rollout timeline. The company has stated that the current Vesta generation will eventually be replaced, with production slated to begin at the Togliatti plant in the coming spring. Public interest in a potential Sport edition remains high, and enthusiasts are watching closely for official announcements. In the meantime, interested viewers can catch related demonstrations and test drives on video platforms that feature company and automotive channel content. [CITATION: FIPS patent documentation; automotive industry disclosures]