The Granta Sport enters a new chapter three years after its initial revival, marking a fresh direction for the model lineup. This edition introduces two body configurations—a sedan and a liftback—as demonstrated in the accompanying video—and it also brings a renewed engine option to the table.
The heart of the new Granta Sport appears to be the familiar 16-valve VAZ-21127 unit, now tuned to deliver about 120 to 122 horsepower. The exact figure will be confirmed as the model approaches the sales launch window.
The material below reflects on the car as observed by a road tester who holds an international status in the Russian Federation, and who evaluated the Granta Sport with a critical eye on performance and practicality. The editor-in-chief of Behind the Wheel, Maxim Kadakov, was among those who had the chance to assess the car in real driving conditions.
How does this engine feel on the road? It revs eagerly and performs smoothly across the rev range. In lower gears it behaves like a conventional Granta, ready to accelerate with no fuss when you release the clutch. Up top, the power feels accessible and credible, delivering a confident sporting character. As Kadakov put it, the engine is quite powerful, especially when paired with the sport-oriented suspension and the available all-wheel disc brakes. The result is a dynamic machine that could attract younger buyers who crave an engaging and lively drive. Initial market expectations in the current plan point to a summer 2023 sales start, though the final timing will hinge on regulatory and production factors as the launch approaches.
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Video: Driving on YouTube