In the summer of 1998 the GAZ-3111 made its debut at the Moscow Motor Show. The new Volga sparked intense debate and drew both critics and enthusiasts. To some it looked like art, to others a bold experiment. The design drew its inspiration from the 21st Volga, yet the GAZ-3111 stood out with distinctive style and audacious character.
The first standard models reached showrooms in 2001, signaling a potential turning point for the Gorky plant and for the company as a whole. The arrival of the 21st Volga seemed to mark a milestone for many who followed its launch.
In a new direction
Yet the 21st retained a remarkable harmony for its era. The Volga GAZ-3111 embodies a blend of contradictions. It appears larger, even though its length increased by only 100 mm over the GAZ-3110, while the wheelbase grew by 20 mm.
The layout remains classic with rear-wheel drive. This choice is straightforward and familiar.
Inside, the modern double wishbone suspension with front shock absorbers and rack and pinion steering clash with the rear spring setup. A stabilizer later joined the rear suspension, a feature that also appeared on the mass produced GAZ-3110.
Under the hood sits a 2.5 liter ZMZ-405 gasoline engine, with a 2.3 liter ZMZ-406 offered on some units. The 2.5 liter ZMZ-405 with 155 horsepower was intended to form the core powertrain.
The base engine, ZMZ-405, delivers 155 horsepower from its 2.5 liter displacement.
Should be more careful
The rear seat folds flat in sections. Behind this Volga, the cabin feels solid, spacious, and comfortable. The seating can be configured in parts, a feature introduced on the Volga for the first time. The saloon is separated from the trunk by a functional foldable flap.
Moving forward, everything feels in place and holds up well by the standards of the late 1990s. If one looks carefully, the space and finish still read as practical and robust.
Interior design is solid, though the assembly quality can appear uneven. Large gaps between panels give the impression of a work in progress. The Volga seems almost like a well-tested prototype rather than a finished mass production model.
In 2001 a standard car carried a price around 13.5 thousand dollars. It represented fair value for its segment, though not the pinnacle of foreign prestige. Some observers wished for more refinement, as the social commentary from contemporary critics hinted at the time.
All contradictions
On the road the car displays a character that matches its exterior. The 155 horsepower output is modest for a vehicle of this size but remains usable. The drivetrain pushes the car with a front engine and rear drive layout whose traction is a defining trait. A design like this can work well when executed with a humane touch, yet the overall precision of steering and response sometimes falls short of ideal.
Steering feedback can feel abrupt and the handling may seem loosely tuned in certain corners. There are anecdotes from factory testers in the late 1990s describing the same issues in private conversations.
In the field of special attention
Today the GAZ-3111 sits not as a retro revival but as a youngtimer worth a second look. A rare weekend car that draws curiosity and admiration, it remains a distinctive and peculiar machine. Its unique look ensures it draws attention wherever it goes.
The fate of this compact Volga, created in a short period, depended on consumer reaction. The line formed long before the cars could leave the factory floors, proving the market ultimately decides which designs endure.
The Volga still invokes mixed feelings and respect at the same time, seen as a document and artifact from a time when experimentation was in vogue. Bold, controversial, and undeniably remarkable in its own way.
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