Recently, Iran’s deputy minister of Mines and Trade told reporters that the Tondar 90, also known as the first-generation Logan, is planned to resume assembly next year with new local or foreign energy units, according to Khodro Bank.
Russian engines are under consideration as options. The lineup includes a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter AVTOVAZ engine with 8 valves coded VAZ-11182, a 1.6-liter 16-valve aspirated engine coded VAZ-21129, and a 1.8-liter 16-valve engine coded VAZ-1179.
In the wake of broad sanctions against Russia and the withdrawal of several European, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers, Russia faces limited choices. The country is leaning on AVTOVAZ and some Chinese producers, while unofficially importing new European, Japanese, and Korean cars from third countries, as noted by the publication.
AVTOVAZ must first satisfy domestic demand before pursuing exports of motorcycles or even cars to Iran.
If the Tondar 90 returns to production, the most viable path would be to equip it with a 1.6-liter engine. If cooperation with Iran strengthens and supply chains for imported parts stabilize, production of power units and gearboxes could rise significantly. Iranians might pair these engines with a locally manufactured 5F18 5-speed manual transmission produced by Saipa and Iran Khodro, or with a 5F18 manual unit from Mega Motor.
Additionally, the Iranian concern Saipa has an improved version of the Logan with a more modern design, though it has not moved into serial production. What type of car Saipa intends to produce remains unspecified in the material.
A photo caption: Depositphotos