The Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ has introduced several pared-down versions of the Lada Granta, offering a more basic configuration lineup. This update comes from the public feed of Avtograd News on the VKontakte social network, which has tracked internal changes and supplier constraints affecting the model.
According to the post, a set of test Granta sedans was assembled in a minimal, sanction-friendly variant. In this configuration, notable components were removed: interior plastic sill plates, seals on the lower door flanges, seals inside the hood, lighting for the glove compartment and trunk, the interior trunk closing handle, and the trunk release button was relocated to the instrument panel. In addition, the car reportedly lacked power steering, air conditioning, and air bags, creating a stark departure from standard equipment expectations. The report estimates about 20 items were either stripped out or altered in this version.
The inquiry remains whether this will define a new base configuration or simply be a temporary measure tied to supply conditions and regulatory constraints. At present, it is unclear how this variant will be positioned within the Granta lineup or whether it will transition into a formal product offering with a distinct name or suffix.
Public records indicate that simplified Granta variants began to appear in the market from June 6, 2022. Early iterations were noted for omitting airbags, the emergency alert system ERA-GLONASS, and essential active safety systems such as ABS and ESP. Later, airbags were added back into some units, but by November 2023 reports surfaced that these components were no longer present in certain shipments due to ongoing supply shortages and component constraints, underscoring the broader impact of procurement challenges on assembly lines and feature availability.
Earlier communications from AvtoVAZ also indicated the initiation of a recall campaign for the Lada Granta, signaling ongoing attention to safety and compliance amid the production shifts and variant adjustments that followed. The situation illustrates how manufacturers respond to external pressures by reconfiguring model trims, reassessing standard equipment, and balancing cost, safety, and reliability in a rapidly changing supply environment.