Production of Lada Iskra test units paused on line 5 due to shortages of components, especially interior plastics. The pause affected tests planned for early 2025, postponing the assembly of those test cars on line 5 until supply issues are resolved. The halt highlights ongoing supply chain challenges facing automakers in the region, where even a long‑standing brand can face bottlenecks in fresh interior materials. Iskra is part of a broader renewal for the company’s lineup, offering modern features while keeping price competitiveness. The interruption has ripple effects on testing schedules, supplier validation, and pre‑production calibration as teams review the root causes of the shortage and adjust timelines. There is no fixed end date yet, but progress depends on securing adequate quantities of the affected interior plastics and related materials so that line 5 can resume production. The overall message is that the Iskra program remains on track in spirit, even as line activities pause briefly to address the supply issue.
Iskra will be offered in three body styles: a sedan, a station wagon and a Cross version designed for more versatile use. The model line is intended to provide practical, everyday usability with a simple, efficient powertrain lineup. The configuration plan includes three power units: a base 1.6-liter engine producing about 90 horsepower paired with a five‑speed manual transmission; a 1.6-liter engine delivering about 106 horsepower with either a six‑speed manual or an automatic transmission; and the Cross variant that uses the same engine options but adds equipment for more active use. In the Cross version, the rear seat gains three headrests for added safety, a Vesta‑style multifunction steering wheel, power windows on all doors, air conditioning and a built‑in sound system to ensure comfort on daily commutes and longer trips. Exterior colors were described as gray, brown, red and white, providing straightforward choices that align with current market preferences for neutral yet appealing hues. Together, these features aim to deliver a practical, well‑rounded package that appeals to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and busy professionals who value reliability and straightforward maintenance.
Mass production is planned to start in spring 2025, signaling a step toward broader market availability after the testing phase. The program fits into the automaker’s long‑term strategy to refresh its lineup with modern styling and updated technology while contending with global supply constraints that can affect scheduling. The Iskra project emphasizes a balance between affordability and practicality, leveraging a familiar 1.6-liter engine family and a choice of body styles to meet the needs of buyers in Canada, the United States, and other markets where Lada has shown renewed interest. As with any new model introduction, timing can shift in response to supplier performance, component deliveries, or regulatory considerations, but the outlook remains toward a spring 2025 rollout. The program also includes safety features, user‑friendly interfaces, and comfort systems intended to simplify daily driving. The company continues to monitor the supply ecosystem and adjust production expectations to minimize disruption while keeping the Iskra development plan aligned with regional demand patterns and regulatory requirements. The overall message is that while the pause on some test line activities introduces short‑term uncertainty, the Iskra initiative keeps its core goal of delivering practical, efficient transport that fits the brand’s move into a new era of compact, value‑oriented cars.