The refined interior of the updated Lada Vesta features bronze-toned decor and a climate control unit with large, easy-to-use buttons, signaling AvtoVAZ’s push toward a more upscale experience for buyers. And perhaps for the first time, Vesta buyers in Tolyatti who choose the CVT model are presenting a clear invitation to a group that had largely been overlooked—women.
In this new version, unlike the pre-restyling Vesta, there is no need to shield the climate control display from sunlight with a hand or lean close to read it. That’s because the new car’s climate control screen has been removed.
A large tablet mounted above the dashboard serves as the media system display. It can look a bit out of place in the Vesta cabin, yet its strength lies in fast, efficient multimedia performance and seamless app switching. The virtual cockpit layout resembles those in certain European models, with a navigation map placed between the speedometer and tachometer, clear graphics, and low glare.
There are still unmistakable reminders that this is a Russian-made car. The Lada badge and some quirks remain, such as a fuel gauge that sometimes shows the tank is empty even when it is full, accompanied by a flashing orange indicator.
When starting on steep gradients, drivers should be aware that the car may roll backward. AvtoVAZ has announced that a stabilization system, planned for August, will address this and will keep the car steady with the brakes engaged.
Company representatives note that the integration of the Chinese CVT into Lada Vesta was accomplished in record time.
Approximately a year and a half elapsed from selecting suppliers to certifying a 1.8 EVO engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. During this period, around 38 component groups were modernized on Vesta, and nearly a hundred parts were replaced. Yet even with the hood up, most observers may not notice these changes.
The engine control unit was recalibrated and rigorously tested, a new crankcase and extra mounting points were added to the engine, the flywheel was swapped for a drive disc, and the original wheel drives were upgraded. Wiring harnesses, pipes, and even the battery holder were reorganized and replaced where needed.
What kind of transmission
The CVT18 is of Chinese design and shares similarities with the unit previously used by a well-known Japanese brand. Classic elements include steel V-belt pulleys, a two-stage planetary gearbox, and a torque converter that helps the car start smoothly and engage a lock at 15 km/h. These are traditional traits for this type of transmission.
Compared with the prior Japanese version, the Chinese CVT offers a wider gear ratio range and 30% more oil capacity, which helps resist overheating better.
The new setup can handle up to 180 Nm of torque. A single replacement with a VAZ 1.8 engine delivering about 122 hp and 170 Nm at peak is enough for operation.
Additionally, AvtoVAZ guarantees a three-year or 100,000 km warranty for the Chinese CVT along with the vehicle. Per the maintenance rules, the CVT requires an intermediate oil change at around 30,000 km, after which the oil is intended to last for the remainder of the vehicle’s life.
minus glass
The Vesta with CVT carries no external markings indicating the transmission type. Between the seats sits a conventional gear selector, without newfangled joysticks or extra buttons. To accommodate the new shifter, one cupholder was removed, and Granta-style buttons control the heated seats.
Built on AvtoVAZ’s own platform using components from the Renault-Nissan alliance, the Lada Vesta has always stood out for its simple interior. With the restyling, the cabin now looks considerably more refined. A digital dashboard from Yandex is capable of displaying full navigation.
How does he drive
In motion, the engine and shifter work in harmony. The two-pedal Vesta starts smoothly and handles city traffic with confidence. The car’s handling remains solid, a trait that persisted even after the transition to a new component base.
Vesta responds quickly when the accelerator is pressed and accelerates with assurance. On descents, using the transmission’s manual mode to downshift several gears can help the engine assist in braking.
During brisk acceleration on uneven surfaces, it’s important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and stay attentive to the road because the car can wander within its lane.
The suspension absorbs bumps reasonably well, though large impacts can transmit minor longitudinal vibrations. Official data indicates the station wagon is about 50 kg heavier than the sedan. In practice, the wagon feels livelier and more responsive than the four-door version.
Subjectively, the sedan reacts quicker to steering input, is less sensitive to road ruts, and accelerates with less effort — a conclusion drawn from the experiences of a reviewer testing two specific examples.
The stronger cooperation with Chinese suppliers is evident in the braking system. When moving from a European car to Vesta, the brake pedal offers a steady resistance and then a strong, immediate bite. The brakes operate similarly to those on high-end Chinese models, such as the Tank 500.
Who are their competitors?
AvtoVAZ plans to produce more than 100,000 Lada Vestas in 2024, with half of that volume in the station wagon form, including the Cross variant. The plant sees the main competition for its five-door models coming from Chinese crossovers, which dominate the Russian market.
Pricing puts the Vesta SW Cross in the upper end of the range at about 2.13 million rubles, which is very close to popular Chinese crossovers like Geely Coolray, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and Haval Jolion. Base prices for these rivals run around 2.2–2.3 million rubles, not counting current offers and generous discounts from Chinese brands.