AvtoVAZ dealers have begun offering Lada Vesta models equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) at prices below the official recommendations set by the Russian automaker, according to the Southern Automobile portal [citation: Southern Automobile]. This development highlights how marketing incentives and financing programs can temporarily shift the price dynamics for popular models in the market.
In Krasnodar, one dealer group is marketing a CVT-equipped Lada Vesta at a price about 300,000 rubles lower than the recommended retail price (RRP). The discount applies when the buyer uses credit financing and participates in a Trade-in program. The final sticker price can reach around 1.28 million rubles under these conditions [citation: Southern Automobile].
Conversely, a Rostov-on-Don dealer is promoting the basic version of the same car at roughly 1.68 million rubles, which is nearly 100,000 rubles above the RRP, illustrating how regional pricing and optional packages can create notable price variability within the same model line [citation: Southern Automobile].
For the version powered by a 1.8-liter Evo engine producing 122 horsepower and paired with a CVT, the starting price is about 1.6 million rubles. That figure is about 75,000 rubles higher than the equivalent configuration with a 1.6-liter engine and a manual transmission, underscoring how transmission choice can influence overall cost even when performance outputs are similar [citation: Southern Automobile].
Industry commentary from auto specialist Rakitin notes a potential path forward: installing the Chinese WLY CVT18 shifter on the Lada Vesta could be a viable solution. He emphasizes reliability when properly managed, provided that drivers accelerate with care, avoid overheating, and adhere to timely oil changes [citation: Southern Automobile].
Observers point out that the new CVT is said to bear similarities to the Jatco JF015E transmission, which previously found its way into Lada models during Renault ownership. This connection suggests a degree of continuity in CVT technology across model generations, a factor buyers often weigh when considering long-term maintenance and parts compatibility [citation: Southern Automobile].
Additional notes indicate that the WLY CVT18 is frequently encountered in Chery vehicles, meaning technicians are generally familiar with its hardware. While some Chery models have experienced issues such as tapered bearings failures, industry experts do not expect the same problems to crop up in Lada Vesta due to allegedly easier operating conditions and different usage profiles [citation: Southern Automobile].
Sales of the Lada Vesta with CVT commenced in Russia on March 11, 2024, marking a notable expansion of the model lineup into North Globe markets. The broader narrative around CVT-equipped Ladas continues to evolve as dealerships test demand and consumer interest in smoother, stepless acceleration [citation: Southern Automobile].
Earlier reports mentioned that the most expensive Lada Vesta with CVT would cost Russians about 2.1 million rubles, illustrating the upper end of the pricing spectrum for fully equipped variants [citation: Southern Automobile].