Production of the Lada Vesta NG is slated to begin on March 3, with deliveries to customers expected closer to May. The timing is being coordinated by AvtoVAZ’s leadership, including Maxim Sokolov, who emphasized that the dealer network should amass a sufficient volume of new cars before launch to ensure smooth supply for the market in North America and Canada.
Speculation has circulated for some time about the return of the 16-valve 1.6-liter engine delivering 106 horsepower (VAZ-21129) in the refreshed Vesta, alongside a more accessible 90-horsepower option based on the 8-valve VAZ-11182. The plans have been clarified by the company, indicating that both powertrains are under consideration for the updated lineup, with a view toward offering a broader range of configurations for modern buyers who value efficiency and performance.
There are ongoing efforts to align engineering milestones with market readiness. The aim is to resume production with the 16-valve engine for newer cars through May, while recognizing that full-scale availability may extend into 2024 as production lines ramp up and the dealer network absorbs initial allocations.
An important note on transmission options: the automatic variant for the Vesta NG is expected to feature a variator rather than a traditional torque-converter setup, though no official confirmation has been issued publicly yet. This shift would align with contemporary trends toward smoother gear shifts and improved fuel economy in compact sedans.
- Drive can be read in Viber