The sedan arrived first, with the station wagon following in 2017. Over time, both body styles gained a higher ride height, increasing ground clearance from 178 mm to 203 mm, giving them improved capability on rough roads. A late 2019 restyling refreshed the equipment list, introducing a variant with an H4M engine paired to a CVT, alongside a Vesta Sport sedan tuned to 145 hp from the 1.8 liter engine.
Lada Vesta
Advantages:
- Affordable price with inexpensive maintenance.
- Steady, reinforced suspension that maintains grip on varied surfaces.
- Spacious, comfortable interior and a large trunk make it practical for daily use.
- Good performance in cold climates and frost conditions.
The trunk volume is officially listed at 480 liters for the sedan, and the wagon shares the same capacity. In the secondary market, wagon buyers often pay a premium of 40-50 thousand rubles for the extra practicality.
Drawbacks
- Build quality can be inconsistent, with color fading or chipping showing up sooner than hoped.
- Many components have limited service life, leading to earlier wear than expected.
- Squeaks, bumps, and rattles can appear as the car ages, particularly in budget trims.
engines
The basic engine is a 1.6 (VAZ-21129, 106 hp), noted as the simplest and most reasonable choice. Common issues relate to related systems such as the thermostat and ignition coils. Periodic throttle cleaning, fuel jets, and crankcase ventilation checks are sometimes necessary. Hydraulic lifters can cause occasional knocks. Since mid 2018, piston rings with a direct fuel path have been used. The timing belt tends to last 150,000 miles or more, but the accompanying rollers and water pump may require inspection sooner.
The 1.8 engine (21179, 122 hp) shares the same block but features a larger stroke and a more complex setup. It includes a variable timing mechanism, a different belt tensioning system, lighter valves, pistons, and connecting rods, and a lighter intake design was simplified. Overall, it is not notably more troublesome than the 1.6, but potential oil pump reliability issues, a tendency to burn oil, and a risk of belt failure should be considered. Maintenance remains straightforward for an experienced technician.
The Renault H4M engine (also known as Nissan HR16DE, 113 hp) uses a timing chain and can consume oil as it ages. Cold starts can be problematic, and its oil consumption is higher than the Vesta’s engines. A key drawback is that this engine is not paired with a manual transmission on the Vesta line.
transmission
The Renault JH3 five-speed manual was used for a period, with classic VAZ mechanics being phased out while maintaining viability. An automated option appeared as a robotized AMT based on the same mechanics, which initially consumed clutches in batches. After several upgrades the clutch issue diminished, but the AMT still produced a perceptible hum and vibration and was eventually discontinued.
Subsequently, the Jatco JF015E continuously variable transmission was introduced, offered only with the Renault engine. This choice raised the overall cost and reliability concerns. While upgrades continued, it remains less common for long-term durability. Typical wear begins around 50 000 km, with a higher likelihood of failure by 100 000 km, and an overall life expectancy of about 150 000 km.
operational caveats
- The long list of issues includes suspension components that often require attention before the 100 000 km mark. Complaints regarding rear shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings, and anti-roll bars are common, with creaks and knocks frequently noted.
- Brake pads and discs may wear faster than expected, the exhaust system can rust, turn signals in mirror housings can fail, glass surfaces scratch easily, and failures can affect the electronic accelerator, multimedia system, and rear-view camera. The list is not exhaustive.
The market offers are varied, and the largest share tends to be represented by a 1.6 liter sedan with a manual gearbox. The preferred option for buyers seeking practicality is the 1.6 wagon with a manual transmission. For the same money, similar choices include Renault Logan, Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, Volkswagen Polo, and Lifan Solano.
- Here are eight solid sedans that offer good value under a million rubles.
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