The AvtoVAZ plant in Russia is continuing its work on a new Lada model intended to eventually supersede the Granta lineup. The project is being followed by Avtograd News, an outlet active on VKontakte, which reports that the prototype is currently being prepared for the next leg of its journey toward the startup in Togliatti. This phase of testing is taking place on public roads as engineers fine tune the vehicle before any potential scale up in production. The ongoing trials are part of AvtoVAZs broader strategy to refresh the brand while maintaining a local focus on values familiar to Lada customers. Cited from AvtoVAZ information channels.
Initial plans called for the new Lada model to roll off the line in May 2022, but those timelines have slipped. To date, AvtoVAZ has produced several dozen test trunks and body samples that are stored within the plant’s Engineering Center, where engineers and designers continue to review fit, finish, and performance characteristics. This repository of preproduction components serves as a reference library for subsequent testing rounds and assembly line simulations that aim to reduce risk as development advances. Cited from AvtoVAZ project records.
A clear signal emerged in early 2022 that the current Lada Granta would be phased out. According to the head of the AvtoVAZ press office, the company plans to replace the old model with a completely new family of B-class cars that will carry an original name unused by any previous Lada model. The shift marks a strategic repositioning for the brand in a segment that prizes reliability, simplicity, and value. Analysts expect the new lineup to reflect contemporary design language while preserving the practical strengths that have defined Lada for decades. Cited from official statements.
In parallel with the development of the new family, AvtoVAZ has continued to oversee the production and sale of the Lada Granta Cross in the Classic 22 configuration for certain markets and customer segments. This continuity allows existing owners and prospective buyers to access a rugged variant of the Granta while the company transitions its lineup toward the forthcoming B-class range. The ongoing availability of Granta Cross also provides a bridge for parts, service, and aftersales support during the transition period. Cited from product announcements.
Industry observers note that the shift away from the Granta family is part of a broader push by AvtoVAZ to modernize its portfolio without abandoning the brand’s core values. The planned introduction of a new family under a distinct name signals a clear intent to differentiate the next generation of vehicles in a crowded market. Local suppliers and engineering partners in Togliatti are preparing for this evolution by aligning their production calendars, validating component supply, and refining assembly processes to accommodate the new design philosophy. Cited from company updates.
While the exact specifications of the new Lada model remain under wraps, insiders suggest the design will emphasize practicality, energy efficiency, and cost control. The vehicle is expected to embrace standard technology packages that suit diverse driving conditions, a hallmark that has long attracted buyers in Russia and neighboring markets. For AvtoVAZ, maintaining a steady cadence of testing, validation, and incremental improvement is essential to ensure a smooth transition from development to mainstream production. Cited from project briefs.
The company has repeatedly emphasized that customer feedback and field data will influence final tuning and feature sets. As testing progresses near the startup phase in Togliatti, engineers will focus on durability tests, real-world performance, and serviceability to guarantee long term ownership satisfaction. This approach aligns with the broader goal of sustaining a robust, value-driven lineup that can compete effectively in the B-class segment while meeting regulatory and market expectations across Russia and beyond. Cited from engineering reports.
In summary, AvtoVAZ is actively advancing a new Lada model meant to replace the Granta family, with testing underway on the route to its Togliatti startup. The production schedule has evolved from an initial May 2022 target to a more measured timeline that accommodates engineering refinements and validation cycles. The Granta remains in limited production as a cross variant in the Classic 22 configuration, preserving continuity for customers while the new family takes shape. The overall effort reflects a strategic pivot toward a fresh identity in the B-class category, backed by ongoing testing, supplier coordination, and a commitment to practical value for buyers. Cited from multiple official and industry sources to reflect the current state of development.