The steering wheel is the primary interface between a driver and the car, and its design has evolved with each year and model. In the earliest Zhiguli models, the wheel followed the styling norms of its era. Back then, manufacturers often used the same slim, smooth handlebar with a cross-section measuring about 1.5 cm. It looked stylish, but twisting it was a task, so drivers wrapped the grip with various braids to gain comfort and control.
As time passed, the wheel grew in girth. For the legendary seven, the cross-section lengthened to about 2.7 cm, and the spoke arrangement was adjusted to fit natural hand positions. This evolution made long drives more comfortable and improved grip during dynamic maneuvers.
The Oka introduced the smallest wheel in the family: the first Zhiguli topped out around a 40 cm diameter, while the Oka settled at about 35 cm. In contrast, the Vesta line offered a highly ergonomic and feature-rich option. The wheel here is designed with factory-supplied controls for the multimedia system and climate functions, delivering easy access without distracting the driver from the road.
Concept cars pushed the boundaries of steering wheel design. In Rapan, for instance, only the rim rotated while the hub and instruments remained fixed, creating a unique driving feel. Peter Turbo presented a single curved spoke, and the Lada X-Ray concept brought a steering wheel that defied a perfectly round shape. These experiments illustrate how designers balance form and function to boost the driving experience.
Yet there are reliable, time-tested configurations. The second generation Niva, along with the Kalina and Priora, use a straightforward, comfortable steering wheel with an optimal cross-section. This design communicates the Lada philosophy clearly: simplicity, practicality, and lasting reliability. Even today, this approach guides current models, ensuring precise feedback and dependable control for everyday driving as well as longer journeys.
Video: YouTube
Collage: “Behind the wheel”
Vote – win Lada!
Join the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix to help select the year’s standout car innovations. Your participation contributes to a broader discussion about how steering ergonomics and driver interfaces shape the next generation of vehicles.
As a token of appreciation for taking part, three prize hampers are being raffled among survey respondents. Anyone who completes the questionnaire before the deadline will have a fair chance to win. Keep in mind the ongoing chance to influence design choices that blend comfort with performance.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE