Lada Priora: prices and specifications

Lada Priora is a family of C-class cars that replaced the VAZ "110" model. The name "Priora" comes from the Latin word Prior, meaning "first, senior, leader." Compared to its predecessor, these cars represented a step forward for the Volga Automobile Plant in terms of quality and equipment, including active and passive safety systems.

Development of the new model began in 2005, and road tests of the prototype started in 2006. The official premiere of the first model in the family — the Lada Priora sedan — took place in March 2007. In February 2008, VAZ began production of the five-door hatchback. The last two modifications — the five-door station wagon and the three-door coupe — appeared in the lineup in May 2009. In 2011, all versions of the Priora underwent a facelift that affected the exterior and interior.

The exterior of the model was developed by VAZ specialists, while the interior design was created by Italian designers from the Carcerano studio. When creating the body of all modifications, engineers used about two thousand new parts. Even in the base version, the car was equipped with a driver's airbag, ABS, immobilizer, power steering, onboard computer, front power windows, central locking with remote control, and an anti-theft alarm.

The first Lada Priora sedans began arriving in Ukraine in the fall of 2007. Later, the hatchback and station wagon appeared in the country. In 2010, the Lada Priora coupe was presented in Kyiv. All modifications are equipped with two 1.6-liter gasoline engines — eight-valve and sixteen-valve. They work with a five-speed manual transmission. Drive — front.

History

The Lada Priora prototype was first shown at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in 2003. The car was positioned as a replacement for the "tenth" family of VAZ and was built on the basis of the 2110.

The Lada Priora sedan (VAZ-2170) went into production in the spring of 2007. In the first year, 58 thousand cars were produced. Initially, the model was offered only in this body style. In 2008, the VAZ-2172 hatchback appeared.

In 2009, the lineup was supplemented with the VAZ-2171 station wagon.

In 2008, small-scale production of the VAZ-21078 Priora Prime began. The sedan, lengthened by 175 mm, was assembled by the Togliatti company "Super-Auto." According to rumors, it was developed for the management of AvtoVAZ. This version could be additionally equipped with air conditioning, a TV, and other equipment.

In the first half of 2009, the Priora family finally replaced the "tenth" series — VAZ-2110/2111/2112. According to AvtoVAZ, the Lada 110 and Lada Priora shared only the platform, engine, and four doors.

In 2010, AvtoVAZ released the three-door hatchback VAZ-2172 Coupe.

In 2011, the Priora underwent a facelift. The updated version received a new front bumper that meets international pedestrian safety standards, enlarged side mirrors with turn signals, a seat belt reminder for the driver and passenger, and a number of previously unavailable options.

In the same year, export versions of the Priora (VAZ-2170, VAZ-2171, VAZ-2172) began to comply with Euro-5 standards.

In 2012, side airbags and improved ABS became available for the model. In May 2012, AvtoVAZ announced the production of 650,000 Lada Priora units.

In 2013, the car was updated again. The facelifted version received new bumpers, daytime running lights, and rear LED lights. Changes affected the interior and technical part.

At the end of 2013, AvtoVAZ, together with the Renault-Nissan alliance, began developing the Lada Priora 2. In April 2014, the company announced that the successor to the model would debut in 500 days — in September 2015. It became the Lada Vesta.

Exterior

The kinship of the Priora with the VAZ-2110 is revealed only by the doors and a similar silhouette. Otherwise, the car looks distinctive and modern. The latest generation of the family (VAZ-2170, VAZ-2171, VAZ-2172) is distinguished by new front and rear bumpers.

The front part has become more dynamic and aggressive thanks to the wedge-shaped bumper and modified radiator grille. Daytime running lights also appeared. At the rear, there are lights with LEDs. On the side — exterior mirrors with built-in turn signal repeaters. In the base and mid-level trims, the Priora is equipped with steel wheels, in the top trim — alloy wheels.

Interior

The interior of the latest generation Lada Priora, according to the manufacturer, matches foreign counterparts in terms of trim quality and equipment. VAZ workers worked on materials, introducing soft-look plastic, which looks presentable, almost like leather. Chrome details also appeared in the interior.

The Lada Priora is available with a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, USB port, and Bluetooth (optional). Luxury versions may have some elements finished with glossy black lacquer. The developers improved sound insulation and made the seats more comfortable, with developed lateral support.

The cabin has become quieter and more comfortable due to the elimination of plastic squeaks. Italian designers participated in creating the interior of the new Priora. The electrical equipment of the latest version includes climate control, seat heating, rain and light sensors, as well as the GLONASS navigation system.

In Ukraine, the Priora is offered in three trim levels. Even the base version is equipped with ABS, an onboard computer, and electric side mirrors.

Engine and transmission

For the Lada Priora (VAZ-2170, VAZ-2171, VAZ-2172), two gasoline engines are available: an 8-valve with 81 hp and a 16-valve with 98 hp. For luxury versions, a 1.6-liter engine with 106 hp was offered.

The extended version Lada Premier was equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with 101 hp. For the Russian market, the engines are adapted to Euro-3 and Euro-4 standards. Cars meeting Euro-5 were supplied to Europe. There was a "hybrid" modification VAZ-2170 LPG, running on gasoline and natural gas. AvtoVAZ also tried to launch production of the electric Priora (ElLada), but it did not go into series.

The gearbox is a 5-speed manual. Since 2012, an automatic transmission appeared, but it did not become widespread. The base version has hydraulic power steering, while the mid and top versions have electric power steering.

Safety

Cars VAZ-2170, VAZ-2171, and VAZ-2172 are considered quite safe due to the reinforced structure of the inner part of the doors, sills, roof, central pillars, and floor. Even in the initial configuration, the Priora is equipped with special beams in the doors, a driver's airbag, inertia reels, and an anti-lock braking system.

In the top version, the list of safety equipment is wider: a passenger airbag and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution are added.

Features

The success of the Priora was spoiled by Chinese manufacturers and the emergence of budget sedans from European auto giants. The Chinese are actively conquering the budget segment, offering cheap analogues with climate control, screens, and safety systems. Despite this, the Priora sells well in Russia, which is due to the abundance of spare parts and repair specialists.

European brands are also bringing to market cars comparable in price with logos of well-known brands, which is important for some consumers. However, there are those who associate the Lada Priora with the "Zhiguli," which could always be repaired, and prefer them to foreign cars.

Popularity in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the Lada Priora (Lada 2170, Lada 2171, Lada 2172) has been very popular since the start of production. Despite a decline in sales in 2013-2014, the model is in the top 10 bestsellers in both the new and used car markets.

AvtoVAZ's pricing policy and the rise in car prices in Ukraine in 2013-2014 affected the cost of the Priora, lowering its position in the ranking of new car sales. The model's popularity was also affected by the activity of Chinese brands and the high demand for budget sedans from Volkswagen, Hyundai, Renault, and Peugeot/Citroen.

Our verdict

The main audience of the Lada Priora is owners of outdated VAZs who do not want to risk money by buying well-equipped but untested Chinese models.

The main competitor of the Lada Priora in Ukraine is the ZAZ Vida, built on the basis of the Chevrolet Aveo. It is comparable to the Priora in size, equipment, and price.