Lada Priora station wagon. Price — from $11,476 (91,800 UAH).
The test of the Lada Priora station wagon took place in the westernmost point of Russia — the Kaliningrad region. During the Baltic trip, there was an opportunity to visit the famous Curonian Spit, where sand and dunes are as symbolic as Lada is for the residents of Russia.
The Curonian Spit is a narrow sandy strip that has had the status of a Russian National Park since 1987. It is noteworthy that the local dunes actually move! Under the influence of wind, they creep at a speed of up to 18 meters per year — slowly but steadily. It is impossible to see this movement, however, as with the products of the Volga Automobile Plant, changes do occur.
For the test, a premiere Priora station wagon in maximum trim was provided. By the time sales start, the options list will include a built-in audio system with Bluetooth and USB port, as well as a luggage compartment shelf-cover.
The exterior of the car feels fresh. But one should get used to the good new gradually. Therefore, the old doors from the "ten" remained the same, only receiving body-colored handle trims with a convenient external grip.
Inside, there are significantly more changes. The control keys for the front door power windows (in the "luxury" version — also for the rear) along with the power mirror buttons have moved to the door armrest. The climate system with a filter provides a comfortable microclimate in the cabin.
In the back row, you can sit quite freely: there is enough space both in height and width. But with the front seats, tall and large drivers may have problems. There are still only two adjustments: longitudinal movement and backrest tilt.
As for the direct purpose of the station wagon, the trunk volume is 450 liters — this is the space up to the glass line. If you fold the rear seats, the volume grows to 777 liters (at the same level). The roof is equipped with mounting points with three-point attachment, withstanding loads up to 50 kg with a total permissible weight of 483 kg. A noticeable step forward has been made in the field of active and passive safety. Already in the base there is a driver's airbag and ABS. In the top version, a front passenger airbag, rain sensor, and automatic headlight activation system are added.
Under the hood of the station wagon is a gasoline engine with a volume of 1596 cm³ and a power of 98 hp. Later, the engine range should be supplemented by a 1.8-liter unit capable of running on both gasoline and compressed natural gas.
AvtoVAZ plans to install an automatic transmission, as well as the appearance of navigators and side airbags in the options. But all this is in the future. And time does not hurry either the dunes or the Volga Automobile Plant.
ABS in series
The cooperation between AvtoVAZ and Bosch has lasted for several years. Since 2005, the partnership has entered a new stage: the first Priora intended for serial installation of ABS were sent for testing to Europe. The system adaptation program took three seasons.
Driving
The engine pleases with dynamics, but the problem with gear shifting remains.
Interior
Rear passengers have more space. The quality of materials has improved, but the assembly leaves much to be desired.
Comfort
The seats remained old with all their problems: there are no additional adjustments, and the backrest is not rigid enough.
Safety
ABS and a front driver's airbag are available as an option.
Price
The closest competitor in the "luxury" trim will cost noticeably more.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Basic equipment with safety systems, low price of additional options.
- Drum brakes on the rear axle.
Specifications
Make and model — Lada Priora station wagon
Dimensions — 4340x1680x1508 mm
Engine — gasoline, 1596 cm³, 98 hp/5600 rpm
Transmission — manual, 5-speed
Dynamics — 183 km/h; 11.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Chevrolet Lacetti, Chery Tiggo
August 6, 2009
Author: Eduard Shivorshinov
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