lada

A brief history about lada: Lada’s story began in the 1960s with the creation of a large automobile plant born from a collaboration between the Soviet Union and Italy. The factory was built on the banks of the Volga River and became the foundation for the nearby city of Togliatti, named after the Italian communist leader Palmiro Togliatti. What started as an industrial experiment quickly evolved into one of the Soviet Union’s most ambitious projects, producing cars designed to serve as affordable, durable transportation for the people.

Early Ladas were based on Fiat platforms, specifically the Fiat 124, but were heavily re-engineered to withstand Russia’s harsh winters and rugged roads. Engineers strengthened the body panels, increased ground clearance, and replaced the rear drum brakes with aluminum versions. They also developed a new engine design with an overhead camshaft, which offered better performance and reliability than the original Fiat engine. To ensure survival in extreme cold, Ladas were fitted with manual fuel pumps and hand cranks, making them easier to start when batteries failed in freezing temperatures.

Lada is not technically a company but a brand owned by the Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ. From the start, its vehicles were known for being simple, sturdy, and practical. Early models included the VAZ-2101 sedan and VAZ-2102 station wagon, later joined by more refined versions like the VAZ-2103, which featured twin headlights and a stronger 1.5-liter engine. By the late 1970s, the company had already expanded its range with the introduction of the Lada Niva, an all-wheel-drive off-road vehicle that became a national icon thanks to its versatility and endurance in extreme conditions.

During the 1980s, Lada introduced several new models, including the Sputnik (later renamed Samara), a compact hatchback that represented a more modern direction for the brand. The company even collaborated with German engineers from Porsche to refine engine combustion and improve performance. Some export models were sold under the name Zhiguli, although this label was eventually dropped due to linguistic misunderstandings in foreign markets.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lada faced turbulent times but continued to produce new vehicles such as the Gnom microcar and the sporty Natacha coupe. Despite economic challenges, the brand maintained a presence in international markets, exporting vehicles across Asia, Africa, and South America. Its cars, while often modest in design, gained a reputation for toughness and affordability, qualities that made them accessible to millions of drivers around the world.

Today, Lada is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, a partnership that has revitalized its lineup and expanded its reach in the global market. Modern models such as the Kalina, Priora, and the Samara 2 continue the brand’s tradition of practicality while incorporating contemporary technology and design. With new investments and production reforms, Lada remains a cornerstone of the Russian automotive industry—a brand that has survived political upheavals, economic shifts, and decades of change while staying true to its original purpose of building cars for the people.

Current Models

Browse through this lada’s current models below and explore their specifications