"Lada Granta" (VAZ-2190) - the model of the national car

The Renault-Nissan concern in 2000 acquired shares of the Russian company AvtoVAZ. This event contributed to a dramatic change in the domestic automotive industry. Reforms were launched to minimize production costs. This promised to car enthusiasts the release of fairly cheap cars. A vivid example was the model VAZ-2190. Subsequently, the name was changed to Lada Granta.

During the development, we economized on everything. And as a result, the manufacturer gave a promise that the new model will cost from 200 thousand rubles. This greatly expanded the consumer market. Of course, such an advertising move involved only the basic equipment. What was offered in it, we will tell you later.

AvtoVAZ kept its promise, and when the first VAZ-2190 copies came off the container, the price did not exceed 230 thousand rubles.

The Birth of Lada Granta

At the development stage, Lada Granta carried the working name Low cost, which meant "low price". The platform "Kalina" was taken as a basis. Since this model did not reach the planned sales volumes, there remained a lot of unused equipment that was purchased for its assembly. This solution allowed the maximum use of everything that was already in the warehouse. And this, as a result, significantly reduced costs and development time. Thanks to this "Lada Granta" (VAZ-2190) appeared in less than 2 years. Prospects for such rapid development made it possible to save about 30%, which influenced the formation of prices.

However, the savings did not end there. In the technological plan, too, everything was reduced to a minimum. If we compare some details of the car, then in the VAZ-2190 their number was reduced threefold or more. The decoration of the doors became very simple, practically without decorative elements, there was no electronics on the instrument panel, the front bumper had the most primitive appearance. The predecessor of this decision was the experience with Renault Logan, which, in turn, ousted the domestic brand from the Russian market.

With the arrival of foreigners in our auto industry, there were so-called "dummies". What does this mean? The new brand in the basic version is a combination of the chassis, engine and body. This completes the elements of the equipment. It was such a "Grant" (VAZ-2190) was at the promotional price. To the surprise of drivers, even simple mirrors and glasses were installed here. And elements such as power steering, multimedia, airbags and other equipment could be purchased at an additional cost.

Interesting stories with Lada Granta

Several interesting stories were connected with Grant. The first is the choice of the name. An advertising move was invented, the purpose of which is to bring the car closer to the people as close as possible. Thanks to the slogan "People's car - the popular name" it turned out to attract the attention of people of different prosperity. A contest was held, at which the Krasnoyarsk resident became the winner. The prize is the new Lada Kalina. Even here, the company was left to win by handing over an unpopular model.

Another story that happened during the testing of the car VAZ-2190, gave great interest to this model. The debut took place with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation. Putin personally wanted to arrange a test drive, but the manufacturers forgot to warn about the peculiarities of the gas pedal. In the pre-series version, an electronic version was installed. As a result, it was possible to start the car only from the fifth time. After that people's opinions were divided, many considered it an imperfection and an indicator of poor quality of domestic products. However, the interest and attention of the masses were still attracted to the "Grant", and this was what the manufacturer needed.

External characteristics

The exterior of the car leaves much to be desired. It looks pretty dull and simple. For its development, designers used a computer program, which is worth noting, was obsolete. The resulting layout was so bad that the company had to invite the British specialist Steve Mattin to the post of chief designer.

"Lada Granta" (VAZ-2190) is a B-class sedan, but because of the increased sizes it is often referred to as "C". The weight of the car is slightly more than one ton, the clearance is 160 mm. Dimensions: 4260х1700х1500 mm. The parameters of the wheelbase did not exceed 2500 mm.

Interior

Against the background of the exterior, the interior looks much more presentable. However, the aesthetic and ergonomic qualities are inferior even to the cheapest Chinese car. What can please the owner of "Grants"? First of all - a capacious trunk, as for a sedan. Its volume is 480 liters. If compared with the "Kalina", the superiority was 80 units. Also, the advantage of the cabin is a sufficient amount of free space. As for the remaining elements, their use is reduced to a minimum.

Engines

VAZ-2190 is equipped with only two types of gasoline units. They have the same volume, but differ in the technical characteristics of the timing and the piston group. The 1.6 engines comply with Euro-4 standards. The eight-valve develops a power of 87 liters. With., And sixteen - 106 liters. from. Both motors are equipped with electrically operated distribution injection.

It was noticed by the owners of "Lada Grants" that in winter the engines start from the half-turn, and this characterizes them from the positive side. The 8-valve unit is completed with a manual transmission (5 degrees), and 16 - automatic Jatco (4 stages).

Equipment

Like the other VAZ cars, the Lada Granta is available in three versions:

1. The standard provides stamped disks, special connectors for audio equipment, seat belts with an indicator, an airbag for the driver, an immobilizer. The price is from 300 thousand rubles.
2. Norm will be pleased with air conditioning, partial electric package, in particular, electric front windows, central lock and tailgate drive, power steering, head restraints on the rear seat. The cost is from 350 thousand rubles.
3. Suite - two airbags, multimedia systems, heated seats, climate control, as well as BAS and ABS. It will please electric mirrors and automatic windows. For this bundle, you will have to pay at least 450 thousand rubles.