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Lada 2104

From Alfawiki
AvtoVAZ
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1966
Headquarters
Togliatti
,
Russia
ProductsAutomobiles, including Lada Riva series (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107, sold collectively as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive regions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and known as the Lada Nova in Germany, represent a series of compact sedans from the Zhiguli collection, all built upon the Fiat 124 platform. These vehicles were produced by the Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ (previously VAZ) and introduced in 1979 within the Soviet Union. By the early 1980s, they had expanded into Western European and international markets under the Lada marque. The lineup comprised saloon variants (2105 and 2107) alongside a station wagon model (2104).

Commonly identified today as the Lada Classic series,[1] these cars trace their origins to the Fiat 124 platform, which has been fundamental to AvtoVAZ's offerings since its inception in the late 1960s. Production at AvtoVAZ’s primary facility in Togliatti concluded in September 2012.

This platform, together with other derivatives of the Fiat 124, ranks as the third highest-selling single-generation automobile platform worldwide, following only the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Model T.[2][3] Moreover, it stands among the longest continuously produced platforms globally, alongside iconic models such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen (Type 2) Bus,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Toyota 70 Series, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

The Riva was introduced in 1979 and entered mass production from 1980 onward as an updated rendition of the original Lada VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon—a licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124 dating back to 1970. Development commenced in 1975, with prototype vehicles completed by 1977. The Western European market saw the Riva debut only in 1983, aimed primarily at cost-conscious consumers.

The Riva family includes the VAZ-2105 (standard sedan), VAZ-2104 (station wagon), and VAZ-2107 (luxury sedan distinguished by a chrome grille). Within Russia, these models are recognized as separate entities within the "Klassika" range and are colloquially referred to as Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

Mechanically akin to the VAZ-2101, the Riva incorporates manual transmissions derived from Fiat designs, coil spring suspension systems, and aluminium drum brakes with cast iron shoes on rear wheels. The base VAZ-2105 model featured a smaller engine producing 65 hp that upgraded its original overhead camshaft configuration from a chain to a toothed belt drive. Larger displacement engines fitted to models like the VAZ-2107 employed either a chain-driven powerplant from the VAZ-2103 or a subsequent 1.6L engine. In 1992, engine updates introduced single-point fuel injection alongside catalytic converters to comply with emission regulations.

Released in 1982, the VAZ-2107 served as the premium offering within this range, showcasing enhanced interior appointments and chrome grilles. It was powered by either a (21072) or (21074) engine variant. Additionally, a Wankel rotary engine version was manufactured.

The station wagon variant, VAZ-2104, was launched in 1984 with three engine options: , , or .

Export sales flourished across Eastern Europe. In Western countries such as the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand—where it was commonly used for taxi services—Canada, and Finland—where economic relations with the Soviet Union were stronger—the Riva maintained a modest but noteworthy presence. Canadian imports featured whitewall tires and were briefly marketed under the Dennis Signet name by Peter Dennis Motor Corporation. However, sales ceased in many Western nations by July 1997 due to stricter safety and emissions standards coupled with economic challenges.

Despite withdrawal from most Western markets, production persisted at AvtoVAZ facilities in Russia under the moniker Lada Classic. It remained one of Russia’s most affordable new vehicles and preserved popularity within secondary markets even after manufacturing ended.

In 2002, production of the station wagon shifted to Izh, later expanding assembly operations to Bogdan Group’s LuAZ plant and additional factories located in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The VAZ-2107 was also assembled at Ukraine’s ZAZ plant as well as Suzuki’s facility in Egypt. In August 2011, Russian manufacture of the 2107 model transitioned to Izh. After nearly thirty years of production, manufacturing of the 2105 concluded in 2010; followed by discontinuation of both the 2104 and 2107 models in 2012.

United Kingdom

The Riva was introduced to the British market initially as the 1300GL in July 1983, followed shortly by the 21051, also known as the Riva 1200L, equipped with a 1198 cc engine. UK sales emphasized affordability and robustness. By 1986, over 20,000 Ladas had been sold in Britain, predominantly Rivas, with numbers reaching a peak exceeding 30,000 units in 1988 after the addition of the Samara model to the lineup. After the Riva's launch, imports of earlier VAZ models ceased, although these vehicles continued to be available within the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries for several more years.

An Autocar review praised the model for its competitive pricing (£3,158), enhanced driving dynamics, and generous standard features such as adjustable headlights, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Nevertheless, its simplistic interior and outdated styling prevented it from rivaling dominant competitors like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. While sales remained steady into the early 1990s, increased competition from budget manufacturers including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton caused a significant downturn.

Financial difficulties combined with expensive modifications necessary to comply with tougher EU emissions regulations compelled Lada to exit the UK and certain European markets on 4 July 1997; sales of the Riva had already ceased several months prior. Efforts to adapt carbureted engines to meet catalytic converter requirements were unsuccessful, resulting in frequent failures during MOT inspections.

After withdrawal from the market, many of the remaining right-hand-drive Rivas in the UK were exported back to Russia due to ongoing demand for used vehicles there. Even as late as 2021, numerous ex-UK Rivas continue to operate across Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was marketed through the New Zealand Dairy Board, which accepted these cars as part of payment for exports of mutton and butter to the Soviet Union. This barter arrangement concluded in 1990.

2104

Estate Variants

  • VAZ-2104 – standard estate featuring a VAZ-2105 1.3 L carbureted engine paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
  • VAZ-21041 – equipped with a VAZ-2101 1.2 L engine fitted with four carburetors; not produced commercially.
  • VAZ-21042 – right-hand-drive version powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine.
  • VAZ-21043 – features a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 carbureted engine with either a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission; includes upgraded interior and electrical systems derived from the VAZ-2107.
  • VAZ-21044 – export specification fitted with a 1.7 L VAZ-2107 single injection engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
  • VAZ-21045 – intended export model with a 1.8 L VAZ-2107 single injection engine; production was never realized.
  • VAZ-21045D – diesel version powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-341 engine combined with a 5-speed manual; produced in limited numbers.
  • VAZ-21047 – upgraded edition featuring a carbureted 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox; interior enhancements included; export models carried the VAZ-2107 style grille.
  • VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel variant equipped with a 1.77 L VAZ-343 engine; never entered production.
  • VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected model with a 1.6 L VAZ-21067 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; interior and electrical components sourced from the VAZ-2107; front seats borrowed from IL-2126.
  • VAZ-21041 VF – hybrid design combining the radiator grille of the VAZ-2107 with a fuel-injected 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine, matched to a 5-speed manual transmission and front seats from Izh-2126.

Pickup Variant

  • VAZ-21043-33 Pikap – powered by a 1.5 L engine delivering 52 kW; produced between 1991 and 2012 by PSA VIS-Avto.

2105

  • Lada 2105 – comes with a 1.29 L carbureted VAZ-2105 engine delivering 64 PS and 92 Nm, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission;
  • Lada 2105 b – equipped with a 1.6 L VAZ-2103 engine featuring distributed fuel injection (73 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2 compliant) and a 5-speed gearbox;
  • Lada 21050 – powered by the VAZ-2105 engine combined with a 5-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21051 – utilizes a 1.2 L carbureted VAZ-2101 engine producing 59 PS and 85 Nm, mated to a 4-speed gearbox;
  • Lada 21053 – fitted with a carbureted 1.45 L VAZ-2103 engine (71 PS, 104 Nm) and a 4-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21053-20 – upgraded to include a 1.45 L VAZ-2104 engine with distributed injection (71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) and a 5-speed gearbox;
  • Lada 21054 – manufactured in limited numbers for use by traffic police, Interior Ministry, and FSB; powered by a carbureted 1.57 L VAZ-2106 engine (72 PS, 122.5 Nm), featuring an extra fuel tank and battery;
  • Lada 21054-30 – driven by a 1.57 L VAZ-21067 engine with distributed injection (72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3) and equipped with a 5-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21055 – rare diesel model using a 1.52 L VAZ (BTM) engine delivering 53 PS and 96 Nm;
  • Lada 21057 (Lada Riva) – export variant of the VAZ-21053 with right-hand drive and single injection system (Euro-1), produced between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and other left-hand traffic countries;
  • Lada 21058 (Lada Riva) – right-hand drive export version of the VAZ-21050, manufactured from 1982 to 1994 for similar markets;
  • Lada 21059 – launched in 1980 as a special edition for law enforcement and security forces; powered by two-rotor Wankel engines generating up to 140 PS, capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 mph; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
  • VIS-2345 – pickup truck based on the VAZ-21053/54 chassis, produced by JSC VAZInterService between 1995 and 2006;
  • Lada 2105 VFTS – rally car developed at the Vilnius factory under Stasys Brundza; homologated under FISA Group B regulations; powered by a carbureted WEBER-equipped VAZ-2106 engine producing 160 PS; featured lightweight aluminum doors starting in 1986;
  • Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle built by DOSAAF’s "Vihur" organization in Tallinn; homologated for Group A-2/1 class with standard engines.

2107

  • Lada 2107 (1.5 L, four-cylinder carbureted engine);
  • Lada 21072 (1.3 L, four-cylinder carbureted engine with timing belt);
  • Lada 21073 (1.7 L single injection engine designed for European export);
  • Lada 21074 (1.6 L four-cylinder carbureted engine);
  • Lada 21076-20 (1.5 L equipped with point injection);
  • Lada 2107–71 (1.45 L producing 66 PS, tailored for the Chinese market);
  • Lada 21074-20 (1.6 L with distributed injection compliant with Euro-2 standards);
  • Lada 21074-30 (1.6 L featuring distributed injection meeting Euro-3 requirements);
  • Lada 21077 (1.3 L carbureted engine with timing belt for UK exports);
  • Lada 21078 (1.6 L carbureted version also exported to the UK);
  • Lada 21079 – debuted in 1982; equipped with two-rotor VAZ-411M or VAZ-4132 Wankel engines delivering between120 and140 hp; includes five-speed manual transmission; aimed at federal agencies; top speed reaches112 mph; accelerates to60 mph in9 seconds; priced around58,000 rubles;
  • Lada 2107 ZNG (1.7 L with point injection).

Other variants

Additional versions encompassed Riva Signet along with Riva models in1200/1300/1500/1600 configurations available in "E" and "L" trim levels. The Finnish distributor offered a turbocharged variant known as the Lada 2107 Turbo. Limited-edition rally cars were equipped with150 PS Wankel engines paired with Weber DCOE twin-choke carburetors.

Manufacturing in Suzuki Egypt

In the year 2000, AvtoVAZ formed a collaboration with Amal Foreign Trade Company to assemble Lada vehicles for the North African market. Lacking a specialized manufacturing facility, the assembly of the Lada 2107 took place at a Suzuki factory located in Cairo. This production line operated under Suzuki's management until 2015 and later expanded to include the Lada 2110 model.

Safety

During the early 1980s, the vehicle complied with safety regulations established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) as well as GOST standards. Nevertheless, by 2001, the Lada 2107 received a zero rating in a frontal collision test conducted by Russia’s ARCAP program, highlighting its outdated structural design based on earlier safety criteria.

In 2002, the magazine Za Rulyom evaluated two Lada 21053 units—a brand-new 2002 model and a used 1994 version. The newer vehicle met UNECE standards 12-03 and 33, whereas the older car failed to satisfy standard 33. The publication expressed skepticism regarding whether the 2002 model would comply with more stringent safety rules introduced later that year.

Conclusion of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics continued to enjoy robust sales within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Production of the 2105 model ceased at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility in late 2010 after nearly three million units were manufactured over three decades. Subsequent production of remaining variants was transferred to the IzhAvto plant near Izhevsk.

The manufacturing of the 2107 shifted to IzhAvto in August 2011, marking the end of Fiat 124-derived models being produced at Togliatti after a continuous span of 41 years and over fourteen million vehicles built.

By September 2012, production of this sedan series concluded in Russia when IzhAvto assembled its final 2104 unit. From that point onward, IzhAvto replaced Classic model manufacturing with the Lada Granta. As of 2014, assembly of the 2107 persisted in Egypt.

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named automail
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named kowalke1997
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Chapman2005
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