Lada 2105

AvtoVAZ
Company type	Public
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1966
Headquarters	Togliatti, Russia
Products	Automobiles, including Lada Riva (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107 models, collectively branded as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive regions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, were also marketed as the Lada Nova in Germany and carried various other names worldwide. These compact sedans belong to the Zhiguli series, which is based on the Fiat 124 platform, and were manufactured by the Russian company AvtoVAZ (formerly known as VAZ). Launched in 1979 within the Soviet Union and introduced to Western European and international markets during the early 1980s under the Lada brand, these vehicles were offered as both saloons (2105 and 2107) and station wagons (2104).

Currently referred to as the Lada Classic lineup, these cars trace their origins back to the Fiat 124 chassis—a fundamental element of AvtoVAZ's range since its establishment in the late 1960s. Production at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti plant ceased in September 2012.

This platform, together with other derivatives of the Fiat 124, ranks as the third highest-selling single-generation automobile platform globally, trailing only behind the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Model T. It is also notable for one of the longest continuous production spans worldwide, comparable to vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, Toyota 70 Series, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

The Riva series was introduced in 1979 and entered mass production by 1980 as an updated and redesigned iteration of the original Lada type VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon—a modified licensed version of the Fiat 124 first released in 1970. The facelift development started in 1975, with prototypes completed by 1977. The Riva made its debut in Western European markets in 1983, targeting consumers seeking affordable vehicles.

Officially designated as VAZ-2105 for the base saloon, VAZ-2104 for the station wagon variant, and VAZ-2107 for the upscale saloon featuring a prominent chromed grille, these models are regarded as distinct within Russia’s "Klassika" ("Classic") family, which also includes earlier vehicles like the VAZ-2101. They are colloquially known as Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

From a mechanical standpoint, the Riva closely mirrors the first-generation VAZ-2101. It utilizes Fiat-derived manual gearboxes, coil spring suspensions, and aluminium alloy drum brakes equipped with cast iron brake shoes on rear wheels. The smaller-engined VAZ-2105 model () upgraded its inline four-cylinder motor with a camshaft driven by a toothed belt instead of a chain. Larger engine variants found in the VAZ-2107 employed either a chain-driven overhead camshaft engine from the original Lada 1500 (VAZ-2103) or a later 1.6L powerplant. In response to emissions regulations introduced in 1992, single-point fuel injection systems and catalytic converters were added.

The premium VAZ-2107 model launched in 1982 featured enhanced interior appointments, front headrests, an updated dashboard layout, and a chrome grille; engine options included () (21072) and () (21074). Additionally, a version equipped with a Wankel rotary engine was produced.

The initial station wagon variant—the VAZ-2104—was introduced in 1984 with three engine options ranging from to .

The vehicle enjoyed robust export sales across Eastern Europe. In Western countries such as the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand (where it was commonly used as a taxi), Canada, and notably Finland—owing to strong economic ties with the Soviet Union—the Riva maintained a modest but recognizable presence. Canadian versions uniquely featured whitewall tires and were briefly marketed under the name Dennis Signet. Sales ceased in Canada and several European nations by July 1997.

Increasingly stringent safety and emissions requirements combined with economic challenges following the Soviet Union’s collapse led to withdrawal from most Western markets by 1997. Nevertheless, production persisted at AvtoVAZ’s Russian facilities under the Lada Classic badge. It remained among Russia’s most affordable new vehicles and continues to have popularity within the used car market.

In 2002, manufacture of the wagon shifted to Izh, later expanding assembly operations to include plants operated by Bogdan group at LuAZ and subsequently in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The 2107 model was also produced at Ukraine’s ZAZ factory along with Suzuki’s Egyptian facility. In August 2011, production of the 2107 moved within Russia to Izh. After nearly thirty years of manufacturing, production of the 2105 ended in 2010; assembly of both the 2104 and 2107 concluded in 2012.

United Kingdom

In July 1983, the British market welcomed the Riva under the designation 1300GL, featuring the 21051 model (Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. The focus of Lada's UK sales strategy was on affordability and reliability. By 1986, more than 20,000 Ladas had been sold across Britain, predominantly Rivas, with numbers rising past 30,000 in 1988 following the introduction of the Samara. Imports of older VAZ models ceased shortly after the Riva's debut, although these continued to be available within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries for several more years.

The British publication Autocar praised the Riva for its competitive price (£3,158 in 1984), enhanced performance, and generous standard features such as height-adjustable headlights, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Nonetheless, its simple interior design and dated styling prevented it from directly challenging higher-end competitors like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. Despite steady sales in the early 1990s across the UK and other Western markets, growing competition from economical brands including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton caused a significant downturn.

Financial difficulties and insufficient investment to comply with tougher European Union emissions regulations led Lada to exit the UK market (alongside some other European countries) and Canada on 4 July 1997; sales had already stopped several months prior. Efforts to meet EU catalytic converter requirements by using carburettors instead of fuel injection resulted in frequent failures during MOT inspections.

Following withdrawal from these markets, many remaining UK Rivas were exported back to Russia due to shortages there and because they were regarded as having better export specifications. As of 2021, numerous right-hand drive Rivas originating from the UK continue to operate in Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was distributed by the New Zealand Dairy Board. The cars were received as part of a trade arrangement involving shipments of mutton and butter to the Soviet Union. This exchange ended in 1990.

2104

Estate Variants

VAZ-2104 – standard model featuring a carbureted engine with a 4-speed manual transmission (CAT), powered by the VAZ-2105 engine
VAZ-21041 – equipped with a VAZ-2101 engine featuring four carburetors; PPC; not produced commercially
VAZ-21042 – right-hand drive version with a VAZ-2103 engine
VAZ-21043 – carbureted VAZ-2103 engine paired with either a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission (CAT), incorporating electrical and interior elements from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21044 – export variant fitted with a single injection VAZ-2107 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission (CAT)
VAZ-21045 – export model also using a single injection VAZ-2107 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission; did not reach production
VAZ-21045D – diesel PPC powered by a VAZ-341 engine with a 5-speed gearbox
VAZ-21047 – upgraded version equipped with a carbureted VAZ-2103 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission (CAT), featuring an enhanced interior; export models included the grille from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel variant with a VAZ-343 engine and a 5-speed gearbox; never entered mass production
VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected version using a VAZ-21067 engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox; interior and electrical systems sourced from the VAZ-2107; front seats adopted from IL-2126
VAZ-21041 VF – radiator design borrowed from the VAZ-2107, fuel-injected VAZ-2103 engine, 5-speed gearbox; interior and electrical components similar to those of the VAZ-2107; front seats from Izh 2126

Pickup Variant

VAZ-21043-33 Pikap – produced between 1991 and 2012 by PSA VIS-Avto; powered by a 1.5-litre engine generating 52 kW

2105

Lada 2105 – fitted with a 1.29 L carbureted VAZ-2105 engine delivering 64 PS and 92 Nm, coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 2105 b – equipped with a 1.6 L VAZ-2103 engine featuring distributed fuel injection, outputting 73 PS and 110 Nm, compliant with Euro-2 standards, and paired with a 5-speed transmission;
Lada 21050 – utilizes the VAZ-2105 powerplant alongside a 5-speed gearbox;
Lada 21051 – powered by a 1.2 L carbureted VAZ-2101 engine producing 59 PS and 85 Nm, mated to a 4-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21053 – incorporates a 1.45 L carbureted VAZ-2103 engine with an output of 71 PS and 104 Nm, combined with a 4-speed gearbox;
Lada 21053-20 – features a 1.45 L VAZ-2104 engine equipped with distributed injection, generating 71 PS and 110 Nm, meeting Euro-2 emission requirements, and utilizing a 5-speed transmission;
Lada 21054 – primarily manufactured for use by traffic police, the Interior Ministry, and FSB; powered by a carbureted 1.57 L VAZ-2106 engine delivering 72 PS and 122.5 Nm, including an extra fuel tank and battery;
Lada 21054-30 – driven by a 1.57 L VAZ-21067 engine with distributed injection, producing 72 PS and 116 Nm, compliant with Euro-3 standards, coupled to a 5-speed gearbox;
Lada 21055 – a limited-run diesel model featuring a 1.52 L VAZ (BTM) engine that outputs 53 PS and 96 Nm;
Lada 21057 (Lada Riva) – export variant of the VAZ-21053 featuring right-hand drive and single-point injection engine (Euro-1), produced between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and other left-hand traffic countries;
Lada 21058 (Lada Riva) – export model based on the VAZ-21050 with right-hand drive, manufactured from 1982 to 1994 targeting UK and similar markets;
Lada 21059 – introduced in 1980 as a specialized edition for law enforcement agencies; equipped with two-rotor Wankel engines (VAZ-411M or VAZ-4132) delivering up to 140 PS and capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 mph; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
VIS-2345 – pickup variant derived from the VAZ-21053/54 platform, produced by JSC VAZInterService between 1995 and 2006;
Lada 2105 VFTS – motorsport version developed at the Vilnius factory under rally driver Stasys Brundza’s guidance; homologated according to FISA Group B regulations; powered by an extensively modified carbureted VAZ-2106 engine generating approximately 160 PS using Weber carburetors; incorporated lightweight aluminum doors from the year 1986 for weight reduction purposes;
Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle produced by DOSAAF’s "Vihur" association in Tallinn; homologated under Group A-2/1 category with engines maintained in original form as per regulatory requirements.

2107

Lada 2107 (1.5 L, four-cylinder, carburetor)
Lada 21072 (1.3 L, four-cylinder, carburetor with timing belt)
Lada 21073 (1.7 L, single-point injection – export model tailored for European markets)
Lada 21074 (1.6 L, four-cylinder, carburetor)
Lada 21076-20 (1.5 L, equipped with point fuel injection)
Lada 2107–71 (1.45 L engine producing around 66 PS designed for the Chinese market)
Lada 21074-20 (1.6 L engine featuring distributed fuel injection meeting Euro-2 standards)
Lada 21074-30 (1.6 L unit with distributed injection compliant with Euro-3 emissions)
Lada 21077 (1.3 L carbureted engine with timing belt – export version for the UK market)
Lada 21078 (1.6 L carburetor-equipped model for UK export)
Lada 21079 – debuted in 1982 fitted with a two-rotor Wankel engine generating up to140 hp paired to a five-speed manual transmission; initially intended for federal agencies including traffic police and KGB; capable of reaching speeds of up to112 mph and accelerating from zero to sixty mph in nine seconds; priced at approximately58,000 rubles.
Lada 2107 ZNG (1.7 L engine utilizing point fuel injection)

Other versions

Among the diverse models were the Riva Signet and the Riva 1200, 1300, 1500, and 1600 series, each available in "E" and "L" trim options. In Finland, the local distributor offered a turbocharged variant of the Lada 2107 Turbo.

A limited production run of rally-spec vehicles was equipped with 150 horsepower Wankel rotary engines paired with Weber DCOE twin-choke carburetors.

Manufacturing in Egypt

Starting in 2000, a collaboration between Amal Foreign Trade Company and AvtoVAZ initiated assembly operations for Lada vehicles destined for the North African market. Lacking a dedicated manufacturing facility, assembly took place within a Suzuki factory located in Cairo. This site produced the 2107 model and subsequently the 2110 until assembly ceased in 2015.

Safety

During the early 1980s, the vehicle complied with both UNECE and GOST safety regulations. Nevertheless, by 2001, the Lada 2107 received a zero-star rating after scoring 0 out of 16 points in a frontal collision test conducted by Russia’s ARCAP program, largely due to its antiquated body structure and adherence to outdated safety standards.

In 2002, the automotive publication Za Rulyom evaluated two Lada 21053 units—a brand-new 2002 model and a used example from 1994. The newer vehicle met UNECE standards 12-03 and 33, whereas the older one failed the latter. The magazine expressed skepticism regarding whether the 2002 version could satisfy more rigorous safety regulations introduced later that year.

End of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics sustained robust sales within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Production of the 2105 model concluded at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility in late 2010 after nearly three million units were manufactured over three decades. Subsequent production shifted to IzhAvto near Izhevsk for remaining versions.

In August 2011, production of the 2107 transferred to IzhAvto, marking the end of Fiat 124-derived models at Togliatti after a continuous run spanning 41 years and exceeding 14 million units produced. The final sedan of this lineage, the 2104, was completed at IzhAvto in September 2012, bringing the Russian chapter of the Lada Classic series to a close. This line was succeeded domestically by the Lada Granta. Despite this, as of 2014, manufacturing of the 2107 model persisted in Egypt.

External links

Lada and Fiat model (Russian)
Lada Cars reviews, images, infos (English)