Lada 2107

AvtoVAZ
Company type	Public
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1966 in Togliatti, Russia
Headquarters	Togliatti, Russia
Products	Automobiles
Website	www.avtovaz.ru

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107 models, collectively known as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, marketed as the Lada Nova in Germany, and sold under various other names worldwide, represent a series of compact sedans from the Zhiguli range. These vehicles are based on the Fiat 124 design and manufactured by the Russian company AvtoVAZ (formerly VAZ). First introduced in 1979 within the Soviet Union, they reached Western European and international markets during the early 1980s under the Lada brand, available as saloons (2105 and 2107) and estate cars (2104).

Commonly referred to today as the Lada Classic lineup, these cars trace their origins to the original Fiat 124 platform, which has been a cornerstone of AvtoVAZ’s production since its launch in the late 1960s. Manufacturing at AvtoVAZ's primary facility in Togliatti concluded in September 2012.

This platform, along 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 also boasts one of the longest continuous production spans worldwide, comparable to vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen Bus, Toyota 70 Series, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

Launched in 1979 and entering mass production by 1980, the Riva represents a modernized and restyled evolution of the initial Lada model VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon, itself a licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124 released in 1970. The facelift project commenced in 1975 with prototype development completed by 1977. The model was introduced to Western European markets only by 1983, aiming at customers seeking affordable vehicles.

The official designations for these models are VAZ-2105 for the sedan, VAZ-2104 for the station wagon, and VAZ-2107 for a more upscale sedan featuring a chrome grille. In Russia, while regarded as separate models, they are collectively grouped under the "Klassika" family name alongside earlier versions like the VAZ-2101. Commonly used nicknames include Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

Sharing mechanical similarities with the first-generation VAZ-2101, the Riva incorporates manual transmissions derived from Fiat designs, coil spring suspension systems, and aluminium alloy drum brakes on the rear wheels. The smaller engine variant VAZ-2105 () upgraded its inline-four engine by replacing the chain-driven camshaft with a toothed belt-driven system. Larger engine options like those found in the VAZ-2107 employed either a chain-driven OHC engine from the VAZ-2103 or a subsequent . In 1992, single-point fuel injection combined with catalytic converters were introduced to comply with evolving emissions standards.

The premium VAZ-2107 model debuted in 1982 featuring enhanced interior appointments and a chrome front grille; it was available with either a (21072) or (21074) engine. Additionally, the 21079 version was equipped with a Wankel rotary engine.

The first estate variant—the 2104—was launched in 1984 offering three engine choices: , , or .

Export sales performed strongly across Eastern Europe. However, in Western countries such as the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand (where it was notably used as taxis), Canada, and Finland (due to close ties with the Soviet Union), sales were modest but significant. Canada uniquely marketed versions with whitewall tires and briefly sold the 2107 under the Dennis Signet name via Peter Dennis Motor Corporation. Sales in Canada and several European markets ceased by July 1997.

Increasingly stringent safety and emissions regulations coupled with economic challenges following the Soviet Union’s dissolution led to withdrawal from most Western markets by 1997. Despite this, production persisted within Russia under the name Lada Classic, maintaining its position as one of the most affordable domestic vehicles and enjoying sustained popularity in secondary markets.

In 2002, production of the wagon shifted to Izh, later expanding assembly operations to plants operated by the Bogdan group, including facilities at LuAZ and locations in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The 2107 was also manufactured at Ukraine's ZAZ factory as well as Suzuki’s plant in Egypt. Production of the 2107 transferred to Izh in August 2011. Following approximately three decades of manufacturing, production ceased for the 2105 model in 2010 and for both the 2104 and 2107 models by 2012.

United Kingdom

The Riva was introduced to the British market in July 1983 under the designation 1300GL, with the 21051 model (known as the Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. In the UK, sales emphasized affordability and durability. By 1986, Lada had sold over 20,000 units in Britain, predominantly Rivas, with numbers reaching more than 30,000 by 1988 following the addition of the Samara model. Imports of earlier VAZ models ceased shortly after the Riva's debut, although these vehicles continued to be available within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc for several years.

The UK publication Autocar praised the Riva for its low price point (£3,158) and generous standard features, such as adjustable headlights, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Nonetheless, its simplistic interior and outdated styling meant it could not rival higher-priced competitors like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. Despite consistent sales into the early 1990s, competition intensified from emerging budget brands including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton, which gradually diminished its market share.

Financial difficulties coupled with expensive modifications required to comply with tighter European Union emissions regulations prompted Lada to pull out from the UK (and certain European markets) as well as Canada on 4 July 1997; Riva sales had already ceased months prior. Efforts to adapt carbureted engines to EU catalytic converter requirements were unsuccessful, resulting in rapid converter failure and widespread emission test failures.

Following Lada's exit, numerous remaining Rivas in the UK were exported back to Russia due to strong demand for used cars there. Even as late as 2021, many right-hand drive ex-UK Rivas remain operational throughout Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was marketed through the New Zealand Dairy Board, which accepted them as compensation for shipments of mutton and butter sent to the Soviet Union. This arrangement concluded in 1990.

2104

Estate Versions

VAZ-2104 – standard variant featuring a VAZ-2105 1.3 L carbureted engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission (CAT)
VAZ-21041 – equipped with a 1.2 L VAZ-2101 engine fitted with four carburetors and PPC; not released commercially
VAZ-21042 – right-hand drive version powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine
VAZ-21043 – equipped with a carbureted 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine; offered with either a 4- or 5-speed CAT; includes electrical systems and interior components from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21044 – export variant featuring a single-injection 1.7 L VAZ-2107 engine and a 5-speed CAT
VAZ-21045 – planned export model with a single-injection 1.8 L VAZ-2107 engine and a 5-speed CAT; never produced
VAZ-21045D – diesel variant powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-341 engine paired with a 5-speed PPC
VAZ-21047 – upgraded model with a carbureted 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine, equipped with a 5-speed CAT and refreshed interior; export versions featured the grille from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel model utilizing a 1.77 L VAZ-343 engine with a 5-speed transmission; did not enter mass production
VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected version with a 1.6 L VAZ-21067 engine, outfitted with a 5-speed gearbox; interior and electrical systems derived from the VAZ-2107; front seats sourced from IL-2126
VAZ-21041 VF – radiator design borrowed from the VAZ-2107; powered by a fuel-injected 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine; includes a 5-speed gearbox along with interior and electrical components from the VAZ-2107; front seats taken from Izh-2126

Pickup Variant

VAZ-21043-33 Pikap – pickup truck equipped with a 1.5-litre engine delivering 52 kW of power; manufactured by PSA VIS-Avto between 1991 and 2012

2105

Lada 2105 – equipped with a carbureted VAZ-2105 engine (1.29 L, 64 PS, 92 Nm) paired with a 4-speed gearbox;
Lada 2105 b – powered by a VAZ-2103 engine (1.6 L, 73 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) featuring a 5-speed transmission;
Lada 21050 – fitted with a VAZ-2105 engine and a 5-speed gearbox;
Lada 21051 – uses a carbureted VAZ-2101 engine (1.2 L, 59 PS, 85 Nm) coupled with a 4-speed transmission;
Lada 21053 – driven by a carbureted VAZ-2103 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 104 Nm) with a 4-speed gearbox;
Lada 21053-20 – incorporates a VAZ-2104 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) alongside a 5-speed transmission;
Lada 21054 – produced in limited numbers for traffic police, Interior Ministry, and FSB; powered by a carbureted VAZ-2106 engine (1.57 L, 72 PS, 122.5 Nm) and equipped with an enlarged fuel tank and battery;
Lada 21054-30 – features a VAZ-21067 engine (1.57 L, 72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3) combined with a 5-speed gearbox;
Lada 21055 – a niche diesel model manufactured by Barnaultransmash (1.52 L, 53 PS, 96 Nm);
Lada 21057 (Riva) – export version with right-hand drive of the VAZ-21053 fitted with single injection engine (Euro-1), produced between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and countries with left-hand traffic;
Lada 21058 (Riva) – export right-hand drive variant of the VAZ-21050, built from 1982 to 1994 for the UK and similar markets;
Lada 21059 – introduced in 1980 as a specialized series for traffic police and security services; equipped with two-rotor Wankel engines (120–140 PS) and a four-speed manual gearbox; capable of reaching speeds up to 112 mph and accelerating to 60 mph in nine seconds; priced at 52,000 rubles;
VIS-2345 – pickup truck based on the VAZ-21053/54 platform produced by JSC VAZInterService from 1995 until 2006;
Lada 2105 VFTS – rally-oriented model developed at the Vilnius factory under the guidance of driver Stasys Brundza; homologated according to FISA Group B regulations; powered by carbureted VAZ-2106 engine fitted with WEBER carburetors (1.6 L,160 PS), featuring close-ratio gearboxes and lightweight aluminum doors from 1986 to reduce mass;
Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle manufactured by DOSAAF’s "Vihur" association in Tallinn; homologated for Group A-2/1 category using unmodified engines.

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 injection – intended for European export)
Lada 21074 (1.6 L, four-cylinder carburetor)
Lada 21076-20 (1.5 L, point injection)
Lada 2107–71 (1.45 L engine producing 66 PS for the Chinese market)
Lada 21074-20 (1.6 L engine with distributed injection meeting Euro-2 standards)
Lada 21074-30 (1.6 L distributed injection compliant with Euro-3)
Lada 21077 (1.3 L carburetor with timing belt – exported to the UK)
Lada 21078 (1.6 L carburetor version for UK export)
Lada 21079 Debut in 1982: fitted with two-rotor Wankel engines delivering between120–140 hp; five-speed manual transmission; designed primarily for federal agencies such as traffic police and KGB; capable of reaching top speeds of up to112 mph; cost set at58,000 rubles.
Lada 2107 ZNG (1.7 L equipped with point injection)

Other variants

Additional models encompassed Riva Signet and Riva versions ranging from1200/1300/1500/1600 cc offered in "E" and "L" trim levels. The Finnish market received the Lada 2107 Turbo through local importers.

Specialized rally editions were produced featuring Wankel engines rated at150 PS along with Weber DCOE twin-choke carburetors.

Production at Suzuki Egypt

In Egypt during2000, AvtoVAZ collaborated with Amal Foreign Trade Company to assemble Ladas targeting North African markets. Due to lack of their own manufacturing facility locally, assembly operations were conducted at a Suzuki factory located in Cairo. Production of the Lada2107 extended there until2015 and included introduction of the Lada2110 model as well.

Safety

When the vehicle was first introduced in the early 1980s, it complied with safety regulations set by the UNECE and GOST standards.

Nonetheless, by 2001, the Lada 2107 received a zero rating in a frontal collision test conducted by the Russian ARCAP program, highlighting its antiquated structural design and outdated safety criteria. Experts pointed out that such a poor outcome was predictable given the model’s legacy engineering.

In 2002, the magazine Za Rulyom evaluated two Lada 21053 vehicles: one from 2002 and another used unit from 1994. The newer car met UNECE regulations 12-03 and 33, whereas the older one failed the latter standard. However, concerns were raised about whether the 2002 model could satisfy the more rigorous safety requirements introduced later that year.

End of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics sustained robust sales within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Manufacturing of the 2105 ceased at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility in late 2010 after nearly three million units had been produced over three decades. Production of remaining variants was transferred entirely to the IzhAvto plant located near Izhevsk.

In August 2011, production of the 2107 also moved to IzhAvto, marking the conclusion of Fiat 124-based models being assembled at Togliatti after a 41-year production span totaling over 14 million cars.

By September 2012, manufacturing of the sedan model ended in Russia with the final 2104 rolling off IzhAvto’s assembly line. Subsequently, this factory replaced Classic series production with the Lada Granta. Despite this, production of the 2107 persisted in Egypt as of 2014.

External links

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