Lada Nova

AvtoVAZ

Company type	Public
Industry	Automotive
Founded	April 1, 1966 (1966-04-01) in Togliatti, Soviet Union
Headquarters	Togliatti , Russia
Products	Automobiles, including Lada Riva (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)
Owner	Government of Russia (majority shareholder)
Website	www.lada.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, and marketed as the Lada Nova in Germany among other names worldwide, represent a series of compact sedans from the Zhiguli range, which is based on the Fiat 124 platform. These vehicles were manufactured by Russian automaker AvtoVAZ (formerly VAZ). First introduced in 1979 within the Soviet Union, they later expanded into Western European and global markets during the early 1980s under the Lada brand. The lineup comprised saloon versions (2105 and 2107) along with a station wagon variant (2104).

Today recognized as the Lada Classic series, these automobiles trace their roots back to the original Fiat 124 chassis—a foundational model for AvtoVAZ since its establishment in the late 1960s. Production at AvtoVAZ’s main facility in Togliatti concluded in September 2012.

As derivatives of the Fiat 124, this platform ranks as the third highest-selling single-generation automobile platform globally, trailing only behind the Volkswagen Beetle and the Ford Model T. It also belongs to a select group of vehicles with some of the longest production lifespans worldwide, alongside iconic models such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen (Type 2) Bus, Toyota 70 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

The Riva was launched in 1979 and entered mass production by 1980 as an updated iteration of the original Lada VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon—a modified licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124, which debuted in 1970. Development for this facelift started in 1975, with prototype models completed by 1977. By 1983, it had reached Western European markets, targeting cost-conscious buyers.

The Riva family consists of three main variants: the VAZ-2105 base sedan, the VAZ-2104 station wagon, and the VAZ-2107 luxury sedan distinguished by its chromed grille. Within Russia, these are considered separate models under the "Klassika" ("Classic") series, alongside earlier versions like the VAZ-2101, and are colloquially referred to as Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

Sharing mechanical similarities with the VAZ-2101, the Riva employs Fiat-sourced manual gearboxes, coil spring suspension systems, and aluminum alloy drum brakes equipped with cast iron shoes on rear wheels. The smaller-engined VAZ-2105 featured an updated inline-four engine utilizing a toothed belt for camshaft drive instead of a chain. Larger engine options available on models like the VAZ-2107 included either a 1452cc chain-driven OHC unit from the VAZ-2103 or a later-developed 1569cc (1.6L) engine. In 1992, single-point fuel injection systems and catalytic converters were introduced to comply with emission regulations.

The VAZ-2107 luxury model was introduced in 1982, offering enhanced interior features such as front headrests and an updated instrument cluster. It came equipped with either a 1294cc or a 1570cc engine. The station wagon variant, VAZ-2104, was launched in 1984 with three engine choices ranging from 1198cc to 1452cc.

Export demand was robust across Eastern Europe. In Western countries including the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand (where it was commonly used as taxis), Canada, and Finland—where trade relations with the Soviet Union supported sales—the Riva maintained a modest yet notable presence. In Canada, it was briefly marketed under the Dennis Signet name by Peter Dennis Motor Corporation and uniquely featured whitewall tires. Sales in Western Europe ceased by July 1997 due to stricter safety and emission laws coupled with economic instability following the Soviet Union's collapse.

Although withdrawn from numerous Western markets, production persisted domestically in Russia under AvtoVAZ's Lada Classic banner. These cars remained among Russia’s most affordable vehicles and retained popularity within secondary markets well beyond their production end.

In 2002, assembly of the wagon model shifted to Izh, later expanding to include manufacturing at the Bogdan group's LuAZ facility and plants located in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The VAZ-2107 was also produced at Ukraine’s ZAZ factory as well as Suzuki’s plant in Egypt. Production of the Russian-made 2107 moved to Izh in August 2011. After approximately thirty years of continuous manufacturing, production of the 2105 concluded in 2010, followed by cessation of both the 2104 and 2107 models in 2012.

United Kingdom

The Riva made its debut in the UK market as the 1300GL in July 1983, soon followed by the 21051 model (also known as the Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. British consumers prioritized affordability and reliability when purchasing these vehicles. By 1986, British sales of Lada cars had surpassed 20,000 units, predominantly Rivas, reaching a high of over 30,000 in 1988 with the introduction of the Samara model. Shortly after the Riva was launched, imports of older VAZ models ceased, although these earlier versions continued to be sold within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries for several years.

An evaluation by Autocar praised the Riva for its competitive price (£3,158), enhanced driving dynamics, and an extensive range of standard equipment such as adjustable headlights, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Nevertheless, its outdated interior styling and fundamental design prevented it from directly rivaling higher-end competitors like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. Despite maintaining steady sales into the early 1990s, increased competition from economical brands including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton contributed to declining demand. In addition, economic difficulties and insufficient investment to comply with more stringent EU emissions regulations led to Lada’s exit from the UK and several European markets on 4 July 1997; sales of the Riva had already ceased months prior.

Lada’s effort to fulfill EU catalytic converter standards using carburetor engines proved unsuccessful because catalysts were rapidly damaged, resulting in most vehicles failing MOT inspections. After withdrawal from these markets, many remaining Rivas were exported back to Russia where there was strong demand for used cars; these export-spec models were regarded as superior domestically. Even as late as 2021, numerous right-hand-drive Rivas originally sold in the UK continued to operate in Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was distributed by the New Zealand Dairy Board, which obtained them through barter arrangements involving shipments of mutton and butter to the Soviet Union. This trade relationship ended in 1990.

2104

Estate Version

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

Pickup Version

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

2105

• Lada 2105 – fitted with a 1.29 L carbureted VAZ-2105 engine delivering 64 PS and 92 Nm, paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox;
• 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 transmission;
• Lada 21050 – incorporates the VAZ-2105 engine coupled with 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 transmission;
• Lada 21053 – includes a 1.45 L carbureted VAZ-2103 engine (71 PS, 104 Nm) with a 4-speed gearbox;
• Lada 21053-20 – features a 1.45 L VAZ-2104 engine with distributed injection (71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) and a 5-speed transmission;
• Lada 21054 – produced in limited quantities for the traffic police, Interior Ministry, and FSB; powered by a carbureted 1.57 L VAZ-2106 engine (72 PS, 122.5 Nm), equipped with an additional fuel tank and battery;
• Lada 21054-30 – utilizes a 1.57 L VAZ-21067 engine with distributed injection (72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3) alongside a 5-speed gearbox;
• Lada 21055 – small-scale diesel model fitted with a 1.52 L VAZ BTM engine producing 53 PS and 96 Nm; manufactured by Barnaultransmash;
• Lada 21057 (Riva) – export version of the VAZ-21053 featuring right-hand drive and single-point injection (Euro-1); produced between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and other left-hand traffic markets;
• Lada 21058 (Riva) – export model based on the VAZ-21050 with right-hand drive; manufactured from 1982 to 1994 targeting the UK and similar regions;
• Lada 21059 – launched in 1980 as a specialized series for traffic police and security agencies; powered by two-rotor Wankel engines: either the VAZ-411M (120 PS,186 Nm) or VAZ-4132 (140 PS), paired with a four-speed manual transmission; capable of reaching up to 112 mph and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in nine seconds; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
• VIS-2345 – pickup variant based on the VAZ-21053/54 chassis, produced by JSC VAZInterService from 1995 until 2006;
• Lada 2105 VFTS – rally sports car engineered at Vilnius factory under Stasys Brundza’s supervision; homologated according to FISA Group B standards; powered by a carbureted WEBER-equipped 1.6 L VAZ-2106 engine generating around 160 PS and about 165 Nm torque; featured close-ratio gearboxes and aluminum doors from the year 1986 to reduce weight;
• Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle manufactured by DOSAAF’s "Vihur" group in Tallinn; homologated under Group A-2/1 regulations using unmodified engines as stipulated.

2107

• Lada 2107 – equipped with a carbureted 1.5 L four-cylinder engine;
• Lada 21072 – features a carbureted four-cylinder engine of 1.3 L capacity with timing belt drive;
• Lada 21073 – export model for Europe featuring a single-point fuel injection system on a 1.7 L engine;
• Lada 21074 – powered by a carbureted four-cylinder unit of 1.6 L displacement;
• Lada 21076-20 – fitted with point fuel injection on a 1.5 L engine;
• Lada 2107–71 – designed for the Chinese market, equipped with a smaller displacement engine of 1.45 L generating approximately 66 PS;
• Lada 21074-20 – incorporates distributed fuel injection on its Euro-2 compliant, 1.6 L engine;
• Lada 21074-30 – features Euro-3 standard distributed injection on the same displacement of 1.6 L;
• Lada 21077 – UK export version powered by a carbureted timing belt-driven four-cylinder of 1.3 L capacity;
• Lada 21078 – export model for the UK market using a carbureted four-cylinder engine of 1.6 L displacement;
• Lada 21079 Debut (1982) – equipped with a two-rotor Wankel powerplant delivering up to140 hp combined with five-speed manual transmission; primarily intended for federal agencies such as traffic police and KGB; capable of reaching speeds up to112 mph and accelerating from zero to60 mph in nine seconds; priced around58,000 rubles;
• Lada 2107 ZNG – fitted with point fuel injection on a larger displacement of1.7 L.

Other versions

The lineup featured models such as the Riva Signet and the Riva 1200/1300/1500/1600 series, available in "E" and "L" trim options. In Finland, the local distributor offered a turbocharged variant of the Lada 2107 Turbo.

Special limited-edition rally cars were outfitted with 150 PS Wankel rotary engines paired with Weber DCOE dual-choke carburetors.

Assembly operations in Egypt

Starting in 2000, AvtoVAZ collaborated with Amal Foreign Trade Company to produce Lada vehicles for the North African market. Without a dedicated manufacturing facility, assembly took place at a Suzuki plant located in Cairo. The production of the Lada 2107 persisted there until 2015, after which the Lada 2110 model was also introduced.

Safety

During the early 1980s, this vehicle complied with UNECE and GOST safety regulations. Nevertheless, in a 2001 frontal collision test conducted by the Russian ARCAP program, the 2107 model received zero points out of sixteen and was awarded no stars. This poor result was anticipated due to its antiquated body structure and design based on outdated safety standards.

In 2002, Za Rulyom magazine evaluated two Lada 21053 units: one brand new from 2002 and another used from 1994. The newer car met UNECE regulations 12-03 and 33, whereas the older model failed to meet regulation 33. The publication expressed skepticism regarding whether the 2002 version could satisfy the more stringent safety requirements introduced later that year.

Conclusion of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics sustained solid sales within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Production of the 2105 model at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility ended in late 2010 after nearly three million units were manufactured over three decades. Subsequently, production of other variants was fully transferred to the IzhAvto plant near Izhevsk.

In August 2011, manufacturing of the 2107 moved to IzhAvto, marking the end of Fiat 124-derived vehicle production at Togliatti after a continuous run spanning 41 years and exceeding fourteen million units produced.

By September 2012, assembly of sedan models concluded when the final 2104 was completed at IzhAvto’s line. From that point forward, Izhevsk replaced these Classics with the Lada Granta. Nonetheless, as of 2014, production of the 2107 continued in Egypt.

External links

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