Lada Riva

AvtoVAZ
Company type	Public company
Industry	Automotive
Founded	April 1, 1966; 60 years ago in Togliatti, Soviet Union
Headquarters	Togliatti, Russia
Products	Automobiles, including Lada Riva series (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)
Website	www.lada.ru

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107 models, collectively branded as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive regions including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and known as the Lada Nova in Germany, form a series of compact sedans within the Zhiguli range. These vehicles are built on the Fiat 124 architecture and manufactured by the Russian company AvtoVAZ (previously VAZ). Launched in 1979 in the Soviet Union, they expanded their presence across Western Europe and other international markets throughout the 1980s under the Lada marque. The lineup featured both saloon versions (2105 and 2107) and a station wagon variant (2104).

Currently referred to as the Lada Classic series, these cars trace their roots back to the original Fiat 124 platform, which has been a cornerstone of AvtoVAZ’s offerings since its introduction in the late 1960s. Production at AvtoVAZ’s principal facility in Togliatti concluded in September 2012.

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

History

Debuting in 1979 with mass production starting in 1980, the Riva represents an updated and redesigned iteration of the original Lada type VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon—a licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124 first introduced in 1970. The facelift project commenced in 1975, with prototype models appearing by 1977. The vehicle entered Western European markets by 1983, aimed at consumers seeking affordable transportation.

The official designations for the Riva range are VAZ-2105 for the base saloon, VAZ-2104 for the station wagon, and VAZ-2107 for the upscale saloon featuring a chrome grille. Within Russia, these variants are recognized as separate models under the "Klassika" ("Classic") series, which also includes earlier models like the VAZ-2101. They are colloquially referred to as Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

Sharing mechanical similarities with the initial VAZ-2101 generation, these cars employ Fiat-derived manual gearboxes, coil spring suspension systems, and aluminium alloy drum brakes paired with cast iron brake shoes on the rear wheels. The VAZ-2105 model with smaller engine displacement introduced an updated inline four-cylinder powerplant featuring a toothed belt-driven camshaft instead of a chain drive. Larger-engined versions of the VAZ-2107 utilized either a chain-driven overhead camshaft engine from the VAZ-2103 or a later 1.6L engine variant. In 1992, single-point fuel injection and catalytic converters were incorporated to comply with emissions regulations.

Released in 1982, the premium VAZ-2107 offered enhanced interior fittings, front headrests, an updated dashboard design, and a chrome front grille; it was powered by either engines designated (21072) or (21074). Additionally, a Wankel rotary engine version was available under the model number 21079.

The station wagon variant 2104 was introduced in 1984 with three different versions: the 2104 equipped with , the 21041 fitted with , and the 21043 featuring engines.

Export demand was robust across Eastern Europe. In Western nations such as the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand—where it served notably as taxi vehicles—Canada, and Finland (where economic relations with the Soviet Union supported sales), the Riva maintained a modest but significant market share. In Canada, some units were briefly marketed as Dennis Signet by importer Peter Dennis Motor Corporation. Sales ceased in Canada and several European countries by July 1997.

Increasingly stringent safety and environmental regulations combined with economic challenges following the Soviet Union’s dissolution led to withdrawal from most Western European markets by 1997. Nonetheless, production persisted at AvtoVAZ’s Russian facilities under the name Lada Classic, where it remained one of Russia’s most affordable vehicles and retained popularity within the used car market even after manufacturing ended.

In 2002, production of the station wagon shifted to Izh, followed by assembly at Bogdan Group's LuAZ plant and subsequently in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The 2107 was also assembled at Ukraine's ZAZ factory as well as Suzuki's facility in Egypt. In August 2011, manufacturing of the 2107 model in Russia was transferred to Izh. After nearly three decades on production lines, manufacturing of the 2105 concluded in 2010; this was followed by cessation of both 2104 and 2107 models in 2012.

United Kingdom

The Riva entered the British market initially as the 1300GL in July 1983, soon followed by the 21051 model (known as the Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. UK sales emphasized affordability and robustness. By 1986, over 20,000 Ladas had been sold in Britain, predominantly Rivas, with numbers peaking above 30,000 in 1988 after the Samara was added to the range. Imports of earlier VAZ models ceased shortly after the Riva was launched, although these older models continued to be available within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries for several more years.

A review by the British publication Autocar praised the Riva for its competitive price (£3,158 in 1984), enhanced driving dynamics, and generous standard features such as adjustable headlights, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a toolkit. Nonetheless, its simple interior and outdated styling meant it was not intended to rival leading models like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. The Riva maintained solid sales in the UK and other Western markets into the early 1990s but gradually lost ground to emerging budget competitors including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton, resulting in declining sales figures.

Financial difficulties coupled with necessary investments to comply with tougher European Union emissions regulations—especially unsuccessful efforts to install catalytic converters on carbureted engines—prompted Lada to exit the UK (as well as some European countries) and Canada on 4 July 1997. The majority of Riva sales had already stopped several months prior.

Following this withdrawal, many remaining Rivas in the UK were re-exported to Russia due to shortages there and their enhanced export specifications. Even as late as 2021, a significant number of right-hand drive Rivas originally sold in Britain remained operational across Russia and former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was distributed by the New Zealand Dairy Board, which acquired 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 VAZ-2105 1.3 L carbureted engine paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox
VAZ-21041 – prototype only; equipped with a 1.2 L VAZ-2101 engine fitted with four carburetors; never mass-produced
VAZ-21042 – right-hand drive variant powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine
VAZ-21043 – fitted with a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 carbureted engine; available with either a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission; featured electrical and interior upgrades derived from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21044 – export specification equipped with a 1.7 L single injection VAZ-2107 engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox
VAZ-21045 – intended export model with a 1.8 L single injection VAZ-2107 engine and 5-speed manual transmission; production never commenced
VAZ-21045D – diesel prototype powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-341 engine coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox; did not enter production
VAZ-21047 – enhanced version featuring a carbureted 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission; export variants included grille and interior updates from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel model with a 1.77 L VAZ-343 engine; never commercially produced
VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected variant with a 1.6 L VAZ-21067 engine; equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox; interior and electrical systems similar to those of the VAZ-2107; front seats sourced from IL-2126
VAZ-21041 VF – fuel-injected model powered by a 1.5 L VAZ-2103 engine; featured radiator from the VAZ-2107 along with upgraded interior and electrical components; front seats borrowed from Izh-2126

Pickup version

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

2105

Lada 2105 – features a carbureted VAZ-2105 powerplant (1.29 L, 64 PS, 92 Nm) paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 2105 b – equipped with a fuel-injected VAZ-2103 engine (1.6 L, 73 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2 compliant) and a 5-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21050 – powered by the VAZ-2105 engine combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 21051 – utilizes a carbureted VAZ-2101 engine (1.2 L, 59 PS, 85 Nm) along with a 4-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21053 – fitted with a carbureted VAZ-2103 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 104 Nm) and a 4-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 21053-20 – incorporates a fuel-injected VAZ-2104 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) paired with a 5-speed manual 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), featuring an additional fuel tank and battery;
Lada 21054-30 – equipped with a fuel-injected VAZ-21067 engine (1.57 L, 72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3) and a 5-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 21055 – a niche diesel variant utilizing the VAZ BTM engine (1.52 L, 53 PS, 96 Nm), manufactured by Barnaultransmash;
Lada 21057 (Lada Riva) – export-oriented right-hand drive model of the VAZ-21053 featuring a single injection engine compliant with Euro-1 standards; 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 built from 1982 to 1994 targeting the UK and left-hand driving markets;
Lada 21059 – launched in 1980 as a specialized edition for traffic police and security services; powered by dual-rotor Wankel engines VAZ-411M (120 PS,186 Nm) or VAZ-4132 (140 PS), both mated to a four-speed manual transmission; capable of reaching top speeds of up to 112 mph and accelerating to 60 mph within nine seconds; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
VIS–2345 pickup – based on the VAZ-21053/54 platform and manufactured by JSC VAZInterService from 1995 until 2006;
Lada 2105 VFTS – rally car constructed at the Vilnius factory under Stasys Brundza’s supervision; homologated for FISA Group B competition; powered by a carbureted VAZ-2106 engine fitted with WEBER carburetors (1.6 L,160 PS,165 Nm); equipped with close-ratio gearboxes and lightweight aluminum doors from 1986 onward to reduce mass;
Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle developed by "Vihur" CC DOSAAF in Tallinn; homologated for Group A-2/1 category using unmodified engines.

2107

Lada 2107 – fitted with the carbureted four-cylinder engine from model 2103;
Lada 21072 – powered by the carbureted four-cylinder engine from model 2105 featuring a timing belt system;
Lada 21073 – equipped with Grade 8 single injection engine designed for European export markets;
Lada 21074 – uses the carbureted four-cylinder powerplant from model 2106;
Lada 21076-20 – incorporates point fuel injection on the four-cylinder engine from model 2104;
Lada 2107–71 – Chinese market variant powered by the petrol A-76-compatible engine model 21034;
Lada 21074-20 – fitted with the distributed injection system on the Euro-2 compliant engine model 21067-10;
Lada 21074-30 – features distributed injection on the Euro-3 approved engine model 21067-20;
Lada 21077 – UK export model equipped with carbureted engine model 2105 including timing belt drive;
Lada 21078 – UK export version powered by carbureted engine model 2106;
Lada 21079 – debuted in1982 featuring either two-rotor VAZ-411M or VAZ-4132 Wankel engines mated to five-speed manual transmission; capable of high performance acceleration to top speeds within nine seconds; initially developed for federal agencies such as traffic police and KGB;
Lada 2107 ZNG – powered by point-injected engine model21213.

Other versions

The lineup featured models such as the Riva Signet, Riva 1200, Riva 1300, Riva 1500, and Riva 1600, available in trim grades "E" and "L". In Finland, the Lada 2107 Turbo was distributed through the local dealership network.

A limited series of rally-spec vehicles were produced, equipped with Wankel rotary engines paired with Weber DCOE dual-choke carburetors.

Manufacturing at Suzuki Egypt

Starting in 2000, AvtoVAZ formed a joint venture with Amal Foreign Trade Company to assemble Lada vehicles destined for the North African market. Lacking their own manufacturing facility in Egypt, assembly operations were conducted at a Suzuki plant located in Cairo. The production of the Lada 2107 continued under Suzuki’s management until 2015, after which the Lada 2110 model was also introduced.

Safety

During the early 1980s, this automobile complied with safety regulations established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and GOST standards. Nevertheless, in a 2001 frontal collision test conducted by the Russian ARCAP program, the 2107 model received zero points out of sixteen and earned no stars. This outcome was anticipated due to its antiquated chassis design and adherence to older safety criteria.

In 2002, Za Rulyom magazine evaluated two Lada 21053 vehicles: a brand-new 2002 unit and a used example from 1994. The newer car met UNECE standards 12-03 and 33, whereas the older one failed the latter test. Industry experts questioned whether the 2002 version would satisfy more rigorous safety regulations introduced later that year.

Conclusion of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics sustained solid market performance within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc countries. Production of the 2105 model ceased at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti factory in late 2010 after nearly three million units had been manufactured over three decades; remaining variants were transferred to the IzhAvto plant near Izhevsk.

In August 2011, production of the 2107 was relocated to IzhAvto, marking the end of original Fiat 124-based vehicle manufacturing at Togliatti after a continuous run spanning 41 years and exceeding 14 million units produced.

By September 2012, sedan production concluded in Russia with the assembly of the final 2104 at IzhAvto. Subsequently, the Izhevsk facility replaced these Classic models with the Lada Granta. Nevertheless, as of 2014, manufacture of the 2107 persisted in Egypt.

External links

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