Lada Volante
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 in Tolyatti, Russia |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
| Products | Automobiles |
The VAZ-2108, known in Western Europe as the Lada Samara and initially marketed in Russia under the Lada Sputnik name, represents a line of compact family vehicles manufactured by the Soviet and later Russian company AvtoVAZ from 1984 until 2013. While the Samara designation was originally reserved for export models, the domestic market used the Sputnik badge until the early 1990s when the sedan variant adopted the export name. This model marked the Soviet Union’s first mass-produced front-wheel-drive automobile since the LuAZ-969V. Throughout its production life, it underwent several revisions before production ceased in December 2013.
VAZ-2108
Blending sturdy build quality with straightforward maintenance and contemporary aesthetics, the Samara was available in three-, four-, and five-door configurations. Engine options included petrol units of 1.1, 1.3, and 1.5 liters. VAZ designed the Samara to challenge mainstream European competitors and to succeed its outdated Fiat 124-derived Zhiguli lineup. It was VAZ’s second self-developed model following the Niva SUV and notably their first vehicle not mechanically based on Fiat 124 components.
Development
The initial front-wheel-drive concept from VAZ, designated VAZ-1101, emerged during the early 1970s and utilized a Fiat 127 powerplant. This prototype evolved into the 900 cc Ladoga three-door hatchback by 1976. On September 16, 1978, VAZ committed to creating the Samara with ambitions for strong sales in Western Europe. The design emphasized a unique hatchback style with shared body panels for a sedan variant; however, development of a four-door model was redirected to the VAZ-2110 project. Designers evaluated rivals such as the Renault 9, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort Mark III, Opel Kadett, and Volvo 340 to establish competitive benchmarks. The car incorporated MacPherson strut suspension at the front, torsion bar suspension at the rear, and rack-and-pinion steering—a first for Soviet vehicles.
The inaugural VAZ-2108 prototype was finalized on December 31, 1979, bearing resemblance to earlier Ladoga and VAZ-1106 designs. Domestically referred to as Sputnik and colloquially called Vos'merka ("Eighth"), its export name derived from the Samara River. Production commenced on December 18, 1984 with three-door hatchbacks powered by a belt-driven SOHC inline-four engine of 1,288 cc delivering 65 horsepower paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Subsequent models introduced five-door variants alongside engines sized at 1,099 cc (destroked) and 1,499 cc (bored out). The cylinder head design was developed in cooperation with Porsche while Solex contributed carburetor technology.
In 1987, the lineup expanded to include the 21083 equipped with a 72 hp, 1,499 cc engine coupled to a five-speed gearbox, as well as an export-only 21081 featuring a 53 hp, 1,099 cc motor. Top speeds ranged from approximately 87 mph for the smaller engine to around 97 mph for the larger displacement unit; fuel consumption varied between 7.9 and 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers depending on engine choice. That year also saw the introduction of the five-door hatchback model 2109 offering similar engine options. The four-door sedan variant named 21099 debuted in 1989 with refreshed styling including an updated hood, grille, fenders, an extended rear overhang by about 200 mm, and an enhanced dashboard layout. These front-end design elements were later incorporated into hatchback models.
Minor revisions included fuel injection systems implemented to satisfy export emission regulations. Early Samaras featured separate front body panels around their headlights; later sedans integrated fenders up to the headlights accompanied by a narrower grille design. Full-scale production of the sedan began in December 1990 with models that included fuel-injected versions (210993 with a 1,288 cc engine) alongside a standard carbureted version (21099 with a 1,499 cc engine). Positioned as more upscale than hatchbacks, this sedan carried different export names such as Diva (Belgium), Sagona (France), or Forma (Germany); Belgium also produced a convertible variant. Smaller displacement engines were phased out following export market withdrawal while output from the 1.5-liter unit increased to approximately 75 horsepower.
Special variants
A three-door Samara hatchback, designated 2108–91, was equipped with a two-rotor VAZ-415 Wankel engine (each rotor displacing 654 cc) and sold exclusively within Russia in limited quantities. Offered at a price of 56,000 rubles and paired with a five-speed manual transmission, this model struggled with significant reliability challenges. Primarily acquired by law enforcement and government agencies for pursuit purposes, it was valued for its top speed and ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds. The five-door hatchback version, the 2109-91, utilized the identical VAZ-415 engine and gearbox configuration.
Another notable variant was the NAMI 0290, a rear-engine Samara 4x4 rally vehicle developed for the 1985 Soyuz Rally. It featured permanent all-wheel drive and housed a 1,568 cc engine derived from the Zhiguli lineup mounted over the rear axle. Known as Appelsin ("orange" due to its distinctive paint), it incorporated ZAZ-1102 doors and a lightweight fiberglass body weighing approximately , while retaining standard Samara wheels.
In 1987, the mid-engine Samara-EVA was introduced, equipped with a turbocharged 16-valve 1,860 cc powerplant featuring electronic fuel injection that delivered . A naturally aspirated variant of this engine produced . The underlying Zhuguli 2106 engine block remained unaltered.
The Samara S-Proto emerged in 1989 boasting an even greater output of . The Samara T3 secured seventh place in its category during the 1990 Paris-Dakar Rally and improved to fifth place in 1991 under the guidance of driver Jacky Ickx. However, the T3 incorporated minimal original Samara components, integrating instead the four-wheel-drive system from the Porsche 959 alongside a 3.6-litre Porsche flat-six engine. This project was developed collaboratively by French dealer Lada-Poch, NAMI, and the Tupolev aerospace factory, underscoring Lada’s commitment to motorsport development.
During the mid-1980s, Lada launched its inaugural production convertible—the Lada Natasha Cabriolet—a four-seat model based on the Samara 1300/1500 series featuring a manually operated fabric roof. In certain European markets throughout the 1990s, the 1600 cc engine from the LADA Niva 4X4 was offered as an option for both Natasha and Samara models.
Exports
The Samara was distributed worldwide—from Australia and Canada to various European countries and across the COMECON region—boasting build quality that surpassed many Eastern European rivals. Dealer-specific customizations ranged from simple badge modifications to full convertible conversions in countries such as Belgium and Germany. The VAZ 21099 (Samara Sedan) was marketed under different names depending on the market: Sagona in France, Canada, and Spain; Diva in Belgium and the Netherlands; Forma in Germany; and Sable in Australia and New Zealand.
Designed with right-hand drive configurations, it entered the United Kingdom market in November 1987 and remained available until VAZ ceased operations there in July 1997. During its 23-year tenure in the UK, it stood as Lada’s best-selling model.
In regions where diesel engines were preferred—such as France and the Benelux countries—a 1.5-litre Peugeot diesel option was offered between 1995 and 1997.
Financial instability at VAZ during 1996–97 led to a reduction in exports. The Samara was withdrawn from Canada after 1997, leaving only the Lada Niva available there by 1998. Similarly, exports to Australia and the UK ended due to parts shortages—compounded by General Motors’ unwillingness to supply fuel injection components—and Russia’s economic difficulties during the mid-1990s rendered right-hand drive production unsustainable.
To preserve its presence in Europe, a premium version known as the Lada EuroSamara (or Samara Baltic) was assembled at Finland’s Valmet Automotive facility from mid-1996 until July 1998. Around 14,000 units were produced using approximately 85% Russian-sourced components.
British market
The United Kingdom saw the Samara introduced nearly three years following its initial release in the USSR, with sales commencing in November 1987. Early reactions were varied; The Motor magazine highlighted its generous standard features, commendable engine, excellent visibility, solid performance, fuel economy, and handling relative to its price, yet noted shortcomings in its inexpensive interior materials and a bumpy ride on rough surfaces.
At launch, the Samara was priced at £4,795, making it considerably more affordable than rivals such as the Peugeot 309 or Ford Escort 1300. It remained available in the UK market until July 1997 when Lada exited Britain and most export regions. The vehicle achieved greater success in markets that appreciated durability, including Canada, Australia, and Finland.
Although it represented an improvement over earlier Lada models, the Samara’s higher cost placed it in competition with more established Western European small family cars. By the time it reached the UK, the compact car segment was divided between mainstream manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen, alongside budget brands from Eastern Europe and Asia such as Škoda, FSO, Hyundai, and Proton.
In the 1996 and 1997 JD Power and Top Gear surveys conducted in Great Britain, the aging Samara placed at the bottom of rankings.
Versions
Initially, the model was available as either a three- or five-door hatchback equipped with a 1.3L petrol engine; a 1.5L variant was introduced in October 1988. Metallic paint options were added with the November 1989 launch of the 1.5 SLX. A budget-friendly 1.1L petrol version (Select or L) joined the lineup in July 1990. In April 1991, an updated Samara featuring revised trim levels was released, followed by the VAZ 21099 saloon model fifteen months later. The saloon received a sporty 1.5 "Juno" edition in July 1994 that included alloy wheels, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. Fuel injection technology was incorporated into both the 1.3L and 1.5L engines by August 1996.
Australian market
The Samara was introduced to Australia in July 1988 with three-door and convertible versions offered. A three-door Bizivan variant was also marketed without rear seats to qualify as a commercial van, thus benefiting from reduced import tariffs. By 1990, the range was simplified to a single five-door model named Lada Cevaro. The three-door returned in 1994 as the Lada Volante alongside a four-door Lada Sable. Imports ended around 1996.
In 1988, approximately 6,000 Samaras underwent modifications by Peter Brock's Holden Dealer Team Special Vehicles division, resulting in the Lada Samara Sedan Brock Delux. These included suspension enhancements for better ride comfort and a distinctive body kit, priced roughly A$3,000 above the base model.
Samara 2
Following 1997, sales of the Samara focused primarily on domestic markets and regions with less stringent emissions regulations. The Samara 2—a mildly refreshed iteration featuring a , single-point fuel-injected 1,499 cc powerplant and an improved transmission—was launched in limited quantities as the four-door VAZ 2115 in 1997. Produced at VAZ’s special vehicles facility, it boasted upgraded braking systems and interiors incorporating parts from the VAZ 2110 model. Mass production at Togliatti commenced in 2000; this was followed by a five-door variant (2114) in 2002 and a three-door version (2113) introduced in September 2004 due to strong dealer demand.
In late 2001, multi-point fuel injection was applied to the 1500 engine to comply with Euro 3 emission standards. Production of the original first-generation Samara ended at Togliatti by 2004 after twenty years of manufacturing. However, production of classic Samara models continued at Ukraine's ZAZ plant and from May 2007 at Kazakhstan’s Azia Avto facility.
An updated Samara 2 featuring a modernized 1.6-litre VAZ-11183-20 engine debuted in January 2007. Despite competition from domestic models like the Lada 110 and Priora, demand persisted due to its competitive pricing. Sedan production concluded in December 2012 while hatchback manufacturing extended until late 2013.
Technical specifications
- Trim options: A wide array of trims were available depending on the market, with many Western European versions featuring importer-specific enhancements.
Engine details
- Engine codes: VAZ 21081, VAZ 2108, VAZ 21083, VAZ 21084; VAZ 415 (Wankel rotary)
- Valve mechanism: OHC
- Engine capacity (cc): 1100, 1288, 1500, 1568; Wankel unit comprised of two 654 cc rotors
- Cylinder bore (mm): 76.0, 76.0, 82.0, 82.0
- Piston stroke (mm): 60.6, 71.0, 71.0, 74.2
- Compression ratio: Ranged from 9.0:1 up to 9.8:1
- Power output:
- at 5600 rpm (1100 cc)
- at 5600 rpm (1300 cc)
- at 4800 rpm (1500 cc)
- at 5600 rpm (1600 cc)
- at 6000 rpm (Wankel engine)
- Fuel delivery: Either a two-barrel carburetor or multipoint electronic fuel injection system
- Recommended fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
Drivetrain
- Layout: Front-mounted engine driving the front wheels
- Gearbox: Available with either a 4-speed or a 5-speed synchromesh manual transmission; early versions were equipped solely with a 4-speed
Chassis and body
- Available body styles:
- Later updates introduced revised styling and new model codes:
- 3-door hatchback (VAZ 2113)
- 5-door hatchback (VAZ 2114)
- 4-door sedan (VAZ 2115)
Numerous commercial and specialized variants were also produced.
- Suspension setup: Front MacPherson struts paired with coil springs; rear suspension employed longitudinal arms with a cross beam and coil springs
- Steering system: Rack-and-pinion mechanism
- Braking system: Front power-assisted disc brakes combined with rear drum brakes
- Wheels and tires: Fitted with steel wheels measuring 13 inches in diameter and equipped with steel-belted all-season radial tires sized at 165/70x13
Safety by modern standards
In a frontal crash test conducted by ARCAP in Russia in 2002, the RosLada-produced VAZ-2109 achieved a score of only 2.7 out of a possible 16 points, indicating a robust body structure but an absence of contemporary passive safety technologies. The updated five-door VAZ-2114 variant was later tested by ARCAP and earned half a star out of four, demonstrating moderate protection in critical areas but showing excessive forces transmitted to the lower legs.
First generation
By the year 2003, three distinct trim levels were available: Standard (coded as 00/20 for fuel-injected models such as the VAZ-21083-00), Norma (01/21), and Luxe (02/22), with variations depending on the body style.
For the three-door hatchback, the Standard trim included features such as an onboard control system, tweed fabric upholstery, metallic paint finish, roof luggage rack, and front head restraints; the '20' variant added enhancements like microprocessor-controlled ignition, electric door locks, and an immobilizer system. The Norma trim offered tweed seat covers equipped with storage pockets, additional door panel trim, trunk lining, and an anti-glare sun visor complete with a mirror; the '21' versions incorporated a vapor recovery system. The Luxe trim further introduced headlamp washers, anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, and tinted glass windows.
The five-door hatchback’s Standard trim came with tweed upholstery featuring seat pockets, tweed door inserts, trunk lining and rack, front head restraints, and metallic paint; its '20' version included the same additional features found in other body styles. Norma added rear headrests and an anti-glare visor; Luxe upgraded to front electric windows and fog lamps.
Sedan trims paralleled those of the five-door hatchback except that fog lights became standard starting at the Norma level.
Second generation
Two trim packages were offered: Norma and Luxe. The Norma trim featured steel wheels, immobilizer, central locking system, tweed upholstery, adjustable steering column height, front electric windows, front head restraints, tailgate spoiler, and door moldings. The Luxe trim built upon this by adding distinctive wheel covers, trip computer functionality, velvet upholstery fabric, athermal glass for improved insulation, rear headrests, passenger sun visor mirror, and heated front seats.
See also
References
Sources
Literature