Jump to content

Oka (automobile)

From Alfawiki
Lada Oka
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1988; 38 years ago (1988)
FounderAvtoVAZ
Headquarters
Serpukhov, Naberezhnye Chelny
,
Russia
Area served
Russia, Azerbaijan, United States (electric variants)
Key people
Yuri Kuteev (development leader), Yuri Vereschagin (designer), Alexander Popov (SeAZ director)
ProductsCity cars (VAZ-1111 Oka and variants)
ParentAvtoVAZ, SeAZ, ZMA, Kamaz

The Lada Оkа (VAZ-1111, SeAZ-1111, КаmАZ-1111, Astro 11301) () is a city car initially conceptualized in the late 1970s by AvtoVAZ. Its manufacturing commenced in 1988, featuring a SOHC two-cylinder engine. Developed under the leadership of Yuri Kuteev at AutoVAZ, the production was delegated to SeAZ located in Serpukhov and ZMA based in Naberezhnye Chelny, which was then under Kamaz ownership. Although there were considerations to establish a new facility in Yelabuga, these plans never came to fruition. Additionally, the vehicle was assembled in Azerbaijan at the Gyandzha Auto Plant. The model's name is inspired by the Russian Oka River near Serpukhov.

History

The Oka succeeded the air-cooled, rear-engine ZAZ Zaporozhets as an economical "people's car." Specialized in vehicles for drivers with disabilities, SeAZ had previously manufactured the S-3D cycle-car powered by a motorcycle engine. Seeking a new product under factory director Alexander Popov, SeAZ collaborated with VAZ engineers, leading to project approval in 1983. Earlier microcar concepts from VAZ, such as Yuri Danilov’s VAZ-1101 variant, did not proceed to production.

Designed to replace the S-3D, the Oka initially utilized a two-cylinder adaptation derived from halving the VAZ-2108’s four-cylinder engine due to time limitations. The VAZ-2108 was notable as the Soviet Union’s first front-wheel-drive automobile. The Oka emerged as the subsequent "people's car," priced affordably for many industrial workers.

Designer Yuri Vereschagin took cues from Japanese kei cars like the Daihatsu Cuore and European superminis including the Fiat Uno and Panda, emphasizing dimensions and proportions over stylistic elements. The Soviet Ministry preferred the Oka over competing microcar projects from SeAZ and NAMI. Despite stringent project constraints, Vereschagin’s design advanced to production.

Nearly 700,000 units were manufactured over close to twenty years. Testing revealed commendable handling and unexpectedly robust off-road performance for its compact size.

Production began in December 1987.

At the 1989 Moscow International Motor Show, VAZ presented an electric variant named the VAZ-111E, which was produced on special order until 1998. This version featured batteries totaling 120 volts distributed throughout the vehicle, providing an approximate range of 100 km.

In 2002, Russian safety evaluations assigned the Oka zero stars out of four; models produced by ZMA were slightly safer than those from SeAZ.

By 2006, four variants were offered: the standard VAZ-11113 Oka from either ZMA or SeAZ (33 hp, top speed , fuel consumption of 3.2 l/100 km), the "custom" VAZ-11301 Astro (49 hp), and the VAZ-11113-27 Toyma—a lightweight delivery model with cargo space replacing rear seating.

Manufacturing ceased in Russia in 2008 after SeAZ completed final runs equipped with Chinese EURO-2 compliant engines.

In mid-2023, discussions emerged within the Russian government about reviving the Oka brand.

Versions

  • VAZ-1111 - base model featuring a 650cc two-cylinder engine, produced between 1988 and 1996;
  • VAZ-1111e - experimental electric-powered version;
  • SeAZ-1111-01 through SeAZ-1111-03 - specialized adaptations for drivers with various disabilities;
  • VAZ-11113 (LADA OKA) - enhanced model equipped with a 750cc two-cylinder engine, manufactured from 1996 to 2007; included a two-door notchback sedan prototype developed in 2000;
  • SeAZ-11113-01 to SeAZ-11113-03 - disability-adapted versions based on the VAZ-11113; featured a prototype "Oka Prestige" with a soft canvas roof and rotating seat;
  • SeAZ-11116 - powered by a Chinese 1000cc three-cylinder fuel-injected engine, produced at SeAZ during 2007–2008;
  • SeAZ-11116-01 and -02 - disabled driver variants derived from the SeAZ-11116;
  • SeAZ "Oka Junior" - limited-edition sports model designed for beginner racers with roll cage and racing seats;
  • SeAZ "Sport" - semi-professional racing edition incorporating safety features and reduced interior weight;
  • "Oka-Astro-11301" and "Astro-113011" - extended wheelbase models produced between 2002 and 2006 by "Astro-kar"/"Kamsky car assembly plant," powered by Ukrainian 1100cc engines compliant with Euro standards; largely handcrafted;
  • VAZ-17013 "Toima" - light commercial variant offering increased cargo capacity (1.5 m³) and payload of 250 kg; produced in limited quantities from 2000 to 2007 by "Astro-kar"; specialized versions included Police, Ambulance, and Social models produced in small numbers;
  • VAZ-1301 "Gnome" - pickup truck prototype featuring a frame beneath the cargo bed with a carrying capacity of 350 kg; not mass-produced;
  • SeAZ commercial derivatives (2007) based on SeAZ-11116 included:
    • 010-50 "Eye of Van" (cube van),
    • 011-50 "Oka Pickup",
    • 010-52 "Oka Universal" hatchback with raised roof,
    • 11116-60 stake body; all limited pilot runs or prototypes;
  • TTM-1901 "Golden Eagle" - snowmobile designed for personnel transport and towing skiers; custom-built using Oka bodies by Nizhny Novgorod's "Transport" company.

Usage

Despite its nimble handling and surprisingly brisk acceleration for its design, the Oka did not supplant the Zaporozhets in cultural popularity, as the latter's distinctive awkwardness and slower pace remained favored.

Weighing just 635 kilograms and boasting a compact footprint, the Oka became the subject of numerous stories describing groups of men lifting it out of tight parking spaces.

Specially modified versions tailored for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with limb loss, were provided at no cost through Soviet and subsequently Russian social welfare programs.

Much like the Volkswagen Beetle, the Oka has cultivated a devoted following among owners, with many customizing and tuning their vehicles, often displaying them at regional exotic car gatherings.

United States

By 2019, Oka Auto USA, a Las Vegas-based company owned by MIROX Corporation, offered electric variants of the Oka targeted at the US market's neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) segment under the brand name Oka NEV ZEV. These electric models comply with NEV standards by being electronically limited to a maximum speed of .

See also

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Oka_(automobile)&oldid=36272"