VAZ-2101
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 in Tolyatti, Russia, Soviet Union |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
| Products | Automobiles, including VAZ-2101 (Zhiguli) |
The VAZ-2101, commonly known as the "Zhiguli", and affectionately called the "Kopeyka" after the smallest denomination of Soviet currency, is a compact four-door sedan or station wagon categorized as a small passenger vehicle within the Soviet classification system. Launched in 1970 by the Soviet automaker AvtoVAZ, it marked the company's inaugural automobile model.
Derived from a licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124, the VAZ-2101 underwent significant alterations to withstand severe Soviet weather and road conditions. It became a prominent export under the Lada brand name, serving Western markets for more than twenty years. The wagon version was marketed as the VAZ-2102.
Development
The Fiat 124, awarded European Car of the Year in 1967, was customized to meet the demands of Russia’s rugged driving environment. Key changes involved fitting aluminium rear brake drums and substituting the original Fiat engine with a newly designed overhead camshaft unit created by NAMI, exclusive to this model. The suspension system was elevated to handle uneven terrain, and the car’s body was reinforced with thicker steel to improve robustness. Early editions included a manual starting crank for cold weather and a hand-operated auxiliary fuel pump to facilitate engine ignition in low temperatures.
Some of these technical advancements were later adopted by Fiat in their final production variants, internally referred to as "124R" for 'Russian'.
The initial VAZ-2101 powertrain featured a 1.2-liter inline-four engine with two valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. The vehicle employed a straightforward rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a live rear axle.
History
The 2101 represents a reengineered Fiat 124 manufactured under license from Fiat and adapted specifically for Eastern Bloc countries, while also being extensively exported to Western markets as an affordable economy car. Although its facelifted successors—VAZ-2105, 2104 & 2107—largely replaced it in Western regions by the early 1980s, domestic production persisted until 1988. Known domestically as the Zhiguli, it differed from the Fiat 124 through thicker steel body panels, rear drum brakes instead of discs, and a unique engine design. Early models were equipped with a manual starting handle for extreme winter conditions and an auxiliary fuel pump.
According to Fiat’s licensing terms, VAZ was initially barred from marketing the vehicle in Italy or other competing export territories until exports to Western Europe commenced in 1974 following Fiat’s discontinuation of the 124. The model was exported under various names such as Lada 1200, Lada 1300, and Lada 2101 up until 1989, positioned as an economical "no frills" automobile. It entered the UK market in May 1974 and remained available until replaced by the Riva in 1983, marking Lada’s debut in that country.
Production started at 22,000 units during its first year and expanded rapidly to reach 660,000 by 1973. Sales surpassed one million by December 1973 and reached 1.5 million in 1974. Upon launch in Britain, it was priced at £979. The original version of the 2101 remained largely unchanged from its introduction in 1970 until 1982, with the updated 21013 variant continuing production until 1988.
VAZ-2101
- VAZ-2101 (1970–1982) — featured an overhead camshaft engine distinct from Fiat’s original design, delivering , and achieving a maximum speed of . Compared to the Fiat 124, approximately 800 alterations were implemented, such as substituting rear disc brakes with drums, elevating suspension for improved ground clearance, modifying the carburettor, reinforcing the body with thicker steel which increased the weight to , and installing a softer suspension suited for challenging terrain. Initial versions included a manual crank starter and an auxiliary fuel pump. Demand outpaced production capacity, resulting in lengthy waiting periods; exports commenced in February 1971 to Yugoslavia and subsequently Western Europe. The export brand name Lada was introduced in September 1971. Sales later expanded to Cuba (starting 1971), Canada (from 1978), and Angola (beginning 1977), though the U.S. market was never entered.
- 21011 (1974–1981) — incorporated a engine producing , along with enhancements such as self-adjusting rear drum brakes, redesigned indicator lenses, rubber bumper strips replacing metal over-riders, updated rear lights with built-in reflectors, a foot-operated windshield washer pump, woodgrain dashboard trim, and improved seat comfort. Exported under the name Lada 1300.
- 21012 — right-hand drive sedan fitted with a engine manufactured from May 1973 for export to Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
- 21013 (1977–1988) — similar to the 21011 but equipped with a engine; exported under the names Lada 1200 and upgraded Lada 1200S.
- 21014 — station wagon variant powered by a engine introduced in May 1973 targeting export markets.
- 21016 (1976–1981) — specialized police model featuring a engine sourced from the VAZ-2103.
- 21018 (1978) — rotary engine edition used by Soviet police and KGB services, equipped with a single-rotor Wankel engine of ; only around 250 units produced due to reliability concerns.
- 21019 Arkan (circa 1983) — second generation rotary model with a twin-rotor Wankel engine utilized by Soviet security agencies.
VAZ-2102
The VAZ-2102 represents the estate version of the VAZ-2101 (derived from the Fiat 124 Familiare), produced between 1971 and its replacement by the 2104 (known as Lada Riva in some regions) in 1985. Production totaled over 660,000 units by its conclusion in 1986. It was introduced to the UK market in May 1974 with an initial price of £979.
- VAZ-2102 (1971–1986) — also referred to as Lada 1200 Combi or 1200 ES Estate.
- VAZ-21021 (1974–1985) — powered by a 1,294 cc engine and known as Lada 1300 Combi; export versions included rear washer/wiper systems.
- VAZ-21023 (1973–1985) — equipped with a 1,452 cc engine, marketed as Lada 1500 Combi or 1500 DL Estate; exported models featured rear washer/wiper. UK availability for the Lada 1500 DL Estate spanned October 1977 to October 1985.
VAZ-2103
The VAZ-2103, sold internationally as the Lada 1500, shared many similarities with the VAZ-2101 but incorporated styling cues from the more premium Fiat 125, including quad headlights and a distinctive front grille. Some markets also offered the VAZ-2106 (Lada 1600), which served as a higher-performance alternative.
Technical specifications
| Specification | VAZ-2101 | VAZ-21011 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 890 kg | |
| Curb weight | 945 kg | 1010 kg |
| Maximum permissible weight | 1345 kg | 1400 kg |
| Overall length | 4073 mm | |
| Width | 1611 mm | |
| Height | 1440 mm | |
| Wheelbase length | 2424 mm | |
| Front track width | 1349 mm | |
| Rear track width | 1305 mm | |
| Ground clearance (fully loaded) | 170 mm | |
| Turning circle radius | 5.6 m | |
| Approach angle (front) | 36 ° | |
| Departure angle (rear) | 17 ° | |
| Tire size | 114-330 mm (4½-13 in) | |
| Engine designation | VAZ-2101 | VAZ-21011 |
| Engine configuration | Water-cooled inline-four Otto cycle, counterflow cylinder head with duplex-chain driven overhead camshaft | |
| Fuel system type | Two-stage downdraft carburettor model 2101-1107010-02 | |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm³ | 1294 cm³ |
| Bore × stroke dimensions | 76 mm × 66 mm | 79 mm × 66 mm |
| Compression ratio <math>\varepsilon</math> | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Power output (GOST–14846) | 46 kW (62 PS) at 5600 rpm | 51 kW (69 PS) at 5600 rpm |
| Power output (DIN 70020) | 44 kW (60 PS) at 5600 rpm | 48 kW (65 PS) at 5600 rpm |
| Power output (SAE J1349) | 48 kW (65 PS) at 5600 rpm | |
| Maximum torque (GOST–14846) | 87 N·m at 3400 rpm | 93 N·m at 3400 rpm |
| Fuel type | Petrol AI-93 GOST 2084-67 | |
| Top speed | 140 km/h | 145 km/h |
| Acceleration from standstill to100 km/h | 22 s | 18 s |
| Braking distance from80 km/h | 38 m | |
| Fuel consumption combined cycle (l/100 km) | 8.0 l | 9.0 l |
| Gradeability in first gear | 34 % | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 39 l | |