VAZ-2102
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 in Tolyatti, Soviet Union |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Soviet Union (now Russia) |
| Products | Automobiles (including VAZ-2101) |
The VAZ-2101, commonly known as the "Zhiguli" and affectionately called the "Kopeyka" (named 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. Manufactured by AvtoVAZ starting in 1970, it marked the company's first automobile model.
Derived under license from the Fiat 124 but extensively altered, the VAZ-2101 was engineered to withstand the challenging climates and road conditions prevalent throughout the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries. Over more than twenty years, it was successfully exported to Western markets under the Lada marque. The station wagon version, based on the Fiat 124 Familiare, was sold as the VAZ-2102.
Development
The original Italian Fiat 124, which earned the title European Car of the Year in 1967, underwent significant modifications to suit Russian environments. These changes included fitting aluminium rear brake drums, substituting the Fiat engine with a contemporary overhead camshaft unit developed by NAMI, elevating suspension height for rugged terrain, and reinforcing the body with thicker steel along with strengthened chassis sections after durability tests revealed structural weaknesses. Early iterations also featured a manual starting crank designed for cold weather and an auxiliary fuel pump to assist with cold engine starts.
Certain enhancements made by VAZ, such as chassis reinforcement, were subsequently adopted in Fiat’s final production models internally labeled "124R"—with "R" denoting Russian influence.
The initial VAZ-2101 model employed a straightforward rear-wheel-drive layout featuring a live rear axle and an inline four-cylinder engine equipped with two valves per cylinder operated by a single overhead camshaft.
History
The 2101 represents a reengineered Fiat 124 produced under license from Fiat and customized for Eastern Bloc markets, while also being widely exported westward as an affordable vehicle. By the early 1980s, facelifted versions such as the VAZ-2105, 2104 & 2107 had largely supplanted it in Western countries; however, production for domestic use persisted until 1988. Known domestically as Zhiguli, notable distinctions from the Fiat 124 included a thicker steel body shell, drum brakes at the rear instead of discs, and a uniquely designed engine. Early models incorporated a manual starting crank for cold environments along with an auxiliary fuel pump.
According to licensing terms, VAZ was prohibited from marketing this vehicle in Italy or in export regions competing directly with Fiat’s own 124. Nevertheless, exports to Western Europe commenced in 1974 after Fiat ceased production of the 124 in favor of the Fiat 131 Mirafiori. The 2101 was marketed abroad under various names including Lada 1200, Lada 1300, Lada 1200S, and Lada 2101 until 1989, presented as an economical "no frills" option. It entered the UK market in May 1974 and remained available until replaced by the Riva in 1983, marking Lada’s initial presence there.
Production started at 22,000 units during its first year and expanded to an annual capacity of 660,000 by 1973. Sales reached one million by December of that year and climbed to one and a half million in 1974. When launched in Britain in May 1974, its price was set at £979.
The original model remained largely unchanged from its debut in 1970 until 1982, while a slightly enhanced variant—the 21013—continued manufacturing until 1988.
VAZ-2101
- VAZ-2101 (1970–1982) — equipped with an overhead camshaft engine delivering , it achieved a maximum speed of . In comparison to the Fiat 124, approximately 800 alterations were implemented, including substituting rear disc brakes with drum brakes, raising ground clearance, modifying the carburettor, and using thicker steel which increased the weight to (around heavier than the Fiat). The suspension was softened to better handle uneven terrain, ensuring a smooth ride on gravel surfaces. Early versions featured a manual crank starter and an additional fuel pump. Demand substantially outpaced production; exports commenced in February 1971 to Yugoslavia and subsequently expanded to Finland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The export brand name "Lada" was selected in September 1971 following a public naming contest. By 1980, prospective buyers faced approximately a one-year wait. The estate variant (2102) entered production in April 1972. Export destinations included Cuba (from 1971), Canada (from 1978), and Angola (from 1977), although no shipments were made to the United States.
- 21011 (1974–1981) — an enhanced model powered by a engine producing . Upgrades comprised self-adjusting rear drum brakes, redesigned front turn signals and bumpers with rubber strips replacing metal over-riders, integrated passive reflectors within rear lamps, a foot-operated windshield washer pump, wood-pattern dashboard trim, improved seating, and better ventilation. Exported under the name Lada 1300.
- 21012 — right-hand drive sedan fitted with a engine intended for export markets such as Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom; production began in May 1973.
- 21013 (1977–1988) — closely related to the VAZ-21011 but equipped with a engine; exported as Lada 1200 along with an upgraded Lada 1200S version featuring revised exterior styling and dashboard improvements.
- 21014 — estate model powered by a engine designed for export; production started in May 1973.
- 21016 (1976–1981) — specialized police edition combining the engine from the VAZ-2103 with the body of the VAZ-21011.
- 21018 (1978) — initial rotary engine variant developed for Soviet law enforcement and KGB use, employing a single-rotor VAZ-311 Wankel engine with electronic ignition; only about 250 units produced due to reliability challenges.
- 21019 Arkan (circa 1983) — second-generation rotary engine model intended for police use featuring a twin-rotor Wankel powerplant (VAZ-411 or VAZ-4132).
VAZ-2102
The station wagon version of the VAZ-2101, modeled after the Fiat 124 Familiare, was designated VAZ-2102 and manufactured from 1971 until its replacement by the 2104 (known as Lada Riva in select markets) in 1985. Production surpassed 660,000 units by 1986. It debuted in the UK market in May 1974 with a price tag of £979.
- VAZ-2102 (1971–1986) — also referred to as Lada 1200 Combi or 1200 ES Estate.
- VAZ-21021 (1974–1985) — fitted with a 1,294 cc engine and marketed as Lada 1300 Combi; export models were equipped with rear washer/wiper systems.
- VAZ-21023 (1973–1985) — powered by a 1,452 cc engine, known internationally as Lada 1500 Combi or 1500 DL Estate; available in the UK from October 1977 until October 1985.
VAZ-2103
The VAZ-2103, sold globally as the Lada 1500, bore strong resemblance to the VAZ-2101 but incorporated design influences from both the Fiat 124 Special and elements inspired by the more luxurious Fiat 125. It featured quad headlights, a unique front grille design, and an upgraded cabin interior. In some markets, this model was complemented by the VAZ-2106 (marketed as Lada 1600).
Technical specifications
| Model | VAZ-2101 | VAZ-21011 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unladen weight | 890 kg | ||
| Curb weight | 945 kg | 1010 kg | |
| Maximum allowed weight | 1345 kg | 1400 kg | |
| Overall length | 4073 mm | ||
| Overall width | 1611 mm | ||
| Overall height | 1440 mm | ||
| Wheelbase length | 2424 mm | ||
| Front track width | 1349 mm | ||
| Rear track width | 1305 mm | ||
| Ground clearance (fully loaded) | 170 mm | ||
| Minimum 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 engine, counterflow cylinder head with duplex-chain driven overhead camshaft | ||
| Fuel delivery system | Two-stage downdraft carburetor model 2101-1107010-02 | ||
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 | 1294 cm3 | |
| Cylinder bore × stroke | 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 rating (SAE J1349) | 48 kW (65 PS) at 5600 rpm | ||
| maximal torque (GOST–14846) | 87 N·m at 3400 rpm | 93 N·m at 3400 rpm | |
| Recommended fuel type | Petrol AI-93 GOST 2084-67 | ||
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h | 145 km/h | |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h | 22 seconds | 18 seconds | |
| Braking distance (from 80 km/h) | 38 meters | ||
| Fuel consumption (combined, l/100 km) | 8.0 liters | 9.0 liters | |
| Hill climbing ability (1st gear) | 34 % | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 39 liters | ||