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VAZ-2104

From Alfawiki
AvtoVAZ
Company typePublic
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1966
Headquarters
Togliatti
,
Russia
ProductsAutomobiles, including Lada Riva (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)
Websitehttps://www.lada.ru

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107 models, collectively known as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive regions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and marketed as the Lada Nova in Germany, represent a range of compact sedans originating from the Zhiguli series. These vehicles are built upon the Fiat 124 architecture. Produced by the Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ (formerly VAZ), these cars were first introduced in 1979 within the Soviet Union and began expanding into Western European and international markets under the Lada brand during the early 1980s. The collection included both saloon variants (2105 and 2107) and a station wagon model (2104).

Currently recognized as the Lada Classic lineup,[1] these automobiles trace their roots back to the Fiat 124 platform, which has been a foundational element for AvtoVAZ since its establishment in the late 1960s. Manufacturing at AvtoVAZ’s primary facility in Togliatti concluded in September 2012.

This platform, along with other derivatives of the Fiat 124, ranks as the third highest-selling single-generation automobile platform globally, surpassed only by the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Model T,[2][3] and counts among the longest continuous production runs worldwide alongside vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen (Type 2) Bus,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Toyota 70 Series, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

Launched in 1979 with mass production commencing in 1980, the Riva is an updated and restyled evolution of the original Lada VAZ-2101 Zhiguli saloon, itself a licensed adaptation of the Fiat 124. Development started in 1975 with prototypes completed by 1977; however, it only reached Western European markets from 1983 onward, aiming at cost-conscious buyers.

The Riva series comprises the VAZ-2105 (standard saloon), VAZ-2104 (station wagon), and VAZ-2107 (premium saloon featuring a chrome grille). Within Russia, these are considered separate models but collectively referred to as "Klassika" ("Classic"), alongside earlier versions such as the VAZ-2101. Common nicknames include Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

From a mechanical standpoint, the Riva is closely aligned with the first-generation VAZ-2101, incorporating manual transmissions derived from Fiat designs, coil spring suspension systems, and aluminium alloy drum brakes. The smaller-engine VAZ-2105 (65 hp, 1294 cc) upgraded its inline-four powerplant by replacing the chain-driven camshaft with a toothed belt system. Larger-engine variants of the VAZ-2107 employed either a 1452 cc chain-driven OHC engine or a later-developed 1569 cc unit. In 1992, engine updates introduced single-point fuel injection and catalytic converters to comply with emission regulations.

The upscale 2107 model was introduced in 1982 featuring enhanced interior appointments and a chrome grille, available with either a 1294 cc or a 1570 cc engine. A Wankel rotary engine variant (21079) was also produced. The initial station wagon version, designated as 2104, debuted in 1984 offering three engine choices ranging from 1198 cc to 1452 cc.

Export demand was robust within Eastern Europe; however, presence in Western markets was limited to countries including the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand (notably utilized as taxis), Canada, and Finland—where stronger economic connections with the Soviet Union supported sales. Canadian models were distinctive for their whitewall tires and were briefly marketed under the Dennis Signet name by importer Peter Dennis Motor Corporation. Sales in Western Europe ceased by July 1997 due to increasingly stringent safety and emissions standards combined with economic instability following the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

Despite withdrawal from many Western territories, production persisted at AvtoVAZ’s Russian facilities under the Lada Classic badge. This model remained one of Russia’s most affordable new cars and continues to enjoy popularity on secondary markets years after manufacturing ended.

In 2002, assembly of the wagon shifted to Izh, before production expanded to include facilities owned by the Bogdan group at their LuAZ plant and subsequently Cherkasy in Ukraine. The 2107 was also manufactured at Ukraine’s ZAZ factory as well as Suzuki’s plant located in Egypt. In August 2011, production of the 2107 model in Russia was transferred to Izh. After nearly three decades on sale, production of the 2105 ceased in 2010, followed by discontinuation of both the 2104 and 2107 models in 2012.

United Kingdom

The Riva made its debut in the British market as the 1300GL in July 1983, with the 21051 model (known as the Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. UK consumers primarily valued affordability and reliability. By 1986, British sales had surpassed 20,000 units, predominantly Rivas, reaching a peak of over 30,000 in 1988 following the introduction of the Samara model. Imports of older VAZ-2101/2102/2106 variants ceased shortly after the Riva's launch, although these models continued to be sold within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc for several years.

Autocar magazine praised the Riva for its competitive price (£3,158 in 1984), enhanced performance, and generous standard features including height-adjustable headlamps, an adjustable driver's side mirror, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Nevertheless, its outdated design and basic interior fittings prevented it from competing directly with higher-end rivals such as the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. The Riva maintained solid sales in the UK and other Western countries through the early 1990s but eventually faced intense competition from emerging budget brands like Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton, which caused a sharp decline in sales.

Due to financial difficulties and the expensive upgrades required to comply with tighter European Union emissions regulations, Lada exited the UK and several European markets on 4 July 1997; sales of the Riva had already stopped several months prior. Efforts to comply with EU catalytic converter standards using carburettor technology were unsuccessful—catalytic converters were quickly damaged, and most vehicles failed MOT inspections because their fuel/air mixture control was less effective than fuel injection systems employed by competitors.

Following Lada’s withdrawal, many remaining UK-based Rivas were not scrapped but instead exported back to Russia where domestic shortages made them highly sought after; these export versions were often considered superior. As of 2021, numerous right-hand drive Rivas originally sold in the UK are still operational across Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the vehicle was marketed through the New Zealand Dairy Board, which received these cars in exchange for shipments of mutton and butter sent to the Soviet Union. This barter arrangement concluded in 1990.

2104

Estate Variant

  • VAZ-2104 – standard model featuring a carburetted engine from the VAZ-2105 paired with a 4-speed manual transmission (CAT)
  • VAZ-21041 – equipped with a VAZ-2101 engine fitted with four carburettors and PPC; this variant was never mass-produced
  • VAZ-21042 – powered by a VAZ-2103 engine configured for right-hand drive markets
  • VAZ-21043 – carburetted VAZ-2103 engine with either a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission; incorporates electrical systems and interior elements from the VAZ-2107
  • VAZ-21044 – export specification model utilizing a single-injection VAZ-2107 engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
  • VAZ-21045 – intended export version featuring a single-injection VAZ-2107 engine and 5-speed manual transmission; production was never initiated
  • VAZ-21045D – diesel PPC variant powered by a VAZ-341 engine with a 5-speed gearbox
  • VAZ-21047 – upgraded carburetted VAZ-2103 engine combined with a 5-speed manual transmission; enhanced interior; export models included a grille from the VAZ-2107
  • VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel model equipped with a VAZ-343 engine and 5-speed transmission; production was not realized
  • VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected version featuring a VAZ-21067 engine and 5-speed gearbox; interior and electrical components aligned with those of the VAZ-2107; front seats sourced from IL-2126
  • VAZ-21041 VF – fuel-injected model powered by a VAZ-2103 engine with a 5-speed transmission; radiator design borrowed from the VAZ-2107; interior and electricals matched to VAZ-2107 standards; front seats taken from Izh 2126

Pickup Variant

  • VAZ-21043-33 Pikap – equipped with a 1.5-litre engine producing 52 kW; produced by PSA VIS-Avto between 1991 and 2012

2105

  • Lada 2105 – features a carbureted VAZ-2105 engine (1.29 L, 64 PS, 92 Nm) paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox;
  • Lada 2105 b – equipped with a VAZ-2103 engine (1.6 L, 73 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2 compliant) and a 5-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21050 – powered by the VAZ-2105 engine combined with a 5-speed gearbox;
  • Lada 21051 – utilizes a carbureted VAZ-2101 engine (1.2 L, 59 PS, 85 Nm) alongside a 4-speed manual transmission;
  • Lada 21053 – comes with a carbureted VAZ-2103 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 104 Nm) and a 4-speed manual gearbox;
  • Lada 21053-20 – fitted with a VAZ-2104 engine (1.45 L, 71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2 standard) and a 5-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21054 – produced in limited quantities for traffic police and security services; 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 VAZ-21067 engine (1.57 L, 72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3 compliant) and a 5-speed transmission;
  • Lada 21055 – diesel variant manufactured in small numbers by Barnaultransmash (1.52 L, 53 PS, 96 Nm);
  • Lada 21057 (Riva) – export model with right-hand drive based on the VAZ-21053; features single injection engine meeting Euro-1 standards; produced between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and other left-hand traffic countries;
  • Lada 21058 (Riva) – right-hand drive export version of the VAZ-21050; manufactured from 1982 to 1994 targeting the UK and similar markets;
  • Lada 21059 – launched in 1980 as a specialized law enforcement edition fitted with rotary engines: VAZ-411M (120 PS,186 Nm) or VAZ-4132 (140 PS); includes a four-speed manual transmission; capable of reaching top speeds of 112 mph and accelerating to 60 mph within nine seconds; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
  • VIS-2345 – pickup truck based on the VAZ-21053/21054 platform produced by JSC VAZInterService from 1995 until 2006;
  • Lada 2105 VFTS – rally car developed at the Vilnius factory under Stasys Brundza; homologated for FISA Group B; powered by an enhanced VAZ-2106 engine featuring Weber carburetors (1.6 L,160 PS); equipped with a close-ratio gearbox and lightweight aluminum doors since its introduction in 1986;
  • Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle constructed by DOSAAF's "Vihur" association in Tallinn; homologated for Group A-2/1 using unmodified engines as per regulations.

2107

  • Lada 2107 (powered by engine 2103, four-cylinder carburetor);
  • Lada 21072 (equipped with engine 2105, four-cylinder carburetor featuring timing belt);
  • Lada 21073 (engine Grade 8 with single injection system designed for European export);
  • Lada 21074 (fitted with engine 2106, four-cylinder carburetor);
  • Lada 21076-20 (engine 2104, four-cylinder with point injection);
  • Lada 2107–71 (engine model 21034 optimized for petrol A-76 fuel; China-specific version);
  • Lada 21074-20 (powered by engine model 21067-10, four-cylinder distributed injection compliant with Euro-2);
  • Lada 21074-30 (utilizes engine model 21067-20, four-cylinder distributed injection meeting Euro-3 standards);
  • Lada 21077 (engine model 2105 with carburetor and timing belt; export version for UK market);
  • Lada 21078 (engine model 2106 with carburetor; designed for UK export);
  • Lada 21079 Debut in 1982 featuring two-rotor Wankel engines VAZ-411M or VAZ-4132 combined with five-speed manual transmission; capable of high speed and accelerating from zero to sixty mph in nine seconds; priced around fifty-eight thousand rubles; initially intended for federal agencies such as traffic police and KGB;
  • Lada 2107 ZNG (powered by engine model 21213 featuring point injection).

Other variants

Additional models included the Riva Signet, Riva versions with displacements of 1200,1300,1500, and1600 cc offered in trim levels "E" and "L". The Finnish importer marketed a turbocharged variant known as the Lada 2107 Turbo.

A limited quantity of rally cars were constructed equipped with Wankel engines featuring Weber DCOE twin-choke carburetors.

Manufacturing in Egypt by Suzuki

In 2000, Amal Foreign Trade Company partnered with AvtoVAZ to establish a joint venture focused on assembling Lada vehicles for the North African market. Lacking a dedicated manufacturing facility, they operated within the premises of a Suzuki plant located in Cairo to produce the Lada 2107 Riva. Assembly activities at Suzuki persisted until 2015, eventually incorporating the Lada 2110 model into production.

Safety

During the early 1980s, the vehicle complied with safety regulations set by the UNECE and GOST. Nonetheless, in 2001, the Lada 2107 was subjected to a frontal collision test by the Russian ARCAP program and received a score of zero out of sixteen points, earning no stars. This outcome was anticipated given the model’s antiquated body structure and safety engineering based on earlier testing protocols.

In 2002, Za Rulyom magazine conducted evaluations on two Lada 21053 units—a brand-new 2002 model and a used one from 1994. The newer vehicle met UNECE safety standards 12-03 and 33, whereas the older car failed to satisfy standard 33. The publication raised doubts regarding whether the 2002 version could adhere to more stringent safety requirements introduced later that same year.

Cessation of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classic models continued to enjoy significant sales in Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Production of the 2105 ceased at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility toward the end of 2010 after nearly three million units had been manufactured over three decades. Remaining variants were transferred to IzhAvto near Izhevsk.

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

By September 2012, production of the sedan series in Russia concluded as the final 2104 rolled off IzhAvto’s assembly line. Subsequently, IzhAvto replaced Classic models with the introduction of the Lada Granta. As of 2014, manufacture of the 2107 model persisted in Egypt.

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named automail
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named kowalke1997
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Chapman2005
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