VAZ-2105

AvtoVAZ
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1966
Headquarters	Togliatti, Russia
Products	Automobiles, including Lada Classic series (VAZ-2105, 2104, 2107)

The Lada / VAZ-2105, 2104, and 2107 models, collectively sold as the Lada Riva in right-hand drive countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as branded the Lada Nova in Germany and under various other names worldwide, represent a series of compact sedans from the Zhiguli range. These vehicles are based on the Fiat 124 architecture and were produced by Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ (previously known as VAZ). Launched in 1979 within the Soviet Union, they entered Western European and global markets during the early 1980s under the Lada marque. The series comprised sedan versions (2105 and 2107) alongside a station wagon variant (2104).

Currently referred to as the Lada Classic family, these cars originate from the Fiat 124 platform—a fundamental model for AvtoVAZ since its establishment in the late 1960s. Production at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility concluded in September 2012.

This platform, together with other derivatives of the Fiat 124, holds the distinction of being the third highest-selling single-generation automobile platform worldwide, following the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Model T. It also ranks among the longest continuously manufactured vehicles globally, alongside notable models such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Hindustan Ambassador, Volkswagen (Type 2) Bus, Toyota 70 Series, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

History

Debuting in 1979 with mass production starting in 1980, the Riva represents an updated iteration of the original Lada type VAZ-2101 Zhiguli sedan—a modified licensed version of the Fiat 124 introduced in 1970. Development work on this facelift began in 1975 with prototypes completed by 1977; however, Western European markets only received it from 1983 onwards. The vehicle was aimed primarily at cost-conscious buyers.

The Riva lineup is officially designated as VAZ-2105 for the standard sedan, VAZ-2104 for the station wagon, and VAZ-2107 for the upscale sedan featuring a chrome grille. Within Russia, these models are recognized individually within the "Klassika" ("Classic") series, alongside earlier models like the VAZ-2101. Informally, they are referred to as Pyatyorka ("the five"), Chetvyorka ("the four"), and Semyorka ("the seven").

Mechanically close to the VAZ-2101, these cars employed Fiat-origin manual gearboxes, coil spring suspension systems, and rear aluminium alloy drum brakes with cast iron shoes. The smaller-engine VAZ-2105 incorporated a redesigned inline-four engine equipped with a toothed belt camshaft drive instead of the original chain-driven mechanism. Larger-engined VAZ-2107 versions utilized either a chain-driven OHC engine derived from the VAZ-2103 or a later engine variant. In 1992, engine upgrades introduced single-point fuel injection and catalytic converters to comply with emissions regulations.

The premium-oriented 2107 model launched in 1982 featured enhancements such as upgraded interiors, front headrests, a redesigned instrument cluster, and a chrome front grille; it was powered by either a or engine (designated 21072 and 21074 respectively). A Wankel rotary engine variant (21079) was also manufactured.

The initial station wagon version, the 2104, was introduced in 1984 offering three different engines: , , and .

Export sales were strong across Eastern Europe while Western markets included countries such as the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand—where it was notably used as taxis—Canada (marketed briefly as the Dennis Signet), and Finland which maintained robust trade relations with the Soviet Union. Canadian models were distinguished by their whitewall tires. Sales in Western Europe ceased by July 1997 due to increasingly stringent safety and emissions standards combined with economic challenges following the Soviet Union's dissolution.

Although withdrawn from most Western markets, production persisted at AvtoVAZ in Russia under the Lada Classic designation. This model remained among Russia’s most affordable new cars and continues to enjoy popularity within the used vehicle market.

In 2002, production of the station wagon shifted to Izh, later expanding assembly operations to include plants operated by Bogdan group’s LuAZ facility and factories located in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The 2107 model was additionally produced at Ukraine’s ZAZ plant and Suzuki’s manufacturing site in Egypt. Production of the 2107 in Russia moved to Izh in August 2011. After approximately thirty years of manufacturing, production of the 2105 ended in 2010; followed by discontinuation of both 2104 and 2107 models in 2012.

United Kingdom

In the British market, the Riva was introduced as the 1300GL in July 1983, featuring the 21051 model (known as the Riva 1200L) equipped with a engine. The UK sales strategy emphasized affordability and reliability. By 1986, British sales exceeded 20,000 units, predominantly Rivas, and reached a peak of over 30,000 by 1988 when the Samara model was added to the lineup. Imports of earlier VAZ-2101/2102/2106 models ceased shortly after the Riva’s launch, although these vehicles continued to be sold within the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries for several more years.

A review published by the British magazine Autocar praised its competitive price of £3,158 (equivalent to £10,736.82 in 2020), enhanced performance, and generous standard features such as height-adjustable headlights, an adjustable driver’s mirror, velour upholstery, a heated rear window, and a comprehensive 21-piece toolkit. Despite these advantages, its outdated design and simple interior meant it could not rival more expensive market leaders like the Ford Sierra or Vauxhall Cavalier. The Riva maintained strong sales in the UK and other Western markets through the early 1990s but gradually lost ground to emerging budget brands including Daewoo, Hyundai, Kia, and Proton, resulting in a significant decline in sales. Financial difficulties combined with insufficient investment to comply with stricter European Union emissions regulations led Lada to withdraw from the UK and certain European markets on 4 July 1997; Riva sales had already ended several months earlier.

Lada’s approach to meeting EU catalytic converter requirements by using carburettors instead of fuel injection caused frequent catalyst failures and widespread MOT test failures for vehicles aged three years.

Following its withdrawal from the UK market, most remaining Rivas were not scrapped but instead re-exported to Russia due to a shortage of used cars there. These export-spec versions were generally regarded as superior to their domestic counterparts. Even as late as 2021, numerous right-hand drive former UK Rivas remained operational throughout Russia and other former Soviet republics.

New Zealand

The vehicle was also marketed in New Zealand, where it was distributed by the New Zealand Dairy Board. The cars were received as barter payments in exchange for mutton and butter shipments sent to the Soviet Union. This trade arrangement ended in 1990.

2104

Estate version

VAZ-2104 – base variant powered by a VAZ-2105 1.3L carbureted engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission (CAT)
VAZ-21041 – equipped with a VAZ-2101 1.2L engine featuring four carburettors; PPC; not mass-produced
VAZ-21042 – right-hand drive model with a VAZ-2103 1.5L engine
VAZ-21043 – fitted with a VAZ-2103 1.5L carburetor engine; available with either a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission; includes electrical systems and interior components from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21044 – export variant featuring a VAZ-2107 1.7L single-point fuel injection engine coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission
VAZ-21045 – export version equipped with a VAZ-2107 1.8L single-point injection engine and a 5-speed manual; never entered production
VAZ-21045D – diesel PPC model powered by a VAZ-341 1.5L engine with a 5-speed transmission
VAZ-21047 – upgraded edition featuring a VAZ-2103 1.5L carburetor engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox, and an updated interior; export models included the grille design from the VAZ-2107
VAZ-21048 – pre-production diesel prototype with a VAZ-343 1.77L engine and a 5-speed transmission; never produced commercially
VAZ-21041i – fuel-injected variant equipped with a VAZ-21067 1.6L engine and a 5-speed gearbox; shares interior trim and electrical components with the VAZ-2107 and front seats sourced from the IL-2126
VAZ-21041 VF – combines radiator styling from the VAZ-2107 with a fuel-injected VAZ-2103 1.5L engine and a 5-speed gearbox; includes interior fittings and electronics from the VAZ-2107 along with front seats from Izh-2126

Pickup version

VAZ-21043-33 Pikap – pickup truck powered by a 1.5L engine producing 52 kW; manufactured between 1991 and 2012 by PSA VIS-Avto

2105

Lada 2105 – powered by a carbureted VAZ-2105 engine (1.29 L, 64 PS, 92 Nm) paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 2105 b – features a VAZ-2103 engine equipped with multi-point fuel injection (1.6 L, 73 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) and a 5-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21050 – incorporates the VAZ-2105 engine alongside a 5-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 21051 – utilizes a carbureted VAZ-2101 engine (1.2 L, 59 PS, 85 Nm) mated to a 4-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21053 – equipped 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 featuring multi-point injection (1.45 L, 71 PS, 110 Nm, Euro-2) and a 5-speed manual transmission;
Lada 21054 – produced in limited numbers for traffic police, Interior Ministry, and FSB; powered by a carbureted VAZ-2106 engine (1.57 L, 72 PS, 122.5 Nm), includes additional fuel tank and battery capacity;
Lada 21054-30 – equipped with the VAZ-21067 engine featuring distributed injection (1.57 L, 72 PS, 116 Nm, Euro-3) and a 5-speed manual gearbox;
Lada 21055 – a niche diesel model developed by Barnaultransmash (1.52 L, 53 PS, 96 Nm);
Lada 21057 (Riva) – export variant of the VAZ-21053 featuring right-hand drive and single-point injection engine (Euro-1), manufactured between 1992 and 1997 for the UK and other left-hand traffic countries;
Lada 21058 (Riva) – export model of the VAZ-21050 with right-hand drive produced from 1982 to 1994 targeting UK and similar markets;
Lada 21059 – introduced in 1980 as a special edition for traffic police, Interior Ministry, and KGB; powered by two-rotor Wankel engines VAZ-411M (120 PS,186 Nm) or VAZ-4132 (140 PS), both paired with four-speed manual transmissions; capable of reaching a top speed of 112 mph and accelerating to 60 mph within nine seconds; priced at approximately 52,000 rubles;
VIS-2345 – pickup truck derived from VAZ-21053/54 platforms produced by JSC VAZInterService from 1995 until 2006;
Lada 2105 VFTS – rally sports model developed at Vilnius factory under Stasys Brundza; homologated according to FISA Group B regulations; powered by carbureted VAZ-2106 engine with WEBER carburetors (1.6 L,160 PS at 7000 rpm,165 Nm at 5500 rpm); featured close-ratio gearboxes and aluminum doors from 1986 onwards to reduce weight;
Lada 2105 VIHUR – rally vehicle manufactured by DOSAAF's "Vihur" industrial association in Tallinn; homologated for Group A-2/1 category retaining standard engines.

2107

Lada 2107 – equipped with the carbureted four-cylinder engine from the VAZ-2103 series;
Lada 21072 – powered by the carbureted four-cylinder VAZ-2105 engine incorporating a timing belt;
Lada 21073 – features the Grade 8 single-injection engine designed for export markets in Europe;
Lada 21074 – fitted with the carbureted four-cylinder VAZ-2106 engine;
Lada 21076-20 – utilizes the four-cylinder VAZ-2104 engine with point injection system;
Lada 2107–71 – Chinese market version powered by the petrol A-76 compatible engine VAZ-21034;
Lada 21074-20 – equipped with the distributed injection VAZ-21067-10 engine meeting Euro-2 standards;
Lada 21074-30 – features the Euro-3 compliant distributed injection engine VAZ-21067-20;
Lada 21077 – UK export model powered by carbureted VAZ-2105 engine with timing belt;
Lada 21078 – UK export variant fitted with carbureted VAZ-2106 engine;
Lada 21079 – introduced in Debut of 1982; powered by two-rotor Wankel engines VAZ-411M or VAZ-4132 paired with a five-speed manual transmission; originally intended for federal agencies including traffic police and KGB; capable of reaching high speeds and accelerating to in nine seconds; priced around 58,000 rubles;
Lada 2107 ZNG – fitted with the point injection system on the VAZ-21213 engine.

Other versions

The lineup also featured models such as the Riva Signet, Riva 1200, Riva 1300, Riva 1500, and Riva 1600, available in trim levels "E" and "L". In Finland, the local distributor offered a turbocharged variant known as the Lada 2107 Turbo.

A limited series of rally vehicles were produced, utilizing Wankel rotary engines paired with Weber DCOE twin-choke carburetors.

Assembly operations in Egypt

In 2000, a partnership was established between Amal Foreign Trade Company and AvtoVAZ to assemble Lada vehicles for the North African market. Lacking a specialized manufacturing facility, assembly of the Lada 2107 occurred at a Suzuki factory located in Cairo. This production continued until 2015 and later incorporated the Lada 2110 model into the range.

Safety

During the early 1980s, the vehicle complied with safety regulations set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and GOST standards. Nevertheless, in a 2001 frontal crash evaluation conducted by the Russian ARCAP program, the 2107 model received a score of zero out of sixteen points and was awarded no stars. This poor performance highlighted its outdated structural design and lack of modern safety features.

In 2002, the magazine Za Rulyom assessed two Lada 21053 units: a brand-new 2002 model and a used one from 1994. While the newer vehicle met UNECE regulations 12-03 and 33, the older one failed to satisfy these criteria. Analysts expressed skepticism about whether the 2002 version could comply with more stringent safety standards introduced later that year.

Cessation of production

Throughout the 2010s, Lada Classics maintained solid sales figures within Russia and several former Eastern Bloc nations. Production of the 2105 concluded at AvtoVAZ’s Togliatti facility in late 2010 after nearly three million units were built over three decades; subsequent manufacturing of all variants was transferred to IzhAvto’s plant near Izhevsk.

The production of the 2107 shifted to IzhAvto in August 2011, marking the end of original Fiat 124–based vehicle manufacturing at Togliatti after a continuous run of 41 years and over fourteen million cars produced.

In September 2012, assembly of the sedan variant ended when the final 2104 was completed at IzhAvto. The factory then switched its focus to producing the Lada Granta. Nonetheless, as of 2014, manufacturing of the 2107 continued in Egypt.

External links

Lada and Fiat model (Russian)
Lada Cars reviews, images, infos (English)