VAZ-2111
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 in Tolyatti, Russia |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
| Products | Automobiles, including Lada 110 series (VAZ-2110, VAZ-2111, VAZ-2112) |
The Lada 110, also identified as VAZ-2110, is a compact car manufactured by the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ between 1995 and 2009. This model spawned two variants: the Lada 111 station wagon and the Lada 112 hatchback.
In 2007, the Lada 110 series was succeeded by the Lada Priora, a redesigned and updated iteration of the original vehicle.
History
The initial prototype of the Lada 110, referred to as the 300 series, was created in 1987 with aerodynamic enhancements developed in Zuffenhausen, Germany, through a partnership between AvtoVAZ and Porsche engineers. Early images were published in Za Rulem magazine in November 1990, and the vehicle was unveiled at AvtoVAZ's Tolyatti manufacturing facility in 1991. However, production was postponed due to an economic downturn and only began on June 27, 1995.
Equipped initially with a 1.6-liter engine delivering approximately , the model started with an 8-valve configuration before a 16-valve variant was introduced. Weighing roughly 1050 kg, it came with features such as electric windows, a trip computer, power steering, galvanized body panels, and fuel injection paired with electronic engine management on selected versions. A minor facelift in early 2006 brought updated rear lights and a redesigned dashboard.
The Lada 110 enjoyed strong domestic sales within Russia and continues to be widely used by taxi services in the Southern Federal District due to its cost-effectiveness.
The lineup underwent a refresh in 2007, reemerging as the Lada Priora.
Trim levels
The model was offered in three distinct trims: Standard, Normal, and Luxe.
The Standard trim provided amenities including a clock, heated rear windows, power locks for doors and trunk, an onboard control system, immobilizer, body-colored bumpers, tweed fabric for door panels and seats, along with front head restraints. The Normal trim added features such as power-operated windows, anti-glare exterior mirrors, velour upholstery, and rear head restraints. The Luxe version included heated front seats, a trip computer, fog lamps, electrically heated mirrors, velvet upholstery, a trunk spoiler with integrated brake lights, and tinted windows.
The Lada 110 series was popular among enthusiasts for customization options, particularly the five-door hatchback (Lada-112). Various companies based in Tolyatti produced body kits: APAL developed kits for Lada BIS 110/111; Tornado, Katran, Grossmeyster also contributed; AKS Kurage, Autostyle Tomcat, Motorica offered kits for Lada 110M (officially recognized by AvtoVAZ as a restyled model); Pit-Stop released Grand Rally and Rally Sport editions; Arsenal-Auto created the Sprint version. Super-Avto engineered a 1.8L engine upgrade along with an extended sedan variant (VAZ-21108 Premier), both officially listed by AvtoVAZ. Motorica designed the sporty VAZ-21106 featuring a 135 PS Opel engine and modified rear fenders. Additionally, Enterprise collaborated with AvtoVAZ on models like the Consul (1999–2006) and the four-wheel-drive Lada Tarzan based on the Lada 111 wagon chassis with elevated suspension on a separate frame.
Lada 111
The Lada 111, or VAZ-2111, represents AvtoVAZ's front-wheel-drive station wagon adaptation of the Lada 110 platform produced from 1998 until 2009. It continues to be manufactured at Bogdan’s Cherkasy facility under the name "Bogdan 2111" with minor modifications.
Introduced in 1998, this station wagon marked Russia’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle in this body style. Its rear bench folds in a 2:3 ratio to expand cargo volume from 490 liters up to 1,420 liters. Thanks to front-wheel drive and rear door design, it offers a low loading height. The wagon weighs approximately 20 kg more than its sedan counterpart and has a higher center of gravity; ride comfort improved while cornering performance slightly decreased.
Engine options included base VAZ-21110 models available in "standard," "normal," and "luxury" trims equipped with a 1.5L 8-valve engine; higher-end trims like VAZ-21113 featured a 16-valve engine; versions labeled "2111" and "2112" incorporated fuel injection systems along with catalytic converters; carbureted VAZ-21111 units were discontinued by 2002. All variants had shorter final drive ratios (3.9 compared to sedan’s 3.7). Starting late 2004, engines were upgraded to improved 1.6L units: the 21112 (8 valves) and the 21114 (16 valves), integrating other enhancements from the Lada 110 range.
Variants and Engine Options
- LADA-21111 (VAZ-21111) — equipped with a 1.5-liter carbureted engine;
- LADA-21109 (VAZ-21109) Consul — features a 16-valve, 1.6-liter 89 hp 21124 engine with fuel injection (Limo model);
- LADA-21110 (VAZ-21110) — powered by an 8-valve, 1.5-liter fuel-injected engine (Lada 111 1.5 Li);
- LADA-21113 (VAZ-21113) — includes a 16-valve, 1.5-liter fuel-injected engine;
- LADA-21112 (VAZ-21112) — fitted with an 8-valve, 1.6-liter 80 hp 21114 engine featuring fuel injection;
- LADA-21114 (VAZ-21114) — equipped with a 16-valve, 1.6-liter 89 hp 21124 fuel-injected engine;
- LADA-21116 (VAZ-21116-04) — utilizes a 2.0-liter, 150 hp Opel C20XE powerplant with all-wheel drive;
- VAZ-2111-90 Tarzan-2 — combines the VAZ-21111 body with a separate ladder frame and Niva drivetrain, powered by a 1.8-liter engine available in 80 and 85 hp variants, featuring four-wheel drive SUV capabilities;
- VAZ-2111-90 Pilgrim — an SUV-pickup hybrid similar to the Tarzan-2.
Lada 112
The Lada 112 or VAZ-2112 represents the hatchback version of the Lada 110, introduced in 1999. It boasts a more contemporary and refined aesthetic compared to classic Lada models and maintains strong popularity within the Russian automotive market. Its powertrain includes inline-four engines ranging from 1.5 to 1.6 liters, delivering approximately 90 horsepower in both eight-valve and sixteen-valve formats. The vehicle reaches a maximum velocity of 185 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in roughly twelve seconds. Standard features include a five-speed manual gearbox and rear drum brakes, with curb weights spanning between 1,050 and 1,230 kilograms. Manufacturing took place in Russia at Tolyatti through AvtoVAZ and Super-Avto, as well as in Bucharest, Romania at Dunarea S.A.
Lada 112 Coupé
AvtoVAZ produced a 112 Coupé model distinguished by its three-door layout instead of the standard five-door design. This variant was assembled at VAZ's subsidiary facility and succeeded the Lada Nadezhda on pilot production lines. Production of the Coupé ceased in 2008 following the introduction of the Lada Priora hatchback.
International Production
Although production of the Lada 110 ceased in Russia in 2007, the Bogdan company continued manufacturing it under the name Bogdan 2110 for the Ukrainian market until 2014. Additionally, production persisted in Egypt until the year 2015.
Safety Performance
In testing conducted by the Russian ARCAP safety program in 2002, the vehicle received no stars out of a possible four. Despite a notably robust body structure and an interior safety design that surpassed competitors such as the Nissan Almera and Ford Escort, significant issues arose due to excessive chest compression caused by seat belts during impact tests. Experts advised incorporating airbags alongside modern seat belt systems equipped with pretensioners and load limiters to align with contemporary safety requirements.
Motorsport Involvement
The Lada 110 took part in the 2008 World Touring Car Championship season, entered by the Russian Bears Motorsport team with drivers Viktor Shapovalov (#28) and Jaap van Lagen (#29).
During the 2009 World Touring Car Championship season, Team LADA Sport campaigned three Lada 110 vehicles driven by Jaap Van Lagen, Kirill Ladygin, and Viktor Shapovalov before switching to newer Prioras midway through the season.