LADA Granta FL (AD) what are the main disadvantages that make it not worth buying?

Specifications
EquipmentPrice
Standard519 900 ₽
Classic550 500 ₽
Classic Optima576 500 ₽
Comfort598 500 ₽
#Club615 900 ₽
Luxe637 800 ₽
Luxe Prestige676 800 ₽
Luxe (2018-2019)519 900 ₽

More Reviews


In 2022, at the Moscow Motor Show, AvtoVAZ showed a restyled version of the Lada Granta, or, to be more precise, a facelift, which is why the FL prefix appeared. The manufacturer declassified the car even before the exhibition and preserved all its canons of the most affordable car on the market. It is these canons that make the car the most popular in Russia.

There are a lot of disputes among fans about price and quality, but today we decided to simply tell you what the manufacturer has changed, touch on a few disadvantages - in general, make a full review. We will ignore the malfunctions, because they have long been known.

Vestovsky design

Everyone says that Vesta’s face was simply screwed onto the new model, this is certainly not the case. If you put the two models side by side, the difference will be noticeable. Architectural solutions - yes, they correspond to the older model - X-shaped muzzle. Is this bad - no, because all manufacturers make their cars in the same style.

There is a new, proprietary halogen optics, under which the chrome lines of the same letter run. The bumper is completely different, recessed inside where the Lada Granta fog lights are located. If we go into detail, we even changed the design of the injectors.

On the side there are new fenders with different arches, of course different wheels, door handles, etc. The 15-inch top-end wheels have acquired a different design of their own. A lot of changes were made to the rear. There's a unique trunk lid with recessed lines. The license plate was transferred to it from the bumper. The bumper has undergone major changes.

I think everyone will agree that the new product has become prettier.

Updated LADA GRANTA pros and cons

Of course, the most significant changes have occurred in the appearance of the Granta; slowly but surely, all AvtoVAZ models are acquiring a corporate identity, and the new Granta is no exception.

The appearance is similar to the older model - Vesta. The exterior features an X-shaped style, the optics, front and rear bumpers have changed.

The interior has become stylistically better; the same similarity with Vesta can be seen. The seats have acquired two-tone upholstery, the central display on the driver's panel has become more informative and contrasting, and the entire panel as a whole evokes positive emotions.

The ERA-GLONASS system is now an integral part of the car, the door opening handles have been transformed - they have become loop-shaped, the deflectors have been borrowed from Kalina, a small organizer has appeared on the top of the dashboard - these are little things, but it’s nice to feel the positive changes.

Body weight

AvtoVAZ stopped production of Kalina and instead created the Granta hatchback. There's nothing wrong with that, just some future confusion. There are 5 body versions in the line, which is really a lot:

  • sedan;
  • hatchback;
  • liftback;
  • station wagon;
  • Cross station wagon.

Dimensions of the Lada Granta sedan:

  • length – 4268 mm;
  • width – 1700 mm;
  • height – 1500 mm;
  • wheelbase – 2476 mm;
  • ground clearance - 180 mm.


The length of the hatchback is 342 mm shorter, the liftback is 18 mm shorter. The station wagon has gained 38 mm in height, and the length is 150 mm shorter than the sedan. The Cross version is slightly longer than the station wagon and is 8 mm higher due to the ground clearance.

Surprisingly, the sedan is cheaper, although less metal is used in the hatchback, just like when the fifth Polo sedan was released.

What if you calculate it in dollars?

The average price for a new one in 2012, according to our calculations, is $9,700. The same price, only after seven years of operation, is $3,946, i.e., a loss over such a long period of time is 60% of the original cost. To be honest, we thought it would be worse, because seven years of life for a Lada is almost the entire service life that the factory prescribes. In addition, our “grants” are exploited mercilessly, to the fullest, and are often found in taxis. Such cars are not stored under covers in garages, although there are still peppy examples, as in the photo above.

Interior changes

The interior began to look better, again it is compared with Vesta, although there is a lot from Kalina, for example, the dashboard, which was decorated with relief inserts. The materials remain the same - simple plastic and fabric on the seats.

The chairs have slightly changed their form factor and received two-tone upholstery. There is no more free space, but the platform and seating arrangement are still the same.

We installed a new steering wheel for the Lada Granta FL, which is familiar to the owners of the second Priora. They also installed a new instrument panel with a familiar architecture. These are deep wells with dials that are not the most readable, and the design of the on-board computer has been updated.

They even changed the lighting, because we had to install ERA-GLONASS.

A new radio with a small monitor is installed on the center console - old technology, but it will not be in the base, instead there is a usual place for the radio, which you need to install yourself. Another stove block with three washers was installed. They also removed the cigarette lighter, leaving a regular socket instead.

It is also worth noting the West gearbox lever, regardless of whether it is a mechanic or a robot.

So, 5 bodies – 5 trunks:

  • sedan - 520 liters;
  • hatchback – 240 liters;
  • liftback - 435 liters;
  • station wagon - 360 liters.

Results

LADA Granta rightfully occupies a leading position in terms of sales in Russia. The car is easy to maintain, relatively comfortable, and the handling is not as terrible as it might seem.

The suspension is very energy-intensive, the engines are reliable and time-tested, although the manual transmission makes that unforgettable rumble, simplicity and reliability prevail over noise.

There is also nothing wrong with the metal and its processing; Granta does not become covered with saffron milk caps after 5 years of use, as was the case with some specimens of the Kalina and Samara-2 family.

Simplicity, reliability and price are what Granta can be praised for.

Technical updates of Lada Granta

TypeVolumePowerTorqueOverclockingMaximum speedNumber of cylinders
Petrol1.6 l87 hp140 H*m11.6 sec.172 km/h4
Petrol1.6 l98 hp145 H*m13.1 sec.176 km/h4
Petrol1.6 l106 hp148 H*m10.5 sec.184 km/h4

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Let's look at the motors first. These are old 1.6-liter engines with new pistons, thanks to which a broken timing belt will not bend the valves. Otherwise, it is an old design with known problems.

Motor options:

  1. 186 – 8-valve engine producing 87 horsepower and 140 H*m of torque. According to the passport, it accelerates to hundreds in 11.6 seconds, and in the combined cycle it consumes 6.8 liters (passport figure);
  2. 126 is the most popular 16-valve engine, with a power of 98 horses and 145 units of torque. It takes 13.1 seconds to 100 km/h with the automatic transmission. Yes, this engine is not equipped with mechanics. Even according to the passport, the internal combustion engine consumes 10 liters of gasoline in the city.
  3. 127 is a top-end 16-valve engine that produces 106 horses with 148 units of torque. On a manual basis, such a car reaches a hundred in 10.5 seconds and consumes about 9 liters of gasoline in the city.

In the city, the base Granta FL engine will be enough, although it will be power-hungry, because you will have to rev it. The second engine has normal power, but due to the automatic transmission it becomes inconvenient for fuel consumption and acceleration. That is, AvtoVAZ seems to be inclined to buy the maximum engine.

The line of boxes is familiar, because it was used on the pre-Restyle, but there are technical changes. The base engine is sold with a 5-speed manual, the 126 engine comes with a 4-speed old Jatco automatic, the top engine can be equipped with a 5-speed robot in addition to the manual.

The main gearbox has been changed in the manual transmission. The question immediately arises: “howls?” - Certainly. The same story applies to the robot, because structurally it is mechanical. The robot's firmware was changed, the driven disks were changed and the thickness of the clutches was increased.

Did not like:

  • behavior on the road The control has, of course, become more accurate, but the car still falls in turns, the understeer is insufficient and the steering wheel is empty. At high speeds (more than 140 km/h), the feeling of comfort is lost and confidence in behavior disappears.
  • cotton brakes Where is the line for the brake to operate? In each “Grant” it is individual, but at first it is the same everywhere: air-air-air - bam! — there is a brake! And you nodded.
  • uncomfortable fit The Granta is more comfortable than the Lada and Samara and is a level higher in ergonomics. However, the main Kalinovsky flaw has been preserved in it - there is an acute lack of adjustment of the steering wheel for reach.
  • unpleasant sounds The vile signal, crunchy steering column switches, the sounds of locks, the howl of the transmission, etc. are etched in the memory. What is it like to hear this every day?
  • quality of materials in the cabin It’s clear that Granta is in the budget class, but we can’t help but mention the plastic. Hard, scratches easily. Low quality carpeting. Thin ceiling.

Driving sensations

They are old, there is absolutely nothing new here. The Lada Granta remained on the old platform, which is structurally very old. The front suspension is on independent MacPherson struts, while the rear has a semi-independent beam. Handling and comfort, if I can say so about AvtoVAZ, are exactly the same as before.

In the basic configuration there is no amplifier, fortunately in the next version an electric one appears.

Another regret was the old drum brake system at the rear. Even in the top-end Drive Active configuration, which we will discuss separately, there will be drums.

For the sake of objectivity, we note that the sedan has become quieter, but vibrations and the hum of the box remain, which drown out all the supposed silence.

Cost of service, spare parts

Thanks to the widely developed network of Lada official representative offices throughout the country, owners have no difficulties with choosing and purchasing spare parts. Prices for components are in the middle range, varying depending on the place of purchase.

Related link:

Review of modifications to the crankcase protection on the Lada Granta Liftback. Do-it-yourself installation

Lada Granta price

EquipmentPrice
Standard519 900 ₽
Classic550 500 ₽
Classic Optima576 500 ₽
Comfort598 500 ₽
#Club615 900 ₽
Luxe637 800 ₽
Luxe Prestige676 800 ₽
Luxe (2018-2019)519 900 ₽

Yes, it is precisely thanks to this point that the car is so popular. The basic package is sold for 455,900 rubles – is it attractive? Yes, but for this money the equipment will be as empty as possible, there won’t even be front windows. This is a frankly empty package for no clear purpose.

The maximum configuration of the Luxe Prestige on the robot costs 634,800 rubles, but the 98-horsepower engine on the automatic in the smaller version is 10 thousand more expensive, but the equipment will be worse. Luxe Prestige equipment:

  • Cruise control;
  • rear parking sensors;
  • air conditioner;
  • heated windshield;
  • 1-stage heated front seats;
  • 15-inch wheels;
  • rain and light sensors;
  • vertical adjustment of the driver's seat.

Conclusion:

People expected more! We don’t want to defend AvtoVAZ, but this is still a restyling, which has actually received a lot of minor changes. For the new generation this is really terrible, for the restyle it seems to be not bad. We don't like the pricing policy, but the changes to the exterior and interior are quite pleasant. How do you like the Lada Granta FL updates?

Liked:

  • excellent visibility The large glass area, typical of cars from the 90s, is perhaps one of the advantages of this body. The mirrors are cool too.
  • large trunk Without such a spacious hold, a workhorse cannot live. And the trunk of the Granta should be measured not in laboratory liters, but in bags of potatoes, alabaster or boxes.
  • energy-intensive suspension Suspension that is not afraid of bad roads. They say: where you were born, you came in handy. This is about the “Grants” campaign. But its not the best side is its rolliness and swinging.
  • good dynamics Not hurricane, but good acceleration from the 106-horsepower engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Among other engines for Grants, this is the best combination for confident starts from traffic lights and overtaking on highways.
  • affordable price There are no cheaper new cars on the market. Lada also captivates with its accessible service. And if your pocket is completely empty, then VAZs are still repairable in the garage.

Reviews

Positive
1.Victor , 36 years old: I like the Lada Granta model, good quality, optimal price, wide range of spare parts. Timely maintenance will extend the service life.
2.Valentin , 33 years old: I bought a car six months ago at a dealership, under warranty. I didn’t make any special investments, just small things like buying consumables. I heard a lot of complaints and negativity about Lada, but I can’t confirm it.
3.Vasily , 29 years old: I take care of my equipment, change oils, filters, lubricants, and antifreeze on time. It has never let me down, I am satisfied, my positive review.
4.Vyacheslav , 37 years old: I work as a taxi driver, day and night on the road on Grant. The machine works 100%, still under warranty. I plan to install a good radio and expensive seat covers.
5.Konstantin , 32 years old: my work involves concluding contracts and negotiating with customers. In a month I reach the monthly norm. I'm happy with the car, I fill it with high-octane fuel and high-quality oils.
6.Vladislav , 28 years old: the car is the second owner in six months, bought it second-hand. I got it in perfect condition, I try to maintain the tradition, it helps me out all the time.
7.Maxim , 33 years old: I do not agree with the complaints about the Lada, with moderate use the car is trouble-free and works fully. My advice to motorists.
Negative
1.Ignat , 44 years old: the car is two months old, and has already repeatedly contacted the service station for repairs under warranty. I am not satisfied with this quality, I will sell and buy Renault Logan.
2.Martin , 37 years old: the car was given as an anniversary gift, overall it’s okay, but it’s a little damp and has some flaws. There are two options: complete re-upholstery of components, mechanisms or sale. They are still thinking about solutions.
3.Gleb , 35 years old: the cheap plastic in the interior is simply disgusting, I don’t like it, I will install a torpedo from the second generation Opel Astra.

Conclusion Despite a number of negative reviews addressed to the Lada Granta Lift back, the model turned out to be a success. It’s a plus for developers and designers; this is a big breakthrough in domestic mechanical engineering. Those who do not share the point of view should purchase another brand. In the budget price segment it is difficult to find a better offer.

Related link:

Review and installation of windshields on the Lada Granta Liftback

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