In the range between despair and hope. Test drive of the Lada Granta liftback

The Lada Granta sedan is considered a rather controversial car among motorists.

Some people like the simplicity of the design and unpretentiousness in technical terms, while other drivers were not satisfied with these parameters.

As new models were released, the original version was modified, some innovations were added to it, as in the case of the Lada Grantov Liftback. Quite recently, AvtoVAZ introduced the Lada Granta Liftback in the Lux configuration, which in itself should mean the highest degree of development of the Lada Granta. Did the engineers succeed and what is all the “luxury” of this model? Let's find out.

Transmission and engine

The luxury version of the Grants Liftback has a four-cylinder power unit equipped with eight valves. The engine capacity is 1.6 liters and the horsepower is rated at 106. Passive turbocharging adds power to the engine.

Transmission can be provided in the form of either a manual transmission or an automatic transmission. Both options have 5 steps. The manual transmission has a cable drive, which significantly reduces vibration when changing gears.

Specifications

In technical terms, the updated liftback, like Granta in other body variants, has acquired virtually nothing new. The car, as before, is available with eight- and sixteen-valve engines. The power unit, depending on the configuration, can have a power of 87, 98 and 106 hp. It is famous for its reliability and efficiency. Despite the fact that the manufacturer recommends using AI-95 gasoline, the car can run quite well on AI-92.

The only change in the technical characteristics of the Lada Granta was that there are now versions with automatic transmission. It is installed on a car with a 98 hp engine. There is still no reliable and accurate information about how the machine behaves on this machine. But, according to the manufacturer, he managed to cope with the howling and early failure of the manual transmission, which often haunted the owners of the first version of the liftback. In addition, such machines are also available with a robot. But in basic configurations it will only be available with a manual transmission.

Control

The hydraulic booster ensures easy turning of the steering wheel. Granta Liftback Lux is also characterized by a soft grip. The accelerator pedal is also responsive compared to other Lada Granta models.

The dynamic stabilization system ensures vehicle stability, so the driver will not go into an uncontrolled skid even in emergency areas such as, for example, an icy road. The driving dynamics are also several times higher than on a conventional liftback.

Salon in the liftback

The configurations vary quite a lot from each other. In general, the interior turned out to be predominantly dark shades.

Practicality is felt in every detail: dark plastic and upholstery help to better keep the interior clean. On a pleasant note, it is worth noting the appearance of an updated screen between the wells on the dashboard. The graphics have been brought to a level where nothing interferes with reading information on a sunny day.

Price and equipment

Granta Liftback Lux 2022 comes with the following configuration:

• fog lights;
• signaling;
• 12 volt socket located in the luggage compartment;
• a function that determines the delay when turning off the headlights;
• The cigarette lighter comes with an ashtray that is not secured to the housing;
• case for glasses.

Related link:
Recommendations for installing ESD on the Lada Granta. List of faults and ways to eliminate them

The price of the Luxury Grant Liftback is 403,400 rubles.

Granta Liftback Lux Prestige is supplied in the following configuration:

1. all the features included in the Luxury model;
2. directional stability system;
3. Cruise control;
4. speed limiter;
5. a system designed to prevent slipping on unsteady sections of the road.

Lux and Lux ​​Prestige also have differences in the technical components of the package. The exterior of the Lux Prestige model boasts the following features:

• light alloy wheels with R15 radial;
• spare wheel;
• black door frames;
• door handles in body color;
• side doors are equipped with moldings.

Driver and passenger safety is ensured by airbags, rear door locks, anti-lock brakes, rear-seat head restraints and a security alarm.

First impression or exterior

“X” – front bumper graphics. This innovation most clearly indicates the latest generation model from LADA. The trend of the future is immediately visible to the naked eye. We already have a worthy competitor to some inexpensive foreign analogues, at least from an exterior point of view. A young driver often likes this design, but everything is individual.

Other striking details include expressive lighting technology and an updated trunk topography. The roof has a smooth transition to the trunk, but on the driver’s side there is a sharp rise. We can immediately talk about increased space above the head of the rear passenger, as well as free access to the trunk from the street.

Two solutions from the manufacturer gave it a sporty look:

1. Rising sill line.
2. Sloping roof.

Of course, there is not much sportiness, but it is present here. New 15-inch wheels, better angle for washer nozzles, sculpted curves along the entire body. Getting to work with such a car is a pleasure, because it will emphasize the slightly elevated status of its owner.

Driving comfort

User comfort is provided by the following options:

1. the ability to adjust the steering wheel height;
2. heated front mirrors designed to maintain visibility during icing conditions;
3. power windows installed on all windows;
4. intuitive touch display of the multimedia system;
5. on-board computer;
6. climate control.

LADA Granta liftback configurations

• Standard – 451 thousand rubles;
• Classic – 485 thousand rubles;
• Comfort – 531 thousand rubles;
• Luxe – 583 thousand rubles.

The largest number of configuration options is for Luxe: 10 positions with their own set of options. Prices vary, so there is plenty to choose from. Start from 451 thousand rubles.

The maximum configuration will cost almost 200 thousand rubles more. – 639 thousand rubles. Neither configuration has any advantages over its analogues.

The driver has to make the most difficult choice on his own, based on the desired level of comfort and safety. Although, to be fair, it should be said that all trim levels are good in their own way, because the prices correspond to their level of equipment.

Gallery

COMPARISON TABLE OF EQUIPMENTS

Related link:
Lada Granta Liftback: owner reviews

Review of the new Lada Granta in the liftback body. From 314 thousand rubles...

On May 14, in the city of Izhevsk, the official start was given to the production of the Lada Granta car in a liftback body (or, if someone prefers, they can call it a hatchback). I think I won’t open America by saying that the model can be called long-awaited. Indeed, after the start of production of the Granta, a lot of gasoline leaked in the sedan body, the head of AVTOVAZ managed, for the umpteenth time, to change, and the model, contrary to the original “low-cost” concept, acquired luxury equipment, including those equipped with automatic transmission. According to Bo Andersson, the new director of the automobile plant, the Granta liftback will be assembled only here, at the Izhevsk site. For this purpose, serious investments were poured into the plant, and production was thoroughly modernized.

But, looking ahead, I will say that the wait was worth it. This, of course, is just my subjective opinion, but the car turned out to be much more harmonious than its older brother, which managed to become a bestseller. However, in addition to the body type itself, the changes also affected many details, in which, as we know, the devil often lies. For example, the Izhevsk Granta has noticeably softer rear doors that open and close, which Bo Andersson did not fail to emphasize during a press conference appropriate for the occasion. And he also announced the price for this car, which, according to him, will start “from 314 thousand rubles.” Well, as they say, we'll see and see.

At the official ceremony, from left to right: acting. Head of the Republic of Udmurtia Alexander Solovyov, General Director of IzhAvto Mikhail Ryabov, President of OJSC AVTOVAZ Bo Andersson

However, I will not rewrite official press releases, because anyone can find them on the Internet without me. Moreover, the official part, full of all kinds of praises to different addresses, was only a prelude to the main course - a test drive of the new product.

This is what we came here for, this is what we will do.

So, test drive. For the test, we were provided with luxury cars equipped with two types of transmissions: manual and, as you might guess, automatic. In the first half of the day, our crew’s lot fell on the mechanics, but after lunch we had to test the capabilities of the “automatic”.

It was quite hot like summer, so we decided to take advantage of the luxury equipment and, closing the windows tightly, turned on the air conditioning. By the way, about windows. The control unit for electric windows, electric mirrors and central locking is completely unified here with the Kalinovsky one. According to AVTOVAZ specialists present at the test drive, the user can independently reprogram it to the “one-touch” glass operating mode.

The route ran through the picturesque places of the Republic of Udmurtia, but in order to get to them, it was necessary to leave the city. And for starters, at least from the parking lot. And here is my first remark, deftly and without hesitation parried by project director Oleg Grunenkov: “There are side mirrors!”

I think after these words there is no need to explain what the essence of my complaints was: the massive rear pillars, the high lower edge of the trunk door glass, which in turn falls at an acute angle - all this together led to a sad result. There is practically no rear visibility through the interior mirror.

Externally - an elegant, stylish exterior. When viewed from the inside, there is an embrasure that provides minimal visibility only nominally.

And to continue the topic, Oleg said that the “liftback” body differs from a traditional hatchback in that the sedan-like microshelf behind the rear window protects this glass from contamination even when driving in the chilly off-season, which has been confirmed by long-term tests.

Moreover, cars of this model in the minimum configuration will not even be equipped with a rear wiper. Abolished as unnecessary. In my opinion, the decision is more than bold and risky. Let's see what the first users say... However, what they left is what they came to - even if this glass is completely splattered with dirt, it will still be of little use. If we return to the external mirrors, they provide quite a decent overview without having intimidating dimensions. In the luxury version, which we received for testing, the mirrors are equipped with electric drive, and additional turn signals are integrated into them.

However, I digress. Having gotten comfortable behind the wheel and leaving the city, I, of course, began to “hooligan” - trying to accelerate to speeds that were indecent from the point of view of traffic police inspectors. And I succeeded, despite the air conditioner constantly consuming some of the power. Moreover, the car accelerated quite briskly, and I often didn’t even have to push the gear down when overtaking. By the way, the gear shift left a pleasant impression: clearly, pleasantly “to the touch”, the lever strokes are moderately wide, and the rear one is finally engaged again according to the algorithm, namely “down and back”.

There was enough power in fourth and sometimes fifth gear. 106 horsepower produced by a 16-valve engine, despite the fact that the car weighs only 1,070 kg - this, I tell you, is quite a dynamic combination. But for every plus in our life there is also a minus. I wouldn’t really recommend accelerating over 140 km/h on our routes - the low mass of the car also has the other side of the coin - after all, miracles do not happen and no one has canceled the laws of physics - the car begins to rise above the road, and what does this mean, I I think there is no need to explain. Another point - even with the windows completely closed, aerodynamic noise is noticeably audible, which, by the way, contradicts the information from the official press release. And after driving through a section of the road that was undergoing either repair or something similar at the time we drove along it, we were bothered for a long time by the loud and very unpleasant sound of gravel hitting the wheel arches. Here the sound insulation really leaves a lot to be desired. But to this, Grunenkov, who never reaches into his pocket for words, found an answer. He and his team are aware of this problem, and they know how to solve it. The problem, he said, will be resolved. True, it is not entirely clear why in this case, it has not yet been solved... Well, oh well, as they say, “noise does not affect speed!” But, unfortunately, it has a very great effect on the image, so I sincerely wish Grunenkov’s team to solve this problem as soon as possible. Well, it’s a shame, a new car, a reasonable claim to compete with more eminent “classmates”, so much talk about quality and innovation, but the problems are still the same.

Driving on an uneven (read, ordinary) road left quite a pleasant impression - the traditional, VAZ-like elastic suspension made it possible, however, to overcome small irregularities such as tram rails quite quickly and relatively comfortably, without clanking your teeth. Moreover, while driving along the route, I drove from the asphalt onto the dirt road along a rather steep descent, strewn with large rubble and small holes - the suspension was not “broken” even once, the bumpers remained alive and well. By the way, such sections also represent tests for body rigidity, which, according to official information, has been significantly strengthened. If you are interested in numbers, then compared to the “chisel”, which our liftback will replace, the rigidity has increased by as much as 2 times. What’s even more interesting is that I was later able to climb up the same slope back to the asphalt. There was enough suspension travel and engine power. Honestly, I doubted the possibility of such a maneuver, but Oleg Grunenkov, who was still present in our crew, encouraged me with the words: “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll get behind the wheel myself!” If so, then it means that the problem is not in the car, but in the driver. Something, but I have enough confidence. And yes, neither my abilities nor the car let me down. Only at the end of the climb, when one of the front wheels fell into a hole and I had to “push the gas”, the gravel flying out from under the wheel, sharply knocking on the body, cooled my ardor. Checking the condition of the body after this test did not reveal any defects - no chips were found on the external panels. Neither my ego nor my car were damaged during this ordeal.

Regarding the suspension, let me still quote the press release:

“The luxury versions are equipped with a suspension, which was introduced in January 2014 on the new Lada Kalina. The front suspension received an increased spring stiffness, a gas-filled shock absorber with modified characteristics, a trailing arm with increased rigidity and a stabilizer with a diameter of 24 mm instead of 22 mm. The changes in the rear suspension are similar - the spring stiffness and the diameter of the stabilizer have been increased, and the shock absorber has been changed. The upgraded suspension was subjected to comprehensive tests, in which experts from Renault, Nissan and AvtoVAZ participated. Tests have shown that the ride, stability and controllability of the car have increased - while achieving a successful balance of comfort and controllability. Thus, the car has become not only closer to European standards, but has become even better adapted to Russian road conditions.”

But let's get back to the track. As already mentioned, a powerful engine provokes violations of the speed limit, which happened regularly. Let me draw your attention to a couple of points. I would not call these disadvantages or advantages - these are just features that you need to get used to. For example, for me, who had long been accustomed to hydraulics, the electric power steering gave me a not very pleasant surprise - at high speeds the steering wheel becomes noticeably heavier. This is noticeable when entering a bend at speeds of about a hundred. At the same time, when driving in a straight line, the steering wheel seems empty in the “zero” position. The second point is the difficultly measured force on the brake pedal. At first it seems like you are trying to press your foot into loose sand. At first, when driving in city traffic, out of habit, this caused a couple of unpleasant moments. At the same time, the brakes are quite effective - in case of emergency or simply very intense braking, you can not doubt them. I checked, they won't let you down. But I think that although security is important, many are also interested in more mundane, mercantile aspects. The average fuel consumption on this car left us with 7.9 liters per hundred kilometers. At the same time, the average consumption was very strongly influenced by the training and demonstration driving around the training ground - intense, “gas to the floor” acceleration, equally intense braking, as well as rubber abrasion exercises on the “snake”. Before this section, the consumption, according to the on-board computer, was one liter less. I think this is quite a worthy result. By the way, I’ll quote Oleg Grunenkov again - according to him, in all documents he always indicates real numbers, and not “ceremonial, spherical in a vacuum.”

The test drive program meant that each participant would be able to experience the capabilities of both types of transmissions. Therefore, in the second half of the test, a Granta with an automatic transmission was waiting for us, still in the same luxury configuration.

However, in addition to the presence of an “automatic”, the car differed from the “mechanics” also in the presence of parking sensors...

...as well as light and rain sensors. As they say, it’s a small thing, but it’s nice.

The light control unit implies an automatic mode operating under the control of a light sensor

The automatic transmission of this car is combined with a 16-valve engine producing 98 horsepower.

Catcollector with oxygen sensor

ABS block

Inserts made of porous rubber - an element of vibration and noise insulation

How does it feel to drive an automatic? Here, perhaps, it would be appropriate to recall the old Japanese wisdom. A wisdom that has become an anecdote says: “A samurai without a sword is like a samurai with a sword. But without a sword." So it is with us. The automatic Granta is similar to the manual Granta. But “automatically”. Everything is the same, only, of course, more convenient and pleasant. Again, I won’t be the first to notice how well this “automatic” is configured - both a quiet ride in a “pensioner” style, and attempts to “burn it out” - the transmission reacts to all this quite adequately. Unless... However, I’ll tell you in order. The organizers of the event combined a cultural and entertainment program with a work program for us, test drive participants. And one of the points on our route was the village of Buranovo. Yes, yes, the same one that is the residence of famous grandmothers.

Of course, there was an impromptu concert, a visit to the museum and a meal of national dishes. As a result, Udmurt hospitality, regularly financially supported by tourist investments, extended the break to indecent lengths. And as a result, the cars had time to cool down. Apparently, this is why, during the first attempt at rapid acceleration after a long stay, small shocks were clearly noticeable when changing gears. Subsequently, as the engine and automatic transmission warmed up, this effect disappeared. And so it’s a completely ordinary, simple and reliable automatic transmission. When overtaking, you need to keep in mind that there will be a short moment of thoughtfulness, after which you can safely “push your slipper.”

Granta with automatic transmission in the luxury configuration is equipped with an ESC dynamic stabilization system, which can be turned off by the driver

By the way, in Buranovo we noted one unpleasant moment - when reversing in short grass, false alarms occurred from the parking sensors. And the grass didn’t even reach the bumper, and for some reason the buzzer was beeping. However, this is perhaps better than its failure in a truly critical situation. But still, I don’t want a compromise, but adequate work. A series of short meetings were also held in the famous village to discuss our claims. So, for example, we found a “cricket” in the front panel, which was immediately reported to the Chief Responsible for everything in this car, Grunenkov, of course. A five-minute “council in Fili,” or rather, in Buranovo, and the reason was found, ways to solve the problem were outlined. According to Oleg, he takes everything we say “on pencil”; all questions are worked out one way or another.

The central console of the front panel, the location of the multimedia system, air conditioning controls and, concurrently, the place of residence of the “cricket” we discovered, which we were promised to deal with in the near future

But I digress. According to subjective feelings, the dynamics of a car with an automatic transmission are practically no different from the same indicator of a car with a manual transmission. With the exception of the features inherent in the “automatic machine”. We remember about the “samurai without a sword,” right? But, of course, there are no free carrots, and fuel consumption is noticeably higher here. Not catastrophically, but higher. I have heard that on a Grant in a sedan equipped with an automatic transmission, the consumption can allegedly reach up to 17 liters per hundred - I don’t know, I don’t know. I believe my eyes - we didn’t have more than 10 liters. Despite the fact that we were not shy and tried to get the most out of the car, while enjoying the comfort that the air conditioning gave us. The final figure, the one we saw on the display at the end of the test, was only 9.6 liters per hundred. It is a fact. Not garage rumors or gossip.

What's the result?

I'll start with the main thing. Despite some shortcomings (which they promise to fix) and design features (which to accept or not is a matter of everyone’s choice), on the whole I liked the cars. Both. Which one would I buy for personal use? I think, if I had the finances, I would opt for the automatic machine. With age, somehow, you know, I wanted more comfort.

By the way, if we are already talking about finances, then, again, according to official information, a Lada Granta with a manual transmission in the luxury configuration costs 419,500 rubles, and a Granta in the same configuration, but with an automatic transmission, will cost the consumer 477 500 rubles.

What is the target audience of this car? I believe these will be those who wanted, but have now lost the opportunity to purchase a new “chisel”. Young people with a desire to “have fun.” However, this car is not contraindicated for people of mature age - there is everything for quiet trips to work, the countryside, shopping, and vacation. The luggage compartment volume is 440 liters, with the possibility of increasing to 760 - quite good, this is enough for most household tasks.

So, meet the Lada Granta liftback - already at dealers! At least, according to official representatives of the plant, it should already be present.

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