The Lada Granta I (facelift 2018) Combi 1.6 16V, producing 106 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of the Granta model, a mainstay of the Russian automotive market. Introduced in 2018, this station wagon (estate) variant aimed to provide practical and affordable transportation for families and individuals. It falls within the Granta I generation, which itself is based on the aging but robust 2190 platform, a derivative of the original 1980s-era VAZ-2108. The facelift brought updated styling and minor mechanical improvements to the Granta range, solidifying its position as one of the best-selling vehicles in Russia. This particular 1.6L 16V engine and five-speed manual transmission combination occupied a middle ground in the Granta Combi lineup, offering a balance between fuel economy, performance, and price.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Granta |
| Generation | Granta I (facelift 2018) Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (106 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm, 131.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 106 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4200 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 21127 |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1125-1160 kg (2480.2 – 2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400-435 kg (881.85 – 959.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 360 l (12.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 675 l (23.84 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4118 mm (162.13 in.) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Height | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2476 mm (97.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Rear track | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Front overhang | 806 mm (31.73 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 836 mm (32.91 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 82 H; 185/60 R14 82 H; 185/55 R15 82 H |
| Wheel rims size | 14; 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Granta Combi 1.6 16V is the VAZ-21127 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a descendant of the original VAZ-2108 powerplant, continually refined over decades. It features a multi-point fuel injection system, providing adequate fuel delivery for its modest power output. The 16-valve cylinder head, with four valves per cylinder, aids in improved breathing and contributes to the engine’s 106 horsepower. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 11:1 allows it to operate reliably on the commonly available 95-octane gasoline in Russia and surrounding markets. Paired with this engine is a five-speed manual transmission, a standard offering for this trim level. The transmission is known for its durability, though its shift quality is often described as notchy and imprecise by Western automotive standards.
Driving Characteristics
The Granta Combi 1.6 16V offers adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes around 10.7 seconds, making it suitable for everyday commuting and highway driving, but not for spirited performance. The five-speed manual transmission provides reasonable control over the engine’s power band. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright acceleration. Compared to the base 1.6L 8V engine, the 16V version offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness, particularly at higher engine speeds. However, it lacks the punch of the more expensive and less common 1.6L turbocharged variants. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well, but it doesn’t offer particularly sharp handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Granta Combi 1.6 16V typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and front power windows. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Higher trim levels offered features like alloy wheels, a more sophisticated audio system, and upgraded interior trim. Safety features were limited, typically including only dual front airbags and ABS on some models. The Granta was designed to be an affordable vehicle, and as such, luxury features were kept to a minimum.
Chassis & Braking
The Granta Combi utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride but doesn’t offer the sophisticated handling of more modern independent rear suspension systems. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision. Tire sizes typically ranged from 175/65 R14 to 185/55 R15, depending on the trim level.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Granta Combi 1.6 16V was well-received in the Russian market due to its affordability, practicality, and relatively low running costs. Critics generally praised its spacious interior and large trunk capacity. However, it was often criticized for its outdated design, basic interior, and somewhat agricultural driving experience. Compared to other trims in the Granta lineup, the 1.6 16V offered a good balance between performance and fuel economy. It was more powerful than the base 1.6L 8V engine but less expensive than the turbocharged variants. Fuel economy was competitive for its class, averaging around 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers (36.2 US mpg).
Legacy
The Lada Granta, and specifically the 1.6 16V Combi variant, has become a common sight on Russian roads. The engine is known for its durability and relative simplicity, making it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain. However, its age and basic design mean that it is not as refined or fuel-efficient as more modern vehicles. In the used car market, the Granta Combi 1.6 16V remains an affordable and practical option for those seeking a spacious and reliable station wagon. While it may not offer the latest technology or features, its low price and proven reliability continue to make it a popular choice.
