The Lada Granta I (facelift 2018) Combi 1.6 16V, producing 106 horsepower with an automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration within the Granta family. Introduced in 2018, this station wagon (estate) variant aimed to provide a practical and affordable transportation solution, primarily targeted at the Russian domestic market and export markets in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It builds upon the initial Granta platform (derived from the earlier Lada Kalina) with styling updates and refinements. This particular configuration – the 1.6L engine paired with a four-speed automatic – occupied a mid-range position in the Granta Combi lineup, offering a degree of convenience not found in the base manual transmission models, while remaining more accessible than the limited-production, higher-trim options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Granta |
| Generation | Granta I (facelift 2018) Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (106 Hp) Automatic |
| 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 | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 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 | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 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, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic 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 Lada Granta 1.6 16V utilizes the VAZ-21127 engine, a four-cylinder, inline engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters (1596 cm³). This engine is a development of the long-running VAZ-2112 series, featuring a multi-point fuel injection system. The 16-valve configuration (four valves per cylinder) contributes to improved breathing and, consequently, increased power output compared to earlier eight-valve versions. The engine produces 106 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 148 Nm (109.16 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The automatic transmission is a conventional four-speed unit, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. While not offering the refinement or efficiency of more modern automatic transmissions, it provided a level of convenience appreciated by many buyers.
Driving Characteristics
The Granta Combi 1.6 16V Automatic delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 12.2 seconds, and the top speed is around 182 km/h (113 mph). The four-speed automatic transmission, while functional, impacts acceleration and fuel economy compared to the manual transmission variants. Gear ratios are geared towards fuel efficiency rather than spirited driving. The engine feels somewhat strained when accelerating hard, and the transmission can exhibit noticeable hunting for the right gear, particularly on inclines. Compared to the more powerful Granta versions, this configuration prioritizes economy and ease of use over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 16V Automatic trim typically included basic amenities such as power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system (often a basic radio with USB connectivity). Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a durable but utilitarian finish. Optional extras included air conditioning, power windows for the rear doors, and upgraded audio systems. Safety features were relatively basic, generally including ABS and driver/passenger airbags. The trim level sat in the middle of the Granta Combi range, offering more features than the base “Standard” trim but lacking the refinements of the higher “Luxe” or “Prestige” versions.
Chassis & Braking
The Granta Combi utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a reasonable ride quality, although it can feel somewhat basic on rough roads. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums. This configuration is typical for vehicles in this price segment. Stabilizer bars are included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the handling is generally geared towards comfort and stability rather than sporty dynamics. The ride height is relatively generous, providing good ground clearance for navigating poor road conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Granta Combi 1.6 16V Automatic was generally viewed as a practical and affordable option in its target market. Critics acknowledged its value for money but noted its lack of refinement compared to Western European or Asian competitors. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined fuel consumption around 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg). Compared to the manual transmission Granta 1.6, the automatic version offered slightly lower fuel economy and slower acceleration. The higher-output Granta versions (e.g., those with larger engines) provided significantly better performance but came at a higher price point. Reliability was generally considered acceptable, although the automatic transmission was sometimes cited as a potential weak point.
Legacy
The Lada Granta, and specifically this 1.6L automatic variant, remains a common sight on the roads of Russia and neighboring countries. The powertrain, while not particularly sophisticated, has proven to be relatively durable and easy to maintain. In the used car market, these models are often sought after for their affordability and practicality. Parts availability is generally good, and repair costs are relatively low. While not a vehicle known for its performance or luxury, the Granta Combi 1.6 16V Automatic served a vital role in providing affordable transportation to a wide range of buyers.
