The Lada Granta I (facelift 2018) Liftback 1.6, producing 87 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of Lada’s entry-level offering, primarily targeted at the Russian domestic market and export to countries where affordability is paramount. Introduced as part of the Granta I facelift in 2018, this liftback variant aimed to modernize the Granta’s appearance and offer a practical, economical transportation solution. It builds upon the foundation of the original Granta, which itself was derived from the earlier Lada Kalina, utilizing a heavily revised platform (often referred to as the 1HX0/A3 platform) to improve refinement and safety. This specific 1.6-liter, 87 hp configuration occupied the lower-mid range of the Granta lineup, positioned as a more accessible alternative to the slightly more powerful 1.6L 98 hp and 1.6L 106 hp options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Granta |
| Generation | Granta I (facelift 2018) Liftback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (87 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp, 80.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 129 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 87 Hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 3800 rpm (103.26 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 11186 |
| 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 | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| 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 | 1085-1160 kg (2392.02 – 2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400-475 kg (881.85 – 1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 435 l (15.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 750 l (26.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4250 mm (167.32 in.) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 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 | 968 mm (38.11 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, 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 1.6 (87 hp) is the Lada 11186 engine, a four-cylinder, inline, naturally aspirated gasoline engine. This engine is a descendant of the Volga Automotive Plant’s long-running 1.6-liter family, continually refined over decades. The 11186 features a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, employing a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, providing adequate, though not particularly sophisticated, control over the air-fuel mixture. The engine’s 87 horsepower output at 5100 rpm and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm are modest, reflecting its focus on fuel efficiency and affordability rather than outright performance. The engine is transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The standard transmission for this variant is a five-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. While an automated manual transmission (AMT) was available on some Granta models, it was less common on the base 1.6-liter versions.
Driving Characteristics
The Granta 1.6 (87 hp) offers a predictably utilitarian driving experience. Acceleration is leisurely, taking approximately 11.8 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The engine feels strained at higher speeds, and overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. The five-speed manual transmission is notchy but precise, and the gear ratios are geared towards maximizing fuel economy rather than providing spirited acceleration. Compared to the higher-output 98 hp and 106 hp versions, the 87 hp Granta feels noticeably slower, particularly when fully loaded. However, the lower power output also contributes to slightly better fuel economy. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well, but it doesn’t offer particularly engaging handling. Steering is light and lacks feedback.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Granta 1.6 (87 hp) liftback typically came with a basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as an entry-level model. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, front power windows, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras included air conditioning, power windows for the rear doors, and an upgraded audio system. Higher trim levels, such as the “Comfort” and “Luxe” variants, added features like alloy wheels, fog lights, and more refined interior trim.
Chassis & Braking
The Granta utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, providing a reasonable balance of comfort and handling. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam setup, which is cost-effective but less sophisticated than a fully independent system. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The braking system is adequate for everyday driving, but it lacks the stopping power and feel of more advanced setups. The Granta’s relatively light weight helps to mitigate the limitations of the braking system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Granta 1.6 (87 hp) was primarily judged on its affordability and practicality. Critics acknowledged its low price point but often criticized its basic interior, lackluster performance, and somewhat dated design. Compared to other trims in the Granta lineup, the 87 hp version offered the lowest running costs but sacrificed performance. It competed primarily with other budget-oriented vehicles in the Russian market, such as the Renault Logan and Hyundai Solaris, offering a lower price point but generally less refinement and features.
Legacy
The Lada Granta 1.6 (87 hp) powertrain, while not known for its technological innovation, has proven to be relatively reliable and durable. The 11186 engine is a well-understood unit, and spare parts are readily available and inexpensive. In the used car market, these Granta models remain popular due to their low purchase price and running costs. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s limitations and the car’s basic level of equipment. The Granta, in its various forms, played a crucial role in keeping Lada competitive in the budget car segment, and the 1.6-liter engine remains a common sight on Russian roads.
