The Lada 21055 1.5 D is a diesel-powered station wagon produced by the Soviet/Russian automaker Lada between 1999 and 2000. It represents a late iteration of the highly successful 2105 series, which itself was based on the Fiat 124, originally licensed for production in the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. The 21055 designation indicates a modernized version of the 2105, with the “D” suffix denoting the diesel engine variant. This model was primarily aimed at the domestic Russian market and other Eastern European countries, offering a practical and affordable transportation solution, particularly for rural areas where fuel efficiency and durability were paramount. It occupied the lower end of the 2105 lineup, positioned as the most economical option.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | 2105 |
| Generation | 21055 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 D (53 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 23 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 23 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 21.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 125 km/h (77.67 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 20 kg/Hp, 50 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11 kg/Nm, 90.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 53 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 34.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 96 Nm @ 3000 rpm (70.81 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | VAZ-341 |
| Engine displacement | 1524 cm3 (93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1060 kg (2336.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 385 l (13.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 4128 mm (162.52 in.) |
| Width | 1620 mm (63.78 in.) |
| Height | 1443 mm (56.81 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1321 mm (52.01 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 175/70 SR13 |
INTRODUCTION
The Lada 21055 1.5 D, produced from 1999 to 2000, represents a final attempt to modernize the aging but popular 2105 platform. It was built upon the 2105 series, which was itself a derivative of the Fiat 124, a car that had been licensed for production in the Soviet Union in 1969. The 21055 series introduced minor cosmetic updates and, crucially, a diesel engine option to improve fuel economy. The station wagon (estate) body style, as offered in the 21055, was particularly favored for its practicality and cargo capacity, making it a common sight in both urban and rural settings across Russia and neighboring countries. This variant was positioned as the entry-level, most fuel-efficient option within the 2105 range.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 21055 1.5 D is the VAZ-341 diesel engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder unit. This engine is notable for its precombustion chamber injection system, a relatively simple and robust design common in older diesel engines. Unlike modern direct injection systems, the VAZ-341 utilizes a small precombustion chamber within each cylinder head where fuel is initially injected and ignited, then used to ignite the main charge in the cylinder. This system allows for smoother combustion and lower noise levels compared to some earlier diesel designs. The engine produces 53 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 96 Nm (70.81 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 23:1 contributes to its durability. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The 21055 1.5 D was exclusively offered with a five-speed manual transmission, chosen for its simplicity and efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience of the 21055 1.5 D is characterized by its modest performance. With only 53 horsepower, acceleration is slow, taking approximately 23 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The engine’s torque, however, provides adequate pulling power for everyday driving, especially when loaded with cargo. The five-speed manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but frequent downshifting is often necessary, particularly on inclines. Compared to the gasoline-powered 2105 variants, the diesel model offers significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of outright speed and responsiveness. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides a traditional driving feel, but also requires careful handling in slippery conditions. The gear ratios are tuned for economy rather than performance, resulting in a relaxed cruising experience but limited overtaking ability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Lada 21055 1.5 D was a fairly basic vehicle, reflecting its position as an affordable transportation option. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout with basic instrumentation, and manual windows and door locks. Heating and ventilation were standard, but air conditioning was not typically offered. The exterior featured minimal chrome trim and steel wheels. Optional extras were limited, but could include upgraded seat covers, a radio, and occasionally, more robust suspension components. The interior was functional and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The trim level was largely consistent across all 21055 1.5 D models, with little variation in standard features.
Chassis & Braking
The 21055 1.5 D utilizes a traditional body-on-frame construction, contributing to its robustness and ease of repair. The front suspension consists of a double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs a rigid axle with leaf springs. This configuration provides a comfortable ride, but handling is not particularly precise. The braking system features disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The steering is controlled by a worm-reduction unit, which provides a relatively heavy but direct steering feel. The tires are typically 175/70 SR13, chosen for their affordability and durability. The chassis and braking system were designed to handle the relatively low power output and moderate weight of the diesel engine variant.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada 21055 1.5 D was generally well-received in its target market, primarily due to its affordability and fuel efficiency. Critics acknowledged its modest performance but praised its durability and low running costs. Compared to the gasoline-powered 2105 variants, the diesel model offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who covered long distances or operated in areas where gasoline was scarce or expensive. However, the diesel engine was also criticized for its noise and vibration levels. Compared to more modern vehicles, the 21055 1.5 D lacked many of the comfort and safety features that were becoming increasingly common. Its simplicity, however, also made it relatively easy to maintain and repair, even in areas with limited access to specialized tools or expertise.
Legacy
The Lada 21055 1.5 D, while short-lived in production, remains a significant vehicle in the history of the Russian automotive industry. The VAZ-341 diesel engine proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant, and many examples are still in use today. On the used car market, the 21055 1.5 D is valued for its simplicity, affordability, and fuel efficiency. While it is not a particularly desirable vehicle for enthusiasts, it remains a practical and affordable transportation option for those seeking a basic and reliable car. Its legacy lies in its ability to provide affordable and dependable transportation to a wide range of drivers in a challenging economic climate.
