The Lada 21108 Premier 1.5i (92 hp) was a popular variant of the Lada 2110 series, produced from 1999 to 2007. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the 2110 lineup, it aimed to provide a balance of affordability, practicality, and reasonable performance for the Russian and Eastern European markets. The 2110 series itself represented a significant step forward for AvtoVAZ, Lada’s manufacturer, moving away from the older, more rudimentary designs of previous generations and incorporating more modern features and styling. The “8” designation in 21108 indicated a sedan body style, while the “Premier” trim level denoted a slightly higher level of equipment compared to the base models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | 2110 |
| Generation | 21108 Premier |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 i (92 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2007 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp, 83.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 92 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 3700 rpm (94.41 lb.-ft. @ 3700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1500 cm3 (91.54 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1575 kg (3472.28 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Length | 4440 mm (174.8 in.) |
| Width | 1676 mm (65.98 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2665 mm (104.92 in.) |
| Front track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1370 mm (53.94 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 SR13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 21108 Premier 1.5i was the 1.5-liter, inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, typically identified by its engine codes (often variations of the 2110 family), featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, operating four valves per cylinder. This configuration, while not cutting-edge at the time, provided a reasonable balance of power and efficiency. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, a significant improvement over the carburetors found in earlier Lada models. The engine produced 92 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 128 Nm (94.41 lb-ft) of torque at 3700 rpm. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, although an optional four-speed automatic transmission was available, albeit less common.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 13 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, noticeably dulled acceleration due to its less efficient power transfer and fewer gear ratios. The suspension, consisting of a spring strut setup at the front and a coil spring arrangement at the rear, provided a comfortable ride, prioritizing absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road rather than sporty handling. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision, but lacking the feedback found in more refined European or Japanese vehicles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The “Premier” trim level offered a step up in features compared to the base Lada 2110 models. Standard equipment typically included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include air conditioning, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The interior, while functional, was characterized by its utilitarian design and the use of relatively inexpensive materials. The focus was on providing a practical and durable interior rather than luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Lada 21108 Premier utilized a relatively simple chassis design. Front brakes were disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power, while rear brakes were drum brakes, a cost-saving measure. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available, and became increasingly common as production progressed, enhancing safety. The suspension, as mentioned previously, was tuned for comfort. Stabilizer bars were present, but relatively thin, contributing to a noticeable degree of body roll during cornering. The tires were typically 175/70 SR13, reflecting the car’s modest performance capabilities.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada 21108 Premier 1.5i was generally well-received in its target markets, particularly Russia and other Eastern European countries. It offered a relatively affordable and reliable mode of transportation, especially compared to imported vehicles. Critics often noted the car’s basic interior and somewhat unrefined driving experience, but acknowledged its practicality and durability. Compared to other 1.5-liter variants in the 2110 lineup, the Premier trim offered a better value proposition with its added features. It was often compared to other budget-oriented sedans of the time, such as the Dacia Logan and various offerings from Eastern European manufacturers.
Legacy
The Lada 21108 Premier 1.5i, and the 2110 series as a whole, played a significant role in modernizing AvtoVAZ’s product lineup. While not a technological marvel, it represented a substantial improvement over previous Lada models. The 1.5-liter engine, while not known for its longevity in some cases, proved to be relatively reliable with proper maintenance. Today, the 21108 Premier is a common sight on the used car market in Eastern Europe and Russia, often prized for its affordability and ease of repair. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a simple, practical, and inexpensive vehicle. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s straightforward design makes it relatively easy for amateur mechanics to work on.
