The Lada 2115-20 1.5i, producing 78 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Lada lineup from 2000 to 2012. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the 2115 series, it represented a budget-conscious option for consumers in Russia and export markets. This variant was part of the broader 2115 family, which itself was a significant evolution of the long-running VAZ-2105, inheriting its basic platform but receiving updated styling and some mechanical improvements. The 2115-20 designation indicates a later iteration with further refinements, primarily focused on cosmetic updates and improved build quality compared to earlier 2115 models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | 2115 |
| Generation | 2115-20 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 i (78 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2012 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 78 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52 Hp/l |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 3000 rpm (84.82 lb.-ft. @ 3000 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 | 9.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 970 kg (2138.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1395 kg (3075.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 427 l (15.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Length | 4330 mm (170.47 in.) |
| Width | 1620 mm (63.78 in.) |
| Height | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2460 mm (96.85 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 R13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Lada 2115-20 1.5i was the VAZ-2111 engine, an 8-valve, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, while relatively simple in design, was known for its robustness and ease of maintenance. The 1.5-liter displacement was achieved with a bore of 82mm and a stroke of 71mm. It utilized a single overhead camshaft (OHC) design, operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, a significant upgrade from the carburetors found on earlier Lada models. The engine produced 78 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 115 Nm (84.82 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine’s compression ratio was 9.9:1. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, designed for durability rather than sporty performance. An optional, but less common, four-speed automatic transmission was available, further reducing performance but offering increased convenience.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5i engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 13.3 seconds, and the top speed was around 105.63 mph. The engine felt somewhat underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or climbing hills. The automatic transmission version suffered from even slower acceleration due to the less efficient four-speed unit. Gear ratios were geared towards fuel economy and everyday usability rather than outright speed. The suspension, while basic, provided a reasonably comfortable ride on typical road surfaces. Steering was light and easy, but lacked precision. Overall, the driving experience was functional and predictable, prioritizing affordability and reliability over dynamic handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Lada 2115-20 1.5i typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with durable but unremarkable materials. Higher trim levels, such as the “Standard” or “Lux” variants, added features like electric front windows, upgraded interior trim, and sometimes air conditioning. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a better audio system, and a sunroof. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with clearly labeled controls. Safety features were limited, typically consisting of seatbelts and an optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Chassis & Braking
The Lada 2115-20 utilized a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson strut springs, while the rear suspension employed a coil spring setup. The braking system featured disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS was available as an option, improving braking performance and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. The vehicle’s weight of around 970 kg (2138.48 lbs) contributed to its relatively modest handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars were present, but were relatively thin, further emphasizing the car’s focus on comfort over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada 2115-20 1.5i was primarily targeted at budget-conscious buyers in Russia and other Eastern European markets. It was often compared to other entry-level sedans available at the time, such as the Dacia Logan and various used imports. Critics generally acknowledged the car’s affordability and reliability, but also pointed out its lack of refinement, dated design, and relatively poor performance. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined fuel consumption around 32.2 US mpg. Compared to the more powerful 1.6L or 1.8L versions of the 2115, the 1.5i offered lower running costs but significantly reduced performance. The 1.5i was also often contrasted with diesel-powered Ladas, which offered better fuel economy but were generally more expensive to purchase and maintain.
Legacy
The Lada 2115-20 1.5i remains a common sight on the roads of Russia and surrounding countries. The VAZ-2111 engine, while not known for its sophistication, proved to be remarkably durable and relatively easy to repair, contributing to the car’s longevity. In the used car market, the 1.5i variant is often favored by those seeking a cheap and reliable form of transportation. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are low. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s limited safety features and dated technology. The 2115 series, including the 1.5i variant, represents a significant chapter in the history of the Russian automotive industry, embodying a period of transition and adaptation.
