The Lada Priora I Hatchback, specifically the facelifted version produced from 2013 to October 2014, represented a significant step forward for the Russian automaker. This variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine producing 98 horsepower, occupied a crucial position in the Priora lineup as an affordable and practical option for a broad range of buyers. The Priora, built on the 1HX0/A3 platform, was intended to modernize Lada’s image and offer a more competitive product in both the domestic Russian market and emerging European countries. This particular 1.6L 98 hp hatchback was generally considered the entry-level offering, providing basic transportation with reasonable fuel economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Priora |
| Generation | Priora I Hatchback (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (98 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | October, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| 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) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm, 124.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| 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 | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1163 kg (2563.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1578 kg (3478.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 360 l (12.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 705 l (24.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4210 mm (165.75 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2492 mm (98.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 165 mm (6.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 185/60 R14; 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Priora variant is the Lada 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, typically identified by engine codes such as VAZ-21106. This engine is a relatively simple design, utilizing a multi-point fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s design prioritized durability and ease of maintenance over outright performance. The 98 horsepower output is achieved at 5600 rpm, while peak torque of 145 Nm (106.95 lb-ft) arrives at 4000 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The standard transmission for this model was a five-speed manual gearbox, designed for smooth, if not particularly sporty, shifts. While an automatic transmission was offered on some Priora models, it was not commonly paired with the base 1.6-liter engine due to the resulting performance limitations.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter, 98 hp Priora Hatchback offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 10.9 seconds, and the top speed was around 113.71 mph. The car felt adequate for everyday driving, particularly in urban environments, but struggled when fully loaded or attempting to overtake at highway speeds. The five-speed manual transmission helped to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but the overall experience was geared towards practicality rather than excitement. Compared to the more powerful 1.8-liter versions, or the diesel options, this variant felt noticeably slower. However, it offered a more forgiving and fuel-efficient driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter Priora Hatchback typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and an audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat dated, design. Optional extras included air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level was generally considered the base model, aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Higher trim levels offered more luxurious features, such as alloy wheels, fog lights, and improved interior materials.
Chassis & Braking
The Priora Hatchback utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonably comfortable ride, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety. The chassis was designed for durability and cost-effectiveness, rather than handling precision. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (1163 kg / 2563.98 lbs) helped to mitigate the effects of the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Priora, including the 1.6-liter hatchback, was primarily aimed at the Russian domestic market, where it was popular due to its affordability and practicality. Critics generally acknowledged the Priora as a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Lada 110, but also noted its shortcomings in terms of refinement and build quality. Compared to other trims in the Priora lineup, the 1.6-liter version offered the best fuel economy but the lowest performance. It was often seen as a sensible choice for drivers who prioritized economy and reliability over driving excitement.
Legacy
The Lada Priora, and specifically the 1.6-liter variant, remains a common sight on the roads of Russia and other Eastern European countries. While not known for its cutting-edge technology or exceptional performance, the Priora earned a reputation for being a durable and relatively inexpensive car to maintain. In the used car market, these models are still available at very affordable prices, making them a popular choice for first-time car buyers or those seeking a basic, reliable form of transportation. The engine, while simple, proved to be reasonably robust, and parts availability remains good. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s age and the potential for corrosion, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
