The Lada Priora I Sedan (facelift 2013) 1.6, producing 106 horsepower, represented a significant step forward for AvtoVAZ, the Russian automaker. Introduced in 2013 as part of a facelift for the Priora range, this variant aimed to offer a balance of affordability, practicality, and reasonable performance for the Russian and Eastern European markets. It built upon the foundation of the original Priora, which itself was derived from the Daewoo Nexia platform, and slotted into the middle of the sedan lineup, offering a step up from the base 8-valve engine while remaining more accessible than the more powerful 16-valve options. Production continued until July 2018, when it was superseded by the Lada Vesta.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Priora |
| Generation | Priora I Sedan (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (106 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | July, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 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 | 11.5 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 kg/Hp, 91.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 127.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 106 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4200 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 4200 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 | 430 l (15.19 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 | 4350 mm (171.26 in) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 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 | 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 | 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 the Priora 1.6 was the VAZ-2110 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated as a 16-valve unit, featured multi-point fuel injection and a relatively simple design focused on durability and ease of maintenance. The engine code varied, but commonly seen were variants related to the ABS and ADZ designations. While not a technologically advanced engine by Western standards, it was a significant improvement over the older 8-valve engines previously offered in Lada vehicles. The engine produced 106 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing relatively smooth shifts, though not particularly sporty. The transmission was chosen for its robustness and affordability, aligning with the overall character of the vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The Priora 1.6 offered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 11.5 seconds, and top speed was approximately 183 km/h (114 mph). Compared to the more powerful 16-valve versions of the Priora, the 1.6 felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, it provided sufficient power for everyday driving conditions. The gear ratios in the five-speed manual transmission were geared towards fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The suspension, while comfortable enough for most road surfaces, wasn’t particularly sporty, resulting in some body roll during cornering. The steering was light and easy to use, but lacked feedback.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Priora 1.6 typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as a mainstream, affordable vehicle. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat dated, design. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as alloy wheels, fog lights, and a more comprehensive audio system. The focus was on providing essential features at a competitive price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Priora utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance of comfort and handling, although it wasn’t particularly sophisticated. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety. The chassis was relatively simple, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over advanced engineering. The ride height was adequate for most road conditions, providing reasonable ground clearance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Priora 1.6 was generally well-received in its target markets, particularly Russia and other Eastern European countries. It offered a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and reliability. Critics noted that the engine lacked refinement and performance compared to Western competitors, but acknowledged that it was a significant improvement over previous Lada models. Compared to the higher-output 16-valve Priora variants, the 1.6 offered better fuel economy and lower running costs, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. It was often compared to other budget-oriented sedans available in the region, such as the Renault Logan and the Hyundai Accent.
Legacy
The Lada Priora 1.6, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played an important role in modernizing the Lada brand. It represented a step forward in terms of quality, reliability, and features. Today, the Priora 1.6 is a common sight on the used car market, and is generally considered to be a relatively reliable and affordable vehicle. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s age and potential for wear and tear. The engine, while durable, can be prone to oil leaks and other age-related issues. Overall, the Priora 1.6 remains a practical and economical choice for those seeking a basic, no-frills sedan.
