On April 19, 2025, AVTOVAZ officially launched the production of its new model, the Lada Iskra, in Tolyatti, marking a significant milestone in the Russian automotive industry. This event coincided with the 55th anniversary of the first car produced by the company, the iconic VAZ-2101, known colloquially as the "kopeyka." During the ceremony, the first twelve vehicles rolled off the assembly line, including a striking red sedan and a stylish blue station wagon.
The Lada Iskra is positioned as a compact car within the "B" class, designed to fill the gap between the existing Granta and Vesta models. It comes in three body styles: sedan, station wagon, and a cross-station wagon variant, which boasts enhanced off-road capabilities. The new model is built on a modern modular CMF-B-LS platform, previously used for the Dacia Logan and Sandero, and has undergone significant upgrades to ensure it meets contemporary standards.
Maxim Sokolov, President of AVTOVAZ, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, "This is not just a new car – it is a confident step forward. We have achieved a localization level of over 90%, and we are proud of the modern solutions integrated into the Iskra." This high level of localization means that most components are sourced from within Russia, either produced at the AVTOVAZ plant or from local suppliers, enhancing the model's independence from foreign parts.
The Lada Iskra features a choice of three power units: a 1.6-liter engine producing 90 horsepower paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and a more powerful 1.6-liter variant offering 106 horsepower, which can be combined with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The cross-station wagon variant is exclusively equipped with the 106-horsepower engine.
In terms of safety, the Iskra includes an electronic stability control system (ESC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and two airbags as standard. The vehicle has undergone extensive testing, including 84 crash tests, confirming its high safety standards that exceed national requirements. The design of the Lada Iskra has been described as "more emotional" and "younger," with aesthetic features that reflect the modern identity of the brand.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, and Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, the Governor of the Samara Region. Fedorishchev praised the workforce's dedication, stating, "The current successes are the result of the hard work of both the current employees and the veterans of the plant who laid the foundation for our achievements today."
Prior to its launch, around 300 prototypes of the Lada Iskra were produced to ensure reliability and prepare AVTOVAZ specialists and dealership staff for the new model. The official sales of the Lada Iskra are set to commence on July 20, 2025, coinciding with AVTOVAZ's anniversary.
This new model represents a significant investment in the future of Russian automotive manufacturing, with 37 billion rubles allocated for its development. The Iskra is intended to be an affordable option for consumers, aiming to become the new "people's car" in Russia.
Experts anticipate that the Iskra will effectively compete in the market, especially given that Lada's share of the Russian automotive market has surpassed 31% as of March 2025. The company aims to produce up to 150,000 units of the Iskra annually, although the actual production volume will depend on market demand.
As the automotive landscape in Russia evolves, the Lada Iskra is positioned to meet the needs of consumers looking for a reliable, modern vehicle that reflects both heritage and innovation. With its competitive pricing and robust features, the Iskra is expected to attract a diverse range of buyers.
In summary, the launch of the Lada Iskra not only commemorates a historic moment for AVTOVAZ but also signifies a forward-looking approach to automotive manufacturing in Russia. As the company continues to adapt to changing market conditions, the Iskra stands as a testament to its commitment to quality and localization.
