Russian citizens are now able to pre-order the new LADA Iskra, a vehicle that has yet to be manufactured, as official dealers have begun accepting orders ahead of mass production. According to the Russian Gazette, production is set to kick off on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the AvtoVAZ plant in Tolyatti. However, initial deliveries will be limited to dealers, with the public release expected to follow in May or June.
Many customers are eager to see the car in person before making a purchase. A representative from the dealer network Pragmatika noted, "There are inquiries, but so far, they are few. Clients are interested in seeing the car live first." This reflects a common trend among consumers who often want to experience a vehicle firsthand before committing to a purchase.
Maxim Sokolov, the president of AvtoVAZ, has indicated that the starting price for the LADA Iskra will be around 1.2 million rubles as it enters the market. The new model is positioned to fill the niche between the existing Granta and Vesta models and will be available in three body styles: sedan, station wagon, and cross-station wagon.
The LADA Iskra is built on a reworked version of the modular CMF-B-LS platform, which was previously used for the third generation of the Dacia Logan and Sandero models produced in Romania and Morocco. This platform is designed to be versatile, allowing for various configurations and styles.
Standard features of the LADA Iskra will include two front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a dynamic stabilization system (ESC), and a hill start assist system (HCA). Additional amenities will consist of light and rain sensors, an immobilizer, front power windows, audio preparation, and headlights equipped with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals. The car will also come with 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.
For those looking for more luxury, higher trims will offer features such as air conditioning, an adjustable steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-view camera, fog lights with cornering illumination, and rear parking sensors. Moreover, these versions will include either 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels and a multimedia system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, four audio speakers, and pre-installed services from Yandex.
The LADA Iskra will initially be powered by an atmospheric engine from the Granta, a 1.6-liter unit producing either 90 or 106 horsepower. The base model will come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful version will be offered with either a new six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
As the launch date approaches, excitement is building among potential buyers. The LADA Iskra represents a significant addition to the Russian automotive market, especially given the current economic climate and consumer preferences for affordable yet reliable vehicles. The model's competitive pricing and range of features could make it an attractive option for many.
In summary, the LADA Iskra is poised to make its mark in the automotive sector with its combination of affordability, practicality, and modern features. As mass production begins, all eyes will be on how well it is received by consumers and whether it can live up to the expectations set by its predecessors.
