The first generation of the budget front-wheel drive car LADA Granta appeared in 2011 and was produced until 2021. This model was produced on the basis of the Lada Kalina, which it replaced on the assembly line shortly after its debut. Compared to its predecessors, Granta received an improved modern interior, as well as a new level of safety. Buyers were offered several configuration options, ranging from the simplest basic ones to top-end modifications, which made driving this car somewhat easier. The new model was in excellent demand among buyers, which is explained by its affordable price, as well as good engines and performance characteristics.
Savings on interior
There are many shortcomings - mostly minor, but annoying - related to the interior. It is strongly felt that the manufacturer saved money on it. For example, the handle for adjusting the seat often breaks - it must be handled very carefully. And the gear lever cover is made of low-quality material, so cracks quickly begin to appear on it.
The interior of the car looks unconvincing: the upholstery is made of fabric, plastic is of low quality, the instruments are designed simply and are not durable. Considering the cost of the car, there is nothing terrible about this, what is much worse is that after six months, fragments of the interior begin to make various noises - everything becomes loose, and it is extremely difficult to deal with this. The door seals begin to let in a lot of dust, and this is also not very pleasant. Window regulators are prone to rapid breakdowns: when lowering the glass, jamming or squeaking is common.
Lada Granta design: features and nuances
The updated Lada Granta car has acquired an attractive front part, which includes:
- stepped front bumper architecture with chrome X-shaped trims;
- increased hood slope with large stamping lines;
- large head optics with running lights;
- wide radiator grille;
- elongated lower air intake with a pattern and fog lights mounted at the edges.
The front of the car boasts:
- widened wheel arches,
- large line of front stamping,
- two-tone exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators.
The rear part of the car can be proud of:
- small spoiler on the trunk lid,
- dark lower insert on the surface of the stepped bumper,
- stamped niche for attaching a license plate,
- enlarged rear lights.
The car interior deserves special attention. The interior update was aimed at ensuring maximum comfort and achieving ergonomics. The interior of the car received:
- massive center console with enlarged control keys,
- spacious glove box,
- wide instrument panel with anti-glare protection,
- improved seats with increased lateral support,
- special fender liners for noise protection,
- two cup holders on the central tunnel,
- inertia door closers,
- additional niches for placing and transporting things.
Frequent gearbox breakdowns
When driving aggressively, the Granta's gearbox does not hold up for long: the gears begin to “die” one after another, the lever simply does not lock in the desired position. The first two gears usually fail first. The problem with the car is hereditary, it was typical for Kalina, but the manufacturer was never able to solve it - or did not want to.
The reasons for gearbox failure are failures of synchronizers and gears; again, it comes down to the desire to save money. If you drive quietly and don’t bounce on bumps, problems with the gearbox may not arise at all, but fans of fast driving should know that the gearbox on this car under their control is unlikely to last more than a year.
Lada Granta Liftback - owner reviews
If you look at reviews from owners of Lada Granta Liftback 2021 cars, you can identify both the positive qualities and disadvantages of this vehicle. The presentation of a car from the manufacturer does not always correspond to reality. It is beneficial for the manufacturer to neutralize the negative aspects of its products. The opinions of car owners, on the contrary, allow you to get a reliable idea of the car.
In this section of the site we have collected reviews that we found useful for visitors. We recommend that you read this information before making a decision to purchase a vehicle. Reviews are regularly updated as new information appears on the Internet. If you are interested in the prices of various configurations, we will provide you with comprehensive data.
Disadvantages of the car
The buyer most often wants to get acquainted with the shortcomings of the vehicle. This car doesn't have too many downsides, but it does have them. After a short period of use of the Granta, the following defects may appear:
- Poor opening/closing of rear doors
- Water penetration into the trunk (poor sealing of the fog lamp)
- Noise and vibration when shifting gears
- Creaking when moving over uneven surfaces
Reviews do not give any idea about other shortcomings of the Lada Granta Liftback Luxury car. However, even the listed defects are easy to eliminate.
To get rid of the problem with opening/closing doors, you will need to adjust and lubricate the corresponding mechanism. Treating the contour of the fog lights with sealant will prevent moisture from accumulating in the luggage compartment.
Benefits Overview
It is enough to look at the 2021 Grants video and owner reviews to understand that this vehicle has many advantages. Its main advantages are:
- Compact brakes with vacuum booster
- High-quality sound insulation of the interior
- Smooth steering (some trims have electric power steering)
- Upgraded suspension providing stable directional stability
The information posted on our website covers almost every aspect of this vehicle. We strive to provide visitors with comprehensive information about the technical characteristics and operational features of the car.
It is also worth mentioning separately the cable gearbox and its advantages.
There are positive reviews about the cable gearbox. The cable drive is designed to reduce vibration of a manual transmission. The cable effectively dampens vibrations propagating along the traction link, as well as felt on the clutch pedal. Thanks to this, the comfort in the cabin increases and it is easier to drive the vehicle. The advantages of a cable gearbox also include reliable operation and precise gear shifting, regardless of the time of year (in winter, the oil in the gearbox is susceptible to solidification).
Owner reviews for 2021 on the new hatchback are often biased, although the car has been improved in the field of suspension, shock absorbers, drive and transmission. The sound insulation of the interior has improved, the body has acquired a more streamlined shape (the configuration of the bumpers and doors has changed).
New gadgets include an updated on-board computer with a touch screen and a cruise control option. The shape of the fog lights and rear-view mirrors has been changed. The “Standard” package includes a vacuum brake booster.
Gearbox howl
The gearbox on Grant is generally problematic: even if all gears work, it is prone to “howling.” This shortcoming of AvtoVAZ cars is also a long-standing one and the automaker still cannot cope with it: for Vesta they had to use a French-made box. Granta was deprived of such luxury, so the transmission howl is still the same as in the old models, except that it was made a little quieter. If you have been accustomed to it for a long time, then it will not become a problem, but if you are not used to it, it can be very annoying.
Comparative characteristics
The advantages of the Lada Granta lie in its dimensions: length - 4260 mm, width - 1700 mm, height - 1500 mm. Ground clearance is 170 mm. The original hood and aerodynamic front bumper are the external features of the Lada Granta sedan model. The luxury version is equipped with PTF. Any model of the family under consideration is equipped with numerous galvanized parts. The car body is treated with a special anti-corrosion substance.
Granta is easy to maintain (unlike Kalina). The number of parts in the 1st car is much less than in the other model. Due to the reduction of parts (from 59 to 39 pieces), the new torpedo is presented in the form of a monolithic structure. The quality of the plastic elements used in the interior of the Lada Granta has significantly improved; there are no gaps. The dashboard with a minimal number of information instruments replicates the Kalina torpedo.
Due to the large side mirrors, the driver has a good view. Other advantages include the presence of an immobilizer, an LCD display and a spacious interior of the car. It is equipped with a spacious trunk with a volume of 480 liters. The rear seat can accommodate 2 passengers up to 180 cm tall at the same time, and if necessary, it can be easily folded.
Among the disadvantages of the design, Lada Granta car owners highlight the close location of 2 cup holders near the gearbox. In practice, using such niches is inconvenient. During use, the upholstery of soft seats wears out. The manufacturer did not provide lumbar support and head restraints in the rear seats.
Problems with directional stability when driving fast
Another reminder that this car is not intended for reaching high speeds: at speeds over 120 km/h it begins to have problems with directional stability, and the faster you accelerate, the more serious they will be. The car literally starts to sway from side to side even on a straight line, on a good road - and it’s quite difficult in turns or on an average surface. Interestingly, loading improves stability, so you can accelerate a little faster with passengers.
Basic configurations
Lada Granta is produced in 4 trim levels: Luxury, Sport, Standard and Norma. Each version is equipped with an engine of a certain power and corresponding options. The 2013 Granta is available with a new suspension. The production model has negative camber on the rear wheels. The Lada Granta has created a new type of electric booster, the gear ratio of which is 3:1. This value significantly increases the information content of control, reducing the labor intensity of driving.
The Lux model is equipped with the ABC system from Bosch. The vehicle is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 4 cylinders. The Grant sedan configuration is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with a power of 82 hp. With. and 5-speed manual transmission. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, with a top speed of 165 km/h. With mixed driving, fuel consumption fluctuates within 7.4 liters per 100 km. Owners of the new Lada Granta claim that under operating conditions the car consumes an average of 7-8 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
In 2012, sales of Granta Sport began with a 1.6-liter engine producing 120 hp. With. and with a 5-speed manual transmission. This model can accelerate to 200 km/h. The difference between a regular Grant and a Sport is a charged engine, rigid suspension, original appearance, and sports wheels. Any modification of the vehicle is subject to tuning. Modernization of the VAZ Sport involves the installation of new turbines that increase engine power to 210 hp. With.
The big disadvantage of Granta is the flaw in the electronic gas pedals. The throttle valve responds slowly to the accelerator, resulting in delayed acceleration. To modernize this system, car owners install a booster on the gas pedal. If necessary, the computer device is re-flashed. Tuning the Lada body involves installing the correct body kits, wheel arch trims and volumetric sills. Modernization of the Granta interior consists of installing designer comfortable chairs.
The budget option Standard is equipped with an engine with good traction. The light steering wheel greatly simplifies the process of driving. Any model in the family under consideration is equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Long throw design shifts with effort. An alternative option is a 4-speed automatic transmission from the Japanese manufacturer Jatco.
Unreliable braking system
Although there is another argument against driving fast on the Grant: its brake pads cannot boast of quality. They often begin to make squeaks and squeals, and the discs quickly wear out. And this is already very serious; such a problem can easily be considered one of the main ones. Another drawback related to the brakes: the handbrake cable is secured inconveniently, you will have to get used to it.
