Magnetic Azimuth: Lada showed a completely new model at SPIEF

The Lada Azimut crossover is like a magnet that attracts the eyes of visitors to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). It is emphasized that this is not a prototype or a concept, but a car that rolled off the assembly line of AvtoVAZ. When the new Lada Azimut will be available and how much it may cost — in the Izvestia article.

Lada in a new way

The head of AVTOVAZ Maxim Sokolov, introducing the new flagship model, said that it took three years to create the Azimuth. The design team led by Nikolai Suslov used such characteristic stylistic features of modern Lada models as "x-face" and sidewall stamps, and the shape of the rear pillar refers to the classic "Niva". However, these features have been reinterpreted in a modern way, and the body lines have become sharper and contrast with the smooth contours of the Vesta.

Azimut is a representative of the Class B crossover segment. AvtoVAZ names Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 and 7, Geely Coolray and Belgee X50 as its competitors. The length of the new model is 4416 mm, and the wheelbase is 2675 mm with a ground clearance of 208 mm. That is, the Azimuth is located roughly between small Chinese crossovers like the Tiggo 4 and Geely Coolray, and larger ones like the Tiggo 7.

What's here from Vesta?

The novelty is slightly larger than the Vesta, on the platform of which it is built. Evgeny Shmelev, Vice President for Technical Development and Strategy at AVTOVAZ, promised that the crossover would inherit the best qualities related to the reliability of the Vesta platform, handling, and stability.

The platform for Azimut has been upgraded, Oleg Grunenkov, Director of Products and Programs at AVTOVAZ, told the Izvestia correspondent. The power structure of the body is the same as that of the Vesta, but there are differences in the suspension, which made it possible to increase the wheelbase, track and install 18-inch wheels. So, the rear beam is completely new, designed for heavy load. There is no multi-link suspension, as the Azimuth will remain front-wheel drive only.

Serious attention is paid to the safety of the machine. The basic equipment will have ABS, ESP and two pillows, but the more expensive ones will have six pillows, including side curtains.

The engines have also been upgraded — the 1.6—liter unit will develop 120 hp, and the 1.8- 132 hp unit. They will be paired with a 6-speed "mechanics" or a variator. Later, a version with a 1.5-liter turbo engine from a "friendly partner" and a classic "automatic" will appear. In addition, Dmitry Kostromin, Vice president of Sales and marketing at AVTOVAZ, told Izvestia that customers have a request for a combination of an atmospheric power unit and a classic automatic.

The interior and the most unusual option

The "angular" style is continued in the interior, and bold two-tone combinations will be offered for interior decoration. The steering wheel is new, two-spoke. The displays are combined into one unit, but the instrument panel is recessed deeper and thus protected from solar glare. Contrary to current trends, most keys and knobs will remain physical.

Already in the basic equipment, they promise two displays, a multimedia system with Sber services, fully LED optics, and a rear-view camera.

The list of options also includes dual-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, an all-round viewing system and a panoramic roof with a sunroof. In addition to the full electric package, they will also offer side front windows with electric heating — competitors do not have such an option, at least not yet.

When to expect Azimuth on sale

The Volga Automobile Plant launched its first successful Niva SUV almost half a century ago, but it has been eyeing the crossover genre in demand in recent years for quite a long time. Over the years, prototypes have been shown at the Moscow Motor Show — the Kalina all-wheel drive station wagon (2007), the Lada C-Cross concept (2008), the XRay (2012) and XCode (2016) concepts developed jointly with Magna by Steve Mattin. Of the production models close to the crossover class, we can name the raised "Vesta" and "Grants" Cross, as well as the Xray Cross.

AvtoVAZ representatives emphasize that the crossover shown at the SPIEF is not a prototype or a concept, but a car assembled directly on the assembly line. Oleg Grunenkov said that the development of the machine was carried out digitally, and some of the equipment has already been delivered to the factory. However, it will take time to set up the equipment, as well as fine—tuning the machine - the first Azimuths will be intended for comprehensive testing. Serial production is scheduled for next year. Dmitry Kostromin noted that the task is "the sooner the better," but did not specify exact dates.

At the same time, according to him, the approach to production is as flexible as possible: if demand is high, more cars will be made. In addition, Dmitry Kostromin allowed internal competition with the Vesta Cross station wagon.

— We see what happens with a regular station wagon: the customer mostly prefers the "crossover" version. Therefore, we will see if the Cross version is needed by the market or if the whole focus will be on Azimuth," he said.

How much will the AVTOVAZ crossover cost?

According to Kostromin, the Azimut will overlap in price with the rest of the Lada model range, and it will be "the next step above Vesta." The head of AVTOVAZ Maxim Sokolov, in turn, promised that the price range of the new product "will not break away from the current price range."

Maxim Kadakov, the editor-in-chief of Behind the Wheel, drew attention to the fact that an ordinary buyer is unlikely to guess that this car is made on the basis of Vesta.

— Neither the exterior design, nor the interior design, there is nothing to suggest that there is any connection with Vesta. Only distant echoes. Therefore, the car will go to a different class. Therefore, the price will be different. That is, in my opinion, the price of the crossover will start where the price of the Vesta ends, now it is 2.2 million rubles. And, accordingly, the 1.6 engine is one price, the 1.8 engine is another, he noted.

Igor Morzharetto, partner of Autostat, emphasized the importance of competitive pricing for Azimut's success. From his point of view, it should cost 1.9–2.5 million rubles at current prices. In addition, he drew attention to a number of nuances.

— The first point is that this segment of front—wheel drive crossovers is currently the most competitive. The second one is that the car will go into production no earlier than the first half of next year. It is difficult to say what kind of market it will be next year. I don't see any prospects for the market to grow this year and next," Morjaretto told Izvestia.