Lada Riva/Nova

De Lada Riva (In England) or Nova stood for the VAZ-2105, VAZ-2104, and VAZ-2107 and was a model of mid-size family car built by the Russian car manufacturer AvtoVAZ. The car was launched in the Soviet Union in 1980 and soon after in other European markets. The model was available as a sedan and estate version.

Lada Nova / Nova

History and background

The VAZ-2105, VAZ-2104, and VAZ-2107 — collectively known as the Lada Riva in most Western European markets — are a series of mid-size family cars built by the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ, introduced in 1980 in the Soviet Union and progressively in other European markets in the early 1980s, sold in both sedan and station wagon versions.

Although introduced in the early 1980s, the origins of the Riva are older: it is a modernized and restyled version of the original Lada type VAZ-2101 Zhiguli sedan, which was introduced in 1970 as a modified license copy of the Fiat 124.

It is the third best-selling automotive platform in the history of the industry — after the Volkswagen Beetle and the Ford Model T. A remarkable achievement for a car that originated in a Soviet factory in Tolyatti.

In the United Kingdom, the British market first received the Riva as the 1300GL in July 1983. British sales were heavily based on the low selling price and durability. In 1986, more than 20.000 Ladas were sold in Great Britain, virtually all Rivas, reaching a peak of over 30.000 in 1988.

Production started in 1980 and ended in September 2012, when the last 2104 rolled off the IzhAvto assembly lines. This marked the end of production of the Fiat 124-derived models after 41 years on the assembly lines.

Interior of the Lada Nova

Design and interior

The Riva is mechanically almost identical to the first generation VAZ-2101, with Fiat-derived manual transmissions, coil springs all around, and aluminium alloy drum brakes with cast iron brake pads on the rear axle.

The exterior of the 2105 featured straight body lines, large rectangular block lighting at the front and rear, aluminium bumpers, and milled-outline fenders. The ventilation system differed from its predecessor due to the presence of rectangular vents. An electrically heated rear window was standard.

An impressive standard equipment, as Autocar noted in a review, including headlight height adjustment, internally adjustable driver's side mirror, velour-covered seats, heated rear window, and lighting for the hood and luggage compartment.

The VAZ-2107 distinguished itself from the 2105 by a large chrome grille, imitation wood dashboard trim, and a more luxurious interior — in Soviet terms, this was the “prestige” variant.

The model was derived from the original Fiat 124 platformProduction in Russia ended between 2010 and 2012, but the Lada 2107 is still in production in Egypt. It is the third best-selling car platform after the Volkswagen Beetle and the Ford Model T, and one of the longest production run platforms alongside the Volkswagen Beetle, the Hindustan Ambassador, and the Volkswagen Type 2.

Model variants

Sedan (VAZ-2105 / “Pyatyorka”):

• VAZ-2105 / Lada Nova (1980–2010) — base sedan, 1.294 cc engine with timing belt instead of chain
• VAZ-21051 — 1.198 cc engine, exported as Lada 1200L
• VAZ-21053 / Lada Riva — 1.452 cc engine, best-selling export version
• VAZ-21054 — special version for police, Ministry of the Interior and FSB, second fuel tank and battery

Luxury sedan (VAZ-2107 / “Semyorka”):

• VAZ-2107 (1982–2012) — luxury sedan with large chrome grille, 1.452 cc engine, faux wood interior
• VAZ-21074 — 1.569 cc engine, five-speed gearbox
• VAZ-21073 — 1.7-liter fuel injection engine, export version

Station wagon (VAZ-2104 / “Chetvyorka”):

• VAZ-2104 (1984–2012) — station wagon, 1.294 cc engine, four-speed gearbox
• VAZ-21043 — 1.452 cc engine, four- or five-speed gearbox
• VAZ-21044 — 1.7-liter fuel injection engine, export version

Estate version of the Nova

Competitors

In the United Kingdom, the Lada Riva was a competitor to fellow Eastern European and Far Eastern cars from brands such as Skoda, Yugo, FSO, and Hyundai. The Riva was never aimed at buyers of market leaders such as the Ford Sierra, Vauxhall Cavalier, and Austin Montego — that was simply a different segment. Direct competitors were:

• Skoda 105/120
• Yugo 45/55
• FSO Polonez
• Dacia 1300

Successor model

Stricter safety and emissions legislation led to the Riva being withdrawn from most Western European markets in 1997. In Russia, the Klassika family was gradually replaced by more modern AvtoVAZ models such as the Lada Samara, Lada 110 series, and eventually the Lada Granta and Lada Vesta.