Facelift
On the training ground we looked like children looking for differences in two seemingly identical pictures. So, looking back at the pre-restyling car, which we immediately dubbed old, we begin to bend our fingers, counting the updates. The front bumper, which appeared on the model last year, has not changed, so at first glance both Prioras appear the same.
The only difference is the plastic radiator grille - the new honeycomb structure has refreshed the exterior. Although at a distance the honeycombs still need to be seen. The headlights are the same. I agree with the opinions of the owners on numerous forums: they work as they should.
In the stern, the main focus is on the lights. Now in their lower part there are LEDs, which are longer lasting than ordinary lamps that are on a white car. Larger reflectors on the bumper also help to outline the dimensions. At dusk, the new lighting technology really showed itself better - it was noticeably brighter.
Anti-aging treatments
As soon as you start the engine, the new car’s low beam headlights flash, even if the switch is in the “0” position - convenient. The indicator squeaks to warn you that your seat belt is not fastened, and when you lightly touch the steering column, the turn signal flashes three times.
I turn on the side lights sequentially, then the headlights... Not one icon appears on the instrument panel, like in an old car, but two. It’s a small thing, but now you don’t have to guess what lighting equipment works.
The new instrument panel is more interesting in terms of design. In general, there were no special complaints about the previous one, but it was too simple and had already become familiar. And then there were the wide white arrows and well-arranged pictograms, and I immediately fell in love with the new product.
The updated dashboard not only refreshed the interior, but also added convenience. The on-board computer screen was placed in the center. There is no unnecessary beauty on the monitor, everything is simple, but large numbers are clearly visible in motion.
The driver's position is praised by many owners, but being 190 cm tall, I feel uncomfortable in the seat: there is very little space in the area of the pedal assembly of the old car, and there is not enough longitudinal adjustment of the seat. The updates have corrected the situation a little: the seat slides in the new car have been lengthened, so you don’t have to lean the back too much back.
The chair is denser, it better fixes the body in turns. The distance between the gas and brake pedals is noticeably greater. Having adjusted the driver's seats in both cars, I tried to sit back and couldn't. The backs were too close to the rear sofas. And if four people get into the car, I, the driver, will have to press my knees to my ears.
Why is the new Priora better?
This year VAZ is radically updating its model range. We will talk about exactly how the second generation of Lada Priora has become better than the previous one, and we will try to list the differences that are characteristic of the new model.
First of all, it makes sense to name all the components and assemblies that are used in the top trim levels of the Priora II. In the engine line, for example, a new power unit with the index 21127 is now available (its rated power is 106 hp).
Some versions of the car will be equipped with a cable manual transmission, but when this will happen is not known. And it also turns out that it is impossible to install a hydraulic transmission on a Priora (the automatic transmission cannot be placed purely physically). So, VAZ engineers are striving to design a “robot”. We will learn about the results of the research in about one year.
Sea trials
The highest rated speed of the Priora II with a 106-horsepower sedan engine is 183 km/h. It is possible to achieve such a value in reality, but only if you have an ideal asphalt surface, correctly selected tires, etc. By the end of this year, a coupe version of the car will appear (and it is possible that the speed there will be slightly higher).
Drivers who managed to test the “second Priora” on the highway have no complaints about its handling. The only thing that may cause concern is the excessive noise level, which is noticeable at very high speeds. We are talking about values of 120 km/h or more. By the way, in the new generation of Priora, the sound insulation has been significantly updated. And it is unlikely that VAZ will do anything better in the near future.
Main differences from generation “I”
At the same time, minor defects can make themselves felt, the following can be noted. The flagship LADA model has managed to outgrow the class of budget cars, and not a hint remains of the former “savings on everything”. So, the main goal of VAZ engineers was achieved.
In addition to improved driving performance, the second generation Lada Priora received the following innovations:
— A modern version of optics has appeared, including LED rear lights (in general, the appearance has changed slightly);
— ABS+BAS systems will be supplemented with an ESC unit (currently such a unit is installed in models with a Jatco automatic transmission);
— The interior space of the cabin has been updated: new materials have been used in the decoration, a touch screen has been installed on the dashboard, and so on.
- Author: Dmitry
Rate this article:
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
(0 votes, average: 0 out of 5)
Share with your friends!
Color change
“First impressions: the car needs to be rolled out, it doesn’t drive. There is no sound insulation, locks and door handles require improvement. The standard tires are noisy and dull. You’re riding like you’re on stumps.”
“In two difficult months, the car covered 18,000 km, but did not cause any problems. The chassis, in my opinion, is quite tolerable, the only thing is that a knock is heard in the right pillar when passing speed bumps. I came to the service, looked at it - everything is fine, they say it’s their illness. The brakes are not bad, 4"...
I compare the impressions of Moscow Prior owners with my own. The cars have the same 98-horsepower engines, so there are no fundamental differences in movement. The suspensions regularly absorb large bumps, but shake on small bumps. However, the gray car is more interesting at the level of nuances: it is more composed in corners, a little more stable on the way out, and absorbs road bumps more smoothly.
In terms of acceleration dynamics, the new and old “Priors” are practically no different from each other, while a noticeable monotonous rumble fills the interior. I remember that during our first meeting with the car they told us about improving the sound insulation. We measured the noise level in the cabin (both Prioras were shod with the standard Kama-Euro) and were surprised: the new car turned out to be not as quiet as the previous version! The reason was found in the trunk: it turned out that the carpet in the pre-restyling car was thicker.
The steering is equally uninformative, and the updated car has a sharper steering wheel only in the Lux. We are waiting for him in other modifications.
“The transmission works fine, except for first gear. I switch to lower with effort. This happened to me on all Zhiguli cars, from the “six” to the “ten,” - I continue to study the forum of Prior owners.
The white Priora has a similar behavior, but here the fifth gear is difficult to engage. I push the lever by force, and it doesn’t work the first time. In a restyled car, it is more convenient to operate the lever. New cable driven unit? Unfortunately, no: both have well-known boxes with the VAZ-2112 index, which my colleague was not enthusiastic about when he tried out the new Priora in Tolyatti. Therefore, they decided: these are the features of specific machines. I would like to believe that the better performance of the transmission is evidence of improved build quality. By the way, when the engines are idling, the gearbox levers of our pair vibrate equally strongly.
What is good about the Lada Priora in Russia?
It was this model that became the first by AvtoVAZ to receive airbags and even air conditioning. Even though these were the most expensive trim levels, before Priora, no Russian car offered such amenities. Today this will not surprise anyone, but at the time of the launch of the model, such options could be considered a sign of the elite class. So, to some extent, Priora became a pioneer, giving impetus to the development of Lada.
It is also worth noting the following interesting features of the machine:
- it is this model that has become a cult favorite in the North Caucasus, where Priora is considered a sign of luxury and real honor, especially if the suspension is lowered to the minimum ground clearance;
- Surprisingly, the car has become one of the world leaders in terms of timing belt endurance - it lasts here (according to the factory) for 200,000 km, but all owners change it much earlier;
- Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, rode in this car, this indicates incredible trust in security systems and other technical solutions on the part of the ruler’s entourage;
- the car practically did not change its appearance, and the only restyling affected only the interior; there were many changes in technical elements, but they all turned out to be insignificant;
- over all the years of production, almost a million copies of this car were produced, so the car can be called successful, even if many critics call it a failed development.
Further more?
There is very little room for feet in the Priors. In the old one, when I pressed the gas, I often touched the brake pedal. Because of this, you have to move your leg to the right and turn your foot out.
I don’t even want to think about what will happen to my leg in the event of an accident. It is better to sit in the updated car due to the fact that the distance between the gas and brake pedals has been increased by about 7 mm (up to 47 mm).
PLUS: The LED lights are good, the car has become more visible. The on-board computer screen is clear and understandable.
MINUS: Weak, uninformative brakes, and still cramped in the back.
We thank the Temp Auto Balashikha and Avtorezerv car dealerships for providing the cars for testing.
Restyling was carried out with little effort. The car has clearly become better, but you shouldn’t expect miracles from a long-lived Russian market driver. The shortcomings that require serious modifications to the body and chassis remain. We hope they will be eliminated in the new model that will replace the Priora at the end of 2020.
Why did they stop producing Priora?
The hatchback and Priora station wagon have disappeared from the official Lada website; now only the sedan is present there. Typically, such “metamorphoses” mean that accepting orders for models that have left the configurator has been stopped. It is possible that Priora in these body types was discontinued from production. The company itself has not yet announced the departure of the hatchback and station wagon from the Russian market.
In the photo: Lada Priora hatchback
Meanwhile, the entire Lada Priora family is still available on the websites of some dealers of the brand, so it is most likely possible to purchase a hatch and a station wagon. The model is available with a 1.6 liter petrol engine producing 106 hp. s., which is equipped with “mechanics” or “robot” AMT. The price of the Priora hatchback varies from 443,000 to 540,000 rubles, the station wagon costs from 446,600 to 543,900 rubles. The Lada Priora sedan today can be bought for 435,000-532,300 rubles.
In the photo: Lada Priora station wagon
Let us remind you that Priora was supposed to be produced until 2020, having at the same time undergone another update. However, after the launch of the Lada Vesta, the future of the model was in question - the price difference between the cars is not so great, it is obvious that the buyer will choose the modern Vesta.
In this regard, AVTOVAZ may decide to transfer Priora to a cheaper segment, equipping the car with a less powerful engine and depriving it of expensive options. For example, the four-door Priora is now offered with cruise control, side airbags, rain and light sensors, and a multimedia system with a touchscreen.
In the photo: Lada Priora sedan
According to the Association of European Businesses, in January-November 2015, 25,849 Priors were sold in Russia - almost 17,000 cars less than in 2014.
