Lada 110 1.5 16V
The Lada 110, officially designated VAZ-2110, represented AvtoVAZ's most ambitious attempt to create a modern, competitive automobile. Developed during the turbulent period of the late Soviet Union and early Russian Federation, the 2110 was a clean-sheet design that aimed to bring Russian car manufacturing into the contemporary era.
Development began in the mid-1980s under the Soviet system, but the collapse of the USSR and the chaotic economic transition of the early 1990s delayed production until 1996. The car that eventually emerged was already somewhat dated by Western standards, but it represented a quantum leap over the Fiat 124-derived models that had been AvtoVAZ's bread and butter for 25 years.
The 2110 featured front-wheel drive, a modern fuel-injected DOHC 16-valve engine producing 93 hp, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a hatchback-derived body design. The styling, while not cutting-edge, was clean and inoffensive. Build quality was significantly improved over the older Lada models, though it still couldn't match Western or Japanese competitors.
The 1.5-liter 16-valve engine was the most advanced powerplant AvtoVAZ had produced, featuring electronic fuel injection and a catalytic converter for export markets. Performance was adequate rather than exciting, but fuel economy was reasonable and reliability was improved over the carburetor-fed predecessors.
The 2110 family expanded to include the 2111 wagon and 2112 hatchback. A sportier version, the 21106, was offered with a 2.0-liter Opel engine producing 136 hp, though it was produced in limited numbers.
The 2110 sold primarily in Russia and CIS countries, with limited exports to Eastern Europe. It was never as successful in export markets as the older Riva/Nova had been. Production continued until 2009, by which time the Renault-Nissan alliance with AvtoVAZ was pointing toward more globally competitive products.
The Lada 110 is best understood as a transitional car — imperfect but earnest, representing Russia's difficult journey from Soviet-era industry to modern manufacturing.
Very cheap to buy. Quality varies enormously between early and late production. Later models (post-2004) have better build quality and rust protection. Russian parts are cheap and abundant. The 16V engine is more refined but slightly less reliable than the simpler 8V. Check for rust, electrical issues, and suspension wear. Export-spec models are rare and slightly better equipped.
Developed from mid-1980s, production started 1996 at Togliatti. Family includes 2110 sedan, 2111 wagon, 2112 hatchback. Engine options: 1.5L 8V (79 hp), 1.5L 16V (93 hp), 1.6L 8V (80 hp), 1.6L 16V (89 hp), 2.0L Opel (136 hp, limited). Production ended 2009. Replaced by Lada Priora.