Here’s something a little different for a change – Lada has unveiled the Azimut, its first new model in decades and the first since Renault sold its 63% share back to Russia for one ruble (five sen).
This is a totally ‘by Russia for Russia’ affair, since things are a little complicated geopolitically at present. Production is set to begin next year at the Togliatti plant, and Russian media estimate the starting price to be 2.5-3.0 million rubles (RM136k-163k), which would make it Lada’s most expensive current model.
Good-looking SUV, don’t you think? Angular styling, tall, upright nose with contoured bonnet, funky 18-inch alloys, X-shaped face with C-shaped LED DRLs, prominent wheel arch creases and C-shaped tail lamps connected by a thin light bar, while trims on the chin, lower doors, D-pillar and rear ‘diffuser’ appear to be finished in the same aluminium-like material.
Based on the Lada Vesta (would you have guessed?), the Azimut gets a new rear suspension and 208 mm of ground clearance, but it’s front-wheel drive only. Length and wheelbase are respectively 4,420 and 2,680 mm. You can choose between 120 hp 1.6 litre or 132 hp 1.8 litre engines, and either a six-speed manual or a CVT. A 150 hp turbo engine with an auto gearbox is in the works.
Interior features include a two-spoke power-adjustable steering wheel and a digital instrument panel connected to a 10-inch touch-screen (Russian-developed system, since Renault has left). There’s built-in navigation, a virtual assistant, six speakers, a reverse camera and keyless entry.
Optional extras include wireless phone charging, a panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, heated side windows (useful in Russia, we presume), a power tailgate and a 360 camera.
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Likely using carburetor.
Gotta restart from somewhere.