Russian Car Model LADA Iskra Test Drive on Belarusian Roads: Pros and Cons of Russian Automobiles
The LADA Iskra, a new addition to the LADA lineup, is making waves in the automotive market with its combination of versatility, modern design, and improved comfort. This compact car comes in three body styles—sedan, station wagon, and crossover—each offering different engine options to cater to various buyer preferences.
At its core, the Iskra is built on a technically independent platform that has undergone significant reengineering. Over 400 parts have been changed, and around 1000 new components have been added, ensuring a more robust and reliable driving experience.
The Iskra is equipped with a 106-horsepower, 16-valve Russian engine (VAZ 21129), a familiar powerhouse to LADA fans from models like Vesta and Granta. The car's base trim comes with an "shark fin" antenna, rain and light sensors, and a seatbelt reminder system that activates at 20 km/h.
The Iskra's design is conservative yet modern, with well-aligned body panels and smooth paintwork without flaws. The crossover version, in particular, boasts a brighter interior with "bronze" inserts and orange seat trim, adding a touch of style to its practicality.
The interior benefits from many components borrowed from newer models, improving comfort. The cabin uses hard but textured plastics, with thoughtful ergonomics including a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and adequately supportive front seats. The Iskra offers improved sound insulation compared to older Lada models, though it still does not match the noise levels of European cars.
The manual gearbox is precise but requires some effort, and the engine options provide acceptable performance for city driving. The crossover variant features a high body, ample ground clearance, and spacious interiors, making it well suited for diverse driving conditions from urban roads to countryside.
The Iskra is expected to be competitively priced, with sales having started in major Russian cities including St. Petersburg and Moscow, and mass production ramping up by late 2025. Promotional discounts and sales offers are already in place in dealerships.
However, the Iskra still has room to improve in refinement and premium feel. Although improved, the noise insulation remains below European standards, which may affect ride comfort on highways or rough roads. The interior plastics, while textured, are still hard and might feel less premium compared to contemporary competitors. The manual transmission, although accurate, requires a noticeable effort which could be tiring in heavy traffic or daily use.
In summary, the LADA Iskra balances practical features, improved comfort, and versatility at an attractive price point, making it a strong option in its segment. On the highway, the crossover version can easily achieve 7 liters per 100 km at 120 km/h, while the sedan's real-world fuel consumption, during active city driving, is 10.2-10.5 L/100 km. The Iskra meets Euro-6 emissions standards and is designed to withstand local salt conditions better than popular "Chinese" cars, thanks to its body made of hot-dip galvanized steel sheet. The car's various features, coupled with its competitive pricing, make the Iskra an appealing choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable vehicle for urban and rural driving.
The LADA Iskra, given its competitive pricing and versatility, could potentially disrupt the automotive industry, offering an appealing option for East European buyers seeking reliable and comfortable transportation. The finance sector might also benefit from the Iskra's attractive pricing, making car ownership more accessible to a wider segment of the population. Moreover, the improved efficiency of the Iskra, especially the crossover variant, can reduce operational costs in the transportation sector, fostering advancements in urban mobility and logistics.
