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2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
The AvtoVAZ company, being the most demanded manufacturer on the Russian market, has so far avoided the crossover segment. Perhaps the reason explaining this is that the Lada XRay cross-hatch is relatively low in popularity. So, this model is sold several times worse than the more expensive Hyundai Creta. It is also possible that the absence of the Lada crossover is due to the decision of the parent concern Renault, which does not want to artificially create competition with Duster on the Russian market.
However, the situation will change in the next 3-4 years. AvtoVAZ confirmed that 4 new Lada will be released by 2024, one of which may become a full-fledged crossover. The Volzhsky Automobile Plant has not yet officially confirmed this information. Although representatives of AvtoVAZ have already made some indirect hints on this matter.
At the moment, it is difficult to predict what the future crossover will look like. This is partly due to the fact that Renault fired Steve Mattin last year, who was developing the corporate identity of modern Lada. He was replaced by a specialist who designed supercars for Aston Martin. Perhaps future innovations from AvtoVAZ will lose X-shaped stampings and other characteristic features that will replace smoother lines. Apparently, this is exactly what the independent designer thought about, who presented his view of how the first crossover of the Volga Automobile Plant might look like. The developer has published several renders that reveal the appearance of the new VAZ "Oka" 2024.
It is noteworthy that an independent designer presented the first AvtoVAZ crossover under the Oka brand, not Lada. This choice may seem controversial. But this decision fits well into the framework of AvtoVAZ's new development strategy. The fact is that the Volzhsky Automobile Plant will soon start producing cars with an initial price of over a million rubles. At the same time, AvtoVAZ will keep the cheap models. The use of a separate brand for expensive cars, which is likely to include the first crossover, will allow dividing the model range of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant. That is, under the Lada brand they can, as now, produce budget cars. And "Oka" will be used for cars more than a million rubles.
So far, this information is nothing more than an assumption. However, despite what has been said, one can already imagine what technical characteristics the first crossover from AvtoVAZ will have.
Design
As noted earlier, the first crossover VAZ-1111 "Oka" 2024, presented by an independent designer, is designed in a style that is not characteristic of any modern Lada model. In addition to the absence of X-shaped elements, this novelty stands out for its smooth shapes. This feature is more pronounced on the side of the body.
In profile, the presented model looks like a sports crossover. This feature is emphasized by the wavy stripes stretching under the sill line and visually connecting the front and rear of the body. This effect is complemented by the roof, which lowers rather slowly towards the stern, and heavily heaped struts. Thanks to the latter, the windshield of the new Oka crossover turned out to be large, which improved visibility from the passenger compartment. The thin A-pillars also contribute to this.
The presented "Oka" stands out for its large wheel arches, which, following the example of the Toyota RAV4, have a square shape and are complemented by a wide plastic body kit. The Russian novelty has a fairly high ground clearance. However, the presented crossover is more likely focused on predominant operation on flat asphalt. This assumption is explained by the fact that the car, as will be shown below, will not receive all-wheel drive.
The bonnet with high side edges is also distinguished by wave-like shapes. As it moves to the front of the body, it gradually drops down, resting against a thin radiator grille with horizontal slats. The presented novelty received the original head optics. It is presented in the form of thin blocks, inside of which there are 3 horizontal LED strips.
The first crossover VAZ "Oka" 2024 was equipped with a massive front bumper, the central part of which is covered by a wide trapezoidal air intake with a fine mesh. On its sides, at a noticeable distance, there are cutouts for additional ventilation holes, the perimeter of which is made up of LED strips. At the bottom of the front bumper, the developer has laid a second, longer, but narrower air intake, under which the plastic protection is located.
The rear part of the body of the presented novelty goes almost vertically in relation to the roadway. Only the compact support legs are installed at a slight angle. The rear glazing of the Oka crossover is relatively compact. Moreover, part of its area is "eaten" by the side protrusions, which seem to support the wing.
The presented crossover is equipped with large rear optics of a non-standard shape, which is probably complemented by LEDs. An unusual cutout is visible under it, covered with a fine mesh. Perhaps it has a decorative function. Additional brake lights are located on the sides of this cutout.
Specifications
The presented Oka crossover will probably be built on the CMF-B-LS platform, which AvtoVAZ will soon start using in the production of all its cars. But this model will keep the already known motor range. This is supported by a recent statement from AvtoVAZ representatives, who said that the company will continue to develop existing engines.
Due to the fact that the first crossover VAZ-1111 "Oka" 2024 in a certain period will act as a flagship, it is likely that it will be equipped with only a 1.8-liter "atmospheric" engine with a maximum output of 122 hp. The appearance of a less powerful engine under the hood of this new item is unlikely. Although it is possible that AvtoVAZ will decide to install a 1.6-liter 113-horsepower Nissan unit. Also, the crossover will not receive all-wheel drive. In this case, the car would have to be transferred to Renault engines and transmissions, which contradicts the earlier statement of AvtoVAZ.
Time to market
The company "AvtoVAZ" has not yet provided any specific information about the possible appearance and timing of the release of the first full-fledged crossover. The presented model is the development of an independent designer. Accordingly, the first AvtoVAZ crossover will most likely come out in a completely different form.