| VAZ-2106 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | AvtoVAZ |
| Also called | Lada 1600 VAZ-2106 Zhiguli 2106 |
| Production | 1976–2006 |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 4-doorsaloon |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1568 ccI4 |
| Transmission | 4-speedManual 3-speedAutomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm (95.5 in) |
| Length | 4,090 mm (161.0 in) |
| Width | 1,610 mm (63.4 in) |
| Height | 1,370 mm (54.0 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,030 kg (2,271 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | VAZ-2101 |
| Successor | VAZ-2107 |
TheVAZ-2106 Zhiguli (alternativelyZhiguli 2106) is asedan produced by theSoviet (laterRussian) automakerVAZ, and later, after thebreakup of the Soviet Union, also by RussianIzhevsk Avto and UkrainianAnto-Rus [uk]. In export markets, it was known simply asLada 1600 or alternatively asLada 2106. In the domestic market it was popularly nicknamedШестёрка (Shestyorka, in English;The sixth one). A hugely popular car and one of the most successful Lada models, it was in serial production for 30 years (from 1976 to 2006), although production in the VAZ plant ended after 25 years, in 2001, with manufacture continuing at Izhevsk for the final five years.[2]
Derived from its predecessor, theVAZ-2103,[1] 2106 was created as its alternative due to expense and complexity of production ofchrome elements which were severely reduced on it (although it did not fully replace it until 1984, when the 2103 was finally discontinued). Like the 2103, the 2106 was a four-door, four-seat saloon, but powered by a more powerful 78 hp (57 kW) 1,568 cc (95.7 cu in)single overhead caminline four engine of Lada's own design.[2] It used thepistons of theVAZ-21011's 1,294 cc (79.0 cu in) and thecrankshaft of theVAZ-2103's 1,452 cc (88.6 cu in).[3] Though only marginally more powerful than the 2103's engine, it produced moretorque, 86 ft⋅lbf (117 N⋅m) rather than 76 ft⋅lbf (103 N⋅m), making it easier to drive.[3] Top speed was 93 mph (150 km/h), with 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) acceleration in 16 seconds.[4] For many consumers, it was "the top of the Eastern Bloc charts for comfort and prestige",[3] since the more expensive and luxuriousGAZ andZIL cars, intended firstly forparty members and various other stateofficials, were out of reach for them.
It debuted in December 1975, and "would become the most popular and most numerous VAZ product".[4] It externally differed from its predecessor, the VAZ-2103, firstly by having smallergrille due to having plastic headlight surrounds, differentbumpers and by wider taillights also featuring reverse lights, which were then a new feature for VAZ models.[3] Internally it was almost as same as its predecessor with only minimal differences, most notably by being the first VAZ model with height adjustableheadrests on front seats and also by its steering wheel; it was visually easily recognizable by being decorated with classic Russianornaments together withLada logo on its central (leather) part. In 1976, due to being the latest model in VAZ arsenal, it served as a basis for latest prototype what would become the highly successfulVAZ-2121 Niva orLada Niva 1600 the next year. It borrowed many of its elements to it, like firstly its 1600 cc 75 hp (55 kW) petrol engine, as well as its headlights and taillights, direction pointers, side/external mirrors, front seat headrests, steering wheel, instruments and many other details. The VAZ-2106 was severely restyled in the second half of 1990s, itschrome lined elements having further been reduced. The chrome external/side mirrors became black metallic back in the first half of the 1980s, when the VAZ-2103 was discontinued; however, the grille was now replaced with a black plastic one which also featured a new front Lada badge. Chrome linedrim covers and exterior body part edges were also removed. However, the chromed bumpers as well asFiat 124 door knobs were still present until the very end of production. Internally, the agingFiat 125 steering wheel (firstly used by VAZ-2103 and later by VAZ-2121 Niva) also featuring chrome elements was replaced by newer one. The previous wood imitationdashboard was replaced with black one and, along with some other details, its originalberth foldable seats were also replaced with more modern ones.
The 21061, with the 75 hp (55 kW) 1,452 cc (88.6 cu in) VAZ-2103 engine, and 21063, with the 64 hp (47 kW) 1,294 cc (79.0 cu in), appeared in 1979.[4] The 21063 would disappear in 1993.[4] The less-powerful, but also cheaper, 21061 would be the sales leader,[4] helping make the 2106 the top-selling Lada model.[5] In Canada, the model was sold from late 1978-early 1979 as the Lada Signet, with the official factory name being VAZ 21061-37. It was made up to 1984. One variant of this model is the 21061-41, which had Canadian Domestic Market bumpers and fitments, but it featured European Domestic Market repeaters, tail lights, side logo, etc. This model is one of the rarest of the 2106 series, and some examples survive in the former USSR and in Europe.
Specialrally-prepared versions had up to 135 hp (99 kW) from the 1,294 cc (79.0 cu in) and up to 150 hp (110 kW) from the 1,570 cc (96 cu in), while there was aturbocharged sixteen-valve 1.8 liter delivering 240 hp (177 kW).[6]
In 2017, an old VAZ-2106 participating in the Banjul Challenge traversed twelve European and African countries in 15 days, starting inSaint Petersburg and finishing inBanjul, theGambia.[7] The car was eventually given to local residents, while four travellers returned home on a plane.[7]
In 2002, the IZhmash version of the VAZ-2106 was awarded zero stars out of a possible four by the RussianARCAP safety assessment program.[8] The reviewers noted that the result was unsurprising and that the car was outdated by the time of the test, with its construction dating back to the 1960s.[9]
Media related toVAZ-2106 at Wikimedia Commons| Current vehicles |
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