The Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the AvtoVAZ machine-building site, where a pre-production version of the new LADA Iskra was shown to him. It is also reported that the start of mass production of the novelty is scheduled for April this year.

The model is based on a new base and will be available in three versions: sedan, station wagon and cross-version. Two types of power plants are provided for Iskra – 1.6-liter 90-HP petrol engine coupled with 5-speed manual gear box, or a unit of similar displacement, but capacity of 106 HP, coupled either with manual or automatic gear box.

There is also a sports version of the model, which will be equipped with special shock absorbers with spherical hinges, as well as stiffer springs and a 1.8-liter 173-HP power plant coupled with sequential gear box.

NAPI (National Industrial Information Agency)