More budget than budget: test drive ZAZ Vida with factory LPG

The technical characteristics of ZAZ VIDA (translated from Spanish as “life, way of life”) are almost similar to the characteristics of the Chevrolet Aveo T250 . Because it is a 100% double of the Aveo (licensed copy), with the exception of minor details in the interior, the ZAZ automobile corporation nameplate instead of the Chevrolet golden cross, as well as being equipped with Ukrainian-made 1.3-liter engines with a power of 70 hp. (don't let this scare you, the car is also available with GM 1.4 and 1.5 liter engines).

The car traditionally has front-wheel drive and is available in sedan and hatchback bodies. The transmission is a 5-speed manual (Korean-made) or a 4-speed automatic (GM). Wheel size – 185/60/R14 and 185/55/R15 (read what size wheels can be installed on the Aveo). According to the manufacturer, ZAZ VIDA meets the environmental requirements for exhaust gas toxicity required by the Euro-4 standard. The frequency of maintenance is 15 thousand km (read the frequency of maintenance of the Chevrolet Aveo). Also, some trim levels are equipped with air conditioning, power windows and fog lights.

Description of the ZAZ Vida car

ZAZ Vida is a modern Ukrainian car, which has been produced at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant since 2012. The car is available in hatchback and sedan bodies, although the second type is much more popular than the first. The vehicle was planned to be released as a replacement for the ZAZ Chance, but for the first two years the cars rolled off the assembly line at the same time. Only in 2014, a new modern car became the main passenger car of the manufacturer.

The appearance of the ZAZ Vida has become somewhat larger compared to the Chance. This is confirmed by information about the dimensions of the vehicle from the technical passport: the length of the car reached 4.31 m, the wheelbase was 2.48 m, the width was 1.71 m, and the height was 1.5 m. All this determined not only the external, but also the internal expansion of the car: the Vida’s interior is very roomy, and 3 passengers can easily fit in the back row of seats. Ground clearance remains classic - 160 mm. This is quite enough for the car to feel comfortable even on rough roads. Due to the increase in the base and the car as a whole, the manufacturer decided to add a couple of inches to the diameter of the wheels, and now, instead of 13-inch ones, the car is equipped with 14" and 15" wheels.

The aesthetic side of “Vida” made a pleasant surprise for fans of Zaporozhye Automobile Plant cars. The design of the vehicle is surprisingly graceful and elegant. The front part received stylish headlights, pointed towards the radiator grille, which, in turn, is divided into 2 parts by a strip with the manufacturer’s emblem. By the way, it is from this strip that the hood begins. It has a convex central part that runs along the entire facade of the car to the end of the bumper. The latter received many air intake openings, while neat foglights are located on the sides. The rear panel has triangular lights that flow neatly onto the side corner of the car.

The interior equipment of the ZAZ Vida is more than high quality. The spacious interior with 4 passenger seats will receive a reliable plastic finish. The chairs themselves have a comfortable shape and pleasant fabric upholstery. The front panel looks very interesting: its upper part includes the instrument compartment, audio preparation and openings for the heating system, and the lower part is separated from the main relief line and contains switches. The instrument panel has an interesting arrangement of indicators: the speedometer and tachometer are located on the sides, the oil temperature and fuel level sensors are on top, and a small display with consumption data and some other data is located below them between the first indicators. This entire composition is also illuminated at night. It is important to note the presence of ABS, airbags, as well as power steering and on-board computer, which contribute to reliable and comfortable driving.

The technical side of the car is represented by three power plants. The most popular of them is the 1.5-liter engine, which produces up to 84 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and consumption reaches 8 liters on the combined cycle. The more powerful 1.4-liter engine is capable of producing up to 94 horsepower and 130 Nm. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the transmission is a 4-speed automatic, fuel consumption is slightly lower: on the combined cycle it is less than 7.5 liters. The most powerful power unit is a 1.5-liter engine with 109 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. It is curious that the consumption of this unit is the lowest of all – 7.2 liters. This is explained by the fact that the engine is made according to the Euro 4 environmental standard, which is characterized by high energy efficiency.

You can purchase a ZAZ Vida both at dealerships and directly. A new car will cost about 400-500 thousand rubles, while a used car can be found at a price of 150 thousand rubles.

The launch of mass production of the ZAZ Vida sedan took place in 2012; this model is an analogue of the first generation Chevrolet Aveo. The car differs from its prototype in a slightly modified design of the nose and improved ergonomics of the driver's seat. The appearance of the vehicle is distinguished by numerous high screen stampings, somewhat non-standard design of the front light elements, and a heavily sloping roof. The interior is decorated with budget materials, which include hard polymer and dense fabric in non-staining shades. The advantages of the car, first of all, include its low cost and, as a result, accessibility to a wide range of motorists. The repair and maintenance of this vehicle will also not require significant financial investments, and if you have at least a minimal understanding of the design features of the car, you can handle the repairs and maintenance yourself without any problems. On the road, the car moves quite softly and smoothly, the suspension effectively compensates for unevenness, and there is no excessive roll when entering sharp turns. The initial options include central locking with a remote control function, front windows are equipped with a servo drive, and a comfortable microclimate in the cabin is supported by a ventilation system and a heater. For an additional fee, standard car audio, daytime running lights, a trip computer and many other useful devices were installed on board the car.

Exterior

In the nose of the ZAZ Vida, well-defined stamping lines are distinguished, passing through the surface of the sloping hood from the windshield to the radiator grille and the central socket of the air intake system. Thanks to this design, the radiator grille and air intake protrude forward, visually forming a single unit. The main light blocks are oval shaped and include low/high beam lights, direction indicators and dimensions. The decorative radiator body kit is represented by a narrow frame covered with a fine-mesh mesh; it is crossed horizontally by a decorative overlay with a corporate logo. The air intake sections are covered with slats intersecting at right angles; cylinders of fog lights are placed in the side sections. Parallel to the window sill line ascending at a slight angle, there is a well-defined stiffening rib.

The wheel arches are significantly widened, the roof is given a domed shape, branded attributes are applied to the wide back side of the luggage compartment lid, and branded attributes are present underneath them. The rear light blocks have the shape of large volumetric triangles, and rather steep overhangs are formed under the bumpers. The body dimensions are 4310/1710/1505 mm, the ground clearance is 160 mm, and the full turning diameter is 10.4 meters. The wheel track ratio is 1450/1430 mm, the wheelbase is 2480 mm. Curb weight – 1200 kg, gross – 1575 kg, trunk volume – 320 liters.

Interior

The layout of the interior elements of the ZAZ Vida is carefully thought out, thanks to which a lot of free space is created inside; the seats are covered with fabric material with an original textured pattern. Comfortable headrests are integrated into the back of the rear sofa; a luggage rack is installed behind the backrest; it can be used to arrange car audio speakers. The internal surfaces of the doors are partially draped with fabric, partially trimmed with polymer panels, a wide armrest rising at a slight angle is mounted on the border between fabric and plastic, and wide niches are made at the thresholds. Between the driver and front passenger seats there is a polymer insert with a parking brake handle and a gear selector. The wide front panel expands even further towards its central part. This area contains round air ducts, free installation spaces, and switches for operating modes of climate control equipment. There are two large scales on the instrument panel; between them there is a pair of smaller dials.

Specifications

The ZAZ Vida is driven by an engine running on AI-95 fuel. At 4500 rpm it develops up to 140 Nm of torque, power – 109 hp. forces, acceleration dynamics - 11 seconds, average fuel consumption - 7.2 liters, manual transmission with five gears.

Description

The ZAZ Vida, whose characteristics are presented below, first rolled off the assembly line in 2012. The first batch was, accordingly, a trial one; simultaneously with the release, the process of obtaining certification took place. The T250 body was used on some models, including the Chevrolet Aveo, and became one of a line of cars that were also produced in Ukraine. This car was produced under its working name - ZAZ "Vida". In Russia it is better known as Point.

February 2012 - it was at this time that mass production began. Complete assembly (stamping, body creation, painting) was initially carried out on the main assembly line in Zaporozhye. It was planned to export the car only when the share of Ukrainian components was more than half. The ZAZ Vida car will differ from the original version in wheels, logos, configuration options and, of course, cost.

The car in certain versions is equipped with different power plants. We are talking about licensed (1.5 l), Melitopol (1.3 l) and Korean (1.5 l) engines. You can see different versions of the car on the market. A sedan and a hatchback with 5 doors are available.

The established sale of the ZAZ Vida car in the dealer network of Ukraine appeared in the year of its manufacture. Manufacturers were faced with the task of increasing product quantities and increasing the development of domestic parts. It was initially known that the car would be sold to Russia, however, in what form and at what cost, no one knew. In the first year, more than 10 thousand copies were sold.

Engine

The ZAZ Vida car, the engine of which, in principle, has fairly acceptable characteristics, moves on the roads due to a gasoline power plant. The manufacturer installs two types of units:

  • four-valve - mechanical gearbox, and a speed of 100 km/h can be reached in 12 seconds;
  • The eight-valve engine is capable of producing 64 horsepower. And you can pick up speed from a standstill in 14 seconds.

In principle, for a Ukrainian-made car, these characteristics are really not bad. In the end, we are not talking about Germany, Japan or America, but about Ukraine. It is worth noting that this ZAZ Vida car, reviews of which confirm all the stated characteristics, comes off the same assembly line as the Lanos, known throughout the country. The manufacturer had to create an excellent car, improve it and fully adapt it to all the requirements of a modern driver. However, this is not easy to do, if only because it is remembered by customers for its durability, good endurance and complete immunity to the climatic conditions of any region.

Spacious interior for passengers and driver, warm in winter. High ground clearance, good cornering stability, good maneuverability, powerful engine for its class. Good visibility, soft ride (I drove 45,000 km in a year - I lost a plastic cap on the front left wheel somewhere on a bump at a speed of 130 km/h). I hardly ever look under the hood.

Prices and options

Officially, the ZAZ Vida car was supplied to the Russian market for only two years. In the summer of 2014, it left Russia and is now available only on the secondary market. Depending on the configuration and year of manufacture, this car can be purchased for 200-300 thousand rubles.

On the domestic market (in Ukraine), the ZAZ Vida is still produced and sold. The car is offered in several trim levels:

  • standard;
  • comfort;
  • lux.

The starting price for a car with basic equipment is 260 thousand hryvnia (585 thousand rubles). The basic package includes the following set of options:

  • electric rear window heating;
  • rear fog lights;
  • electric headlight corrector;
  • decorative caps and 14-inch stamped wheels.

The comfort package is available at a price starting from 285 thousand hryvnia (590 thousand rubles). For this price you are buying a 1.5-litre car with a 5-speed manual transmission. In addition to standard options, this package includes:

  • central locking;
  • electric front windows;
  • hydraulic power steering;
  • air conditioner;
  • front fog lights;
  • driver's side airbag;
  • electrically heated and adjustable side mirrors;
  • steering column with mechanical adjustment.

The maximum luxury package is offered at a price of 317 thousand hryvnia (650 thousand rubles). This includes a 1.4-liter engine and automatic transmission. Wheels - cast, 15 inches. The level of equipment is almost the same as in the comfort package, with the exception of an immobilizer and two rear electric windows.


Regardless of the configuration, the car uses front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Although many automakers have already abandoned this scheme and use disc brakes “in a circle”.

ZAZ Vida review from Za Rulem magazine

Korean design, Chinese engine, Ukrainian assembly. In a past life there was a second-generation Chevrolet Aveo, and in the current Vida there is a new ZAZ model, which entered the Russian market in May to eventually replace Chance. Review of ZAZ Vida from Za Rulem magazine.

Vida translated from Spanish means life, from Turkish means screw or screw, from Ukrainian means the new ZAZ car, and in Russian it’s another player in the already tight “affordable” segment. These are tough times for low-cost car buyers. It is becoming increasingly difficult to choose the “wheels” you like within a limited budget: starting prices are somewhere around 400,000 rubles. However, the percentage of adherents of a certain brand and model is quite large. They are accustomed to their elderly “swallow” and want the same one, only a new one.

This is exactly what the Vida is aimed at - essentially a “replica” of the 2006 model year Aveo. So, but not quite: Vida, although a copy inside and outside, differs from its ancestor in the engine. On the Ukrainian market there is a choice between three power units: Aveo’s native Korean 1.4 liter with a 4-speed automatic transmission and two Melitopol ones with a 5-speed manual transmission. The first engine from Melitopol is the 1.3-liter MeMZ-307, well known to the owners of the Zaporozhets Sence, but the second is still a mystery to many. This 1.5-liter licensed engine SQR477F. Chinese, Chery brand.

By the way, it is installed on another Chery A13 model, produced by ZAZ under the name Forza. In terms of its characteristics, the engine is not particularly outstanding, but quite modern, meeting the environmental requirements of Euro 4. So, with this single engine, Vida entered our market. Already now this is only half a Korean car: stamping of body parts, welding, painting, seats, steering wheels, interior panels and much more is done in Ukraine. And this is not the limit.

What about quality? And before Aveo did not shine with the high cost of finishing materials. Now they are also far from premium, but you probably won’t make any new claims against them. As they say, within the budget, worthy. The plastic and fabrics are, of course, cheap, the steering wheel is “very plastic”, but it is assembled no less carefully than it was in Korea.

The equipment for Russia so far corresponds to the Ukrainian version of Base: 5-speed manual transmission, heater without air conditioning, “manual” mirrors. By the fall, Vida should have an automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric mirrors, ABS and other options. But the main difference between the Russian version will remain - there is only one engine for all trim levels - Chery 1.5 l / 109 hp.

In Russia, the Vida is currently sold in one basic configuration – with a Chinese-Ukrainian 1.5-liter engine, a manual gearbox, power steering, a driver’s airbag and a pair of power windows. The new product doesn’t have a lot of equipment yet, but the new distributor ZAZAVTORUS promises to return to Russians all the options previously available for the original Aveo model. Already in the fall we should have cars with automatic transmission, ABS, a second airbag, air conditioning, normal power accessories and standard “music”. Wait and see. But the release of the Aveo hatchback, production of which begins at ZAZ in May-June, on the Russian market is almost a fait accompli.

Based on materials from: Za Rulem magazine.


2012 21:31 //
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What engine does the ZAZ Lanos have?

On the territory of Ukraine and Russia, a car can most often be found with the following engines:

  • 1.5 liters . 8-valve, 86 hp. at 5800 rpm. and torque of 130 Nm at 3400 rpm.
  • 1.6 liters . 16 valve, 106 hp. at 6000 rpm. and torque of 145 Nm at 3400 rpm.

The engines are in-line 4-cylinder with a distributed injection system, which is controlled electronically. These engines are analogues of Opel . which were installed on cars such as the Kadett E and Ascona C. In general, the engines are quite reliable and time-tested. Their disadvantage is increased fuel consumption in urban driving.

Engine 1.5 l :

Engine 1.6 l :

Power units

Initially, Vida went on sale with only one power plant - a 1.5 liter, 8-valve, developing 84 hp. With. This engine was developed by General Motors, in general, they borrowed it again from Aveo.

Later, two more power plants appeared: a 1.4-liter, with 16 valves and 94 hp. With. power and 1.5-liter, but already 16-valve with a power of 109 hp. With.

The first of them is also a GM development, but the 1.5-liter is a joint brainchild of the Melitopol plant and the Chery company.

All engines are gasoline, injection, and meet Euro-4 standards.

The engines are considered quite good for a subcompact car, although they do not provide outstanding performance.

But there is an interesting feature that few people know.

One of the versions of the ZAZ Vida, with the factory modification SF69Y0-71, although it is equipped with the “weakest” engine of all, is included in its standard equipment, which is a rather interesting move by the manufacturer.

Owner reviews

The ZAZ Vida went on sale in 2012, and so far no changes have been made to its design, and it is unlikely that they will be made.

The car itself, in terms of its technical components and equipment, is not inferior to many budget analogues.

You can find out how the car performed from the owner reviews below. Moreover, there are both positive and negative reviews for this car.

Positive reviews.

Andrey (Kyiv, Ukraine), 1.5 l engine (84 hp), manual transmission.

“I bought Vida as a car for my wife. The choice of this car is explained very simply: any of the brands belonging to class “B” (the same Accent, Fabia, Polo) does not attract me, so why overpay? In addition, I needed a temporary option, which I will change later.

This is not my first car, for work I was allocated Focus, Peugeot 207, and in my possession I had Logan, Cerato.

The car was purchased equipped with an airbag, air conditioning, power steering, and front fog lights. Additionally, I immediately bought new tires, floor mats and a radio.

The Vida's ride quality is quite tolerable. The rear is a bit stiff, but the front suspension is not bad, it absorbs potholes perfectly.

The engine has 84 hp. With. pleases with high-torque (Peugeot 207 is far from it).

You will get used to the clutch very quickly, it works just beautifully. 2nd gear at the gearbox is a little difficult to engage, especially when downshifting from third.

Noise insulation is no different from cars of this class.

Passed zero maintenance, during which the oil, filter, and caliper guides were changed. In general, this service cost 600 UAH, which is very cheap.

So far I'm happy with the car, everything works well. I will exploit it."

Yuri (Balakleya, Ukraine), 1.5 l engine, manual transmission, Comfort.

“I’ve already driven 13 thousand km, so I can already draw some conclusions regarding the car.

Body, interior.

There is no rattling or squeaking in the cabin, everything is relatively quiet. Friends even asked how much it cost to add a slotted spoon to the car, but I didn’t do it.

The air conditioning works great in the summer, and the stove also performed well in the winter.

The headlights are simply classy.

The low beam even had to be lowered down. The installed fog lights helped during healthy fog. Despite my not very short stature, I get into the car without any problems, there is enough space in the front, and the passengers in the back are not reached by their knees.

Convenient dashboard, information is easy to read. Convenient steering column switches.

In terms of fuel consumption, I didn’t particularly track it, but I will say that they most likely correspond to the passport data. It just doesn’t bother me that much, and I don’t feel like doing checks.

The engine is quite responsive, making it easy to overtake or accelerate downhill.

I accelerated the car to 150 km/h, while it still behaved steadily, there were no vibrations or beats. But I found for myself that the optimal maximum for the View would be 130 km/h.

The suspension is generally soft. I caught serious holes a couple of times, and nothing happened - the racks held up.

I realized that ZAZ Vida is far from the worst option for the money. We’ll see how she shows herself in the future.”

Ivan (Orel, Russia), 1.5 liter, manual transmission.

“When purchasing a car, the main criteria were low price, ease of maintenance and repair, since I am an entrepreneur, and the car feeds me.

Having considered several options, I settled on the ZAZ Vida, because the car’s characteristics and performance were completely satisfactory to me.

The driving performance of this car was a pleasant surprise; the car holds the road well even in the rain.

I was also pleasantly pleased with the gas mileage; this ZAZ is very economical, maneuverable and has good ground clearance.

The car is easy to maintain and repair, I didn’t notice any shortage of spare parts, everything you need can be obtained at any auto store.

From the outside it looks quite elegant. The interior is spacious, the large windshield provides good visibility.

The engine is not noisy, the tidy is easy to see. The interior trim is weak, but for that kind of money you can hardly get better.

The spaciousness of the interior and trunk is excellent; I often have to transport goods, and placing them in the car is not difficult.

In winter, the cabin is warm, and in summer, the air conditioning also works well.

During operation, the machine did not cause any special problems. Recently I equipped it with a tow bar and a trailer, which further increased the load capacity.

In general, I’m happy with the car, and I think I made the right choice.”

It is noteworthy that there will be more positive reviews on the Internet than negative ones.

All owners note that for their money the ZAZ Vida is fully compliant.

But there are also plenty of negative aspects.

Vladimir (Kobelyaki, Ukraine), 1.5 l, manual transmission.

“I bought this car in addition to the existing VAZ-2106 and . You often have to travel by car, including Vida.

After another 10 thousand, the generator and part of the wiring, brake pads and pipelines, and rear wheel bearings were replaced.

The engine started to overheat and the thermostat had to be replaced.

The gearbox also started leaking.

In general, the car is really crumbling. Something constantly needs to be repaired or replaced. “Six” gives me less problems than Vida.

All statements that Vida is the same Chevrolet Aveo are not true at all.”

Andrey (Kharkov, Ukraine) 1.5 l, manual transmission.

“I’ve already driven this car for a year. The general feeling is disappointed. Among the main shortcomings, I would immediately note the poor quality of the interior assembly.

Among the problems that arose with the car, I would note the poor performance of the power windows, plus there were some knocks on the doors when it was turned on.

The engine does not slow down after turning off the speed while driving. It stalled several times after turning on the air conditioner.

In urban conditions, gasoline consumption is at the level of 10 liters, which, in my opinion, is a bit too much, while the fuel sensor works unclearly.

At speeds above 120 km/h, a wobble appears in the steering wheel; wheel balancing did not help.

The transmission “showed off” a couple of times, I couldn’t engage reverse gear, the second gear was difficult to engage.

There is no sound insulation in the cabin and that's a fact. And these are just the main shortcomings.

In general, ZAZ Vida is a long way from a well-built car.”

ZAZ Vida, 2011

I purchased a ZAZ Vida car two years ago. To date, I have already driven 60 thousand kilometers, so far I have no complaints. There are some problems, of course - the stove is not working well, this is true in the north, but for such a modest price I have not found a car that looked as good compared to my car. I am still quite a young man and cannot afford an expensive car, and my family is not complaining yet. The consumption of the car is not too high, when I bought it, I thought it would be much more. I’ll definitely be driving a ZAZ Vida for another couple of years, and then we’ll see, although I still have a pleasant impression of this car.

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