Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Positioning:
Affordable, rugged, go-anywhere utility vehicle with a strong emphasis on off-road capability.
Direct Competitors:
Early Jeep CJ, Land Rover Defender (in terms of purpose, not refinement), early Toyota Land Cruiser models.
Defining Features:
Permanent four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, simple and robust mechanicals, low cost of ownership.
Appeal Drivers:
Off-road enthusiasts, utility vehicle users, budget-conscious buyers seeking durability.
Primary Coverage:
Maintenance and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Technical Specifications, Service Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
400+
Type:
Official Factory Maintenance Manual
Language:
English (assumed based on product listing, common for international sales)
Engine System:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gearbox, linkage, power steering (if applicable)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification
Technical Data Tables:
Torque specifications, clearances, capacities, wiring schematics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable
Depth Level:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1570 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82 mm x 74.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical for early models)
Horsepower:
75-80 PS (approx. 74-79 bhp) at 5600 rpm (varies by specific engine variant and market)
Torque:
115-120 Nm (approx. 85-88 lb-ft) at 3400 rpm (varies by specific engine variant and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Weber, K-Jetronic CIS on some later variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91+)
Engine Family:
VAZ-2106 family (modified)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based, contact breaker points or electronic ignition
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual
Transmission Options:
Later models and export versions might have featured a 5-speed manual. The VAZ 2121 primarily featured a 4-speed.
Drivetrain Layout:
Permanent 4-Wheel Drive with lockable center differential
Transfer Case:
2-speed transfer case with high and low range
Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 or 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for precise OEM recommendation)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.7 Liters (1.8 US Quarts)
Length:
3740 mm (147.2 inches)
Width:
1690 mm (66.5 inches)
Height:
1640 mm (64.6 inches)
Wheelbase:
2200 mm (86.6 inches)
Ground Clearance:
220 mm (8.7 inches) - excellent for off-road
Curb Weight:
1280 kg (2822 lbs) - approximate
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1700 kg (3748 lbs) - approximate
Towing Capacity:
Not officially specified, typically limited due to chassis strength and engine power.
Seating Capacity:
4-5 occupants (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume:
Small, but expandable with rear seats folded.
Standard Tire Size:
175/80 R16 or 205/70 R15 (common variants)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inches) - a common SUV/truck pattern
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited official crash test data available for early models. Generally considered basic safety features.
Braking System:
Front disc, Rear drum. ABS was not standard on early models.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts in the front, lap belts in the rear (may vary by market and year).
Body Structure:
Body-on-frame construction (prior to later unibody developments in some variants, though VAZ 2121 is typically considered body-on-frame like principle).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (recommendation based on typical use)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles) or as needed in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific temperature ranges and OEM approvals)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., G11 standard) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise specification)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
If equipped: ATF Dexron II/III or specific Lada power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch components, exhaust system, suspension bushings, universal joints, rust on body panels, carburetor tuning issues.
Common Issues Diagnostics
Engine Performance:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, fuel delivery problems, vacuum leaks.
Drivetrain Noise:
Worn universal joints, differential noise, transfer case issues.
Electrical Faults:
Corroded connections, aging wiring harness, alternator/starter issues.
Manufacturer:
AvtoVAZ (later Lada)
Origin:
Soviet Union (Russia)
Development Purpose:
Designed as a compact, affordable, and capable off-road vehicle for civilian and military use, inspired by compact SUVs of the era.
Key Variants:
VAZ-2121 (3-door), VAZ-21213 (updated version), VAZ-21215 (diesel variant), VAZ-2129 (5-door, longer wheelbase).
Production Start Year:
1977
Production Location:
Togliatti, Soviet Union (Russia)
Longevity:
One of the longest-produced single-generation vehicles in automotive history, with continuous updates.