April 1974Lada 1200
The first 1200cc 4-door Saloon and 5-door Estates arrived from Russia - offered for sale at the remarkable price of just £999.
FOR: excellent value for money; good performance; capacious and comfortable interior; large boot; good visibility
AGAINST: poor engine warm-up characteristics; carburation flat spots; heavy steering; poor instrumentation; disappointing interior finish
October 1977Lada 1500 Estate
The Lada 1500 Estate was introduced. Seats had cloth inserts and the interior was fully carpeted
September 1978Lada 1600
Increased engine size to 1600cc for the Lada 4-door Saloon. The car also featured black wrap - around end pieces on the bumpers and improved interior velour trim.
May 1979Niva
The 4x4 Niva arrived, but with left hand drive. A 1600cc engine with 4 forward gears, 2-speed transfer box and permanent 4 wheel drive.
WHICH CAR said - "Definitely one of the Eastern bloc's better products, the Niva is a rugged looking yet low priced mudplugger, with its convenient permanent four-wheel drive system, independent front suspension and hard-working Fiat-derived 1570cc engine. With its attractive budget pricing the Niva offers a sensible way into the bottom end of the fashionable four - wheel drive market. It is a rugged and reasonably practical vehicle which should give years of reliable service."
May 1983Lada Riva 1300
The Riva was launched in Britain. Initially iy was only available with a 1300cc engine, in a 4-door saloon. Featuring flared wheel arches, recessed door handles, twin rear fog lamps and reversing lights, cloth upholstery, plus fully reclining seats with head restraints.
April 1984Riva 1500 GLS
To celebrate 10 years in Britain, Lada introduced the Riva 1500 GLS. This came with body side-mouldings and flush wheel trims, high back reclining seats, rear seat belts and carpets.
June 1984Riva 1200L
A 1200L version of the popular Riva was introduced, with the normal 'extras' included in the price.
The OBSERVER said - "The popularity of East European cars, of which the Lada 1200L is a typical example, is that they offer a large chunk of car for comparatively little money. It has an air of no-nonsense cheapness, and owners swear by their Ladas, having bought them for sensible reasons."
October 1985Riva 1500 Estate
A 1500 version of the Riva 5 door Estate, now featuring a 5 speed gearbox was introduced.
AUTO EXPRESS said - " It's versatility is welcome. Passengers like the rear doors which most cheap cars lack, while the tailgate opens full width right down to bumper level. The rear seat has a double folding action to give a completely flat luggage area, and you can load it full of rubbish knowing that it won't damage the carpets - there aren't any. As a load carrier, the Lada is a better bet than a BMW. You won't find a better equipped car for this money. The Riva is just about the cheapest estate car on the market."
July 1986Riva 1600 SLX
The introduction of a Riva 1600 SLX model. This car sported slatted wheel trims, matt black window frames, rubber side mouldings and bumper trims.
AUTO EXPRESS - "Performance feels brisk and the 85bhp engine enables the car to hold its own both in town and on the open road. We measured a top speed of 87.5mph and a 0 - 60 time of under 15 seconds. Ride comfort is good with the suspension absorbing most lumps and pot-holes without fuss. Although not a silent runner, the Lada cruises effortlessly at 70mph with subdued wind and road roar. Those who value the Lada's honest virtues may be tempted by the Riva 1600SLX. It's a car that will appeal to a low mileage diy driver who intends to keep the car for a long while."
July 1987Riva Celebration 1200
The Riva Celebration Limited Edition was launched. A 1200 engine, with the additional refinements of Celebration side stripes and badging, plus a stereo cassette with twin speakers.
November 1987Lada Samara 1.3
The first Lada Samara models arrived in Britain. Initially, the Samara came to the UK in 1.3 SL, GL and SLX variants, as either3 or 5-door hatchbacks. Colour-keyed front grille, side stripes and roof mounted aerial. The Samara brought a new style to the Lada range.
October 1988Lada Samara 1.5
Now the Samara was available with a 1.5 engine. Again, 3 or 5 - door hatchbacks could be selected, with model ranges featuring SL, GL or SLX levels of features and trim.
DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH said - "LADAS take a lot of stick, and that's not fair. Consider the Samara, which has provided me with trouble-free transport during the past eight days. For your money you are not only getting a model which is neat and nippy but also nicely put together. No squeaks and rattles in this car, and it has nice firm seats. Lada has certainly made the Samara a lively number with the introduction of the 1500 engine. Extra power makes for more comfortable overtaking and easier cruising on motorways. You don't pay too high at the pumps either - the1.5 litre car will easily give you over 45mpg when cruising in fifth."
November 1989Samara 1.5 SLX
For a select few, the Samara 1.5 SLX Limited Edition was available ~ a modified exhaust, revised throttle linkage and braking system. Owners could choose metallic blue or gold.
July 1990Samara 1.1E
For extra economy in motoring, the Samara 1.1E and Select were in Lada showrooms for the first time.
April 1991Samara
Revised range launched: GL models have restyled grille, spoked wheel trims, sunroof and stereo radio/cassette player.
July 1992Samara Saloon
1.3 L and 1.5 GL 4-door Samara saloons were launched in the UK.
The MAIL on SUNDAY reported - "I tried the 1.5GL on town and country roads and found it more responsive and quieter than I had expected. Taking 12 seconds to get to 60mph, it cannot be called a lightning performer, but there is useful pulling power in low rev ranges and the engine sounds unstressed up to 5,000 revs. Through the bends the car holds the line well, as long as it isn't pushed too hard and body roll is well dampened."
October 1992Special Edition 1.5 GL 'Flyte' launched. Body styling, alloy wheels and special interior trim prove to be a popular combination.
June 1993Niva and Niva Cossack 1.6
Niva and Niva Cossack re-launched with better sound insulation and braking. Cossack receives full interior re-trim, special alloy wheels, side decals and roof rails. Confirms Niva as the best value 4x4 available.
April 1994Samara Springer
Samara Springer was introduced, bringing the added style of the 'Flyte' to a more budget conscious buyer. Based on the 1.3 L 3-door, the Springer still sported special body styling, colour-coded bumpers and integral front spotlights.
Helped to sell the older, short front wing stock that was still available.
July 1994Samara Juno 1.5
To mark 20 years in the UK, the Samara Juno was launched, offering the most comprehensive specification of any Lada ever offered for sale in this country. The curvy lines from the waist down were from the pen of ex-Lotus designer Colin Chapman.
The completely wraparound body styling and high boot level spoiler added shape and visually 'lowered' the car, while the smooth spoked alloy wheels and low profile tyres enhanced the restrained sports look.
Juno was also the first Lada to receive the new oval logo - incorporated front and rear.
February 1996Niva Hussar & Niva Cossack 1.7i
The Niva Hussar and Niva Cossack are re-launched with a new 1.7 single point injection engine, plus a new dashboard and a full length tail gate.
"Nineteen thousand pounds puts you in the driver's seat of an oil burning Jeep Cherokee but if you really want to go of-roading on a shoestring you can do better. We're usually pretty rude about Ladas on BBC's Top Gear but this four wheel drive Niva is really not bad at all. It impressed us by being almost Range Rover comfortable when the going gets tough. It has coils springs all round, a 1.7 litre engine and a bomb proof interior all for £8000, now that's good value for money." Quote by TV Presenter Jeremy Clarkson, BBC Top Gear - May 16, 1996
August 1996Samara 1.3i & 1.5i
The 1.3i and 1.5i Samara models are fitted with a General Motors multi point injection system.