Lada-spotting in Tbilisi, Georgia

The Russian-produced Lada is still popular in Eastern Europe as an affordable low-cost (very cheap) economical car. Commencing in June 1966, the Lada is made by AvtoVAZ based in Tolyatti, Samara Oblast. When production of the original Lada – model 2107- ceased in 2012, it was reportedly the highest-selling car (with 60% of production exported in the 1980s and 90s) to be produced without a major design change. The manufacture of other Lada models has continued. Lada is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Lada group.

The small sturdy car was designed to cope with Russia’s extreme climate and its remote poor roads – and to be serviced easily by car mechanics and do-it-yourselfers.

The one photographed on the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, is the Lada Niva, VAZ 2121 series (standard model from 1977 to 1993). It is probably the VAZ 21213 model (from 1994 to 2009), known since 2009 as the Lada 4x4 off-roader.

It was VAZ’s first non-Fiat-based model with the body, four-wheel drive system, and front suspension designed by VAZ, although with continued Fiat 124-based mechanicals. The photographed Lada has two-doors and rear hatch (3^rd door). The 21213 model was fitted with a larger front and back bumpers and upgraded from a 1.6 litre engine to a 1.7 litre engine. The steering wheel is on the left-hand-side with traffic on the right-hand side.

There are now also models 21214 to 21217 and other limited versions.

90% of countries have right hand traffic (red)

MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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