The subcompact sedan ZAZ Vida is nothing more than a “licensed copy” of the Chevrolet Aveo model with the internal factory marking “T250”, which differs from the “source” only by nameplates.
Serial production of the three-volume at the facilities of the "Zaporozhye Automobile Building Plant" started at the beginning of 2012, and at the end of the summer of the same year at the Moscow Auto Show its updated version with the "Facelift" prefix appeared, which was transformed externally and internally (which, unfortunately, before the conveyor never got there).
Externally, ZAZ Vida is almost an exact copy of Aveo. This is a nice sedan with smooth body shapes, laconic bumpers, neat lighting and pronounced wheel arches. By today's standards, the car looks slightly outdated, but its appearance certainly does not cause rejection.
With its dimensions "Vida" clearly meets the concepts of the B-segment by European standards: 4310 mm in length, 1505 mm in height and 1710 mm in width. The wheelsets of the three-volume box accommodate 2480 mm between themselves, and under its bottom there is a 160 mm ground clearance.
The interior of ZAZ Vida is unpretentious and spartanly simple, but you don't expect any frills from a purely budget car: a laconic but readable instrument panel, an uncomplicated three-spoke steering wheel and an artless center console, on which there are only two air ducts, a slot for a radio tape recorder, and three regulator of the climate system. The interior of the sedan is trimmed with cheap, but quite good materials, and the build quality is generally at a normal level.
Inside "Views" there is enough free space for four adults, albeit without much headroom. All seats have a very welcoming profile, while the front seats are also adjustable over a wide longitudinal range.
As part of the B-class, the trunk of the ZAZ Vida is quite decent - 400 liters in the "stowed" state. The rear sofa, divided into two sections in a 40:60 ratio, folds down to increase the available volume to 725 liters, but forms a noticeable step. In the "cellar" of the cargo compartment there is a full-size "spare wheel" and the tool necessary for its installation.
Specifications. Under the hood of "Kinds" work exclusively gasoline four-cylinder units (there are three of them) with an in-line layout and distributed fuel injection:
- The starting version is an 8-valve "atmospheric" with a volume of 1.5 liters (1498 cubic centimeters), developing 84 "stallions" at 5600 rpm and 128 Nm of torque at 5600 rpm and equipped with a 5-speed "mechanics".
- Next in the hierarchy is a 1.4-liter (1399 cubic centimeters) engine with a 16-valve timing, which has a potential of 94 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm of peak thrust at 3400 rpm. Only he in tandem relies on an automatic transmission with four ranges.
- "Tops the power palette" 16-valve "with a volume of 1.5 liters (1497 cubic centimeters), generating 109" horses "at 6000 rpm and 140 Nm of available recoil at 4500 rpm. Like the "junior" unit, it interacts with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Depending on the modification, the spurt up to 100 km / h for the ZAZ Vida sedan takes 11-14 seconds, accelerates to a maximum of 160-170 km / h and “drinks” no more than 7.2-7.8 liters of fuel in mixed conditions for every “hundred”.
"Vida" extends on a front-wheel-drive "bogie" with a longitudinally mounted engine in the front and a body in which high-strength grades of steel are widely used (their share is 46%). The chassis of the car is organized according to a typical B-class scheme: McPherson struts are installed in the front, and a semi-independent architecture with an elastic beam is applied at the rear (transverse stabilizers are used on both axles).
The rack and pinion steering mechanism on the Ukrainian sedan is supplemented with a hydraulic power steering, and its braking component is represented by ventilated "pancakes" on the front and drum devices on the rear axles (ABS is available only as an option).
Options and prices. In the summer of 2014, ZAZ Vida left Russia, and is now available only on the secondary market at a price of 220 thousand rubles and above (as of the beginning of 2017).
At home, the 2017 car is sold in the Standard, Comfort and Lux trim levels - its cost starts at UAH 261,450 (~ 585 thousand rubles at the current exchange rate). In the "state" the sedan is equipped with one airbag, power steering, 14-inch steel discs and a height-adjustable steering column.
For the "top" version, dealers ask UAH 316,230 (~ 708 thousand rubles), but its equipment is much more attractive (in addition to the above equipment): air conditioning, 15-inch light-alloy "rollers", two power windows, fog lights and heated exterior mirrors and electrical settings.
For more than six months, an analogue of the Chevrolet Aveo has been rolling along the expanses of Ukrainian roads - ZAZ Vida sedan... Externally, the car looks the same, except for the ZAZ nameplate, the interior has also changed little, however, the center console has become a little simpler due to the lack of an audio system, and the four-spoke steering wheel has been replaced with a steering wheel with three. Let's take a closer look at this car.
But the Vida has a more powerful 1.5-liter 109-horsepower MeMZ engine complying with the Euro-4 standard. This motor is assembled at ZAZ and is half Chinese Chery parts and half Ukrainian. For comparison, the Chevrolet Aveo, which was the "progenitor" of the Vida, is equipped only with engines of 1.2 and 1.4 liters and a capacity of 84 and 101 horsepower, respectively.
In Ukraine, the car has been sold since the end of February 2012, initially the Vida sedan was assembled from Korean components, but now the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant has switched to full-scale production, which includes stamping, welding, painting and body assembly on the main conveyor. Due to the fact that the level of localization exceeded 51 percent, it became possible for Vida to appear in the CIS countries, including Russia.
A new distribution company will supply the car to Russia "ZAZAVtoRus", which began its work just the other day - in April 2012. Previously, the distribution of ZAZ cars in Russia was carried out by the “Kingrup” company, but after the expiration of the contract with this distributor, the “UkrAvto” corporation preferred to create its own player in the Russian market.
As the head of ZAZavtoRus Bogdan Vasilets noted, the new distributor will continue to work with most of the dealers with whom Qingroup cooperated, so the level of sales of Zaporozhtsev will not decrease, moreover, the company expects to occupy 1.5 percent of the Russian market in 2013 and sell up to 40 thousand cars a year, and in 2015 to overcome the level of 2 percent. Requirements for dealers will be toughened due to ZAZ's striving for the maximum quality of customer service and strengthening the brand's position.
What will the ZAZ Vida distributor ultimately present to the Russians?
After the first reports about the imminent start of exporting Vida to the Russian market, many were inspired, since in Ukraine the car is sold both with an automatic transmission and at an affordable price. However, it turned out that it was too early to rejoice. First of all, only the ZAZ Vida variant with the aforementioned 1.5-liter engine and a 5-speed "mechanics" developed by GM, which allows you to move at a maximum speed of 170 kilometers per hour, will be brought to us. The vehicle is 4310 mm long, 1710 mm wide and 1505 mm high, the boot volume is 320 liters, and with the seats folded down - 725 liters.
The basic "Vida" S will receive power steering, steering column tilt adjustment, tachometer, immobilizer, driver airbag, rear fog lights, electric headlight corrector, radio preparation for four speakers, 14-inch wheels and a chrome grille.
In the SE configuration, the car will additionally be equipped with air conditioning, front power windows, body-color side mirrors with electric drive and heating, central locking and front foglights. The head of "ZAZ" Nikolay Evdokimenko assured that deliveries of the top-end Vida SX, which has an automatic transmission, are planned, but it is not yet clear how long it will take for its appearance in Russia. It is worth noting that for Russia there is a version of the upper configuration with a 1.5-liter engine, and not with a 1.4-liter one, as in Ukraine.
A little later in the summer, a hatchback version will appear with similar engine characteristics, but, of course, smaller overall dimensions - it is shorter by 390 mm and already by 30 mm, and its trunk has a volume of 175 liters or 735 with the rear seats folded down. ZAZ has also planned the release of the Vida commercial van, the production of which will begin at the end of the year, so in 2013 it can be expected in Russia as well.
The most sensitive question concerns the price of Vida in Russia. The cost of the basic version from Russian dealers of ZAZ will be 389 thousand rubles ... In other words, Vida will be more expensive than the Chevrolet Aveo model, on the basis of which it was created.
For the sake of interest, you can try to compare Ukrainian prices for different Vida configurations with what may be in Russia. The basic version costs 90 thousand hryvnias or 330 thousand rubles, the extended version costs 97 thousand hryvnias or 356 thousand rubles, and the top version costs 107 thousand hryvnias or 392 thousand rubles. even for SX dealers can ask 450 thousand rubles. For reference, the latest generation of the Chevrolet Aveo sedan with a 1.5-liter 115-horsepower engine and MKP5 costs from 444 thousand rubles in Russia.
This raises some doubts that Vida sales will be strong. First of all, because the sales of ZAZ Chance will continue in Russia, which in combination with an automatic transmission costs only 349 thousand rubles. ZAZavtoRus has prepared a rather aggressive advertising campaign for ZAZ Vida, and the posters and commercials will end with the slogan “And let everyone follow VID”, which, according to the company, will help improve the position of the new product.
Based on the minimal impressions that we managed to get after a couple of laps on the ZAZ test site, we can say that Vida does not cause disgust - the engine does not make noise and runs smoothly, the stroke is quite soft, and the interior is quite comfortable. But it is too early to make any statements about its quality. Vida will be in Russia in May, at the same time CARS.ru will have the opportunity to conduct a full test drive of this car and even compare it with the Chevrolet Aveo. However, already now we can show a video that demonstrates the quality of the Vida's suspension.
ZAZ "Vida" is a compact B-class sedan produced at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant. In fact, "Vida" is a copy of the well-known "Sherole Aveo" in the 250th body. The only exception is the emblem on the radiator grille and the title in the TCP. The start of production of the car ZAZ "Vida" began in 2012. This machine is still in series production without any changes. Why is it so widespread? Let's look at what ZAZ "Vida" has reviews and specifications.
Appearance
As we noted earlier, the car is a Ukrainian copy of the Aveo. Externally, it is the same recognizable sedan with smooth lines, neat optics and laconic bumpers. The design of the ZAZ "Vida" car in 2017 looks a little "tired". However, this machine does not cause rejection.
As for the dimensions of the body, the car is fully consistent with its class. The vehicle is 4.31 meters long, 1.71 meters wide, and 1.51 meters high. The wheelbase is almost 2.5 meters. The ground clearance of "Vida" is the same as that of "Aveo". It is equal to 16 centimeters. The car has short overhangs, due to which it copes well with bumps on the road. Wide arches accommodate wheels up to 16 inches in diameter.
Salon
Inside the car ZAZ "Vida" looks as simple and budgetary as possible. Of course, you shouldn't expect anything special for such a price. There is a "blown" panel in front, two air ducts and a climate control unit are located in the center.
The steering wheel is three-spoke, without additional remote control buttons (although in Solaris and Kia Rio this is already the basic equipment). How well is the car made by ZAZ "Vida"? Reviews say that the quality of the finish is at a normal level. On the move, the car is moderately noisy. There are no obvious squeaks and "crickets". This was shown by a test drive.
ZAZ "Vida" is equipped with simple seats without pronounced lateral support. Reviews say that the back gets very tired at long distances. The upholstery is only fabric, even in the highest trim levels. There is only enough space in the rear for two adult passengers. The trunk of the car ZAZ "Vida" is quite roomy (400 liters), as the drivers say more than once. The backrest of the sofa can be folded in a 40:60 ratio. This allows the usable volume to be increased to 725 liters. A full-size spare wheel and a set of keys are located under the boot floor.
Specifications
The engine line includes three power units of different capacities. All of them are gasoline, equipped with five-speed mechanics or "automatic".
Let's start with the youngest motor. This is a 1.5-liter, 8-valve power unit with 84 horsepower. The maximum torque is 128 Nm. The characteristics of the dynamics are frankly weak, as evidenced by the test drive. ZAZ "Vida" with this engine accelerates to hundreds in 14 seconds.
"View" 1.4
Next in the lineup is a 16-valve engine. Despite the smaller volume (1.4 liters), it develops a good power - 94 hp. The torque is 130 Nm at 3400 rpm. It is the only powertrain available with a 4-speed automatic transmission (and with maximum equipment).
In the middle configuration, this car is equipped with a 1.5-liter 16-valve engine with a capacity of 109 horsepower. The maximum torque of the unit is 140 Nm. True, this engine has to be cranked up well before it picks up the required power, drivers say. A five-speed manual transmission works in tandem with this unit. Acceleration to hundreds is 11 seconds. The maximum speed is 170 kilometers per hour. Average fuel consumption is seven liters. This is a very decent indicator. With the "automatic" things are different. Here, the minimum consumption starts at eight liters, and only in the suburban mode.
Prices and configuration
Officially, the car ZAZ "Vida" was supplied to the Russian market for only two years. In the summer of 2014, he 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.
In the domestic market (in Ukraine) ZAZ "Vida" is produced and sold to this day. The car is offered in several trim levels:
- standard;
- comfort;
- suite.
The starting price for a car with basic equipment is 260 thousand hryvnia (585 thousand rubles). The basic configuration includes the following set of options:
- rear window heating;
- rear fog lights;
- electric headlight corrector;
- decorative caps and 14-inch stamped wheels.
The comfort package is available at a price of 285 thousand hryvnia (590 thousand rubles). For this price, you buy a 1.5-liter car with a 5-speed manual transmission. In addition to standard options, this configuration contains:
- front electric windows;
- hydraulic power steering;
- air conditioning;
- front fog lights;
- driver's side airbag;
- electric heating and adjustment of side mirrors;
- steering column with mechanical adjustment.
The maximum luxury equipment is offered at a price of 317 thousand hryvnia (650 thousand rubles). This includes a 1.4-liter engine and an automatic transmission. The wheels are cast, 15 inches. The equipment level is practically the same as in the comfort package, with the exception of the immobilizer and two rear power 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".
Conclusion
So, we found out what characteristics, reviews and prices the ZAZ "Vida" car has. In the domestic market, this machine is the most demanded. In Russia, it cannot cope with the competition of such world manufacturers as Kia and Hyundai. Zaporizhzhya "Vida" is significantly inferior to them in terms of safety characteristics and level of equipment. For these reasons, the car left the Russian market in 2014. Whether to buy it now is a rather controversial issue. The car is very outdated in appearance. Technical characteristics remained at the level of the 2000s. If you take this car, then only in the secondary market. But it is certainly not new for 600-700 thousand rubles.
Specifications ZAZ VIDA(translated from Spanish as - life, lifestyle) are practically similar to. Because it is a 100% twin of Aveo (licensed copy), with the exception of insignificant details in the interior of the cabin, the nameplate of the ZAZ auto corporation instead of the Chevrolet gold cross, as well as equipping with Ukrainian-made 1.3-liter engines with a capacity of 70 hp. (don't let that 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 installed with a 5-speed manual (Korean production) or a 4-speed automatic (GM). Wheel size - 185/60 / R14 and 185/55 / R15 (read). According to the manufacturer's data, ZAZ VIDA complies with the environmental requirements for the toxicity of exhaust gases set by the Euro-4 standard. The frequency of maintenance is 15 thousand km (read the frequency of maintenance for the Chevrolet Aveo). Also, some configurations are equipped with air conditioning, power windows and fog lights.
Operating fluids used in ZAZ VIDA
Technical data and characteristics of the 1.3-liter engine (MEMZ 307)
Performance characteristics of 1.4 and 1.5 L engines from GM
Characteristics of lamps used in ZAZ
Overview of the car ZAZ Vida sedan
We offer you to watch a short, but quite informative video review of ZAZ Vida from the magazine "Za Rulem". The video is interesting and informative.
Review of ZAZ VIDA hatchback
And this review is not so professionally filmed, but also informative.
In a word, a budget car that is cheaper than competitors in the same class.
Crash test ZAZ VIDA
Now let's go down to the ground and see how safe this car is. We did not find the ZAZ VIDA crash test, but since this is a twin of the Chevrolet Aveo, the problems will be the same.
According to safety tests carried out according to Euro NCAP standards, Aveo received one and a half stars.
The experts' conclusion is disappointing - a high risk of injury that is incompatible with life. All due to the strong deformation of the front of the body, which led to a decrease in living space inside the car. In addition, breaks in the weld points were recorded. The situation was aggravated by the steering column, which rested against the dummy's chest.
Experts explain such a sad result of the crash test by the fact that the Chevrolet Aveo T-250 aka Daewoo Kalos was completely developed by Korean engineers even before the transfer of Daewoo to GM. Therefore, all the developments of the American automobile corporation in the field of safety were used in subsequent models (T300, for example, created on the Opel Corsa platform - 5 stars).
Have you read it yet? But in vain ...
Heading to the ZAZ office for the keys to a new car, I roughly understood what to expect from it. And if there were no global changes with the body and suspension, it was not without organ transplantation: the sedan and hatchback are still supplied to Russia with a “heart” from the well-known Chery Bonus and Chery Very models. Together with the engine from Asian cars, Vida inherited the transmission. It is these facts that can scare off many potential buyers. I considered it my main task to confirm or deny these fears.
In sliding, the car behaves quite predictably. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
As usual, I will begin the description of the car with the exterior. If we compare it with the "donor", then, apart from the emblem on the radiator grille and the Vida lettering on the trunk lid, there are no changes. Of course, not a standard of beauty, but it looks pretty decent and does not cause rejection. The gaps between the body panels are even, all doors can be easily opened and then closed. In the cabin, again, no shocks: the same old familiar Aveo with barely visible changes. The interior has lost its silver inserts, a three-spoke steering wheel with a new emblem has appeared, and there are innovations such as reflectors on the door panels. The steering wheel, I must say right away, did not really like it: it was made of too slippery plastic, but it became more habitual to press the signal (in Chevrolet, the signal buttons were not located in the most convenient places - along the edges of the steering hub). And although the interior plastic turned out to be very tough to the touch, during a week of driving on uneven roads, I did not hear a single "cricket". Commendable! The interior cannot be called cramped, and if you compare the interior decoration with the closest competitor - Renault Logan, here, though not so spacious, it is definitely more comfortable. The window buttons are in their usual places, the stove handles rotate with a pleasant effort, the air conditioner works properly, and the small glove compartment is quite neat. A sufficient volume of the trunk is very convenient, but, unlike the same "Logan", the rear seats are folded here, and separately.
2012 ZAZ Vida. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
Until we hit the road, it is worth talking about the configuration: at the moment there is only one. If in the homeland of production, three levels of equipment are offered (including a version with an automatic) and two engines to choose from, then we have only the maximum configuration available, which includes ABS, air conditioning, power steering, fog lights, front windows, electrically adjustable heated mirrors. You can only choose the body type - sedan or 5-door hatchback. The Russian representative office hopes to expand the list of complete sets in the near future by adding a 4-speed automatic to the list of equipment. Later, it is possible that more budgetary versions will appear with a 1.5-liter engine (84 hp), known from the Chevrolet Lanos model, as well as with a 1.4-liter Korean engine with a capacity of 94 hp. with.
Only the emblems of the plant are of Ukrainian origin. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
On the go, I liked the machine as a whole - it's still the same Aveo. The funny thing is that the "foreign" engine behaves exactly like the original: the engine is clearly not working at full strength. The declared power is 109 liters. with. should be more than enough, but when starting off, there is a slight dip, and only after 1500-2000 rpm the engine starts to wake up. And if on dry asphalt it does not bother much, then on a slippery surface, when you need to move smoothly, sometimes difficulties arise. Either the start occurs with a failure without the required acceleration, or you get under way with a slip. But over time you get used to this feature. I must say that such a disease is the "scourge" of cars produced recently. I observed this behavior both in powerful premium cars and in state employees. This is due to the introduction of Euro 4 standards, which pretty much "choke" the engine.
The small size of the mirrors pleases with a good view without creating a dead zone. The presence of adjustments and heating cannot but rejoice. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
And the Asian motor has potential. The engine, named ASTECO, was developed by Chery in conjunction with the Austrian company AVL. If you do not hesitate to turn it and change gears more often, then the little car begins to come to life. You don't get lost in the city traffic, and then you even start to "be quick" little by little (successful side mirrors with a good view are especially helpful here). But, having reached a cruising speed of 100-110 km / h, the engine starts to "howl" slightly. The factory knows about this nuance, and in the future, additional sound insulation of the engine compartment should appear. On the previous Aveo, gear shifting was not very precise, and with the "View" there is a feeling of déjà vu: when changing gears quickly, the gear lever "stumbles" every now and then. But, as time has shown, this is a matter of habit: you just need to move the lever more smoothly. Those who change from VAZ front-wheel drive vehicles will definitely not be disappointed.
The seat backs are folded separately, but the floor is not even. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
But the suspension showed its best side. At large waves, the Vidu coverage does not swing, and there have never been any breakdowns - the energy intensity is at a high level. You have to pay for this with a fair amount of rigidity - small irregularities are transmitted to the body quite carefully. This is partly due to the 15-inch tires with a 55-profile - with wheels of the standard dimension 185/60 R14, it would be softer. Fortunately, the stiffer suspension affects the handling for the better. The car confidently holds the turns, although it does not really indulge in directional stability: Vida prowls slightly in the asphalt ruts, sometimes requiring steering. In general, the sedan behaves very decently on our roads, including on winter surfaces. On the "snake" - no excitement, everything is predictable and without surprises: in extreme modes, the car predictably "floats" out of the corner and with a little laziness is stabilized by gas release.
The trunk is comfortable. The folding seat backs form a small "step", but, nevertheless, long items can be transported. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
What's the bottom line? At ZAZ, they did not reinvent the wheel, but followed the already familiar path, mastering the production of budget foreign cars. And, in my opinion, they are doing pretty well, although they have something to work on. I do not think that the new engine with a gearbox will be less reliable than the relatives, which were not perfect anyway.
The readings from the instrument panel can be read without problems. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
OUR VERDICT
Even with a "foreign" engine and transmission, the car is not much different from its predecessor. Price will play a decisive role in the purchase. Until recently, the sedan cost 400,000 rubles. Now, taking into account discounts on cars in 2012, the plant has lowered the price to 379,000 rubles. A very advantageous offer, considering that the main competitor of Renault Logan (1.6 engine, 102 hp) in a similar configuration costs about 463,000 rubles.
The interior, though modest, is done quite neatly. Photo: Evgeniya Lyubimova
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Energy-intensive, albeit stiff suspension, high ground clearance, favorable price / equipment ratio, predictable handling, understandable brakes, a developed network of dealerships.
Damped gas pedal, noisy engine at high revs, on a straight line sometimes there is not enough feedback on the steering wheel.
Driving
The main complaints are about the belated reaction to gas and not the clearest gear change.
Salon
For a budget car, the interior is quite high quality.
Comfort
The suspension would be softer, but better sound insulation.
Security
Crash test results Chevrolet Aveo are alarming, which is offset by predictable behavior on the road.
Price
One of the best deals on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOVE - DO NOT LOVE
Practical
The trunk is comfortable. The folding seat backs form a small "step", but, nevertheless, long items can be transported.
Confidently
165 centimeters of ground clearance allow you to move on Russian roads without any fear. But the installation of the crankcase protection will not be superfluous.
Safely
The small size of the mirrors pleases with a good view without creating a dead zone. The presence of adjustments and heating cannot but rejoice.
| Dimensions (edit) | 4310х1710х150mm |
| Base | 2480 mm |
| Curb weight | 1205 kg |
| Full mass | 1545 kg |
| Clearance | 165 mm |
| Trunk volume | 320/725 l |
| Fuel tank volume | 45 l |
| Engine | petrol, 4-cylinder, 1497 cm3, 109/5600 hp / min-1, 128/3000 Nm / min-1 |
| Transmission | mech., 5-speed, front-wheel drive |
| Dynamics | 170 km / h; 11 s to 100 km / h |
| Fuel consumption | 5.8 / 8.7 / 7.8 liters per 100 km |
| Competitors | Renault Logan, Lada Granta, Daewoo Nexia, Lada Priora |
