A series of images capturing the arrival of Lada-branded vehicles from Russia at a Vietnamese port have sparked intrigue on social media.
These images were shared by an individual who claimed to be the brand manager for Lada in Vietnam, under the automotive giant AvtoVAZ Group (Russia).
Earlier, in January 2025, the same person had posted photos of Lada cars being transported in containers destined for Vietnam. Although the initial plan was to launch these cars in the Vietnamese market by May 2025, there has been no official information about the launch event so far, leading many to believe that the schedule has been adjusted.
According to the shared information, the batch of Lada cars that arrived at the port this time includes four models: Lada Granta, Lada Vesta, Lada Niva, and Lada Niva Travel. These models represent a range of segments from sedans, wagons to urban SUVs, promising to offer new choices in the popular car segment in Vietnam.
Lada Granta is a small-sized sedan, measuring 4,260 mm in length and 1,700 mm in width. These dimensions are comparable to the Mitsubishi Attrage (4,305 mm x 1,670 mm), making it suitable for urban commuting. The expected price for this model is around VND 360 million.
Lada Vesta belongs to the same segment but is slightly larger than the Granta (4,410 mm in length and 1,764 mm in width), similar to the Toyota Vios but significantly wider. In addition to the sedan version, Vesta also offers a wagon variant, providing more options for those who prefer versatility. Compared to Granta, Vesta boasts a more modern design and upscale interior.
Lada Niva is a small-sized SUV, measuring only 3,740 mm in length and 1,680 mm in width. With its 2-door design and 4-wheel drive system, the Niva aims at true off-road capability, reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny. The car utilizes a traditional SUV chassis, which sets it apart from most urban SUVs that use unibody construction today.
Lada Niva Travel is the most premium version and also the only 5-door small SUV in this product line. With dimensions of 4,046 mm in length and 1,800 mm in width, the Niva Travel sports a boxy, practical design suitable for family use. The expected price range for this model is from VND 390 million, directly competing with other affordable SUVs in Vietnam such as the Kia Sonet and Toyota Raize.
The unexpected arrival of Lada cars at the Vietnamese port has sparked speculations about the brand’s potential official comeback to the local market after years of absence. Lada previously had a presence in Vietnam in the late 20th century with models like the Lada 2107, known for their durability and “purely mechanical” design aesthetic.
Currently, there has been no official confirmation from the automaker or distributor regarding the launch date or specific business plans. It remains uncertain whether the Lada cars will be officially distributed, meeting Vietnam’s emission and safety standards.
Images: Maks Phortochkin