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 auspices of AvtoVAZ Automobile Group (Russia).
Earlier, in January 2025, the same person posted photos of Lada cars being transported in containers destined for Vietnam. Although the original plan was to launch these cars in May 2025, there has been no official information about the launch event, leading many to believe that the schedule has been adjusted.
According to the information shared, the batch of Lada cars that arrived at the port includes four models: Lada Granta, Lada Vesta, Lada Niva, and Lada Niva Travel. These vehicles represent a range of segments, from sedans and wagons to urban SUVs, promising to offer new choices in the affordable car segment in Vietnam.
Lada Granta is a compact sedan with dimensions of 4,260 mm in length and 1,700 mm in width. These measurements are comparable to the Mitsubishi Attrage (4,305 mm x 1,670 mm), making it suitable for urban commuting. The expected price point for this model is around 360 million VND.
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 with a noticeably wider body. In addition to the sedan variant, the Vesta also offers a wagon option, providing more versatility for those who require extra space. When compared to the Granta, the Vesta boasts a more modern design and upscale interior.
Lada Niva is a small-sized SUV with dimensions of 3,740 mm in length and 1,680 mm in width. With its two-door design and four-wheel drive, the Niva is geared towards genuine off-road capabilities, reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny. This SUV utilizes a traditional frame construction, setting it apart from most urban SUVs that employ a unibody design.
Lada Niva Travel is the most premium model in the lineup and the only small-sized 5-door SUV in this batch. 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. Expected to be priced from 390 million VND, this SUV will compete directly 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 speculation about the brand’s potential re-entry into the local market after a long 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 vehicles will be officially distributed, meeting Vietnam’s emissions and safety standards.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
Images: Maks Phortochkin
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