The new Lada Azimut crossover has received a turbocharged engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, with mass production expected to begin in late 2026. This was reported by the RCI News auto portal, citing sources at AvtoVAZ on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The model premiered in June 2025, and in the fall, the car plant presented test prototypes for certification. RCI News sources note that the production of mass-produced cars may be delayed until the end of 2026 due to problems with the quality and quantity of components from domestic suppliers. At the AVTOVAZ supplier conference, it was confirmed that the plant would be ready for the mass production of Azimut by the middle of next year.
The crossover will be offered with three engines: a naturally aspirated 1.6 with 120 hp with a 6-speed manual transmission, a naturally aspirated 1.8 with 132 hp with a CVT, and a turbocharged 1.5 with 150 hp with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The pilot batch of 16 cars includes all engine options.
RCI News sources add that the top version with a turbo engine has already been assembled at the AvtoVAZ Scientific and Technical Center, and localization of the unit in Russia with the Chinese concern Chery under the Tenet brand is planned. The appearance of this version is expected no earlier than 2028.
The Vesta platform, on which the Azimut is built, does not initially provide for all-wheel drive, but AvtoVAZ engineers say that it can be developed if necessary. In the first years, the crossover will be offered only with front-wheel drive, and top-end configurations with a turbo engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive will become an exclusive.
In terms of size, the Azimut belongs to the B+ class and will compete with the Haval Jolion and Geely Coolray. The model may also attract some Vesta SW Cross buyers. RCI News predicts the price of the crossover from 1.9 to 2.7 million rubles, depending on the configuration, engine, and type of drive. The car plant will probably have to adjust prices for the Vesta SW Cross and Azimut to level the market.
