Are Lada set for the the last laugh?

Wednesday, 3rd May 2006

What do you call a Lada at the top of a hill? A miracle! What is the use of the heated rear window on a Lada? To keep your hands warm as you are push it! How do you double a Lada’s value? Fill it with fuel!

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On top of that the car they are to use this year, the 21106 saloon, is not in its first flush of youth. In fact, it can trace its roots back to a car launched back in 1994. Indeed, a prototype launched at the Moscow Motorshow last year looked the part with its obligatory spoilers, fins and bulges but its boxy styling is a far cry from the sleek design of the SEAT Leon or BMW 3-Series – in short it looks terribly dated and this has done nothing to silence the critics that continue to doubt their sincerity.

Then again, the MG ZS is nearing a decade old and can still hold its head high in the British Touring Car Championship and at least the 21106 is due to make way for its more modern replacement, something West Surrey Racing certainly cannot expect in the British series following the collapse of the MG Rover group. Expected to be named Priora, it is with this car that Lada hope will spearhead their charge onto the world stage and make them desirable.

However, whatever Lada say, their intentions bear striking similarities to the no-show from Brilliance, the Chinese manufacturer having made the trip to Monaco when the WTCC was launched at the beginning of 2005 and then failing to appear again.

Another brand looking to establish themselves to a broader market, the project was continuously delayed from a second round appearance to a mid-season appearance and finally to a 2006 entry. Of course, no such car emerged at the opening round in Monza and many believe the concept, that was to be led by John Batchelor and reportedly had Anthony Reid interested in a drive, has been canned.

Furthermore, Lada have yet to hit the track either and the project has been delayed repeatedly but while there are disturbing comparisons that can be made with Brilliance, the Russian manufacturer has made continuous claims that they are the genuine article.