Lada 2102 1971–1986 car dimensions: 4059 mm long, 1611 mm wide and 1458 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,010 kg. Braked towing is 600 kg.
The cabin is basic and matches the 2101 sedan. It has a simple black plastic dashboard with a linear speedometer, temperature and fuel gauges, plus warning lights. Heater and ventilation use manual levers and a two-speed fan with round vents. Front seats adjust only for slide and backrest angle, with low backs and no headrests on standard models. Windows are manual. No electronic driver aids are listed.
Boot space starts at 345 litres with seats up. Fold the rear bench for a flat floor and 1345 litres. The tailgate drops to floor level for easy loading of long or bulky items.
Payload is 430 kg. Reinforced rear springs and dampers handle 250 kg with two people or 60 kg with five. A shorter final drive ratio aids loaded pulling. Towing limits are 600 kg braked and 300 kg unbraked. Roof rack capacity is 50 kg. The setup suits light work, dacha runs and touring with gear.
The cabin is simple and practical with black plastic dashboard, vinyl-covered seats that adjust only for length and backrest angle, and low backs without headrests on base models. A large thin-rim steering wheel sits ahead of a basic linear speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges. Manual window winders and a strong heater keep things functional. The estate layout gives good space and a flat load floor when the rear bench folds, with rubber mats underfoot.
Runs on AI-92 petrol from 45-litre tank
City fuel use 10.8 l/100 km, highway 8 l/100 km, mixed about 9.2 l/100 km
Front disc and rear drum brakes with dual circuits
Collapsible steering column and recessed door handles
Safety glass all round and soft dashboard padding
Seat belts fitted as standard later in production
The 1.2-litre carburettor engine takes ordinary AI-92 petrol. Official figures put city use at 10.8 litres per 100 km and highway at 8 litres, with a mixed figure around 9.2 litres. The 45-litre tank gives useful range for the era.
Servicing stays straightforward thanks to the simple mechanical layout. Most work can be done with basic tools. Oil, filters and fluids are easy to reach under the bonnet. The design was built for rough roads and limited workshop access, so routine checks keep it reliable.
Safety kit includes dual-circuit hydraulic brakes with discs at the front, a collapsible steering column, recessed exterior door handles and energy-absorbing body sections. All glass is safety type. Soft plastic covers the dashboard and sun visors. Seat belts became standard after the early years. export cars often added front headrests.
The car is tough and easy to keep on the road. Body steel is thicker than the Fiat original, parts remain widely available, and the reinforced springs handle loads well. Regular anti-corrosion care and basic maintenance are enough for long service.
Length 4059 mm, Width 1611 mm, Height 1458 mm, Wheelbase 2424 mm (2102 1971–1986)
Sources: manufacturer data, VAZ-2101/VAZ-2102 illustrated repair manual technical data, reprinting the AvtoVAZ specification, section 13.3.1, Drawing.