LADA Nova 1981-1994 Photos, engines & full specs

The former communist automaker AvtoVaz introduced in 1981 an updated version of its most famous brand, Lada, and named it simply Nova.

The car sported different names, depending on the market. In the U.S.S.R., it was known as "Zhiguli," while in Canada or UK it was known as Lada Riva. In Cuba or other Spanish-speaking countries, the carmaker couldn't sell it with the "Nova" nameplate since it meant "doesn't go." And that wasn't too far from the truth.

AvtoVaz produced the Lada on the basis of a license acquired from the Italian carmaker Fiat in the late '60s. By the late '70s, it was clear that the product was already outdated. Moreover, the vehicle's platform was based on an even older Fiat that was produced in the mid-'50s. So, the new vehicle tried to look more modern. Thus, the front fascia received squared headlights instead of the older round ones. Another sign o improvement was on the bumpers, which were now made from plastic instead of metal as on the original vehicle.

The interior also went through an update, and the cabin received a new dashboard. Moreover, now it featured a center stack where the heating and ventilation system was installed. No words about an AC unit. In addition, the instrument cluster received a new design for the dials, but basically, they were the same as before. As an option, and for selected markets, the Nova featured headrests for the front seats.

Under the hood, instead of the older Fiat engine, the Russian engineers dropped a redesigned inline-four powerplant that produced 74 HP. This one, though, was mostly reserved for export markets. On its domestic market, though, the Nova featured either a 1.2- or a 1.3-liter unit.