Lada Priora was created to compete with such foreign cars as Chery Bonus, Chevrolet Aveo, Daewoo Nexia, Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio, LIFAN Breez, Mitsubishi Colt, Nissan Almera, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Renault Symbol, Renault Logan, Skoda Fabia, TagAZ Corda, Toyota Yasris, Volkswagen Polo, ZAZ Chance.
At different times, four body styles were available - a four-door sedan (since 2007, VAZ-2170, length 4350 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1420 mm), five-door station wagon (since 2008, VAZ-2171, length 4330 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1508 mm), three-door coupe/hatchback (since 2010, VAZ-21726, length 4210 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1435 mm) or five door hatchback (since 2008, VAZ-2172, length 4210 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1420 mm), replacing «VAZ-2112». The wheelbase was 2492 mm, the curb weight was 1088-1160 kg. The interior was designed with the participation of an Italian design studio «Carcerano».
Four models of four-cylinder petrol engines with a volume of 1.6 liters were installed on Priora (1596 cm3) the following characteristics:
- «VAZ-21114», 8 valves, injector, Euro 3, 82 hp
- «VAZ-21116», 8 valves, injector, Euro 4, 90 hp
- «VAZ-21126», 16 valves, injector, Euro 4, 98 hp
- «VAZ-21127», 16 valves, injector, Euro 4, 106 hp
There were also two 1.8 liter models (1774 cm3): «VAZ-21128-26», injector, Euro 4, 123 hp; «VAZ-21128-27», injector, Euro 4, 130 hp
The gearbox was initially installed only with a five-speed manual, and since 2014 they began to install a five-speed robotic transmission of their own design using the company's electronic control unit «ZF».
The car was produced in two trim levels - «Norma» And «Lux». Finish level «Norma» includes driver's airbag, trip computer, remote central locking, adjustable steering wheel, electric power steering, front power windows, power outside mirrors. Finish level «Lux» adds to the listed front passenger airbag, rear power windows, seat belt pretensioners in the front seats, seat belt indicator.
In 2011, there were minor changes - they changed the front bumper, rear-view mirrors and steering wheel. In September 2013, a deeper restyling was carried out. Updated appearance: new grille, rear bumper, rear LED lights installed, headlights equipped with daytime running lights, improved sound insulation, added a stability control system (ESC). Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned, the quality of finishing materials has improved. All these changes have increased comfort and safety, improved driving performance.
In 2015, due to the crisis in Russia and due to the start of production «Lada Vesta» there was a drop in sales of Priora by almost half, and in 2018 Vesta completely replaced it with itself.