The black Lada Vesta Sportline manages to attract the attention of even those who usually pass by domestic models. In the parking lot, it is greeted with whistles and approving comments - an impressive body kit, anti-chrome, split exhaust and neat red accents create the image of a car that seems to have just stepped off the page of an auto racing magazine. But behind the bright appearance lies many nuances - and Autonews spent several days to understand how good this "fitonyashka" is in practice.
The Sportline silhouette has been turned into a small show. Extended front fenders, aggressive air intakes, a different front bumper and a laconic spoiler form a stylish, toned image. Black wheels of a special design and contrasting red elements enhance the effect. The car in the Black package looks like it was made specifically for TikTok selections - it only lacks a louder exhaust. For those who like visual tuning, Sportline guarantees constant attention on the road.
The interior is decorated to match the sporty appearance: a dark ceiling, red stitching, the signature Lada Sport logos and bright door handle lighting. The almost bucket-shaped seats are softer than they seem, and do not turn a long trip into a test. The equipment actually corresponds to the top Techno configuration: digital dashboard, eight speakers, heated steering wheel and seats, air conditioning, electric mirrors - everything you need for everyday use. But the lack of electric seat adjustments in the most expensive version leaves bewilderment.
The main difference between the past Vesta Sport and the current Sportline is the power plant. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter engine with 118 hp, familiar from the Granta Sport, but with a modified intake and exhaust, other camshafts and a different character of work. It needs to be spun - and the closer to 7,000 rpm, the more emotions. Dynamics here is not about numbers, but about excitement: the engine encourages active driving, and the five-speed manual transmission allows you to stretch the gears to the limit. Gears are engaged briefly and clearly, revving and aggressive starting turn into a small holiday.
The suspension and handling are also tuned in a sporty way. The scheme from Vesta Sport includes stiff shock absorbers, an increased track and larger front brakes. On the road, the Sportline willingly changes trajectory, confidently passes fast turns and constantly pushes the driver to "play pranks". At the same time, the chassis transmits well what is happening under the wheels, without turning the car into an oak stool. The brakes are pleasing with informativeness, and the steering gives a clear connection with the road.
But regular "training" has a price. The sound insulation of the arches is clearly not enough - at high speed or on a bumpy road, the cabin is filled with unnecessary sounds. Multimedia sometimes thinks, power windows can open with a creak, and the cost of the model has exceeded the mark of 2 million rubles. And this is the main factor that makes a potential buyer think: do you love Vesta Sportline so much that you are willing to pay more for it than most foreign alternatives ask?
Nevertheless, the car leaves a vivid impression, makes every trip more lively and gives those emotions that many mass models lack. This is not a sports car and not its imitation - this is a car that honestly declares: "I was created for pleasure." And in this sense, Sportline is closest to that very fitonyashka from social networks - spectacular, energetic and a little capricious, but damn charming.