Lada Iskra SW Drive: New station wagon with manual transmission and black wheels
Cheap cars with manual transmissions are becoming rare in most countries of the world, but Russia has just received a new offer for family buyers. The Lada Iskra SW has received a new trim level that combines a six-speed manual transmission with the most powerful engine in the lineup and a set of black steel wheels.
History and Platform
Lada introduced the Iskra back in mid-2024, although cars reached customers only in mid-2025. It is based on a localized version of the CMF-B architecture, derived from Dacia, which dates back to the Renault Group era, and is available in sedan, station wagon (SW), and crossover station wagon (SW Cross) formats. Now the lineup is expanding thanks to a configuration designed to tackle difficult roads with a full load.
Engine and Transmission
While the entry-level versions of the Iskra are equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine producing 89 hp, the Iskra SW Drive gets a more powerful version with 105 hp. The main news is that the CVT is gone, replaced by a six-speed manual. This combination already existed in the sedan, but in the station wagon it offers buyers a more practical body style.
The manual not only livens up the driving experience but also outperforms the CVT. The station wagon accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 174 km/h, which is 1.2 seconds faster and 8 km/h faster than the automatic version. Lada claims fuel consumption of 7.8 L/100 km for the three-pedal car.
Trim Level and Design
Built with simplicity in mind, the Lada Iskra SW Drive rides on 15-inch steel wheels painted black, although it retains chrome inserts on the grille rather than switching to unpainted bumpers. Despite the cost-saving measures on the outside, equipment remains relatively generous for a budget model. Standard features include an 8-inch Lada Enjoy Evo multimedia system, heated front seats, heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, and two airbags.
Price and Positioning
The price for the new Lada Iskra SW Drive starts at 1,565,000 rubles, which is approximately $19,800 at the current exchange rate. This is cheaper than the CVT version, which costs 1,677,000 rubles ($21,200). It is also only $500 more expensive than the Iskra SW with the 89 hp engine and five-speed manual. The cheapest Iskra remains the entry-level sedan, which starts at 1,277,000 rubles ($16,100).
Iskra Cup Sports Version
Although the Iskra lineup does not include a sports model, Lada recently introduced the Iskra Cup by TMS Motorsport. This track race car, developed for a one-make series, features a special body kit, lowered suspension, white alloy wheels, and a roll cage. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 215 hp, paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox.
This move by Lada demonstrates a commitment to preserving manual transmissions in the budget segment, which is becoming increasingly rare. Despite its simplicity and cost savings, the model offers a practical station wagon with sufficient power and modern equipment, which may appeal to family buyers looking for a reliable and inexpensive car. It is worth noting that the price of $19,800 makes it competitive in the local market, especially given the rising cost of imported alternatives.