VAZ-2106

The VAZ-2106 Zhiguli (alternatively Zhiguli 2106) is a sedan produced by the Soviet (later Russian) automaker VAZ, and later, after the breakup of the Soviet Union, also by Russian Izhevsk Avto and Ukrainian . In export markets, it was known simply as Lada 1600 or alternatively as Lada 2106. In the domestic market it was popularly nicknamed Шестёрка (Shestyorka, in English; The sixth one). A hugely popular car and one of the most successful Lada models, it was in serial production for 30 years (from 1976 to 2006), although production in the VAZ plant ended after 25 years, in 2001, with manufacture continuing at Izhevsk for the final five years.

==Overview== Derived from its predecessor, the VAZ-2103, 2106 was created as its alternative due to expense and complexity of production of chrome elements which were severely reduced on it (although it did not fully replace it until 1984, when the 2103 was finally discontinued). Like the 2103, the 2106 was a four-door, four-seat saloon, but powered by a more powerful single overhead cam inline four engine of Lada's own design. It used the pistons of the VAZ-21011's and the crankshaft of the VAZ-2103's . Though only marginally more powerful than the 2103's engine, it produced more torque, rather than , making it easier to drive. Top speed was , with acceleration in 16 seconds. For many consumers, it was "the top of the Eastern Bloc charts for comfort and prestige", since the more expensive and luxurious GAZ and ZIL cars, intended firstly for party members and various other state officials, were out of reach for them.