Modern equipment of domestic cars allows anyone to become the owner of high-quality and comfortable transport. Many buyers pay special attention to the installed power systems and transmissions.
Particularly interesting to current drivers are the characteristics of an automated transmission, its pros and cons. The easiest way to get acquainted with the box “from the inside” is the opinion of the owners themselves. The owner reviews with a full description of its characteristics will help you understand the nuances of the Lada Granta automatic.
Modifications of Lada Granta - types of gearboxes
| Equipment | Gearbox type |
| Lada Granta Sedan | |
| Standard | MT |
| Norm | AT/MT |
| Lux | AT/MT |
| Lada Granta Liftback | |
| Standard | M.T. |
| Classic | M.T. |
| Classic Optima | MT/AMT |
| Comfort | MT/AMT |
| Luxe | MT/AMT/AT |
| Luxe Prestige | M.T. |
Automatic transmission background information
Jatco - four-speed automatic transmission with transverse arrangement. Factory index JF414. Installed on Lada Granta Sedan/Liftback cars.
Initially, the Jatco JF414 automatic machine was manufactured to equip the Japanese brands Nissan and Suzuki. Since 2013, the Zhatko automatic transmission has been equipped with the Chinese automobile brand March.
Salon
Explanation of the abbreviation JF414:
- J – Jatco;
- F - front-wheel drive;
- 4 — number of gears;
- 14 — ordinal modification index;
- E - electronic control.
Reviews of Lada Granta automatic
| № | Positive |
| 1. | Vladimir: the transmission is functional, picks up from the bottom, picks up speed very quickly from the start at traffic lights. |
| 2. | Kirill: a vigorous start from a standing start, which is convenient and practical in megacities. Fuel consumption is 1.0 liter more than the mechanical type, but for me this is not significant. |
| 3. | Vyacheslav: the dynamics of picking up the lows is clearly noticeable on the machine. Unlike a number of other brands, including European ones, lethargy is not typical. |
| 4. | Ivan: The automatic transmission works quite smoothly, the moment of gear shifting is practically not felt. What is missing is sound insulation. Of course, it is present, but the thickness of the felt upholstery is not enough for complete silence. |
| 5. | Sergey: It’s very nice that when you sharply press the accelerator pedal, the “Kickdown” mode, the automatic transmission quickly shifts the gear to a lower position. You can feel the speed of transition when overtaking or sharp maneuvers. |
| 6. | Oleg: despite the lack of manual control in the automatic transmission, the manufacturer left manual control for the first two speeds. Very convenient and practical when overcoming road obstacles, |
| 7. | Vyacheslav: the machine has a mechanical “Overdrive” button preinstalled; turning it off helps to operate the engine at higher speeds. This is very convenient and practical when overcoming road obstacles, snow drifts, and shallow fords. |
| Negative | |
| 1. | Alexander: despite numerous modifications to the Zhatko automatic transmission, vibrations and increased noise at speeds over 100 km/h are still present. This causes discomfort; the driver is forced to raise his voice so that passengers can hear him. |
| 2. | Ignat: a 16-valve engine is installed together with the automatic transmission, the maximum torque is set at the “top”. During rapid acceleration, the automatic transmission pulls the torque to the top, the tachometer needle borders on the red zone. At such moments, the roar of the engine in the cabin can be clearly heard. |
| 3. | Dmitry: during long climbs, the automatic transmission systematically shifts to lower gears, pushing the tachometer needle into the red zone. |
| 4. | Vasily: Unfortunately, Zhatko does not have a manual gear shift mode. This is very inconvenient if you frequently use the machine on rough terrain. Those who live on the periphery will understand me. |
| 5. | Vladimir: Zhatko’s gearbox is of the direct type. The “Drive” position is located third from the beginning. To move the selector to the “Drive” position, you need to take your attention away from the road. There is a preset indicator on the dashboard to indicate the current gear, but the display size is very small. |
| 6. | Victor: I don’t recommend this type of automatic transmission for the Lada Granta, as it’s already at 45,000 km. Replaced gaskets and solenoids. The torque converter clutches were also damaged. |
| 7. | Vasily: my sensors and the electrical ROM board of the automatic transmission “flyed”. The reason is a manufacturing defect. Fortunately, they replaced it free of charge under warranty. |
Manual Transmission Background Information
The design of the Lada Granta manual transmission is nothing more than a modernized version of the manual transmission from the VAZ-2108. Until 2021, lever-type manual transmissions were installed. The new Lada Granta Sedan / Liftback (2018) is equipped with a cable gear shift mechanism.
Unlike the lever type, the cables are placed on top, which is convenient and practical when carrying out diagnostics and repairs. The shape of the clutch housing has also undergone changes and has become smaller in size. However, this did not affect the functionality of the manual transmission in any way.
Mechanics
Factors affecting consumption
Not a single car enthusiast can tell you exactly what type of car he has. Before the number, he will definitely use the adverb “somewhere” and indicate under what conditions. Of course, he is absolutely right. Fuel consumption by a car is not constant and depends on many conditions.
- Technical condition of the engine. It would seem that this is irrelevant for a new car. It has to be perfect, and 99 times out of 100 it is. However, there is such a thing as ECU firmware. Experts assure that if it is factory, the consumption will be increased. This does not mean at all that you need to drop everything and run to change the fill. This should be done only after carefully weighing everything, and only with an experienced specialist.
- Car load. Doesn't need much explanation. The more things you fit into your trunk, the more energy required by the laws of physics to deliver them to their destination. Where do you get it from if not from the fuel tank?
- A large number of switched on consumer devices makes it more difficult for the engine to turn a loaded generator. The result is excessive consumption of gasoline.
- Using an air conditioner leads to excessive consumption for the same reason.
- Movement speed. 90-120 km/h is considered optimal. It is with these figures that the suburban cycle is calculated.
- The quality of gasoline and its underfilling. They are not the last factor influencing the frequency of visits to gas stations. In addition, the use of low quality fuel significantly affects the engine life. Refuel only at trusted stations.
- Driving style. It's no secret that driving skills have a significant impact on fuel consumption. If you drive in second gear where you can use fourth, the readings from the on-board computer will greatly surprise you. The same will happen to drivers who consider themselves experienced and use an aggressive driving style.
- Transmission. Not only the condition, but also its type. In the case of a mechanical one, it is possible to influence fuel consumption. True, not always to a lesser extent. Owners of cars with automatic transmission are practically deprived of this. Maybe that’s why you can so often hear statements about the gluttony of the Lada Granta automatic car.
Owner reviews about Lada Granta mechanics
| № | Positive |
| 1. | Vyacheslav: in general, manual is better than automatic, especially for rough terrain. Poor quality road surfaces are not suitable for automatic transmissions. This is what became the key factor in choosing the type of transmission. |
| 2. | Sergey: I wanted to buy an automatic, but due to the peculiarities of the geographical area in which I live, a manual one is the only right solution. |
| 3. | Slavik: I’ve been familiar with mechanics for several decades now, I know the strengths and weaknesses, the machine is still a little damp. Let them improve it a little. |
| 4. | Vitaly: in bad weather conditions, it’s hard to find a better manual transmission. Despite the presence of a mechanical “Overdrive” button in the machine, it is not possible to fully control the engine. |
| 5. | Victor: I’ve been actively using the Granta for a year now, I have no complaints, the transmission works properly. I believe that it doesn’t matter what type of gearbox, the main thing is systematic maintenance and timely oil changes. |
| 6. | Volodya: I like the mechanical type of gearbox, it picks it up from the bottom, who knows, he will understand. If an emergency maneuver is necessary, you can always switch to a lower gear and complete overtaking. You can also do this automatically, but it will take much more time. |
| 7. | Vitya: for me, as a taxi driver, manual gearbox control is much more effective than automatic. In a metropolis, it is necessary to quickly respond to changes in traffic conditions; this will not work with an automatic transmission. |
| Negative | |
| 1. | Vasily: despite the efficiency of the manual transmission, one liter less, the automatic is much more practical and functional than its predecessor. |
| 2. | Dmitry: Japanese “Zhatko” is an ideal solution for the domestic VAZ. The transmission is very “smart”, it understands when to shift to a higher gear, and when, on the contrary, to engage a lower one. |
| 3. | Gennady: after 60,000 km, the synchronizers on my mechanics began to fall off, so I contacted the service center. The workmanship is poor, it is better to buy with an automatic. |
| 4. | Ivan: for a 16-valve engine, the mechanics are not enough, the gear ratio is not adjusted by the gearbox. Automatic transmission is essential. |
| 5. | Savely: I bought a Granta with mechanics, I thought I made the right choice, but it turns out I was wrong. The transmission failed at 70,000 km. |
| 6. | Vladislav: except for replacing the cable control levers, nothing has changed from the VAZ 2108. For that kind of money, it’s better to buy with an automatic transmission. |
| 7. | Kirill: I don’t recommend the mechanical type of transmission, it’s a weak box for such a powerful engine. |
What factors influence a car’s fuel consumption and measures to overcome them?
“The people's car” with a good appetite
In many ways, the amount of fuel consumption depends on the design features of the car and, in particular, on the power and engine size. But, as the example of foreign manufacturers shows, this is far from a decisive factor. Thus, when conducting a test drive with a gasoline engine of greater power and volume than that of the Lada Grant, the average fuel consumption was 10 - 15% lower. Therefore, let’s put the engine power aside and consider the reasons that may influence the change in this indicator for a given car. These reasons or factors can be both objective and subjective.
Objective reasons for excessive fuel consumption can be divided into those caused by malfunctions of individual vehicle subsystems and external factors.
Main malfunctions affecting fuel consumption:
- Incorrect operation of sensors responsible for optimizing the air-fuel mixture;
- Low or high pressure in the fuel system;
- Engine injector malfunction;
- Burnout or destruction of the catalyst;
- Malfunction of the engine cooling system;
- Air filter dirty;
- Wheel alignment violation.
If your Lada Granta's fuel consumption does not meet factory specifications, then it's time to go for diagnostics.
External factors:
- Ambient air temperature: the lower it is, the greater the consumption;
- Meteorological conditions: rain, snow, strong wind, ice increase this indicator;
- Location of the car: in the city or on the highway. Even a small traffic jam can increase gasoline consumption by 2 liters;
- Nature of the terrain: on a mountain road you will use more fuel than on a flat road;
- Quality of the road surface: fuel costs for driving on a dirt road are significantly different from driving on asphalt;
- Gasoline quality and brand: this car is designed to use AI-95.
You can’t really argue with external factors, so the following may be reasonable recommendations:
- If possible, refrain from traveling in adverse weather conditions;
- in prolonged traffic jams, turn off the engine;
- fill up with the recommended brand of gasoline at trusted gas stations.
Now the reasons are subjective. Their manifestation largely depends on the driver himself. These reasons include:
- Character and driving style: calm, measured movement, without frequent acceleration and braking will help save expensive fuel.
- Viscosity and quality of oil: the higher the class of lubricants and the viscosity compliance with the season, the lower the friction and, accordingly, the fuel consumption. And do not forget to promptly change both engine and transmission oil.
- Tire condition and pressure: Use the tire size recommended by the manufacturer. Different tire pressures can increase fuel consumption by 0.5 liters. Therefore, always check this indicator before your trip.
- The presence of additional cargo in the car: an additional 50 kg will increase consumption by 2%.
- The air conditioner is on, the windows are lowered when moving: two seemingly mutually exclusive concepts, but they both affect the increase in gas mileage, although the windows are lowered much less.
Now, dear reader, armed with the above knowledge, you can easily regulate the fuel consumption of your beloved Lada Grant.
Lada Granta automatic or manual, which is better?
Each of the above types of transmissions certainly has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing a machine, clearly determine the type of geographic area where the machine will be used and the climatic conditions.
It has been verified that the automatic machine does not like frequent switching or start-stop modes. The solenoids wear out quickly and the torque converter clutch knocks. Since all automatic transmission parts are interconnected, prevention alone is not enough; a major overhaul is needed. It is expensive and time-consuming.
Mechanics are another matter. Despite the complaints addressed to it, the unit is quite working and functional. The final word belongs to the owner.
How to find out the consumption yourself
The method described here allows you to determine as accurately as possible for your specific case the amount of fuel burned per 100 kilometers.
The procedure is as follows:
- Having used up the fuel as completely as possible, fill the tank to capacity, that is, until the dispenser pistol fires the first “shot”;
- the daily mileage scale is set to zero;
- after one day, compare the distance covered by the car with fuel consumption.
For example, if you drove a conventional 400 kilometers and consumed 31 liters of fuel, then dividing the amount of liters by the first number and multiplying the result by 100, we get 7.75, which is the real value for you.
By acting in this way, you will know exactly what the exploitation of Grants will cost you.
In principle, the Granta’s power plant belongs to the small-displacement category. Such vehicles in general are not capable of consuming a lot of fuel. However, there are many factors that directly influence this indicator. We will talk about them in more detail below.
