1995 Lada Riva 1500E review from UK and Ireland

Not having had the car long, it became apparent that a few jobs needed doing, noteabley a wheel bearing and full service, both jobs an absolute doddle that I did myself in a very short time. parts are dirt cheap too.

The heater fan makes a screeching noise sometimes, that's a job for the future as the car still runs fine without it.

In common with a lot of eastern block cars the paintwork had faded to a a chalky colour, an hour with T cut rectified this.

As you would expect from a car in this price range fit and finish is not the best, the dash and interior look and feel like what they are, designed in the 60's. It doesn't drive as bad as you would expect, handling is acceptable if you respect its limitations, performance is adequate, it runs out of steam at around 85mph, but is happier at 65-70. Lack of torque and the aerodynamics of a breeze block limit its speed rather than running out of revs. it's comfy enough to drive providing you don't have too far to go, I can't seem to get very comfortable in it and the steering wheel and pedals are offset to the centre of the car.

Fuel economy is not too bad bearing in mind this vehicle has a catalytic converter which "strangles" the engine, it never being designed for a cat.