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Lada 112: hatchback from the 110 family — engines and what to check
Lada 112 (VAZ-2112) — a five-door hatchback that belongs to the 110 family alongside the Lada 110 saloon and Lada 111 estate. Here, we look at its engines, trims, and what to check when hunting for a used car in Lithuania.
Lada 112 in brief
The Lada 112 is a practical front-wheel-drive hatchback designed as a more convenient alternative to the 110 saloon. Thanks to its opening rear section, it loads up more easily than the saloon, while the interior is similar to other models in the 110 family.
The car was produced from 1999 to 2008 and is now a budget-friendly option in the used market. It's often bought as a simple, no-frills daily driver or as a first set of wheels.
Which version to choose
Most 112s differ by their engine. Simpler 8-valve engine cars are cheaper and easier to maintain, while 16-valve versions are more lively but need more careful servicing.
When buying, the key is not the trim level but the car's technical and body condition. Most cars are now quite old, so pay close attention to rust and previous repairs.
Engines and gearboxes
The most common engines are 1.5 and 1.6-litre petrol units with 8 or 16 valves, offering around 80–95hp.
The gearbox is a five-speed manual; automatic boxes weren't usually fitted to this family. It's worth knowing that with 16-valve engines, a snapped timing belt often bends the valves.
What to check when buying a used Lada 112
Check the sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and tailgate edges — these are where corrosion typically shows up first. Ensure the body hasn't been repaired after an accident.
Check the service history of the timing belt, the condition of the cooling system, engine performance when cold and hot, and the state of the front suspension and steering mechanism.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we describe the most commonly encountered versions.
Bazinė versija
throughout the production runBasic trim with an 8-valve engine.
- 8-valve petrol engine
- Often — steel wheels
- Basic interior with minimal comfort features
Geresnės komplektacijos
throughout the production runVersion with more comfort details.
- Often — electrically operated front windows
- Often — central locking
- Better interior trim
Su 16 vožtuvų varikliu
throughout the production runMore lively version with a 16-valve engine.
- 16-valve petrol engine
- Better dynamics than the 8-valve version
- Requires more meticulous maintenance
Comparing trims
| Bazinė | Geresnė komplektacija | 16 vožtuvų | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | A simple, affordable car | Most buyers | Those who want a livelier drive |
| Engine | 8-valve | 8 or 16-valve | 16 vožtuvų |
| Comfort | Basic | A bit better | A bit better |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
Plenty of buyers are happy with the 8-valve versions with a sound body. The 16-valve engine is worth considering only with a clear service history.
Pros
- Affordable to buy and maintain
- Simple technology, plenty of parts
- Practical hatchback body
- Easy to repair
Cons
- Corrosion is a common issue
- Cosy comfort and safety features
- The 16-valve engine is sensitive to a broken timing belt
Frequently asked questions
How does the Lada 112 differ from the Lada 110?
The 112 is a hatchback with an opening rear hatch, while the 110 is a sedan. The mechanics and interior are essentially the same.
Is the 112 reliable?
A simple but old model car. Reliability heavily depends on previous maintenance and body condition.
Which engine is better?
The 8-valve is simpler and cheaper, the 16-valve is more lively. The latter needs timely timing belt replacement.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
