ZAZ-1105 Dana: The Tavria family estate, bodywork and what to know when buying
ZAZ-1105 Dana — a five-door estate car built on the Tavria hatchback platform and manufactured in Zaporozhye. We explain how it differs from the hatchback, what to know about its tech, and what to check if you come across one in the used market.
Dana in brief
The ZAZ-1105 Dana is a five-door estate car from the Tavria family. It's based on the ZAZ-1102 Tavria hatchback, just like the Slavuta liftback and the ZAZ-11055 pickup. All these cars replaced the rear-engine Zaporozhec.
The Dana was designed for those who need more cargo space than a hatchback offers but don't require a larger car. As a result, it's often seen as an affordable workhorse or family car.
How it differs from the hatchback
The main difference is the elongated rear body with five doors and a larger boot. The front, suspension, and engine are essentially the same as in the hatchback, so the driving feel is similar.
The Dana's parts selection is similar to the Tavria, but some body elements (rear doors, windows, lights) are specific and might be harder to find.
Engines and gearboxes
The Tavria family cars use a small-displacement, four-cylinder MeMZ petrol engine. Exact power and displacement are best checked in the specific car's documents.
The gearbox is usually manual. Power is modest, so the car is best suited to city driving and short trips.
What to check when buying a Dana
Many of these cars are quite old, so first check the bodywork for rust in the sills, arches, lower door edges, and boot floor. Also, ensure the paperwork is in order.
Check the engine's performance when cold and hot, the cooling system, suspension, and brakes. Consider part availability in advance — some may need to be ordered from abroad.
Trim levels
Trim names and equipment varied by year of production and market; here we describe the general level of equipment.
Standartinė versija
Produced during the Tavria eraBasic estate with minimal equipment.
- Larger boot than a hatchback
- Basic interior trim
- Equipment varies by market and year
Comparison of Tavria family models
| Tavria Nova | Slavuta | Dana | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 3-door hatchback | 5-door liftback | 5-door estate |
| Who it's for | For city driving and short distances | For those needing more boot space | For those needing maximum cargo space |
| Base model | Tavria platform | Tavria platform | Tavria platform |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
The Dana is worth considering when cargo space is paramount over a low price, but good-condition examples need to be sought carefully.
Pros
- Larger boot than a hatchback
- Simple and inexpensive construction
- Compact dimensions
- Very low price in the used market
Cons
- Low power and modest comfort
- Parts supply in Lithuania is limited
- The age and rust of many cars
Frequently asked questions
How does the Dana differ from the Tavria?
The Dana is a five-door estate car based on the Tavria hatchback. It features an extended rear body section and a larger boot.
What engines are used in the Dana?
Small-displacement four-cylinder petrol engines, primarily of MeMZ design, are used. Check the specific vehicle's documents for precise details.
Is the Dana suitable for daily use?
It's ideal for city driving and short trips. Limited power, modest comfort, and the age of the cars restrict their use for long journeys.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























