English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
ZAZ Tavria: the Ukrainian front-wheel-drive hatchback, what you need to know
ZAZ Tavria (ZAZ-1102) — a compact front-wheel-drive hatchback produced in Ukraine, with production running from 1987 to 2007. In Lithuania, it was one of the accessible cars in the 1990s. In this article, we'll look at its variants, engine, and what you should know before buying.
Tavria in brief
The Tavria was the first ZAZ car with front-wheel drive and a transversely mounted engine. It replaced the older rear-engine ZAZ models and was designed as an affordable city and family car.
It's a simple, lightweight car with a small engine that was easy to maintain even without extensive technical knowledge. Today, it's rare and often used as an affordable runabout or collector's item.
Which version to choose
The main version is the three-door hatchback ZAZ-1102. Later, other modifications appeared: the five-door Tavria Nova and the four-door liftback Slavuta (ZAZ-1103).
The Slavuta is more practical due to its separate boot, but the 1102 is the most common and easiest to find. Before buying, check which version truly suits your needs.
Engine and gearbox
The Tavria typically came with a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing around 50 hp. Later versions could have different engines, so check the exact version in the documents.
The gearbox is a four-speed manual. The drive is front-wheel.
What to check when buying a used Tavria
The key thing to look out for is rust. Check the sills, arches, floor, and boot area. These cars were built on a budget, so rust is common.
Check the condition of the engine and gearbox, suspension, and electrical equipment. Parts are often cheap and readily available in Ukraine and neighboring countries, but check this in advance.
Before buying, make sure the car can be registered and insured in Lithuania.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
ZAZ-1102 Tavria
1987–2007The main three-door version.
- Approximately 1.1-litre engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Basic tech
Tavria Nova
1990s versionUpdated version.
- Updated styling
- Often — improved body solutions
- Slightly improved interior
Slavuta
from 1999Liftback with a separate boot.
- Extended rear
- Separate boot
- Four-door body
Comparison of versions
| Tavria | Tavria Nova | Slavuta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Ideal for a budget city car | For everyday family use | For a more practical boot |
| Body | Hatchback | Hatchback | Liftback |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
The choice comes down to the body and condition. Most importantly, find a car without serious rust and with all the paperwork.
Pros
- Very straightforward technology
- Cheap parts
- Modest fuel consumption
- Compact city car
Cons
- Rust and low build quality
- Modest power and comfort
- Limited safety features
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the Tavria have?
Mostly a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with around 50hp.
Does the Tavria have front-wheel drive?
Yes, it was the first ZAZ with front-wheel drive.
Is the Tavria still worth using?
If the car is in good nick, yes, but it's an old model with modest safety and comfort.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
