abbreviation Grant FL FL is often found in car ads, but not all buyers understand its exact meaning. In fact, this is the designation of the model that has passed the procedure. FaceliftI mean, restyling. For the domestic automotive industry, and specifically for the Togliatti plant, this is a landmark event that divided the history of the model into “before” and “after”.
In 2018, AvtoVAZ presented an updated version of its bestseller, implementing a number of design changes and improvements in ergonomics. This is the point that has become a watershed, and now in the secondary market it is important to clearly understand which version you are dealing with, because technical characteristics The comfort of operation can vary significantly.
By understanding what grant fl means, you are actually choosing between a budget “working” first-generation car and a more modern vehicle with improved body and cabin geometry. Understanding these nuances will help to avoid overpayment for unnecessary options or, conversely, not to buy an outdated equipment at the price of a new one.
Decoding of the term and the history of the appearance
term Facelift In the automotive industry, it means updating the exterior and interior design of the model without changing the main platform and powertrains. In the case of the Lada Granta, the restyling affected not only the appearance, but also many internal components, which made the prefix “FL” a marker for a more advanced version of the car.
The first changes were made to the type of body. liftback back in 2014, but 2018 is considered a full-fledged facelift of the entire line. It was then that the plant switched to a single front panel for all bodies and introduced new suspension elements. This has allowed to unify production and reduce the cost of ownership.
Why 2018, exactly?
Many confuse intermediate updates with full-fledged restyling. Until 2018, only some nodes changed, but this year the car received a new “murface” in the style of X-design and a single torpedo for the sedan and liftback.
It is important to note that FL-marking Not always explicitly stated in the documents, but experienced mechanics and dealers determine it by the VIN code and year of release. Knowledge of the history of the model allows the buyer to bargain with reason, pointing to the age features of the design, if we are talking about the pre-restyling version.
External differences and body solutions
Visually distinguish Grant FL from the usual version is easiest on the front of the body. Engineers have introduced elements X-designwhich have previously appeared on Lada Vesta and XRAY. This made the car visually wider and more modern, removing the excessive simplicity inherent in early models.
Key changes have affected optics and bumpers. The new head optics became more elongated, and fog lamps, if they are in the configuration, received a different shape and location. The bumpers now have more aggressive cutouts for air intakes, which also affects aerodynamics.
Pay attention to the joints of body panels. FL versions often have better clearances between the wings and doors thanks to new stamps and assembly technologies introduced after 2017.
The body panels have also undergone changes. The elevatorback changed the shape of the trunk lid and taillights. The sedan has a different form of trunk cover, which allowed to improve visibility. A new range of colors has also emerged, including popular gray and blue shades that better hide small paint defects.
- 🚗 New radiator grille with X-embossed.
- 💡 Altered shape of head optics and taillights.
- 🛡️ Reinforced moldings of doors and new bumpers.
- 🎨 Updated body color palette.
Interior: Ergonomics and Materials
The interior is perhaps the most noticeable part of the change for the driver. The FL version was implemented single-torpedoIt is used both on sedans and on liftbacks. This solved one of the main problems of prerestyling, when sedans were jealous of elevatorback owners because of the more modern center console.
In the cabin appeared a more modern multimedia system with a large touch screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This dramatically changes the experience of interacting with the car, allowing you to use navigation and music from your smartphone on the big screen. The shape of the blower deflectors and the location of the climate control buttons have also changed.
The materials of the finish, although they remained mainly plastic, became better to the touch in places of frequent contact. The steering wheel received a new shape and, in some configurations, heated. ergonomics The driver's seat has also been improved by changing the angle of some controls.
Technical changes and running gear
Under the hood of Granta FL, there have been important, if not revolutionary, changes. The main innovation was the installation lightweight (HPP) on 8-valve engines with a volume of 1.6 liters. This allowed to solve the problem of breaks of the belt of the timing, which was the Achilles heel of previous versions of engines.
Now, when the belt of the gas distribution mechanism breaks, the valves do not bend, which significantly reduces the cost of potential repairs and increases the reliability of the engine. This is a critical point for those looking for a reliable car to operate on a daily basis without the risk of costly engine defects.
Improvements were also made to the chassis. Changed the settings of shock absorbers and springs, which made the suspension a little more comfortable on irregularities, while maintaining the necessary rigidity for Russian roads. Also, some mounting elements were strengthened, which positively affected the suspension life.
☑️ Checking the technical part when buying
Comparison of equipment and equipment
When choosing between a regular Grant and the FL version, it is important to pay attention not only to the year of release, but also to the specific configuration. The plant often changed the set of options, so two cars of the same year can differ significantly in equipment. The table below shows a comparison of key parameters.
| Parameter | Grant through 2018 | FL Grant (after 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine 1.6 (8 clad) | Valve bending at break-off | No valve pressure (Lightened by SHNG) |
| Torpedo (Sedan) | Old pattern (angular) | New (from elevatorback, modern) |
| Multimedia. | 1-DIN tape recorder or 2-DIN (rarely) | 7" Touchscreen (in medium and top trim levels) |
| Airbags | 1 (driving) | 2 (driver and passenger) in a number of versions |
It is worth noting that even in the basic configurations of the FL, improved noise insulation of arches and floors is often found. This slight change at first glance significantly affects the fatigue of the driver on long trips. Equipment It is becoming more comfort-oriented, not just functional.
The main technical advantage of the FL is the engine with a lightweight piston group, which eliminates the risk of major repairs when the belt breaks.
Problems and disadvantages of the updated model
Despite the improvements, Granta FL still had some new flaws. Owners often complain about the cabin build quality, which can range from acceptable to downright low. Plastic screeches, especially in the area of torpedoes and door cards, are common and require additional noise insulation or dragging.
Also, the problems include the sensitivity of electronics to voltage drops. Multimedia systemAs a plus, it sometimes works unstable, requiring a reboot or software update. It is a typical disease of many budget cars with complex electronics.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used car, be sure to check the operation of all electronic systems. Errors in the work of the ECU or multimedia may indicate problems with wiring or poor intervention of previous owners.
Another nuance is the rigidity of the suspension, which, despite the improvements, is still quite rigid for a comfortable ride on broken roads. The resource of some suspension elements, such as Silentblocks and Stabilizer racks, may be limited, especially when driving actively on bad roads.
Cost of ownership and liquidity in the market
Grant FL enjoys stable demand in the secondary market due to its availability and low cost of service. Liquidity These cars are high: they are sold quickly, as they are perceived by buyers as more reliable and modern compared to pre-restyling models. This makes them a good choice for those who plan to sell cars in a few years without losing much in price.
The cost of spare parts and consumables remains one of the lowest in the class. Lightweight LNG engines require high-quality oil and timely replacement of the timing belt, but otherwise do not cause trouble. Body elements They are also affordable and cheap, making it easier to recover from minor accidents.
The secret of high liquidity
The high liquidity of the Granta FL is due to the fact that it is the last “people’s” car that combines modern appearance, relative safety (by class standards) and minimal maintenance costs.
When calculating the budget, it is worth considering that insurance rates for Grants FL may be slightly higher due to higher statistics of thefts and accidents in this class, but in general, maintenance costs remain minimal.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between FL Grants and the usual one?
The main difference lies in the updated design of the front and rear of the body, a new torpedo in the cabin (single for the sedan and liftback) and, most importantly, in the engine. On the FL, a motor with a lightweight shaky-piston group is installed, which does not buck the valves when the timing belt breaks, unlike most pre-restyling versions.
How to determine the release year and version by VIN code?
The tenth symbol in the VIN code indicates the year of the car’s release. For 2018 and later (FL period) models, these will be letters corresponding to those years (e.g. J for 2018, K for 2019, etc., according to the international table). Also, the version can be determined by the appearance of the torpedo and the shape of the headlights.
Should I pay more for the FL Grant in the secondary market?
Yes, overpayment is usually justified. You get a more modern interior, improved ergonomics and most importantly, a more reliable engine that reduces the risks of expensive repairs. The price difference is often offset by lower maintenance costs and higher residual value on resale.
What are the weaknesses of Granta FL?
Weaknesses include the quality of the cabin assembly (squeaking), the resource of some suspension elements on bad roads, as well as possible failures in the multimedia system. It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the paintwork, which can be thin.