Determining the original body color Lada Granta - a task that every owner faces when selecting paint for local repairs, full painting, or even when purchasing used spare parts. A mistake of just one shade can result in disappointment: a freshly painted element will stand out against the background of the rest of the body, especially in daylight. The problem is complicated by the fact that the plant AvtoVAZ used dozens of shades for Grants, and some colors (for example, “Platinum” or “Tungus”) are visually almost indistinguishable without special equipment.

In this article, we will look at all the official and alternative methods for determining color - from checking nameplates to online VIN services. You will learn where exactly to look for markings on the body, how to decipher type codes 601 or 633, and why Visual comparison alone cannot be trusted with catalogues. We will also warn you against common mistakes that lead to buying the wrong paint.

1. Where is the color code on the Lada Granta body?

The manufacturer puts information about body color on special plates (nameplates), the location of which is regulated for all models Lada. On Grante (including modifications Liftback, Sports and Cross) this data is duplicated in two places:

  • 🔧 Main nameplate — on the B-pillar on the driver's side (under the door seal). Look for a white or silver rectangle measuring ~5x3 cm with black symbols.
  • 🚗 Duplicate plate — under the hood, on the upper cross member (closer to the windshield). Often hidden under a layer of dirt or anti-corrosion coating.
  • 📄 Service book — in the “Vehicle Data” section (if the car has not been in a serious accident with repainting).

On nameplates the color code is indicated as COLOR or KRASKA, followed by a three-digit number (for example, 601 - “White”). For Grants 2021 and newer, a four-digit code may be used (for example, 601A), where the last letter indicates the type of coating (matte, metallic, etc.).

What to do if the nameplate is missing or damaged?

If the color code plate is missing (for example, after a body repair), try:

1. Check the car’s VIN through online services (more details in section 3).

2. Contact an official Lada dealer with a vehicle registration certificate (PTS) - they can restore the data from the database.

3. Use a spectrophotometer in a car service (95% accuracy, but the cost of the service is ~1,500–2,500 rubles).

2. How to decipher the Granta color code: shade table

Color codes on Lada Granta correspond to internal markings AvtoVAZ. Below is the current table for all model generations (2011–2026), including special editions (e.g. Drive Active or Black Edition). Please note: some colors like 633 (“Tungus”), have up to 5 variations depending on the year of manufacture.

Color code Shade name Coverage type Years of application Notes
601 White Gloss 2011–present Basic color for most trim levels
626 Gray (Platinum) Metallic 2015–present Often confused with 633 (Tungus)
633 Tungus Metallic 2013–present Has 3 undertones: dark, medium, light
425 Red (Flamenco) Gloss/Metallic 2018–present Used in Granta Sport
663 Black (Onyx) Gloss 2011–present B Black Edition - matte version (663M)

To accurately select paint, it is not enough to know only the code. For example, color 626 (“Platinum”) may differ between the 2016 and 2020 Grants due to changes in pigment composition. Therefore, when ordering paint, specify not only the code, but also year of manufacture of the car.

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If you are selecting paint for a local repair (for example, a bumper), ask the store to do a test spray on a test panel. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises after painting.

3. Determining color by VIN code: step-by-step instructions

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) contains information about all factory specifications Lada Granta, including body color. To find out the shade by VIN:

  1. Find VIN:
    • 📋B PTS (line “Identification number”).
    • 🚗 On the body: under the windshield on the driver’s side or on the A-pillar.
  • Decipher VIN through official services:
    • 🌐 AutoCode (paid report with guaranteed accuracy).
    • 🌐 Vinformer (free, but without color details).
    • 📱 Official app Lada Connect (registration required).
    • Check out the "Color" section in the report. It is usually denoted as Paint Code or Body color.

    Body number (must match the title)|Year of manufacture (important for accurate color selection)|Color code (three or four digits)|Coating type (glossy/metallic/matte)|Signs of an accident (if any, color may have been changed)

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    ⚠️ Attention: Some online services (such as free versions) may provide inaccurate color data, especially for limited editions Granta. Always double-check the information on the nameplate on the body.

    4. Visual color selection: why it's risky

    Many owners try to determine the color by eye, comparing the body with catalogs or photographs on the Internet. This method extremely unreliable for several reasons:

    • 🎨 Lighting: Metallic under artificial light 633 (“Tungus”) may appear dark gray, and in the sun it may appear bluish.
    • 🔍 Fading: Paint on Grants older than 5 years loses up to 15% of its brightness, especially on the roof and hood.
    • 🛠️ Local recolors: The previous owner may have painted the bumper or door a different shade.
    • 🖥️ Screen color rendering: Photos on the Internet often distort the real shade (for example, “Platinum” looks colder in the photo than in life).

    If you still decide to select the color visually, use physical fans RAL or Pantone, but only in daylight. Alternative - mobile applications like Color Grab (Android/iOS), which analyze color from photos. However, their accuracy does not exceed 80%.

    By code from the nameplate|By VIN code|Visually (from the catalogue)|I trust the master in the car service|Another way-->

    5. Alternative methods: from the dealer to the spectrophotometer

    If standard methods do not help (for example, the nameplate is lost, and the VIN report contradicts visual perception), turn to alternative sources:

    • 🏢 Official Lada dealer: Based on the VIN or body number, they will provide an extract with the exact color code (paid service, ~500–1,000 ₽).
    • 🔬 Spectrophotometer: The device analyzes the reflected light from the body and produces an accurate paint code. The service is available in professional car services (cost ~1,500 ₽).
    • 📊 Bodywork Databases: Services like CarVertical or Autocode may contain paint history (if the car was in an accident).
    • 📦 Archival documents: The purchase or insurance policy sometimes indicates the color (but not its code!).

    ⚠️ Attention: When contacting your dealer, check to see if they guarantee the accuracy of the data. There have been cases when the database AvtoVAZ One color was listed, but in fact the car was repainted on the assembly line (for example, for special orders).

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    A spectrophotometer is the only way to determine color with 99% accuracy, but it will not help if the body has previously been repainted with non-original paint.

    6. Typical mistakes when determining color and how to avoid them

    Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to buying the wrong paint. Here are the most common:

    1. Ignoring the year of manufacture: Color 601 (“White”) on the 2012 and 2022 Grant may differ due to changes in the composition of the paint. Always check the year!
    2. Trust only one source: For example, they take the code from the nameplate, but do not check it using the VIN. It is better to use 2-3 methods.
    3. Buy paint by name, not by code: "Metallic gray" can also mean 626 (“Platinum”), and 633 (“Tungus”).
    4. Does not take into account the type of coverage: Paint 663 (“Black”) comes in glossy and matte - they cannot be mixed.
    5. Save on samples: They buy paint without a test spray, and then discover that the shades do not match.

    To minimize risks, follow a simple algorithm:

    1. Remove the code from the nameplate.
    2. Check it by VIN through 2 different services.
    3. Check the shade chart (Section 2 of this article).
    4. Order paint from an official supplier AvtoVAZ (for example, PPG or Mobihel).

    7. Where to buy paint by Granta color code

    Once the color code is known, all that remains is to choose where to order the paint. Options depend on budget and quality requirements:

    Source Pros Cons Cost (per 1 l)
    Official Lada dealer Original color guarantee, specialist consultation Expensive, long (waiting 3–7 days) 2 500–4 000 ₽
    Car service with tinting They can match the shade to a faded body Risk of inaccuracy if the technician is inexperienced 1 800–3 500 ₽
    Online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) Fast delivery, wide range No guarantee of exact match 1 200–2 800 ₽
    Automotive chemicals markets Low price, you can bargain High risk of counterfeit, no certificates 800–1 500 ₽

    For local repairs (for example, scratches on a bumper) it is enough to buy aerosol can with the exact code. For complete painting, it is better to order paint in cans (1-2 liters in volume) with subsequent tinting at a service center.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you are painting plastic parts (bumper, moldings), you will need special paint with a plasticizer. Regular car enamel on plastic will crack in 1–2 years.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Lada Granta body color

    Is it possible to determine the color of a Granta by the body number?

    No, the body number (not to be confused with the VIN!) does not contain color information. To do this, you need either a plate with a code or a full VIN.

    What is the difference between colors 626 (Platinum) and 633 (Tungus)?

    Visually, both colors look like metallic gray, but 626 has a warm beige undertone, and 633 - cold bluish. In a direct comparison, the difference is noticeable, but in the photo it is easy to confuse them.

    What color of Grants is the most popular and why?

    According to statistics AvtoVAZ, 601 (“White”) and 663 (“Black”) occupy ~60% of all sales. These are neutral colors that are easier to resell and less likely to stain on the roads.

    Is it possible to paint Grant a different color without problems with the traffic police?

    Yes, but you will have to make changes to the PTS. To do this, after painting, you need to pass a check at the traffic police and provide documents on paint certification (if the color is radically different from the factory color).

    Why does the 2020 Grant have a four-digit color code (for example, 601A)?

    Since 2019 AvtoVAZ began to use expanded markings, where the last letter indicates the type of coating: A - gloss, M - metallic, T - matte. This helps to more accurately select paint for restoration.