While your query mentions "1.46," the standard production engines were typically 1.1L, 1.3L, and 1.5L. The 1.3L engine, a staple of the early years, offered: Approximately 64-65 horsepower.
Designed for economy and ease of maintenance, it used a relatively simple inline-4 configuration.
Today, the "Eight" is remembered not just as a tool for transportation, but as the vehicle that modernized an entire industry, bridging the gap between Soviet utility and European driving dynamics.
The VAZ-2108 was designed to compete with Western European hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf. Key technical shifts included:
The VAZ-2108, widely known as the in Western markets and nicknamed the "Chisel" (Zubilo) in its homeland, represents a pivotal shift in Soviet automotive history. Introduced in 1984, it was the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car from the Soviet Union, marking a radical departure from the classic rear-wheel-drive "Zhiguli" models. A Technical Revolution
This layout provided superior handling and stability, particularly on slippery or icy roads, compared to its predecessors.
Its sharp, wedge-shaped front end was a major aesthetic leap, optimized for fuel efficiency and modern appeal. Powertrain and Performance