Got a Lada? There’s an app for that

If you needed even more proof that your car and your phone are becoming inexorably linked, then surely a ‘connected’ Lada is it.

Russia’s largest car manufacturer has announced a subscription telematics platform called Lada Connect, which will enable owners of the Lada Granta range the ability to control their car from their phone.

The Lada Granta is available as a sedan, liftback, hatchback, wagon, and SUV. Prices start from ₽519,900 (AU$9225) for a 1.6-litre manual sedan, and climb to ₽737,900 (AU$13,100) for a 1.6-litre automatic SUV.

Compatible with both iPhone and Android handsets, the Lada Connect package costs ₽12,000 (AU$213) for a three year subscription on Luxe-specification cars and ₽19,500 (AU$346) on Classic and Comfort variants, as the vehicle alarm, automatic headlamps and keyless entry functions need to be added.

Lada Connect uses a 4G modem within the car and works where ever the car has a mobile data signal within Russia.

Strangely, the system is not compatible with the optional EnjoY Pro media package which adds a 7.0-inch LCD touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

Similar to the BMW ConnectedDrive and Mercedes-Benz Me systems, Lada Connect allows users to remotely lock or unlock their car, heat or cool the interior, start the engine, turn on lights and check on battery voltage and fuel levels from their phone handset. Useful features if you live in a country with heavy snowfall.

The system also reports on the location of the car in real time.

This feature offers an advantage for owners, with Lada offering a 10 per cent insurance discount in the first year, and up to 30 per cent for those with a good driving record. As well as being able to track a car that may be stolen, the Lada Connect data can report on vehicle telemetry before an accident, making it easier for the insurance companies to understand the specific circumstances surrounding a claim.