On December 31, 1979, the first VAZ-2108 prototype was completed.[10] It strongly resembled the earlier Ladoga, and the VAZ-1106 saloon.[6] While named Sputnik at home, it was more commonly known as the "Eight" after the last digit in the model code.[8] The export version was named after the Samara River, a tributary to the Volga.[11] The first cars left the production line on 18 December 1984.[8] These, the three-door hatchbacks (the only model available at first), were powered by a belt-driven SOHC 1,288cc (78.6cuin) inline-four, and were fitted with a four-speed gearbox.[8] The three-door was joined by a five-door, and by models with 1,099cc (67.1cuin) (a destroked version of the 1288) or 1,499cc (91.5cuin) (a bored-out 1288) engines.[9] (The head was developed in co-operation with Porsche, though most Western observers assumed Porsche's involvement went beyond just engines,[12] and the carburetors in connection with Solex.[8]
In 1987, the model range was joined by the 21083, with a 71hp (53kW; 72PS) 1,499cc (91.5cuin) engine and five-speed gearbox, and the 21081, with a 53hp (40kW; 54PS) 1,099cc (67.1cuin).[13] The 1099 was an export-only variant.[13] Top speeds were 87mph (140km/h) (1099), 92mph (148km/h) (1288) and 97mph (156km/h) (1499); fuel economy was 7.9L/100km (36mpg-imp; 30mpg-US) (1099), 9.3L/100km (30mpg-imp; 25mpg-US) (1288), or 9.5L/100km (30mpg-imp; 25mpg-US) (1499).[14] VAZ also debuted the 2109 five-door hatchback that year, also available with the 1,099cc (67.1cuin), 1,288cc (78.6cuin), and 1,499cc (91.5cuin).[15] In 1989, the 21099 saloon followed, which had a new bonnet, grille, wings, and 200mm (7.9in)-longer rear overhang, as well as an improved dashboard.[15] The 21099's front-end styling was adopted on the 2109 in 1992 and the 2108 in 1994, as well.[15]