Cobalt II facelift vs Iskra I: which is better?
Chevrolet Cobalt II facelift (2020–present) vs Lada Iskra I (2025–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lada Iskra ISpecifications
| Chevrolet Cobalt II facelift | Lada Iskra I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2025–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 (B15D2) | 1.6 16V |
| Power, up to | 106 hp | 106 hp |
| Torque, up to | 134 Nm | — |
| Gearbox | automatic | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 479 mm | — |
| Width | 1 735 mm | — |
| Height | 1 514 mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | — |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 47 L | — |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Cobalt II facelift
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM B15D2 engine (1.5, Cobalt/Nexia): valve cover gasket leak
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Engine (GM B15D2 (1.5, Cobalt/Nexia)): valve cover gasket leak; timing belt wear; hydraulic lifter tapping when cold.
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Lada Iskra I
Pros
- Local assembly: Russia
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine VAZ (1.5–1.6): timing belt failure: bends valves on some engines
Engine (VAZ (1.5–1.6)): timing belt snapping: bends valves on some engines; sensor and thermostat failures; valve cover leak.
Which one to choose
- Cobalt II facelift — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Cobalt II facelift or Iskra I?
Cobalt II facelift: up to 106 hp, Iskra I: up to 106 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cobalt II facelift — about 8 650 ₸, Iskra I — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.