This “anti-sanctions” Lada Granta comes without airbags or GPS “It’s the most affordable new vehicle in Russia. They’re calling it… the anti-sanctions car!” That was Russian state TV putting a positive spin on the new, not-so-improved, Lada rolling off the production line in the city of Togliatti. “Most affordable” is perhaps its only selling point. Due to Western sanctions, the Russian carmaker cannot import all the components it used to. So the “anti-sanctions” Lada Granta has no airbag, no anti-lock braking system, no Electronic Stability Control, and no seat-belt pretensioners. Nearly four months after the invasion of Ukraine, the new Lada sort of sums up the Russian economy: it’s still functioning, despite lacking some of the parts. “Still functioning” is an achievement. Russia is now the most sanctioned country in the world. According to data service Statista, more than 10,500 restrictions have been imposed on Russian individuals […]