Which Niva is better, long or short: dimensions, dimensions, technical characteristics, comparison and the right choice

40 years have passed since the production of this world-shaking car began. Since then, there have been no special design changes, but the Niva is still in high demand due to its low cost and practicality. The design features of the chassis, monocoque body and short wheelbase formed the basis of most modern SUVs. The car has become very popular among gardeners, fishermen, mushroom pickers, hunters and rural residents. In Soviet times, Niva was actively exported, so it can be found in many countries around the world.

Today this car is produced under the name “Niva 4x4”. In this review, we will briefly describe the history of this model, and also study in detail all the characteristics of the new Niva 4x4.

Specifications

Suspension, chassis

VAZ-21213 technical characteristics

Description

Technical characteristics and dimensions of Niva 21213;
21214; 2131. Lada 212140 technical specifications. technical characteristics of Lada 212140 The geometric parameters of cross-country ability are good due to the fairly high ground clearance (220 mm), small body overhangs (approach angle 32, departure angle 37) and a relatively short 2.2-meter wheelbase.

VAZ-21214 (Lada 4×4) - modification of model 21213 with the VAZ-21214 engine (1.7 l, 82.8 hp, 127.5 Nm) equipped with central fuel injection. Since 2002, this model has been equipped with a VAZ-21214-10 (Euro-0) engine with distributed fuel injection, upgraded in 2006 to Euro-2 standards (21214-20), in 2008 to Euro-3 (21214- 30) and, finally, in 2011 to Euro-5 (for export) and Euro-4 (for domestic consumption) standards.

VAZ-21214 engine modifications

Photo of the VAZ-2121 engine

Transmission

History of the machine

It all started back in 1970, when Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR Alexei Kosygin, as part of the program “blurring the line between city and countryside,” set the teams of VAZ, AZLK and Izhmash the task of creating a comfortable SUV for residents of rural areas.

The first experimental VAZ-E2121 saw the light of day in 1971. Moreover, his appearance was very far from what we have become accustomed to for forty years. In fact, it was a chassis with a simple tail, on which the concept of a new car was developed - the SUV did not have a frame, which at that time was considered an unheard-of design audacity. Initially, the car was planned to be equipped with a powerful diesel engine, final drives, rear torsion bar suspension and even a tire pressure regulation system, but later they decided to create a simpler version with a high degree of unification with the models already produced by AvtoVAZ, which was economically justified. This prototype allowed the design bureau under the leadership of Peter Prusov to significantly reduce the time needed to create the car.

The VAZ-2121 appeared in a form close to the serial one in 1972. The artist Valery Semushkin worked on the design of the new car. The car, according to the designer, was supposed to suit residents of both cities and villages.

In 1974, the car was put up for state tests and in the same year received its own name “Niva”, which was patented.

In addition to sales at home, Niva was actively promoted in foreign markets. Over forty years, more than 500 thousand SUVs were sent abroad. This unpretentious, but at the same time quite comfortable SUV has attracted buyers in more than 100 countries around the world. Importers actively re-equipped the car, making it into pickup trucks, convertibles, and styling it according to fashion. In addition, assembly of the model was established in Brazil, Greece, Canada, Panama, Chile, and Ecuador.

In 1978, the VAZ-2121 was awarded a gold medal and recognized as the best car of its class at the international exhibition in Brno. “Niva” has a lot of records.

So, in 1998, Niva climbed Mount Everest under its own power, to a height of 5200 meters, in the same year, being dropped by parachute, it ended up in the Arctic and reached the North Pole under its own power, and the next year climbed to the Himalayas to a height of 7260 meters. She also visited Fuji. The reliability of the car is also evidenced by the fact that the production car was able to operate without serious breakdowns for 15 years in Antarctica at the Bellingshausen station.

In 2001, the history of the VAZ-2121 as a Niva ended. The holder of the exclusive license for the Niva trademark was the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture. But the history of the car itself continued and continues under the name LADA 4X4.

Exterior and interior

The updated version of the Niva Lada Urban 4×4 2014 model series features a new bumper and radiator grille. It may seem to many that the bumpers were simply lying around in a warehouse, and engineers decided to bolt them onto a new version of the car. In fact, these are truly brand new bumpers created only for this model.

On the rear window there is a grandiosely curved wiper, and you should also not ignore the “stylish” door handles. The updated version is 3.7 meters long and one and a half meters wide. The height of the all-wheel drive Lada Urban reaches two meters. Of course, new details and a slightly updated design brought modernity and style to the Niva model.

The interior has not undergone any major changes. It is still a bit cramped, and due to the predominance of gray color and angular shapes of the dashboard, the interior looks very boring and gloomy. But it is worth noting that the car is equipped with air conditioning, as evidenced by the power button. There is also an audio system, light control and a solid floor tunnel lining. You may notice the exterior window control knob, the power window button, and the coin container.

Manufacturers pleased drivers with the presence of rubber mats not only in the car interior, but also in the trunk, as well as high-quality seat upholstery. The driver and front passenger feel very at ease, unlike the rear passengers, who have to be crowded. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded down, in which case the car can fit up to 580 liters of luggage. This is an important factor, since many Niva drivers often go fishing and hunting. And for gear and instruments you need a lot of space in the car. In our case, the car has a large luggage compartment.

Lada 21213: owner reviews

Judging by numerous reviews, the VAZ 21213 has many advantages, including:

• Good maneuverability
• Cheap to operate.
• Reasonable fuel consumption
• Four-wheel drive
• Low price
• Reliability
• Simplicity
• Multifunctionality
• Comfortable and powerful SUV
• Spacious trunk
• Comfort
• Ease of control

There are also disadvantages:

• No air conditioning
• Frequent vibrations in the cabin
• Shaking
• weak engine
• High fuel consumption
• Expensive spare parts

Options and prices

The price range depends on the vehicle’s configuration and ranges from 456,000 to 539,000 rubles - there is no question of any other SUV for this money. In the minimum Standard configuration you will receive ABS+BAS and EBD systems, power steering, and front electric windows. The maximum anniversary package Luxe 40th Anniversary will add original interior elements (leather steering wheel, dashboard, seat upholstery), additional vibration insulation, heated seats and mirrors, air conditioning, original sixteenth wheels and other additions to the exterior. At the moment there are only 5 configurations of Niva 4x4:

• Standard (456,000 rubles)
• Luxe (470,000 rubles)
• Luxe Elbrus Edition (473,000 rubles)
• Luxe Air conditioner (488,000 rubles)
• Luxe 40th Anniversary (539,000 rubles)

Prices and configurations are taken from the official Lada website and are current for spring 2022.

VAZ-2123 and Chevrolet Niva

VAZ-2123

VAZ-2123 is a Russian compact SUV of the second generation, pilot production batches of which were produced at VAZ in 2001-2002. It maintained continuity with the old Niva in terms of units and received a new, more spacious five-door body. AvtoVAZ did not have the funds to introduce it into mass production, and as a result, the license for the VAZ-2123 and the rights to the Niva brand were sold to the General Motors concern.

Chevrolet Niva (Chevrolet Niva)

American designers made about 1,700 changes to the design of the VAZ-2123, which allowed the Chevrolet Niva to be considered an independent design. Since September 2002, after the launch of a joint production line with General Motors (OJSC JV GM-AvtoVAZ), the VAZ-2123 began to be produced under the Chevrolet Niva brand.

Chevrolet Niva (Chevrolet Niva) FAM-1

The first batch of Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 cars was released in the spring of 2006, production began in November 2006. The car received the VAZ-21236 index and was produced in a single GLX configuration. The car was equipped with an Opel Z18XE engine (1.8 l, 122 hp) and a 5-speed Aisin manual transmission (from Suzuki Grand Vitara), a new transfer case in a single unit with the gearbox. At the end of April 2008, the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 model was discontinued. In two years, only about a thousand Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 were made and sold.

Chevrolet Niva Trophy (Chevrolet Niva Trophy)

There is a tuning modification “Trophy” (Chevrolet Niva Trophy), adapted for off-road use. The main differences from the basic configuration include a mechanical chain tensioner instead of a hydraulic one, installation of a snorkel to avoid water hammer when passing fords, forced shutdown of engine cooling fans, transmission breathers in the engine compartment, self-locking limited-slip differentials in gearboxes, main pairs with a gear ratio of 4.3 (instead of 3.9) in the transmission, a mechanism for attaching an electric winch.

Chevrolet Niva (Chevrolet Niva), restyling 2009

On March 11, 2009, GM-AvtoVAZ made a long-awaited update to the Chevrolet Niva. The new modification received the VAZ-212300-55 index. The famous Italian design studio “Bertone” was involved in creating the new car design. After the update, the appearance of the car began to correspond to the unified corporate style of Chevrolet, while the manufacturer retained the parameters of geometric cross-country ability.

Extended varieties of "Niva"

VAZ-212180 “Fora”

VAZ-212180 “Fora” is a version of model 21213 extended by 300 millimeters. It was produced in small series from 1996 to 2005 (VIN code “X7G”). It differs from the base model in having wider doors and doorways, a raised rear roof due to a plastic superstructure and a wider rear three-seater seat type 2108. The standard equipment of the Fora includes an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment from the Force armored car, and surcharge - power steering, air conditioning and a plastic guard in front of the radiator grille. Due to the use of wheels of increased diameter (alloy wheels made from Togliatti with Nokian HRC tires), the spare tire is moved out of the engine compartment and secured above the rear bumper.

VAZ-212182 “Force”

VAZ-212182 “Force” is an armored cash-in-transit version of the VAZ-21218 model. In addition to the reservation system, it is additionally equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment and an explosion-proof fuel tank; additional battery, air conditioning, remote control of the right door lock from the driver's seat. An armored floor, beacons, etc. are offered as additional equipment. Since the Force is 430 kg heavier than the Fora, suspension springs made from a rod of increased diameter and reinforced shock absorbers are used.

VAZ-212183 "Landole"

VAZ-212183 “Landole” is an open beach SUV based on the “Fora” with a body type “Lando” or “Landole”. SPA BRONTO has been produced to individual orders since 1997. The absence of part of the roof and door pillars is compensated by an original load-bearing tubular frame, onto which, if necessary, a lightweight awning is attached or brackets are mounted for transporting large-sized sports equipment. The tailgate hinges on horizontal hinges. The interior is easy to clean (the seats are covered with leatherette, the floor is covered with soft linoleum). The exterior is complemented by an original plastic body kit and two-tone paint.

VAZ-2129

VAZ-2129 (unofficial name “Cedar”) is a model extended by 500 mm based on the standard VAZ-21213. “Kedr” was created in the early 90s as a carrier of units for the promising minivan VAZ-2120, but in 1992-1994. Produced in a small series at AvtoVAZ OPP. The body was lengthened due to the central insert. Served as the basis for the creation of the 5-door VAZ-2131 model.

VAZ-2129 “Utiliter”

VAZ 2129 “Utiliter” is a commercial modification of the “Cedar”. It differs from the base model in the absence of a rear seat and rear side windows barred from the inside. It was produced individually to order at AvtoVAZ OPP and was not distributed.

VAZ-2130

VAZ-2130 (“Cedar”) is a modification of the VAZ-2129 with a modified interior layout. The three-seater rear seat of type 2108 is moved forward. According to unverified information, the model index was subsequently changed to 2129-01. The VAZ-2130 was produced in small batches in 1993-1994. Served as the basis for the creation of the 5-door model VAZ-2131-01.

VAZ-2131 (LADA 4×4 5-door)

VAZ-2131 (LADA 4×4 5-door) is a five-door model extended by 500 mm based on VAZ-21213 units. Produced at Pilot Industrial Production of AvtoVAZ (OPP AvtoVAZ) since 1993. The VAZ-2131 was created on the basis of the 2129 Kedr model by adding a rear pair of doors. As of February 2009, 100 thousand VAZ-2131 have already been produced, which makes this model the second most popular in the old Niva family. The body is lengthened due to a central 500 mm insert into the standard body of model 21213. Accordingly, the wheelbase and length of the car change. On version 2131, the distance between the front and rear seats is increased by 125 mm, and on version 2131-01 a three-seater rear seat type 2108 is used. The fuel tank is increased to 70 liters. With the development of production of VAZ-2130 engines (1.8 l, 84 hp, 132 Nm) in the OPP, version 21312 with this engine was produced. Due to its characteristic appearance and the love of its manufacturers for the color green, the VAZ-2131 was popularly nicknamed the crocodile.

VAZ-2131 SP

VAZ-2131 SP (213105/213145) is a model manufactured at the VAZ EPP of an ambulance based on the VAZ-2131. It features a rear overhang increased by 300 millimeters and a high plastic roof. Thanks to the increased trunk volume, it allows you to transport a patient on a stretcher and two accompanying doctors with a set of equipment.

VAZ-213102

VAZ-213102 is a “civilian” 5-door version of the sanitary model VAZ-213105 manufactured at the VAZ OPP. It had the same rear overhang increased by 300 millimeters and a high plastic roof, but was equipped with a conventional 5-seater interior. The trunk, increased to 1900 liters, made it possible to place two additional seats in it, which turned the car into a 7-seater (and transferred it to the class of mid-size SUVs). VAZ-213102 was produced to order in 1999-2003.

VAZ-2121 sugar-1

VAZ-2121 Sahara-1 - The Niva’s small-sized interior made us think about lengthening the car. At the end of the 80s, some enthusiastic designers tried to go this route at the plant itself. These are the enthusiasts who created six copies of the elongated Niva with an increased roof height in 1991. Some of the cars from this batch, registered as homemade, fell into private hands, and some were bought by Lada Bank as official ones and registered under their own name “Sahara”. Subsequently, developments on this car were used to create extended versions of the VAZ-2129 “Cedar” and VAZ-21218 “Bronto”.

Features of Niva Fora Bronto

The car is the brainchild of AvtoVAZ's subsidiary for the production of special vehicles - Bronto. The Niva Fora Bronto was first presented to the general public in 1998. Initially, this model was made specifically for cash collection in an armored version. The model with the VAZ 21218 index was called Force and was a mandatory vehicle in every banking institution.

The main difference from the traditional Niva is that the Fora has a 300 mm longer wheelbase. The body was cut in half and an additional piece of the specified size was inserted between the halves.

The result of the designers' work was, although not the most outstanding, but a harmonious design that stood out from the general background. As for the technical characteristics: the extension was done correctly, the joints are not located on one cross section, but are distributed along the entire length of the body. Strength parameters such as bending and torsion are completely preserved. The elongated door is one whole stamping - no separate elements connected to each other.

Deutsche Lada Niva Cabrio

German masters were interested in changing the Soviet Niva. So in 1983, based on this SUV, Deutsche Lada Automobil GmbH, which was the official importer of these cars, introduced a convertible, which completely lacked side pillars and roof strength elements. But a tubular frame appeared, with which they decided to strengthen the body.

The new version has front seats with head restraints, enhanced lateral seat support and seat belts. Additionally, plastic fender extensions were used, which were painted in the color of the car and gave it a more impressive look.

Bronto-1922-55 "Marsh-Combi"

This is a newly modified Niva car, which was transformed by specialists from Bronto. The basis of the transport was the bridges and frame of the UAZ-3151, but the body was used from the VAZ-21213. The first thing that catches your eye is the huge pneumatic wheels, which allow this vehicle to move on low-traffic soils, which is where the name “March” comes from, meaning “swamp” in French. The gearbox, engine and transfer case still remain from the Niva in this seriously updated SUV.