Lada Niva Travel 2021-2022: characteristics, price, photo and video review

One of the most anticipated presentations held at the Moscow Motor Show was the demonstration of a prototype of the new Lada 4x4. AvtoVAZ managed to create intrigue by starting to stir up the interest of car enthusiasts long before the event date with stories about the upcoming new product. Steve Mattin, who is currently the chief designer of the brand, came out to present the concept.

Exterior of the new SUV

The appearance of the previously known Chevrolet Niva with the Lada nameplate was expected. It has been repeatedly mentioned that General Motors will sell all rights to the Lada concern. Until recently, the question was about what the SUV would look like and what changes should be expected in the future. The first “generation” of Lada Niva (not to be confused with the classic Niva, which is now called 4x4) has remained virtually unchanged, with the exception of nameplates and the inscription on the tailgate.

Now Lada has officially introduced the second generation of Lada Niva and added the Travel prefix to distinguish it from the classic Niva. It would be too loud to say that the car has changed, just as it is difficult to say that this is a completely new generation. Rather, we can say that the Lada Travel has undergone a facelift or other minor restyling, but, unfortunately, according to the manufacturer, this is a new generation. Even in the technical documentation, Lada Niva Travel received an identification number, depending on the configuration of currently known cars: 21230-A1-000, 21230-A2-000 and 21230-A5-000.

Now let's look at the design of the new Lada Niva Travel. As already mentioned, the front part of the SUV has mainly changed, but according to many drivers, it was simply copied from the latest generation Toyota RAV4, changing only individual contours, but the main essence of the design remained recognizable. The front optics, regardless of the configuration, will be based on halogen lamps, with integrated LED running lights in the lower part. Although at first glance it appears to be LED, even the top version does not have LED optics. The optics themselves are given an elongated shape, tapering at the sides.

The radiator grille is not at all Lada style, diamond-shaped, flattened under the hood, with the same diamond-shaped mesh insert. The Lada badge is placed above the radiator grille, but now the grille frame will be made of black plastic and nothing more. In fact, the same frame, going down, smoothly passes into the bumper, it is flanked by round fog lights, the middle section at the bottom is reserved for plastic protection, and there are also two “ears” for towing.

The manufacturer claims that the design of the front part of the new Lada Travel was borrowed from the latest generations of Lada Vesta and Lada XRay. In fact, there is not much in common, the last part on the front end that received minimal changes is the hood of the SUV. As before the update, the central part of the hood has risen relative to the sides, but here the lines have become more strict. The designers placed another sharp line in the center of the hood; in addition, the front part of the Lada Niva Travel remained the same, including the shape of the windshield.

New or challenging project?

Naturally, reasonable questions arise - is the new Lada crossover truly an independent project or is it another VAZ bubble, like the “revolutionary Lada Urban, which is essentially the same budget SUV VAZ-21214 with a slightly improved interior?

According to AvtoVAZ itself, the Xray project is completely independent and was developed by a group of leading company specialists led by Stephen Martin. First of all, it is worth noting that the Xray project was based on many solutions that are used in Sandero and Duster cars produced by Renault, so the new Lada crossover in its characteristics and reliability will surpass all VAZ models that were produced before, but, of course , will not be able to compete with Mercedes SUVs.

Interior of the new SUV

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the new Lada Niva Travel remains 99.9% unchanged. Even the word Niva on the center console remains in the General Motors font. Like the Chevi-Niva, the front panel of the new Travel will be slightly changed depending on the configuration. It is noteworthy that for most modifications it will be a regular front panel with handles and familiar buttons. The top version of Lada Travel will have a multimedia display in the center of the panel, made in the form of a tablet. The Lada logo will be on the steering wheel.

Now about the interior details in order, what has changed and what has remained unchanged. The front panel, as well as most of the elements of the new Lada Niva Travel, were borrowed from the Chevrolet Niva. On the topmost central panel in the entry-level and mid-level versions there are buttons for controlling fog lights, heated rear and windshields, and air conditioning. Just below is the horizontal display of the on-board computer, and if we are talking about the top-end configuration of the Lada Travel, then at the very top there will be a 7″ touchscreen color display with the E-Link system for displaying information from an Android smartphone.

As before, the multimedia controls leave a lot to be desired, with slow response times, a small feature list, and a somewhat dull display. This is exactly how many motorists described the new multimedia, but thanks to the presence of a display, this equipment received a reversing camera and parking sensors. At the bottom of the center console, the designers placed a pair of rectangular air ducts, and even lower - knobs for adjusting temperature, air flow and speed, in other words, for a simple air conditioner. Finally, the console ends with two panels, one of which is dedicated to the audio system with 2 or 4 speakers, and a panel with a 12V socket, a USB port, control buttons for the side mirrors and heated front seats.

The central tunnel of the Lada Niva Travel looks simple and without unnecessary details. There is a manual transmission lever, four-wheel drive control lever, a small compartment for storing knick-knacks, a handbrake and an armrest. By the way, the armrest in the top version is equipped with a cooling function, which will be an additional advantage during long trips in the summer.

As for the interior of the Lada Niva Travel itself, as standard it is designed for 5 seats in the 2+3 formula. The seat upholstery is offered only in black, the changes will rather be in the color scheme of the ceiling, in the standard versions it will be a light shade, and in the Off-Road version the ceiling will be black. The front seats can be adjusted in 4 directions, and in the top version the driver's seat can be adjusted in 6 directions. The second row of seats can be folded 60/40, increasing trunk space. In addition, the maximum configuration of the Lada Niva SUV has an armrest with a separate refrigerator compartment - especially important for long trips, as well as trips out of town in the summer heat.

Engine Lada 4x4 Vision

The question of the car’s power unit also remains open: several solutions have been proposed, but they are either too expensive and economically unprofitable, or do not meet the technical specifications.

If we consider the existing model range, then in the engine range for the new Lada 4x4 there is no option that meets all the criteria. Taking into account modifications, a VAZ 21238 engine may be suitable, the power of which can be increased to 140 hp. s., but this engine does not comply with modern European standards for the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere (AvtoVAZ engineers have not yet figured out how to bring the unit to perfection).

In principle, the plant does not develop new power units: all engines installed on manufactured models are modified versions of existing mechanisms.

The company's management considered the option of equipping the Lada 4x4 Vision with a 1.3-liter TCe engine owned by Renault-Nissan, but in this case this would significantly increase the final cost of the car, since the unit must be imported, and there is no localization program.

Currently, Nissan H4M engines are assembled at the VAZ plant, but due to insufficient production volumes, the project is teetering on the brink of unprofitability. Negotiations are currently underway to increase the number of H4M engines produced from 300 thousand units to 1 million. If an agreement can be reached, the crossover will be equipped with this particular power unit.

Technical characteristics of Lada Niva Travel 2022

You shouldn’t expect much variety in terms of technical characteristics of the new Lada Niva Travel, as in most SUVs from this manufacturer there is practically no choice. Under the hood there can be only one gasoline engine, 1.7 liters and 80 horsepower. Paired with a time-tested 5-speed manual transmission and a manual all-wheel drive system.

As in previous models, the Lada Niva Travel SUV received an independent front suspension on double wishbones. The rear suspension is a new generation dependent one, based on springs. This combination copes well off-road, taking into account the fact that the weight of the car is also light.

Lada Niva Legend Bronto. The coolest AvtoVAZ SUV for 1 million rubles

The most outstanding SUV in the AvtoVAZ lineup is guaranteed to attract the attention of jeepers, fans of the domestic automobile industry, and even ordinary people who are not knowledgeable in automotive matters.

Widened wheel arches, reinforced sills and roof rails, ground clearance increased from 205 mm to 240 mm, Kama I-520 Pilgrim off-road wheels of size 235/75 R15 with an outer diameter of 29 inches, as well as a Hella chandelier on the roof changed the perception of the VAZ off-road veteran front, if not dramatically, then very noticeably.

But these visible innovations, as usual, are just the tip of the iceberg. Deep technical perturbations are hidden under the garb of factory tuning. So, the front and rear arches are trimmed here to accommodate larger wheels. The roof panel is reinforced for power rails (holds 50 kg). The body spars are reinforced with an additional U-shaped profile.

The main engineering innovations are the addition of two cross-axle “self-blocks” to the locked center differential, strengthening of the rear axle and front springs, as well as a change in the gear ratio of the main pair from 3.91 to 4.1 to enhance traction capabilities. It is interesting that all modifications, including final assembly, were carried out by the VAZ subsidiary, and welding and painting of the body are carried out at AvtoVAZ.

It's a matter of nuances

Photo: Boris Zakharov

However, what RG tested is not the most brutal representative of the Bronto family. Potential buyers should know that the model (namely a model, not a modification) comes in two faces. The main difference between the basic Luxe version is the good old steel bumpers, which I really want to call power bumpers (of course, this is not so).

It is with them that the Tolyatti driver achieves maximum geometric cross-country ability: approach angle: 47°, ramps: 48°, exit angle: 41°. For the car we tested, these parameters are 43°, 48° and 40°, respectively (also very serious), and all because of the more civilized bumpers - plastic, with integrated steel guides.

Inside we meet a new front panel - one of the latest works of the eminent British designer Steve Mattin: thanks to him for this contribution. No obsessive cross-shaped style flourishes, which AvtoVAZ is slowly starting to abandon, or other tinsel. In other words, apart from the stylish dashboard, we have a soul-warming retro salon that gives a powerful charge of nostalgia.

The steering wheel of reduced diameter, taken from the Urban version, is not very nice and is completely out of touch, here the new designers seem to have made a mistake. The old huge steering wheel (like other Niva Legends) matches the brutal image much better. In general, this calls for an original, stylish steering wheel.

Photo: Boris Zakharov

The front seats are stated to have an “improved profile.” It is possible that sitting is generally comfortable. But the fact that the seats cannot be adjusted in height is frustrating. But the fact that the steering wheel is not adjustable, by the way, is not so scary - its position has been verified. The driver's seat bears the Airbag mark - the only airbag in the cabin was introduced two years ago to integrate the ERA-GLONASS system.

Well, the back row of the test Niva, as you understand, has not changed at all. By today's standards, it is downright cramped - like the “gallery” of modern compact seven-seat crossovers. Getting into the rearguard, as before, is inconvenient, but you can ride from behind if you wish, and, in my opinion, it’s even more comfortable here than on the sofa of the “baby” and main competitor of the Suzuki Jimny.

Photo: Boris Zakharov

In terms of volume, the luggage compartment does not claim to be a record-breaking one, but personally this does not bother me. It fits two large bags - and that’s good, especially since if you want, you can fold the sofa and the area will increase from 265 liters to 585 liters. The 16-inch spare wheel is traditionally located under the hood.

Away from the asphalt

Photo: Boris Zakharov

My fears that wheels with a large outer diameter would worsen the behavior of a short-wheelbase SUV on asphalt were not justified. “Niva” with “rollers” holds the high-speed straight line well at least up to 100 km/h, and on potholes and joints only a minimal amount of vibration is transmitted to the steering wheel.

Subjectively, the smoothness of the ride has also improved - despite the use of stiffer and longer springs and reinforced shock absorbers. It's all about the increased profile of the 15-inch studded Kama I-520 Pilgrim, which de facto works as an additional damper, and I must say that they work well. They, alas, worsen the already flawed sound insulation of the VAZ vehicle. And this despite the fact that, according to the automaker, noise and vibration insulation has been improved for the most off-road model of the brand.

Another advantage of the Niva Legend Bronto is found in dense metropolitan traffic. Since the gear ratio of the main gear of the SUV from VIS-Auto is 4.1 compared to 3.91 for the standard Niva, the car is perceived as more responsive.

On the other hand, the gears have become even “shorter”, and it’s not always possible to plod along in slow traffic in “second” - at low speeds the uncontested 1.7-liter engine begins to tremble, as if in a fit, and you have to tuck “first”. But you can start from “second” without problems in most road situations, which also has its advantages.

Photo: Boris Zakharov

The off-road potential has obviously increased, and, as I was able to see, very seriously. Of course, you can put this VAZ on its belly if you wish (we managed to do this in very deep snow after heavy snowfalls before the New Year). However, even increasing the ground clearance to 240 mm is a big deal.

As a result, this Niva can be driven off-road on tracks laid by trucks, and since the suspension travel has also increased, it has become more difficult to hang the car. Even on difficult terrain we have contact between the wheels and the coating.

But even if one wheel is hanging out, the Legend Bronto has a serious advantage over the regular Niva. We are, of course, talking about self-locking helical differentials in the front and rear axles. Thanks to them, in the complete absence of torque on one rotating wheel, the second stationary wheel of the same axis is guaranteed to be activated. That is why the Legend Bronto is much easier to cope with diagonal hanging compared to the standard Niva, which has neither “self-locking” nor imitation of differential locks via ESP. The latter, by the way, is not available in any member of the family - only ABS from Bosh.

Photo: Boris Zakharov

Is the 1.7-liter gasoline engine with 83 hp enough “stupidity”? and 129 Nm, taking into account the fact that larger wheels are used? Since the 5-speed “mechanics” received shortened gears, and the low-range range is still “on board”, you do not experience a serious lack of traction. It is clear that overtaking on the highway is not easy for such an SUV, but you still need to understand that this is not the main role of the Niva Legend Bronto.

Of course, I would like to dream - for example, that the partner, or more precisely, the parent company Renault, will be generous and give the VAZ its 109-horsepower diesel engine, which is equipped with the Renault Duster. However, it is clear that the chances of this happening are close to zero. But, as you know, last fall the family began to be equipped on a small-scale basis with a 1.8-liter VAZ gasoline 122-horsepower unit from Lada Vesta and Xray. True, the price of even a basic Niva with such a heart, modified by Togliatti, exceeded 1,200,000 rubles.

Niva Legend Bronto is also balancing around the psychologically difficult mark of 1 million rubles. For a car of the initial Luxe configuration they ask 961,900 rubles. While the top version will cost 1,016,900 rubles, without taking into account additional options such as Hella light (+25,000 rubles), other off-road attributes, as well as an additional payment for four metallic color options (11,000 rubles).

It turns out that in terms of price, the Niva Legend Bronto is not such a popular SUV. However, everything is learned by comparison. Just look at the price list of the same rival Suzuki Jimny. So we have no doubt that the Niva Legend Bronto will definitely find its buyer.

Safety and comfort systems

There have been no fundamental changes in vehicle control and safety systems. As standard, the Lada Chevrolet Niva Travel has:

• front airbags;
• headrests for rear seats (2 pcs.);
• ISOFIX child seat mount;
• wheels with alloy or steel rims of 15″ or 16″;
• immobilizer;
• signaling;
• LED daytime running lights;
• fog lights;
• ERA-Glonass system;
• ABS, EBD system;
• power steering;
• height-adjustable steering column;
• 2 levers - gear shifting and all-wheel drive control;
• light tinting of windows;
• enhanced tinting of rear windows;
• folding key with remote control;
• electric windows for front doors;
• heated windshield;
• heated windows (rear and front);
• heated front seats;
• electric adjustment and heated side mirrors;
• parking sensors;
• rear view camera with washer;
• air conditioner;
• adjustable rear view mirrors;
• cooled compartment in the center armrest;
• multimedia system with 7″ display;
• Bluetooth.

Depending on the configuration, the list of comfort and safety systems will change. Thus, the multimedia system is currently only available in the Lada Niva Travel Off-Road configuration.

Mass production

The Lada Vision presented at the motor show is a concept that was completely developed in Russia. The production car is scheduled for release in 2022. During this time, some features of the model may be changed and refined, but the main features reflected in the concept will remain the same.

It’s too early to say what the price of the SUV will be: for example, if the option to develop the transmission is approved, then the new product will cost more than the Duster. But even if Duster is taken as a basis, you should hardly expect a big difference in price with it. It turns out that with the release of the Lada 4x4 Vision, the image of a cheap SUV with good cross-country ability, which was inherent in the classic Lada, will remain a thing of the past.

SUV equipment

If we compare the filling of the basic and maximum configuration of the Lada Niva Travel, then differences can be found both externally and in the filling of the SUV itself. So the standard list of the basic configuration includes:

As you can see, the basic Lada Niva Travel does not have air conditioning, a multimedia system, parking sensors or a rear view camera. Well, the new generation of Lada Niva Travel has changed for the most part in appearance, to be more precise, completely in front and pointwise around the body.

The interior of the SUV was completely inherited from the latest generation of Shnivy, which was purchased from General Motors. As for technical characteristics, there is no variety here. The buyer has access to a classic 1.7-liter gasoline engine and a manual transmission with all-wheel drive. In other words, noticeable changes affected only the front part, which resembles the latest generation Toyota RAV4, but otherwise it is the previously known Chevrolet Niva. Accordingly, calling it a new generation would be loud, but it’s more fair to call it a facelift.

Design of Lada 4x4 Vision

The appearance of the car cannot be called original, but it is designed quite well: the recognizable features of the classic version of the Niva are taken as the basis, harmoniously transferred to a modern body.

When looking at the new Niva 4x4, the rectangular hood and turn signals characteristic of the legendary model immediately catch your eye. The Lada crossover looks muscular and brutal: this is facilitated by large stampings on the sides of the body, large rims and LED optics, which are used in large quantities on the car.

The rear pillars of the new Niva have holes that refer to the Lada 4x4. The body appears to have three doors, but upon closer inspection you can see camouflaged handles, so there are still five doors (a feature Mattin said will remain on the production version).

According to a company representative, the presented design of the new VAZ SUV is almost the final version: changes, if they are made, will be minor and concern small details.

Other photos of Lada Niva Travel 2022:

Classic

Constructive

• Permanent all-wheel drive
• Center differential lock
• Downshift range
• Front and rear axle breathers
• Steel crankcase protection

Safety

• Driver airbag
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage
• Immobilizer
• Daytime Running Lights
• Emergency warning system ERA-GLONASS
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (ABS, EBD)

Interior

• On-board computer
• 60/40 split folding rear seat
• Seat upholstery is fabric. Black color
• Sockets 12V, USB

Comfort

• Vibration isolation
• Power steering
• Height-adjustable steering column
• Adjusting the height of the front seat belts
• Cabin air filter
• Light window tinting
• central locking
• Power windows for front doors
• Electric drive and heated exterior mirrors
• Audio preparation

Exterior

• Bumpers in body color
• Side door moldings in body color
• Floor sill trims
• Full LED rear lights
• 15″ steel wheels
• Spare full size steel wheel 15″

Comfort

Constructive

• Permanent all-wheel drive
• Center differential lock
• Downshift range
• Front and rear axle breathers
• Steel crankcase protection

Safety

• Driver airbag
• Rear seat headrests 2 pcs.
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage
• Immobilizer
• Daytime Running Lights
• Emergency warning system ERA-GLONASS
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (ABS, EBD)

Pros and cons of the car

Despite the statements of the official dealer that this is the second generation of the Lada Niva Travel car, there are very few fundamental differences, if you do not take into account the modified design of the front of the car. In terms of technical characteristics, almost everything is at the same level. Despite this, drivers who participated in test drives highlight a number of advantages and disadvantages of the new SUV:

The main advantages of the new SUV, according to the manufacturer, are an increased degree of safety and comfort.

SUV Lada: Xray Russian crossover

So, it is coming - the first and only crossover of the Russian modern automotive industry - the Lada Xray SUV. For the first time, this car was presented to the world community at the Moscow Motor Show, where it created a real sensation. This was to be expected, because the inspiration for the design of the car was none other than Steve Mattin, who collaborated with such auto industry giants as Mercedes and Volvo.

AvtoVAZ presented the new SUV Lada Xray as the first sign of a new direction in Russian auto production. Why the designers chose the SUV class for their innovations is explained very simply - it is this segment of cars that has been in greatest demand among the population over the past 5-10 years. First test drives of XRay.

The design and technical characteristics of the Russian jeep are aimed at young and energetic people who do not like to sit still and dream of visiting all the remote corners of their country and the whole world.