What is the difference between Niva Urban and Bronto?

15 February 2018 Lada.Online 107 745 14

In March 2022, the VIS-AVTO company (a subsidiary of AVTOVAZ) began mass production of a new version of the LADA 4×4 Bronto SUV (urban “Lynx”). The opportunity to buy this car appeared in July 2022. Let's find out what's new with this modification, as well as what this SUV is capable of.

Lada 4x4 Bronto and its 10 differences from the regular Niva

Lada 4×4 cars often become the heroes of our publications, and we simply do not have the right to ignore the most brutal representative of this family. This is Lada Bronto - who is she? It seems that many wrote about her, but our channel will also throw in its five rubles.

Where did it come from?

It seems or have we met this car once? Or not? Maybe you remember that they produced the Lynx SUV based on the Lada 4×4, as well as the Marsh all-terrain vehicles, which many people are probably hearing about for the first time. But the point is not in them, but in the fact that in 2014 this company became part of VIS-Auto JSC. Well, VIS pickups and vans based on Niva. We know classics, Samaras and other cars very well. I see them quite often.

The first result was the Lada 4x4 Lynx, which is a van. The design combines all the developments of the Bronto and VIS companies. But today the Lynx is not included in the line of commercial vehicles, although the company is controlled by AvtoVAZ, and the Lada 4x4 Bronto has been in the model range of the Tolyatti plant for almost 2.5 years. The car is considered one of the Lada 4×4 modifications, being in the list of all-wheel drive vehicles on the official website.

How does the Lada 4x4 Bronto differ from a regular Niva?

We will not go into technical details, but simply list the nuances:

1. It is a little shorter, a little wider, and the ground clearance is a little higher, but the wheelbase remains, of course, the same.

2. The car accelerates to 100 km/h 1 second longer than the Lada 4x4, and its maximum speed is 137 km/h versus 142 km/h, although the engines are exactly the same.

3. Both axles are equipped with helical self-locking differentials, and the center differential is still the same - with forced locking.

4. The gear ratio of the main pair was increased from 3.9 to 4.1.

5. The car got the front shock absorbers from
the Chevrolet Niva , the springs, of course, were reinforced.
6. You can see for yourself that our all-terrain vehicle is equipped with mud tires - for example, let’s take the Bontyre Stalker M/T with a dimension of 235/75 R15.

7. The spare wheel is also under the hood - it is from a regular Niva, and is now called a re-roller, which the manufacturer directly warns about.

8. Arches were cut out for large wheels. In addition to the usual rubber flares, the Lada 4x4 Bronto can have a plastic Style package, which was created by.

9. The rear axle was reinforced by the designers with a special box, which was welded onto the top of the beam. The springs through the cups rest against it, as a result of which the rear of the car is slightly raised.

10. The body is also reinforced: cross members are welded under the roof for mounting roof rails. Optionally, you can install an expeditionary trunk.

Steve Mattin was not involved in the design, but it turned out pretty well without him. Unfortunately, installing larger wheels without reworking the transmission is unrealistic. They also say that the Lada 4x4 Bronto can be painted in “pixel” camouflage, but you will have to pay a generous extra for this. Whether this is true or not, write in the comments.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

When it comes to comparing two cars, one of the key criteria is technical characteristics. In particular, potential buyers are interested in what engines and gearboxes can be obtained, and what their tandem will be capable of. In the case of Niva 2121 and Niva Urban, I want to know what is better in this component. Let's try to find the difference.

Under the hood of Niva 2121

The classic Niva or Lada 4x4 is offered with only one uncontested 1.7-liter engine. This is an inline four with 8 valves. The engine complies with Euro 4 environmental standards and runs on AI-95 gasoline. The engine produces a modest 83 horsepower, and the torque here is 128 Nm. You won't be able to select a gearbox either. Only a standard 5-speed manual is available.

There is no talk of any high-speed driving here, and the potential buyer understands this very well. But those who are not yet familiar with the Niva’s capabilities in detail may be very disappointed. It takes forever to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour. Namely 19 seconds. At the same time, the maximum speed does not exceed 137 kilometers per hour.

Engine in Niva Urban

The Niva Urban is equipped with exactly the same engine. It is unclear whether it has undergone revision or not. But the characteristics declared by the manufacturer turned out to be slightly better.

In particular, the maximum speed was raised to 142 kilometers per hour. And acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour now takes 17 seconds. In the city, the engine, together with the same non-alternative manual gearbox, requires up to 12.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. In the extra-urban cycle, consumption is approximately 8.5 liters.

Although car owners themselves say that there is no such noticeable difference in dynamics and efficiency. Therefore, again, no significant differences between the cars could be found.

LADA Bronto: characteristics, cost, photos and videos

"Niva", released in 1977, is one of the most successful models of the entire existence of the Soviet automobile industry. In those years, being the owner of this car was prestigious, and the car was often involved in filming, which further increased its popularity among the population.

But the company did not intend to rest on the laurels of past successes: in the 90s, work began on modernizing the SUV, which was completed only in 2009, when AvtoVAZ, a subsidiary, presented an updated version of the VAZ-21214, assembled on its basis. The car, designed for driving on severe off-road conditions, was called LADA Bronto Lynx.

The new Niva was not planned as a serial project: the car was produced in small batches, not exceeding 300 units per year. In 2013, when PSA Bronto was absorbed by another subsidiary, production resumed. Many domestic car enthusiasts are confident that Lynx is the best of all existing modifications to the model.

Passability, controllability and safety

It is impossible to say that these are safe cars. The cars didn't even get headrests for rear passengers. What can we say about various kinds of modern systems, a wide range of airbags and electronic assistants. All this is not in cars.

Crash tests are also unimpressive. Getting into an accident with such a car is scary, even at a relatively low speed. Despite the robust body, the driver and passengers usually suffer serious injuries.

The handling of the Niva 2121 and the Niva Urban is almost identical. The usual version of the Russian SUV is more rigid and does not respond well to active steering wheel operation. Still, Niva Urban is conditionally more urban. But this is achieved to a greater extent due to a different steering wheel setting. The suspension is not pleasantly soft when driving over uneven surfaces. But the Niva Urban, like the Niva 4x4, is designed for off-road use.

It is in such conditions that cars show their best side. There is no point in making comparisons in this component. Although the 2121 certainly feels a little more confident due to the simple bumpers at the front and rear. Urban's modified appearance did not greatly affect the cross-country ability, but touching such a bumper would be more offensive than in the case of a classic compact SUV.

Features of LADA 4×4 Bronto

When the domestic SUV was being finalized, the main emphasis was on changing the chassis. The engineers were given a difficult task - to improve cross-country ability to the highest possible level, striving to ensure that in this parameter the LADA Bronto is not inferior to foreign models of the same class. It’s worth noting right away that the specialists not only coped with the task, but also ensured that the car can be used on city roads, and not just when driving off-road.

The first thing that was implemented was raising the body by 4 cm, which led to shortening the overhangs. The springs and shock absorbers in the suspension were replaced with those used in the assembly of the Niva-Chevrolet. The choice was made in favor of these particular units, since they have proven themselves to be highly reliable and able to withstand heavy loads.

Niva Bronto has improved all-terrain qualities, which is largely ensured by self-locking differentials. In addition, the suspension travel was increased and the rear axle was significantly strengthened.

The wheel arches, designed to accommodate R-15 wheels, were equipped with flares that protect the structure from dirt and sand. Tires: off-road Cordiant Off Road. Since the model is designed primarily for off-road use, the authors of the project did not forget about increasing the ground clearance to 240 mm.

It was decided to leave the engine unchanged: the place of the power unit was taken by a 1.69-liter engine with a power of 83 hp. pp., which, despite such modest indicators by modern standards, demonstrates excellent results. In addition, if the manufacturer had decided to install a different power unit, this could have entailed reworking the entire engine compartment.

In addition to all this, the LADA 4x4 Bronto has improved sound insulation, fog lights and air conditioning. It is possible to install a roof rack on the roof, allowing you to transport 50 kg of cargo.

Exterior

The next update of the model can hardly be called a restyling, since there are no significant changes in appearance. In the photo you can see the same square, small car, capable of coping with various types of off-road conditions due to its small wheelbase and high overhangs. There are also quite a few decorations here: there are only modest relief transitions along the vertical, a large amount of unpainted plastic that plays both a decorative and protective role, as well as bright, large-sized rims.

About a third of the body area of the Lada Niva Bronto 2022 is allocated to the front end. It is set quite high, but does not differ in length and width. In this regard, even the lack of tilt is not a problem for short drivers to see. As before, there are practically no decorative elements here. The modest hood lid boasts only a middle part that is slightly recessed into the body, at the end of which one can observe rather archaic air duct “gills”. The main part of the muzzle begins with rectangular block lights, consisting of a section of turn signals and fog lights. Below is a large black plastic radiator grille with a large chrome-plated Lada brand badge and recessed round headlights, the filling of which in any configuration will only be halogen.

The front end is completed with a muscular body kit made entirely of unpainted plastic. In the middle of the bumper there is an area for a registration plate, a modest relief, and along the edges you can find small round cutouts for miniature foglights.

The sides of the new body look as simple as in the first years of the Niva’s production. True, roof rails appeared, made of black metal, which are almost invisible. Below are the traditional square windows built into the door cavities, as well as slightly larger rear-view mirrors trimmed in black plastic. Below is the simplest chopped relief, turn signals on the front fenders, as well as powerful protective linings made of black plastic located above the sills and wheel arches.

The rear of the car is also quite boring. The main part of the area is allocated to the luggage compartment door, slightly inclined at the top. At the top there is a large rectangular window, immediately below which is the inscription LADA, made in large chrome letters. Next comes stamping for the license plate, as well as nameplates with various information about the car. Massive dimensions are traditionally placed near the central part of the racks. Then comes the body kit, which is made entirely of black plastic, which also plays a protective role. There was room for foglights, modest relief and a cutout for the exhaust pipe.

LADA 4x4 Bronto: price

You can buy a LADA 4x4 Bronto at a price starting from 676 thousand rubles; for camouflage coloring you will have to pay another 34 thousand.

It turns out that the cost is a little more than 11 thousand dollars, which is a small amount for European countries. However, you shouldn’t count on the car’s success among Europeans, because the manufacturer, carried away by the development of off-road characteristics, neglected the interior and build quality. Moreover, such shortcomings as the inconvenient location of the gear lever and an outdated instrument panel migrated from the VAZ-21214.

Options

On the Russian market, the Lada 4x4 is offered in only 2 equipment options. This is Standard and a more advanced version of Lux.

If you take the initial version, you will get:

fabric interior;
power steering;
folding rear bench;
steel wheels;
immobilizer;
Isofix;
fabric interior.

If you spend a little more, but take the Luxury version, then you can additionally count on installing air conditioning in the car. The minimum price tag for a VAZ 2121 is currently 488 thousand rubles. The top package can be purchased for approximately 545 thousand rubles.

Urban's package looks a little more convincing. But she is the only one. The equipment available here is the same as in the case of the standard Niva. Plus you can get:

ABS, EBD;
additional vibration isolation;
heated seats in front;
electric drive of external mirrors;
heated exterior mirrors;
air conditioner;
electric windows;
16-inch alloy wheels;
DRL;
athermal glass;
metallic paintwork, etc.

The minimum cost of Urban is from 550 thousand rubles. Having expanded the level of equipment to the maximum, you will have to pay almost 600 thousand rubles.

Lada 4x4 Bronto - test drive ZR

Length / width / height / base

3740 / 1680 / 1640 / 2200 mm
clearance
205 mm
Curb / gross weight
1285 / 1610 kg
engine
, P4, 8 valves, 1690 cm³;
61 kW / 83 hp at 5000 rpm; 129 Nm at 4000 rpm Acceleration time 0–100 km/h
17.0 s
Maximum speed
142 km/h
Fuel/fuel capacity
AI-95 / 42 l
Fuel consumption: combined cycle
9.9 l / 100 km
Transmission :
permanent all-wheel drive; M5, low range in the transfer case, center differential with forced locking

Lada 4×4 Bronto

Length / width / height / base

3680 / 1713 / 1740 / 2200 mm
clearance
240 mm
Curb / gross weight
1285 / 1610 kg
engine
, P4, 8 valves, 1690 cm³;
61 kW / 83 hp at 5000 rpm; 129 Nm at 4000 rpm Acceleration time 0–100 km/h
18.0 s
Maximum speed
137 km/h
Fuel/fuel reserve
AI-95/42 l
Fuel consumption: combined cycle
12.0 l/100 km
Transmission :
permanent all-wheel drive; M5, low range in the transfer case, center differential with forced locking, self-locking screw-type differentials on the front and rear axles

Additional options

A number of additional equipment can be made upon individual order. It includes:

Camouflage body paint.
Installation of a hatch with a removable cover.
Non-standard color enamel coating.
Installation on the radiator trim with the “Bronto Niva 2017” emblem (reviews are given above).
Equipped with arcs with additional light elements.
Equipment with a removable front or rear winch with electric drive.
Air conditioner installation.
CV joint on front or rear driveshafts.
Roof rack with deck.
Bracket for the spare tire on the trunk.
Installation of fog and additional headlights.
Ceiling and tunnel cladding with improved materials.
Front axle gearbox suspension in independent design.

What kind of beast

The first visible result of the takeover is the Lada 4x4 Lynx van, which incorporates the technologies used by these two manufacturers. But Lynx, despite the control of the newly formed structure by AVTOVAZ, has not yet even entered the Lada line of commercial vehicles. But the Lada 4×4 Bronto has been included in the main AVTOVAZ model range since September 2017 as one of the modifications of the serial Lada 4×4.

Interior

The layout of the steering wheel spokes does not obstruct the view of the high-mounted instrument panel with analogue dial gauges for speed and engine parameters. Unfortunately, the steering column lacks adjustment functionality.

The center console includes:

dual interior ventilation diffusers;
slide controls for on-board air conditioning and heating systems;
a row of activation keys for a few standard options and a small pocket for small items.

On a short tunnel with two cup holders you can see the transmission shift levers, and the parking brake handle is installed nearby.

Despite the off-road status of the new product, there are no elements of lateral support on the seats; the service functionality includes a moderate range of position settings and a seat heating system.

The design of the rear two-seater sofa is complemented by comfortable armrests. Thanks to the transformation of the rear seats, the relatively small 265-liter trunk volume can be increased to 585 liters.

What is the difference?

If you are familiar with the Lynx, then you are familiar with the technical features of the Bronto in general terms. It has Val-Racing self-blocks at the front and rear with a blocking coefficient of 0.65. The main pairs have a gear ratio of 4.1 instead of the standard 3.9. The springs are reinforced (Perm production), the front shock absorbers are from a relative named Chevrolet Niva. Wheels with Bontyre Stalker M/T mud tires with dimensions 235/75 R15 are supplied by the Volga Tire Company. The standard 16‑inch spare tire under the hood is now positioned as a spare tire and is supplied with a corresponding sticker.

As a result of the modifications, the ground clearance reached 240 mm (versus 205 mm for the standard car). The arches had to be cut out so that the wheels would not be cramped in them. By the way, the arches have anti-gravel protection. Since the track has become wider, simple Brontos have rubber arch extensions - the same ones the Lynx had. But our Bronto comes with the Style plastic bag, developed by Togliatti. Steve Mattin's hand did not touch this car, however, it turned out well, especially from the front: the slight frown of the “look” emphasizes the character.

Larger wheels would require changes to the transmission, but in the Bronto everything is standard - only the rear axle is reinforced with a box welded onto the top of the beam. The springs rest against this box through the cups, due to which the rear part of the body is slightly raised.

The body also has reinforcements - crossbars welded under the roof to install roof rails (the Bronto's list of options includes an expeditionary trunk).

Tuning

The first version of Lynx can be economically converted into Niva 3D. This will require a lot of time and money. However, reconstruction will amount to no more than a third of the cost of a new car. The average cost of converting a car with fuel injection and power steering will be about 300 thousand rubles. The final cost depends on the condition of the vehicle and the region of use. For tuning you will need a new lift kit, tires, main pair, locking blocks, reinforcement of the rear axle and installation of extensions.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, the Niva Bronto 2017 does not always perform as the manufacturers claim. According to them, the car undergoes mandatory certification and control testing. Nevertheless, this production car already after a couple of years of operation exhibits its weaknesses, which were indicated above. Of course, a lot depends on proper maintenance and driving style.

On the sand

But on the sand, the Lada 4x4 Bronto is in its native element! Where a standard car would have already begun to dig in, this one rushes like a small proud tank - praise to self-blocks! The box office has huge ground clearance and toothy tires, although there is no need for spikes here. Bronto takes steep sandy slopes without any problems, you just need to first stick the lowering gear in and lock the center differential.

However, in some ways the good old Niva remains Niva. The engine is catastrophically “not enough”: it’s easy to stall. That’s why the scorched clutch pulls into the cabin - there’s no other way! (It was the clutch that was the main suspect when a couple of times white smoke began pouring out from under the hood. But it turned out not to be the problem, or even the boiling engine, but only the oil, which somehow got onto the heated exhaust manifold.)

The differential locks, acting with a characteristic “grgh-h!”, are a great help when driving in a straight line, but in turns the front “block” does not help in any way to screw the car inward - the turning radius increases noticeably.

In the snow

The night snow covered everything that reminded us of a beautiful dry autumn. In the morning, the heated “seats” were very useful (it’s difficult to call the seats from Samara anything else) - even though the heating is single-stage and only the pillow is heated (but it’s heated!). The mirrors also shed ice and dried in a few minutes, but the windshield had to be picked the old fashioned way with a scraper.

At the very first traffic light it became obvious that our Bronto was the fastest car in the city! Self-blocks show themselves in the most favorable light: while “under-drives” and even all-wheel drives with dead center couplings are kneading snow porridge, the “brontosaurus” shoots from a standstill and gloatingly squeals with a transfer case already at the next intersection. At the same time, if you don’t fool around, Bronto even walks along slippery curves very confidently - without trying to fall out of the turn. The degree of differential locking is chosen successfully: it helps to “rattle out” and almost does not impair handling.

We indulged in the pleasure of ironing the snow-covered forest and tried to find the limits of the machine’s capabilities. Bronto allows you to calmly drive where a regular Lada 4x4 would have long ago sat on the suspension or, in the absence of inter-wheel self-blocks and on simpler tires, would have skidded. But you shouldn’t overestimate the Bronto’s capabilities, because the ground clearance, the tires, and the degree of blocking (only 65%) may not be enough in the most inappropriate, disastrous place. The cooler the SUV... well, you know.

For whom?

Lada 4x4 Bronto is an excellent second or even third car in the family. It’s as if dad was thinking about buying himself a quad, but realized that for the same money you could buy a whole new Niva, and even with special training. Moreover, from the dealer, with a guarantee and without headaches during registration. Although, if you take the Bronto at maximum speed, it turns out that dad was considering something very premium as an ATV: for a Bronto in the Style body kit, with foglights and camouflage paint, they are asking 740,000 rubles. Neither the fashionable “pixel” color nor the “Alligator” protective composition are listed in the factory price list yet, and each is capable of raising the price by another 50 thousand.

On the other hand, you can take Bronto in one of six standard colors and with simple rubber arch extensions instead of a spectacular body kit - for 676,000 rubles. Heated seats and mirrors, air conditioning, ABS - all this will be in the car. A regular Lada 4x4 with the same equipment will cost 508,000 rubles. It turns out that the expanded off-road arsenal costs 168,000 rubles. “Factory tuning” turns out to be no more expensive than independently modifying the car to a similar level.

From November to March, VAZ SUVs sell especially well, which means that right now the demand for Bronto is growing steadily. Every month, 100–120 cars are assembled in the VIS-Auto workshops - after finishing the bare body and sending it back to AVTOVAZ for painting. Each of the assembled cars has already been ordered by someone. There are corporate sales and even exports: last year, 25 of these cars, still under the name Lynx, were purchased by the Armenian customs service, and 20 cars were sent to Europe. So Bronto will find his groove - despite all the shortcomings inherited from the Niva.

Differences between Bronto and regular Lada 4x4

There is a slight difference in dimensions and technical characteristics (see characteristics of the regular Lada 4×4 and Bronto):

Other distinctive features:

Extenders on modified arches
Alloy wheels R15 and tires 235/75 R15 Bontyre Stalker M/T with active ground tread.
The arches are carved and have anti-gravel protection.
Rubber arch extensions (the same ones the Lynx had) or a plastic Style body kit (depending on the configuration).
Self-locking screw-type differentials in the front and rear axles “Val-Racing” with a locking coefficient of 0.65 (whichever one you install yourself).
The main pairs have a gear ratio of 4.1 instead of the standard 3.9.
Box-reinforced rear axle (welded on the top of the beam). The springs rest against this box through the cups, due to which the rear part of the body is slightly raised.
Increased ground clearance from 205 mm to 240 mm (how to make a Lada 4x4 lift).
Reinforced springs in the front suspension (Perm-made) and shock absorbers with increased travel in the front (from Chevrolet Niva) and rear wheel suspensions.
The body is reinforced with cross members (welded under the roof to install roof rails).
Railings.
Decorative stickers on the sides.
Fog lights (how to install yourself).
Plastic bumpers (internally reinforced with steel strips).
Original radiator grille.
Possibility of choosing the body color “Camouflage”.
Improved sound insulation.

In the cabin there are no differences from the regular version, only the button for turning on the PTF and the floor sill trims have appeared.

It is possible to install additional equipment from the factory:

enhanced protection of the gearbox and gearbox housing;
removable winch (front/rear) with removable hitch ball;
towing device, fog lights and additional fog lights on the crossbar of the roof rails or expeditionary trunk, etc.

Exterior

In the photo of the front side of the body, the Lada Niva 4×4 Bronto 2019 model shows the black perimeter of the panoramic windshield, the strict geometry of the hood, the proprietary turn signal layout, a plastic radiator grille with a brand logo and classic round headlights.

The design features of the bumper:

a large number of functional and decorative reliefs;
fog lights integrated into the sidewalls and a metal protective trim.

The new body with a higher seating position is almost completely copied from its predecessor. The post-reform model received a set of longitudinal roof rails, several relief elements, a protective plastic perimeter of the volumetric wheel arches and off-road tires with dimensional parameters of 235/75 R15.

The least updates are in the design of the back of the case. In sight: the recognizable configuration of a large hinged door with external hinges, a vertical layout of lights and a compact stamping for a registration plate.

The embossed bumper has horizontal blocks of side lighting and a cutout in which the exhaust pipe is located.

Official photos

Test Drive

The magazine “Behind the Wheel” shares its impressions of driving a Lada 4×4 Bronto in rough conditions:

Lada 4×4 Bronto can be called an off-road Urban. This is a car that is easier to perceive by city dwellers, but is a real SUV that is prepared for tough off-road tests.

By the way, we previously compared the Lada 4×4 Bronto and Gelendvagen off-road. Would you like such a LADA for yourself?

Keywords: lada 4×4 bronto

Share on social networks:

Found an error? Select it and press Ctrl+Enter..

Brontosaurus: Review of Niva modification - Lada 4×4 Bronto (2018)

This SUV is included in the AVTOVAZ model range, although assembly - in small batches - does not take place at the plant's facilities. Is it worth the money?

What kind of beast

Lada 4x4 Bronto - this has already happened somewhere, right? Yes and no. In 2014, which produced Marsh all-terrain vehicles and Lynx SUVs based on Lada 4x4, became part of VIS-Auto JSC, which assembles pickup trucks and vans based on several VAZ models. The first clear result of the takeover is the Lada 4x4 Lynx van, which incorporates the technologies used by these two manufacturers. But Lynx, despite the control of the newly formed structure by AVTOVAZ, has not yet even entered the Lada line of commercial vehicles. But the Lada 4×4 Bronto has been included in the main AVTOVAZ model range since September 2017 as one of the modifications of the serial Lada 4×4.

History of creation

Before studying the reviews of Niva Bronto owners, let’s consider how the history of its creation began and the characteristics of the car. It produces cars, located in Tolyatti. The VAZ subsidiary has been producing special vehicles since 1993. They are distinguished by high cross-country ability with updated characteristics.

The company produces all mass-produced models, many of which are all-terrain vehicles and are designed for difficult operating conditions. All configurations are tested to ensure compliance with state standards. “Niva Bronto Lynx” (reviews confirm this) belongs to the group of cars that are tested under the most extreme operating conditions. The modification is in demand among different categories of consumers.

The vehicle was first presented in 2009. Each unit can be equipped with various types of additional equipment. Typically, users order air conditioning, a winch and a roof rack.