The new Lada Niva Legend 5 Doors of the 2022 model year is offered by official dealers in four versions: “Classic”, “Luxe”, “Urban” and “[Black]” for 705,900 - 790,900 rubles. In this article we will list what is included in the “Urban” package, how it differs from the previous “Lux” and the next “[Black]” equipment levels, and also compare it with its closest competitors: Lada Vesta “Classic”, Ravon P4 “Optimum” "and Renault Logan "Life".
From the magazine “Behind the Wheel” - Lada 4×4 Urban: Don’t call it “Niva”!
They say that big things can be seen from a distance.
In a year and a half, Niva... oh, sorry, Lada 4x4 will be forty years old! And now one cannot help but admit that this is the most successful VAZ and one of the best domestic cars. The ancestor of all crossovers in the world. Our first non-military all-terrain vehicle. It has gone through a lot of modifications and improvements and is still in demand today. The current reason for the meeting is the new Urban modification. All-wheel drive with an urban accent? Why not?
IMPROVEMENTS AND DECORATIONS
The remaining differences from just a Lada 4x4 are purely symbolic. For example, Urban is equipped with a removable towing device: under the plugs on the bumpers there is a thread into which an eye is screwed. The old-style towing eyes are also alive - still there, on the bottom. Unlike other modifications, only light alloy wheels are installed on the “city dweller”. In addition, the Urban features a grille and tailgate ornamentation. The first thing you notice in the cabin is the steering wheel with a reduced diameter: only 380 mm versus the standard 420 mm. On a car with hydraulic booster, this innovation has long been expected. With a small steering wheel, it is easier for the driver to adjust his workplace to suit himself. Electric windows, air conditioning, heated seats, power adjustment and heated exterior mirrors are included in the Urban's basic equipment.
New floor tunnel lining - with two cup holders and a round ashtray. The cigarette lighter and the toggle switch for turning on the air conditioner are also located here. In addition, between the seats there are buttons for power windows and a joystick for adjusting the mirrors. Buttons, keys and toggle switches are scattered chaotically, but there was no better place for them.
I remember I didn’t like driving around the city in the old Niva-21213 - the steering wheel was a bit heavy and the pedals required a fair amount of effort. Now it's a completely different matter! Weightless controls do not tire you out, and turning the small steering wheel is a pleasure. And visibility is absolutely excellent - much better than many modern cars. And parking is convenient. Not an all-terrain vehicle, but a city weasel.
An engine with distributed injection is livelier than a carburetor (do you remember that one?). It pulls smoothly, without jerking, but you still want more. Fuel efficiency also leaves much to be desired. However, the Lada 4x4 is so much cheaper than its competitors that it is awkward to criticize it for excessive gas consumption.
Noises and vibrations? There are fewer of them, much fewer! In the city, one might say, there are no vibrations at all, and the cabin is relatively quiet. Why relatively? Previously, everything was shouted over by the itching of toothy tires and the voice of the transmission. Now the tires do not make noise, but against this blissful background parasitic noises have become audible. The “crickets” in the upholstery and the air conditioning fan are soloing, and a thin squeak from the transfer case remains. But there is progress.
On a suburban highway, Urban sensitively follows steering turns, and the rear axle does not “steer” as in the old days. Only during rapid overtaking, when the speed exceeds 100 km/h, do noises and vibrations increase.
What about off-road? Plastic bumpers are not metal. Those areas that are painted in body color are easily scratched. But the most vulnerable places are blackened, so minor damage is not so noticeable, and it’s easier to touch up..
A car is not wine; it doesn't get better with age. And in the case of Lada 4x4? In the year of its thirtieth anniversary, which was celebrated in 2007, up to 87% of VAZ exports were from this model. The annual production was about 35 thousand cars. Then a large-scale modernization was carried out with the expectation that the car’s potential would be enough until 2015. Was it enough?
In the first half of this year, 20,800 cars were sold – one thousand more than in the same period last year. Lada 4×4 is one of the ten best-selling models on the Russian market! And in terms of the number of domestically produced components (75%) it is the leader among Tolyatti cars.
Urban is not the last variation of the old lady. A new modernization is coming. This time the calculation is for five years: the car should remain in production until 2022. Then, if everything goes according to plan, a new generation will see the light. There are plans, there are contracts, there is a soulless designation of Lada 4x4. And there is a well-known name that now belongs to the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture...
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.
Basic information about the Niva 2121 car
Niva 2121 is also known as LADA 4×4 and is considered a car with increased cross-country ability. The manufacturing plant presents its creation as a small-class all-terrain vehicle, which is equipped with:
- monocoque body - station wagon, with three doors;
- transmission with permanent all-wheel drive;
- four-speed gearbox (manual);
- two-speed transfer case;
- center differential (with the possibility of blocking if necessary).
The high level of cross-country ability of the Niva 2121 is achieved due to the following characteristics:
- high ground clearance - 220 mm;
- small body overhangs – approach angle is 32 degrees, departure angle is 37 degrees;
- short wheelbase - 2.2 meters;
- safety steering with telescopic shaft;
- steering mechanism in the form of a globoidal worm.
Serial production of this vehicle began during the Soviet Union - in 1977, and continues to this day.
The first model of the Niva 2121 was developed and manufactured by VAZ specialists for off-road use, and it did not have a covered body. Literally a year later, this all-terrain vehicle was equipped with a metal roof, which made it possible to recognize its high-class characteristics in the global automobile market. Its package included:
- permanent all-wheel drive;
- independent front suspension;
- closed all-metal monocoque body;
- low cost.
Niva 2121 is recognized internationally as the best all-terrain vehicle, while being the leader in AvtoVAZ export products. High successes of this vehicle in motor sports were noted. This has been confirmed repeatedly at prestigious rally raids - Paris-Dakar, Rally of the Pharaohs, etc.
In accordance with the requirements of progress, some design details of the Niva 2121 also changed. Thus, in 2016, changes were made:
- a modernized bearing has been introduced into the front hubs, which does not require periodic adjustments;
- improved steering knuckle;
- an independent type front axle gearbox was installed;
- Gas-filled shock absorbers are installed.
Today, several dozen different models of the Niva 2121 are known, including the Niva Urban. This version of the three-door all-terrain vehicle began production in 2014 on the Russian market, and in 2015 it entered the German market.
General information
It’s worth starting with general information, which will reveal some details and differences between the two cars, and will also help you take the first step in choosing between Niva or Niva Urban.
In this case, the emphasis will be on the most popular three-door modification, but we will also talk a little about the four-door versions. The thing is that modifications with 4 side doors have not received proper distribution, they are much less popular, and therefore AvtoVAZ has noticeably limited the number of copies produced, concentrating its main effort on three-door ones.
The iconic Niva or VAZ 2121 appeared back in Soviet times. It was launched into assembly line production back in 1977 for many. Since 2006, the marketing policy was changed, as a result of which the car changed its name to Lada 4x4. The essence hasn’t changed much because of this, because both names are correct and relevant.
Basic information about the Niva Urban car
This modification of the Niva went on sale in 2014 and was designed for those motorists who prefer off-road driving and urban asphalt roads (hence the name “Urban”).
Urban trends were also reflected in the appearance of the vehicle. It has become less aggressive and more streamlined. This happened thanks to a redesigned radiator grille. VAZ specialists also introduced a number of innovations to the equipment of the all-terrain vehicle. This is directly related to the opinion of experienced car enthusiasts and owners of other Niva 2121 models. The changes made made the Niva Urban suitable for long trips through city traffic jams with the greatest comfort. The amenities of Niva Urban include:
- car air conditioning;
- glass with athermal effect (thanks to them, the coolness in the car interior remains longer);
- electric window lift;
- electric drive;
- comfortable steering wheel shape;
- increased rear window cleaning area;
- heated mirrors.
But the new plastic bumpers are less practical than the old bumpers made of steel. But thanks to this change, Niva Urban has become shorter in length (3640 mm) and squat. The lower center of gravity increased the steering stability of this vehicle, which improved its maneuverability during high-speed turns.
How to install bumpers on a Lada 4×4 Urban at the factory
The SUV body was designed back in the 70s of the last century, body welding tolerances are quite liberal, so each body kit has to be customized individually. After fitting, remove the bumper chamfer to the required amount. Then holes are drilled on the body, which are processed by Movil. After installing the bumper, the gaps should be 3 mm with a tolerance of ±1.5 mm. The process is also shown in the video:
The bumper is attached to a metal beam using tubular connectors. On the urbanized Lada 4×4, this design is almost identical to the design that is used on the regular Lada 4×4, which makes it possible to install a body kit on any of these SUVs.
Comparing Niva 2121 and Niva Urban
We have already mentioned some of the innovations introduced into the Niva Urban package earlier. Experts say that all other changes are purely symbolic. Let's see if this is true.
All changes can be divided into several groups:
- In the car showroom:
- steering wheel with a reduced wheel diameter - 380 mm (on a regular Niva 2121 - 420 mm);
- electric windows;
- car air conditioning;
- heated seats for the driver and passengers;
- outside mirrors are electronically adjustable and heated;
- new floor tunnel lining;
- the floor tunnel is equipped with two cup holders, a round ashtray, a cigarette lighter and a toggle switch to turn on the car air conditioning;
- between the front seats there are buttons for turning on the power windows and a joystick for adjusting the position of the mirrors;
- the seats are upholstered with yellow-beige stitching;
- "Prior" lampshade for interior lighting.
- In design:
- removable towing device (on the bumpers under the plugs there is a thread for screwing in an eye);
- light alloy wheels;
- ICE with distributed injection;
- there are no cardan shafts in the transmission;
- drive shafts with constant velocity joints are installed to connect the transfer case with the gearboxes;
- compacted cable sheath for opening the hood;
- dual-jet washer nozzles;
- spring clamps in the cooling system;
- extended wiper blades;
- Daytime Running Lights.
- In external design:
- new model of radiator grille;
- back door ornament;
- the windshield seal does not have chrome inserts;
- black door handles;
- the painting technology has been changed (two painting primers - cataphoresis and polyester);
- Stylish body color – cappuccino metallic.
Installation of Uraban bumpers on a regular Lada 4x4
You will need to buy a body kit or in parts. Part numbers:
When installing an Urban radiator grille, some holes may not line up. In this case, we make new holes on each side of the headlight closer to the fender.
Modifications for installing the front bumper from Urban:
To install the rear bumper, remove the side mounts:
Such tuning of the Lada 4x4 will make it more attractive, but less practical off-road.
Which option do you like best? Is it worth replacing the standard Lada 4×4 bumpers with new ones from Urban? Let us remind you that if you want to make your Lada 4×4 more modern, then try installing new-style sidelights, a stylish steering wheel, an instrument panel from a VAZ 2110, or upholstering the interior with vinyl film.
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The Czechs compared the Niva Urban and the Niva Bronto AMC. What do they think about these cars?
As you may know, Niva is a fairly popular SUV in Europe. Niva is bought in many countries - there is a Niva even in France. The Niva is also loved in the Czech Republic, where it is also sold and in demand. The Czech Republic also has its own car experts who love to compare different cars.
And so, Czech experts decided to compare two Niva: Niva Urban and Niva Bronto AMC. Moreover, the Niva Bronto is in an unusual version, but in the form of a pickup truck. We know the Niva Urban, but the Bronto AMC pickup is interesting. This is a modification of the Niva Bronto, which is produced by AMC. it has some differences from the usual one, but more on that later. Let's see what they came up with. Further from their words.
Niva Urban
Niva Urban is the same Soviet Niva, which has been produced since 1977. But this car has a more powerful 1.7 liter engine, which has a power of 85 horsepower. One of the main advantages is the low cost of maintenance in the Czech Republic, which cannot be said about other SUVs. The manufacturer adheres to the rule: do not change anything that functions well. Compared to the regular Niva, the differences in Urbana are minimal. Added only ABS and air conditioning.
This car is for city driving, but it can be driven off-road. Everything inside the car is the same as it was. But, on the other hand, it is practical. This car doesn't need a modern interior because the car itself can't be called modern. But in the city it is comfortable to drive.
Niva Bronto AMC
Niva Bronto is based on the three-door Niva 4x4, but modified to a Pickup body. This SUV is equipped with other bumpers, a snorkel, a winch and off-road tires, which make driving off-road very simple and easy. The front suspension is independent and absorbs bumps well. Bronto is a true off-road SUV.
It has a differential and a two-stage gearbox. The Bronto has a short wheelbase, which allows it to go where larger SUVs won't go. The Bronto salon is an ordinary Russian salon, but this Niva has leather seats. This SUV can compete with the Suzuki Samurai. Bronto's maximum speed is 130 km/h. This SUV costs 14,500 euros and is considered inexpensive. This is a small Russian tank.
More modern options
Niva Travel is not a luxury car at all. However, it has the most necessary things: a rear view camera with washer, parking sensors, a media system with a touch screen and navigation, a heated windshield, a cooled glove box, and a USB connector. Plus the already mentioned two airbags and a central armrest.
Niva Legend is noticeably poorer. Air conditioning, electric windows, heated seats, central locking and a simple single-din radio - everything that a three-door can offer.
