Which car is better: Chevrolet Niva or Niva 2131?

In the Russian market and post-Soviet states, the Niva line of cars occupies a large share, and at least these are two models 2131 and the Chevrolet Niva, and which is better than the Chevrolet Niva or the Niva 2131, we will try to figure it out in this article. But before making a comparison, you need to understand what qualities are the main ones during operation.

The main similarities of these models are:

• They have the same number of seats and doors.
• Station wagon
• Same track for rear and front wheels
• The engine is located equally, longitudinally in front
• Each has four cylinders
• Same five-speed manual transmission
• Similar braking system, discs in front, drums in back

These are the main similar technical characteristics that are available on the two models; if we talk about the main differences, then this is, of course, the appearance, as well as the gasoline poured into them; in a regular Niva you can pour 92 gasoline, but in the Chevy they recommend pouring already 95. In terms of fuel consumption, under equal conditions, the first one consumes more. They are also distinguished by the presence of horsepower, the Frenchman has several horsepower less, and the trunk volume of the first is larger. They are in great demand due to their price and off-road properties, as well as the presence of all-wheel drive with a range control.

For SUVs, one of the important indicators is the ramp angle, and the shorter the car body, the better the cross-country ability will be, this parameter makes the Chevrolet Niva more cross-country, its length is 3900 mm, and for the Niva 2131 this length is 4240 mm. But on a normal road, the second SUV feels better due to its length, which improves aerodynamic characteristics.

What is the difference between Niva and Chevrolet Niva

Niva is a legend of domestic production.
One of the few cars that have won recognition not only in our country, but also abroad. Suitable for both city driving and off-road use. The car has been produced by the Volzhsky Automobile Plant since 1977. It has a non-standard progressive design that combines first-class off-road qualities and the comfort of a passenger car. There were no analogues at that time. Niva was considered one of the most beautiful cars of those years. The first restyling was carried out in 1994. Vertical headlights appeared and the rear door opening was lowered. In 2006 the name was changed to Lada 4x4.

Advantages

The Russian SUV has a reliable chassis. It can withstand extreme use on a variety of roads. Allows you to travel to hard-to-reach places, go hunting and fishing.

The vehicle has increased cross-country ability with permanent all-wheel drive. All 4 wheels are involved in the movement, and not just the front or rear, increasing stability in icy conditions and heavy rain.

The car is equipped with a 4-speed gearbox with synchronizers in the forward gears or a 5-speed gearbox. The transfer case is 2-speed, with a forced locking center differential. There is a downshift. Niva has high ground clearance. The lowest ground clearance for SUVs is considered to be 20 cm, for the Niva it is 28 cm. When overcoming bumps, there is less chance of damaging the bottom of the car. The radiator is reliably protected.

The car has a 4-cylinder petrol engine. Its volume is 1.6 liters, power 83 hp. Works confidently at low and medium speeds. Fuel consumption – 9.7 liters.

Excellent geometric parameters - short body overhangs and non-protruding bumpers. A small number of plastic parts that are damaged during extreme driving.

Despite the modest external dimensions, the car's spaciousness is excellent. The luggage compartment volume is 265 liters. When the second row of seats is folded, the volume is 585 liters. There is more free space for transporting goods. The tailgate connector is level with the floor, you can easily load and unload objects of different sizes.

Flaws

The Niva has virtually no comfort for passengers. Small cabin size. Three passengers of average build will feel cramped in the back seat. It is inconvenient for an overweight person to sit there.

Insufficient ventilation and heating of the interior. In winter, the glass is constantly frozen; in the off-season, it becomes covered with condensation. Low anti-corrosion protection of the body. Not the easiest to drive without power steering. You have to make an effort to turn the steering wheel. This is inconvenient when maneuvering on city roads.

Many owners blame the Niva for poor acoustic comfort. Traveling long distances can become unbearable. It is necessary to install additional sound insulation. Often, while driving, vibrations and hum from the transmission and engine are observed. At high speeds, you may notice the car swaying on the road.

There are no modern options: climate control, air conditioning, car window lifts, winches, etc.

At high speeds, high fuel consumption occurs due to high drag. The car is equipped only with seat belts.

Global and domestic giants of the automotive industry. Their joint product

The Chevrolet Niva is produced in Togliatti in a joint venture between GM and the domestic giant. In fact, this machine is the result of development by Russian designers. The car received the emblem of the Chevrolet brand, part of the GM concern, after the creation of a joint venture with the Volzhsky Automobile Plant in 2001. Since September 23, 2002, Chevrolet has been mass-produced on the plant's production lines.

Essentially, this is a cross-country passenger car. It is driven by an engine with a displacement of 1700 cc. cm . and a power of 79 l . With. Cross-country ability is ensured by permanent all-wheel drive and a manual variable gearbox.

The model range has 6 trim levels. The lower limit of cost without taking into account possible discounts is 680,000 rubles. The upper limit is 810,000 rubles .

Description, parameters, qualities

What is the fuel consumption of Lada 4×4 (VAZ 2121 and VAZ 2131)
Let's look at what the tested cars are like. What advantages and disadvantages do they have? How they behave in different situations and on different tracks.

Specifications

Off-road properties

Both cars belong to the SUV class. Let's try to figure out how true this is. To do this, we will highlight several qualities that every “everywhere” must have.

The first is the presence of all-wheel drive, the participation of all four wheels in working with the track. And here there is a correspondence between both. The center differential is locked. There is a range multiplier, whether it is a Lada Niva or a Chevrolet Niva.

The second is high ground clearance, the distance between the road and the bottom of the car. Well, the ground clearance of the tested cars is at least 200 mm for each – it coincides with the requirement. The Lada has 28 mm more than the Chevy, and this is a plus.

The third is the geometric cross-country ability or the ramp angle; the smaller it is, the harder the roads can be conquered. This value depends on the length of the body - the shorter the better. Therefore, the VAZ-2131, popularly known as the “long” Niva, with its 4.24 m, is not at its best here. Chevrolet is 34 cm shorter than its opponent, and accordingly, the required cross-country ability is much higher.

If the road has asphalt

The smooth ride on a flat road is better for the Niva-2131 than for the Chevrolet. Here the length of the car can be appreciated. We won’t feel any jumps or bouncing when driving like this. It feels like sailing through a quiet harbor.

But in the urban cycle, with a turning radius of almost six and a half meters, the “long” Niva gives in to the Chevrolet. Here the length is no longer at hand. When it comes to maneuvering around corners, you'll never regret spending the extra money on power steering. At 2131 you have to pay extra for it. And the basic equipment of the Niva-2123 already includes power steering.

What is there, what is missing

The lack of power is undeniably felt in both cars. Cars with such mass would do well to increase the engine capacity.

The thirty-first has worse visibility of the exterior mirrors, much higher fuel consumption, and a poorer interior than the Chevy. The trunk, on the contrary, is more spacious.

Eye-catching differences

By comparing these automotive industry products in more detail, you can understand their differences:

1. The Volzhsky Automobile Plant produces Niva 2131 independently. The Chevrolet Niva is produced in a joint venture with GM.
2. The engine power is not the same. The extended version of the Niva 2121 has a more powerful engine. 83 horsepower versus 80.
3. Chevrolet's maximum torque is lower than that of 2131.
4. The fuel tank capacity of the 2131 differs by more than 10 percent and is 65 liters .
5. 420 liters of usable space in the trunk of the Niva 2131. The Chevrolet trunk has a volume of 320 liters.
6. The acceleration time to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour is also different. The Chevrolet does it in 19 seconds, which is 1 second faster than its counterpart.
7. 2131 has a smaller mass and is 1350 kilograms. The competitor weighs 60 kilograms more.
8. Chevrolet's ground clearance is 200 millimeters . A classmate has 20 percent more - 240 millimeters .
9. Chevrolet's average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 10.2 liters . Consumption 2131 - 13.8 liters .
10. The tire size also differs . Tires with the index number 205 are installed on an automobile product of a joint production, and tires with an index number of 235 are installed on a purebred brainchild of a domestic manufacturer.
11. Joint production began in September 2002. Niva 2131 has been produced since March 1993, which is 9 years longer.
12. The jointly produced machine is distinguished by richer technical equipment. Already the basic version includes a driver's airbag, central locking and connectors for modern electronic devices.
13. More than 700,000 Chevrolet cars sold . For colleagues, the figure is several times lower. And this despite the fact that 2131 began production 9 years earlier.
14. The average cost of a Chevrolet vehicle is 750,000 . The average price for a home-grown 2131 is 590,000 rubles .

The geometric parameters of the car body are different:

Buying a machine for various operating conditions

Installation of the VAZ 2110 dashboard on Lada 4×4 (VAZ 2121, 2131)

If you want to purchase a high-quality unit that can be used both for off-road and urban conditions, then the Chevrolet Niva is the ideal choice. There are more attractive safety systems and more comfortable seats. And just from a visual point of view, the car looks much more attractive. It is also worth highlighting that the new Niva does not toss from side to side on the highway; it feels much more stable on the highway.

Despite this, the standard Niva has several clear advantages.

• Niva 4x4 consumes about 2 liters less fuel than a Niva Chevrolet car.
• The installed technology is very simple and understandable.
• It is possible to use only the most necessary functions that do not break down for several years.
• The difference in pricing policy with a competitor is more than 100 thousand rubles.
• Niva 4x4 is very practical to use.

Of course, the cars are very good in many respects. However, you should choose one of the models not according to its technical characteristics (since they are almost the same), but according to what you need the car for. If you need an option for city trips, then choose the Chevrolet Niva; for off-road use, the Niva 4x4 is simply ideal.

The classic modifications of the AvtoVAZ off-road family are Niva 2121, Niva 2131 and Chevrolet Niva. The first model is the classic Niva, which has been mass-produced since 1977. The second was called “Crocodile”, possibly due to its elongated base. The third model is an integrated development of AvtoVAZ and General Motors. A lover of active recreation who decides to purchase a car of this class will certainly be faced with the problem of choice. To make a full review and analysis, you will have to compare these models simultaneously according to several parameters:

• Exterior;
• Interior;
• Body strength;
• Patency;
• Specifications;
• Price.

The documentation containing characteristics and parameters does not provide a clear solution to the issue, since “bare” numbers are unlikely to clearly reflect the situation. Here it is advisable to take into account the opinions of owners, reviews, and comments from auto experts. A visually suitable way to compare VAZ 2121, VAZ 2131 and Chevrolet Niva cars is to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each item listed.

A little background

Before determining which is better: Niva or Chevrolet Niva, you should understand that both of these vehicles have the same technical base.

Initially, the VAZ 2123 was conceived as a Niva-2 model, but since the designers did not develop a decent engine and gearbox, the body was simply updated. In 2001, the car was released under the name Chevrolet Niva, and the famous American concern was responsible for production.

At the same time, the old VAZ 2121 was also modernized. Now the car is produced under the name Lada 4x4, but among car enthusiasts it remains the same Niva (VAZ 2131).

For several years now, cars have been improved separately from each other, since they belong to different manufacturers. On the other hand, concerns constantly monitor each other’s achievements, and sometimes even cooperate.

But this does not mean that the models are completely identical, and it is impossible to determine which is better: Niva or Chevrolet Niva. No, they have several differences, which we will pay attention to.

Price

Lada 4×4 2131 Niva 2006

Finally, we come to the most pressing issue - cost and maintenance costs. And if the VAZ 2131 and VAZ 2121 are approximately in the same price category, then the Chevy will cost the buyer 1.5 times more. Not everything is so simple with service.

The result is cars with the same technical components, but with some features of their installation or configuration. Unfortunately, these features come at a price. Thus, maintenance of a Chevrolet Niva, in terms of a certain mileage, will also cost more. It is traditionally believed that the availability of spare parts for Shevik is lower, but at present this information is no longer relevant. As a result, it can be noted that among all Niva models there is no clearly defined flagship, and each model finds its buyer.

Last year, 31,367 buyers chose the products of the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture, and 35,312 preferred the VAZ all-terrain vehicle. Obviously, a small gap in sales statistics was provided to him, first of all, by a lower price. Why is it lower? Is Chevrolet so much better than Lada, how much more expensive? For comparison, let’s take cars in the maximum configuration: Chevrolet Niva LE+ for 698 thousand rubles. and Lada 4x4 Urban for 516 thousand.

Chevrolet > Niva

LADA > 4×4

In both cases, the interior is not the latest in fashion. The instrument clusters are the same, but the entire panel is much nicer than the Chevrolet Niva. The steering wheel with a cross in the center is nicer and more comfortable than the one with the boat. And if you consider that there is an airbag in its hub, and the front passenger has a second one, Chevrolet takes the lead in safety. Both cars are equipped with air conditioning. In Niva, the buttons and toggle switches in charge of his work are integrated organically. In the Lada 4x4, it was difficult for the climate controls to find a place on the archaic panel. We turn on the “con” in the cigarette lighter area and adjust the intensity to the right of the steering column. And finally, the Chevrolet Niva has factory-installed “music,” while the Lada 4x4 has only audio preparation.

Transmission schemes for cars are similar, but not identical. In Chevrolet, one lever controls the gearbox, the other controls the transfer case (reduction gear, center lock). In Lada, the same functions are controlled by three levers. Thanks to the body structure, transmission, better sound insulation and other transfer case supports, the Chevy Niva transmits much less vibration and noise into the cabin. The gears are switched on clearly in both cases, but you have to reach for fifth in the Lada, lifting your back from the seat. The Niva's electric windows and mirrors control unit is located on the center console. In Lada, it is between the seats on the new-style tunnel lining - a decision caused by a lack of space, but has a right to life. The tunnel lining itself is much better and more practical than the old one

Please note - the Chevrolet audio center does not have a removable panel, but is equipped with a masking cover

In terms of engines, there is complete parity. Both have a 1.7-liter 8-valve unit with a power of 83 hp. and maximum torque of 129 N.m. Both engines comply with Euro 5 emission standards and, of course, are equipped with an electronically controlled throttle valve. Approximate parity in fuel consumption is about 10 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. And this despite the fact that the curb weight of the Niva is greater than that of the Lada 4x4 - 1410 versus 1285 kg. In both cars, all small things, washer fluid reservoirs and expansion tanks are securely fastened. Both are equipped with ZF hydraulic power steering.

Your bets, gentlemen

For our comparative test, we will take cars in top trim levels with the maximum number of options. So, 4x4 in the Urban version (the most advanced and modern version of the SUV) is estimated by Tolyatti residents at 511,700 rubles, and the richest in equipment, Niva LE+, is valued at 704 thousand rubles.

The difference in price is significant - 192,300 rubles! And here logical questions arise. Why does AvtoVAZ put such an attractive price tag on a veteran model? Does the “classic” look so inconspicuous compared to its more modern competitor? Let's figure it all out.

Chevrolet is a great car with great performance

If you want to find a domestic SUV that can drive quite well not only off-road, but also in urban conditions, then it is best to choose a Chevrolet model. From a visual point of view, this model also looks much more attractive. In addition, this domestic car is equipped with modern systems that are not included in the Niva 4x4 configuration. Of course, there are many disadvantages. However, it is worth understanding that such a car will cost much less than its foreign counterparts.

Most buyers purchase a Chevrolet Niva for the reason that it makes a positive impression at first sight. The interior of the Chevrolet Niva in this case is really quite well made. If we talk about the technical component, the Chevrolet Niva car has the following features:

• As for the engine, in this case the same unit is used as on a regular Niva. The engine has a volume of 1.7 liters and a maximum power of 80 horsepower.
• The torque, given the engine power, is quite good here, and reaches 127 Nm at 4000 rpm.
• As for fuel consumption, there is nothing to brag about. For a hundred kilometers around the city, it spends 14 liters of fuel.
• Of course, in this case there is all-wheel drive.
• As for the suspension, it is independent at the front and semi-independent at the rear.
• As for driving on city roads, not everything is so great, but it’s quite decent. However, the car drives much better off-road.

Thanks to these characteristics, the Chevrolet Niva can be called an almost universal option. If you need to find a high-quality and reliable unit for long trips, as well as for off-road travel, you can safely choose a Chevrolet Niva car. This model can offer good functionality and comfort for both passengers and drivers. Despite all these advantages, the car does not drive so well on asphalt.

If you want to get an economical engine for city trips, then this car is clearly not for these purposes. However, there is a virtually indestructible suspension that will perform well in the most difficult driving situations. It is impossible to ignore the comfort in the cabin. Of course, this is not a Japanese SUV, but it has a quite comfortable driver's seat, good functionality and even some modern systems. Among other things, a worthy domestic analogue is simply not to be found at present. That is why this SUV can be called the most comfortable of all Russian-made SUVs.

Closest relative from the USSR

Niva 2131 is a 5-door and extended modification of the very famous and worthy 3-door Niva 2121. It is produced at the Volzhsky Automobile Plant and has been mass produced since March 1993.

The car belongs to the class of vehicles with increased cross-country ability. The range of installed power units is represented by 1 engine. Its volume is 1.7 liters with a power of 83 horsepower . This unit works in tandem with a manual transmission.

Equipping this station wagon with permanent all-wheel drive allowed it to set records for cross-country ability. Not surprising, because the 2131 is intended, first of all, to move across terrain inaccessible to conventional vehicles.

Sellers offer a choice of 3 configurations at prices starting from 557,900 rubles. up to 613,900 rubles for a regular Niva 2131. The city version will be more expensive and will cost 620,900 rubles.

Advantages of Niva

There is a lot of talk about this, the Niva is sent to tests of varying complexity and, one might say, it shows itself very well. This beast can be called an excellent SUV. It’s not for nothing that the Niva was taken as a basis when creating its symbiosis with Chevrolet. Let's talk about the benefits.

• The main advantage of the Niva is the car’s all-wheel drive. This introduced a transfer case into the car's transmission, which ensures complete communication between the engine and the wheels. The presence of three differentials makes the Niva simply a monster of the road. The car is capable of breaking out of a fairly deep rut, and even if, for example, the rear wheel stalls, it can get itself out with the help of the front ones. The additional box does not turn the additional drive on and off, as many believe, but only controls the differential.
• All-wheel drive on the Niva always works, and the inclusion of various transfer case and differential modes helps to cope with any road surface conditions. Also, with experienced use of the transmission, the car accelerates quite quickly, which also makes the Niva stand out.
• As for external data, the Niva is very roomy both in the cabin and in the trunk, as well as under the hood. The car also has a pretty good design. This so-called “jeep”. Very practical and convenient.

If someone needs a car that will drive on difficult road areas, such as rural areas, forest areas, sandy surfaces and so on, then Niva is the best car for this. This car is ideal for the so-called “safari” or hunting. Within city limits, such a car is not at all necessary, however, if driving goes beyond the city limits, to difficult sections of roads, then using the Niva will significantly reduce the number of problems that may arise on other passenger cars.

When choosing an SUV for active driving in difficult conditions, the car enthusiast is faced with a difficult choice. This is especially related to the choice of a new car, if it is assumed that the car will be used in difficult and harsh conditions, and you need to find an SUV that you wouldn’t mind, the task becomes not an easy one.

For this reason, most potential buyers opt for domestically produced cars such as Niva and Chevrolet Niva. These cars are produced by AvtoVAZ, which offers good equipment. Each of these two models has its own positive characteristics and disadvantages, and since each car enthusiast has his own individual needs and wishes, it is very difficult to say unequivocally which of these SUVs is better. Therefore, this article will help answer the question of which is better than Niva or Niva Chevrolet.

Despite the fact that the design of the regular two-door Niva is outdated, and it is often criticized for its clumsy appearance, it continues to be in great demand.

The developers made attempts to release a new version of the SUV, as a result of which the Lada 4X4 Urban was released for sale. But there were no fundamental changes in the design, so there was little demand for it.

The main advantages of the regular Niva compared to the Chevrolet Niva are as follows:

1. Thanks to its short wheelbase, the model has better cross-country ability;
2. Lower Price;
3. Time-tested, unpretentious engine with a volume of 1.7 liters and 83 horsepower, with excellent torque;
4. The price of spare parts is cheaper;
5. A time-tested gearbox that works perfectly and does not fail in any extreme conditions;
6. Has a great predisposition to tuning;
7. Reliable suspension on levers.

Despite all the positive aspects, this car also has its drawbacks. It is very difficult to move along the highway, as you need to hold the steering wheel tightly to prevent unauthorized maneuvers. Of course, the short wheelbase feels great in rough off-road conditions, but on a normal road at high speeds it has poor handling. As for comfort, it is also at a low level, this is due to constant vibrations and extraneous noise.

Despite all the shortcomings, the Regular Niva looks good; its main advantages for the buyer are simplicity of design, ease of maintenance, and price.

Driving on the highway and in the city

If you plan to drive on smooth asphalt, then the Lada Niva demonstrates a smoother ride. Thanks to the increased length, the number of jumps and bounces is reduced, so that passengers and the driver will be as comfortable as possible.

But in the city, large dimensions will become a significant disadvantage. The length of 4.24 m makes it difficult to perform various maneuvers.

Chevrolet has one more advantage in this regard - power steering, which is included even in the launch model.

In addition, the Chevrolet Niva has improved dynamics and a higher top speed. But, in any case, the cars cannot be called frisky, and you won’t be able to take part in races with them.

What to choose

The advantages of the Chevrolet Niva car include:

• low fuel consumption;
• comfortable interior;
• attractive appearance;
• increased agility;
• good functionality is already included in the standard assembly.

True, the cost of both the vehicle itself and its maintenance will be slightly higher than in the case of a competitor. And on the highway you can feel the lack of engine power.

Advantages of Lada 4x4:

• smooth ride while driving on the highway;
• more powerful motor;
• affordable price (other things being equal, the cost will be almost 100 thousand lower).

But the appearance here is clearly outdated. And off-road performance is below average. It is also worth highlighting the high level of fuel consumption and poor visibility of the external mirrors.

If the budget is very limited, then you need to take a closer look at the Niva 2131 model. In any case, you will get a very reliable domestic car.

Production

If you are hesitating between a VAZ Niva or a Chevrolet Niva, then you need to understand that both vehicles are produced in our country, in Tolyatti.

True, the first option is made at the facilities of AVTOVAZ, while Chevrolet is manufactured at the GM-AVTOVAZ plant. But the components (engines, chassis, bodies, etc.) are supplied from the same AVTOVAZ. The quality is about the same.

What kind of Lada Niva? All differences from Niva-Chevrolet

Now the new Nivas are equipped with a completely new and fundamentally different dashboard combination.

The new panel will have two standard windows for the tachometer and speedometer, and between them there will be an on-board computer dial.

The body design remains from Shniva for now, but in the near future, after modernizing the production lines, it will completely change. According to AvtoVAZ representatives, a complete restyling is planned for 2023 (see photo above).

The preliminary production plan for cars under the new brand for July 2022 is 1,462 cars.

PS Basically, that's all the differences for now. In principle, whoever buys a Niva is a hunter or a fisherman. We don't care what kind of panel it is. If only the oil pressure showed.

BUT: until July 10, 2022, Niva Chevrolet cars, according to
the agreement between GM and AvtoVAZ , will still be sold in Chevrolet showrooms.
Next, everything goes to AvtoVAZ branded showrooms under the Lada Niva brand. And from 2023 we won’t recognize the updated car at all. At least that's what AvtoVAZ promises. Source

Exterior

The appearance of a classic SUV is not subject to discussion, because the classic is considered a kind of “standard”. However, 40 years for the same concept, even a successful one, is a relatively long time. Supporters of the previous exterior (VAZ 2121) believe that the plant provided maximum opportunities for tuning. Opponents are aware of the moral obsolescence of the usual appearances of the Niva.

Regarding the lengthened version, positions were not shared in equal proportions. The term “Crocodile” hardly means an elegant and graceful animal. However, the VAZ 2131 has gained its fans, because an SUV with the ability to fully seat passengers deserves attention.

Chevrolet's design is more modern and still competes with the design of some "classmates", although the production of "Shevik" began in 2002. Skeptics include low “psychological permeability” as a disadvantage of the interior. Owners subconsciously try to protect their cars from accidental dents or scratches that can occur off-road.

Range

The Russian brand AvtoVAZ was famous for its Zhiguli model. Today, a whole line of Lada brand cars is produced.

Representatives of the small class are Lada Kalina hatchback, sport, station wagon, cross; Lada Granta hatchback, sport, sedan and Lada XRay.

Vesta Cross concept

The small middle class includes Lada Priora, Vesta, Largus station wagon, Largus Cross. SUVs are especially popular: Lada 4x4, VAZ 2131 and Chevrolet Niva. In addition to new models, AvtoVAZ continues to produce old familiar cars: 2107, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2120, Samara. It is extremely difficult to choose a car that would be better than others. Each model is focused on specific customer needs.

Interior

Everything here is extremely simple. There are no differences in the interior decoration of the VAZ 2121 and VAZ 2131 cars. It's a bunch of plastic that is considered low quality by modern standards.

Assembly features give rise to mobility of parts, which leads to excessive noise, squeaks and other sounds in the cabin. The decoration of the Shevik, although today it does not stand up to any criticism, is still a little more diverse.

It has better quality plastic, door trim, and controls. For a minute, you can even forget that we are talking about the development of the late 80s.

Features of the movement of different modifications of the Niva

If you take a Niva car for driving around the city, then the best option would be the VAZ-21213 and 21218 brands. When driving a five-door Niva (VAZ-2131), you will have to clearly control the car while driving, especially when parking or changing lanes in a row.

But it is also worth taking into account the quality of the road surface on which the car will drive. The short model (VAZ-21213) reacts sensitively to holes and potholes on the road. Passengers in the back, and the driver himself, will jump on any bumps in the road

If you are still inclined to purchase a short Niva model, you should also pay attention to the VAZ-21215 and 21214

The VAZ-21218 behaves somewhat calmer on such a roadway, but is inferior in maneuverability to the previous model. The VAZ-2131, due to its massive dimensions, does not react at all to the characteristics of the road surface; even when driving on a large number of holes and potholes, passengers inside the cabin are unlikely to feel it. The movement will always be smooth.

Safety indicators

When choosing a Niva VAZ or Niva Chevrolet, special attention should be paid to safety indicators. The crash test was carried out by the Autoreview publication, and the methodology repeated the European EuroNCAP tests.

As a result, the VAZ version received 0 points. The brainchild of the Chevrolet brand has not advanced much either – the safety index here was 1.6.

However, after some modifications, including the installation of belt pretensioners, an anti-lock braking system and two airbags, the figure increased to 12.5 points.

Now Lada 4x4 also has ABS. True, airbags come only in an improved configuration, and there are no belt pretensioners at all.

Niva Chevrolet trunk volume

The dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva classify this 5-door crossover as a very compact car. In fact, the length of the Chevrolet NIVA does not exceed 4 meters.

Let's say the clearance or ground clearance of a Chevrolet Niva can vary from 20 to 24 centimeters. The difference depends on where you measure. For example, the lowest point in the Chevrolet NIVA is in the rear, under the bridge. You can measure the ground clearance of the Shnivy under the engine protection in the front. In addition, the manufacturer itself allows the installation of both 15 and 16-inch wheels on the car; add off-road high-profile tires to them and the ground clearance will be even higher.

Below are more detailed characteristics of the dimensions of the Chevy Niva.

• Length – 3919 mm (with spare wheel 4056 mm)
• Width – 1,800 mm (with mirrors 2120 mm)
• Height with/without rails – 1690/1652 mm
• Curb weight – 1410 kg
• Gross weight – 1860 kg
• Wheelbase – 2450 mm
• Front and rear wheel track – 1466/1456 mm, respectively
• Trunk volume – 320 liters
• Trunk volume with seats folded – 650 liters
• Fuel tank volume – 58 liters
• Ground clearance of Chevy Niva – 220 mm
• Tire size – 205/75 R15 or 205/70 R15 or 215/65 R16

The trunk of the Chevrolet Niva is relatively small, only 320 liters. However, if you fold the seats in the Shnivo, you get 650 liters of volume. A photo of the trunk with the rear seats folded is attached, see above.

The problem of lack of space is solved by roof rails, where you can install an additional luggage rack. But it is worth considering the fact that in the basic version the Chevy Niva simply does not have roof rails. Therefore, before buying a car, you should consider whether you need an additional roof rack.

The overall dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva SUV are considered quite compact, and its length is no more than four meters. But despite this, thanks to its high ground clearance, which is more than twenty centimeters, it is ready for any obstacles associated with difficult to pass places.

The picture below shows all the characteristics, but I would like to note that they may differ slightly from the sizes indicated by official manufacturers, since in fact they are different. For example, clearance can be indicated from 20-24 cm, since it depends on where the measurement is made.

Chevrolet Niva belongs to the class of compact crossovers. The length of this 5-door car is just under 4 meters, making it convenient to use not only off-road, but also in urban conditions, allowing you to successfully maneuver in traffic flows.

But compactness in this case is successfully complemented by high ground clearance, amounting to as much as 20 centimeters at the lowest point. And the body kit system with small angles allows you to overcome any obstacles and forever forget about the problem of parking near curbs.

In more detail, you can familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the car in the diagram presented in the figure. These are the official dimensions determined by the manufacturer. It should be understood that in reality some parameters may differ. For example, ground clearance: under load or certain suspension parameters, it can vary from 20 to 24 centimeters.

The compact SUV Chevrolet Niva has been produced since 2002 at the facilities of the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture in the city of Tolyatti. Throughout its existence, the car has remained virtually unchanged from a technical point of view. The model is based on the VAZ-2123 platform, which assumes the presence of an independent 2-link suspension at the front and a continuous axle at the rear.

Chevrolet Niva is a real SUV with “honest” all-wheel drive, which is implemented using a transfer case that distributes torque between the front and rear axles in a 50/50 ratio. A lowering row, an interaxle locking mechanism and good body geometry significantly increase the vehicle’s capabilities in off-road conditions. The car feels no less comfortable in a dense urban environment, where the compact dimensions of the body are a plus - 4048x1770x1652 mm.

Dimensions

If we talk about Chevrolet, then the main dimensions parameters look like this:

• length – 390 cm;
• width – 170 cm;
• height – 164 cm;
• wheelbase – 245 cm;
• ground clearance – 20 cm;
• trunk volume – 320 l;

Niva differs from AVTOVAZ in slightly larger sizes:

• length – 424 cm;
• width – 168 cm;
• height – 164 cm;
• wheelbase – 279 cm;
• ground clearance - 22.8 cm;
• trunk volume – 265 l.

If you determine which is better: Lada Niva or Chevrolet Niva in terms of size, then it is worth noting that the VAZ version is larger and more impressive.

At the same time, it is distinguished by increased ground clearance, which increases the vehicle's cross-country ability. At the same time, the Chevrolet car has significantly increased trunk volume, and this is a big plus for country trips.

Degree of versatility

It is unwise to buy an all-terrain vehicle to drive it exclusively around the city. At least sometimes, such cars should leave the asphalt to justify their purpose. In these happy moments for cars, they are required to be spacious, carrying capacity, comfortable on the highway, and finally, successfully overcome difficult areas.

In these disciplines, the extended Niva VAZ 2131 is not inferior to its more expensive relative. There is, of course, less comfort in it, but the capacity and carrying capacity are higher - 360 liters of usable volume in the trunk versus 260 (our own measurements using standard “cubes”) and 500 kg instead of 400 according to the instructions. Here, by the way, there is reason to be perplexed. The data on the gross weight of the jointly produced vehicle in its instructions and on the engine compartment plate differ by 40 kg! If you believe the latter, the Chevrolet Niva does not have the right to take on board more than 360 kg, which only makes you smile. After all, the Oka is capable of carrying people and cargo up to 340 kg! In general, we will assume that there was an accidental mistake in the sign.

Off-road, the cars are approximately equal, although the hydraulic booster makes driving the Chevrolet much more pleasant. On broken asphalt, the differences are again small: the “joint” car with the VAZ 2123 index “plays” less with the rear axle thanks to more vertically mounted shock absorbers. It also has a little more front suspension travel, which is also good. However, high-quality sound insulation creates the feeling that this car tolerates potholes worse. The sway of the suspension in silence is perceived by the driver without enthusiasm.

But the weekend or vacation quickly ends, and the “fields” return to the city, joining the jelly slowly crawling through the streets. Here the driver is little concerned about ground clearance and trunk volume. But he fully appreciates the ease of controls and visibility. And then a gulf opened up between our subjects. The heavy steering wheel of the elongated Niva cannot be compared with the more ergonomic and lighter controls of the Chevrolet, and the old lady’s tiny exterior mirrors only cause annoyance. How long will they continue to damage cars?

Comparing cars in urban environments, as you might guess, is a one-sided game. Perhaps the only tangible advantage of the VAZ 2131 is cheaper maintenance, however, there is a pitfall here: it is supposed to be carried out every 10 thousand km, and not 15 thousand, like the opponent.

Comparing everything that has been said, you come to an obvious conclusion. As a universal car for all occasions, the Chevrolet Niva is better, but more expensive. But if the car is bought only for special tasks - trips to nature on a day off or on vacation with the whole family - the old acquaintance VAZ 2131 may well compete with a jointly produced product.

Dealer happiness

Once upon a time, at the time of the formation of the joint project, GM had a strict policy - the new Niva should not be sold in the same car dealership as the old one. They were afraid that such a neighborhood would ruin the reputation of Chevrolet and have a bad effect on the image of the new product.

Now, after just a year and a half, the principles underlying sales have cracked. In Moscow (and, probably, in other cities as well), both Togliatti all-terrain vehicles are being sold together with might and main. It is curious that representatives of official centers that sell, in addition to the Chevrolet Niva, more expensive “Blazers” or “trail Blazers”, sometimes allow themselves skeptical statements about the Russian product. And “gray” dealers, so undesirable for the joint venture, on the contrary, often present the car as the pinnacle of achievements of the domestic automobile industry.

It’s not difficult to understand why the “grays” are so willing to sell Chevrolet Nivas. Firstly, these cars are noticeably better assembled than VAZs, GAZs and IZhi; their pre-sale preparation is less hassle. Secondly, they are more expensive, so the dealer can make money not only by installing an alarm system, anti-corrosion treatment and other additional services, but also by selling the car itself. Thirdly, when carrying out scheduled maintenance of a new Niva, the owner pays $25 per standard hour, and not $10. Is it any wonder that when asked which Niva to buy, the VAZ seller warmly recommends Chevrolet.

Conclusion

These two SUVs have a lot of other advantages and disadvantages, I tried to highlight the main ones. Write in the comments what else is different about these cars. From all of the above, we can draw the following conclusion: If you need a car primarily for asphalt with relatively rare off-road forays, then the Chevrolet Niva will be preferable. If you need to go off-road more often, then a regular Niva is better suited. In addition, it is cheaper when it comes to used cars. The difference in the cost of the new Lada 4×4 and Chevrolet Niva is not so significant.

Patency

In terms of cross-country ability, I would like to give first place to the winner of multiple international competitions, tours and off-road races, Niva 2121. It showed excellent results on rocky terrain, bumpy roads, and viscous soil. The car remains passable even when “hung” diagonally. The short wheelbase helps to overcome obstacles of varying complexity. However, this issue also has its “BUT”. On a flat surface in viscous soil or on snowy roads, the Niva 2131 shows the best results due to its inertia. The weight of the car helps to overcome obstacles (sand, snow, sticky soil) that arise on horizontal surfaces. On bumps, ruts, potholes and other irregularities, the VAZ 2121 undeniably becomes a leader in cross-country ability.

Despite the fact that in technical terms the Chevrolet Niva is fundamentally no different from its predecessor, in practice it does not show the same results in cross-country ability. The reason for this is the longer wheelbase, lower bumpers, and the presence of hinged plastic and moldings. Again, one should take into account the low “psychological passability” that was mentioned above.

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