Chevrolet Niva 2022 – how long will the wait be for the 2nd generation of the SUV? Should we wait at all?

But it is impossible to say that nothing has been done over the years: in 2014, an SUV was brought to the Moscow Motor Show, which was supposed to become the long-awaited 2nd generation Niva.

The crossover in a bright body kit, on large wheels with an aggressive tread, a winch on the front bumper and a roof rack looked impressive. In addition, after a while it became known that this “concept car” was in fact a finished production version, in which it was enough to remove the off-road body kit and install “regular” wheels.

The appearance of the new Chevrolet Niva, which was presented at the Moscow Motor Show Unfortunately, 2014 was in many ways a turning point for most Russian manufacturing industries, and sanctions against Russia forced many foreign partners to curtail or at least reconsider their investment programs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Niva New Generation project was one of many that did not find implementation, although the changing leaders of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture continued to look for investors. All efforts were in vain, and since the EBRD withdrew from the project back in 2012, the Americans, after several fruitless years of searching for solutions that would suit all parties, made it clear that they were ready to sell their stake in the joint company.

Latest news and what is known about the new generation

Niva concept car from AvtoVAZ The fact that AvtoVAZ bought a 50% stake from GM and became the sole owner of the NGN project became known in December 2019. Immediately after this, experts started talking about resuming work on the production of the 2nd generation Niva, which will definitely lose the Chevrolet prefix in its name and will be called, for example, Lada-Niva 2022. Many experts even started talking about the plans of the Tolyatti plant to make the new SUV the most popular crossover in Russia, and the stylish exterior of the 2014 concept car only contributed to this.

At the same time, a certain confusion was caused by the March publication of one of the Russian auto publications, which stated that a test run of the body of the new crossover was already being carried out on the main assembly line of AvtoVAZ in Tolyatti.

At the same time, the news was accompanied by a photo depicting a Niva, which in appearance did not in any way resemble the Chevrolet Niva 2022 SUV. This information confirmed other information received from an insider working on the assembly line and claiming that the updated 2nd generation Niva will receive an X-style front end and slightly modified body kit. But is this the kind of Niva that consumers expect?

When can we expect the release of the new Chevrolet Niva 2?

Most likely, in 2016 we will not see a new SUV either on the production line or in car showrooms. The car is currently being finalized, but the fact that work on the project has not been stopped gives some hope for the future presentation of the model on the market. Today, AvtoVAZ is left without the support of Chevrolet in the issue of producing a model; it is necessary to carry out a new naming and select the features of transport production. Perhaps changes will be made to the technical design of the car. Presumably, the SUV may actually appear on the enterprise’s assembly line in early or mid-2022. However, this appearance can be influenced by countless factors:

• the potential demand for an SUV today is high, but only if the car remains in the price range of up to 700-800 thousand rubles in normal configuration;
• production will be carried out exclusively by Russian specialists, so it may be necessary to change some technical units, returning to old ideas;
• it is likely that the car will undergo a complete rebranding with the removal of Chevrolet nameplates and a complete change in the appearance of some parts before release;
• the engine is also in question, the French unit will be expensive due to changed exchange rates, the development of a domestic engine is possible;
• the final release of the model has not yet been approved, the revival of the project refers only to unconfirmed rumors that are extremely difficult to actually verify;
• The main competitors of the project are budget crossovers; the entry of the Chevrolet Niva 2 into the market depends on the specific development of the market for these vehicles.

The corporation itself, at the beginning of the development of the vehicle, identified the French-Romanian SUV Renault Duster as its main competitor. In fact, in this price segment, buyers primarily think not about technical capabilities, but about ride comfort and the appearance of the car. Therefore, the Japanese twin of the Duster Nissan Terrano can also be considered a rival. However, the competition is quite dubious, because if you need an SUV, you won’t even look at these rivals. It is enough to correctly call a spade a spade, since the Niva 2 is a real SUV with a significantly greater number of advantages in technical terms. Watch a short video with a review of Shniva 2 from the Moscow Motor Show in 2014:

Who is developing?

After AvtoVAZ became entirely responsible for the project, all subsequent developments of the SUV fell on the shoulders of the Togliatti residents. The main question is whether the sole owners of NGN have now received the right to use everything that was created as part of the joint project, and that was financed, including by the Americans from GM.

The answer is suggested by the result of an unsuccessful attempt by Russian journalists who, in 2022, tried to gain access to three New Generation Chevrolet Niva 2022 concept cars remaining at the Spanish IDIADA test site. It was not possible to see these cars due to the reluctance of General Motors to show them...

Creating appearance is a big way of active work of GM-AvtoVAZ

Today, cooperation between General Motors and AvtoVAZ is virtually zero. If there are any changes to the finished appearance of the car, they will turn out to be truly Russian, created by our designers and constructors. Initially, the car was created jointly, the Americans provided the car with a corporate identity and created the main features of its appearance, many parts were developed jointly and from scratch, but some were simply taken from other successful corporate projects. They did a very good job creating the exterior of the car, every expert and potential buyer of a Russian jeep confirms this. Among the important advantages of the concept that we can evaluate are the following features:

• a certain quality of change in the external appearance, serious reformations in terms of body shape, bringing this part of the car to a modern state;
• a complete change in optics, now the headlights will be protected from damage, and the number of optical devices with high-quality light will increase significantly;
• the roughness and brutal features of the body suited the new car quite well, it became sporty and demanding of any additions;
• Inside, there is also a sporty environment that can provide a feeling of the highest power and enormous performance of your new car;
• the signature shape of the Chevrolet steering wheel, many new instruments and electronic assistants, an excellent multimedia system and other benefits await the driver;
• The seats, which were simply terrible in the old version, have also been completely changed, now nothing will interfere with your excellent comfort even on long trips;
• the new Shniva will also receive a number of non-standard versions, equipped with a roof rack and other attributes of a real SUV for difficult trips.

All these innovations make the second-generation car a real change of generations, and not just a face lift, as is customary to update vehicles today. It must be admitted that the first generation version of the Chevrolet Niva has become very outdated since 2002. Even though the car is quite affordable, it does not provide a feeling of novelty and delight, which will definitely be present in the new model. The appearance of the vehicle reflects the concern’s desire to make the overall creation actually modern, and not just salable and accessible. With all its advantages, the car is unlikely to cost too much, so every potential buyer of a new car will be able to get such appearance parameters.

Body and interior

So far, everything suggests that the second generation Niva will appear in the guise of the previous generation, which has undergone a thorough facelift. The expected X-face will certainly be there, but in the interior of the Russian SUV, against the backdrop of the “update,” elements may appear borrowed from modern Tolyatti sedans or even the Vesta Cross model. In any case, the greatest chance of seeing the real Niva in a new look will appear only at the nearest Moscow Motor Show MIAS-2020, which is scheduled for the end of August.

Multimedia screen

A special feature of the Luxury package is the 7-inch touchscreen display of the multimedia system.

In terms of functionality, everything is standard: the main menu has 6 tabs.

1. Navigator.
2. Multimedia with the ability to listen to music and watch video files.
3. Radio with a list of available radio stations.
4. Four position settings.
5. E-Link – connects your smartphone to multimedia via a USB connector.
6. Connecting your phone to the multimedia system via Bluetooth.

When reverse gear is engaged, the camera image is displayed on the display. It is installed in the rear bumper.

All functions are standard for devices of this kind. Do you think he is needed here or not? Write about it in the comments.

Technical stuffing

In the process of preparation, the designers of the 2nd generation Chevrolet Niva 2022 spent a long time looking for a suitable engine, turning to the options available from both AvtoVAZ (did not fit due to small volumes) and GM (the American company did not agree to offer anything from its line due to the lack of additional capacity for the production of increased batches of engines).

Chevrolet Niva of the current generation The moment came when the right option was found - it became the naturally aspirated Peugeot EC8 unit with a volume of 1.8 liters (135 hp), assembled in China and India. Today, when the NGN project was given a long life, AvtoVAZ was faced with a serious task and, apparently, engineers will begin experimenting with a 1.8-liter 122-horsepower engine from the LADA XRay.

Options

As before, the Chevrolet Niva will be an all-wheel drive car, but according to the automaker, in the near future they plan to produce a model with front-wheel drive, but whether it will actually be, time will tell. This car is equipped with an EC-8, 1 naturally aspirated engine.

• Modification L – engine 1.8 136 hp. power, gasoline, all-wheel drive model, manual transmission, acceleration to 100 in 14.0 seconds, top speed 171 km/h, fuel consumption: 13.6/8.0/11.0;
• Modification LC - engine 1.8 136 hp. power, gasoline, all-wheel drive model, manual transmission, acceleration to 100 in 14.0 seconds, top speed 171 km/h, fuel consumption: 13.6/8.0/11.0;
• Modification LE - engine 1.8 136 hp. power, gasoline, all-wheel drive model, manual transmission, acceleration to 100 in 14.0 seconds, top speed 171 km/h, fuel consumption: 13.6/8.0/11.0;
• Modification GLS - engine 1.8 136 hp. power, gasoline, all-wheel drive model, manual transmission, acceleration to 100 in 14.0 seconds, top speed 171 km/h, fuel consumption: 13.6/8.0/11.0;
• Modification GLC - engine 1.8 136 hp. power, gasoline, all-wheel drive model, manual transmission, acceleration to 100 in 14.0 seconds, top speed 171 km/h, fuel consumption: 13.6/8.0/11.0;

Will there be a 2nd generation or not?

In view of the difficult fate of the 2022 Chevrolet Niva 2nd generation, which was designed, developed and even tested on European roads 6-7 years ago, no one can say that a new car for the 2021 model year will appear in principle.

This is because in conditions of the ongoing crisis and chronic lack of investment, any project risks remaining on paper. Perhaps AvtoVAZ management has a different opinion? We'll find out in August at MIAS 2020!

Engine compartment

A lock tab is installed in the front part of the hood. Sound insulation is installed over the entire area of ​​the hood.

Engine 1.7 liter 8 valve with a capacity of 80 hp. With.

Considering the total weight of the vehicle is 1 ton 420 kg, this power is not enough. In justification, we can say that this car was originally planned as a low-speed SUV. The engine power is enough to drive on country roads with poor surfaces at low speed. You can drive through mud in low gear.

This power is not enough for driving on the highway when overtaking confidently. The average engine life is 150-200 thousand km, depending on operating conditions and maintenance.

Fuel consumption is on average 15 liters, which depends on driving style and conditions. ABS brakes are standardly installed, which works in conjunction with a brake force distribution system. There is also additional sound insulation of the engine from the passenger compartment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icqLZg2FjBo

The fastening of the washer reservoir and expansion tank is interesting. They are secured with rubber straps.

This method was borrowed from military technology.

Photo

Review of restyling

Off-Road version, which is priced at 844,900 rubles.
The facelift, in which the 2022 Lada Niva Travel received a new front design and original bumpers, led to a change in body length - plus 43 mm (4099 mm).

And also interesting: LADA Niva Legend 2022: photos, prices, configurations, characteristics - New cars 2021-2022, car news on Avtokama.biz

The wheel arch trims were added 4 mm in width (1804 mm), while the wheelbase and height of the car remained the same: 2450 and 1652 mm, respectively.

Exterior of the 2019 Chevrolet Niva

The exterior design is reminiscent of the 2022 Chevrolet Captiva. The new Niva Chevy outwardly began to look more formidable compared to the first generation. A large radiator grille is located in the center of the front of the car. The Chevrolet emblem is located centrally on a decorative bar above the grille.

Depending on the configuration, a proprietary winch with autonomous lighting, which is powered directly from the battery, will be installed under the grille. Also, such off-road trim levels will have protective grilles for the headlights.

It will also be interesting to read: Crash test of UAZ Patriot 2017 demonstrates unsafety

The front bumper is made in such a way that it will not interfere with confident off-road driving - it is streamlined on the sides, with fog lights. At the bottom there is protection for the motor. In the off-road configuration, two hooks will be installed so that you can hitch another vehicle if necessary.

The headlights in the new Chevrolet Niva look modern and are based on LEDs. Daytime running lights are integrated into the headlights. There is even a function to automatically switch high beams to low beams and vice versa.

Even the hood began to look more modern thanks to the lines that stretch from the grille to the windshield. In general, if you look at the front of the car, it immediately becomes clear that the car has changed significantly and is completely different from the previous generation.

If you look at the car from the side, you might even confuse it with a Mercedes ML-class. The photo shows how large the front windows of the car are, and how much smaller the rear ones are.

Dashboard

The instrument cluster is completely identical to that of the VAZ-2115.

There is the same digitization, arrangement of indicators, 2 displays with on-board computer readings. In addition, the sensor display unit from Samara is still used along with buttons.

At the bottom of the center console there is a 12-volt socket, a module for electrically adjusting exterior mirrors, and buttons for heating the front seats. Heating is not stepped, there is only one position.

Above is a multimedia system that duplicates information on the display.

The only difference is that there is a right button that turns off the display so that it does not light up. There are also 2 slots for installing an SD card and a flash drive.

Above is the heater control module, interior air temperature, air flow direction and 4 speed heater fan.

There is also a lever for interior air recirculation, and 2 central air nozzles at the top. The buttons at the top can be used to turn on the fog lights, rear fog lights, heated rear window, heated exterior mirrors, and heated windshield.

I was pleasantly surprised that he was here. The rightmost button turns on the air conditioning compressor. Below to the right is a plug in case you want to install something additional. The equipment of the new Niva Chevrolet GLC is rich, with many useful options.

The car is equipped with two airbags:

1. In the steering wheel.
2. In the instrument panel on the right.

I would like to make a special mention of the central part of the cabin.

The designers understood that they would travel in the car in groups, go out into nature, relax, fish, and hunt. There will probably be different drinks consumed in the salon. Therefore, several cup holders are organized: one shallow one in front, two more in the back, and behind them a convenient place for a snack. If you fold back the armrest, you can see 2 more cup holders for rear passengers.