15 February 2018 Lada.Online 107 743 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.
Background and start of assembly
The Russian (formerly Soviet) light SUV Niva is considered a legendary brand, well known not only in Russia, but also in many foreign countries; the first VAZ-2121 model in this series began to be produced from the beginning of April 1977.
Although over the many years of production the car has undergone many various modernizations, its appearance has remained well recognizable.
Now the all-terrain vehicle is manufactured under the Lada brand, and the Lada 4x4 Bronto is a tuning version with more “advanced” off-road characteristics and a slightly modified exterior.
The assembly of the LADA 4×4 Bronto model is carried out at a subsidiary of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant called VIS-AVTO, which merged with PJSC PSA Bronto into one company in 2012.
The car modification has been produced since July 2022; it is an improved version of the well-known Lada under the name “Lynx” (2009-2012 production).
How much does a VAZ 2131 cost?
Price 721,900 RUR.
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Differences between the Bronto version and the standard model
LADA 4×4 Bronto is an all-wheel drive off-road vehicle with a three-door body, four seats, with two rows of seats.
This modification differs from the basic VAZ SUV:
- roof rails built into the roof;
- original plastic radiator grille;
- wheels of larger diameter;
- round foglights integrated into the front bumper (in the Image package);
- front body overhang reduced by 10 cm;
- plastic bumpers (for Image) and body kit throughout the body;
- reinforced wheel drives and rear axle beam;
- a different final drive number to improve traction;
- higher ground clearance;
- cut off wheel arches, thereby increasing the departure angle;
- the presence of self-locking screw-type differentials.
In LADA Bronto, the gear ratio of the main pairs of both axles is 4.1 (versus 3.9 for the standard version), “lifted” rear spring supports provide a higher lift of the body above the road surface.
The rear suspension shock absorbers have a stroke increased by 50 mm, the front springs are taken from the armored Niva, and spacers are installed under the ball joints.
Also, the wheel track width on the tuned car is 80 mm larger, and the car is equipped with 235/75 R15 wheels with a special “evil” tread.
The interior space of the Bronto has almost no differences from the interior of the regular Lada 4x4 model; it is characterized by an inexpressive, simple design and finishing materials of not the highest quality.
Engine and transmission
The Lada 4×4 Bronto is equipped from the factory with only one type of power unit - a 1.7-liter VAZ-21214 gasoline engine with distributed fuel injection and hydraulic pushers.
Technical characteristics of this internal combustion engine:
- exact volume – 1690 cm;
- placement of the engine under the hood is longitudinal;
- location/number of cylinders – in line/4;
- power max. – 83 l. With.;
- torque max at 4000 rpm – 129 N*m;
- valves in each cylinder - 2;
- compression ratio – 9.3;
- cylinder diameter/piston stroke – 82/80 mm.
The cylinder block of the VAZ-21214 engine is cast from cast iron, the material of the block head is aluminum alloy. With such an engine, the Lada SUV can accelerate to a maximum of 137 km/h and reach “hundreds” in 18 seconds.
Recommended fuel is AI-95 gasoline, the engine is in compliance with Euro-4 environmental standards, average fuel consumption per 100 km is about 12 liters.
The 1.7-liter engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, and a manually controlled transfer case is also installed. The wheel drive is permanent all-wheel drive, there are a number of reduction gears.
Modifications
The manufacturer presents several modifications of the machines in question on the market. The most popular of them are the following models:
- "Lynx-1". The car is a station wagon with three doors, produced on the basis of the Lada-21214 with a length of 3.74 meters.
- The five-door station wagon "Niva Lynx-2" has an extended wheelbase (4.24 m). Width – 1.71 m.
- The Lynx-3 modification is identical in parameters to the 2nd model, but has an increased width at the rear (1.85 m).
Hydraulic power steering, as well as electric front door window lifts, are responsible for driving comfort. The power unit for all variations is the VAZ-21214 gasoline engine with electronic distributed injection. Its power is 83 horsepower with a volume of 1690 cm3.
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Technical characteristics of LADA 4×4 Bronto
The Bronto version from VIS-AUTO is a compact SUV with a length of 3.74 m, width and height of 1.713 and 1.74 m, respectively.
The car has a wheelbase of 2200 mm and ground clearance of 24 cm (under the front axle - 26 cm), other technical characteristics of the car:
- Body type – SUV, three-door;
- wheel track (front wheels) – 1478 mm;
- wheel track (rear wheels) – 1468 mm;
- curb weight – 1285 kg;
- total weight – 1610 kg;
- permissible weight of a towed trailer – 300 kg (with a brake system – 300 kg);
- gas tank capacity – 42 l;
- trunk volume standard/maximum – 265/585 l;
- the weight of the cargo on the roof (with the rack installed) is no more than 50 kg.
The Bronto model is equipped with power steering and a steering gear with a worm gear.
The front suspension here is independent, has a standard stabilizer and double wishbones for passenger cars, the rear suspension is of a dependent type, with four longitudinal and one transverse links.
The brakes on the front wheels are equipped with non-ventilated discs, and drums are installed at the rear.
Trunk
The trunk door in a Lada 4x4 car opens using a button from the passenger compartment; the handle is located to the left of the driver, immediately behind the doorway.
The rigid, removable luggage rack has side latches in the area of the upper part of the back of the rear sofa, but is not attached to anything else.
On the left side, almost at the bumper itself, there is a rear washer reservoir with a protruding neck, as well as a round socket with a 12-volt power supply.
The plastic in the trunk is made of hard material, but it looks good, and the sound insulation here is also improved compared to the old Niva.
The one-piece backrest of the rear seat is also equipped with side locks and reclines forward quite easily, but this does not result in a flat floor.
To close the trunk, you need to slam the door with some force, overcoming the force of two gas stops.
What's next?
In 2016, you can expect a powerful interior update. Here, car enthusiasts will find a new climate system. Also, the manufacturer's statistical departments are still conducting surveys about what else is missing in the car.
Some changes are also possible in the very near future. In addition to a transmission optimized for the city, they promise new wheels and tow bar mounts.
Interior of a VAZ SUV
The interior of the Lada 4x4 can hardly be called spacious and comfortable, however, over all the years of production it has not changed radically. Even if you move the driver's seat all the way back, it will not be easy for a tall person driving to find a comfortable position, because the steering column is not adjustable and is mounted rigidly.
What else is remarkable about Bronto’s interior:
- The gearshift lever is located too close to the instrument panel, and in order to “catch” it the first time, you first need to get used to it;
- the four-spoke steering wheel is equipped only with a sound signal, it is not equipped with any additional control buttons;
- almost all control keys are located in the center, on the instrument panel and on the console, the ignition switch is installed to the left of the steering wheel, the air conditioner “twist” is on the right;
- the interior trim of the side doors is completely made of plastic; the “loaves” and cardboard that were familiar to the old Niva are no longer present;
- under the heating system controls and the keys on the dashboard there is a “hole” for the radio, we are not talking about any multimedia system here;
- The headliner is still made of cheap soft material, familiar to many drivers from the VAZ classic.
The ceiling light here is of the LED type, but the side interior lights are equipped with conventional 12-volt bulbs. Even in Lada, unfortunately, not all keys are illuminated, and sometimes it is not clear whether the selected function is enabled or not.
In the cabin
Let's continue the review (Lada 4×4 Urban) and look at the car's interior. There are interior changes. There are few of them, but it's better than nothing. So, the very first thing is the steering wheel. It decreased in diameter and became slightly thicker. As for reviews, car enthusiasts unanimously say that now the steering wheel fits much better in the hand.
Another change is the floor tunnel. There are two cup holders for glasses of different sizes, as well as an ashtray. In addition, this block contains control keys for electric windows and adjustment of side mirrors. The power package also includes heated seats.
The manufacturer presented the chairs as completely new. They are stitched with orange stitching, but there is one catch. Experienced drivers will notice that these are Samara seats. And it’s not just the appearance that will remind you of this. The feeling of sitting in this chair really screams about this. The crossbar still obtrusively presses into the lower back. But the different upholstery material and modified profile make the fit feel cozier.
- New Niva Urban price, photo, video, characteristics of the new Niva Urban
What do owner reviews say? Lada 4×4 Urban (“Niva”) has become more comfortable. On long trips and in the city, sitting in the chair does not tire your back, although the seating position is unusual. Car enthusiasts say that the sensations can be compared to sitting on a stool rather than lying on a sofa. Only children will be comfortable sitting in the back.
The trunk can accommodate 265 liters with the standard rear seat arrangement. If you fold the back, then the volume will double.
Options and prices
The Lada Bronto 2022 model year is presented in two main modifications - Standard0) and Standard Image (21214-52-070); the automaker also offers the same equipment options to those wishing to purchase a new car, but with Camouflage body paint.
The basic version “Standard” is equipped with the following options:
- alloy wheels R15;
- heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
- roof rails;
- electric windows for side doors;
- heated front seats;
- ABS, EBD and EBA (emergency braking) systems;
- 12-volt sockets in the cabin and trunk;
- audio preparation;
- rubber wheel arch extensions;
- air conditioning.
The car also has athermal glazing, is equipped with mounts for installing an Isofix child seat, and a small-sized R16 spare tire located under the hood.
The price of the Lada Bronto Standard in car dealerships as of June 2022 is 722.9 thousand rubles, the warranty from the manufacturer is 50,000 kilometers or 3 years.
The Standard Image package differs from the Standard in plastic bumpers and wheel arch extensions; there are also additional fog lights installed here.
There are no other fundamental differences between these modifications; the recommended cost of model 0 is 747.9 thousand rubles.
The “Standard Camouflage” modification 0 is identical to version 21214-50-070, but due to the surcharge for color, the car is more expensive, its cost is 761,900 rubles.
The Standard Image “Camouflage” version0) is available for purchase in the summer of 2019 at a price of 786.9 thousand rubles, the equipment here is exactly the same as that of modification0.
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.
Optional equipment
In addition to the options offered in the factory configurations, it is possible to equip the machine with additional equipment for an additional fee. The car owner can install the “additional components” independently; additional equipment is also carried out by sales dealers.
The list of such equipment includes:
- roof rack;
- power bumpers;
- car removable winch;
- abnormal lighting;
- protection of the entire underbody of the car;
- snorkel (air supply tube to the engine, led to the roof);
- double jet in the rear window washer design;
- door and hood deflectors;
- polyurethane interior mats;
- acoustic system;
- signaling.
A 2.7-ton winch is installed both front and rear, and the list of additional options includes a sunroof and additional anti-corrosion (anti-gravel) treatment.
The cost of a maximally “charged” SUV can reach almost 1 million rubles; when you independently convert a Lada 4x4 into a Bronto, you get significant savings in money.
Driving a car
Bronto does not belong to the class of high-speed cars, however, it holds the road well, although roll in corners is noticeable. The noise from the transfer case and gearbox has decreased compared to the Soviet Niva, but when driving over 80 km/h it is still clearly noticeable.
On the highway, the VAZ car feels quite cheerful: overall it accelerates well and drives without failures.
The lack of dynamics begins to be felt only at speeds closer to one hundred, but we must not forget that the Lada 4x4 is not a city sedan or hatchback, or even a crossover, but a classic SUV with a monocoque body.
It also needs to be said that Bronto, unlike a regular Lada, has a higher center of gravity, and accordingly, the likelihood of a rollover on such a car increases.
And it’s not worth driving on the highway for a long time on “toothy” tires (the tread will wear out quickly), so it’s a good idea to have a set of standard wheels in stock.
On road
A test drive of the new Niva showed:
1. The clutch pedal, due to limited space, is distinguished by a not entirely successful design of the platform for resting the left foot. Because of this, you instantly get the impression that you didn’t turn it on. On the other hand, this is a matter of habit, because the drive works adequately.
2. Power steering is installed, which greatly simplifies the control process. Due to the offset of the steering column, it feels like you are sitting sideways. There are no global inconveniences, at least within the framework of the tasks that this car solves.
3. I don't like acoustic comfort. The main direction of the sources: hum, operation of the transmission, or rather the transfer case, and operation of the tires. If the noise from the tires can be reduced by purchasing a more expensive option, then you will have to tinker with the transmission and it is not a fact that the efforts will fully pay off.
4. Gearbox operation. The classic scheme familiar to plastic work: the gears are light and clear. The selection lever works properly. 5. Brake operation. The lynx stops adequately for its size.
6. Smooth ride. On such wheels and suspension travel it is more than decent. Most of the bumps that you can see on a regular road, including country roads, can be passed completely painlessly. Only a slight wobble is noticeable.
At the end of the article there is a video of Niva Lynx with a more detailed analysis.
