The Russian concern AvtoVAZ is going through a stage of total renewal. Recently there was news about the VAZ Niva 2121 SUV and modification 21214.
The management of the concern plans to improve the appearance of the car and make it more modern. The interior of the Lada Niva will undergo changes, as well as the ergonomics of the cabin, which will be replenished with interesting options. The designers will give the model an updated engine with improved technical characteristics. Read about what the VAZ Niva 2131 2022 will surprise you with, when sales will start, what the configurations and prices will be in the review.
History of creation
The initiative to develop a car capable of overcoming off-road conditions belongs to VAZ designer V. S. Solovyov. First of all, this was supposed to be a vehicle for use in any conditions by residents of villages and hamlets. Since at that time there were no analogues of this type, the emphasis was placed on this.
In April 1972, the first test car was presented to the world. The car got its name not thanks to the fields, as many people think. The name was based on the first letters of the names of the children of designers Prusov and Solovyov. Natalya, Irina, Vadim and Andrey: the combination of letters resulted in “Niva”.
The design came from the VAZ-2106. “Niva” is similar to the “six” both externally and inside the car.
From 1972 until the start of mass production, many Niva prototypes were produced, they were tested, many tests were carried out, long runs were organized to identify shortcomings. To evaluate and compare the car with existing analogues in the world, such cars as UAZ-469, Land Rover and Range Rover were used for testing. In 1975, an official decree was signed on the release of an SUV.
New body, configurations and prices
The VAZ Niva 2131 of the 2021 model year will be presented in several versions. The basic modification will receive stamped steel wheels, halogen optics, front electric lifts and a 12-volt outlet in the cabin.
Advanced Niva specifications will receive an audio system, air conditioning, and multimedia. To all this, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front/rear seats, and electrically adjustable side mirrors will be added.
The anti-lock braking system ABS and EBD brake force distribution are responsible for the safety of passengers. The maximum configuration sports a tire pressure sensor, two airbags, and an ESP stabilization system.
It is planned to release a modification of the Lada Niva 2022 with off-road tuning. The car will receive an electric winch and different rims shod with aggressive tires.
Start of production
The VAZ-2121 first rolled off the assembly line on April 5, 1977. In the first year, the plant produced 25,000 cars. The following year the number was doubled to 50,000 cars per year. Subsequently, the number was increased to 70 thousand units. In the 80s, the plan for the plant was to increase production to 100 thousand units, but the oil crisis prevented it. The sales success was enormous; Niva was even sold in Japan.
After the crisis, the demand for the Niva decreased significantly, this was caused by the inflated price, also one of the reasons was the car’s small trunk and only two side doors, which was not always convenient and practical. Another disadvantage of the Niva was its high gas consumption. And the automobile plant reduced the price of the car by 15%. This was in 1985, and after the price dropped, the demand for this type of transport went up again.
In March 2013, AvtoVAZ produced two million Niva cars.
The inside of the salon looked like this:
The back row looked like this:
Specifications
The parameters and characteristics below refer to the first produced version, which came off the assembly line in 1977. There were a lot of modifications, and every time something changed for the Soviet SUV.
- The Niva SUV, an all-terrain vehicle, has 3 doors.
- Load-bearing body.
- Body type - hatchback.
- The drive is full, permanent.
- The gearbox is four-speed.
- The transfer case is two-stage.
- Center differential lock.
- Ground clearance - 220 mm.
- The approach angle is 32°, the departure angle is 37°.
- Wheelbase - 2.2 meters.
- Fuel tank - 42 liters.
- The engine is gasoline, with a volume of 1580 cm³.
- Engine power - 80 horsepower.
- Length - 3740 mm.
- Width - 1680 mm.
- Height - 1640 mm.
- Weight - 1150 kg.
Modifications
Probably, in the history of the automobile industry you will not find another car that would have so many modifications. This is the Niva pickup version, a right-hand drive model, a super-all-terrain version, and a special convertible version. There is a version of a car with a diesel engine, which was exported and the engine was from Peugeot; even an amphibian based on the Niva was produced. There were a lot of improvements during the release of the Russian SUV.
The extended Niva is also one of the modifications of the short VAZ-2121. There were also many five-door versions, this was an ambulance car, and many similar directions. “Niva” is long or short - a comparison should put everything in its place.
Competing models
The small SUV market is currently experiencing a major movement. Therefore, the Niva Urban will have to compete with the Niva from Chevrolet, two UAZ models (Patriot and Hunter), as well as the “Japanese” in the person of Suzuki Jimny and Nissan Terrano. These models are somewhat more expensive than the Niva, but in terms of equipment and technical parameters they are significantly superior to it, which means you will have to choose between price, novelty and quality.
At the end of May, sales of a new modification of the Lada 4×4 – the extended Niva Urban – started. AvtoVAZ claims that the new SUV has an increased level of comfort and successfully combines cross-country ability, a spacious interior and a spacious trunk. Let's figure out what improvements the company has made to the urbanized version of the 5-door Niva 4x4.
"VAZ-2131"
It was with this name that the extended modified version came off the assembly line. The cabin of the long Niva differs by 480 mm from the three-door version. The body is the same load-bearing and permanent all-wheel drive as the VAZ-2121. The car no longer has three doors, but five. Externally, it has practically not changed, the same shape, the same recognition, the Niva’s body just became longer and the wheelbase was longer, and a decent trunk also appeared.
- Length - 4220 mm.
- Width - 1680 mm.
- Height - 1640 mm.
- Ground clearance - 210 mm.
- Wheelbase - 2700 mm (short version 2200 mm).
- The approach angle is 40°, the departure angle is 32°.
- Weight - 1350 kg.
- The trunk volume is 420 l, if you fold the interior, then 780 l.
- Engine capacity - 1.69 l.
- Engine power is 83 horsepower.
- The volume of the fuel tank is 65 liters.
- Fuel type - AI-95 gasoline.
- Speed - 140 km/h.
- Acceleration time to 100 km/h is 19 seconds.
- Fuel consumption - urban cycle - 12.2 liters.
- Consumption on the highway is 8.3 liters.
- Mixed cycle - 11.2 liters.
Exterior
In appearance, the new body is quite difficult to distinguish from the one the car had ten or fifteen years ago. It’s still the same angular design, as if carved out with an axe, with virtually no relief or voluminous body panels. However, some details have changed.
A look at the new Lada Urban 2022 model year from the front allows you to note the appearance of a hood cover that slightly varies in height. The slope of the windshield became a couple of degrees less, which visually made the car a little taller and more angular.
The grille in front of the radiator has also changed: judging by the photo, it has acquired several additional cutouts and has become noticeably more forward. In the middle of this black plastic miracle there is a large Lada emblem. The headlights located on the sides of the grille have not changed at all and still have the same simple halogen filling. The fog lights and turn signals were at the top. At the bottom there is now a solid metal body kit that carries a plastic plate and subframe protection.
The side of the car seems exactly the same as before. Only enlarged side mirrors, modernized door handles and rims suggest that we are, after all, dealing with a new model. Other elements differ from those that were installed on cars of previous years of production only in the improved quality of the metal. It is believed that these innovative alloys not only better resist corrosion, but also increase the safety of people in the car.
But the rear of the body has changed more than all other parts. The rear door has slightly changed its shape, a strip of brake light repeaters has appeared on the trunk, and the side lights have been refreshed. The body kit has also changed for the better: it has become more massive and at the same time stylish.
Which one is better...
Short or long Niva? This question probably comes to mind for many who are considering buying this Russian SUV.
It is important for yourself to emphasize what tasks are set for the car during its operation. After all, each Niva has its own characteristics. To do this, you need to consider the advantages or advantages of the short version and similarly consider the advantages of the long VAZ-2131.
Advantages of a long
Continuation of the topic of which Niva is better - long or short. Analysis of the advantages of the long version of the car:
- Due to the long wheelbase, the car has become more stable on the road.
- Smooth ride compared to the three-door version.
- Doors for rear passengers.
- Space for rear passengers.
- The trunk is large.
- Tank volume is 65 liters, versus 42 liters on the three-door version.
- Large load capacity.
- Low price compared to foreign analogues.
- Prices for spare parts and maintainability.
Patency
There are times when, in terms of cross-country ability, it’s impossible to say one hundred percent which car is better, the short Niva or the long one, there are different reviews. It all depends on weather conditions, how many people are in the car, what kind of tires it costs. If we consider the situation that two cars are driving through shallow mud, then which Niva - short or long - is better? Most likely, the car that weighs more will pass, and the short car will get stuck. She won't have enough weight. But in those situations where there are no stones, or logs, or any obstacles, the short version will rush through due to its 220 mm wheelbase, and the long version, which is 50 cm longer in wheelbase, can land on an obstacle. In normal and dry weather conditions on dried mud, which is better - a short Niva or a long one? Most car owners believe that the VAZ-2121 will still win in terms of cross-country ability.
Interior
Getting into the interior of the Niva Urban 2022, it seems that time has stopped: the interior of the car has not changed for many years, hopelessly outdated by today. Elements of comfort are practically absent, as is at least some kind of multimedia system, and the interior is decorated with the same budget options of plastic and fabric, which quickly get dirty and do not cause pleasant tactile sensations. In addition, the build quality is still far from ideal, and the interior of even a new car rattles and makes other unpleasant sounds.
Driver's seat
The only device that somehow brings the car closer to 21st century standards is a simple music system. It is located in the lower part of the center console, under a row of deflectors and buttons for the electrical accessories and interior heating system.
Eventually
As a result, everything comes down again to tasks. If the goal is to get there and there is only one driver and passenger in the cabin, then the short Niva wins, it is light, small, nimble due to its weight, maneuverable, and can jump on any curb in the city. It’s like a small car in size, it’s easy to park, and even if the family has very small children, then the three-door version is just right, because the baby won’t fall out or accidentally open the door. On the five-door version there is no automatic locking, and a child can easily open the door. This is such a lyrical digression.
Short or long Niva - which is better? If comfort comes first, if the volume of the fuel tank, a large trunk and the convenience of rear passengers are important, but cross-country ability is a slight disadvantage, then you should give preference to a five-door car.
It would be best to take both cars for a test drive, drive each, sit inside the cabin both as a passenger and as a driver, and only then make a choice.
Photos of the salon
The next generation Lada Niva 2121 should receive a redesigned interior. It is expected that the Russian SUV will borrow many technologies from its colleague in the concern, Renault Duster. The interior will feature a new three-spoke steering wheel equipped with additional multimedia control keys. Instead of the Niva’s archaic dashboard, a new device will be installed with two informative analog “wells” for the speedometer and tachometer.
The developers claim improved quality of materials and sound insulation. Thus, the Niva received updated door cards, which allow more noise reduction to be placed inside. The ergonomics of the model will reach a new level - the center console will abandon the old-fashioned stove with “runners”, receiving a convenient air conditioning unit with three rotating handles.
Niva's finishing materials include soft plastic or non-staining fabric, which is used to upholster the updated chairs. The seats will change their profile, increasing lateral support and taking on an ergonomic shape. This will allow the driver to achieve a comfortable driving position. The Niva's seat backs will become thinner to provide more space for second-row passengers. Inserts made of decorative silver plastic are visible throughout the cabin, and on the central tunnel there is a gear selector lever next to the drive mode selection knob.
Luxury package: photo video 2022 2022
The car will be produced with several equipment options.
The classic version lacks a number of options: air conditioning or sound system. These innovations are available for the advanced configuration of the Lada Niva Lux. This also includes a multimedia system with an information screen located on the center console (the same option is available for Renault Duster). Below is an audio player, as well as a climate control unit. Leather is available as finishing materials for the Luxury version, which is used for the steering wheel and gearshift knob. Multi-stage heated front and rear seats are optional.
