Both cars Niva-2121 and Niva Urban are produced by one VAZ manufacturing plant - the Volga Automobile Plant. Only the first model is an ordinary passenger car, familiar to every Russian, and Urban is its luxury version. What is the difference between Niva Urban and the usual Niva 2121? All features will be discussed in this article.
Basic information about the car Niva 2121
Niva 2121 is also known as LADA 4 × 4 and is considered a cross-country vehicle. The manufacturing plant presents its creation as a small class off-road vehicle, which is equipped with:
- carrier-type body - station wagon, with three doors;
- transmission with permanent all-wheel drive;
- four-speed gearbox (manual);
- two-stage transfer case;
- center differential (with the possibility of blocking if necessary).
The high level of cross-country ability of the Niva 2121 is achieved due to the following characteristics:
- high ground clearance - 220 mm;
- small body overhangs - the angle of entry is 32 degrees, the exit angle is 37 degrees;
- short wheelbase - 2.2 meters;
- safety steering with telescopic shaft;
- steering mechanism in the form of a globoidal worm.
Serial production of this vehicle began in the days of the Soviet Union - in 1977, and continues to this day.
The first model of the Niva 2121 was developed and manufactured by VAZ specialists for off-road driving, while it did not have a covered body. Literally a year later, this SUV was equipped with a metal roof, which made it possible to recognize its high-class characteristics in the global automotive market. His package included:
- permanent four-wheel drive;
- independent front suspension;
- closed all-metal body of the bearing type;
- low cost.
Niva 2121 is recognized at the world level as the best off-road vehicle, while being the leader in AvtoVAZ export products. The high successes of this vehicle in motor sports are noted. This has been repeatedly confirmed at prestigious rally-raids - "Paris-Dakar", "Rally of the Pharaohs" and others.
In accordance with the requirements of progress, some details of the Niva 2121 design also changed. So, in 2016, changes were made:
- a modernized bearing has been introduced into the front hubs, which does not require periodic adjustments;
- improved steering knuckle;
- an independent type front axle gearbox mount was installed;
- installed gas-filled shock absorbers.
To date, several dozen different Niva 2121 models are known, including Niva Urban. This version of the three-door SUV began to be produced in 2014 on the Russian market, and in 2015 entered the German market.
Basic information about the car Niva Urban
This modification of the Niva went on sale in 2014 and was designed for those motorists who prefer off-road trips and urban asphalt roads (hence the name "Urban", that is, "urban").
Urban trends were reflected in the appearance of the vehicle. It has become less aggressive and more streamlined. This was due to a redesigned radiator grille. VAZ specialists also introduced a number of innovations in the configuration of the off-road vehicle. This is directly related to the opinion of experienced motorists and owners of other Niva 2121 models. The changes made Niva Urban suitable for many hours of driving through city traffic jams with the greatest comfort. The amenities of Niva Urban include:
- car air conditioner;
- glass with an athermal effect (thanks to them, the coolness in the car interior lasts longer);
- power window;
- electric drive;
- comfortable steering wheel;
- enlarged rear window cleaning area;
- heated mirrors.
But the new plastic bumpers are less practical than the old steel bumpers. But thanks to this change, Niva Urban has become shorter in length (3640 mm) and stockier. The lower center of gravity increased the steering stability of this vehicle, which improved its maneuverability during high-speed turns.
Compare Niva 2121 and Niva Urban
We have already mentioned some of the innovations made to the Niva Urban package. Experts say that all other changes are purely symbolic. Let's see if that's the case.
All changes can be divided into several groups:
- In the car showroom:
- steering wheel with a reduced wheel diameter - 380 mm (on a regular Niva 2121 - 420 mm);
- power windows;
- car air conditioner;
- heated seats for the driver and passengers;
- exterior mirrors are electronically adjustable and heated;
- new lining of the floor tunnel;
- the floor tunnel is equipped with two cup holders, a round ashtray, a cigarette lighter and a toggle switch to turn on the air conditioner;
- between the front seats there are buttons for turning on the power windows, a joystick for adjusting the position of the mirrors;
- the seats are upholstered with yellow-beige stitching;
- "Priorovsky" ceiling for interior lighting.
- In construction:
- removable towing device (on the bumpers under the plugs there is a thread for screwing in the eye);
- light alloy wheels;
- ICE with distributed injection;
- no cardans in the transmission;
- installed drive shafts with constant velocity joints to connect the transfer case with gearboxes;
- sealed cable sheath for opening the hood;
- two-jet washer nozzles;
- spring clamps in the cooling system;
- elongated wiper blades;
- Daytime Running Lights.
- In exterior design:
- new model of radiator grille;
- ornament on the back door;
- windshield seal does not have chrome inserts;
- black door handles;
- the painting technology was changed (two painting primers - cataphoretic and polyester);
- stylish body color - metallic cappuccino.
The small diameter of the steering wheel is justified by the fact that in this case it is more convenient for the driver to sit in the driver's seat. Thanks to the almost weightless control details, Niva Urban is easy to manage. Given the increased visibility, it has become much more rational to park.
New plastic bumpers are prone to scratching, especially when driving off-road. And the new body painting, thanks to a double primer, guarantees the durability of the coating with improved anti-corrosion protection. The capacity of the luggage compartment is designed for 265 liters. But this is not the limit. Trunk volume can be increased using a simple procedure: fold the rear row of seats. The resulting volume of the luggage compartment will be 585 liters. This is very convenient when transporting items that have large dimensions.
Is there a completely new Niva? As for me, the words about the novelty in the Russian auto industry sound like some kind of irony. Is it possible to call a novelty a model that is already more than thirty years old. And this car has already ceased to be called Niva - now it is Lada 4 × 4 Urban. But for some reason, the name "Niva" still cannot get out of my head. In Russia, this name has become a habit if we are talking about domestic SUVs. And now this is a full-fledged Lada 4 × 4 Urban with updated bumpers.
I must say that such a car never experiences problems with filled parking lots. The reason for this is the compact dimensions of the body and the excellent setting of the hydraulic booster. Moreover, an excellent overview from all sides is provided to the driver due to the large glass area.
The new name "Urban" is the top version of the Niva with an increased number of parameters and functions. In principle, most of them are in the base Lada model. For example, now in Lada 4 × 4 Urban air conditioning available , and power windows began to be equipped with an electric drive.
Not to mention alloy wheels. The shade of the updated SUV has changed slightly. Now it's a white apple. But by choosing the top package, the client will receive metallic silver .
Another urban detail is the bumper, improved sound insulation and electrically heated side mirrors. The changes also affected the interior - now the seats are covered with a very colorful fabric in orange. But in general, there were no tangible changes in the cabin. This is all the same classics that were popular in the 90s in Russia.
What's new in Lada 4 x 4 Urban
As an addition, we can note a brand new pad for cup holders, the presence of keys to turn on the heating of the front seats and control the climate control.
The driver and passenger seats are filled with dense material. The cover itself is very pleasant to the touch. The seats function perfectly and are adjusted to any person, regardless of height. But the back seat remains just as uncomfortable. There are equipment and devices for installation child seat .
Looking into the salon, the lights that are located on the rack and ceiling immediately catch your eye. Their design is made in the retro style of the Soviet era.
Reversing lights and turn signals contain sealing elements. In principle, they were used back in 2009, so little has changed in this regard.
There is no need to talk much about how seat heating works, you need to personally experience it. It seems that you can safely fry an omelette on it. As they say "Tashkent". But the air conditioner does not cope at all, so before turning on the stove, think carefully about whether you will fry in the kit with heated seats. And, of course, the minus in terms of comfort is that the windows cannot be opened to the fullest.
New door handles and fuel cap lock
The changes affected the door handles and now they are black. The tank lid does not lock.
But the cork has an advertising sticker, it is not clear why it is pasted. You can pour fluid into the rear window washer through the trunk. Through additionally installed levers, you can get to the dispenser. The dipped beam is switched on through the demultiplier. The fact that it is turned on is indicated by a light located on the central panel.
Who is the new Lada 4 x 4 Urban for?
Niva has already experienced many modifications and has become more and more popular for young clientele . Yes, you heard right, among the very young people who eat fast food and take selfies at every turn, Niva began to be in demand. In other countries, retro-style cars are also constantly produced for these members of the population. Everything is much simpler in Russia, because our manufacturers do not need to invent anything new, because there is the good old Niva, which can be turned into a Lada 4 × 4 Urban with simple manipulations.
The main question is how adequately the youth, who loves comfort so much, will react to what the Lada 4 × 4 Urban will offer. I had to experience all these subtleties in convenience personally. Let's take at least the fact that leaving the headlights on, and completely forgetting about it, the car owner will not receive any sound warnings about this. The headlights will burn at least a day until the battery runs out.
In addition, Lada 4x4 does not have a central lock. Therefore, each door must always be closed individually. But you could have come up with something. It is also worth mentioning in the minuses that the doors close very noisily and hard. That's right, Russian cars are designed for strong Russian men.
What improvements have occurred in the cabin of the new Lada Urban
The instrument panel can be called a real example of informing. There are two switches to the left of the steering drum. They are responsible for the turn signals and the inclusion of high beams. There is also a horn on top of the steering spokes.
In general, Lada 4 × 4 Urban is still made for people and some notes of comfort and ideal are visible in it. For example, you can say a few words about the high ground clearance, which all nivovods are proud of. And here thresholds are not protected at all , so you can pretty dirty your clothes. As before, to get into the back seat, you need to slightly fold the front seat and make room for passage. The same is true when disembarking a passenger. Everything is simple.
The view that the side mirrors provide is quite good. The air conditioner does not help to cope with the humid air. Therefore, in the rainy season, the glass will sweat inside.
The trunk of the new Lada 4×4 Urban
You need to be more careful with the tailgate. The compartment itself is not very deep. First of all, the door must be pulled using force so that it moves away from the opening. After that, you will have to dodge, as the stops begin to dynamically push the lid to the maximum height.
Under the resulting canopy would fit a very tall person. In the same way, you need to carefully close the lid. Otherwise, you will hear a roar that will frighten everyone around you. The trunk can only be opened from inside the car. For this, a handle is provided, which is located immediately on the body panel on the driver's side. If you fold the rear sofa, then the compartment space will be increased.
Surprised by the location of the spare wheel. If this is not a mistake, then it means that the assemblers are not competent. Opening the hood, the power unit immediately catches your eye, and next to it is the same spare wheel. In fact, this is a very dangerous decision of manufacturers. And if an accident happens, then the wheel will simply spring back and transfer all the impact directly to the engine. And in Lada 4 × 4 Urban, there are enough problems with reliability that have grown over the centuries, so now another one has been added.
The fact that Lada 4 × 4 Urban is started using the left hand is an unexpected event. Gear shifting is precise and smooth at the same time. It is a pity that the transmission lever is quite long, so you have to make sweeping movements. Pleased with the clutch pedal. Not to say that it is hard to press, but you can’t call it easy either. There is some sense of amorphousness. We move from the place and feel some incomprehensible feeling. It seems that the car is ready to go outside, involuntarily you begin to want to immediately turn on the second gear.
Features of managing the new Lada Urban
It is highly recommended not to start stretching movements. In this case, Lada 4 × 4 Urban will start to twitch. It feels like it's about to run out of gas. Pay attention and try to hold the gas pedal. The tachometer needle can reach 3500 rpm. It is at this moment that Lada 4 × 4 will start working like a real Russian SUV and will catch up with the crankshaft to 5,000 revolutions.
Naturally, it is difficult to call such an engine and its speed dynamic, but acceleration is felt. But there is no need to talk about how much the unit starts to roar. It all starts with the fact that the engine itself roars, and after it it spreads noise from gearbox . As soon as you lower the gas pedal, Niva seems to begin to sigh. Less sound is heard after shifting up gears.
Passability of the new version of the Niva
There are legends about the passability of the Niva. All this is preserved in the new version of Urban. Thanks to the smart combination of a compact wheelbase with perfect clearance, the car is ready to go where no human has gone before. The first ABS has been installed in Lada 4×4 since 2012. Then in 2016 this system became standard. But our test car does not have one, as it was released back in 2015.
Since 2009, a hydraulic booster has been installed on the former Niva. It is thanks to him that the steering wheel scrolls so easily. The efficiency of the steering system is admirable. Despite the fact that the tires have a rather high profile, it goes smoothly and briskly enters into turns. In general, with the handling of Lada-Niva, complete clarity. The car glides by, as if under tension.
Togliatti professionals are engaged in the manufacture of an engine with a volume of 1.7 liters. The motor block itself is cast from cast iron material, and the head is made from aluminum alloy.
Is it possible to go to Europe on the new Lada Urban
It must be said that almost all Niva, including Lada 4 × 4 Urban, fully comply with environmental standards according to the European standard of the fifth category.
In the old days, air conditioning was installed only in Lada Urban. They started selling back in 2014. But now even a simple Lada, released in a luxury configuration, is equipped with a conder. If you install this system separately, you will have to pay about 30 thousand rubles. Other additional options for the new Lada are shown in the table below.
Lada 4×4 Urban — equipment and prices
If we are not talking about Lada as a whole, but about a Russian SUV worth just 500 thousand rubles, then the car is very attractive and has unique features and advantages. Prices and configurations are shown in the table below.
Firstly, it will go through any difficult road, you can buy it quite inexpensively and it does not age by leaps and bounds, because the classics do not age.
The new Niva is available in seven colors, including a metallic shade.
New Niva Urban, which we will talk about today, has noticeably freshened up in appearance, which is confirmed by numerous photographs that have flooded the network. On photo Niva Urban 2015 model year, the most striking attributes of a well-worn compact SUV are striking.
Firstly, the bumpers are now plastic and tightly attached to the body, it would seem such a trifle, but how it transforms the entire exterior. In place of the bumpers put a more interesting grille. The door frames are no longer shiny, but black, like the door handles. Thresholds are also painted black. There are new, large and comfortable mirrors painted in body color. All this gives a complete and harmonious image. new Lada Urban. See photos of the car below.
Photo Niva Urban 2015
Price Niva Urban 2015
In fact, Niva Urban is a luxury version of the usual Lada 4x4. The cabin has air conditioning, fabric upholstery of a more decent look, large mirrors with heating and adjustment, alloy wheels, improved sound insulation, power windows. In technical terms, nothing has seriously changed yet, the same engine, transmission. Today the price of Niva Urban is 438,000 rubles.
Specifications of the new Niva Urban
Characteristics of Niva Urban regarding the engine and transmission remained the same, but the manufacturer announces an upgrade. An old, noisy (due to the chain drive) and voracious 8-valve VAZ-21214 gasoline engine with a power of 83 hp. they want to replace it with a more economical 1.6-liter engine with a timing belt and a lightweight connecting rod and piston group. New Niva Urban engine VAZ-11186 is capable of developing 87 hp. with the same 8-valve, but at the same time provide 143 Nm of torque, against 129 Nm with today's engine. In addition to improving dynamics, such a replacement will provide serious fuel savings.
As for the transmission, there are still three incomprehensible levers in the cabin, for urbanized citizens. According to preliminary information, only one lever will be left this year, this is the gearshift lever. The “razdatka” and “lower” levers will be removed, instead, the all-wheel drive will be switched on by means of an electric clutch, by simply pressing a button. Tests new version of Niva Urban transmission are already underway. The photo is attached below.
The electronic activation of the 4x4 all-wheel drive transmission will get rid of the hum and vibration of the transfer case in the Niva Urban cabin. Further, the main characteristics of a compact SUV that are relevant today. Of the significant changes in dimensions, a slight decrease in ground clearance and a change in the total length of the car can be noted. The length has decreased due to new, more compact bumpers.
Dimensions of the new Niva Urban, clearance
- Length - 3640 mm
- Width - 1690 mm
- Height - 1640 mm
- Wheelbase - 2200 mm
- Ground clearance - 200 mm
- Trunk volume - 265 liters (with the rear seat folded down - 585 liters.)
- Tire size - 175/80 R16 or 185/75 R16
- Engine displacement - 1690 cm3
- Power - 83 hp (61 kW) at a torque of 129 Nm
- Acceleration to 100 km / h - 17 seconds
- Maximum speed - 142 km / h
- Fuel consumption in mixed mode - 9.7 liters
- Gearbox - 5 tbsp. mechanical
- Transmission - 4x4
Recently, there have been intense rumors that the new Niva Urban can get a VAZ-21128 engine with a working volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 120 hp. This power unit is put on limited batches of the Lada Priora model in the Togliatti company Super-Auto. There are even experimental samples of the new NIVA with such a motor. However, how much the Niva will rise in price with such an engine is not clear.
While many Niva fans are waiting for the release of a completely modified model, AvtoVAZ decided to restyle the old version, which will become a little more modern, but retain common features in appearance, as well as modest interior equipment. Niva Urban 2018 will still remain an unpretentious workhorse, which was the old model, and will be better able to overcome all sorts of off-road conditions.
The car will hardly change in appearance. Still, it will be a square device, which does not have a relief at all, however, it will still be possible to find some new elements here.
The new model no longer has a flat hood - it was supplemented by a small in-depth stripe. The angle of inclination of the windshield has slightly decreased, due to which it is now located almost perpendicular to the hood.
The photo clearly shows that the grill covering the radiator has been updated. Now it is a strongly protruding plastic insert with a large number of cutouts. Along its edges are placed exactly the same as before, round headlights with a simple halogen filling. Fog lights, as well as turning lights, have moved to the top.
From below there is now nothing but a massive body kit made of metal, which is also complemented by a plastic insert and protection for the subframe.
To find any changes on the side of the car, you need to be well versed in cars. There are very few obvious changes - new mirrors, wheels and door handles. Everything else is the materials from which many elements are made. Now these are better metal alloys that increase safety.
The new body has changed the most at the rear. The shape of the tailgate has changed slightly, a strip of stop lights has been added, and the dimensions have received a new shape. The body kit was also strengthened, because of which it became even more beautiful.
Salon
Unfortunately, what really required changes did not receive them. We are talking about the interior, in which there is nothing attractive at all. The new Niva Urban 4x4 2018 model year does not have any elements that increase comfort, does not even have the simplest multimedia, and still gets off with cheap plastic and fabric, which are not very pleasant to the touch.
The most expensive part on the dashboard is the simplest audio system. It is located at the very bottom of the panel. Above it are several rows of deflectors, stove settings and other useful options.
The tunnel is best made in the car. It houses the settings and controls for the gearbox, chassis, parking brake and even two cup holders. Another hole is located at the very beginning, and it is quite roomy.
In addition to its main functions, the steering wheel can also control the lighting of the road using two buttons on the spokes. The steering wheel itself looks unpleasant and feels about the same in the hands. Under a wide rectangular visor, pointer instruments are placed showing the speed at which the car is moving, as well as the speed developed by the motor. On-board computer is not provided.
The chairs are the most uncomfortable here. Fabric upholstery, hard filling, lack of lateral support and generally no safety features - all this is about the seats in the Niva. But in a rich configuration, you can find heating, which is quite unexpected. If you can still somehow sit in front, then only children can normally accommodate in the back, since there is practically no legroom between the rows. The sofa itself is not wide and short, although it is designed to seat three passengers.
The trunk has also grown a little in the car, but it is still not enough to travel normally when there are more than two people in the car.
Specifications
Like the old Niva, Lada Urban 2018 does not have a wide range of engines, the characteristics of which will be at least somewhat similar to what can be found from competitors. Only one gasoline power unit is placed here, the volume of which is 1.7 liters, and the power is only 83 forces. Together with all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission, the car can accelerate to a hundred in an unthinkable 17 seconds, which is a very, very long time. At the same time, the consumption of such a system is enormous - up to 13 liters in the city and 7 on the highway. The advantages of the machine can be considered a transfer case and locks of all differentials that are only available in the chassis. As the test drive showed, the car is completely unsuitable for everyday trips both around the city and on the highway, but few people can argue with it off-road.
Options and prices
The minimum set of options for Niva Urban 2018 is represented by a stove, cigarette lighter, manual adjustments and power windows, fabric interior, anti-lock braking system, a full range of off-road systems, power steering and other simple functions. The price for this version of the car will be 450 thousand.
To get the most charged modification, you will have to pay 80 thousand. This will also include an air conditioning system, heating for the first row seats, rear parking sensors, electric lifts for the front row windows, a slightly better interior trim and one airbag.
Release date in Russia
According to representatives of AvtoVAZ, the start of sales in Russia will begin in January 2018. A few weeks later, the car will go to the markets of neighboring countries.
Competitors
Now the market of both our country and others is being actively filled with compact SUVs. This is due to the fact that the fashion for them has reappeared. In addition to the Niva, we are in great demand, and. These models can be purchased at a relatively low cost, but you will not achieve a high level of comfort and safety from them. Devices such as, and are somewhat better equipped. They cost much more, but these machines are at a higher level of performance.
The VAZ "Niva" has a chance to repeat the record of the VAZ "classics": if the "Lada" was produced for 42 years, then an SUV built on "classic" units, in order to surpass such a dubious achievement, needs to hold out on the assembly line for the next four years. Will the old lady survive? During those 16 months that Bo Andersson is in charge of the plant, the finish line of the Nivov career has been postponed three times already!
Recall that "in the pre-Andersson era" the VAZ-2121 SUV was given time until 2006. But since demand did not fall, in 2009 the car underwent a deep technical update, which made it possible to delay the inevitable retirement for at least a decade. And when Andersson was shown the current car, the new president, without any hesitation, said: the release must be extended until 2021! But - subject to mandatory modernization.
From this approach, the engineers, accustomed to saving every penny and hardly knocking out even minimal improvements for the ancient structure, were frankly stunned, although the project for a radical renovation for the Swede was promptly prepared. It turned out according to the principle of "walk like a walk": new engine, steering and interior, floor mats, improved transmission and chassis...
The most important innovation was to be the appearance of another engine. Instead of the current 85-horsepower "Zhiguli" unit with a volume of 1.7 liters (which does not differ in elasticity due to the working range clamped between 3000 and 4500 rpm), it was planned to install a derated engine from Priora with a volume of 1.6 liters: with the same power, it would have an important characteristic for an SUV - "maximum torque at a minimum speed."
There were also plans - bend your fingers! - the introduction of a steering rack instead of a worm gear and an electric drive of the transfer case (this would allow removing a pair of “transmission” levers from the passenger compartment), a complete restructuring of the climate system, which would allow us to abandon the ancient “sliders” by switching to rotary knobs ...
But when the crisis broke out, the modernization project was recognized as economically unjustified. And it was decided: let the current Lada 4x4 be produced until 2017 (unless, of course, demand collapses), and only when the Niva-3 debuts will the old woman be sent to rest. Only a change of interior was recognized as justified (the new salon will be shown to the public in a year), refinement of the “climate” and small “technical changes” like other wheel bearings and door locks. And nothing more.
However, the new engine may well appear under the hood of the “old Niva”! Known for its 1.8-liter engines for the Priora, the Togliatti company Super-Auto has prepared a project for finalizing the old engine: increasing the working volume to 1800 “cubes” (by installing a new crankshaft and increasing the piston stroke) made it possible to increase power to 93 hp and torque to 150 Nm.
Also, the "super-auto" realized another old dream of the VAZ - they got rid of the levers for blocking the central differential and switching on the downshift. The filling of the "razdatka" remained the same, but a pair of electric drives was added: the electric motor cocks the spring, which moves the fork, and when the teeth stand up as needed (this scheme is called "delayed start"), the specified mode is turned on - "lock", "lower" or both together . Comfortable!
Alain Dibuan, who is now responsible for the fate of the model, really liked the 1.8-liter Lada 4x4. But it is not clear that such a car will reach the assembly line - just before the May holidays, information appeared that the contract of the VAZ vice president for products and programs would soon expire ... And if the Frenchman leaves his post, the project may stall.
But what about the next generation of Niva? Its release was originally scheduled for 2017. However, a more realistic date is now called - 2019 (then the production of Lada 4x4 will also be stopped). According to our information, in order to speed up the development process, some VAZ workers suggested taking the current Shniva (nee Niva-2) as a basis, especially since the appearance of the second generation of the Russian-American SUV was supposed to release welding and stamping equipment ...
The offer was like this. Take the “Shnivy” power frame, which is “weighed” with other body panels in order to change the appearance, instead of the “classic” engine, use the new 1.8 (it is now being developed by AvtoVAZ), and the congenital misalignment of the gearbox and the “razdatki” fixed only on two supports is eternal source of terrible vibrations - eliminate by installing a subframe.
But Andersson believes that the car of the 1977 model needs to be finalized! With an eye on the current and future Shnivy. Which will greatly complicate development. That is why "Niva-3" at the current stage is just a couple of slow-moving layouts, on which proportions, layout and design are being worked out. So far, the Russians want the third-generation SUV to resemble the current Lada 4x4 in size, and at the same time be produced in both 3-door and 5-door versions.
With the new Chevrolet Niva, the situation is much clearer - the second-generation car is almost ready. By the way, VAZ sources claim that the Americans were given the rights only to the Niva brand, in Latin. While AvtoVAZ continues to be the owner of the trademark written in Cyrillic. But GM-AvtoVAZ claims that both spellings belong only to them.
The problem could be resolved radically. Renault-Nissan allocates money, and AvtoVAZ buys out GM's share, thanks to which Niva gets rid of the Chevrolet prefix forever (the shares of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture are divided in half: one half - from the Russian auto giant, the second - from the General Motors concern). But the Americans, despite the recent capitulation, refused to leave the joint venture! How they refused to allocate money for the development of the plant ...
Because of this, the creation of the second generation Chevrolet Niva stalled. No, contrary to the statements of the GM press service, the project is by no means frozen, the engineers are not fired, but it is impossible to bring the car to the assembly line without proper funding, which means that instead of full-fledged development, there is sluggish floundering. And the extension of the release of the existing Shnivy for an indefinite period.
But! Firstly, the enterprise is obliged to stop assembling the current Chevrolet Niva until the end of 2016, when the Vehicle Type Approval (OTTA) ends. Secondly, the SUV will have to ... significantly rise in price. Since the Americans violated the terms of the industrial assembly agreement with their sudden departure, the state is no longer obliged to compensate the recycling fee to the enterprise! And who needs an expensive car not the first freshness?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade unexpectedly decided to save the situation. This has not yet been announced, but the department of Denis Manturov is ready to make concessions: extend the OTTS until at least the end of 2017 and make an exception regarding the scrap collection. During this time, the governments - both Russian and regional - promise to attract borrowed funds and start producing Shnivy-2.
According to our information, Russian banks from the “Big Three”, which include Sberbank, VEB and VTB, are ready to provide a loan against state guarantees, so now the CEO of the joint venture, Jeffrey Glover, is working on a detailed action plan, the main details of which will be presented to the public just one of these days. So the new Chevrolet Niva will definitely appear. Just not for American, but for Russian - albeit credit - money.
Accordingly, the new production, designed to produce 120,000 bodies annually, and the new engine plant, where they will launch the production of 1.8-liter gasoline engines (135 hp and 170 Nm) under license from PSA Peugeot Citroen, will be completed and launched . (The project for the production of power units is being implemented with the money of the Togliatti Plant of Precision Parts and the Indian corporation Avtec).
In the meantime, the new Shnivy rolls test kilometers. The “winter” tests have already ended, the driving tests are in full swing. Suppliers are ready to start producing the necessary components. When will production cars appear? Everything will become clear after Glover's speech. If Russian banks promptly finance the project (which must first be approved by shareholders and the management of the joint venture), then the premiere of the Chevrolet Niva-2 will take place at the 2017 Moscow Motor Show.
Alexey Kovanov
