A standard three-door Niva in the most expensive version will cost 760 thousand rubles. The cheapest Niva Bronto is 200 thousand more expensive if we talk about the Luxe version. And the Prestige package will cost more than a million!
Each of you can win a Lada Niva SUV. To do this, just vote in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix and choose the best cars in each of the eleven classes. You can fill out the form here. Voting ends on February 28, 2022.
Off-road add-ons
A real SUV is not only a powerful engine, adjustable suspension and a reinforced body. These are also functional accessories that will help the car perform transport tasks and get out of difficult situations without outside help. “Niva 2121” is quite suitable for such additions. Off-road tuning in the form of additional accessories may include the installation of an expedition rack and a winch.
Both elements fit organically into the design of the machine, significantly expanding its functionality. The roof rack is selected for installation on the roof in accordance with the user's requirements regarding the type of fastening, maintenance and dimensions. If we talk about the winch, then it makes sense to use a modern electric version, which will save the car enthusiast from painstaking manual work.
Purpose
As stated above, the Niva was initially designed for off-road use. The cheapest analogues with such “tractor” cross-country ability cost a lot of money (10 times more), so buying a VAZ 2121 for driving on roads without hard surfaces pays off 100%. Ice, snow-swept winter roads, mud, and deep potholes against which “foreigners” break the suspension are no obstacles for this car. There is only one conclusion - you can drive a VAZ 2121 almost anywhere, even cross the desert.
Niva VAZ 2131 “crocodile” – all-terrain station wagon
Having driven the Krok, I realized that this is a completely special car, to which spare parts from the Niva-three-door fit. I will slowly post my observations, maybe it will help someone choose an inexpensive and very practical car. You immediately come across a lot of skeptics. Orthodox short-lived drivers talk about “geometric cross-country ability.” Where the blood does not pass in non-madness, there is silence. UAZ drivers are burning, they say, there is only one SUV in the world and UAZ is its name. I want a UAZ and somehow it will appear in the stall. But I don’t see any point in changing the Kroc universal for him. There are lovers of foreign cars.
Like, I didn’t save up, why did I get out of the apartment? At the same time, slowing down in front of every bump or bump - suddenly the cutie will get scratched. Old jeepers are an option, but there are fewer and fewer of them left unused and spare parts with service are increasingly more expensive. There is a chance to win half a million capital. Well, belly hunters would be quite a healthy class to switch to local UAZs and Nivas on the hunting grounds... if not for Russian roads. Krok, with a long wheelbase and strong suspension, simply eats them up and provokes them to drive more. This car is a real discovery of Russia for yourself and your family!
And also interesting: On a Chevrolet Niva, the check light came on for a long time to start | Chevrolet
What we have. Niva stock 2007, purchased in 2009 from a pensioner for 220 thousand. He was afraid of it, only went to the dacha and kept it all winter in a garage next to the small city Oka. I took Krok at 23 thousand miles, now it’s under 60. It eats about 9-10 on the highway, maybe less, maybe more, depending on the gas and wind (the aerodynamics are not fast).
Pros and cons of a regular Niva compared to a Chevy Niva
Let us highlight the characteristic features relating to both the 21st Niva and subsequent models VAZ-21213 and VAZ-21214. We will not consider the Long Niva (VAZ-2131), pickup truck (VAZ-2329) and other modifications. So, let's start with the undeniable advantages of the regular Niva compared to the Shevik:
- Patency. Due to the short wheelbase, the 21st model has better geometric cross-country ability.
- Price. In the same condition, a regular Niva will be 1.5-2 times cheaper than a Shevik.
- Availability and low cost of spare parts. Especially for body parts.
- "Psychological passability." An ordinary Niva is not so scary to be scratched or slightly dented, unlike a Chevrolet.
- The best predisposition for off-road tuning.
Now let's list the disadvantages of the 21st Niva compared to the Chevrolet Niva:
- Low level of comfort. Noise, vibration, lack of power steering (on old Nivas), uncomfortable driving position.
- Outdated design. Although this is a controversial point, because the design of an ordinary Niva is recognizable all over the world, which cannot be said about the Shniva.
- Poor aerodynamics.
- Poor handling on the highway.
- Cramped interior. This includes an uncomfortable seating position in the back row and a small trunk.
Everything is clear with the advantages and disadvantages of the regular Niva compared to the Shevik. Let's move on to the Chevrolet Niva.
Increased engine thrust
There is no point in turning the Niva into another variation of an SUV by reworking everything anew, but there will be a very noticeable effect if we improve the existing hardware and replace some frankly outdated systems of the VAZ 2121 Niva. Tuning the power plant, first of all, affects the gas distribution system - in this part, the cross-sections in the passages of the valve seats should be increased and the valves themselves should be replaced with lighter ones. Next, the cross-sections of the exhaust/intake channels and in the manifold increase. It is important that the interface between the valve head and the manifold is provided.
It is also worth installing a camshaft in the head, which can operate at low and medium thrust. We must pay tribute to the “original” elements of the SUV - the pistons, rings and crankshaft are made of high quality, so they do not need to be replaced. However, due to the increase in power, it is worth reviewing the cooling system by installing a radiator with a larger area of action.
Power potential and dynamics
In the first generation, the Niva 2121 car was equipped with passenger car engines of the 2106 series with a power of 80 horsepower. Subsequently, the unit was improved due to ignition and power systems, which as a result affected fuel consumption. The engine also received a Solex carburetor, and its power increased to 82.8 hp. With.
In terms of dynamics, it is important to note that the three-door VAZ 2121 is not designed for speed records. This is evidenced by specific indicators - for example, it takes an SUV 19 seconds to reach “hundreds”, and the maximum does not exceed 137 km/h. Unfortunately, the fuel consumption data is also not impressive: in city mode the car consumes 13 liters, and in combined mode – 10.8 liters.
Extreme drive
By definition, this car cannot provide high speeds: the engine in it is rather weak, we have already mentioned aerodynamics. However, even at relatively low speeds, driving the Niva requires good reaction and nerves of steel: the gearbox knob regularly jams or stops falling into the right grooves, the car constantly skids, and steering becomes necessary even on dry roads on a summer day.
Instrument readings develop intuition well: what exactly the jumping arrows point to can only be guessed by a person who has driven at least a hundred thousand on the Niva.
Additional adrenaline is added by constantly fogging (freezing in winter) windows, which the entire population of the car is busy fighting. There is practically no sound insulation in the car: even when accelerating to 20 km/h, you get the impression that you are in a Boeing taking off.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the extreme inefficiency of the machine. Even on a good track with a smooth surface, the engine will consume the same 8-12 liters
, as in the city. And eight is if you regularly languish over your “horse”, and he is in good shape. The usual standard is about ten.
Specifications
In its modern version, the VAZ 2121 is still distinguished by its small dimensions with a monocoque body. Thanks to the optimal ground clearance, the car provides good cross-country ability, and the elongated body made a convenient five-door configuration possible. However, a three-door version has also been preserved, which has smaller dimensions. Otherwise, the Niva 4x4 2121 remained unchanged, and its technical data can be presented as follows:
- Width – 168 cm.
- Height – 164 cm.
- Length – 372 cm.
- Ground clearance – 22 cm.
- Base – 220 cm.
- Curb weight – 1210 kg.
- Load capacity 400 kg.
- Wheel formula – 4x4.
- Body type – station wagon.
- Transmission – 5-speed manual.
- Fuel - grade AI-92.
Also interesting: Engine tuning: Niva 4x4 - increasing power using common methods "
Economical
The efficiency of any car largely depends on driving style, and in relation to SUVs this factor plays a decisive role. Attempts to drive any of the cars under discussion in a “sports” style with sudden starts and braking will lead to terrible excess fuel consumption. After all, when accelerating, we will not only accelerate the mass of the car, but also intensively spin many shafts and gears, each of which has its own moment of inertia. Everyone remembers how difficult it was in childhood to start the “inertia” machine and start accelerating it across the floor. In absolute terms, a UAZ will consume 30–40 percent more fuel than a Lada 4x4 or Chevrolet Niva. Among the latter, the Shniva will provide slightly lower fuel consumption at high speeds - thanks to slightly better aerodynamics.
Suspension tuning
At this stage, you need to calculate in advance which wheels will be used in the future. Since the front suspension travel will become a mandatory element of improvement (can be increased by about 4.5 cm), the lift will be about 3.5 cm, and it will be possible to install R15 tires with discs with an offset of ET-20 or ET-40. The first option is preferable, since possible work with the body kit will be easier, and the chassis bearings will receive less load.
An updated suspension lift may require appropriate corrections to be made to the position of the tie rod ends of the Niva 2121 SUV. It is advisable to perform tuning in the suspension with high-quality adjustable shock absorbers. For example, you can choose a model with 9 positions with rigidity settings. Moreover, the domestic “all-terrain vehicle” is fully compatible with models whose rigidity is automatically adjusted via remote control.
Exterior tuning
After such changes, the appearance cannot be left without modifications. Moreover, the exterior should be reconsidered not only based on the interests of attractiveness, but also for practical purposes. In terms of design, the update should include the installation of a body kit and a front protective structure - the so-called kenguryatnik.
Installing a guardrail should not cause any particular difficulties, and if necessary, you can also add a gate at the back for the spare wheel. Well, as decorative elements, it makes sense to choose an original protective film for body decoration. Again, in addition to its aesthetic function, such a coating will act as a good protection for the paintwork base off-road.
Reinforcement with protective elements
When driving off-road, the car must confidently cope with various obstacles, in which power additions will help it. To minimize damage from water elements, it is necessary to seal the air filter and move the intake outlet to the roof. Next, the ignition system is waterproofed.
The main functions of protecting the front part have already been taken over by the body kit and the guard, but protection on the sides is also required for the Niva 2121 car. Tuning provides for this purpose power thresholds, among other things, protruding and supporting elements for the jack. Of course, the SUV's protection extends to the engine.
Also interesting: Chevrolet Niva vs Renault Duster | Test drives
Reliability
From this point of view, Lada 4x4 and Chevrolet Niva are quite close. This was also influenced by the fact that, on the one hand, Shniva was created as a result of a deep modernization of the ordinary Niva, and then reverse unification began. Many components and technical solutions from the “foreign car” began to be used on the Lada 4x4. In general, the reliability of these machines is considered average, especially considering the harsh operating conditions into which their owners are often forced.
UAZ Patriot is a design from a completely different world. The history of the model stretches back to the first all-wheel drive passenger cars in the country. The army was considered the main customer for more than half a century, and therefore the vehicle had to be quite large, spacious, and repaired “on the knee.” Of course, now the car has gone far in terms of comfort and power from the “commander” UAZ. Some units have become completely different, but their reliability is still poor. Moreover, the added comfort systems, coupled with other options, also sometimes do not work flawlessly. So, unfortunately, the Patriot has the lowest reliability rating of the three.
Owner's review of cross-country ability
Hello dear, I want to share my opinion and leave my review about the VAZ 2121 Niva car. In my opinion, this is the most successful car with excellent cross-country ability and appearance, invented back in that century and produced to this day. What, what, but the quality of “cross-country ability” cannot be taken away from the Niva. Through mud, through mountains, through a ford, off-road, in winter and summer it rushes like a tank. This field is intended for villages, urban-type settlements, and small provincial towns with poor road surface, where it is not speed that is important, but cross-country ability. The car is wonderful for romantics, fishermen, hunters, and just normal people who love nature in hard-to-reach places.
My friend and I went fishing in his Niva and covered a lot of kilometers in the Ural Mountains. It never let me down on the road, although after fishing it required a good repair.
Driving the Niva on highways and good roads is not very comfortable. Although it accelerates and maintains a good speed of about 100 km. an hour, but the cabin gets a little noisy due to the working transfer case. But overall the car is great, the driving experience has more positive emotions than negative ones.
Pros: High ground clearance. four driving wheels. Strong, reliable bumpers. It's easy to find a spare part. Disadvantages: VAZ stopped serial production. “Crickets” in the control panel. Noisy in the cabin when driving at high speed.
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How to prepare a field for off-roading
The choice of a Niva car is, as a rule, determined by the optimal ratio of price and consumer qualities.
The cross-country ability of this car is slightly higher when compared with foreign cars. Even if such cross-country ability does not suit the owner, it is necessary to prepare the Niva for off-road use. At the same time, the training program should not contain unnecessary costs, but at the same time maintain the versatility of the machine, without turning it into a tractor. You will need
- The original Niva car. Off-road preparation kits.
Instructions
1
Install a special camshaft that shifts the peak torque towards low speeds. This is the simplest and most financially beneficial way to slightly increase torque and increase traction at the bottom. At the same time, sand the intake and exhaust ports of the cylinder head and the intake manifold.
2
Seal
air
filter and install a snorkel to overcome water obstacles. Remove the standard fan, and instead install a double electric fan with forced control from the passenger compartment. When overcoming a deep ford, it can be turned off so as not to flood the ignition system with water. Equip the ignition system itself with additional waterproofing.
3
Install larger wheels to increase ground clearance. Practice shows that the optimal size is 235/75R15. When installing such wheels, road
clearance
increases to 245 mm. Even larger wheels will increase the stress on the transmission and reduce its reliability.
4
Install the wheels
disks
15 x 6 inches to accommodate wider tires. To compensate for the weight of wider wheels, the rims should be
choose
forged.
5
Install the main pairs with a gear ratio of 4.7 instead of the standard 3.9. This will give some reserve of traction without significant losses in dynamism and speed. An intermediate option is the main pairs with the number 4.3 from the VAZ-2101.
6
You can “raise” the suspension to accommodate larger wheels by using longer springs at the front and spring spacers at the rear.
7
Enlarge the wheel arches. Cover the cut areas with soft wing extensions.
8
Install long-travel shock absorbers to increase suspension travel. Adjustable shock absorbers are recommended to allow
tune
suspension for new characteristics. Strengthen the shock absorber mounting points and front side members.
9
Equip the rear axle with a self-locking differential.
10
Check and install (if necessary) the front towing eyes. Better yet, hooks. Place a towbar at the rear.
11
Strengthen the bumpers by placing a standard pipe, profile or channel inside. Strengthen the thresholds. Install a baby carrier.
12
Install an electric winch with a traction force of 3-4 tons. You can put it on the front bumper or inside the trunk (if the Niva is preparing for competitions and not for long trips).
Helpful advice
The original vehicle must be in good working order and, if possible, not very worn out.
