"Chevrolet Niva" is a joint development of domestic and American car builders. To be more precise, Russian specialists worked on the creation of this car, and their foreign colleagues brought it to full readiness and launched it into mass production. Under the Chevrolet brand, the car has been presented since 2002. Let us consider in more detail the characteristics of the new Chevrolet Niva and the history of its creation.
A bit of history
Chevrolet Niva is a five-door SUV belonging to the SUV class. Production of the all-wheel drive VAZ-2121 Niva began in 1977. The abbreviation NIVA means "The Best Invention of the Volga Automobile Plant" and its name has nothing to do with wheat fields and plowing. Despite the fact that the car was given such an ambitious name, unfortunately, it did not fully justify itself. Initially, the SUV was created for residents of agricultural regions, but since the price of a car was high, not everyone could buy it. The model was very popular due to its good performance and simplicity of design. At the Moscow Motor Show in 1998, AvtoVAZ presented a concept car that was supposed to replace the outdated Niva. It cannot be said that it was radically different from its predecessor, but one of the innovations was the five-door body. New model under the index VAZ-2123 appeared in 2001, but it was never put into mass production due to financial problems. The Niva brand as a result of the situation that arose was sold to the American concern General Motors. American specialists thoroughly finalized the Niva, introducing about 1,700 changes to its design. The following year, the first Niva car was produced under the Chevrolet brand. The old modification of the VAZ-2121 was renamed "Lada 4x4". In 2009 was held restyling Chevrolet Niva: the exterior has been changed, the interior has received a new finish, improved sound insulation, as well as other technical innovations.
Waiting for the release of the next generation model
Soon the third generation of the popular domestic SUV model was supposed to roll off the assembly line, but, as the manufacturer announced, the project was frozen, and new generation will appear in the world at best only by 2018. The updated Niva was presented in 2014 at the Moscow auto show, but in order to put it into mass production, about 12-14 billion rubles are required. Government of the country in connection with financial problems VAZ is ready to support him in the form of a loan for the development of the project. As a result, the Chevrolet Niva car will be radically different from its predecessor, but the main distinctive features will still be preserved.
Specialists of the American auto giant GM have developed a new look and technical part car, as well as a modified interior. The exterior has a lot of angular shapes and stylish stamps, as well as an additional off-road body kit. Chevrolet Niva will still remain a real SUV, because this is exactly what fans of the brand want. It will, as before, be equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system, and also have high ground clearance. Niva Chevrolet is equipped with a modified suspension and large mechanical box gears.
Features of the car "Chevrolet Niva"
What is the difference between the Chevrolet Niva and the regular model? The design of the SUV is made in a different style, which is close to model range Chevrolet. Backdoor began to open to the side, and not up, as before. VAZ-2121 spare wheel was in engine compartment, now it has become attached to the door. As for the power unit, transmission and suspension, they have not undergone significant changes. "Chevrolet Niva" is equipped with frost-resistant bumpers, the color range of the body has expanded.
The advantages of "Chevy Niva" in comparison with other cars are not limited to lightness of design and, accordingly, an increase in cross-country ability. The main rival of this model is Renault Duster: in contrast to it, the described SUV is equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive. "Chevrolet Niva" combines the comfort of a city SUV and the dignity old model. But there are also disadvantages, for example, such as a weak motor and a low level of safety. However, despite a number of disadvantages, this SUV became the best-selling in the period from 2004 to 2008. "Chevrolet Niva" has a number of awards, such as "Off-Road Vehicle of the Year" in two SUV nominations and "Premier of the Year", and was also awarded the "For High Performance" award.
Clearance "Niva Chevrolet"
It should be noted that this parameter pleases with its enviable height, because the all-terrain vehicle must have a significant figure. This figure was 22 centimeters for the car. It should be noted that the clearance of the Chevrolet Niva ranges from 20 to 24 cm, depending on the principle by which this distance is measured. Recall that ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the car and the ground. An SUV when driving on dirt roads and damaged areas simply needs high performance in this aspect.
Ground clearance "Chevrolet Niva" can be increased by two different ways: bodywork and due to the suspension. In the first case, washers are installed under the suspension springs, the necessary changes are made in the depreciation system: rear suspension springs are installed instead of shock absorbers, shock absorbers from the Volga are installed on the front. In the first method, it is necessary to replace the old wheels with new ones, with a diameter larger than the standard one. It must be remembered that the load on the engine will increase after the clearance of the Chevrolet Niva is increased, therefore it is necessary to change all four wheels at the same time, in addition, the tire size should not exceed 30% of the factory values.
Updated "Chevy Niva"
The second generation Chevrolet Niva is a successful joint development of engineers. The car has good performance in terms of body strength, torsional rigidity, quality paintwork. In terms of cabin comfort, the SUV looks rather modest, and its main advantage is its off-road qualities.
The decoration of the Chevrolet Niva is an updated radiator grille with a large golden logo. The head optics look original, round fog lights located on the sides of the bumper. Plastic lining appeared on the body sidewalls; in expensive trim levels, the SUV is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Chevrolet Niva test can tell you about some of the features of the model, for example, that the car cannot be called dynamic. It will appeal to those drivers who prefer a calm driving style. On the road, the Niva behaves quite acceptable, but the following feature is noted: it is necessary to change gear strictly on time, that is, when the engine reaches 3000-3500 rpm. The suspension also performed well during testing, which allows you to comfortably overcome obstacles on the roads. Off-road, the car moves confidently and there is not even a need to switch to downshift, but it is noted that when you get into a rut, you have to work hard to get out of it. At times, the car does not have enough power to overcome certain obstacles, and the engine often stalls.
During the restyling, the Chevrolet Niva was improved in various ways in order to get rid of some shortcomings: for example, the leakage of the engine cooling system was eliminated, the assembly of the front suspension was changed, and the sound insulation was improved. On all premium trim levels after 2013, new seats, ABS, pretensioner belts and front airbags appeared. As for the power unit, it was possible to make it more dynamic and economical. Its volume is now 1.8 liters, and the power reaches 122 hp. from. Such an engine is installed on a special modification marked FAM-1. The 1.7-liter engine on standard versions has a small power equal to 80 hp. from. The motor is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Conclusion
The legendary domestic SUV, no doubt, has been improved thanks to the intervention of GM and acquired a spectacular look, coupled with improved technical qualities. Price category, in which the car is located, fully correspond to its characteristics, among which good cross-country ability and high ground clearance. Chevrolet Niva is still popular car among Russian drivers and not only.
Let's compare Renault Duster dimensions And Niva Chevrolet. These models were not chosen for comparison by chance. New crossover Renault Duster immediately after he was born, he became a competitor to the "old woman" Niva. The "Frenchman" now claims leadership in the segment that used to belong to the Chevrolet Niva.
The price of models differs slightly, so other factors come to the fore in the struggle for existence. For example, such as comfort, which is directly related to the size of the car.
Platform Duster the same as the Renault Logan and Renault Sandero models. On the same platform, a new Togliatti model was created Lada Largus. The main advantage of the platform B0(that's how it is designated) - a simple construction.
Another plus is protection throughout the lower part of the car body. The crankcase of the crossover engine, the gearbox and the line through which fuel is supplied are protected from damage by steel sheets. For a vehicle that is being used Russian roads such protection is essential.
SUV from Chevrolet can not boast the same modern base. The Chevrolet Niva platform has already survived three and a half decades since its inception. Although the model itself got on the conveyor in 2002.
Renault Duster and Chevrolet Niva dimensions
Renault Duster length - 4315 mm, Duster width - 1822 mm (along the edges of the mirrors - 2 meters), height - 1625 mm (with roof rails - 1695 mm).
Chevrolet Niva length - 4056 mm, Niva width - 1800 mm (without mirrors - 1770 mm), height - 1652 mm (with roof rails - 1690 mm).
Niva is shorter than Renault Duster by almost 26 cm. It should be noted that this is a rather significant minus. In width, there is not such a significant discrepancy, but again not in favor of the Niva. In terms of height, it would seem that the advantages are on the side of the Chevrolet model, but apart from poorer aerodynamic qualities, this does not give the car anything.
At least for passengers of the shorter Niva, comfort is not added. Compare the height of the ceiling above the front seats. Chevrolet Niva has 910 mm, Duster has 907 mm. Three millimeters of comfort do not add. The height of the ceiling above the rear seats of the Niva is 875 mm. The Renault crossover has a ceiling above the rear seat 2 cm higher.
Consider more important parameter, on which the off-road qualities of the car largely depend.
Clearance Renault Duster- 205 - 210 mm (depending on modification).
Ground clearance Chevrolet Niva- 200 mm.
The difference is not very big, but again I got a small plus new car. Let's compare the sizes of SUVs further.
Renault Duster wheelbase- 2673 mm, front wheel track - 1560 mm, rear - 1567 mm.
Wheelbase Chevrolet Niva- 2450 mm, front wheel track - 1466 mm, rear - 1456 mm.
Now guess which car is more spacious and more stable on the road. That's right - Renault Duster.
Let's compare trunk Renault Duster And Chevy Niva.
The trunk volume of Renault Duster for 4 × 2 versions is 475 liters. With the rear seats folded down - 1636 liters. The trunk of all-wheel drive cars has a volume of 408 liters. Folded rear seats increase its volume to 1570 liters.
The luggage compartment of Renault Duster has a length of 992 mm. If you fold the rear row seats, the length of the cargo compartment will increase to 1760 mm.
Trunk volume Chevrolet Niva- only 320 liters. With the seats folded down - 650 liters.
As you can see, the numbers are again not in favor of the “old woman” Niva.
Dimensions Chevrolet Niva refer this 5-door crossover to a very compact cars. Essentially the length Chevrolet Niva does not exceed 4 meters.
However, such compact dimensions, combined with high ground clearance, which is more than 20 centimeters, and small overhangs make the small crossover ready for any off-road obstacles. In the photo at the beginning of the article you can see all the main linear dimensions Chevy Niva. I would like to note right away that the official dimensions given by the manufacturer and the actual measurement can give different results.
Allow clearance or ground clearance Chevrolet Niva can vary from 20 to 24 centimeters. The difference depends on where you measure. For example, the lowest point in the Chevrolet NIVA is at the rear, under the bridge. You can measure the clearance of Shnivy under the engine protection in the front. In addition, the manufacturer itself allows the installation of both 15 and 16-inch wheels on a car, add off-road high-profile tires to them and the ground clearance will be even greater.
- Length - 3919 mm (with spare wheel 4056 mm)
- Width - 1 800 mm (with mirrors 2120 mm)
- Height with rails / without rails - 1690/1652 mm
- Curb weight - 1410 kg
- Gross weight - 1860 kg
- Wheelbase - 2450 mm
- Track front and rear wheels- 1466/1456 mm respectively
- Trunk volume - 320 liters
- Trunk volume with folded seats - 650 liters
- Volume fuel tank– 58 liters
- Ground clearance Chevy Niva - 220 mm
- Tire size - 205/75 R15 or 205/70 R15 or 215/65 R16
As for capacity, five adult men in the Chevrolet NIVA, to be honest, will be cramped. The wheelbase, which determines the spaciousness in the cabin, is only 2450 mm. Therefore, traveling in a large company over long distances may not bring pleasure.
Trunk Chevrolet Niva relatively small only 320 liters. However, if you fold the seats in Shniva, we get 650 liters of volume. Photo of the trunk when folded rear seats attached, see above.
The problem of lack of space is solved by roof rails, where you can install an additional trunk. But it is worth considering the fact that the Chevy Niva simply does not have roof rails in the basic version. Therefore, before buying a car, you should consider whether you need an additional roof rack.
Released in mass production in 2002, brand new all-wheel drive off-road vehicle Niva, fairly modified by colleagues from the American auto corporation General Motors , immediately attracted the views of domestic, and not only, motorists.
The car, indeed, turned out to be quite consistent with the declared class of compact SUVs. In technical terms, the car was also quite suitable for consumers.
Dimensions of the new Chevrolet Niva SUV
Compared to its direct predecessor, the new Niva Chevrolet specifications got much more serious, and first of all, it affected the mass-dimensional dimensions of the machine, which pretty much “grew up”, that is, it increased significantly in size.
The wheelbase of the car remained exactly the same as that of the VAZ 2123 model, the production of which, perhaps, fortunately, could not be raised to mass production, and it was limited to small batches in 1999-2002.
was wheelbase of the updated Niva Chevrolet car, the technical characteristics of which, we are considering, are 2.45 meters. The total length of the new Niva Chevrolet, on the other hand, already reaches 4.05 meters, the width is 1.81 meters, and the height of the car has reached 1.68 meters, which is more like a real all-terrain vehicle.
The rear and front track of the car differed by only a centimeter, 1.45 and 1.46 meters, respectively, so it did not play a big role either in appearance or in technical terms. But the clearance pleased motorists with its enviable height, because the all-terrain vehicle must have a significant ground clearance, which for the new joint car was as much as 22 centimeters.
The total curb weight of the Chevrolet Niva is not as large as that of its "senior" foreign "brothers", only 1410 kilograms, and this fact clearly benefited the car. The combination of not very large dimensions, as well as low weight, a turning radius of only 5.7 meters, and high ground clearance has become decisive for many motorists when choosing a car for country trips, as well as household plots.
The car's cross-country ability was excellent, and confidently rolled along the roads of Russia and other countries.
Features of the power unit
A significant role in the success of the Niva Chevrolet was also played by the technical characteristics of the engine, on which quite serious work was also done. Updated power unit became somewhat more dynamic and economical.
It was decided to leave the structure of the "engine" classical, symmetrical. This is a standard, classic injector "four-cylinder”, atmospheric type, with an electronic distributed injection system. The working volume of the Chevrolet Niva engine is 1.7 liters, with a cylinder diameter of 82 millimeters and a piston stroke of 80 millimeters.
The compression ratio was 9.3. In addition, the cylinders themselves have been significantly improved, which have acquired a much more reinforced skirt. The engine also received lightweight connecting rods and a new cylinder head, in accordance with the updated design.
The power of the power unit was brought to only 59 kW, which is equal to 80 "horses", at 5.4 thousand revolutions per minute. Of course, for an SUV, it was not so good. However, compensate this shortcoming power succeeded, bringing the torque to 127 Nm, which was already achieved at 2.7 thousand revolutions. It also didn’t work out very well with the dynamics of the engine, since it could accelerate the Niva Chevrolet car to a hundred, the technical characteristics of which we are discussing, in as much as 19 seconds.
But on the highway, the new Niva required only 8.6-8.8 liters of gasoline. True, it must be admitted that in the city, these figures increased significantly, up to 13.9-14.4 liters, depending on the intensity of the ride.
Auto modification, gearbox and transmission
In the fall of 2006, a special modification of the Niva Chevrolet was released, labeled FAM-1, on which a completely different power unit was installed, owned by the development of the famous German company Opel , with factory index Z18XE. This "engine" had a working volume of 1.8 liters, and with a maximum power of 122 horsepower, the torque was brought to 139 Nm (3.4 thousand revolutions per minute).
This unit, like the previous motor,aggregatedwith manual, five-speed gearbox Aisin, from the famous Suzuki Grand Vitara , which had in a single block also transfer case. However, the series of such cars was extremely limited, and in two years it was possible to produce and then sell only about a thousand copies.
Suspension and brakes
The all-wheel drive of the car was permanent, unlike most "parquet" SUVs, which were equipped with a plug-in rear wheel drive and the main one - the front, this favorably distinguished the car from its competitors. The front suspension of the Chevrolet Niva had standard specifications, it was a classic, independent McPherson , with two trailing arms and standard, spring, and very reinforced, spring shock absorbers.
The rear suspension of the car is dependent, five-bar. Brake system the car also did not undergo strong improvements, and the developers installed the standard disc brakes in front and drum rear brakes, a nine-inch vacuum booster, which greatly strengthened the system.