Among fans of SUVs, disputes about the best all-wheel drive car of domestic production have not ceased for many years: UAZ or Niva. These are two completely different cars. UAZ was created as a military jeep, and VAZ 2121 was originally planned as a light SUV for fishing and hunting. Niva later became a city car with off-road performance. Its latest modification is Niva 21214 Urban.
History of creation
The Izhevsk plant IzhMash fought with AvtoVAZ for the production of the Niva. Until 2009, the model did not actually change in any way, with the exception of small details. Modernized since 2009 chassis, constant velocity joints (CV joints) began to be used in the transmission, the interior has changed slightly, the painting technology has become more modern. The design of the exterior during this time has not changed much, with the exception of a light plastic body kit. All this allows the model to be actively sold, and its production is planned until the beginning of 2019. 
The largest modernization in the history of the Niva affected the Urban modification, the production of which was launched on October 1, 2014 by AvtoVAZ's subsidiary VIS-Avto. The volume of production is small - several thousand copies are produced per year. Lada Niva 4×4 Urban modernization was inspired by the former CEO of the company Bo Andersson and chief designer Steve Martin.
The model was originally designed for a specific target audience - young people living in the city. For the first time in history, the Niva is positioned not as an SUV, but as an urban crossover.
In order to please the new style, the bumpers were changed, other rims were installed, and the ground clearance was reduced. 
Specifications
The modern version of the Niva, despite body kits, still remains compact car off-road from load-bearing body. The dimensions of the car have not changed much. The length is 3 m 74 cm, the height is only 1 m 64 cm, and the width is 1 m 68 cm. Despite the understatement, the ground clearance is still an indicator of patency and is 220 mm. The dimensions do not differ from those of the first VAZ 2121. Separately, it is worth mentioning the long-wheelbase Niva with five doors - it does not differ from the three-door version in height and width, but it is 50 mm longer in length. Ground clearance also remained unchanged.
Engine and transmission
The technology of electronic fuel injection began to be used at AvtoVAZ only at the end of the nineties, becoming a real progress. The VAZ 2121 engine and all subsequent modifications with a working volume of 1.7 liters originates from the VAZ 2106 engine with a volume of 1.3 liters. A derated power plant with a volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 90 liters is installed on the Urban version. from. It is put on a stretcher along with a new steering rack. As planned by the engineers, this solution should inspire new life in Niva. The power and ignition systems have also undergone changes, which made it possible to increase the volume of the combustion chamber, but fuel consumption has decreased slightly. Otherwise, it is still the same power plant, developed in the 70s, although deeply modernized.
The new Niva uses a five-speed manual gearbox. The transfer gearbox remained the same two-stage with the possibility of locking the center differential. This transmission is also used on the 5-door version of the Lada Niva Urban. As on the first models, it uses a constant four-wheel drive, speed and dynamic characteristics leave much to be desired. VAZ 21214 and VAZ 2131 can accelerate to a maximum of 140 km / h.
The three-door model will spend 19 seconds to accelerate to “hundreds”, and the heavier five-door version will take 20 seconds.
Fuel consumption does not change depending on the engine upgrade, at the moment it is 10 liters on the highway, 14 liters in the city and about 12 liters in mixed mode.
Chassis
High ground clearance, coupled with all-wheel drive, has always been an advantage of the VAZ SUV. Ground clearance provided by the use of an independent front suspension with transverse levers and a stabilizer roll stability. At the rear, a dependent suspension is installed on transverse and trailing arms. The 5-door version uses an identical suspension system. In addition to the airbag, the car is equipped with a diagonal brake circuit, supplemented by an anti-lock braking system. Ease of control is provided by the power steering.
Interior of Lada Urban
In the interior of the car, updates are minimal. The lack of significant changes is explained by the desire of engineers to prevent an increase in price, but, as practice has shown, in reality this is not the case.
The salon can be characterized by the following changes:
- New installed wheel.
- Seat upholstery material changed. Fabric base with custom design. There is little lateral support - comfortable conditions are provided not only for the driver, but also for passengers.
- The rear row of seats remained almost unchanged. This is a solid sofa, designed for three passengers. Can be folded to increase volume luggage compartment. Folding it so as to get a flat floor will not work, but if you need to maximize usable space, you can completely dismantle the rear seats.
- There is a tunnel between the seats in front, where the transfer case and gearbox shift lever and the parking brake handle are located. There were also plastic cup holders.
- Head unit is not much different from those that were installed before. Structurally simple with minimal indication.
Instead of an outdated and inefficient interior lighting unit, a more modern LED was installed.
Interior decoration is simple, cheap plastic is used. The instrument panel is habitually angular, and the overall build quality is not up to the mark.
Separately, it is worth noting the work of heating the front seats (not in all trim levels) and air conditioning. In the first case, this is too much heating, which brings more discomfort, and in the second, the inefficiency of the air conditioner, which is not surprising, given frankly weak engine. Another drawback is that the engineers did not achieve full opening of the windows.
Appearance Features
Representatives of AvtoVAZ planned to produce modern car and, judging by the design of Vesta, the plant is strong enough. In the case of the new Niva, this is not the case; outwardly, Urban does not stand out in anything special. When modernizing, engineers rarely change the exterior for the sake of cheaper. In the appearance of the car note:
- The new generation is equipped with a front bumper painted in body color, made mainly of plastic. Its form has also changed, it is difficult to say whether this is correct or not. Appearance has changed for the better, but from a practical point of view, this is not a very good solution. The old bumper was practically "indestructible".
- Niva Urban is equipped with new light-alloy alloy wheels R16.
- The decorative grille of the radiator has changed, now it is black.
- The front part does not have a hint of aerodynamic characteristics, it is made in a vertical plane of almost 90 degrees. When driving at high speed, the resistance of oncoming air increases, so the car is unstable when driving on the highway.
- The shape of the side mirrors has been changed, they can be black or painted in body color.
- The rear wiper has changed. The brush has become longer, which allows you to clean a large glass surface, thus providing better visibility during rain.
- Head optics has not changed and structurally remained simple. Niva Urban is equipped with conventional halogen lamps.
Wheel arches have increased slightly. This has become a necessity, since the car is equipped with 16-inch rims even in the basic package.
Short overhangs have been retained both front and rear - now the car can easily overcome deep pits without the risk of tearing off the bumper.
Niva Urban, like its predecessors, looks simple, but it is easily distinguishable in a car stream, which is what the designers wanted.
Options Urban
At the moment, two trim levels and two body styles (three-door and five-door) are available to customers. The three-door model has the best cross-country ability. The 5-door body version has a more spacious trunk, and the rear passengers feel more comfortable.
Lux equipment
The average price of a new car in this configuration is set at around 532,000 rubles. Only one engine option, permanent four-wheel drive, a choice of seven body colors. The power of just over 80 horses is not enough for a confident ride over rough terrain.
The car has ABS and BAC systems, EBD is also indicated in the list of equipment. The luggage compartment is complemented by a 12 V socket. It can be used to connect various automotive equipment, such as a tire inflation compressor. Comfortable steering provided by a hydraulic booster. Additionally, the buyer receives a light tinted rear hemisphere.
The deluxe package is equipped with air conditioning. The side mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable. The car is additionally equipped with a tow hitch. The spare wheel is a full size forged wheel. The car has minimal audio preparation with small speakers in the front door cards.
Equipment Luxe Snow Queen
The cost of this version is practically the same as the previous one, the difference between them is minimal. Vehicle prepared for use in conditions severe frosts, although there are actually no changes to confirm this, with the exception of winter tires. The cost of a five-door modification is slightly higher and averages 570,000 rubles. The increase in price is due to the increase in the length of the car, on which more metal, paint, and skin were spent.
Competitors of Lada Urban
Among all the closest competitors, Chevrolet Niva is noted. When it just started to be produced, it was a modern car with an interesting appearance and good technical equipment. Power plants these cars are similar, but in terms of ride comfort, the Chevrolet Niva outperforms ordinary Niva 4x4. Model advantages:
- spacious interior suitable for everyday city trips or for long trips over long distances;
- steering is more convenient and does not require constant control from the driver, which cannot be said about the Niva 4x4;
- reliable and durable power unit copes with its tasks, although it is rather weak for a heavy SUV. In this regard, the usual Niva wins - due to the lighter weight, the engine behaves more cheerfully.
Chevrolet Niva is equipped with all-wheel drive, there is a locking center differential, as in a regular Niva 4x4. The salon is better adapted for everyday use, in contrast to the cramped and uncomfortable three-door Lada 4x4.
Suzuki Jimny 4×4
Odnoklassnik Urban according to technical characteristics. Suzuki Jimny its equipment has not changed since the beginning of the 90s. He has not undergone any changes during this time, with the exception of an increase in the price tag. The features of this car include the following:
- quality technical equipment, but it no longer corresponds to the world level, which is why the car is irrelevant in the West;
- the power plant consumes less fuel with a working volume of 1.3 liters, according to its dynamic characteristics at 83 l. from. almost similar to the Niva engine;
- huge advantage of having automatic transmission, all versions are equipped with an original all-wheel drive design, which in many ways surpasses the Niva in terms of technical characteristics;
- the suspension of the car adequately copes with off-road, the softness of the ride is not guaranteed, but the simplicity and quality of movement are provided;
- Suzuki parts and assemblies are of very high quality - according to the owners, the car practically does not break down during operation.
Among the shortcomings of this car, not the most successful functionality and practicality are noted. For an ordinary motorist, the trip will not be comfortable.
Suzuki Jimny was designed to conquer off-road, and not for everyday driving to work. Niva can compete with him in terms of cross-country ability. But for Japanese quality you have to pay twice as much.
Niva Urban is the latest modification of the well-known SUV from the domestic company Lada. The first copies of this model left the factory assembly line in 2014, at the same time the car became available to potential buyers. After two years, it is already possible to draw the first conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of the model, and we will talk about them in this article.
General features Niva Urban
Already from the name of the car it follows that this version of the Niva is something unusual. A machine that is firmly entrenched in the minds of our compatriots as perfect option for off-road trips, mud and the famous Russian asphalt, suddenly gets the definition of "Urban", i.e. "urban".
Indeed, even the design of the new Niva, streamlined and less aggressive, equipped with a redesigned radiator grille and 16mm wheels, hints at the possibility of its use as a city car. 
In addition, representatives of the AvtoVAZ company listened to the opinion of drivers and made some adjustments to the configuration of the car, making it more comfortable and suitable for many hours of driving through traffic jams in the metropolis. Moreover, this year it is planned to redesign the main controls, which is currently being tested at manufacturing plants.
Thus, Niva Urban was originally supposed to become new page in the history of Russian SUVs. Let's see how successfully we managed to implement this concept by identifying the main advantages and disadvantages of the car. 
Advantages of the model
As we have already defined above, Niva Urban is a kind of urban SUV. Therefore, the creators decided to equip it with amenities that are mandatory for other city-class cars. They became:
- Air conditioner.
- Power window.
- Electric drive.
An addition to the air conditioner are glasses with an athermal effect, which allow you to keep cool inside the car for a longer time. 
We have already mentioned the new design above, as an advantage, we note that it has changed not only outside, but also in the cabin, the manufacturer also proposed a new one for the Niva, more comfortable shape steering wheel. In addition, it became possible to purchase a model with a metallic color scheme, which was not previously used for this type of Lada product.
Also, the SUV has a wider field of view. This was achieved by increasing the cleaning zone rear window and installation of heating on the mirrors, which is especially convenient in winter.
Main disadvantages
The main disadvantage of Niva Urban is the problem of all SUVs: impressive fuel consumption. So, the indicator of gasoline consumption (the minimum allowable brand is 95) while driving around the city is 12.1, and when traveling outside the city - 8.3. Added to this is the general weakness of the engine, which does not simultaneously pull the movement and the operation of the air conditioner.
In fairness, it is worth noting that the manufacturer intends to fix errors during 2016 (we have already mentioned the upcoming revisions of controls above). So, it is planned to bring a separate differential lock button, which, of course, will greatly simplify everything. The downshift and transfer case will also be completely removed. All this will reduce the noise level, which is now quite high in Niva Urban (and this is unacceptable for a city car), and get rid of two extra control levers in the cabin. It remains to be hoped that these developments will be implemented on time and successfully pass all the tests.
And the last (probably the most significant) minus of Niva Urban - unreasonably high price. Yes, the model has been modernized, a lot of things have appeared in it, but, alas, its own almost 500,000 rubles she's not worth it. This is the reason for such a low sales rate, which is currently observed.
Who is Niva Urban suitable for?
Of course, the main category of Niva buyers, even if modernized, are all the same summer residents, hunters, villagers and other car owners who often find themselves in off-road conditions. Now they have a chance to go there in a car with a higher level of comfort. Perhaps this model will attract young people due to the redesigned design, it may well become the first SUV for a young car enthusiast who cannot afford foreign cars in this category yet.
VAZ-2121 is a cult car. It was created for the Russian reality with bad roads and fit perfectly into this reality. For more than 40 years, the Niva 4x4 has been successfully competing in the post-Soviet space with expensive SUVs. Let's see what characteristics users like so much, and what needs to be changed and improved in urban 4×4.
Appearance and dimensions
For 40 years, Lada 4x4 has been produced without significant changes in appearance. The Urban model began to be produced in 2014 and differs from the basic field in the following features:
- Plastic lining on the bumper;
- Seat upholstery with bright stitching in a great color;
- Updated grille;
- Updated door sills;
- Side plastic moldings on the doors;
- Alloy wheels 16 inches;
- Extended wiper blades (41 cm);
- Wide range of body colors.
body new fret Niva 4x4 in several color configurations looks more modern, adapted to urban realities. Daily running lights and headlights have no noticeable changes.
Vehicle dimensions:
- Length - 414 cm;
- Body width - 168 cm;
- Front wheel track - 144 cm;
- Rear wheel track - 142 cm;
- Height - 164 cm;
- Base - 270 cm;
- Ground clearance - 20 cm;
- Weight - 1425 kg;
- Trunk volume - 42x78;
- Wheel radius - r16.
Lada 4×4 Urban is available in 3-door and 5-door versions.
Salon
The interior of the cabin is still ascetic, but in 2019 it can please its owners with updated seat upholstery, with eco-leather inserts, door upholstery. In Lada 4 × 4 urban 5 doors, the interior is spacious and comfortable due to the elongated body.
The trunk of the new fret 4x4 is roomy compared to analogues and is suitable for traveling, fishing, transporting small loads. The shelf, upholstered in material, can be easily removed and removed, increasing the amount of working area.
The inner door upholstery is plastic and eco-leather. The outer door handles are now painted black, while the inner door handles of the new Niva Urban have remained unchanged - these are small levers. Windows are now lowered using power windows.
The design of the dashboard Lada 4 × 4 2019 is ascetic, outdated, with toggle switches for turning on the air conditioner, heating, light, dimensions. The panel is made of matte plastic low quality. Manufacturers do not improve appearance tidy in Niva 2019, because, first of all, the car has a utilitarian function - to transport passengers in urban, rural and difficult terrain.
The ignition key is inserted from the left side, the steering column switches remained unchanged. The gearshift lever has a wide stroke; manufacturers have made a niche for it near it. mobile phone. The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located next to the gearshift lever, in a convenient place for the driver. The glove box is deep and easy to open. Under it is a niche for papers.
A distinctive feature of the Niva 4 × 4 is spare wheel located under the hood. Some owners independently mount the spare wheel on the back of the welded structures.
Another disadvantage of Lada Urban is an unreliable door lock system. The owners of the VAZ 2121 note that the doors do not close well, the handle sinks, often freezes in winter and does not function.
Specifications
Lada 2131 Niva specifications remained unchanged, but some parameters have been improved:
- Petrol engine with a maximum power of 83 hp;
- Electronic fuel injection;
- Engine size - 1.6;
- Permanent four-wheel drive;
- The maximum allowable speed is 137 km / h;
- Acceleration to 100 km / h in 19 seconds;
- Average fuel consumption - 9.9;
- Suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers stabilizer bar;
- The volume of the tank is 65 liters.
An air conditioner is installed on Lada Niva Urban 4 × 4, which is turned on with a toggle switch on the dashboard, and is regulated by moving the levers left and right.
One more necessary revision Lada 4×4 Urban 3d and Lada 4×4 Urban 5d — rear-view mirrors are equipped with electric drive and heating.
The engine has been upgraded with an injector. This innovation was introduced to meet new environmental standards. The power steering helps make steering easier.
In the lada urban SUV, the vibration isolation parameter has been improved, which adds comfort to drivers. Noise isolation - remained the weak link of the Lada 4 × 4 2131. Owners after buying a car often refine this feature.
Characteristics of Lada 4 × 4 Urban 5d are suitable for off-road (off-road).
Options and prices
Lada 4×4 Urban 5 doors and Lada 4×4 Urban 3 doors in the "Lux" configuration is equipped with:
- ISOFIX child seat anchors;
- Electronic anti-lock system;
- Brake Assist System (BAS);
- 12V socket in luggage compartment
- Heated front seats;
- Audio device.
The price for the 5-door model is from 620,900 thousand rubles. The minimum price for a three-door fret is 581,900 thousand rubles.
The new Lada 4×4 is not afraid of mud, water, bumps, steep slopes, off road in general. The sale of Lada 4 × 4 urban is widespread on secondary market. It is easy to find spare parts and accessories for this machine. Repair even with serious breakdowns in comparison with others.
For an additional fee of 6000 rubles, you can order the following body colors:
- Deep purple "Benefit";
- Raspberry "Baroque";
- Bright blue "Blue planet";
- Silver-dark gray "Borneo";
- Light silver metal "Snow Queen";
- Golden brown Coriander.
Summing up
The new generation Lada 4×4 remains affordable and suitable for driving in any terrain and off road. Classic 16-inch wheels can be replaced with similar ones even in the most remote areas.
When it comes to domestic SUVs, first of all, most do not remember about UAZ Hunter. Moreover, for some it is still a revelation that there is an ordinary Niva, as well as Niva Urban.
Not everyone knows and understands what is the difference between the two cars, and how much one car differs from the other. If you take a quick look at the exterior, you don’t immediately notice a significant difference.
But these two cars are really different. Moreover, in both cases we are talking about an all-wheel drive domestic SUV. The only difference is that one model is quite old, and has been known since 1977, while the second copy was already created in modern Russia and offers somewhat different possibilities. How much they can influence the choice is up to you. But first you need to explore all aspects of the two presented vehicles.
General information
It's worth starting with general information, which will reveal some details and differences between the two cars, and will also help you take the first step in choosing between Niva or Niva Urban.
In this case, the emphasis will be on the most popular three-door modification, but we will also talk a little about four-door versions. The thing is that modifications to 4 side doors did not receive proper distribution, they are much less popular, and therefore AvtoVAZ significantly limited the number of copies produced, concentrating the main effort on three-doors.
The iconic Niva or VAZ 2121 appeared back in Soviet times. It was launched into assembly line production in 1977, far away for many. Since 2006, the marketing policy has been changed, as a result of which the car changed its name to Lada 4 × 4. The essence of this has not changed much, because both names are correct and relevant.
The model has been mass-produced for over 50 years. Over such a long period, the car has gone through many upgrades, but the initial concept has remained the same. This is the most inexpensive and utilitarian car that has become a real legend.
The car is based on an all-wheel drive transmission. With the help of a center differential, torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels in proportions of 50 to 50. To increase cross-country ability, engineers equipped 2121 with a reduction gear in the transfer case and a forced locking of the center differential. In front stands an independent multi-link suspension, and behind the dependent beam. Brake system classic, and consists of rear drums and front discs. To make it easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel, a hydraulic booster was installed.
Lada 4 × 4 Urban debuted at the Moscow Motor Show in the summer of 2014. This is the urban version of the world, let's not be afraid of the word, SUV VAZ 2121. Urban is offered in 3 and 5-door modifications, like the classic Niva. The model is produced at a subsidiary of AvtoVAZ VIS Auto. Mass production started in October of the same year when the presentation took place. Only since February 2016, Urban has been produced in a five-door body, that is, with 4 side doors.
Like the classic Niva, Urbana uses all-wheel drive with center differential. To ensure decent off-road performance, they put here transfer case with a reduction gear, as well as a forced differential lock system.
Urban has a load-bearing body. Wheels are mounted with a spring independent suspension with wishbones and hydraulic shock absorbers. This is how the front part of the suspension is arranged. Rear spring-lever dependent design and hydraulic shock absorbers. Brake and steering system similar to the classics in the face of the VAZ 2121.
Exterior
If you need to look for differences between the Niva 2121 and Niva Urban cars anywhere, it is in the appearance of domestic crossovers.
The classic from VAZ has a simple and most recognizable appearance, in which you don’t even have to talk about any design frills. This is a monumental small off-road car with a square body and round head optics. Plus, Niva 2121 has extremely practical bumpers,. The situation with the simplicity and obsolescence of the car is not saved by the exterior mirrors that were taken from the Chevrolet Niva, as well as daytime running lights.
If we talk about dimensions, then 2121 can offer the following parameters:
- length 3720 mm;
- height 1640 mm;
- width 1680 mm;
- wheelbase 2200 mm.;
- ground clearance 220 mm.
The outward resemblance of Urban to the classic three-door Niva is obvious. Everyone can easily recognize this car in the model. At the same time, Steve Mattin, who worked on the Urban project, managed to make a small breakthrough. Even the usual square shapes have been made more modern. This was achieved thanks to the integrated front and rear bumpers, the original grille, large exterior mirrors, black door handles, alloy wheels and curved windshield wipers.
The desire of AvtoVAZ to make a city car out of Niva, calling it Urban, was reflected in the dimensions. As a result, the numbers are as follows:
- length 3640 mm;
- height 1640 mm;
- width 1680 mm;
- wheelbase 2200 mm.;
- ground clearance 220 mm.
This is objectively not enough to catch the difference between the two cars. Although it is safe to say that outwardly Urban looks more modern and relevant.
Interior and luggage compartment
Now it’s worth looking inside to understand what is the difference between the Niva 2121 and Niva Urban SUVs, and whether there is one at all.
Inside the classic Niva, everything is outrageously simple. But since this is a utility vehicle that is both a workhorse and a tool for getting through bad roads, buyers pay little attention to the interior.
The cabin is dominated by cheap materials, extremely hard plastic. To the surprise of many, the chairs are wrapped in a fabric that is pleasant to the touch. The assembly is far from ideal, as there are gaps and crickets everywhere. This is definitely an interior that does not apply to cars of the 21st century.
As a dashboard, a kit from Samara of the 2nd generation is used. The information content is good. The center console offers a minimum of buttons and controls. But even with such space, the engineers managed to make a serious mistake. For some reason, they decided that the ignition switch should be placed to the left, and not to the right of the steering column. And in the usual place of the castle put the emergency button. Brilliant, to say the least.
The front seats in terms of ergonomics are not impressive, but the level of comfort is not bad. There is no steering wheel adjustment. The rear sofa itself is uncomfortable, there is no legroom, plus getting to it is problematic. There are also no rear headrests.
There is no significant difference in terms of interior decoration between Niva and Niva Urban. As before, the design is outdated, dashboard from the second Samara. But the steering wheel was made smaller in diameter, and the rim added in thickness. The center console is made in the style of minimalism. On the tunnel, near the gearbox, they put a transfer lever, a downshift, as well as a panel with which the power windows are controlled, mirrors are adjusted.
Urban put the front seats from the same Samara 2nd generation. There is no need to talk about any lateral support here. But the profile has become better, and the filler has been made more dense.
The rear sofa and Urban remained cramped and uncomfortable. No one thought to put head restraints, which negatively reflects. Finishing materials are cheap, hard plastic. Even here they did not change the position of the ignition switch. But there were power window control buttons.
Summing up, we can say that AvtoVAZ did not contribute anything significant and useful in terms of interior to Urban. The car, as it was poorly assembled and uncomfortable, remained so. And this is the main mistake of the manufacturer. Calling the car Urban, and positioning it as a city car, it was worth adding a lot more comfort to the interior, installing good chairs, and thinking over the back sofa. There are minor changes on the background of 2121, but they do not make Urban better at all. Everything is very sad.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on the issues of the luggage compartment. In the three-door Niva 2121, the luggage compartment in the stowed state has a volume of 265 liters. If you fold the back row, the volume will increase to 585 liters.
As you might have guessed, there are no changes to the Urban version. These are the same 265 and 585 liters.
And if you look into the five-door modifications, then you won’t be able to see the difference either. Urban, like Niva 2131, has 420 liters in its normal state, or 780 liters with the seats folded down.
Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities
When it comes to comparing two cars, technical specifications become one of the key criteria. In particular, potential buyers are interested in what engines and gearboxes can be obtained, and what their tandem will be capable of. In the case of Niva 2121 and Niva Urban, I want to know what is better in this component. Let's try to find the difference.
The classic Niva or Lada 4x4 is offered with only one non-alternative 1.7-liter engine. It's an 8-valve inline-four. The motor complies with Euro 4 environmental standards and runs on AI-95 gasoline. The engine gives out modest 83 horsepower, and the torque here is 128 Nm. Selecting a gearbox also does not work. Available only standard 5-speed mechanics.
There is no talk of any high-speed driving here, and the potential buyer understands this very well. But those who are not yet familiar with the capabilities of the Niva in detail may be very disappointed. To accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour, you need an eternity. Namely 19 seconds. At the same time, the maximum speed does not exceed 137 kilometers per hour. At bad dynamics and low power, Niva is also quite voracious. For 100 kilometers in the city, you need about 13 liters of gasoline, and on the highway, consumption drops to about 11 liters for every hundred.
The same engine is installed on the Niva Urban. Whether it has been modified or not is not clear. But the characteristics declared by the manufacturer turned out to be somewhat better.
In particular, top speed raised to 142 kilometers per hour. And acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour now takes 17 seconds. In the city, the engine, along with the same non-alternative mechanical box requires up to 12.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. In the extra-urban cycle, the consumption is approximately 8.5 liters.
Although the car owners themselves say that there is no such noticeable difference in dynamics and efficiency. Therefore, again, no significant differences between the cars could be found.
Passability, handling and safety
Talk about what it is safe cars, it is forbidden. Cars didn't even get headrests for rear passengers. Needless to say about all sorts of things, a wide range of airbags and electronic assistants. None of this is in cars.
Crash tests are also not impressive. Getting into an accident on such a car is scary, even at a relatively low speed. Despite a strong body, the driver and passengers usually receive serious injuries.
The handling of Niva 2121 and Niva Urban is almost identical. The usual version of the Russian SUV is more rigid and does not respond well to the active work of the steering wheel. Nevertheless, Niva Urban is conditionally more urban. But this is implemented to a greater extent due to a different steering wheel setting. The suspension is not pleasantly soft when driving over bumps. But Niva Urban, like Niva 4x4, is designed for off-road.
It is in such conditions that cars show their best side. It is pointless to make a comparison in this component. Although the 2121 certainly feels a bit more confident with simple front and rear bumpers. The modified appearance of Urban did not greatly affect the cross-country ability, but hitting such a bumper would be more offensive than in the case of a classic compact SUV.
Maintenance and operating costs
You can already perfectly see that in front of you are technically identical cars. They have the same almost everything, except for small nuances.
This does not give a reason to make Niva Urban more expensive to maintain and operate than a simple SUV version. You can only compare configurations. Urban has a more solid filling from the start. It is the failure of those components that are not available in a conventional Niva that can conditionally make Urban a little more expensive in terms of maintenance and operation costs.
Niva 2121 is as simple as possible in filling and equipping. So it's probably fair to say that it's a bit cheaper. To a greater extent, this concerns the correction of external defects, the replacement of bumpers or optics. These parts will be more expensive just on Urbana. Plus, the car is not as common as the classic VAZ 2121.
Complete set
On the Russian market Lada 4x4 is offered only in 2 equipment options. This is the Standard and a more advanced version of the Suite.
If you take the initial version, you will get:
- fabric salon;
- power steering;
- folding back sofa;
- steel discs;
- immobilizer;
- isofix;
- fabric salon.
If you spend a little more, but take the Lux version, then you can additionally count on the installation of air conditioning in the car. The minimum price tag for the VAZ 2121 is currently 488 thousand rubles. Top equipment can be purchased for about 545 thousand rubles.
Urban's package looks a little more convincing. But she is the only one. As equipment, everything is available here as in the case of the standard Niva. Plus you can get:
- ABS, EBD;
- additional vibration isolation;
- heated seats in front;
- electric drive of external mirrors;
- heated exterior mirrors;
- air conditioner;
- power windows;
- alloy wheels 16 inches;
- athermal glasses;
- metallic paint, etc.
The minimum cost of Urban is from 550 thousand rubles. Maximizing the level of equipment, you will have to pay almost 600 thousand rubles.
Summing up
It is extremely difficult to draw conclusions in the case of the usual Niva and Niva Urban. Given all the information received, you can clearly see that there is practically no difference between the two domestic SUVs.
The main problem is that AvtoVAZ released new car, Urban called it, began to position it as a more urban SUV, but in fact did practically nothing in this direction. Yes, there are changes in appearance. But inside it remained the same old, sometimes kind, Niva. Absolutely no technical changes. An exact copy of the current version of the VAZ 2121.
Only a more attractive and modern appearance, as well as an extended list of available equipment, speaks in favor of Urban. But the price has increased accordingly. It's just hard to say what the consumer should overpay for.
If you decide that you need a car of the Niva level, that is, you are going to drive, do all sorts of things that require driving on bad roads, take a regular Niva with a 3 or 5-door body. And in maximum configuration. It will still be cheaper than the initial version of Urban.
Whether it makes sense to take exclusively Urban's version is an ambiguous question, and one that needs a more detailed and thorough analysis. Overpaying for some options that actually do not affect anything, not taking into account minor improvements in comfort, in the case of a car like the VAZ Niva, not everyone will want to. What you should not spare money for is air conditioning. Moreover, in the case of such machines, it is always possible to independently install the interior cooling system. It will cost less than buying an air conditioner from the manufacturer. Plus, you can deliver a better and more efficient system.
In any case, the buyer himself must make the final decision. You can praise AvtoVAZ for trying to make something more modern and relevant out of the old Soviet Niva. But this attempt frankly failed. Too few changes have been made to talk about any significant differences and look for a difference between Urban and Niva 2121.
No matter how motorists scold the domestic automotive industry, it, albeit not too quickly, but qualitatively responds to changes and fresh trends in this market. So, in 2012, AvtoVAZ began to realize that it was urgent to improve the VAZ-2121, or simply Niva.
Over the three decades that this model has existed, it has changed many times. This car performed well in the Far North.
Lada 4x4 Urban - updated "Niva Urban"
Large-scale statistical studies were carried out at AvtoVAZ. And only after this work, designers and engineers began to modernize the legendary domestic cross-country vehicle.
The business began with surveys of motorists, or rather, owners of VAZ-2121 SUVs. Further, the factory took into account all the reviews. And so the new or updated Lada Urban appeared. The car was delivered to the assembly line in October 2014.
Exterior changes
The exterior has changed a bit though. This is easy to see. The car received a completely new grille frame. Now it also captures the main headlights. The frame is made of highly durable and wear-resistant plastic. The side windows are also framed in plastic. The bumper is painted to match the body color and equipped with plastic overlays.
The side mirrors have also increased, and the door handles are now a slightly different shape. Engineers slightly increased the wheel arches.
Otherwise, the new Niva Urban did not receive any special changes in the exterior, and its body is almost the same as that of the ordinary Niva. Its geometry has not changed at all.
At the same time, the car itself is already perceived better. At AvtoVAZ, they realized what this car lacked in order to gain great popularity.
In the cabin
Let's continue the review (Lada 4x4 Urban) and see the interior of the car. There are interior changes. There aren't many, but it's better than nothing. So, the very first thing is the steering wheel. It has shrunk in diameter and become a little thicker. As for the reviews, motorists unanimously say that now the steering wheel is much better in the hand.
Another change is the floor tunnel. There are two cupholders for glasses of different sizes, as well as an ashtray. In addition, this block housed the control keys for power windows and side mirror adjustment. 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 thing. Experienced drivers will notice that these are chairs from Samara. And not only the appearance will remind you of this. This is directly screaming sensations from landing in this chair. The crossbar still obsessively presses on the lower back. But due to a different upholstery material and a modified profile, the fit seems more comfortable.
What do owner reviews say? Lada 4x4 Urban ("Niva") has become more comfortable. On long trips and in the city, the back does not get tired from sitting in a chair, although the landing is unusual. Motorists say that the sensations can be compared to sitting on a stool rather than lying on a couch. Sitting in the back will be comfortable only for children.
The trunk can hold 265 liters with the standard rear seat. If the back is folded, then the volume will double.
New "Niva Urban" - now with air conditioning
The main and almost imperceptible novelty inside the car is a button to start the air conditioner. Air conditioning in this car was needed for a long time. And, according to the owners of this car, it works pretty well.
In the announcements, AvtoVAZ specialists reported that it would not turn out to be too noisy, and at work it would not eat away at the dynamics of the engine. And this is a plus, since the power unit is not particularly powerful.
Air conditioning is very, very good, but the owners' reviews of the Lada Niva Urban say that not everyone can adjust the air flows, their direction, and volumes using the old sliders.
What's under the hood?
Here everything is the same, native and familiar to everyone. Under the hood of this car is a 1.7-liter gasoline engine. The unit is in-line, four-cylinder and produces 83 hp. from. This, of course, is a small figure, but the high torque of 129 Nm is able to compensate for the lack of power. The engine accelerates the car to 100 km/h in just 17 seconds.
Transmission
At the stage of creation for the manufacturers of the Niva 4x4 Urban SUV, the feedback from the owners was crucial. At first glance at the transmission levers, it seems that the interior has not changed at all. This is one of the features that are unique to Niva.
The strange thing here is that in this modification they had to remove and give the differential lock to the electronics. As a result, one gearshift lever should have remained, there was a significant decrease in vibration and transmission noise.
But while the car is equipped with the usual production model transmission system. Perhaps in 2015 a new Niva Urban will be released. Owner reviews are literally begging developers to remove these levers.
According to Steve Mattin, such a system will be implemented if it performs well on test cars.
Geometry
The wheels remain the same, and the clearance has not changed. Although the head of this project has repeatedly stated that the car will be 20 mm lower. This will slightly lower the center of gravity of the Niva Urban car. Feedback from the owners of this model makes it clear that the geometry is the same - nothing has changed.
Suspension and ride quality
The suspension is the main and main advantage of the old Niva (after high cross-country ability). On the notorious Russian roads, you can really race on it. However, it is worth leaving on good asphalt, as the car immediately "goes out". "Horses" is not enough.
What are car owners saying?
Many people think that the car is perfect for traveling around the city, as well as for fishing or summer cottages. Due to the design of the suspension "Niva" is suitable for driving on dirt roads. However, most owners are sure that the technologies have long been outdated - about 15 years of commercials. Many people bought the Niva only because affordable price and the complete absence of analogues.
You can talk for a long time about the shortcomings of the Niva Urban car. Owner reviews, however, are very enthusiastic. For example, many of them claim that this is a great off-road domestic car c Motorists believe that the car is not inferior to some models of all-terrain vehicles. "Niva" is equipped normal engine, transmission system, has reliable brakes. The seats are soft, the design is also good. But the bumper could be stronger. It also pleases motorists with low fuel consumption. In addition, there are no more cars in the Russian automobile industry that can also be used to drive through swamps. In general - not a car, but a fairy tale.
However, there are other reviews as well. So, some owners believe that the car is a guest from the past. Small trunk, small rear seats, which are convenient only for children. Archaism of most solutions and technologies. Low quality components, as well as a low level of security. It is impossible to turn into a new one only with the design from Mattin.
Yes, Urban is not a modern comfortable crossover. Nevertheless, he has a brutal appearance, and the content is quite serious. Everyone who was behind the wheel of the Niva will forever remember the vibrations, the noise of the wind, the sound of the box.
Driving an Urban is a bit of a romance. Many car owners look at the car from this angle, not paying attention to minor inconveniences, annoying breakdowns, panel creaking. Here she is, "Niva Urban". The reviews of the owners, as is already clear, are very ambiguous about her.
However, a competent motorist gets his hands on vehicle, which allows you to open the fourth dimension on the road. The car rides great on snow, mud, gravel.
Who will buy Urban?
New bumpers, the presence of air conditioning and the name did not make any fundamental changes. Many will remember the Niva as a car for fishing or hunting trips. This modification is of interest to those who previously drove a Lada 4x4 car. These are the real fans of this model. The car will not suit those whom AvtoVAZ marketers were counting on.
Prices and equipment
What is the price for the Lada 4x4 Urban SUV? The characteristics of the model are different, but the price starts from 438,000 rubles for the version with air conditioning, electric mirrors and power windows.
You can expect the Niva to go on sale soon with a 16-valve engine of 90 hp. from. Here the price will be higher (until it is regulated), but this model is worth buying.
What's next?
In 2016, we can expect a powerful interior update. Here, motorists are waiting for a new climate system. Also, the statistical departments of the manufacturer are still conducting surveys about what else is missing in the car.
Some changes are also possible in the near future. In addition to the transmission, optimized for the city, they promise new wheels, towbar mounts.
As a conclusion
Now we can finish the review of Lada 4x4 Urban. It's hard to tell anything else about this car. And the conclusion is this: the modernization could not make the Niva a city car, as can be observed with imported analogues such as Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and so on. But it is also passable, and has other enviable characteristics.
The machine is struggling with off-road, reliable, hardy. It is worth believing that Urban is not latest model in that model range. AvtoVAZ constantly analyzes the information received from the owners and does everything to satisfy all requests. The SUV of the Urban series is a very successful attempt. This all-wheel drive car is considered the best that has happened to the Niva over the past 30 years.
So, we found out what Niva Urban has owner reviews, design, interior and initial cost.