As a replacement for obsolete carsVAZ-2121 employees of the Volga plant in the mid-90s developed a model under the symbol 2123. Because of financial problems, the car didn’t work particularly well, and its release went in small batches. As a result, General Motor-s redeemed the rights to manufacture. After making more than a hundred changes in 2002, the joint production of a practically new car began. The weight of the Chevrolet Niva was almost 1.9 tons. Most changes have affected the exterior and interior, engine power and ride quality left much to be desired.
Restyling
The next changes of ShNivy took place in 2009.Compared with the previous modification of the car has changed significantly in appearance. The frontal part of the body has received a new design, bumpers, grille, lights, arched dilators and plastic door linings have changed. The weight of the Chevrolet (Chevrolet) was slightly reduced due to the installation of light-alloy wheels and new interior materials.
The power unit remained the same.It is a 1.7-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 80 horse power. The engine is equipped with only a manual transmission, which provides additional fuel savings, the exhaust system in terms of toxicity meets the standards of "Euro 2". It is also worth noting the increased comfort for the driver and passengers, which is reflected in the use of new materials, trim, lower levels of vibration and noise.
Exterior Features
Kinship with a fellow American guessOnly by the emblems on the grille, body and steering column. This car belongs to the class of light SUVs category SUV. Weight "Chevrolet Niva" allows you to confidently overcome obstacles and steadily keep on the road.
Exterior car looks quite nice andmodern. There is a powerful motor protection, a well thought-out axial weight distribution, small overhangs on the sides, as well as plastic equipment of the body. Everything in combination with the optimal clearance perfectly harmonizes and inspires respect. Additional aggression is given by short plastic bumpers and “squatted” light elements. The practicality of the installed upper rails on the "Chevrolet Niva". Weight 100 kg - that is how much you can transport them.
Ergonomic performance
On this side, the car also performed well.Given the rather compact appearance, the doorways turned out to be very spacious, the “reserve” moved from the engine compartment to the back door. This aspect, coupled with the continuous beam rear axle once again recalls the "off-road" purpose of the car.
Передние стойки слегка скошены, видоизмененное side window provides good visibility. Rear optics harmoniously complements the complete set with a plastic bumper backing from both a practical and ergonomic point of view. Now, no matter how much weight Chevrolet Niva would carry, you can not be afraid to damage the paintwork during loading.
Salon equipment
For domestic SUV interior looksnot bad. True, the finish is made of rough plastic, the front seats are equipped with outdated adjustment systems, and the dashboard could be more modern.
On the other hand, the car is designed to ride likearound the city and in the countryside. It is worth noting the presence of air conditioning, power steering, front airbags and sound insulation quality. Rear comfortably accommodate three passengers. The front landing also causes no special complaints. Folding rear seats allow Chevrolet Niva to carry up to 0.5 tons.
In general, the interior design is quite successfulregarding functionality. The main controls are located in easily accessible places, the chairs are equipped with headrests and lateral support. Salon upholstery is made of practical and beautiful materials that are easy to clean. Transmission noise though penetrate the cabin, but not cause much concern. The overall impression of the cabin as for the domestic budget SUV is only positive.
Chevrolet Niva weight: technical specifications
The basic power plant of the caris a four-row engine with a volume of 1.7 liters and a capacity comparable to 8 dozen "horses." Not so much for a modern jeep, but the calculation is more aimed at maneuverability, and not at extreme speed and cargo transportation.
Below are the parameters of the dimensional plan:
- Length / width / height with railing (m) - 3.91 / 1.9 / 1.69.
- The weight of the Chevrolet Niva curb (t) is 1.41.
- Gross weight (t) - 1.86.
- Wheelbase (m) - 2.45.
- Track (m) - 1.46 / 1.45 (front / rear).
- The luggage compartment (standard / with the rear seat folded) - 320/650 liters.
- The capacity of the fuel tank (l) - 58.
- Clearance (cm) - 22.
- Tires - 205/70 (75) -R15.
Dynamic qualities of the consideredcar improved slightly after 2009. The new power unit develops power up to 125 "horses" with the dynamics of acceleration up to hundreds of kilometers in about 17 seconds.
Other key indicators
Not very pleased with the "Chevrolet Niva" fuel consumption. The technical characteristics of this plan are presented below:
- The cost of fuel in the city - 14-14.2 liters.
- On the highway - about 9 liters per hundred kilometers.
- The fuel consumption indicator in the combined cycle is 10.5-11 liters.
- One hundred kilometers per hour from zero the car is gaining in 19 seconds.
- The car is equipped with a timing chain drive.
- The twisting moment - 127 Nanometers / 4000 about.
- Power - distributed fuel injection.
Cost depending on the configuration
Consider a complete set of machines "Chevrolet Niva". The weight of the car of all modifications is about the same. There are five main tracks of the car in question:
- Model L. This is a basic kit, equipped with 15-inch wheels, roof rails are not available, but there is a lower heated rear seat and power windows.
- LC variation. An air conditioner is installed here, which increases the price of a car by 50-100 dollars at its standard cost of half a million rubles.
- Версия LE.The machine is designed for extreme off-road trips, equipped with wheels 215 / R 16 with black alloy wheels. The transport is equipped with an external air intake, fasteners for mounting the winch, additional protection of the motor and transmission unit. In addition, the presence of rail and tow bar. The price of such a car is 50-100 thousand rubles higher.
- The most expensive versions are GLS orGLC, distinguished interior trim artificial leather, built-in heated seats, the presence of ABS, airbags on the side and the original coating of door handles and mirrors.
Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to develop their offspring and modernize the car. But high competition in the market requires the use of non-standard marketing approaches and constructive solutions.
Prospects
In fact, the car itself is slightly out of date,despite equipping him with all sorts of electronica. On crash tests "Shniva" shows low results. At the same time, the combination of an excellent transmission with a weak engine and high fuel consumption, even against the background of a reasonable price, attracts very few people.
Attempts have been made to improve the situation.through the installation of German engines and modernization of the transfer case and clutch. However, the increased price and quality received were not optimal. As a result of this experiment, a new modification of the VAZ-21236 for two years was sold just a few hundred copies.
In the near future, manufacturers intend toto release a couple of variations of the updated Chevrolet Niva car. The weight of the machine of this version should be in harmony with a powerful economical engine and safety. Otherwise, competitors will simply physically put the modification out of the market, regardless of its low price.
Reviews: pros and cons
If we consider the reviews of the owners, among the weak points are the following:
- Weak design interior for such money.
- The imperfection of the running node, problems with electronic equipment, in particular with the work of window lifters.
- Rapid wear of ball bearings and seals.
- Short service starter and alternator.
In addition, complaints received a car body that is susceptible to corrosion, as well as the functionality of the gearbox, noisy and vibrating at high speed.
Среди достоинств владельцы выделяют хорошую passability of the car and its reasonable price. The car is suitable for traveling along country roads and village roads, and also behaves well on the highway and on city streets.
Подытоживая все сказанное, можно сделать вывод, that Chevrolet Niva is one of the few domestic SUVs that have excellent exterior and good maneuverability. Unfortunately, the desire of developers to save on finishing materials and additional modifications leads to the fact that this car becomes obsolete faster than it has time to enter the market in serial sale. I want to believe that the manufacturers will work together to find a middle ground and present in a short time a progressive and inexpensive SUV Niva Chevrolet.
