Lada Niva

Lada Niva
Overview
Manufacturer AvtoVAZ
Also called Bognor Diva (Uruguay)
Lada 4x4 (3-dr version worldwide since 2009)
Lada 4x4M (Italy)
Lada Bushman (Australia)[1]
Lada Cossack (United Kingdom)
Lada Fora
Lada Hussar (United Kingdom)
Lada Job (Italy)
Lada Neve (Japan)
Lada Niva (worldwide)
Lada Sport (Iceland)
Lada Taiga (Austria, Germany & Italy)
VAZ 2121 (Soviet Union/Russia)
Production 1977–present
Assembly Amman, Jordan (LHJ)
Bogota, Colombia (Motorysa)
Bucharest, Romania (Dunarea)
Cherkasy, Ukraine (Bogdan)
Lutsk, Ukraine (Bogdan)
Montevideo, Uruguay (Bognor)
Tolyatti, Russia (AvtoVAZ, Motorica, Super-Avto & VIS-Avto)
Thebes, Greece (Automeccanica)
Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto)[2]
Quito, Ecuador (AYMESA)
Body and chassis
Class Off-road car
Compact SUV
Body style 3-door and 5-door SUV
2-Door, 4-door Pickup and van
Layout Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related Chevrolet Niva
VIS-234600
VIS-234610
VIS-294600
VIS-294601
VIS-294610
VIS-294611
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L I4 (petrol)
1.7 L I4 (petrol)
Transmission 4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,200 mm (86.6 in) (3-door SUV)
2,700 mm (106.3 in) (5-door SUV)
2,700 mm (106.3 in) (2-door pickup)
Length 3,740 mm (147.2 in) (3-door SUV)
4,240 mm (166.9 in) (5-door SUV)
4,520 mm (178.0 in) (2-door pickup)
Width 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height 1,640 mm (64.6 in)
Chronology
Successor Chevrolet Niva

The Lada Niva or VAZ-2121 (Russian: Лада Нива; Niva (нива) is the Russian word for "crop field") is an off-road vehicle designed and produced by the Russian (former Soviet) manufacturer AvtoVAZ. It was also marketed as the Lada Sport in Iceland,[3] Lada Taiga in Austria, Bognor Diva in Uruguay, the Lada Cossack in Great Britain,[4] and is offered since 2009 on most markets as the Lada 4x4.

It was the first mass production off-road vehicle to feature a unibody architecture, independent front suspension with coil springs, and is a predecessor to current crossover SUVs which nearly all follow this format; it inspired the Suzuki Vitara.[5] Like the Vitara, the Lada 4x4 uses a recirculating ball truck steering box for off-road reliability. Pickup and emergency van versions are produced by VAZInterService.

History

The Niva (VAZ-2121) was described by its designers as a “Renault 5 put on a Land Rover chassis.”[6] Development began in 1971, when a team of VAZ designers under Vladimir Solovyev began work on a "civilized" four-wheel drive vehicle.[7] It was inspired in part by the IZh-14 prototype of 1974.[8] It was VAZ's first non-Fiat based model. Much of its mechanicals are carried over from the earlier Fiat 124-based Lada models, though the body, four-wheel drive system, and front suspension were designed by VAZ. The first prototypes appeared in 1971 and 1972, but were rejected as too utilitarian, so doors and hardtop were added; this version debuted in 1973.[9] This took inspiration from the VAZ-1101, and was created by designer Valery Pavlovitch.[9] The engine was changed to a 1,568 cc (95.7 cu in) from the VAZ-2106, with permanent four-wheel drive and locking differentials.[9] On trials during 1973 and 1974, it showed it could climb a 58° slope or ford 60 cm (24 in) of water or 100 cm (39 in) of snow.[9] It was approved for production in 1977 as the Niva (Field).[9]

Lada Niva 1600 3-door wagon
5-door station wagon in Cuba.

In basic form, the Niva has a carbureted 1.6-litre overhead cam four-cylinder petrol engine producing 54 kW (72 hp) and 126 N·m (93 lb·ft), a four- or five-speed manual transmission, and full-time four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive system employs three differentials (centre, front and rear). The transfer case involves a high/low range selector lever and a central differential lock lever. Low range can be selected with the centre differential locked or unlocked. The original Niva had a maximum speed of 81 mph (130 km/h),[9] and can cruise at 56 mph (90 km/h) while consuming petrol at 8.25 L/100 km (34.2 mpg-imp; 28.5 mpg-US). Its towing capacity is rated for up to 860 kg (1900 lb). It debuted in Western Europe at the 1978 Paris Motor Salon, and rapidly captured forty percent of Europe's market for four-wheel drive vehicles,[9] making it Lada's top-selling export.[10] Because of export demand, and higher priority for exports, domestic customers faced long waiting lists.[9]

Lada Niva T3 Rally

A 1.7-litre petrol engine was introduced later in production, as was single-point fuel injection supplied initially by General Motors. Around this time the rear hatch was revised to have a lower opening. Multi-point fuel injection designed by Bosch is used currently since 2004. In some markets a 1.9L Peugeot XUD diesel powered Niva was sold.

Coil springs are located at each of the four wheels, and suspension is independent in front, whereas the rear axle is a 5 link live-type, with ratios between 3.90 and 4.30 depending on the model and market. Ground clearance is good at 235 mm (9.25 in) and water 510 mm (20 in) deep can be negotiated.

The brakes (disc front, drum rear) are servo-assisted dual-circuit style and the clutch is hydraulic. The turning circle is a relatively low 36.25'. Cargo space is 0.48 m³ (17 ft³), or 1.33 m³ (47 ft³) with the rear seats folded down. A spare tyre is located in the engine bay under the bonnet. The latter feature is considered a useful and practical feature by off-road fans.

A soft top version appeared in 1983, bodied by French coachbuilder Wassermann;[5] this was known as the Niva Plein Soleil (Sunlight).[11]

In 1985, the transmission was changed to a five-speed; because the transfer case is a separate unit, it remains very noisy and creates excessive vibration.[5]

Cossack

Red Lada Niva Cossack 1.7i in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada.

During the 1980s local Lada importers in various markets made their own upgrades to help compete with more modern SUVs. In the UK the Cossack model featured large body decals, roof rails, running boards, 15" alloy wheels, and on some versions a sunroof, steel bullbars, spotlights, a rear-mounted spare tyre and semi-bucket seats. Other markets' importers made similar upgrades and many were also called Cossack.

In 1995, Lada UK introduced a face-lifted version of the Niva Cossack and renamed the basic model as the Hussar. Whereas the Hussar had the original 1977 trim, the new UK Cossack featured a new Rover-designed grille and other body kit items, and gained soft nudge-bars at the front in deference to public opinion against bullbars. Both models received the same new 1.7-litre engine and a new deeper tailgate which extended the rear opening to the level of the bumper - a vast improvement over the original model's high lip. Official Niva imports to the UK ceased in 1997 due to the importers having difficulty in sourcing the GM fuel injection unit required to satisfy ever-tightening UK emissions regulations.

There were several attempts to reintroduce Ladas back into the UK. In May 2010, the basic Niva became available again, through an independent importer. Aimed largely at the agricultural market, three models were made available (all LHD), the 3-door 4-seat hatchback at £10,000, a 2-seat commercial van, £8000 and a 2-door, 4-seat pickup for £12,000. All meet the current UK Vehicle Certification Agency standards. The only engine available is the 1.7 litre petrol, but this can be provided with or without a LPG conversion.[12]

VAZ-2122 Reka

VAZ 2122 Reka

In 1974, when VAZ 2121 development was almost finished, the engineers from Togliatti began working on an amphibian off-roader, VAZ 2122 'Reka' ('River') based on VAZ-2121 'Niva' underpinnings. It was intended to be sold to the Soviet Ministry of Defence. It had a 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) 1,300cc engine based on the VAZ-2101's, for a top speed of 71 mph (114 km/h) on road or 5 kn (5.8 mph; 9.3 km/h) on water.[13]

Six evolutions of prototypes were built, and much development work was done. The car was tested in an experimental military unit, on the proving grounds of the Ministry of Defence, and in the Turkmenistan Karakum Desert. VAZ-2122 received very positive feedback, by 1987 VAZ had finished all development work, and the car was ready for production.

However, at the end of the 1980s, the Ministry of Defence did not have the financial resources necessary for large-scale purchases of the VAZ-2122. As a result, it was never put into mass production.

LWB Nivas

VAZ-2131
VAZ-2329

Long-wheelbase versions - the five-door VAZ-2131 and three-door VAZ-2129 - were also produced from 1994,[14] but not generally exported.

Nameplate changes

The Lada Niva was renamed the Taiga and it continued to be offered with a low-range gearbox, differential lock, ABS, underbody protection and more. Prices for the model started at €10,990. The Taiga would be available in five body styles; 3-door SUV, 5-door SUV, 2-door Pickup, 4-door Pickup and van. Two petrol engines are available for the model, a 1.6L and a 1.7L, along with two transmissions, a 4-speed or a 5-speed manual.[15][16]

Starting 2014 model year, the "Niva" nameplate was discontinued for the Russian market, and the vehicle is currently branded as "Lada 4x4" for both short and long wheelbases. This was done to make way for the upcoming restart of the Chevrolet Niva series, which was slated to start production by March 2015. However, due to the current economic situation in Russia-West relations, AvtoVAZ analysts have suggested that the production of Chevrolet Niva may indeed get delayed furthermore into 2015, especially considering any upcoming automotive sanctions packages against Russia. AvroVAZ currently plans in keeping the Lada 4x4/Niva for its domestic market, branding it as economy class SUV.

Uses of the Niva

In Russia and Europe the Niva has been used as an ambulance, a military vehicle, and by various police forces (e.g. Czech Republic and Bulgaria) and utility companies (e.g. Manx Electricity Board). It also saw service for a time as a vehicle for lifeguards on beaches in the Netherlands.

Lada Niva 2131СП ambulance
The official pace car of the Budapest-Bamako is a refurbished 1988 Lada Niva
Lada Niva based fire appliance
Lada Niva used by the Soviet Antarctic Expedition

Transmanche-Link, the commercial consortium that built the Channel Tunnel between England and France, used a fleet of 45 Nivas to aid in the enormous project. Each Niva accumulated in excess of 70,000 kilometres (43,000 mi) off-road during its employment, and after construction had been completed in 1993, the fleet was sold off to a local dealer.

In Brazil, the Niva was the best-selling off-road vehicle during the early 1990s. In fact, the Niva was so cheap that even with the 85% importation value tax, it was less expensive than Brazilian competitors such as the Envemo or Gurgel. It sold so much more than the Gurgel Carajás, that Gurgel discontinued production in January 1991. The Niva was the first imported 4X4 in the Brazilian market, following then-Brazilian president Fernando Collor's decision to permit the importation of foreign vehicles in 1990. In the Brazilian market, a used 1991 Niva in good condition costs about R$11,000. Competition and higher importation value taxes forced the Niva to be retired from the Brazilian market. Even so, thousands of Nivas remain in use in Brazil.

Nivas have been driven on land, up mountains, through mud, and underwater.

It was the first wheeled vehicle to spend more than ten years in Antarctica, where it was used by the Russian (formerly Soviet) Antarctic Expedition for transportation of personnel and goods, communication between Antarctic stations, towing boats and where it covered more than 40,000 km (24,855 miles) in the years 1990-2001.[17]

As of early January 2013, a Niva became the symbol of the opposition's Resistance movement in Republic of Macedonia. Nivas can be seen in almost all public gatherings organized by the movement.[18]

Assembly outside Russia

Car manufacturer Bognor in Uruguay assembled a version of the Niva, called Bognor Diva, released in 2004.

In Greece, the Automeccanica car maker assembled different versions of the Lada Niva in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including an in-house developed cabrio version.[19]

Chevrolet Niva

Main article: Chevrolet Niva
Chevrolet Niva

GM-AvtoVAZ, a joint venture between AvtoVAZ and General Motors, produces the Chevrolet Niva. The car was previously known as the VAZ-2123 in the design stage. It features an updated body and 1.7-litre gasoline engine with fuel injection. Although the body and the interiors are new, it is still based on the old VAZ 2121 engine, transmission and most mechanicals. Its off-road ability is exemplary compared with many modern budget SUVs, having been designed for tough tundra territory.

Modifications

Short/Regular versions

Long versions

Lada Fora
Lada Landole

Vehicles based on the Niva

Lada Nadezhda «Фора» Hope

Versions by AutoVaZ subsidiaries

Motility

LLC "motility" Versions:

Bronto

PSA Bronto versions:

VIS

VIS versions:

The car can be equipped with a voltage converter 12 -> 220, to supply various medical equipment; additional electric heater med salon.

Notable owners

A notable Niva buyer in May 2009 was Russia's then-premier Vladimir Putin.[23] He flaunted his camouflage-painted Opel-engined offroader in the Russian media, allegedly to support domestic car producers despite the financial crisis.[24][25]

Gallery

References

  1. Lada Australia advertisement for Lada Niva and Lada Bushman, Wheels (magazine), April 1997
  2. "Ao"Азия Авто"". Aziaavto.kz. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  3. "Icelandic Automobile Association". Fib.is. 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  4. Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.239 caption.
  5. 1 2 3 Thompson, p.238.
  6. "A quick look at the Lada Niva". Ran When Parked.
  7. Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.180.
  8. Thompson, pp.185-186.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Thompson, p.187.
  10. Thompson, p.caption.
  11. Thompson, p.241 caption.
  12. David Cousins. "Farmers Weekly". Fwi.co.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  13. Thompson, p.189.
  14. "Niva allroads models". RusLada.com. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
  15. "Russian Lada Niva is renamed Lada Taiga – News Feed – Kazakhstan news today". Bnews.kz. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  16. "Lada Niva is renamed as the Lada Taiga". Inautonews.com. 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  17. "1990 ВАЗ-2121 «Нива»". 360carmuseum.com (in Russian).
  18. "Каде си Никола ечеше пред здравство, диригираше ладата на Отпорот" [Lada Resistance protests before Nikola's Health building]. Бриф (brif.mk) (in Macedonian). 2013-02-28. Retrieved 2013-03-26.
  19. "Automeccanica Αebe". Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  20. "Lada 4x4 Urban Production Begins". Wroom.ru. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  21. "Niva allroads models". Ruslada.com. 2001-06-27. Retrieved 2015-08-22.
  22. "ВАЗ 2120 "Минивэн"". Motorica.ru. Retrieved 2015-08-22.
  23. Putin flaunts new Lada Niva Associated Press in Moscow, used by New Zealand Stuff.co.nz news portal, 18 May 2009.Retrieved: 4 September 2014.
  24. Putin Pimps His Russian-Made Ride With German Engine Associated dispatch quoted by Moscow Times, Moscow, 27 January 2010.Retrieved: 4 September 2014.
  25. ##', Andrew Osborn in Moscow, Daily Telegraph, London, 26 January 2010.Retrieved: 4 September 2014.

External links

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