The domestic auto industry did not often please the consumer with quality cars. However, there are samples worth paying close attention to. For example, a Niva car, the dimensions of which correspond to the dimensions of an SUV. This series has several modifications, which are still in demand among the population. Consider the device and features of this car.
History of creation
The first production model of a Niva car, the dimensions of which belong to the category of SUVs, was released in 1977 under the VAZ-2121 index. The car is made in the station wagon, has three doors. The main difference from brothers is the presence of all-wheel drive. Some details are borrowed from the Six. Given the modest technical parameters, it is worth noting the high quality terrain of this vehicle. The modification has so taken root among the people that all subsequent variations were produced without significant changes in the body.
The conveyor production of the VAZ-2121 continued until 1994. Designers constantly improved the engine, transmission and other main components. This model was replaced by an updated version of the SUV under the brands 2123 and 2124. Since 2006, all modifications are available under the universal index "4 x 4".
"Niva": dimensions
The dimensions of the car make it possible to rank it as a group of compact SUVs with a load-bearing body. In length, the base version has 3,740 millimeters. The height and width of the vehicle are 1680 and 1640 mm, respectively. The ground clearance of twenty-two centimeters provides high levels of maneuverability.
Separately, it is worth noting the VAZ-2131 model. It is made in the back with five doors, which leads to an increase in length by five hundred millimeters. The remaining overall dimensions remained unchanged.
Powertrain
"Niva", whose dimensions are rather modest, in the first generation was equipped with a motor from the VAZ-2106. The following modifications had modernized power plants. The engine in the 2123 series is equipped with a new ignition and power system, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. At the same time, the power plant itself received an increased volume of combustion compartments.
The engine capacity in recent generations is 1.7 liters, it has a carburetor power system and a contactless ignition unit. The power that the engine is capable of developing reaches 82 horsepower. On a variation of 2124, the engine remained the same, but received a centralized fuel injection. The latest Niva powertrains have a volume of 1.8 liters and 84 horsepower.
Transmission unit
The Niva car, the dimensions (dimensions) of the body of which are almost identical on all modifications, in the first generation was equipped with a mechanical gearbox with a two-stage “razdatka”, as well as the possibility of locking the center differential.
After the release of model 2123, the car is equipped with a five-speed gearbox. A similar transmission unit is installed on an elongated version and on the VAZ-2124. The drive for all cars of this class on both axles.
The main traction indicators of an SUV:
- top speed - 135 kilometers per hour;
- acceleration to hundreds of kilometers - 19 seconds;
- fuel consumption is 10-12 liters per 100 km;
- carrying capacity - four hundred kilograms;
- gross weight - 1.6 tons.
The elongated model 2131 with a 1.8-liter engine can accelerate to 140 km / h at a set speed of up to hundreds of kilometers in twenty seconds.
Running features
Car "Niva", the dimensions of the cabin which can accommodate up to five people, does not apply to high-speed vehicles. Its characteristics are designed to overcome off-road. This ability is provided by increased ground clearance, an independent front suspension with wishbones, as well as a stabilizer. The rear suspension element is a dependent type with a longitudinal and transverse linkage.
With the advent of the VAZ-21213 model, developers began to pay more attention to the safety requirements of cars. It began to be equipped with a diagonal brake circuit with an installed automatic locking system. The steering wheel has a hydraulic booster. It is worth noting that the Niva car (the dimensions of the new model have not changed) continues to be produced. At the same time, all the main components and parts are improved.
More about Niva with an extended base
VAZ-2131 has an increased base (4.24 meters). In addition, under the hood there is a more powerful engine (1.8 liters) than its predecessors. The stroke of the piston is 85 millimeters with a maximum torque of 3,200 rotations per minute. The volume of the tank (65 l), as well as fuel consumption and speed indicators are almost the same as with the rest of the modifications.
"Niva", the dimensions of which are increased, is a five-seater station wagon with a stable wheelbase. The machine is designed to overcome various bumps on the road without harming the vehicle. The luggage compartment is 420 liters, and with the rear seats removed, its capacity reaches 780 liters. The carrying capacity of the VAZ-2131 is half a ton with the mass of the car itself 1.35 tons.
Owner feedback
Judging by consumer reviews of the Niva car, it is a reliable domestic SUV, perfectly adapted for driving along problematic routes. Compactness, high traffic, stability - the main advantages of this vehicle. The popularity of the car among the people is due to its affordable price and the absence of problems with spare parts.
The interior equipment and the power unit leave much to be desired. However, they cope well with their main tasks. At the same time, designers are constantly finalizing and modernizing the main components.
Conclusion
The Niva car is a legend of the domestic automobile industry. It has been produced for several decades and does not lose popularity among the population, despite its simplicity. Among the budget variations, it is difficult to find a more suitable vehicle for traveling on rural and problem roads. An important point is the fact that the car can be operated in the most severe climatic regions.