Many SUVs are good representatives on the road, there are both good and bad models. But if you think about how to find a good domestic, then the first car that you remember will be the Niva.
History of creation
The legendary car was designed back in 1977 and still has not changed the design features. Then it was one of the first cars with permanent all-wheel drive, before that it existed only on foreign Range Rover SUVs. Unaware of this, Soviet designers built an advanced car. According to the test results, it was found that the Niva's cross-country ability is many times better than that of foreign SUVs and even than UAZ. But it turned out a minus. The Niva engine had low traction, which did not allow it to pass the obstacles of a pull.
Success and Export Models
Immediately after the start of production, Niva was in unprecedented demand, and not only in the Soviet Union, but also in Germany, Great Britain and other European countries. It cost much less than other SUVs. The same Gelendvagen cost twice as much as the Niva. In addition, dealers selling this car installed various modifications on it, panoramic roofs, kenguryatniks, body kits and even made a convertible out of it. Some replaced the domestic engine with a more powerful French diesel.
The continuity of generations
If you look and compare the old “Niva” with the modern, you will hardly find any differences, since the successful layout and design do not need significant revision. Not a single Russian resident can imagine this car in a different form. Initially, this model was designed as a car with permanent all-wheel drive and increased all-terrain. Indeed, she copes with these tasks to the present, as the Niva 4x4 cross-country ability is almost the best among all SUVs in the world.
Off-road qualities
A short base, small overhangs, as well as the presence of a lower gear and transfer case allow this car to easily overcome any obstacles. Even in standard versions, he can drive along a rather serious roadway, and if you modernize him, the Niva on the impassable road will simply not be equal. If you just put off-road wheels, it will immediately add to the cross-country ability and will be much better than all modern crossovers and some SUVs. And if you equip it with a winch and increase ground clearance, then the cross-country ability of the Niva will not be equal.
Yes, in many ways, the Niva is an obsolete car. It has an archaic interior design, and the exterior has not been updated for a long period of time. But she is not loved for this - the machine was created in order to work and be indispensable in the household. Patency "Niva" is still the reference. Of course, all the shortcomings of this model have long been known, and it is a pity that modern designers do not want to bring this car to the ideal, but, despite all its shortcomings, the Niva will always remain in the heart of every Russian person.