Chevrolet Niva ("Niva Shevi") diesel - is it worth buying?

Almost 5 years ago, a rumor appeared in the network that Avtovaz began to produce Chevrolet Niva off-road vehicles with a diesel engine in limited series. However, the hearing was not confirmed. The fact is that the Volga Automobile Plant did not even have a question about the development of new diesel engines for off-road vehicles "Chevrolet Niva". Their production is handled by a separate enterprise - "Theme-Plus". The management of AvtoVAZ gave only consent to the production of its cars under the brand of the company of this tuning studio.

What is the difference between the "Niva Sheva" diesel and its petrol version?

Just note that the changes relate only to the technical part. Externally, the diesel "Chevrolet Niva", produced at the enterprise "Theme-Plus", differs only in the label "1.9 Td" on the trunk lid (see photo # 2). In the technical part, the engine and gearbox change completely.

Engine and gearbox characteristics

The new unit differs from the petrol with its power and torque that it produces. So, on the tuning studio "Tema-Plus" two versions of power plants with a capacity of 100 and 120 hp are produced. The last unit differs from the first by the presence of a turbo. In conjunction with diesel engines, a 5-speed manual gearbox is available, which is supplied by the Japanese company Aisin. With its working volume of 1.9 liters Niva Shevi diesel absorbs no more than 7.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. For comparison, its petrol version spends up to 12 liters per "hundred".

Benefits

The main advantage of the diesel modification of the Niva is certainly its low fuel consumption, which we just mentioned. Also, the "Niva Shevi" diesel engine is characterized by its power and high traction at low revs, which is especially true for all-wheel drive off-road vehicles when driving off-road. Also worth noting the presence of a built-in air conditioner and hydraulic power steering on all modifications of the "Niva" from the "Themes-Plus".

disadvantages

They, unfortunately, are much more than advantages. In general, motorists complain about the increased noise of the engine, comparing it with the work of the tractor. There are also claims to the transmission. Its transmission is too short, which is very unusual for our motorists. But what is most surprising is the technology of starting the engine. After turning the ignition key, the Check Cheg lamp always turns on, and only after it turns off (about 5-10 seconds of waiting), you can turn on the gear and continue driving.

"Chevy Niva" diesel - price

Excessively high cost is, perhaps, a decisive factor, which put an end to the serial production of these off-road vehicles. Diesel "Niv" in Russia units, and in most cases, they are retrofitted by their own car owners. Judge for yourself, the minimum cost for the "Niva Shevi" diesel in the basic configuration is 597 thousand rubles. For this price you can buy a perfectly normal imported SUV on the secondary market or report 200 thousand and buy a zero "Grand Vitara". It is much better and more reliable than any "Niva", be it a series with a gasoline or diesel engine.