Off-road car "Lada-2121": review, specifications and reviews

The most famous SUV family "Lada" - VAZ-2121 "Niva". He first appeared in 1977. It was the first all-wheel drive SUV in the Soviet Union, which quickly gained popularity not only inside the country, but also far beyond its borders. The car was actively exported. This year the car turns 40 years old. Nevertheless, it is still produced. What are the features of the car "Lada" 4x4 2121? Review and technical characteristics of the SUV - later in this article.

Design

Model 2121 is a three-door modification of the Niva. Also there was a five-door, longer version. In the common people he received the nickname "crocodile". Externally, these two models are very similar, except for the length of the wheelbase.

"Lada Niva 2121" has a simple design, without any frills. As a platform for the "Niva" was taken VAZ-2106. Therefore, the first modifications had a similar interior and technical characteristics. The similarity was in appearance. So, they have the same optics and taillights.

Later the rear was slightly upgraded. The headlights became vertical and integrated into the trunk lid.

In this form, "Niva" is still produced. In order to somehow increase sales, in 2014, a new version of Urban appeared in the series. It looks like this:

Among the differences - a new grille, mirrors, discs and bumpers. In the rest, this car remained the same Soviet "Niva" with square shapes and round optics.

As for dimensions, Lada Niva 2121 4x4 is a compact off-road vehicle. Its length is only 3.72 meters, width - 1.68 meters, height - 1.64 meters. The wheelbase is 2.2 meters, which practically corresponds to the A-class. Due to the high ground clearance (in the drain it is 22 centimeters) and the short base the car is distinguished by high traffic. The machine is perfectly adapted for off-road. Reviews say that even on standard tires "Lada-2121" can give odds to many foreign jeeps. This is its main advantage.

Salon

Initially, the "Niva" used the "Zhiguli" salon.

First, a torpedo was set up from the "six", and then from the "five". The saloon of the Lada-2121 SUV manufactured for today looks like this:

The instrument panel is from the "dozens", the steering wheel is from the VAZ-2107. Even the gear lever is the same as on the "classic". The only thing that distinguishes the "Niva" from the "Lada" - these are two small levers, responsible for locking the differential and a reduced gear. Managing them is simple enough. On an asphalt road they open from each other, and on the impassable road they need to "close".

If you evaluate the salon by today's standards, then it is quite outdated. This is also said by the owners. Even in the new "Urban" is used all the same classic panel. Exceptions are electric windows, air conditioning and heated seats. But even this does not save the situation. The salon is not very comfortable. It's especially noisy here when the stove works. And although the engineers of AvtoVAZ spoke about the modifications of the heater, nothing changed in the "Urban". As well as 40 years ago, here all the same rough switches and archaic seats. Between the front passenger and driver's seat is a small glove compartment and cigarette lighter. The armrest is not even in the maximum configuration. There is quite a bit of space behind the off-road car "Lada" 4x4 2121. "Niva" has a simple sofa without pronounced supports. Its only plus is the possibility of transformation.

Thus, the volume of the trunk can increase from 265 to 585 liters. In this case, a flat floor is formed.

Specifications

"Lada-2121" is equipped with a gasoline 8-valve engine in volume of 1.7 liters. Its maximum power is 83 horsepower. Originally it was "Zhigulevsky", a 1.5-liter motor. By simple improvements to increase the volume of the combustion chamber, engineers VAZ managed to increase the power to adapt the passenger car for a compact but still SUV.

This motor is aggregated by a mechanical gearbox in five steps. By the way, the first series of off-road vehicles "Lada-2121" were equipped with a 4-speed gearbox, which was still on the "kopeck". In terms of service owners expect the same problems as the "Zhiguli".

On the dynamic characteristics can not speak. Even with a small curb weight of 1210 kilograms (almost a car), acceleration to a hundred takes 19 seconds. The maximum speed does not exceed 137 kilometers per hour. Cruising for the "Niva" speed - 75-80 kilometers per hour. In this range, an optimum fuel consumption of 10.8 liters is achieved along the route. In the city the car consumes up to 14 liters of gasoline. The engines are designed for AI-92 fuel. Although early versions easily digest the 72nd gasoline.

Chassis

Unlike UAZ, there is a more comfortable, spring suspension. Front - an independent lever system with a stabilizer bar. Behind there is an independent suspension (beam) with telescopic shock absorbers.

Brakes, drive

Brake system - combined. Front are disc mechanisms, behind - drum. The steering is complemented by a hydraulic amplifier (concerns modern "Niv" and modifications of "Lada Urban"). The torque is transmitted to both axes. There is no disconnectable drive. For this reason, such a compact and light SUV has such a large fuel consumption. There is also a transfer case and a rigid inter-axle differential lock.

Prices and complete sets

The initial cost of the new "Niva" in the "Standard" bundle is 455 thousand rubles. This price includes power steering, power windows, factory toning, full-size spare, 16-inch stamped wheels and audio preparation.

The "Lux" package is available at a price of 488 thousand rubles. In addition to basic equipment, this includes air conditioning, heated front seats and attachment points for the trailing device. Alloy wheels are available only in the performance of Urban, which is on average 100 thousand rubles more expensive.

Do you need a car today?

With the advent of the updated "Niva" 2121 "Urban", many began to wonder about buying this SUV. But is it worthwhile investing? Judging by the reviews, the manufacturer paid little attention to the technical part. Most of the exterior has changed due to bumpers and the level of equipment (air conditioning, electrical package). In the rest, it's the same "Niva" with old problems. The cabin is quite noisy and uncomfortable. In winter, the stove does not do its job well. The body has no anti-corrosion protection. The engine is frankly sluggish and gluttonous. The only advantage of Niva is an "honest" four-wheel drive with locks and high ground clearance. The real element for VAZ-2121 is off-road. Within the city to use this car is not worth it. This is confirmed by numerous reviews of the owners. Alternatively, you can purchase a more refined Chevrolet Niva.