Soviet off-road car VAZ 2121 Niva, made a real sensation by its appearance in the market of all-wheel drive cars in 1977. At that time, only one off-road car in the world - Range Rover - had four-wheel drive, all the other members of this family included the front wheels forcibly. Therefore, the VAZ 2121 caused great interest in all-wheel drive and a relatively low price. In addition, the new car was distinguished by a high level of comfort, its showroom repeated all the achievements of the VAZ 2106 - the best model of that time.
In all SUVs of a similar class, the salons were tough, no frills, in the Spartan style. Whether the fashion was such, whether the price tried to reduce due to the convenience of the driver and passengers, but comfort in the cars was not. VAZ 2121 favorably differed in this respect, and at the international automobile exhibition in Brno, held in 1978, received a gold medal as the best SUV in its class. And in 1980 the car was again awarded a gold medal, this time in Poznan, on the occasion of participation in the international fair. The world recognition of the VAZ 2121 was undeniable, the car became an export commodity.
The main advantage of VAZ 2121 is its unprecedented patency. The machine can go anywhere thanks to a short base, a slight overhang of the body both front and rear, a small mass and a clearance of 220 mm. The engine of the car repeated the main characteristics of the engine 2106, in-line 4-cylinder, power of 75 hp. At 5000 rpm.
On the highway VAZ 2121 developed a speed slightly more than 130 km / h, but this was quite enough for an SUV. On the steep corners of the Niva slightly fell down, but this feature is characteristic of all high-seating machines, since the center of gravity is high enough. Therefore, it is necessary to drop the speed in time, the stroke instantly stabilizes.
Niva repeatedly took part in various sports competitions. The machine acted as a climber, rose without assistance to the foot of Mount Everest in the base camp, and this is 5000 meters above sea level. Was as a paratrooper, once dropped with a parachute on the North Pole. After a successful landing, VAZ 2121 Niva passed the specified route. Not without a famous off-roader and at the South Pole of the Earth, in Antarctica, where there are no roads. Although why are they off-road?
During its production, the Niva has undergone several modifications. Since the machine was exported, the need arose for a right-hand drive variant for deliveries to the UK and Japan. A modified VAZ 21212 was created. The next development was 2122.600 The river was an army-type amphibious vehicle, with full sealing of the lower part of the body. In 1987, the river was tested, but before the serial release did not reach. The armored version of VAZ 2121B for cash collection service was launched in 1992. And, finally, a cargo modification, with a body without side windows, with a lower rear door and tubular fences of the front seats. At VAZ 2121 technical characteristics allow further improvements and new modifications.