An experimental batch of domestic VAZ-2123 vehicles of five hundred units was produced and sold before the start of production of the Russian-American SUV Niva Chevrolet. The external difference was expressed only in the new radiator lining, equipped with a branded strip with an emblem and bumpers made under the body color, as well as the presence of a cover for a spare wheel (on the rear door). The modification was collected at a separate enterprise located near the territory of AvtoVAZ. The updated model left the assembly line at the end of 2002, and mass production began in 2003. Consider the characteristics and features of this vehicle.
Description
The total production of Niva Chevrolet cars (VAZ-2123) until the end of 2004 was approximately 75 thousand units, which indicated a rather high level of popularity. An indicative figure for the annual release was planned in the region of 55-60 thousand models. The new modification has an elongated base of 25 centimeters, compared with the previous VAZ-2123, five doors and interior design, which is typical for a full-fledged category "C" car with a folding rear seat.
Important parameters of the technical plan have also been modernized, including handling, ergonomics and passive safety. All improvements are confirmed by crash tests and sea trials. Among the continuity of both cars, similar droplet-shaped light elements, short overhangs, and significant ground clearance can be noted, which together ensures a good geometric cross-country ability.
Similarity of modifications
The main similarity of these machines is in the standard transmission scheme with permanent all-wheel drive, an interaxle locked differential and a multiplier. Noise level of VAZ-2123 cars of a new type has significantly decreased due to the presence of a third support on the transfer mechanism and an increase in the distance from it to the main mechanical gearbox. The control is assigned to the lever with an H-shift.
Interior fittings
The interior of the VAZ-2123 Niva Chevrolet has virtually nothing to do with its predecessor. The interior equipment resembles a Golf class foreign car. The dashboard is a rounded configuration, complemented by a console with ergonomic controls for ventilation modes and backlight. Previously used primitive skid type controllers. A sliding ashtray and cup holder complement the nuances of the interior.
During the period of use, the plastic panels of the cabin begin to creak, like many other VAZ models. The four-spoke sports steering wheel and the Chevrolet emblem look original (the predecessor was equipped with a steering gear from the top ten).
Options
The updated model VAZ-2123, developers immediately began to produce in basic and improved trim levels. The first option is equipped with stamped rims, a hydraulic power steering, an adjustable steering column, electric window lifters. Also here you will find a jack for the radio, central locking and a dust filter in the ventilation system.
The luxury version of the car is additionally equipped with a velor interior, heated front seats, head restraints, an antenna, a pair of speakers, fog lights, alloy wheels and a spare wheel casing with a logo. In the spring of 2003, the optional package was expanded to include tinted windows and electrically heated mirrors.
Technical characteristics of the VAZ-2123
Below are the main parameters of the car in question:
- Number of seats / doors - 5/5.
- Weight in running order - 1.31 tons.
- The maximum speed is 140 km / h.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km - 19 seconds.
- The capacity of the luggage compartment is 650 liters.
- Ground clearance - 20 cm.
- Wheelbase - 2.45 m.
- Front / rear track - 1.43 / 1.4 m.
- The dimensions of the VAZ-2123 are 3.9 / 1.7 / 1.64 m (length / width / height).
- Turning radius (minimum) - 5.4 m.
- The power unit is a gasoline, longitudinally placed engine with distributed fuel injection.
- The working volume is 1690 cubic meters. cm.
- Power indicator - 80 “horses”.
- Cylinders - four in-line elements.
- Transmission unit - mechanics on five ranges with all-wheel drive.
- Suspension - front independent transverse stabilizer, rear - dependent spring element.
- Brakes - front disc type, rear - drum.
- The capacity of the fuel tank is 58 l.
- Combined fuel consumption is 9.6 l / 100 km.
Features
VAZ-2123 cars in the new version are equipped with a spacious rear seat, which makes it possible to comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. At the same time, the back and pillow can be folded in the proportion of 3/2, which is very convenient for transporting bulky luggage. The contents of the trunk are hidden from prying eyes by means of a removable shelf. The rear door is a pivot type, equipped with a spare wheel and a heating system.
The front suspension is almost identical in design to the Niva, not counting the reinforced wishbones. The kinematics of the rear cushioning unit has noticeably improved. The steering of the worm-roller configuration has become more informative and easier thanks to hydraulic reinforcement. In this regard, cars can be compared with imported counterparts.
The power unit 2123, which is an improved version of modification 21214, is supplied as standard for the Chevrolet Niva. The engine is equipped with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner, valve followers, a catalytic converter with a lambda probe. The engine compartment is covered by a plastic special casing.
Modernization
Another improvement of the new version of the VAZ-2123 was carried out in the fall of 2003. The designers changed the position of the generator, moving it to a dry area at the top of the motor block, and replaced the drive belt with a more reliable multi-ribbed version. Since 2004, the production of the experimental modification of the Chevrolet Niva with the engine from Opel (1.8 l), the Aisin transfer case, aggregated with the updated gearbox, began. This further reduced vehicle noise. The standard package in this category includes the ABS system, belts with tensioners, airbags. It should also be noted a good indicator of cross-country car, which is higher than that of most "SUVs."
Frequent malfunctions
The VAZ-2123 device (especially the 2002-2003 model year of manufacture) is far from ideal and sins with some “childish” malfunctions. Among them:
- Deactivation or spontaneous set of engine speeds (due to improperly calibrated powertrain control system).
- There is an extraneous knock in the hydraulic lifters.
- Flowing antifreeze from the thermostat.
- The DPDZ sensor often breaks down.
- Unscrew nuts fixing collectors.
- The throttle retainer clamp fails.
- CV joints anthers wear out quickly.
- The transfer case warms up for a long time and buzzes in frosty weather.
- There is rustling and noise in the release bearing and analogues of the input shaft of the box.
- The front axle gearbox bracket breaks.
- Significant backlash gimbal joints appear.
- Leak shock absorbers and power steering.
- Quick wear of regular tires.
- Weak attachment of the brake hubs.
- Frequent failures of electrical equipment.
- Bad contact on the “stop” lamps.
- Backlash regarding adjoining of a door to a body.
- Defects of activators and locks.
- The voltage controller often burns out.
- Inconsistency of actual readings with an odometer and fuel gauge.
- Skews and scratches of glasses.
- Deformation of lock rods.
- Lack of fasteners for the jack under the hood.
In modifications after 2003, most of these deficiencies were eliminated.
Total
In the secondary market, you can easily find Niva Chevrolet cars. Specialists and users are advised to choose models after the 2003 release, since the first versions had a number of disadvantages. It’s not worth it to “be led” to the cheapness of the machine, because repairs and constant improvements will take a lot of money and time. Prototypes of the very first "semi-finished products" 2123 ("Niva Chevrolet") are practically not presented on the market, as they were mainly sold out in the vicinity of the native motor city.