No matter how motorists scolded the domestic automobile industry, it, although not too fast, however, qualitatively reacts to changes and fresh currents of this market. So, in 2012, AvtoVAZ began to understand that it was urgent to improve the VAZ-2121, or simply the Niva.
Over the three decades that this model has existed, it has changed many times. This car proved to be excellent in the Far North.
Lada 4x4 Urban - updated "Niva Urban"
Large-scale statistical studies were conducted at AvtoVAZ. And only after this work, designers and engineers began to modernize the legendary domestic cross-country vehicle.
The case began with surveys of motorists, or rather, owners of VAZ-2121 SUVs. Further, the factory took into account all the reviews. So there was a new or updated Lada Urban. The car was delivered to the conveyor in October 2014.
It is not necessary to consider that it is completely new "Niva Urban". Manufacturers themselves say that this is only an upgrade to the base Niva. No one thought to make a completely new model.
Exterior changes
Exterior still slightly changed. This is not hard to notice. The car received a completely new frame grille. Now it captures the main headlights. The frame is made of especially durable and wear-resistant plastic. Side windows are also framed with plastic. The bumper is painted in body color and is equipped with plastic overlays.
The side mirrors have also increased, and the door handles are now in a slightly different shape. Engineers slightly increased the wheel arches.
Otherwise, the new “Niva Urban” did not receive any special changes in the exterior, and its body is almost the same as that of the ordinary “Niva”. Its geometry has not changed at all.
At the same time, the machine itself is already perceived better. At AvtoVAZ, they realized what this car lacked in order to gain great popularity.
In the cabin
Let's continue the review (Lada 4x4 Urban) and see the interior of the car. There are interior changes. They are few, but it is better than nothing. So, the very first is the steering wheel. It decreased in diameter and became a little thicker. As for the reviews, motorists unanimously reiterate that now the steering wheel is much better in the hand.
Another change is the floor tunnel. There are two cup holders for glasses of different sizes, as well as an ashtray. In addition, the control keys for power windows and side mirror adjustment are located on this unit. Also, the power package includes heated seats.
The manufacturer introduced chairs as completely new. They are sewn in orange stitching, but there is one thing. Experienced drivers will notice that these are seats from Samara. And it’s not only the appearance that reminds you of this. The sensations of landing in this chair scream about it. The crossbar is still pressing obsessively into the lower back. But due to other upholstery material and a modified profile, the fit seems more comfortable.
What do owner reviews say? Lada 4x4 Urban ("Niva") has become more comfortable. On long trips and in the city from sitting in a chair, the back does not get tired, although the landing is unusual. Car enthusiasts say that the sensations can be compared more with sitting on a stool than with lying on a sofa. Sitting behind will be comfortable only for children.
The trunk can hold 265 liters with a standard rear seat layout. If the back is folded, then the volume will double.
The new "Niva Urban" - now with air conditioning
The main and almost imperceptible inside novelty, which is in the car, is a button for starting the air conditioner. Air conditioning in this car was needed for a long time. And, according to the owners of this car, it works pretty well.
In the announcements, AvtoVAZ specialists reported that it would turn out not too noisy, and that by working it would not eat away the dynamics of the engine. And this is a plus, since the power unit is not very powerful.
Air conditioning is very, very good, but the reviews of the owners of the "Lada Niva Urban" say that not everyone can adjust the air flows, their direction, as well as the volumes with the help of ancient sliders.
What's under the hood?
Everything is the same here, dear and familiar to everyone. Under the hood of this car is a 1.7-liter gasoline engine. The unit is in-line, four-cylinder and produces 83 liters. from. This, of course, is a small indicator, but a high torque of 129 Nm can compensate for the lack of power. The engine accelerates the car to 100 km / h in just 17 seconds.
Transmission
At the stage of creation for the manufacturers of the Niva 4x4 Urban SUV, owner reviews were crucial. At first glance at the transmission levers, it seems that the interior has not changed at all. This is one of the features that are inherent only to "Niva".
The strange thing is that in this modification they had to remove the reduction gear, and give the differential lock to the electronics. As a result, one gearshift lever was to remain, a significant reduction in vibration and transmission noise was observed.
But while the car is equipped with a transmission system common to a production model. Perhaps in 2015 a new Niva Urban will be released. Owner reviews literally beg the developers to remove these levers.
According to Steve Mattin, such a system will be implemented if it performs well on test vehicles.
Geometry
The wheels remained the same, and the clearance has not changed. Although the head of this project has repeatedly stated that the machine will be 20 mm lower. This will slightly reduce the center of gravity of the Niva Urban car. The feedback from the owners of this model makes it clear that the geometry is the same - nothing has changed.
Suspension and ride quality
Suspension is the main and main advantage of the old Niva (after high traffic). On the notorious Russian roads on it you can really rush. However, it is worth driving out onto good asphalt, as the car immediately “goes out”. "Horses" are not enough.
What do car owners say?
Many people think that the car is perfect for trips around the city, as well as fishing or a summer residence. Thanks to the suspension design, the Niva is suitable for driving on dirt roads. However, most owners are confident that the technology has long been outdated - about 15 years ago. Many bought the Niva only because of the affordable price and the complete lack of analogues.
You can talk about the shortcomings of the car "Niva Urban". Owner reviews, however, are very enthusiastic. Here, for example, many of them claim that this is an excellent off-road domestic car with all-wheel drive. Motorists believe that the car is not inferior to some models of all-terrain vehicles. "Niva" is equipped with a normal engine, transmission system, has reliable brakes. The seats are soft, the design is also good. But the bumper could have been stronger. Also pleasing motorists low fuel consumption. In addition, there are no more cars in the Russian automobile industry that can also be used to drive through swamps. In general - not a car, but a fairy tale.
However, there are other reviews. So, some owners believe that the car is a guest from the past. Small trunk, small rear seats, which are convenient only for children. The archaic nature of most solutions and technologies. Low quality components, as well as low security. It is impossible to turn an old car into a new one only by design from Mattin.
Yes, Urban is not a modern comfortable crossover. Nevertheless, he has a brutal appearance, and the content is quite serious. Everyone who was driving a Niva will forever remember the vibrations, the sound of the wind, the sound of the box.
Driving an Urban is a bit of a romance. Many car owners and look at the car from this angle, not paying attention to minor inconveniences, annoying breakdowns, creaking panels. Here it is, Niva Urban. The reviews of the owners, as is already clear, are very mixed about her.
However, a competent motorist gets a vehicle in his hands, which allows you to open the fourth dimension on the road. The car rides perfectly in the snow, mud, gravel.
Who will buy Urban?
New bumpers, the presence of air conditioning and the name did not make any fundamental changes. Many will remember the Niva as a car for fishing or hunting trips. This modification is of interest to those who previously drove a Lada 4x4 car. These are real fans of this model. The car is not suitable for those whom AvtoVAZ marketers were counting on.
Prices and specifications
What is the price for the Lada 4x4 Urban SUV? The characteristics of the model are different, but the cost starts from 438,000 rubles for the version with air conditioning, electric mirrors and power windows.
You can wait for the upcoming sale of the Niva with a 16-valve engine of 90 liters. from. Here the price will be higher (until it is regulated), but this model is worth buying.
What's next?
In 2016, you can expect a powerful interior upgrade. Here, car enthusiasts are waiting for a new climate system. Also, the manufacturer's statistical departments are still conducting surveys about what is still missing in the car.
In the very near future, some changes are also possible. In addition to the transmission, optimized for the city, promise new wheels, towbar mounts.
In conclusion
Now you can finish the review of the Lada 4x4 Urban. It's hard to tell anything else about this car. And the conclusion is that the modernization could not make the Niva a city car, as can be seen with imported analogues such as the Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen and so on. But it is also passable, has four-wheel drive and other enviable characteristics.
The machine fights off-road, reliable, hardy. It is worth believing that "Urban" is not the last model in this lineup. At AvtoVAZ, they constantly analyze the information received from the owners, and do everything to satisfy all requests. The SUV of the Urban series is a very successful attempt. This all-wheel drive car is considered the best of what has happened with the Niva over the past 30 years.
So, we found out what the “Niva Urban” reviews of the owners, design, interior and initial cost are.