Chevrolet Niva is a five-door compact SUV equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. The release of this model was established in 2002. It is worth taking a closer look at the Chevrolet Niva. Reviews, weaknesses of the SUV - further in our article.
A brief history of the model
In 1977 of the last century, the VAZ-2121 car was launched into production on the basis of the Volga Automobile Plant. A simple, nothing outstanding design, but good performance and technical characteristics have led to the fact that the production of "Niva" continues to this day.
In 1998, AvtoVAZ presented a new concept at the Moscow Motor Show, which was supposed to replace the usual Niva.
The model received an index of 2123, but there were practically no cardinal differences - the model differed only in a five-door body.
In 2001, the launch of the new Niva began, however, financial problems at AvtoVAZ did not make it possible to establish mass production. Machines were created in small batches. Management decided to sell the brand. The buyer was General Motors. The employees of the concern did a great job and made more than 1700 changes in the design of the Niva Chevrolet. The model has become completely independent.
Further development
In 2006, the Americans completely bought all the rights to this model. In 2009, a large-scale restyling was performed, during which the body received a new design. Also, the trim has changed, the sound insulation has been significantly improved. In 2012, they announced the development of a new model, and now in 2015 it was born. But first things first.
Appearance
The first generation model was quite attractive, but at the same time not at all a bright design.
But against the background of other domestic cars, the four-wheel drive SUV looked fresh and new.
In 2009, along with restyling, the car received a new body from Italian designers Bertone. Thanks to the efforts of specialists working on the appearance of the Chevrolet Niva, the model began to look even better.
The grille has changed significantly - the designers decided to increase the logo. A new front bumper has also been made . The optics also gave an original appearance - the fog lights got a round shape, new direction indicators are installed on the front wings. The side parts of the body were decorated with plastic lining, and the mirrors were painted. More expensive equipment equipped with 16-inch drives.
The first thing that catches your eye from behind is the bumper. Chevrolet Niva has a special platform that is designed to facilitate loading. The bumper is also equipped with special grilles, the functions and tasks of which are not only decorative. Thanks to this innovation, it was possible to improve the circulation of air in the passenger compartment. In general, the design is respected even by those who really like to look at the little things.
Salon
Designers did a great job on the interior as well. But this was done not just like that, but at the request of first-generation car owners. For example, in the restyled Niva Chevrolet car, the interior has become more ergonomic - several new branches have been added.
Also, many appreciated cup holders and a glove box that no longer sags. In addition, the changes also affected the rearview mirror, which no longer rattles. Inside, the interior is lit by two lamps.
The steering wheel is three-spoke, and the dashboard seems richer. It is also substantially modified. In addition, the Americans took care of safety - the car is equipped with pillows and pretensioners. Added the ability to increase the volume of the trunk by folding the rear row of seats. The tailgate has a locking function in one of three positions.
The ignition key with the remote control is now available to all owners of these cars. What can be said in general about the Niva Chevrolet car? The interior is more ergonomic, made with high quality, the materials are quite reliable and wear-resistant, and the assembly is at a high level.
Specifications
Despite the fact that the appearance of the SUV has changed significantly, there is no need to talk about improving the technical characteristics in the car from 2009. Everything is still quite modest.
Under the hood is a gasoline 1.7 liter unit for 80 horses.
But this is not a sports car, but a conqueror of mud and swamps. The maximum possible speed, according to passport data, is 140 km / h. However, for a quiet ride, this is more than enough.
The SUV has a permanent four-wheel drive, a 5-speed manual gearbox. The transfer case is almost identical to that used on the VAZ-2121. Fuel consumption in urban areas is 14.1 liters, and on the highway - 8.8 liters.
Options and prices
There are several basic trim levels for the Chevrolet Niva. Price, specifications are different. So, in the LC version, air conditioning is available. Options LE prepared for driving on the road and is equipped with air conditioning.
Luxury equipment - GLS and GLC.
The LE + version is also available - this is luxury-based comfort. As for the cost, the basic version can be purchased from authorized dealers at a price of 399,000 rubles, which is quite affordable.
Reviews: Pros and Cons
With the benefits, everything is clear - there are many of them in the Niva Chevrolet car. Reviews also highlight weak spots quite often. Among the shortcomings, the interior design is still distinguished. The owners expected a bit more for their money. Many are not satisfied with the rude buttons, cheap lining materials. The desire to reduce the cost of production is the wrong move, says the automotive community.
But the interior is not everything. During operation, there are also shortcomings in the Niva Chevrolet car. Reviews often reveal weaknesses in the car: buyers note imperfections in the chassis and problems with electronic equipment. This is manifested in the operation of power windows. On the chassis, customers criticize ball bearings and seals. These parts are made of low-quality materials that are subject to rapid wear. The starter and alternator only function properly for 80,000 km, and then they can fail and damage the fuses.
The body is also not without flaws: the car is susceptible to corrosion. The first thing you should pay attention to when analyzing a Niva Chevrolet car is reviews. Weaknesses for corrosion are thresholds (sometimes customers even give photos as evidence). If there are chipped paint on the surface, then the car in these places is especially vulnerable.
Owners also encounter problems in the operation of the gearbox: it is almost the same as that of the VAZ 2103. When working with it, extraneous sounds are often heard, and if the Niva is dispersed to 120 km, then the plastic in the cabin can begin to vibrate.
But at the same time, many people like the car for the cost and permeability. It was appreciated by fans of extreme sports, residents of villages where impassability is a harsh routine. And they are ready to put up with these disadvantages, because a car of a similar quality at such a price is difficult to find. In addition, there is no car without flaws.
People often and with pleasure choose a Chevrolet Niva SUV. Price, its characteristics are very acceptable. No other manufacturer is ready for 400,000 rubles to offer four-wheel drive, a reduced number of gears, a transfer case and a differential lock.
New Chevrolet Niva
From the photo of the exterior, we can say that the design is quite successful. The body is quite brutal, personifies aggression and power. The car is not suitable for the city - here it will look ridiculous. A new engine appeared on the Niva Chevrolet car - 16 valves, engine power. - 120 l. from.
What changed?
The front is equipped with a huge grille, which occupies half of the bumper.
Its lower part is closed by a winch. Optics is also covered by a metal grill. The impressive clearance and large wheel arches are noticeable. Thresholds and arches are decorated with plastic lining. As for the back, it is also quite impressive. On the roof is a powerful trunk and extra lights.
The interior is not inferior in seriousness to the exterior. Owners are waiting for a completely new design. The dashboard looks very modern. The steering wheel is large enough, with three spokes. The lounge has comfortable seats and improved insulation.
According to the manufacturers, the power unit is simple and new, but at the same time as reliable as possible.
The new Niva Shervole car has 16 valves, a 1.8 liter naturally-aspirated Peugeot gasoline engine. Its power is 120 liters. from. The unit has a linear layout, four cylinders, a distributed injection system.
Paired with a motor, a 5-speed manual works. During its development, emphasis was placed on reliability, but the machine will be available as an option. The cost of the basic configuration will be from 500 000 rubles. This is a reasonable price for a car of this level.