Long way from VAZ-2121 to Chevrolet-Niva-2015

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Over the long years of production, the domestic Niva SUV has gained many fans, and not only among Russians. Good news for all admirers was the announcement of the leaders of the joint venture "GM-AvtoVAZ" about the start of production of a new generation of SUVs "Niva-Chevrolet"-2015.

The birth of the Niva model

Remote April 1977 gave rise to mass production of the VAZ-2121 Niva. The new VAZ car has been developed by the plant's engineers for five years and has become a completely original model.

Already a year after the start of production, Niva began to be popular, and not only in the domestic market. In those days, there were no similar models either abroad or in the USSR. Foreign sales volumes exceeded sales in the domestic market. Until 1986, the Niva held the lead in all markets and was the best-selling model in the world.

Time passed, and the model developed, undergoing various design changes and improvements. During the release, several modifications of the SUV were developed, which differedequipment, interior equipment, body design, powertrains.

Chevrolet's first steps

The main changes in the model affected the body, which has become completely different, which is reflected in the comfort and perception of the model. The VAZ-2121 model acquired design changes in 2001, when the JV GM-AvtoVAZ company was established. The new model of the SUV VAZ-2123 "Chevrolet" rolled off the assembly line in 2002. Significant design changes were made to the Chevrolet Niva, although many components and assemblies remained from the previous model.

The next stage of formation

The release of the 2015 Niva 4x4 model will be a long-awaited event for SUV lovers. The car will be significantly changed, the design and interior will be changed, which will make it possible to compete with world analogues. The dimensions of the Chevrolet will remain unchanged, and the high cross-country ability of the SUV will also remain.

The chief designer of the plant, Steve Mattin, wants to replace the rational design of VAZ SUVs, so he plans to create a recognizable car with smooth lines and streamlined shapes so that the new model gives more emotions.

The design of the new Niva SUV-2015 is being carried out by Italian designers from Blue Engineering & Design. They report that expression, individuality and dynamism will be realized as much as possible in the car. So far, detailed information about the design of the new Niva model -2015 remains a secret. As they say, we'll wait and see.

Specifications

For the first Niva models -2015PSA Peugeot Citroen EC 8 power units with a volume of 1.8 liters and a torque of 170 Nm will be installed, developing a power of 135 hp. With. The engine will be produced at GM-AvtoVAZ plants and installed on new cars under a license agreement with Peugeot Citroen Automobiles. The EC 8 engine is well established and has been installed in some Peugeot and Citroen models for a long time.

The new generation Chevrolet Niva will have permanent all-wheel drive and a new manual transmission. The modified suspension will increase the comfort and reliability of the SUV.

Prospects for picking

In order for the SUV to be able to adequately compete with other brands, the Niva developers plan to expand the configuration options with gasoline engines. The company is skeptical about the use of diesel units, as there are many regions where such fuel is of poor quality.

To expand the number of consumers at the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture, it is also planned to launch the production of the front-wheel drive modification Niva-2015, it is possible that such models will have an automatic transmission.

The modified Chevrolet Niva will increase in value, but the company's management is reassuring that the selling price may vary depending on the market. "Chevrolet Niva" -2014 with a minimum configuration costs 439,000 rubles, add 10-15% - and we get the cost of the new model "Niva" -2015, a photo of the possible appearance of which has already been posted in this article.

Downs and ups

The developers took into account the problems of the previous model, when, during off-road tests, the SUV did not justify its purpose and got stuck. This gave rise to a change in the suspension, as a result, vibrations on the car decreased, which reduced noise. SUV "Niva"-2015 acquired new oil seals, seats, as well as an automatic locking brake system.

The new "Niva" is equipped with various electronic systems, for example, the seats received heating and electric adjustment. As standard equipment, 16” wheels will be installed on the car. Among other things, the interior will get a new three-spoke steering wheel.

Model Promotion

A strong competition is already unfolding around the new version of the Chevrolet Niva, which does not frighten the leaders and employees of the manufacturer's company. The design team of the enterprise is confident that the new design of the Niva has seriously changed and at the same time retained its high cross-country characteristics. This is what will allow the car to win a leading position among SUVs.