A worthy model among Russian off-road passenger cars is the Chevrolet Niva. However, it does not have a number of disadvantages. For example, there is an established opinion among drivers that the Chevrolet Niva has practically no trunk. Let's figure out whether this is a lie or a real disadvantage of the domestic SUV.
Chevrolet Niva is a small-sized five-door crossover that is suitable for driving in the city and off-road. On the market since 2002, restyling took place only once. It differs from other Chevrolet models assembled in Russia in that 90% of all components are domestically produced. A remarkable fact: in 2009, this model received the award, awarded annually by the best auto magazines, “SUV of the Year 2009” in the “Premiere of the Year” and “SUV” categories.
Design features
Before installing a roof rack on your car, performing some kind of tuning, you should understand the design features of such devices.
The package usually includes:
- tubes, also known as roof rails, made of plastic or metal;
- brackets necessary for installing the device on the roof;
- endings made of plastic, giving more aesthetic advantages than practical ones.
On average, structures can withstand up to 150 kilograms of weight. This will allow you to carry bags and other things. The dimensions of the cargo that will fit there depend on the dimensions of your roof rack. This is logical, don’t you agree?!
Chevrolet Niva belongs to SUVs or rather crossovers. The car is not the smallest, but it certainly cannot boast of huge capacity. That is why there is a desire to install an additional trunk on the roof rails.
Add a comment Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hi all! So I was driving, loading the car with all sorts of things, and I was thinking how people solve the problem of lack of space on small crossovers, such as the Niva, sedans, hatchbacks, etc. And the idea arose to tell me a little about the trunk for the Chevrolet Niva. But not internal, but slightly different. About the one that is installed on the roof.
As for me, you can buy such a thing for any car. The main thing is that the roof structure allows it to transport the appropriate devices and carry loads. The volume of the Niva's regular trunk leaves much to be desired, so an additional compartment for things on top will not harm the driver who often has to transport various kinds of things. What exactly the top rack will be used for is up to you. The main thing is to approach the issue of choosing a trunk correctly.
Buying a machine for various operating conditions
If you want to purchase a high-quality unit that can be used both for off-road and urban conditions, then the Chevrolet Niva is the ideal choice. There are more attractive safety systems and more comfortable seats. And just from a visual point of view, the car looks much more attractive. It is also worth highlighting that the new Niva does not toss from side to side on the highway; it feels much more stable on the highway.
Despite this, the standard Niva has several clear advantages.
- Niva 4x4 consumes about 2 liters less fuel than a Niva Chevrolet car.
- The installed technology is very simple and understandable.
- It is possible to use only the most necessary functions that do not break down for several years.
- The difference in pricing policy with a competitor is more than 100 thousand rubles.
- Niva 4x4 is very practical to use.
Of course, the cars are very good in many respects. However, you should choose one of the models not according to its technical characteristics (since they are almost the same), but according to what you need the car for. If you need an option for city trips, then choose the Chevrolet Niva; for off-road use, the Niva 4x4 is simply ideal.
Many car enthusiasts enjoy fishing or hunting. The question immediately arises: how to get to the pond or hunting area? Fans of dacha holidays in winter also ask a similar question: how to get to the dacha? The engineering thought of modern automotive industry provides answers to these questions. It's simple. You need to become the owner of a car with all-wheel drive that will take you everywhere at any time of the year. And for this you don’t need to buy large frame tanks. There are less expensive options. Let's consider and compare 2 representatives of the class of off-road vehicles.
OFF-ROAD
Next to the Niva gearbox lever there is a lever that controls the transfer case. By moving it back (position H) the higher row of the transfer case is switched on, and forward (to position L) – the lower row; between them is “neutral”, in which torque is not transmitted to the wheels. The lower row allows you to increase the overall transmission ratio (torque at the wheels) in any gear by 2.1 times. By moving the lever to the left (in any position), the center differential is blocked: a rigid connection is created between the front and rear axles. Helps on slippery ascents and descents, on very rough terrain, when there is a high probability of one of the wheels hanging out, as well as when starting off, when the wheels of one of the axles are on a surface with a lower coefficient of adhesion than under the wheels of the other. It is strictly forbidden to use a blocker on roads with a high coefficient of traction.
The all-wheel drive Duster transmission has three modes. You can select them by turning the large “button” on the console.
2WD - front wheels only. Used for dry roads with a high coefficient of traction.
AUTO - the car remains front-wheel drive, but if the front wheels slip, the electromagnetic clutch will automatically engage the rear axle, turning the transmission into all-wheel drive. Recommended for surfaces with a low coefficient of adhesion, as well as when towing a trailer.
LOCK is a non-fixed position (the activation can be controlled by the illuminated 4WD LOCK symbol on the instrument cluster), in which the rear axle is forcibly engaged. However, when reaching 60 km/h it will turn off and the car will again become front-wheel drive for the sake of acceptable handling. The LOCK mode is used when driving on loose or slippery (snow, wet grass, mud, etc.) surfaces, as well as on steep ascents and descents.
We express our gratitude to GM-AVTOVAZ
and dealer (Renault) in Tolyatti
Flaws:
- outdated both interior and exterior;
- high level of steering effort;
- cramped rear seat;
- small luggage compartment size;
- a lot of noise and vibration;
- the smoothness of the ride leaves much to be desired.
Fora Bronto off-road Now let's see how the extended variation of the Niva will behave on the same route. The driver's seat here is not much different from the VAZ 21214. The difference is only felt when driving. BRONTO makes less noise, but it doesn’t bounce as much, and it’s much easier to handle the steering wheel. So the part of the road that was allocated for asphalt seemed much shorter. Off-road in Fore is much more convenient. This car is also not afraid of potholes and hills, but it is better not to do any extreme movements, as on 21214, because the base of the car is 30 centimeters long, and this means that the cross-country ability of the geometric type will be worse; at a turn you can get caught on the bottom. In the back seat, you can appreciate the increased base of the car: the doors and the openings themselves are now wider, precisely by those very centimeters that were missing, and this has made it much easier to get in and out of the car. And the rear seat, pushed forward from the wheel arches, makes it possible to comfortably fit three passengers. The trunk has also become much more spacious.
Conclusion: An excellent car that combines a high level of cross-country ability, excellent road performance and increased comfort.
Dimensions and features of the Chevrolet Niva trunk
A worthy model among Russian off-road passenger cars is the Chevrolet Niva. However, it does not have a number of disadvantages. For example, there is an established opinion among drivers that the Chevrolet Niva has practically no trunk. Let's figure out whether this is a lie or a real disadvantage of the domestic SUV.
Chevrolet Niva is a small-sized five-door crossover that is suitable for driving in the city and off-road. On the market since 2002, restyling took place only once.
It differs from other Chevrolet models assembled in Russia in that 90% of all components are domestically produced.
A remarkable fact: in 2009, this model received the award, awarded annually by the best auto magazines, “SUV of the Year 2009” in the “Premiere of the Year” and “SUV” categories.
First generation
The model that replaced the AvtoVAZ Niva and VAZ-2123 Niva is the VAZ-21236. Today, official manufacturers have announced seven vehicle configuration options: L, LC, GL, LE, GLC, LE+, SE. The description of the car and its dimensions in the simplest basic version are as follows:
- length is no more than 4 m;
- height up to 2 m (including possible additional roof rack);
- weight about 1.5 tons;
- the fuel tank holds 58 liters;
- clearance from 20 to 24 cm;
- the width including side mirrors is just over 2 m, the body without mirrors is 180 cm;
- The trunk volume of the Chevrolet Niva is 320 liters, and if the rear seats are folded down it is 650.
The trunk with the seats folded has a volume of 650 liters. This is a sufficient cubic capacity for comfortable placement of things during a trip to nature if the family consists of two people.
The crossover is designed for four passengers and a driver. Based on reality, travel for four adults in this car is comfortable, but for five it’s already a bit cramped. But let's return directly to our topic - the trunk. Its parameters:
- height – 930 mm;
- depth – 680 mm;
- if you remove the seats, the depth will be 1230 mm.
The trunk on the Niva cannot be called huge. But its small size is partially compensated by the ergonomics of the space. Simply fold the rear seats and the space doubles. In addition, the LE, GLC, LE+, SE trim levels are equipped with roof rails. They can be installed on the roof and leave it at that, or you can place an additional luggage box there.
Second generation
A long and unfinished epic is the history of the second generation Chevrolet Niva. Back in 2014, the concept of a new model was prepared, and it was successfully tested on the roads of Italy and Sweden. After which the release was scheduled for the winter of 2022. But the plans were disrupted by the financial crisis, shifting the sales deadline to the winter of 2022, and in February 2018 the project was once again suspended.
Today it is known that the changes will affect engine power and external parameters of the car, but will bypass indicators characterizing capacity. The second generation promises potential buyers:
- body dimensions: length will increase slightly to 4.316 m, width will increase by 30 mm;
- the fuel tank volume will be 62 liters as opposed to the previous 58;
- trunk volume in liters – 355 instead of the previous 320.
In the Chevrolet Niva, the trunk volume will only slightly expand. The rear seats can still fold down to improve cargo space. In some trim levels it is planned to use roof rails. It should be noted that the angularity of the new Niva could theoretically affect the usable volume in which luggage can be placed.
Features of luggage compartments
To summarize, let’s say that the Niva’s trunk is really small in volume – less than 400 liters. But due to the space freed up after the rear seats are removed, it becomes more spacious. Railings became a bonus for some models. You can finish the conversation about the features of the Chevy trunk with a simple comparison with the Granta liftback.
Peugeot Boxer: all about car dimensions
With a volume of 440 liters in the Granta's trunk, its capacity, as practice shows, is significantly lower due to the peculiarities of the geometry of the space. The square trunk of the Niva turns out to be much more rational to use than the Grant one, which is more voluminous in terms of technical characteristics, but is “cut off” by the inclined glass of the door.
The car does not have a truly spacious trunk. Therefore, before purchasing, you should decide how important this criterion is for you, and choose a car model based on this.
Installation
In most cases, installation is carried out independently. It is better to mount expeditionary racks with the help of a friend, since it will be much easier to do it with 4 hands.
Focus on the features of the selected trunk. In some models, the fastening is made there, so that you have to remove the trim elements in the cabin. Otherwise, installation does not involve any complex manipulations. The process looks something like this.
- There are special sockets on the roof of the Chevrolet Niva into which a plastic key is inserted. It rotates 90 degrees. You need to move clockwise. When it clicks into place, the goal is achieved;
- Now the support cover is removed. The resulting slots or holes are intended for installing fasteners there;
- Adjust the cam position before completing installation work. Otherwise, difficulties may arise later;
- Next we fix the supports. Install them so that the cushions are as close as possible to the middle, that is, the center of the car roof;
- To make the fixation as secure as possible, use a special L-shaped key. But don’t use your heroic strength too much, otherwise I don’t know how much you can twist. The main thing is that everything is strong, but also do not damage the metal;
- The top of the arcs are closed with plugs made of plastic. On some models, these plugs are short-lived and often fall out. Therefore, read reviews about luggage racks, take into account all their strengths and weaknesses;
- Proceed to fix the support cover. This is not difficult to do;
- When installation is complete, check again that all fasteners are fully tightened.
Installation may vary slightly depending on the roof rack selected. Therefore, rely on the factory installation instructions. Dismantling is carried out in the same way, only, as you understand, in the reverse order of your actions.
Did you think this was where we would start saying goodbye to you? Well, I do not. You won't wait. First, I will tell you about another option for the trunk. It's like a trunk within a trunk that you access when you open the rear tailgate.
Volume in liters and other characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva trunk
All types of Niva equipment (GLC, GLS, LC, L, LE, Special Edition, LE+, GL) have the same trunk size, volume 320 liters.
The volume of the cargo compartment with the rear row seats folded almost doubles - 650 liters. The rear seats fold out in a 60/40 split.
If this is not enough for you, this car model provides for the use of an expedition vehicle, which is easy to install yourself in special roof rails immediately after purchase
But not all versions of the Chevrolet Niva have these elements, which is something you should pay attention to when buying a car.
If there is a towbar, a trailer will become an assistant in transporting goods, but keep in mind that the maximum weight of the towed trailer is:
- with brakes – 1 t 200 kg;
- without brakes – 600 kg.
Luggage compartment parameters:
- height – 930 cm;
- depth – 680 cm;
- depth with seats folded - 1230 cm.
From the outside it seems that the Chevrolet Niva is a very roomy car, and it is designed for five people. Only this is all theory. In practice, it will be very uncomfortable for such a company to travel more or less long distances, of course, if everyone does not suffer from dystrophy. Determine the interior dimensions based on the fact or theoretical knowledge that the Niva’s wheelbase is just under 2.5 m.
In the photo you can see all the linear measurements of the Chevrolet Niva in general and the luggage compartment in particular, but these are not actual, but documentary calculations from factory documents. As mentioned earlier, the numbers may vary slightly, especially referring to the different trim levels of the model.
Chevrolet Niva belongs to the class of compact crossovers. The length of this 5-door car is just under 4 meters, making it convenient to use not only off-road, but also in urban conditions, allowing you to successfully maneuver in traffic flows.
But compactness in this case is successfully complemented by high ground clearance, amounting to as much as 20 centimeters at the lowest point. And the body kit system with small angles allows you to overcome any obstacles and forever forget about the problem of parking near curbs.
In more detail, you can familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the car in the diagram presented in the figure. These are the official dimensions determined by the manufacturer. It should be understood that in reality some parameters may differ. For example, ground clearance: under load or certain suspension parameters, it can vary from 20 to 24 centimeters. The lowest point is located near the car in the area of the rear axle. The diameter of the wheels installed on the car is also of great importance. And installing high-profile tires can immediately add a few more centimeters. The level of ground clearance can also be affected by the installed engine protection.
Current options
Choosing a device based solely on a photo is not the best option. And I advise assembling it with your own hands only to people with sufficient experience. After all, for self-assembly you need to be able to create drawings, possess welding skills, and adhere to millimeter accuracy.
That’s why Niva owners usually choose ready-made factory options. The price is not that high, but you have a full-fledged roof rack at your disposal. Buy decent roof racks for roof rails. On average, you will need to pay 2 thousand rubles for it. There are cheaper models, but buying them involves downright risk. Often these are cheap, low-quality structures that will begin to rust after the first rain.
Conventionally, I would divide roof racks into several types:
- With two crossbars. These are models like Ant or Atlant. They are installed parallel to each other on both sides of the car roof. They can stand on the edges or sides, that is, along or across the movement of the machine. Designed for transporting long loads, ideal for skiing, fishing and other similar things;
The assortment is more than extensive. Although specifically for the Chevrolet Niva, I would advise choosing special models. They are adapted to the design features of this crossover. The main problem with buying universal luggage racks is that the car does not have special lugs and latches. But manufacturers of roof racks found a way out by creating special designs adapted for the Niva.
Think about what you want to get out of the device and how long it will be on the roof of your car. Some people install additional lighting on top, which is important for fishermen and hunters. Others simply try to choose an original design. But keep in mind that if left for a long time, the paint will begin to fade over time, which will make the paint coating uneven.
Technical characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva
L | L.C. | GLS |
Characteristics | ||
Working volume | 1690 cc | |
Number/arrangement of cylinders | 4 cylinders | |
Diameter | 80 mm | |
Piston stroke | 82 mm | |
Maximum speed | 140 km/h | |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec.) | 19 s | |
Chevy Niva transmission | Manual 5-speed transmission | |
engine's type | Petrol | |
Chevrolet Niva power | 80 HP/58.5 kW@5000 RPM | |
Torque | 127.5 N*m@3800 RPM | |
Dimensions | ||
Shnivy Length | 4056 mm | |
Width | 1800 mm | |
Height | 1690 mm | |
Height excluding roof rails | 1652 mm | |
Wheelbase | 2450 mm | |
Front wheel track | 1466 mm | |
Rear wheel track | 1456 mm | |
Minimum turning radius | 5.8 m | |
Luggage compartment volume with rear seats up | 320 l | |
Luggage compartment volume with rear seats folded | 650 l | |
Ceiling height above front seats | 910 mm | |
Ceiling height above rear seats | 875 mm | |
Fuel tank volume | 58 l | |
Maximum permissible weight | 450 kg | |
Ground clearance | 200 mm | |
Wheel size | R15 Wheel size | R16 Wheel size |
Tire size | 205/75 R15, 205/70 R15 Tire size | 215/65 R16 Tire size |
Seat comfort | ||
60/40 split folding rear seats | ||
Heated front seats | ||
Ease of control | ||
Central locking with remote control | ||
Front electric windows | ||
Mirrors | Electric rear view mirrors/Heated rear view mirrors | |
Full size spare tire | ||
Microclimate and heating | ||
Air conditioner | — | — |
Heated rear window | ||
Anti-theft protection | ||
Engine immobilizer | ||
Anti-theft alarm system | ||
Wheel disks | ||
16" alloy wheels | ||
Steel rims 15″ Niva | ||
Fuel efficiency | ||
Emission Level/Environmental Compliance | Ecological class Euro IV | |
Fuel consumption *: urban cycle | 14.1 l/100km | |
Fuel consumption *: extra-urban cycle | 8.8 l/100km | |
Fuel consumption *: combined cycle | 10.8 l/100km | |
CO2 emissions | 245 g/km | |
Safety | ||
Front fog lights | ||
Front seat belt pretensioners | ||
ABS | ||
Driver and front passenger front airbags | ||
External equipment | ||
Rear view mirrors in body color | ||
Bumpers in body color | ||
Door handles in body color | ||
Tinted glass | ||
Internal equipment | ||
Sunglasses Storage Case | ||
Pocket in the back of the driver's seat | ||
Pocket in the back of the front passenger seat | ||
Exterior colors | ||
Asteroid | ||
Auster | ||
wild plum | ||
Extravaganza | ||
Quartz | ||
Milky Way | ||
Sochi | ||
The Snow Queen | ||
Upholstery | ||
Fabric trim | ||
Combined interior trim |
Dimensions and technical specifications of Chevrolet Niva
The all-wheel drive vehicle (sometimes called the Chevy Niva) is a slightly modified VAZ-2123. The modernization affected mainly elements of the exterior and interior trim.
Carefully designed from an ergonomic point of view, the roomy, modern design car quickly gained popularity.
Based on the results of 2022, Chevrolet Niva is the most popular SUV in Russia
Are you already the owner of Shnivy or are you just looking into it? Perhaps you would like to discuss the technical characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva or have any other questions? Register on our forum and join us!
On the forum you can ask all sorts of questions about prices, credit programs, leave and read reviews from other Chevrolet Niva owners. We wish you pleasant communication!
Official data on the size of the Chevrolet Niva car is as follows:
- Length 3919 mm. Together with the installed spare wheel, the length is 4056mm.
- Car width with mirrors 2120mm, body width 1800mm
- Height without rails 1690, with installed – 1800mm
- Vehicle weight – 1410 kg
- Gross weight at maximum load, including driver and passengers – 1860 kg
- Distance between front and rear axle (wheelbase) 2450mm
- Front wheel track 1466, rear 1456 mm
- Luggage compartment volume 320 l
- Volume with seats folded 650 l
- Fuel tank capacity 58l
- Ground clearance – 220mm,
- Recommended tires 205/75 R15, 215/62 R16
The vehicle's capacity can accommodate four adult men, but there may not be enough space. This is mainly determined by the wheelbase, which is only 245cm. This can also affect the comfort of the trip. The car turned out to be a little short, so it might feel a little rough when driving. But, this car model is not intended for long-distance travel, but for off-road driving, where a small wheelbase is more likely to be an advantage.
In the Niva Chevrolet, the trunk volume is 320 liters. But folded seats, forming a long, flat floor, allow you to increase the volume to 650 liters. Also, the lack of space in the trunk can be solved by installing roof rails for the use of additional trunk space.
Chevrolet Niva 2005, 80 l. With. — tuning
Chevrolet Niva, 2007
Comments 41
Can you tell me the dimensions of the floor, from the tailgate to the front seats, with the back row of seats removed?
I didn't measure. But something about 140cm.
Great! I will do the shelves in much the same way!
I have already discussed a similar topic at my place www.drive2.ru/l/3837246/ there are practical solutions
There is only one practical thing - as described on all forums, with the dismantling of the rear seat. Here is another task from the family: an organized, stationary, level, quickly unfolding/folding (without wrenches) sleeping place inside the car.
Clear. Well, here's another reason for selling my lunar rover.
Explain the reason for selling Lunokhod? So you can't sleep in it? In a Kruzak (this does not mean a modern plastic rattle, but a real Kruzak) - that’s also not allowed. The salon is short.
5+ I also have to think, but I’m tired of sleeping in a kolachik
A very interesting solution! Before the vacation I will do something similar on a collective farm))) But without closing the view of the rear window! In the meantime, bookmark it!
I spent 9 months looking for different design options. It turns out either a review (or rather the lack thereof) or dancing with tambourines when unfolding the bed. I couldn't think of a better idea. I saw the idea on the forum www.land-cruiser.ru/ when I was thinking about how to remake the sleeping bag in my TLK78. Although there are people who manage to make a sleeping bag in Jimnik
The thought crept in about a collapsible sleeping bag being transported on an expedition vehicle! We need to move the gray matter) Suddenly the trick will work!
I don’t want a tent, I’m afraid of heights))) If I do the option of transporting it on a roof rack, then only bare% impregnated wood!
Then it can really get damp. I was also considering the option of making a travel trailer. Until I gave a friend a ride on a tie...
Cool anyway! If I decide to do it, it won’t be from scratch. Thank you.
Good decision. I'm thinking about something like this now. The layout of the rear part is the same, only the width and height of the side compartments will be determined by the size of the 20 liter canister standing on the edge; carrying gasoline on the “head” is somehow not ice. What I will do differently: 1. There will be no sewn sidewalls, they eat up the width, it is impossible to use a double self-inflating mat. 2. I won’t cover it with carpet, I often travel in the steppes, and Shniva is still a vacuum cleaner.
The sides were purchased on Avito to put things in order in the trunk. The sleeping bag was dancing away from them. Gasoline was definitely outside the cabin. This is exactly why the expedition vehicle was purchased. Its size is 172x110. An aerodynamic box 145x80 is inserted into it and two canisters are placed on the back.
Good decision. I'm thinking about something like this now. The layout of the rear part is the same, only the width and height of the side compartments will be determined by the size of the 20 liter canister standing on the edge; carrying gasoline on the “head” is somehow not ice. What I will do differently: 1. There will be no sewn sidewalls, they eat up the width, it is impossible to use a double self-inflating mat. 2. I won’t cover it with carpet, I often travel in the steppes, and Shniva is still a vacuum cleaner.
Carpet for a nice, neat look. You can cover it with oilcloth or its equivalent. It’s just that the plywood looks scary in the interior, and it’s easy to get a splinter.
Despite the fact that the VAZ-2123 is an SUV, this 5-door crossover is classified as a small car. In total, the length of the Chevrolet Niva does not exceed 4 m. You can only find out the exact dimensions after the fact, because owners often notice a discrepancy between the data regarding the dimensions of the car in official documents and the actual dimensions.
Engine specifications and other parameters
The Chevrolet Niva has been produced since 2003, but during this time no new power plant has appeared under the hood that would meet the requirements for an SUV engine. Moreover, this engine migrated from the Niva 2121, albeit after minor modernization. In this case, the manufacturer focused on the reliability and unpretentiousness of AvtoVAZ’s old developments.
The engine has an in-line layout, a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1.7 liters produces no more than 80 liters at 5200 rpm. With. The engine complies with Euro-4 requirements: it is a 16-valve engine with distributed injection, an injector, i.e. nothing new has appeared in it. For a relatively heavy Niva Chevrolet car, this is a frankly weak and obsolete power unit.
The Niva's engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. According to the manufacturer, this allows you to accelerate the car to a maximum of 140 km/h, and acceleration from zero to hundreds takes 19 seconds, which, of course, is a lot.
Fuel consumption
Where exactly | For 100 kilometers |
for the city; | at least 14 liters will be required; |
along the highway; | not less than 8.5; |
and in mixed mode; | up to 10 liters of AI-92 fuel. |
The Chevrolet Niva does not belong to the classic frame SUVs, since the body is the load-bearing vehicle here. The front has a standard independent suspension with double wishbones of the MacPherson type. At the rear there is a spring dependent suspension with hoses. Disc brakes are installed on the front axle. On the rear, as on any budget car, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with drum brakes.
The steering mechanism is rack and pinion, supplemented by a hydraulic booster. Regardless of the configuration, any modification of the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive mechanism with a center differential lock and a transfer case operating in two ranges
Taking into account the high ground clearance, this system provides good off-road performance. In general, the technical characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva leave much to be desired
“Chevy Niva” or “Lada Vesta Cross”: what to choose if you have 800 thousand rubles in your pocket
Tests 01/20/2020
32
For eight hundred thousand rubles you can buy any car: Russian or imported, new or used. The choice is huge, and often even deciding on the class of car is not easy. Today we’ll just look at cars in different categories - Lada Vesta and Chevy Niva.
Despite the fact that these cars seem to be completely different, they have at least one thing in common: they are Russian developments on Russian platforms. And the saddest thing is that they are most likely the last of their kind. In the future, both passenger cars and all-wheel drive vehicles of the Lada brand risk completely switching to the platforms of the Renault-Nissan alliance.
Appearance is not the main thing
Two years have passed since the start of sales of the Lada Vesta SW Cross station wagon, and seventeen years have passed since the debut of the Chevrolet Niva model. And not to say that the latter looks like a dinosaur. On the contrary, thanks to the initially calm “forever” design, you won’t be able to give it that many years at once. For example, headlights with a black backing and low beam lenses look very expensive. But Vesta, of course, is more modern and respectable.
Internal content
It is clear that the Niva is not a driver’s car and does not have a “hugging” anatomically accurate seat shape, but it doesn’t need that. “I sit high, I look far away” - this is the advantage of the car. And in general it’s very convenient here. Since the seat is located high, the hips rest completely on it and do not get tired. The seat, by the way, is height adjustable, as is the steering wheel. The armrest is present, but it is not adjustable.
The new instrument cluster, due to the small numbers, is less readable than the old one, from the “tag”. The multimedia system added recently is, of course, a step in the direction of modern trends, but with nuances. By the way, we have already talked about it.
Rear seating? On the one hand, sitting “behind me,” I, with a height of 184 cm, touch the back of the front seat. On the other hand, considering that the length of the car (without the spare wheel) is less than four meters, the space is used very rationally. In addition, the sofa stands high, does not leave your legs without support, and there is enough space in width. The only additional amenities are cup holders, which can be accessed when the driver's armrest is turned over.
Behind the rear seats hides bashfully what the Chevrolet Niva is criticized for most of all - the trunk. The door to it, by the way, opens in the right direction, with access from the sidewalk, but you won’t be able to find a decent volume there. The height seems to be normal, but the depth of the compartment is too small. Out of curiosity, I tried to lie down there, but didn’t fit. And you won’t be able to spend the night with the seats folded down. And, of course, Niva owners shouldn’t even dream about additional compartments and other options.
But the Lada Vesta is a product of a new time and a different class. There is a more comfortable seat, additional adjustment of the steering wheel for reach, and a good selection of options (climate control, cruise control, rear electric windows, rear armrest with cup holders, and so on).
The rear seating position is, naturally, much better: the front seat is ten centimeters, or even more, the cushion is slightly lower but longer, there is plenty of room in width, and you can also lean on the armrest for added convenience. In general, it’s quite expected given the half-meter difference in the length of the cars (in favor of Vesta, of course).
It is also clear from the trunk that the additional centimeters of body length did not go to waste. The volume is decent, and there are quite a few additional compartments: two identical foam trays with lids, special compartments for a canister of washer fluid and tools.
There are also additional joys: a 12-volt socket and two backlights. Here I already fit quite well, curled up into a ball. Well, if the seats are folded out, you get an almost flat platform without steps, on which two people can quite successfully spend the night.
Habits and skills
Koneno, the Chevrolet Niva grew out of the classic Niva, which, in turn, was a relative of the Zhiguli, but this does not require any specific management skills. There is an absolutely transparent feel on the steering wheel thanks to the hydraulic booster; the gear lever, although it is located a little far from the driver, gives absolutely clear engagement of the gears. True, on a new machine this is very difficult, and then the mechanism gets used to it. The pedals do not raise any questions.
And it’s impossible not to notice the unfortunate dynamics of acceleration. Well, without running in, it’s generally a quiet horror. But in general, if you are not in a hurry, then driving even on asphalt is quite good. The car reacts to actions lazily, but without unpredictability. And the smoothness of the ride and the energy intensity of the suspension are such that any bumps in our native roads seem to be smoothed out.
The Niva, of course, can move on roads, but it easily and happily rides where the roads have just ended. This is where small dimensions, high ground clearance, small overhangs, soft responses, and, of course, permanent all-wheel drive with a center differential lock and reduction gear come in very handy. In some cases, there is not enough rear locking, but in its absence some obstacles can be overcome by walking. Fortunately, the geometry and suspension are very flexible to this.
“Vesta SW Cross” is expectedly perceived as a representative of a more developed civilization. Despite the fact that the power steering here is electric and not hydraulic, this does not particularly affect the naturalness of the sensations. In this case, you can’t say anything about the clarity of gear shifting, since we have an AMT “robot”. Fortunately, it is at least in version 2.0, that is, much more adequate than before. But it still can’t escape traction interruptions during switching, so AvtoVAZ has already replaced the robotic gearbox with a much more expensive but smoother CVT.
Well, the mechanics on the Vesta have not gone away. The gears engage perfectly, but the silent gearbox (both the VAZ one on the 1.6 engine and the French one on version 1.8) cannot be called silent. However, after Niva it will seem like absolute silence. The acceleration of the test car with a 1.8-liter engine is not gun-like, and it doesn’t feel like it’s far from version 1.6, but there are quite enough possibilities both in the city and on the highway. In terms of reactions, everything is simple here: what you showed the car with the pedals and steering wheel, so it drove, and right away.
Chevrolet Niva trunk: volume in liters, dimensions and dimensions in centimeters, width
So, we increased the clearance and installed toothy tires.
Trunk and main technical characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva
What else? There is an interaxle lock and it often helps out. However, there are times when it is not enough.
Very often, in ambushes, only 2 wheels spin - one on the front axle, the second on the rear axle when the lock is on. One more thing would spin and the car would drive out. In order for the third wheel to spin, you need an inter-wheel lock or a so-called self-block.
We put it in the rear axle and the cross-country ability increases even more. And most importantly, the Chevrolet Niva’s cross-country ability directly depends on the driver’s skill.
Therefore, go for a ride more often, try different options for positioning the car off-road, so that there are gullies and strong slopes. It’s not for nothing that the Niva and Chevrolet Niva are considered excellent SUVs; with skillful use and experience, you can drive even further than the UAZ. Even more offroad. The dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva classify this 5-door crossover as a very compact car. However, such compact dimensions, combined with high ground clearance, which is more than 20 times the trunk capacity of a Chevrolet Niva, and small overhangs, make the small crossover ready for any off-road obstacles.
In the photo at the beginning of the article you can see all the main linear dimensions of the Chevy Niva. This is what the trunk of a Granta Liftback looks like with the same cheesecake from Shevik in it: Full size So now I’m thinking, because in the Shniva the trunk with its “squareness” can be used more rationally than in the Grant with its larger trunk capacity and sloping Niva Chevrolet trunk the glass of the trunk door, the location of the trunk capacity of the Chevrolet Niva Niva rear row of seats is already above the roof cross member in the area of the trunk door hinges.
You can fit more things in the Shnivy, even though it’s vertical.
After a comparison today, I think that the size of the Shniva’s trunk, especially in the city, is not critical and is sufficient! Determine the interior dimensions based on the fact or theoretical knowledge that the Niva’s wheelbase is just under 2.5 m.
Features of luggage compartments
To summarize, let’s say that the Niva’s trunk is really small in volume – less than 400 liters. But due to the space freed up after the rear seats are removed, it becomes more spacious. Railings became a bonus for some models. You can finish the conversation about the features of the Chevy trunk with a simple comparison with the Granta liftback.
With a volume of 440 liters in the Granta's trunk, its capacity, as practice shows, is significantly lower due to the peculiarities of the geometry of the space. The square trunk of the Niva turns out to be much more rational to use than the Grant one, which is more voluminous in terms of technical characteristics, but is “cut off” by the inclined glass of the door.
Which car is better to buy - before or after restyling?
Improvements were made to the design of the Chevrolet Niva in 2009, which were aimed at increasing the reliability and comfort of the domestic SUV.
Main changes:
- the appearance of new wheel arches and plastic body kits for additional protection from dirt and stones;
- changes in lighting, new lamps began to provide better quality light;
- the body was adapted to a stylish modern design;
- the car received a new interior for more comfortable and safe driving;
- other improvements - changes in the design of electrical equipment, engine, transmission, etc.
As can be seen from the review, after restyling the car has become more modern, more comfortable and convenient.
Such an SUV will cost a little more. But when you buy it, you will receive an excellent car, in which all the shortcomings have been eliminated, taking into account the feedback from the owners of the first series.
The advantages of such machines include the low price that the secondary market offers us
When purchasing, it is important not to make a mistake with your choice and be sure to visit a car service for diagnostics.
Price
Finally, we come to the most pressing issue - cost and maintenance costs. And if the VAZ 2131 and VAZ 2121 are approximately in the same price category, then the Chevy will cost the buyer 1.5 times more. Not everything is so simple with service.
DETAILS: Niva Chevrolet fuse box with description
The result is cars with the same technical components, but with some features of their installation or configuration. Unfortunately, these features come at a price. Thus, maintenance of a Chevrolet Niva, in terms of a certain mileage, will also cost more. It is traditionally believed that the availability of spare parts for Shevik is lower, but at present this information is no longer relevant. As a result, it can be noted that among all Niva models there is no clearly defined flagship, and each model finds its buyer.
Chevrolet Niva dimensions, dimensions, volumes, Chevrolet NIVA 4x4 ground clearance, trunk
The dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva classify this 5-door crossover as a very compact car. In fact, the length of the Chevrolet NIVA does not exceed 4 meters.
However, such compact dimensions, combined with high ground clearance, which is more than 20 centimeters, and small overhangs, make the small crossover ready for any off-road obstacles. In the photo at the beginning of the article you can see all the main linear dimensions of the Chevy Niva. I would like to immediately note that the official dimensions given by the manufacturer and actual measurements may give different results.
Let's say the clearance or ground clearance of a Chevrolet Niva can vary from 20 to 24 centimeters. The difference depends on where you measure. For example, the lowest point in the Chevrolet NIVA is in the rear, under the bridge. You can measure the ground clearance of the Shnivy under the engine protection in the front. In addition, the manufacturer itself allows the installation of both 15 and 16-inch wheels on the car; add off-road high-profile tires to them and the ground clearance will be even higher.
Below are more detailed characteristics of the dimensions of the Chevy Niva.
- Length – 3919 mm (with spare wheel 4056 mm)
- Width – 1,800 mm (with mirrors 2120 mm)
- Height with/without rails – 1690/1652 mm
- Curb weight – 1410 kg
- Gross weight – 1860 kg
- Wheelbase – 2450 mm
- Front and rear wheel track – 1466/1456 mm, respectively
- Trunk volume – 320 liters
- Trunk volume with seats folded – 650 liters
- Fuel tank volume – 58 liters
- Ground clearance of Chevy Niva – 220 mm
- Tire size – 205/75 R15 or 205/70 R15 or 215/65 R16
As for capacity, five adult men in the Chevrolet NIVA, to be honest, will be cramped. The wheelbase, which determines the spaciousness in the cabin, is only 2450 mm. Therefore, traveling long distances in a large group may not be enjoyable.
Features of appearance and interior
The car is still produced today. During this time, its image, starting in 2002, when the presentation of the production version took place, has not changed much. A minor restyling was carried out only in 2009. And then it was a so-called facelift, i.e. the manufacturer slightly changed the appearance of the Niva - to integrate with the general style of Chevrolet cars.
Employees of the famous Italian auto studio Bertone worked to modernize the appearance of the updated Niva Chevy.
After restyling, the car received slightly modified bumpers at the front and rear, and new head-lensed optics (for low beam). The rear lampshades have changed slightly, and decorative trims have appeared on the body. Of course, it is impossible to say that the Chevrolet Niva has changed significantly, but the exterior has become more practical and attractive.
Externally, the Chevrolet Niva has compact dimensions with correct body proportions. One of the main advantages of the car is its high ground clearance, which improves off-road performance.
The overall dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva are as follows:
- length is 3.919 m, not including the spare wheel at the stern;
- The width of the SUV is 1.8 m, and including the rear-view mirrors, the width increases to 212 cm;
- wheelbase 245 cm, front overhang 721 mm, rear overhang 748 mm;
- Shnivy height 1650 mm;
- car weight is 1410 kg;
- Ground clearance at full load is 20 cm under the rear axle gearbox, without load, ground clearance is 24 cm.
- Fuel tank capacity is 50 liters.
At the front, the car received a different grille, which is now integrated with the front bumper. Thus, the problem with a large gap between the bumper and the grille, which was on the version before the facelift, was solved. Other air intakes were also installed on the radiator grille. The front bumper also received changes. The holes for installing fog lights became round instead of rectangular, and a protective cover appeared in the central part.
Engine Chevrolet Niva 1.7 VAZ-2123
A 1.7-liter VAZ-2123 engine has been installed under the hood of the car since the start of production. The unit is a variation of the VAZ-21214 engine, adapted specifically for the Chevrolet Niva. The engine is equipped with a cylinder block made of high-strength cast iron, a timing belt with an overhead camshaft and a chain drive (single-row chain with tensioner), a distributed injection system, a valve mechanism with hydraulic compensators (adjustment of valve clearances is not required). The cylinder diameter is 82 mm, the piston stroke is 80 mm, the compression ratio is 9.3. The maximum output power of the engine does not exceed 80 hp, peak torque is 127.5 Nm (at 4000 rpm).
The VAZ engine of the Chevrolet Niva is not highly reliable. Its disadvantages include high levels of noise and vibration, high fuel consumption, a tendency to burn oil, and a short service life (in practice, no more than 150-200 thousand km). It was possible to increase the efficiency of the power unit through modernization carried out in 2015. As a result of the update, not only the fuel appetite decreased (by 2-4%), but also the amount of harmful emissions was reduced. This allowed the VAZ-2123 engine to comply with Euro-5 standards. The average fuel consumption of the Chevrolet Niva 1.7 is now 10.2 liters per 100 km (in the city - 13.2 liters, on the highway - 8.4 liters).
Characteristics of the 1.7 VAZ-2123 Chevrolet Niva engine:
Parameter | 1.7 80 hp |
Engine code | VAZ-2123 |
Cylinder block material | cast iron |
engine's type | petrol |
Supply system | distributed injection with electronic control |
timing belt | SOHC |
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Cylinder arrangement | in-line |
Number of valves | 8 |
Cylinder diameter, mm | 82 |
Piston stroke, mm | 80 |
Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
Cylinder operating order | 1-3-4-2 |
Working volume, cubic meters cm. | 1690 |
Power, hp (at rpm) | 80 (5000) |
Torque, N*m (at rpm) | 127.5 (4000) |
Weight, kg | 122 |
Resource (in practice), thousand km | 150-200 |
Description
By default, the color of the podiums matches the color of the standard upholstery!
The podiums are designed to improve the sound quality of the speaker system and reduce vibration in the door. Acoustic podiums are an excellent interior element.
All products are supplied with the necessary set of fasteners.
We produce standard and individual orders, maintain an effective pricing policy, and offer the best price-quality ratio.
The manufacturer reserves the right to change the characteristics of the product, its appearance and completeness without prior notice to the seller.
Packed length | 84 cm |
Packed width | 30 cm |
Packed height | 25 cm |
Package weight | 3.2 kg |
Speaker size | 20 cm |
Automobile model | VAZ 2123 Chevy Niva, VAZ 2123 Chevy Niva RS |
Niva Chevrolet rear wiper size: larger or smaller?
- The factory decided to install a frame wiper measuring 340 mm with a fastening under a standard small hook on the rear window of Shnivy.
- The working elastic itself has a profile of 7x2.5 mm.
- Its catalog number is 2123-6313200-01.
- A factory brush costs about 200 rubles.
However, not everyone is satisfied with its work, since about 30% of the rear window area remains uncleaned. This is not so noticeable in the city, but in rainy weather on the highway, the rear window is immediately covered with dirty dispersion and that’s when a high-quality brush comes in handy.
Or maybe another size is better?
In these cases, the brush can simply be trimmed if it is frameless. With a length of 350-360 mm, the wiper works quite normally; to the right of the additional brake light it may leave a small uncleaned area. Therefore, if you choose a frame or hybrid design of a wiper, then its size should not be more than 360 mm.
Replacement for factory wiper
Standard wiper mount.
Not every brush will be able to repeat it correctly, and therefore uncleaned areas may appear in the working area of the brush. If a frameless wiper was not developed specifically for the Niva Chevrolet, it is better to give preference to any frame one.
Bosch rear wiper.
- For example, the Belgian Bosch Rear H 340 brush is a classic frame-type brush, it comes with a set of adapters and adapts perfectly to the shape of Niva glass. Its price is about 600 rubles.
- There is also a Chinese copy of the Bosch Eco 34C with the number 3397 011 211 8ev, which is identical in size and characteristics, but costs 100–130 rubles cheaper.