As you know, the long-awaited SUV LADA NIVA TRAVEL is already selling. I wonder if he inherited "surprises", which sometimes presented his predecessor to its owners - Chevrolet-Niva?
Let's start with the engine compartment. There is an former engine - a 4-cylinder atmospheric benzomotor VAZ-2123, which develops a capacity of 80 liters. from. And torque in 128 nm. It is distinguished by a decent resource and high maintainability, but requires attention to the timing chain.
In addition, this engine slightly "eats" oil and is distinguished by an unimportant in the lower range of revolutions. Velic to him and appetite, however, it largely depends on the proper configuration of the fuel system.
The checkpoint also remained the same - 5-speed "mechanics". It does not have problems at all (with proper use and timely service, of course), but the grip can begin to "chrome" rather quickly. But it is easy to fix the installation of the tuning node, which serves as much longer.
By the way, the voices are often distributed in favor of the fact that it would be nice to change the power unit "Shniva" to more powerful and modern. There is a couple "But": this replacement will definitely lead to the improvement of the entire chassis, and both of these modernization will inevitably lead to a serious rise in price of the car.
After such a Lada Niva Travel Upgrade will cease to be the most budget from the new crossovers and SUVs sold in Russia (3-door Lada Niva Legend per calculation, because of its too spartan equipment). With this situation, our motorists will clearly prefer other models.
However, back to the topic of our conversation. As for the full drive system, it does not contain any revelations - "Shniva", there is "Shniva". The problems annoyed by the owners of the early series problems with a transfer box have long been eliminated, so all 4 wheels of the "row" machine are quite properly.
All other elements of the chassis, too, as much as they cope with their responsibilities: shock absorbers - amortized, GUR - enhances, brakes - brake. The only problem of Chevrolet-Niva on this part was frankly "stiff" hub bearings - let's see how they show themselves in the succession. However, the long-lived tuning bearings from the car market did not share anywhere.
The same can be said about electrical equipment. Chevrolet-Niva often had problems with a motor control unit and windows. Whether their Lada Niva Travel was inherited - only time will show. But in the circle of familiar sensible auto electrician just in case does not hurt.
Now about the body. He was the biggest advantage of Chevrolet-Niva due to very high for products of the domestic auto industry of anti-corrosion resistance. At AvtoVAZ, they assure that Lada Niva Travel on this indicator shares the predecessor - due to one-sided galvanizing of doors and wings and bilateral - thresholds and bottoms along them. This is truly good news.
Let's summarize: Chevrolet-Niva was a car very suitable for Russia. Let its dynamic characteristics and fuel consumption are very mediocre (which is partly leveled by elementary observance of the high-speed mode), but the comfort is quite acceptable, and the permeability is so excellent.
We add to this the super-budget cost of spare parts, consumables and services (some points from which can be performed independently) and we get the machine, almost ideal for all regions of Russia, located outside the reservation rainstream MKAD.
It remains to hope that Lada Niva Travel will save, and even better, will strengthen a good reputation that her famous predecessor has earned, for a long time former SUV sold in our country.