CHEVROLET NIVA test drive since 2002 SUV

Apple from the apple tree

We bought a chevrolet -niva - new, with the heat of the heat, one of the first (body No. 66). We have been waiting for this car for a long time. Interest in it was fueled by the fact that its predecessor - VAZ 2123, gathered in the experimental and industrial production of the VAZ, lives in the editorial office for a year and a half. So we imagined the novelty. They knew firsthand her weaknesses. Are there any problems in a serial car? And in general, that in the car made at a joint venture remained from the Niva, and what appeared from Chevrolet?
Let's look at the photo, get to know the new car better. How it has changed relatively purely VAZ model and how, in addition to appearance, it differs from a long -familiar Niva VAZ 21213.

FRONT VIEW
EMBLEM. The brand symbol on speed, as they say, does not affect. But behind it are (at least should stand) another build quality, reliable guarantee, attentive maintenance, solid components. And the image of the brand has not the last meaning for someone.
Headlights. They do not differ from those on the experimental machine. Two holes are visible from below each - for wipers and nozzles. The washers themselves will appear later, on a more expensive version. But the capabilities of headlights in Chevrolet-Niva and the old VAZ 21213 are strikingly different: new ones illuminate the road much better. Instead of the usual two -tan halogen, two single -tanned lamps for near and high beam are used. Of course, there is a headlight corrector.
A fog lights are installed on the car in the GLS configuration in the front bumper. On our l - holes (at least put plugs).
PROTECTION. Most likely, the envy of the owners of ordinary Niv will cause envy. A powerful steel sheet not only protects the units from damage, but also works for cross -country ability, smoothing the bottom.
Front wheels drive. In order for the new machine to be more maneuverable, the designers increased the operating angle of the external hinge of the drives. Therefore, their unification with the old one -sided. When installing Niva drives on a new car, it is impossible to turn the steering wheel all the way, which will remind the unpleasant sound.
Shoulder of the run. A very important parameter. Recall, in fact, this is the shoulder through which forces are transmitted to the steering mechanism from the road. If it is positive, as in the 213rd field, the steering wheel strives to break out of the hands when hitting unevenness. If zero, as on a new one, there are practically no jerks on the steering wheel. The change positively affected the controllability and convenience of management, but forced to use another ball support. Therefore, there is no unification here. In addition, the old support even in the most extreme case (get to the house) will not be able to put it - it is simply not suitable.
TRACK. The 213rd car and closest relatives had 1430 mm in front and 1400 behind, the 23rd had 1450 mm in front and 1440 behind. As you can see, the front is wider and noticeably wider than the back, where I had to lengthen the beam of the rear axle and the axle axis. Shock absorbers are attached to the back beam in a different way, so there is no need to talk about the interchangeability of bridges of the usual field and Chevrolet. Almost the same front and rear track is beneficial for the all -terrain capabilities of the full -wheel drive.

SIDE VIEW
SPARE WHEEL. Thank God, migrated from under the hood on the back door. And in the engine compartment freer, and shooting it is much easier. And so as not to be stolen, put a secret.
FUEL SYSTEM. The serial chevrolet-niva can be normally refueled, which on the experienced and they could not dream due to problems with the drainage of the gas tank.
Wheels and tires. The main tires for Chevrolet-Noviv 205/70R15 are allowed 205/75R15. Compared to the usual niva, the diameter of the wheels per inch is smaller, but they are noticeably wider. The car began to feel better on the highway, but the behavior on the off -road has also changed: it does not dig so abruptly, but it swims more in dancing clay or snow.
Turning the parts of the body. In the serial machine, the docks, doors and other complaints do not cause, although there were problems with the experimental car - primarily with seals. We hope all this remained in the past.
Mirrors. The 213rd bunses in terms of visibility are much superior. But to say that in a serial car they are made better than on an experienced car. Yes, manual adjustment of the cabin has appeared, but in some modes the mirrors are slightly vibrated, and after the first winter sink, the cable drive freezes.
BASE. Increased by 250 mm - of course, compared to VAZ 21213. Obviously, this did not affect the cross -country ability, but the car’s behavior on the asphalt improved: the course stability increased, the goat disappeared. The car became noticeably more spacious, and everywhere - the front, from behind, in the trunk.

SUSPENSION
Compared to the APP machine in serial, the diameter of the pine stability stabilizer in the front suspension and the stiffness of the springs in the rear were reduced. This made it possible to slightly improve handling (the car is more obedient in corners) and increase the smoothness of the move. With an old car and there is nothing to compare.
Among other things, the course increased at the front suspension, the rear shock absorbers are spaced and installed closer to the vertical. Both benefit.

TRANSMISSION
The handout of twenty -thirds is finely modular, controlled from the cabin with one lever (forward - reduced, on itself - blocking), moreover, it is classified from a gearbox by 250 mm and is attached to three relatively soft supports. All this reduced noise and vibration.
If one long and one short cardan went on the 213rd from the handout, then the shavings of the same length go back and forth (remember that the base has increased and the handout is shifted to the center of the body).
The designers promised to switch to another type of slotted compounds - Evolvent slots. Judging by the softened jerks in the transmission (now there are almost no) - either they really crossed, or well (selectively) collected the old structure. They also planned to change the gear rates of the fifth and rear gear, instead of the gear, use the slot on the gear of the rear, go to the torn bag of gears on the secondary shaft ... and generally strengthen the box, but it is done or not is difficult to judge. This unit delivered a lot of trouble on an experimental machine, so we will be close to the attention to it in the future.

INSIDE
DECORATION MATERIALS. For a domestic car - good, for Chevrolet - normal. The main details of the interior were made in Russia from expensive imported plastic.
Steering wheel and steering. Unlike the experimental, the serial machine has a hydraulic wrap - German ZF. The characteristic of the amplification is successful - with intelligible feedback and sufficient steering sensitivity (3.5 turnover). In addition, the serial chevrolet has a very pleasant to the touch bagel - relatively small diameter and moderately chubby.
Box lever. The drive of the gear shift mechanism has become another. Instead of a long console
the fixed box at the experimental machine is a traction plus reactive craving, as on dozens. The moves of the lever have changed - from too short to just short ones. Further from the legs the first and second gears left - large drivers will appreciate this.
FRONT PANEL. Compared to the experimental machine, a little different. Noticeable changes to the right: on top - a place under the pillow, from below - a glove compartment with a lid (instead of a shelf). A massive pen, inherent more to military vehicles, has disappeared than civilian all -terrain vehicles. In the center they made a folding hatch with an ashtray and cigarette lighter. A retreating cup holder appeared under him, however, extremely uncomfortable. It can be seen that he was adapted here at the last moment.
Heating and ventilation. The control of the heater is made much better. Twilles instead of levers look more aesthetic and easier to use. The stove on the car is good, which is important in our conditions.

Motor compartment
The casing of the engine. It carries not only a decorative function, but also allows you to reduce noise.
Brake amplifier. The Chevrolet has an imported, more effective amplifier and main cylinder of Lucas. The brake pedal has become more sensitive.
Fastening of the power unit. The engine supports are located differently, their rigidity has changed. This made it possible to reduce vibrations.

And also ...
The serial Chevrolet Niva has changed noticeably, although the designers still have something to work on. For example, we are looking forward to when the generator belt promised by the clinic belt appears, since it is difficult for the usual Zhigulevsky to twist the powerful unit. We ask the engineers also not to forget about the other little things that were mentioned (and not mentioned) in the article.
We, familiar with the experimental 23rd, the serial Chevrolet Niva at first glance liked. We believe that the owners of the old NIV would be satisfied even more. Next time, let's talk about the running qualities and claims, if any.

Text / Alexander Budkin
Photo / George Sadkov

Source: The magazine "Driving"