The updated Lada Niva Travel has undergone perhaps the most profound modernization in the history of the model. If earlier the restyling of the "Niva" was limited to cosmetic touches, now the engineers of АвтоВАЗ have done a large-scale work that affected the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes. And the result is really felt - the car has become different. Not new, but more mature, confident and pleasant in everyday use.
The main innovation is hidden under the hood. The ВАЗ-11184 engine is registered here - a unique development that combines the lower part from the 1.8 Evo and the upper part from the classic eight-valve 1.6-liter engine. The designers created a kind of "hybrid" from two generations of VAZ power plants, strengthening reliability and simplifying maintenance. The engine received new pistons with recesses for two valves, a denser timing belt seal, an improved cooling system and an updated oil pan. In fact, this is a new unit, where old solutions have been completely redesigned.
Power increased to 90 hp, torque increased to 153 N·m, and most importantly, the thrust became noticeably smoother throughout the rev range. The addition of 27 N·m from idle makes the engine noticeably livelier, especially in the urban cycle. Now, even starting from second gear, the Niva confidently rolls without the need to excessively play with the clutch. In the city, the engine pulls smoothly, without dips, and allows you to drive at low revs, which previously seemed impossible.
The gearbox remained the same five-speed, but with modified gears of the fifth and reverse gears, updated semi-axes and differential satellites. The lever strokes are still long, but the engagements have become slightly softer, and the clarity of the stroke has been preserved. Acceleration to 100 km/h now takes 16.2 seconds - 2.4 seconds faster than the previous result. At the same time, the "elasticity" is much more impressive: acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h has become almost twice as fast, and now overtaking on the highway has ceased to be stressful.
On rough terrain, the SUV still feels in its element. The engine with a new character confidently pulls even from the bottom, and the downshift and center lock still allow you to get out of the most difficult sections. Dense wet sand, clay, steep climbs - the Niva passes all this in second gear without much effort. Of course, there is a limit to the capabilities of Pirelli highway tires, but with a more aggressive tread pattern, the SUV will feel even more confident.
Fuel consumption remained quite high - it was not possible to achieve less than 11 liters per 100 km, which is a lot for a 90-horsepower naturally aspirated engine. But it is obvious that the priority of the engineers was not in economy, but in traction and simplicity.
The suspension has traditionally remained hardy. The stabilizer bar was moved closer to the front, the struts and mounts were changed. As a result, the car became a little more stable on asphalt, while not losing its famous energy intensity. Niva Travel still swallows potholes, bumps, gravel and ruts without unnecessary knocks. On a dirt road, you can not slow down before each bump - the car forgives a lot and is perceived as strong, "iron" in the truest sense of the word.
The front brakes have been completely redesigned, their efficiency has increased, and the force on the pedal has become more linear. In normal modes, the deceleration margin is now solid, although how the mechanisms will behave on heavy off-road conditions will be shown only by future field tests.
Vibration isolation has noticeably improved - one of the weak points of the previous Niva. The steering wheel stopped buzzing, the body shakes less, and the engine runs much softer. Now, even at high revs, the engine does not turn the cabin into a vibratory massager.
The chassis refinement had a moderate effect on handling. Steering is still unhurried, with a noticeable number of turns from stop to stop. The power steering hums in extreme positions, but the steering wheel has become more informative and predictable. There are few rolls in corners, and the reactions are smooth and logical. Niva does not provoke sharp maneuvers, but does not scare with unpredictability either.
Externally, the car has been transformed due to new headlights and a radiator grille. LED optics are available in older versions, and the grille is now larger and more spectacular - although its large cells literally ask to install a protective mesh to save the radiator from stones and insects.
There are few changes in the cabin, but they are noticeable. A multimedia system Enjoy Pro based on the "Яндекс Авто" platform with navigation, music and voice control has appeared. The screen remained small and with a mediocre response, but it has become more convenient to use. Ergonomics are still specific: the keys are scattered across the panel, and it will not be possible to control them blindly. The finishing materials remained simple, but the build quality improved - nothing creaks, and the overall appearance of the cabin became neater.
Sales of the updated Lada Niva Travel will start on November 20, when prices will also be announced.
