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Lada Niva 3-door (facelift 1993) 1.7i (82 Hp) 4x4
Overall Rating
Lada Niva:
The Lada Niva Legend, formerly called the Lada Niva, VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131, and Lada 4×4 , is a series of four-wheel drive, small , and compact off-road cars designed and produced by AvtoVAZ since 1977. Initially aimed at the rural market, later models also targeted urban users. The three- and later five-door 4×4 hatchbacks were sold under the Lada marque in many markets, and have been in continuous production since 1977.
In the 1990s, three- and five-door wagons on a 50 cm longer wheelbase and an extra-long wheelbase pick-up were added to the range. After the original Land Rover and its successor, the Land Rover Defender, were discontinued in 2016, the Niva became the longest-production-run off-road light vehicle still manufactured in its original form. By the end of 2020, an estimated 650,000 Lada Nivas had been sold globally....(Read more on Wikipedia)
3-door (facelift 1993) Overview:
Lada Niva (3-door (facelift 1993)). Weighing only 1210 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17 s). The top speed reaches 142 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.7i (82 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers modest performance, adequate for off-road tasks but sluggish on paved roads. Acceleration is slow, reflecting its utilitarian focus.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high for its power output, especially by modern standards, making it less economical for daily driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability for its price point
- • Simple, robust, and easy-to-repair mechanics
- • Compact size offers excellent agility on tight trails
- • Affordable purchase and maintenance costs
- • Iconic, utilitarian design with a strong cult following
Cons:
- • Very poor on-road performance and handling
- • High fuel consumption across all engine variants
- • Basic, noisy, and uncomfortable interior
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash test ratings
- • Prone to rust and requires diligent maintenance
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(3-door (facelift 1993): 1993 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lada |
| Model: | Niva |
| Generation: | 3-door (facelift 1993) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.7i (82 Hp) 4x4 |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 82 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Engine Model/Code: | VAZ-21214 More details about the engine VAZ-21214 |
| Engine displacement: | 1690 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.75 l |
| Coolant: | 10.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6000 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 142 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.8 kg/Hp, 67.8 Hp/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1210 |
| Max. weight: | 1610 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 300 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 50 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 3740 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1680 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1640 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1814 mm |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1400 mm |
| Front overhang: | 705 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 835 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 213 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 175/80 R16; 185/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |
If you could change one thing about the Lada Niva, what would it be?