Chevrolet Niva: plastic surgery

"Sheviniva" — how much emotion this name evokes among Russian off-road enthusiasts. Following the crisis year of 2009, the Chevy Niva sold 24,520 units, yielding only to the classic "Niva" in the compact crossover and SUV category. That same year, another important event occurred: the Russian SUV underwent a restyling. And the familiar name gained the prefix Bertone Edition, hinting at the involvement of the famous Italian design studio in updating the "Niva", which had worked on models such as the Citroen Xantia, Alfa Romeo GT, Lamborghini Countach, and others.

After the work of specialists from the Italian studio Bertone, the Chevy Niva became more attractive. The assembly is done well.

As a result of the cosmetic refinements, the Chevrolet Niva acquired new bumpers at the front and rear, as well as updated door and sill trim. At the front, there is a different radiator grille with a larger Chevrolet badge, refined headlights, round fog lights, and turn signal repeaters on the front fenders.

The plastic trim is glued neatly, without unnecessary gaps. The silver Niva looks great in the Moscow region forest.

In addition to the new trim on the sides, painted mirrors, modest Bertone Edition badges, and new 16-inch alloy wheels (in the top trim) appeared. Also, the "Shniva" received fresh mud flaps at the front and rear and modified rear lights. As a result, the image of the "Chevrolet Niva" became more harmonious. Even panel joints and well-fitted plastic body kit create the impression of a neat and reliable product.

Inside the updated Shniva, a stylish three-spoke steering wheel appeared. The plastic is hard everywhere, but the build quality is decent. In the rich GLS version, decor was added: inserts on the transmission levers and a silver strip above the glove box.

In the cabin, a new three-spoke steering wheel, a glasses holder in the overhead console, and new lighting fixtures were installed. On the tunnel between the front seats, a convenient cup holder and a compartment for small items were placed. The interior rearview mirror is now glued to the windshield and does not rattle on "ribbed" asphalt. In addition, two ventilation openings appeared in the rear bumper of the Niva, which, according to the manufacturer, improve air circulation in the cabin and reduce window fogging.

Off-road is the true element of the Chevrolet Niva. Here, the Russian SUV feels confident and is ready to compete with any foreign "off-roader".

The front seats are quite amorphous, without height adjustment or proper lateral support. Nevertheless, getting comfortable behind the wheel was not particularly difficult. Thanks to the vertical adjustment of the steering column. The traditional VAZ instrument panel is easy to read. On the center console, there are three climate control knobs. The test "Chevy Niva" had an optional air conditioner for 27 thousand rubles.

Overall, despite the ubiquitous cheap and hard plastic, the interior of the updated "Niva" is assembled solidly. There are no large gaps typical of AvtoVAZ products between the panels, and on bumps, there are no extraneous squeaks in the depths of the trim.

Although there are only two headrests, there is enough space in the back for three. The seat folds in a 60/40 ratio, forming an almost flat floor.

The plump three-spoke steering wheel pleased... it's a pity that it still lacks an airbag. The ignition key is now flip-style, like all self-respecting foreign cars.

On the center tunnel, there are two levers. The larger one is for shifting gears, and the smaller one controls the transfer case modes. It can engage low range or lock the center differential.

In the back, a driver up to 180 cm tall sits behind himself without much trouble. And even three passengers will have enough space. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 ratio, forming an almost flat floor. The trunk is finished with a pleasant fleecy covering. But there is still no place for the spare wheel and jack — they are still strapped with a rubber band to the protruding wheel arch.

The trunk with a volume of 320 liters is not particularly spacious. The spare wheel and jack are still pressed with a regular rubber band. In the fifth door, there is a cap for the autonomous rear window washer reservoir. But the door itself strangely opens from right to left, although traffic in Russia is still left-hand. As a result, the driver has to walk around the rear of the car to get to the luggage compartment.

But the "Shniva" has really become better! Decent ride smoothness, adequate steering effort, good suspension energy intensity — what else does an "off-roader" need? However, not everything is smooth. When cold, until the gearbox warms up, to engage the desired gear, the lever literally has to be shoved. And even when the transmission oil heats up to operating temperature, the manual gearbox still does not shine with selectivity.

The new headlights are not only more attractive in appearance but also have better illumination characteristics.

The "Chevrolet Niva" holds a straight line surprisingly well. Even at a decent speed, the SUV can be driven without unnecessary nervousness. But after 120 km/h, acoustic discomfort begins. The howling of the transmission and engine actively attacks the ears of passengers. In addition, even on a perfectly flat surface at high speed, quite noticeable vibration appears. But a high-speed highway is by no means the element of the Chevrolet Niva. Moreover, the dynamics of the 1.7-liter 80-horsepower engine do not contribute to dynamic overtaking.

On the wide door moldings, Bertone badges were placed, which reveal the design of the Chevrolet Niva belonging to the legendary Italian studio.

Despite this, in the city, the "Niva" left a good impression. The SUV willingly enters a turn, demonstrating adequate reactions to the driver's actions. Rolls are small. If you overdo the speed "on entry", the Chevy Niva will first smoothly slide with the front axle outward, after which a predictable drift of both axles will begin, not threatening a sharp rear-end skid. Safe!

On the center tunnel, there are two levers: one larger is responsible for gear shifting, the second smaller one for transfer case modes. With its help, low range or center differential lock is activated. Three knobs are responsible for heating. The optional air conditioner will cost 27 thousand rubles.

The suspension handles minor and medium road imperfections playfully, maintaining silence and peace inside. With more serious potholes, the "Niva" also copes, but then passengers have to endure noticeable shaking.

With the brakes, everything is in order. Dosing deceleration is not difficult. The absence of ABS is partially saved by excellent feedback — the driver intuitively feels the moment when the wheels are about to lock.

As soon as the asphalt ends, Chevrolet Niva finds itself in its native element. Off-road, few can compete with this Russian SUV. Short overhangs and a ground clearance of 200 mm provide excellent geometric maneuverability, although the Bertone body kit slightly spoiled the indicators.

The Niva has permanent all-wheel drive with equal torque distribution between the axles. The snowy forest with all its surprises was traversed without even resorting to locking the center differential. Deep ruts, tracks, diagonal wheel hang-up — nothing is a problem. The transmission easily figured out all the prepared obstacles. But the engine could be more powerful: under increased load, the clutch starts to slip.

In the top version, the interior is trimmed with fabric combined with leatherette. It looks decent.

If over time the Chevrolet Niva gets a more powerful engine while maintaining a reasonable price, the VAZ SUV will significantly strengthen its position and become the optimal choice in terms of price-to-quality ratio for off-road enthusiasts.

On the Russian market, the Chevrolet Niva is currently sold in two trim levels — L and GLS. The base version for 412 thousand rubles includes an alarm with immobilizer, front power windows, power steering, power mirrors, and steel 15-inch wheels. The GLS version for 459 thousand adds combined interior trim with artificial leather, heated seats, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, an additional ceiling lamp, a sunglasses holder, audio preparation with two front speakers, and decorative inserts on the levers. Air conditioning is available as an option for any version.

Ruslan Galimov