Niva 2121 (21213/21214) — light and compact off-road vehicle (SUV). Integral body with three doors – hatchback or with five doors – the station wagon. Full-time 4WD transmission, manual 4-speed gearbox (starting from 21213 version – 5-speed) with two-speed transfer and differential lock between the axles. Off-road capability is good because of big ground clearance (220 mm), short body overhang and relatively short (2.2 m) wheelbase. The engine of the first version of vaz-2121 was based on Lada-2106, carburetor four cylinders in-line, 1580 cubic cm displacement. 80 hp at 5400 rpm, maximal torque is 116 Nm at 3400 rpm. For upgraded vaz-21213 was used carburetor engine with increased to 1690 cubic cm displacement, 81.9 hp at 5100 rpm and maximal torque value 126.1 Nm at 3000 rpm.
One of the features of «Niva» — quantity-production components of Lada-VAZ product range, 1.6-litre chain-drive engine, gearbox and rear axle gear from vaz-2106 (on first vehicles in rear axle was used axle drive gears from vaz -2101 with ratio 4,3). But even from the beginning, "Niva" demonstrated off-road capabilities unique in its class.
In 2016 “Niva 4x4” got bearings in front hubs – no more periodical adjustment required. The vehicle got redesigned steering knuckle, separate front axle gear, and gas-charged shock absorbers. Most of the spare parts for the whole Niva line is still produced. And typically, they are interchangeable with other VAZ models.
Vaz-2121 «Niva» (export: Lada 4x4 Niva) — base model with the VAZ-2121 engine (1.6 liters, 80 hp, 116 Nm) and 4-speed gearbox. Several prototypes of VAZ-E2121 were made in 1972—1975. At the end of 1976 pilot batch was produced. All cars were golden ochre color and can be recognized by headlamp washer location – in pilot batch, it "pops" from the front plate, not from radiator grill as for serial production. Serial manufacturing was started in April 1977 and stopped at the end of 1993, last half a year this version was manufactured in parallel with VAZ-21213.
VAZ-21211
«Niva» — Soviet off-road car. Mass production:
1977 to 1987. VAZ-21011 engine (bore size
VAZ-21212
(Lada Niva 4x4) — export right-hand drive car. Limited production mainly for the British
market. Also supplied to
VAZ-2122 project “River” – military amphibious squadron commander vehicle. Design based on VAZ-2121 components. 37 prototypes with utility water-tight open 2-doors body were manufactured in 1976—1985. In 1987 modified VAZ-2122.600 «River» passed official tests but mass production was not started.
VAZ-21214 (Lada 4x4) — upgraded 21213 model with engine VAZ-21214 (1.7 liters, 82.8 hp, and 127,5 Nm) with single point injection system. Starting from 2002 this version got VAZ-21214-10 (Euro-0) engine with multipoint injection, modified in 2006 to meet Euro-2 requirements (21214-20), in 2008 to meet Euro-3 requirements (21214-30) and in 2011 to meet Euro-5 (for export) and Euro-4 (for domestic use). Starting from 2006 according to the agreement about joint venture GM-AutoVAZ car was rebranded to Lada 4×4 3-doors.
LADA 4x4M — renovated and redesigned version of LADA 4x4. First steps were done at the beginning of 2009, and finally, works were completed at the end of 2011. Were changed internal and external lights, interior and transmission components. Were used parts from Chevrolet Niva project. The main change was done with rear suspension, the vehicle became more stable on the rough road, especially on the plowed road surface. All versions got hydraulic power steering, some - anti-skid braking system. In 2013 front marker lights can be used as daytime running lights, according to regulations they are bright when the engine started and dimmed when marker lights are on.
VAZ-21215 — export version with diesel engine Peugeot XUD 9SD, was manufactured in 1999—2007 in small batches with enhanced exterior trim (bumpers, spoilers, guards, light alloy rims etc.);
VAZ-21216 — export version of 21213 with right-hand drive and carburetor VAZ-21213 engine;
VAZ-21217 — export version of 21213, with VAZ-2121 (1.6 liters) engine;
VAZ-21219 — transition version with body and suspension from VAZ-2121 and 1.7 liters engine and transmission from ВАЗ-21213. Interior and rear windshield washer reservoir are also from VAZ-2121. Manufactured in 1993—1994.
LADA 4x4 «Lynx» — small batch hunting version of Lada 4×4. Was presented in 2009. Enlarged wheel arches for bigger wheels and extended suspension travel, rubber over fenders. Bigger exterior mirrors for the better rear view. Screw-type self-locking differential gear in front and rear axle.
LADA 4x4 Urban — 3-doors version. Differs from the standard by additional noise insulation, plastic bumpers and radiator grill, smaller steering wheel, air conditioner, central tunnel, power exterior mirrors, and windows. Manufacturing started from October 2014.
