Posted on 08/27/2014 11:17:15 PM PDT by wetphoenix
The Chevrolet Niva, a mini-SUV produced as a joint venture between GM and Russian automaker AvtoVAZ, is a beige little ute based on a Lada. It's an incredibly boring car in current form, but the next generation Niva concept unveiled today ahead of the Moscow auto show is a strong enough idea to make us wonder why Chevy hasn't tried something like this over here.
Even if you ditch the concept-y winch up front, knobbly tires, off-road snorkel and roof rack featuring enough lights to illuminate Norilsk, the new Niva still manages to look far more aggressive than the standard compact ute. If the Niva went into production with the same purposeful stance, it could be quite appealing to younger buyers. But regardless, it's only for Russian consumption.
In the United States, Chevy will soon scratch the mini-SUV itch with the Chevy Trax -- a small crossover originally designed for Europe that's currently making the rounds in Mexico and Canada. While not an inherently bad car, GM calls it a "youth-focused" vehicle. Having sampled it, the Trax offers a lukewarm addition to a segment filled with quirky fare like the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul. So why, I ask, would a young, hip buyer want a Trax?
Back to the Niva concept: this rugged little shoebox is precisely what a buyer of that description might desire -- something fun, different and, yes, practical. If it came with, say, the concept-style off-road tires, it might blend the niche between folks that think the Juke is too weird and despise frogs, and those that find a Jeep Wrangler too adventurous and have never heard of Deadmau5.
The last time Chevy had a youth-focused off-roader in its dealerships?
(Excerpt) Read more at autos.yahoo.com ...
I’ve found no info on the differences to the previous generation which needed a way more powerful engine. If the new variant has it, it could find a place in the North American fun offroad vehicles market.
looks like fun..of course; EPA/nannie-staters are gonna b¡tch.
Looks like Putin’s Volkswagen.
Can’t wait to see Barry’s car design.
Where’s the M-2 mount and gunports?
Ask at Chevy dealership, they would probably install it for a few bucks:)
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/gm-is-updating-their-lada-based-russian-car-as-an-off-1620762977
Carscoops,World Car Fans, and Wroom.ru seem to agree that the new car get a 1.8 135 horsepower engine to replace the current model’s 80 hp unit and is slated for a 2016 release.
Maybe it’s long base was a problem? Also being lifted for a better ground clearance it could be a rollover hazard.
How many Americans need a cheap and small full time 4WD car, a ‘true’ one with a lockable mid-axle differential? It raises fuel comsumption while increases safety on icy road and improves off-road capabilities either. Owning it must be pretty cheap, but some involvement may be required from an owner. I think a man can service it himself without paying a dealer. Probably some rural young men who uses it for fun?
I think no American would ever service his vehicle by himself:)
Probably a car enthusiast or a farmer?
Too bad Putin screwed the pooch with his uncivilized behavior Comrade.
Does it come in OD or camo?
Maybe that’s all those tanks the Ukrainians keep saying are invading.
A Chevrolet/Volga, what could go wrong? sarc
Volga is not a Lada product and it’s actually a defunct brand now.
I can’t remember the last time I saw one on the street, but I know hunters like them because they’re cheap, have good ground clearance for driving forest trails, and no one minds throwing a bloody deer carcass into the back.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.