Photo: CarPix
You probably never heard the name Chevrolet Niva and for good reason. This is just one of those cases when a big manufacturer like GM joined forces with a more modest one to bring out a car that is supposed to appeal to a huge market.
We’ve seen these strategies applied in China and other markets but the one that is most prominent must be Russia. This is where GM invested quite a lot over the last years and cars like the Chevrolet Niva are hailing from this region of the world.
The Niva Concept was unveiled back in 2014 at the Moscow auto show by Auto Vaz, which is the original creator of the ‘Niva’ nameplate. Initially it was used by the Russians for their local product, the Lada Niva, one of the cars that were acclaimed over the years for their impeccable off-roading skills.
The concept looked impressive, to say the least. Compared to its predecessor, it will grow in size by quite a hefty amount. The SUV will gain 260 mm (10.2 inches) in length, reaching a total of 4,316 mm (170 inches).
The rear axle should remain the same while the front one could be updated if the concept is anything to go on, as it showed MacPherson struts. As for the other, more interesting details, we’re not exactly sure.
The best guess would be that the permanent all-wheel drive system will remain in place. That means the engine will be longitudinally mounted and we will have a lockable center diff and a transfer case with two-stage reduction gear.
Under the bonnet we expect to see the PSA-developed 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine making around 135 HP mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Of course, an automatic might also be part of the offer in the future but at first, this will be the first choice. Expect the new Chevrolet Niva to arrive in Russian dealerships somewhere in the first quarter of 2016.
The Niva Concept was unveiled back in 2014 at the Moscow auto show by Auto Vaz, which is the original creator of the ‘Niva’ nameplate. Initially it was used by the Russians for their local product, the Lada Niva, one of the cars that were acclaimed over the years for their impeccable off-roading skills.
The concept looked impressive, to say the least. Compared to its predecessor, it will grow in size by quite a hefty amount. The SUV will gain 260 mm (10.2 inches) in length, reaching a total of 4,316 mm (170 inches).
The rear axle should remain the same while the front one could be updated if the concept is anything to go on, as it showed MacPherson struts. As for the other, more interesting details, we’re not exactly sure.
The best guess would be that the permanent all-wheel drive system will remain in place. That means the engine will be longitudinally mounted and we will have a lockable center diff and a transfer case with two-stage reduction gear.
Under the bonnet we expect to see the PSA-developed 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine making around 135 HP mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Of course, an automatic might also be part of the offer in the future but at first, this will be the first choice. Expect the new Chevrolet Niva to arrive in Russian dealerships somewhere in the first quarter of 2016.
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