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Lada 2131 i 1.7 i (80 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lada 2131:
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)
i Overview:
Lada 2131 (i). With a weight of 1390 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 132 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Lada 2131i generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, its close relative, the Lada Niva (VAZ-2121), received a 0-star rating in ARCAP (Russian NCAP) crash tests in 2002, indicating very poor occupant protection by modern standards.
1.7 i (80 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 80 Hp 1.7i engine provides very modest performance, suitable for utility and off-road use but severely lacking for highway speeds or quick acceleration. Its strength lies in simplicity and low-end torque for challenging terrains.
Fuel Economy
Given its older design, permanent all-wheel drive, and limited power, fuel economy is poor for its performance class. Expect high consumption, especially in mixed driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability for its price point
- • Simple, robust, and easy-to-repair mechanicals
- • Spacious interior compared to the standard Niva
- • Low purchase and maintenance costs
- • Timeless, utilitarian design
Cons:
- • Very poor on-road performance and acceleration
- • High fuel consumption for its power output
- • Basic interior with limited features and comfort
- • Lack of modern safety features and poor crash test results
- • Unrefined driving experience with significant noise and vibration
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(2: 1995 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lada |
| Model: | 2131 |
| Generation: | i |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.7 i (80 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 80 Hp |
| Power per litre: | 47.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| 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 |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17.4 kg/Hp, 57.6 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1390 |
| Max. weight: | 1890 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 710 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 380 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4520 mm mm |
| Width: | 1680 mm mm |
| Height: | 1880 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1400 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| 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.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 175/80 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Lada 2131!