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LUAZ 969 M 1.2 (42 Hp)
Overall Rating
LUAZ 969:
The LuAZ-1302, formerly called ZAZ-969 , LuAZ-969 and LuAZ-969M , is a Soviet and Ukrainian four-wheel drive automobile built by the ZAZ and LuAZ. The first Soviet vehicle with front wheel drive, it was based on the LuAZ-967.
Developing ideas from the unbuilt Moskvitch 415 prototype, designers used the LuAZ-967 as a basis for a four-wheel drive. vehicle They added a body to the LuAZ's bare form, and fitted a 30 hp 887 cc MeMZ-966 air-cooled four-cylinder engine. No other mechanical changes were made....(Read more on Wikipedia)
M Overview:
LUAZ 969 (M). It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 970 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 100 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 0 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the Soviet era (1979-1990), the LUAZ 969M was not subjected to Euro NCAP testing, which began much later. It lacks modern safety features like airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones, reflecting the safety standards of its production period.
1.2 (42 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 42 Hp engine provides extremely modest power, limiting on-road performance to low speeds. However, its lightweight design and 4x4 system allow for basic off-road capability, prioritizing torque and traction over outright speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is relatively high for such a low-powered engine, especially in urban conditions (10 l/100 km), reflecting older carburetor technology and a design focused on ruggedness rather than modern fuel efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability for its size
- • Simple, robust mechanicals for easy field repairs
- • Compact and lightweight design
- • Unique classic utilitarian appeal
- • High ground clearance
Cons:
- • Very low power and poor on-road performance
- • Basic comfort and sparse interior
- • Outdated safety features (or lack thereof)
- • High fuel consumption for its power output
- • Limited availability of parts and service outside specific regions
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | LUAZ |
| Model: | 969 |
| Generation: | M |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (42 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 42 Hp |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.75 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 100 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 23.1 kg/Hp, 43.3 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 970 |
| Max. weight: | 1370 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 34 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3430 mm mm |
| Width: | 1610 mm mm |
| Height: | 1754 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 1800 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1340 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1335 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 175/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J X 13 |
If you could change one thing about the LUAZ 969, what would it be?