Russian off-road vehicles that are in production today.

[Drabadum]

Many people tell that epoch of classic off-road vehicles is over but there are a few of them in Russia.
I have gathered here cars which are produced now and everyone can buy them new at a dealer.

Note: please, do not forget that cars outside US are more expensive. Do not be wondered by prices.

Lada Niva.
Officially VAZ-2121x "Niva"
The best known off-road car from Russia.
Since 1977.
Price starts from 321500 rubles ($9772, 18.08.2013).
Engine 1.7L gasoline with 80 hp.
Transmission full-time 4WD and low gear row (one of the reasons why people like it).
No frame.
Suspension: front - independent, rear - rigid-axle.
This vehicle has great off-road abilities due to low weight and good transmission.
It can go through very difficult place but don't like continuous running at off-road. The weakest part is a body without frame.
Used niva is chip but more important that parts and performance kits have very low prices.
It is the best starter car to open the world of off-road in Russia.

Chevrolet Niva (AutoVAZ-GM company)
This vehicle is a next generation of Lada Niva.
It has a five-door body, more comfort inside, the same as Lada Niva's off-road performance but is more expensive at market and in maintenance.
Since 2002.
Price starts from 449000 rubles ($15167, 18.08.2013)
Engine 1.7L gasoline with 80 hp.
Transmission full-time 4WD and low gear row.
No frame.
Suspension: front - independent, rear - rigid-axle.

There are many rumors that these two manufactures are in preparing of next generations of their Niva's.
Both of them promise that new models keep off-road abilities because it is the main reason why people buy them.

Above I briefly described off-road vehicles with civil roots. But there is a stronger branch that grows from military side.
It is UAZ. This manufacturer has reputation like Jeep or Land-Rover in Russia. It makes only off-road vehicles, only on frame and only with rigid-axle suspension.


The most popular family of UAZ is 469.
Now it is UAZ Hunter(since 2002), but you can buy used 315x (1985-???) or even 469 (1972-1985).
The model changed names after modernizations.
Price starts from 399000 rubles ($12.128, 18.08.2013)
Link to the official website: http://www.uaz.ru/eng/models/hunter/
Engine 2.7L gasoline with 128 hp or 2.2L diesel with 113 hp.
Transmission part-time 4WD and low gear row.
Body is on frame.
Suspension: front and rear - rigid-axles.
Seats 5+2
I guess that the role of this vehicle in life of travelers, army, field workers and many other people is much higher than the roles of Niva, ChNiva and other vehicles together. It is Russian Land Rover Defender. UAZ has durable design and at the same time low weight. It gives them the best off-road ability among other local vehicles.
Lastly, about famous military axles of UAZ. They were designed for military purpose and have portal construction. Military axles are very valuable parts at local off-road market.
Often they are installed to many types of cars: other types of UAZ, japan pickups, Nivas, etc.

UAZ Patriot/Pickup
The modern and more comfortable model of UAZ.
Since 2005.
Price starts from 499000 rubles ($15167, 18.08.2013)
Link to the official website: http: //www.uaz.ru/eng/models/patriot/
Engine 2.7L gasoline with 128 hp or 2.2L diesel with 113 hp.
Transmission part-time 4WD and low gear row.
Body is on frame.
Suspension: front and rear - rigid-axles.
Seats 5+4
or pickup with 5 seats.

Now the choice of customers moves from Hunter to Patriot. There is no significant difference in price and huge difference in comfort and capacity.

UAZ Commercial
Also known as "Buhanka" (looks like "Buhanka", a unit of bread).
4x4 van, the oldest model in the list.
Since 1965!
Price starts from 465000 rubles ($14134, 18.08.2013)
Link to the official website: http://www.uaz.ru/eng/models/commercial/
Engine 2.7L gasoline with 112 hp.
Transmission part-time 4WD and low gear row.
Body is on frame.
Suspension: front and rear - rigid-axles.
Seats 2-11 (depends on modification).

This van has no competitors among 4x4 commercial vans.
The model is very popular as an expedition vehicle.

 

[Scott Brady]

Awesome post - love the Buhanka!



I have a friend in Chelyabinsk that is an UAZ dealer. He has done some serious exploration with the Patriot
http://www.off-road74.ru/

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Great post. I was very intrigued by the domestic market Russian 4x4's during my travel there last, fun seeing a bunch of the newer models here

 

[Cee-Jay]

Thanks for sharing those great vehicles!

 

[Ozarker]

Any relation between the old Niva and the Yugo?

Cool vehicles for the price.

 

[Gren_T]

Hi no direct link between Lada and Yugo, however both manufactures used parts and designs licensed from Fiat.

I've had a few niva's excellent off-road not bad on road would have loved a deisel version, & have seen a few lwb pick up versions.

regards
Gren

 

[Drabadum]

About Niva Pickup

source: http://www.visavto.ru

source: http://www.drive2.ru/cars/lada/2329

 

[slow2run]

I see jeep FC TRUCKS AND VANS

 

[tin]

Luaz is an interesting one.
Air cooled engine.
Very unique and robust suspension design.

 

[Slicky72]

Great read ,thanks for posting .

 

[Drabadum]

About LuAZ: Yes, it is very interesting vehicle, but
1. the manufacture had been closed many years ago;
2. This car is from Ukraine (actually it does not matter).

 

[ttravis5446]

I wish I could go out and buy a new UAZ van in the U.S. I would be on that in a heartbeat.

 

[Drabadum]

I can post more info and photos. About what car do you want to read?

 

[redneck44]

Personally I like the bigger stuff, Praga, Kamaz, Gaz66, ZIl131, Kraz, Maz etc. obviously not all still in production but widely used.

 

[tin]

While Luaz was built in the Ukraine, it was actually designed in Moscow, by Moskvitch in 1959.
Besides in that time both countries were the Soviet Union.
I understand that it is no longer in production but it's one amazing vehicle.