Test drive a Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine

What is the difference between a Chevrolet Niva and an Opel engine?

The proverb that says that there are many good people can also be applied to cars. Well, if the manufacturer fails to supply quantity, then he has to rely on the assortment. This is exactly what the creators of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint production decided to do and released the Chevrolet Niva with a new engine and modified transmission. It is worth noting that this new model is an all-terrain vehicle with rich equipment, which was aimed mainly at the Western European market and its production was established in parallel with the standard Niva model.

One of the most important changes in the new product was that the Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine began to be produced. This is a 16-valve power unit Z18XE series FAM-1, its displacement is 1.8 liters and maximum power is 125 hp. Thanks to these technical characteristics, the new Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 12 seconds, while its top speed is 170 km/h. This power unit was originally designed for the front-wheel drive Opel Astra.

The new Chevrolet Niva engine is quite short, but too wide, and it is because of this excessive width that some difficulties arose with its location in the engine compartment. The designers were forced to adjust and redo a lot. For example, they had to work hard on the mounting points for the motor suspension, since they are located asymmetrically on the imported unit. I had to make a special oil pan due to the fact that the standard one does not fit with the front axle gearbox. Manufacturers also had to take into account the specific conditions of use of this SUV; for example, they were forced to change the design of the oil pump intake and make a special well that could provide the required oil supply during large rolls of the vehicle.

In addition to the imported engine, the Chevrolet Niva SUV with a diesel engine is also of particular interest to motorists, because all off-road enthusiasts are well aware that a diesel engine is the best purchase for this category of car.

The diesel engine from the Italian company FNM began to be installed on the Chevrolet Niva in 2007. Its undoubted advantage was its low fuel consumption, which in mixed mode is only 7.5 liters per 100 km, although the 58-liter fuel tank is too small for such a car. But the Chevrolet Niva with a diesel engine has other advantages that more than compensate for this disadvantage, for example, high traction at initial speeds with which the car is able to overcome even the most difficult sections of roads.

In order for Niva engines to work properly and reliably, they need to be serviced in a timely manner. For example, pour new oil into the Chevrolet Niva engine in a timely manner; this should be done after 15 thousand km or every six months. Moreover, when buying engine lubricant, you don’t need to skimp; you should only choose good oil, preferably synthetic. The fact is that today almost no one pours mineral oil into the Chevrolet Niva engine due to its poor characteristics and poor quality of lubrication of power unit parts. As for synthetics, it is more preferable due to all kinds of additives that are included in the oil and increase engine life, and also due to the fact that in winter at sub-zero temperatures such oil does not freeze, which reduces the risk of wear of the piston group elements and makes cold starts less dangerous.

Chevrolet Niva FAM-1: review and photos. Technical characteristics of Niva FAM1 (GLX) 2006-2008.

In the spring of 2006, the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture officially presented to the public a powerful modification of the Chevrolet Niva SUV with the FAM-1 prefix, which entered mass production in November of the same year. The car, which differed from the base model with an Opel engine and richer equipment, stood on the assembly line until April 2008, after which it left due to low interest from buyers, selling about a thousand units.

Externally, the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 does not differ from a standard SUV - it can only be recognized by the chrome “GLX” inscription on the rear door (this car has no other features).

The overall length of the FAM-1 version is 4048 mm (including the spare wheel), height – 1652 mm, width – 1770 mm, distance between the axles – 2450 mm. The minimum ground clearance of the five-door does not exceed 200 mm, and its “combat” weight is 1440 kg.

Inside, the powerful Chevy Niva repeats the usual solution of an SUV - an archaic but well-thought-out design, budget finishing materials, a five-seat configuration with sufficient free space and a luggage compartment with a volume of 320 to 650 liters, depending on the position of the rear sofa.

Specifications. Under the hood of the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 there is an Opel Z18XE four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1.8 liters, equipped with a 16-valve timing belt and distributed fuel supply, which produces 122 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 167 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Aisin “mechanics”, housed in a single block with a 2-speed transfer case, and permanent all-wheel drive (traction is divided in a 50:50 ratio) with forced locking of the center differential.

If in off-road disciplines the FAM-1 modification is identical to the base model, then in asphalt exercises it “puts it on its toes” - it takes 12 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, peaks at 165 km/h and on average consumes 10 liters of gasoline in mixed conditions for “hundred”.

Technically, the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 is practically no different from a standard SUV - a monocoque body, independent suspension on double wishbones at the front and a dependent 5-bar architecture at the rear. The steering mechanism of the car is rack and pinion with power steering, and the brakes are front disc and rear drum with ABS.

The features of the car are: good dynamics, high off-road performance, excellent maintainability and acceptable equipment. Its disadvantages are: poor sound insulation, poor adaptation of the power unit and high fuel consumption.

Prices. On the Russian secondary market in the first quarter of 2021, you can purchase a powerful modification of the Niva at a price of 200,000 to 320,000 rubles.

The Chevrolet Niva does not have the most powerful engine, but there was a version from the factory that had a non-original 1.8-liter engine and a two-shaft layout. It's time to learn more about this car.

What can you do to improve your sleep quality?

1. Your pillow should be firm enough to keep your spine straight.

Also interesting: Pros and cons of the Chevrolet Niva car suspension

2. You should fill the space between your neck and mattress to keep your head and neck in a neutral position.

3. If you have shoulder pain, try placing a pillow in front of your body and resting your arm on it. This will help relieve the pain.

4. To avoid or get rid of hip pain, try placing a pillow between your knees to keep your hips level.

5. To avoid sagging breasts, try placing a small pillow under them to prevent the ligaments from being stretched. Or just sleep on your back.

6. If you wake up in the morning with a puffy face, puffy eyes and deeper wrinkles than last night, you should change your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back can prevent unwanted contact between your face and your pillow.

7. A good mattress is the most important thing when it comes to healthy and restful sleep. If you're a side sleeper, you'll want to choose a mattress with good shoulder and hip support and a medium to firm firmness. Foam mattresses and mattresses that can “remember” your body position (viscoelastic) are the best options as they are very effective at relieving pressure points.

Of course, other reasons can cause pain and swelling. Therefore, do not immediately think about your sleeping position; maybe the problem is completely different, and the wrong position simply aggravates the situation.

Swelling, for example, can be caused by drinking large amounts of water before bed and/or consuming salty and spicy foods.

In any case, sleep in a way that suits your body to avoid any consequences.

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What does it represent?

In appearance, this is the most ordinary Chevrolet Niva, of which a very large number drives on the roads of the country. But in fact, it has a lot of significant technical differences, which you won’t be able to see right away. And the most important of them is the engine.

This is the Z18XE engine, which has been familiar to us since the 90s legend Opel Omega. Instead of VAZ’s 80 horsepower, the Opel engine develops 122 hp. It works in tandem with a Japanese Aisin gearbox. The car with the new engine received the FAM1 index.

The car had not only a new engine and gearbox. The Niva also received more comfortable seats from Chevrolet, as well as ABS from the German company Bocsh. It is quite normal that in order to implement all the technical changes, the body had to be slightly modernized. It will not be so easy to install the rear axle, engine or Aisin gearbox from this Niva on a regular one.

The car turned out to be very dynamic and much quiet. It's a pleasure to ride on it. And the speed at high speeds decreased noticeably, which affected fuel consumption.

Diesel engine for Niva Chevrolet

As a replacement, a diesel engine is used for the Niva. Such a motor provides the following advantages for the car:

• traction performance at low speeds increases. The car does not slip in the mud on rural roads or on asphalt with wet snow in the autumn. Good performance in the last parameter is also determined by the installation of high-quality studded tires;
• Niva fuel consumption decreases when traveling on rural roads and the highway;
• the lifespan of the engine increases.

However, there are also disadvantages to installing a diesel engine on a Niva. The weight of the car increases, and in city mode this affects the increase in fuel consumption. Vibrations from the diesel engine are transmitted to the body. A diesel engine from a foreign car requires replacement of foreign-made parts. Therefore, the cost of repairing such a power unit increases.

What diesel engines can be installed on the Niva in the list:

• Peugeot XUD 9SD;
• Peugeot XUD 11SD;
• Volkswagen Vento.

Together with the installation of the above-described engines, a gearbox from Fiat Polonese is suitable. It will take a little work to remodel, but it's worth the effort.

What you will need to do:

1. Install pillows from VAZ 21215.
2. Install a bellhousing and gearbox from an already known Fiat.
3. Slightly alter the pan, oil intake, flywheel and some other parts.
4. All changes must be submitted through the traffic police.

After such tuning, you will not need to invest in the car for another five years. The only thing that is needed is to observe regular technical inspection and preventive replacement of consumables: filters from air to diesel, oil seals, if the machine was used in difficult conditions, for example, such as heat and frost below 20 degrees Celsius with a minus sign.

Let's now see which engine can be installed on the Niva, but without making modifications and without completely reinstalling the “heart” system of the engine. Some of the engines listed above still have the ability to fit without modifying the space for the engine. Let us describe in more detail why these engines are good.

Options without modifications

The Chevrolet Niva will be equipped with the Peugeot XUD engine without modifications. Replacing with this power unit is better than installing the original new engine. Firstly, it is more durable than the one that was originally installed on the Niva. Secondly, a dozen different engines will be inferior in terms of power and maintainability compared to Pezhovsky. You don't have to replace many parts to get the motor to fit into the car and interact with the wheels and transmission.

Another disadvantage of this engine is its high cost. It is installed on Niva cars for export. Therefore, parts for it have a high price.

The remaining diesel engines are installed with modifications.

Modified options

Engines on the Niva with modifications are already coming from Toyota and Volkswagen. I wrote about them above and how they need to be changed so that the engine works properly was also described. However. If you do not understand the design of power units, then it is better to leave the replacement procedure to experienced mechanics.

Therefore, I will not go into details. I’d rather write what you need to know when swapping an engine for diesel or gasoline:

• the power unit must be freely placed under the hood in the engine space of the car;
• The maximum permissible excess power is no more than 20 horses. Otherwise, other parts of the car will not withstand the load;
• swap should be useful.

Now let's talk about gasoline power units.

Why was FAM1 discontinued?

But the fate of this Niva, like that of another promising domestic car, was short-lived. Only 1,000 copies rolled off the production line and were distributed to many lucky people in the country. They can still be found on sale or on the roads.

The fact is that Opel curtailed the production of these engines, and purchasing spare parts to order would not be profitable and would affect the cost of the Niva, so it was decided to abandon the development and they were discontinued.

• Auto
• Chevrolet
• Niva
• Engines

During the entire production period, two different engines were installed on the first generation Niva Chevrolet:

Engine Niva Chevrolet 1.7 liters

The main engine of the Chevrolet Niva is a VAZ 2123 unit with a power of 80 hp. and 127 Nm, which is created on the basis of the 21213 internal combustion engine from the classic Niva and differs slightly from it. There is a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 8-valve head with hydraulic compensators, distributed fuel injection, and a timing chain drive equipped with a hydraulic tensioner. It was combined with a VAZ 2123 5-speed manual gearbox.

The main problem of this unit is the low quality of the spare parts from which it is assembled. Therefore, for some, the hydraulic chain tensioner runs 150,000 km, and for some, less than 50,000 km. Absolutely the same story with hydraulic compensators and most attachments. Also, lubricant and antifreeze leaks regularly occur here, the expansion tank bursts, all kinds of sensors fail, and at high mileage, oil consumption may occur.

Chevrolet Niva – New Chevy Niva FAM1 with Opel engine – 4×4 Magazine

The fourth one - it accelerates, like the second one. Fifth – the acceleration rate has hardly decreased... Is this Niva?

Yes, hell yes! We fly along one of the lines of Tolyatti highways, not caring about speed limits, traces of the vital activity of road workers and small under-drive vehicles of varying degrees of valves.

If you want to beat your neighbor with his brand new 2113 to a Chevy Niva, save your money and take the FAM1.

It’s almost like “Go to Kyiv and ask...

” – is bound to become a classic on the lips of every “Chevinist”. “Go to Tolyatti and ask...

“- I mutter, not dropping 140 and fitting into a turn with a fifty-meter radius.

You can feel the weight distribution accentuated on the nose – the butt rolls a little more.

Rejoice, manufacturers of bright red stabilizers for the Niva rear axle, tremble, chip tuners: Shniva has gained strength (though now it requires training, and the owner needs common sense).

Question number one: is the Chevrolet Niva FAM1 mass-produced?

I find it difficult to answer definitively.

I was on the assembly line, there are cars with an X at the end of the index, and it’s not that there are very few of them - there are about four or five out of 240 daily copies. I also saw the power unit coupled into a single unit with the transfer case at the marriage section (where the body and chassis are “married” together).

One of these, against five classic Niva ones, stood on a special platform.

This all means that the Niva with the Opel Z18XE engine is still assembled in series, but it also suggests that this assembly is almost a one-off piece. Meanwhile, dealers have a stack of orders for a Niva with an Opel engine.

Because everyone has heard about it, some have seen it, some have even tried it. And the reviews sound extremely enthusiastic.

It will be later that the meticulous owners and experts of passenger publications will find in this pretty lady (Niva, it seems, still feminine) some kind of flaws, but for now I want not to get out from behind the wheel, I want to go to the steppe, and gas, in Tver forest and along the rut, I want to jump on pebbles to Karelia. And so as not to tremble over every scratched piece of metal and so that your back does not ache halfway through.

Provocateur, this is your FAM! The Opel Z18XE engine is not the most powerful in the world and not the most torquey, and not very new.

Compared to the “ex-Fiat” unit of 1910, it’s a masterpiece of engineering, but it’s a normal middle peasant, without kulak habits, but it’s not stupid either.

Its strong point is excellent balance of parameters, smooth traction throughout the entire rev range, starting from about one thousand two hundred, and sufficient power for a light Niva, the peak of which falls at 5 thousand.

However, there is no need to rev until the bell rings, because the car confidently delivers 140 km/h at 4000 rpm. Not like before: 130 is already 4500 and tinnitus for half a day.

However, you need to be more careful with the lower sector of the speedometer. When starting up the hill on the second, get ready to hear the heartbreaking clatter of detonation.

The engine, in principle, digests our 92-octane gasoline, but this does not mean that it is elastic, like a typical diesel engine. Good traction is a little dampening, so don't forget about the existence of a low row in both boxes.

The gear ratios of the transfer case, by the way, have changed, the direct one is now 1:146, and the reduction gear is 1:2.228, that is, both have become longer. The main pairs remained the same – 3.9. They are structurally standard, so no one bothers to install at least tuning 5.28. But the gears in the Republic of Kazakhstan cannot be replaced with old ones; they are different there, as well as the shafts and the switching mechanism.

My favorite place in an article about a particular new model is the list of new introductions. Well, let's get started! Engine 1.8-liter Opel, 5-speed manual transmission Aisin, new transfer case in a single unit with the gearbox.

"Electronic" gas pedal. The ABS system, for which it was necessary to redesign the rear axle and front wheel hubs, install a 10-inch vacuum brake booster and find a place for the electronic-hydraulic control unit.

Anticipating questions, I will report that no, it is almost impossible to transfer all this equipment to a regular Niva.

Blocks are not for sale, bridges are not sold either, the brains of classic engines were not designed for ABS.

I won’t go into any debate about the need for this system, but for those who want to discuss it, I recommend going to the cemetery to read the epitaphs...

In principle, a regular Chevy Niva can only be fitted with new seats from FAM1, but only together with adapters and preferably with belt pretensioners.

It will be a bit expensive... In general, the new seats differ from the old ones, in my opinion, only on two points: height adjustment and a little more rigidity.

If you've owned an Opel or Volks, you'll appreciate this, but I like the softness. Well, or some other place...

A less significant change for the plant, but very important for the consumer, should be considered the use of Turkish-made driveshafts with CV joints in joints, which are an order of magnitude better in quality than the best domestic or Belarusian ones.

In addition, as a result of moving the CV joint forward, the rear shaft has become longer and less vibration-loaded, and the CV joint boot does not tear during articulation.

To improve passive safety, airbags (two front ones are standard), seat belt pretensioners, new seats, and the configuration of the side members have been changed. They say the car is ready to perform the European NCAP crash test with four and a half stars.

Half a star will be taken away by the tightness in the driver’s legs, which, alas, cannot be gotten rid of.

Every car has air conditioning, which is necessary in the city in the summer. It's a little noisy, but it's cool!

Doesn't affect speed, tested. The air intake is located under the very cut of the hood, fifteen centimeters higher than the previous position.

What else... The spare wheel has a new bracket, which is more difficult to remove without asking and which turns the wheel towards the front, that is, the front side of the disk.

The breathers of all transmission units and the front gearbox are located on the engine shield, and the rear gearbox breather is raised to the cross member of the body floor.

A chic handbag for the minimum traffic rules - with a first aid kit, a “triangle of fate” and a two-liter fire extinguisher - can be purchased from a dealer.

It’s better to throw out the towing rope from it right away, and buy a normal towing rope from WARN instead - and a good mood will accompany you for free! When you drive a Chevy Niva FAM1, the asphalt ends 30 percent faster, this is a proven fact!

However, Togliatti, fortunately, is not Moscow, and the luxurious banks of the Volga are fifteen minutes away from the office.

Sorry, now at ten... It’s also not difficult to drive an ordinary Chevy Niva around the city, you just have to switch more often.

On the Niva FAM1, the gear set is shifted up by one in almost the entire speed range: where previously a third was needed, a fourth is enough, instead of a second - a third, instead of... and so on.

Outside the city you can overtake summer residents in fifth. Owners of Grand Cherokee and Tahoe will not understand me; owners of Niv and Shniv may even pout slightly.

Don't be sad, fourth gear is also a good one.

And the third one is okay. But it's not boring.

And it’s a pity for that kind of money... However, stop, who am I lying to! No, damn it, overtaking from 100 to 140 without shifting is a thrill!

Thrust reserve at the highest speed is what you need!

Walking along the highway on par with the healthy Sotka, easily overtaking the insolent Patriot from the start and catching up with the already rumbling Cherokee - it’s worth the money!

Moreover, it is not noisy, not shaking.

The engine rumbles metallic, the light whistling of the transfer case gears caresses the ear, distracting from the hiss of the wind entangled in the mirrors. At 130 km/h, I can clearly hear the person I’m talking to, leaning back in the back seat and telling me in a low voice some story from the lives of wonderful people.

Do you think I'm overpraising this car? In fact, the impressions of the Chevy Niva, in particular the previous model, are very different for those who switched to it from a UAZ or Lada Niva, compared to those who previously drove a passenger car, especially a decent one.

The former will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent handling, lack of noise and vibration, comfortable seating and spacious interior.

Then they will regret the scratched bumper and the torn off rear license plate, and maybe even the dented sill.

The latter will complain about some rolling and swaying on the country road, some tapping from below and hissing from under the floor, they will be surprised that they can’t meet ten liters per “hundred” and can’t get “hundred” in ten seconds, and the average speed is still still comes out lower.

A little later they will be shocked by the opportunity to drive here, and here, and here, and there... Things will start there that everyone will forget about the scratched bumpers - both the first and the second.

The times when GM-Avtovaz proclaimed the Chevrolet Niva as an all-wheel drive passenger car, and nothing more, are gone. Now Niva is officially an SUV.

Let us rejoice and go to celebrate this righteous deed with a moderate mud libation!

Off-road, the Niva FAM1 behaves almost the same as the classic Chevy Niva with a 1.7 engine. Unless, due to better traction, you may stall at first, losing your vigilance. Such is the paradox...

Once you get used to it, you naturally begin to misbehave. “Go, go!

– Vadim Klassen, head of UFOs and advanced developments at GM-Avtovaz, intercepts my questioning glance. “We’re on the Niva!”

“It’s easy to say, go, there’s a hole there!” Last time I went so far that the RPM cover was split in half... No, nothing, they slipped through, the cover was reinforced a long time ago.

Although experienced “Shevinists” wave their hands: they say, it’s a matter of time, about the cap.

New shock absorbers and rebound limiters swell from critical articulation. There are no breakdowns at all.

But the suspension was retuned quite a bit, installing new shock absorbers from Delfi, a longtime supplier of GM. They are more energy-intensive, and everything works great. The emphasis of weight distribution shifted to the nose, making diagonal hanging easier.

The wheels grip better, the main thing is not to forget about the center lock.

It turns on and off the same way as always.

I mean, not always right away.

But the increased traction throughout the entire rev range, and primarily at the bottom, is useful in any case, especially on the Volga sand, which, although dense, is ready to accept the narrow-wheeled Niva (tires, by the way, on the FAM1 are wider 215/65R16) the gape pilot happily.

The gears change easily, only the first – third need to be handled carefully, they are close, and I missed twice, but recovered in time. In general, at the plant the FAM is now positioned as a passenger all-wheel drive vehicle, and the classic “Shnivy” is already spoken of as a light SUV, a Patriot thunderstorm as a standard...

The reason for this division, I believe, is not only improved behavior on asphalt, but also the fact that open ABS sensors, covers for driveshaft joints and engine compartment protection are added to Chevy’s weak points, such as CV joint rubber and plastic bumpers. $21,000 for a new Niva – is that a lot or not? To be honest, the very combination of the words “twenty-one thousand dollars” and “Niva” still seems to me like an excerpt from a science fiction book.

At the same time, the regular Chevy Niva in the simplest configuration has already jumped over $13,000, which is somehow explained by a large number of improvements, and in the most expensive it is close to $16,000, which is more difficult to comprehend... The amount of 550,000 rubles no longer even sounds so fantastic...

Moreover, in rubles the amount has not increased so noticeably. The difference in rates also matters.

But still a lot! However, the worse thing is that, given the trends of recent years, this “a lot” can quickly turn into “even more”...

And the car is very good!

Shall I tell you a secret? Do you know where the motor for it was calibrated? In Lotus laboratories.

So, I think, where does this lady with a German heart get such an assertive, downright British character!

Engine Chevrolet Niva 1.8 liters

From 2006 to 2008, a thousand copies of the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 modification were produced, equipped with an Opel Z18XE power unit with a power of 125 hp. 167 Nm of torque. This motor is rare among us, but is highly valued for its fairly high reliability. Its only weak point is the control unit, which often burns out. Also, do not forget about replacing the timing belt, which, when broken, bends the valves in the engine. The internal combustion engine was combined with a 5-speed manual transmission Aisin AG5 and a transfer case in a single unit.

• Equipment
• Description

Reviews from motorists

Many motorists have divided opinions about the Niva-Chevrolet car with an Opel engine. Reviews from owners found on various sites on the Internet are more positive. Although there are comments about the not very high engine power. Basically, all the owners who left such reviews used the car every day, putting in a lot of mileage and not really caring about the technical condition.

Drivers consider the positive characteristics that the power unit is very reliable and unpretentious. With timely technical inspection, it works without interruption. In addition, the Niva-Chevrolet with an Opel engine, according to reviews, has a very durable body, and this is especially important for those who often travel over rough terrain. The 1.8-liter engine has now become so popular among drivers that many have even decided to replace it in other Niva models.

The imported power unit waited a long time in line to get under the hood of the Niva. Finally, I waited - Chevrolet Niva FAM1 cars with an Opel engine and an Aisin gearbox can be bought for 538 thousand rubles.

"CHEVROLE NIVA FAM1" The first batch was released in the spring of 2006. The main production has been since November 2006. Engine: Opel Z18XE, 1.8 l (122 hp). Transmission: 5-speed manual manufactured by Aisin. Trim: GLX. Price: 538,000 rub. ($20,300).

RUSSIAN UNIFORM, JAPANESE BOOT... Externally, the car has not changed - it is distinguished only by the chrome nameplate on the rear door. But there are improvements in the interior - two airbags have appeared, the front seats have become better. The driver's airbag, as usual, is hidden in the steering wheel hub, and the passenger airbag is hidden in the front panel. Now the small volume of the glove box can be justified by increased safety. The driver's seat is complemented by height adjustment, and it moves a little further in the longitudinal direction - it will be more comfortable for a tall driver on long trips. But the steering column, as before, is adjustable only by the angle of inclination - there is no longitudinal movement of the steering wheel and a truly comfortable fit cannot be achieved. When adjusting the seat, you will have to sacrifice something - either move it forward or reduce the backrest angle. The resting area for the left foot remains the same small - the entire foot does not fit and the toe clings to the fuse box cover. An acceptable position must be sought.

PROVOCATION No. 1 Question number one: is the Chevrolet Niva FAM1 mass-produced? I find it difficult to answer definitively. I was on the assembly line, there are cars with an X at the end of the index, and it’s not that there are very few of them - there are about four or five out of 240 daily copies. I also saw the power unit coupled into a single unit with the transfer case at the marriage section (where the body and chassis are “married” together). One of these, against five classic Niva ones, stood on a special platform. This all means that the Niva with the Opel Z18XE engine is still assembled serially, but it also suggests that this assembly is almost a one-off piece. Meanwhile, dealers have a stack of orders for a Niva with an Opel engine. Because everyone has heard about it, some have seen it, some have even tried it. And the reviews sound extremely enthusiastic. It will be later that the meticulous owners and experts of passenger publications will find in this pretty lady (Niva, it seems, still feminine) some kind of flaws, but for now I want not to get out from behind the wheel, I want to go to the steppe, and gas, in Tver forest and along the rut, I want to jump on pebbles to Karelia. And so as not to tremble over every scratched piece of metal and so that your back does not ache halfway through. Provocateur, this is your FAM!

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THE MAIN THING IS PAIRS The Opel Z18XE engine is not the most powerful in the world and not the most torquey, and it’s not very new either. Compared to the “ex-Fiat” unit of 1910, it’s a masterpiece of engineering, but it’s a normal middle peasant, without kulak habits, but it’s not stupid either. Its strong point is excellent balance of parameters, smooth traction throughout the entire rev range, starting from about one thousand two hundred, and sufficient power for a light Niva, the peak of which falls at 5 thousand. However, there is no need to rev until the bell rings, because the car confidently delivers 140 km/h at 4000 rpm. Not like before: 130 is already 4500 and tinnitus for half a day. However, you need to be more careful with the lower sector of the speedometer. When starting up the hill on the second, get ready to hear the heartbreaking clatter of detonation. The engine, in principle, digests our 92-octane gasoline, but this does not mean that it is elastic, like a typical diesel engine. Good traction is a little dampening, so don't forget about the existence of a low row in both boxes. The gear ratios of the transfer case, by the way, have changed, the direct one is now 1:146, and the reduction gear is 1:2.228, that is, both have become longer. The main pairs remained the same – 3.9. They are structurally standard, so no one bothers to install at least tuning 5.28. But the gears in the Republic of Kazakhstan cannot be replaced with old ones; they are different there, as well as the shafts and the switching mechanism.

DIFFICULTIES IN TRANSFER My favorite place in an article about a particular new model is the list of new introductions. Well, let's get started! Engine 1.8-liter Opel, 5-speed manual transmission Aisin, new transfer case in a single unit with the gearbox. "Electronic" gas pedal. The ABS system, for which it was necessary to redesign the rear axle and front wheel hubs, install a 10-inch vacuum brake booster and find a place for the electronic-hydraulic control unit. Anticipating questions, I will report that no, it is almost impossible to transfer all this equipment to a regular Niva. Blocks are not for sale, bridges are not sold either, the brains of classic engines were not designed for ABS. I won’t go into any debate about the need for this system, but for those who want to discuss it, I recommend going to the cemetery to read the epitaphs...

In principle, a regular Chevy Niva can only be fitted with new seats from FAM1, but only together with adapters and preferably with belt pretensioners. It will be a bit expensive... In general, the new seats differ from the old ones, in my opinion, only on two points: height adjustment and a little more rigidity. If you've owned an Opel or Volks, you'll appreciate this, but I like the softness. Well, or some other place...

A less significant change for the plant, but very important for the consumer, should be considered the use of Turkish-made driveshafts with CV joints in joints, which are an order of magnitude better in quality than the best domestic or Belarusian ones. In addition, as a result of moving the CV joint forward, the rear shaft has become longer and less vibration-loaded, and the CV joint boot does not tear during articulation. To improve passive safety, airbags (two front ones are standard), seat belt pretensioners, new seats, and the configuration of the side members have been changed. They say the car is ready to perform the European NCAP crash test with four and a half stars. Half a star will be taken away by the tightness in the driver’s legs, which, alas, cannot be gotten rid of.

Every car has air conditioning, which is necessary in the city in the summer. It's a little noisy, but it's cool! Doesn't affect speed, tested. The air intake is located under the very cut of the hood, fifteen centimeters higher than the previous position. What else... The spare wheel has a new bracket, which is more difficult to remove without asking and which turns the wheel towards the front, that is, the front side of the disk. The breathers of all transmission units and the front gearbox are located on the engine shield, and the rear gearbox breather is raised to the cross member of the body floor. A chic handbag for car traffic regulations - with a first aid kit, a “triangle of fate” and a two-liter fire extinguisher - can be purchased from a dealer. It’s better to throw the towing rope out of it right away, and buy a normal towing rope from WARN instead - and a good mood will accompany you for free!

SHORT ASPHALT When you drive a Chevy Niva FAM1, the asphalt ends 30 percent faster, this is a proven fact! However, Togliatti, fortunately, is not Moscow, and the luxurious banks of the Volga are fifteen minutes away from the office. Sorry, now at ten... It’s also not difficult to drive an ordinary Chevy Niva around the city, you just have to switch more often. On the Niva FAM1, the gear set is shifted up by one in almost the entire speed range: where previously a third was needed, a fourth is enough, instead of a second - a third, instead of... and so on. Outside the city you can overtake summer residents in fifth. Owners of Grand Cherokee and Tahoe will not understand me; owners of Niv and Shniv may even pout slightly. Don't be sad, fourth gear is also a good one. And the third one is okay. But it's not boring. And it’s a pity for such money...

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However, stop, who am I lying to! No, damn it, overtaking from 100 to 140 without shifting is a thrill! Thrust reserve at the highest speed is what you need! Walking along the highway on par with the healthy Sotka, easily overtaking the insolent Patriot from the start and catching up with the already rumbling Cherokee - it’s worth the money! Moreover, it is not noisy, not shaking. The engine rumbles metallic, the light whistling of the transfer case gears caresses the ear, distracting from the hiss of the wind entangled in the mirrors. At 130 km/h, I can clearly hear the person I’m talking to, leaning back in the back seat and telling me in a low voice some story from the lives of wonderful people. Do you think I'm overpraising this car? In fact, the impressions of the Chevy Niva, in particular the previous model, are very different for those who switched to it from a UAZ or Lada Niva, compared to those who previously drove a passenger car, especially a decent one. The former will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent handling, lack of noise and vibration, comfortable seating and spacious interior. Then they will regret the scratched bumper and the torn off rear license plate, and maybe even the dented sill. The latter will complain about some rolling and swaying on the country road, some tapping from below and hissing from under the floor, they will be surprised that they can’t meet ten liters per “hundred” and can’t get “hundred” in ten seconds, and the average speed is still still comes out lower. A little later they will be shocked by the opportunity to drive here, and here, and here, and there... Things will start there that everyone will forget about the scratched bumpers - both the first and the second. The times when GM-Avtovaz proclaimed the Chevrolet Niva as an all-wheel drive passenger car, and nothing more, are gone. Now Niva is officially an SUV. Let us rejoice and go to celebrate this righteous deed with a moderate mud libation!

WE HAPPY AND WE ARE MISTAKED Off-road, the Niva FAM1 behaves almost the same as the classic Chevy Niva with a 1.7 engine. Unless, due to better traction, you may stall at first, losing your vigilance. Such is the paradox... Once you get used to it, you naturally begin to misbehave. “Go, go! - Vadim Klassen, head of UFOs and advanced developments at GM-Avtovaz, intercepts my questioning glance - “We’re on the Niva!” It's easy to say, go, there's a hole there! Last time I went so far that the RPM cover was split in half... No, nothing, they slipped through, the cover was reinforced a long time ago. Although experienced “Shevinists” wave their hands: they say, it’s a matter of time, about the cap. New shock absorbers and rebound limiters swell from critical articulation. There are no breakdowns at all. But the suspension was retuned quite a bit, installing new shock absorbers from Delfi, a longtime supplier of GM. They are more energy-intensive, and everything works great. The emphasis of weight distribution shifted to the nose, making diagonal hanging easier. The wheels grip better, the main thing is not to forget about the center lock. It turns on and off the same way as always. I mean, not always right away. But the increased traction throughout the entire rev range, and primarily at the bottom, is useful in any case, especially on the Volga sand, which, although dense, is ready to accept the narrow-wheeled Niva (tires, by the way, on the FAM1 are wider 215/65R16) the gape pilot happily. The gears change easily, only the first – third need to be handled carefully, they are close, and I missed twice, but recovered in time. In general, at the plant it is now the FAM that is positioned as a passenger all-wheel drive vehicle, and the classic “Shniva” is already spoken of as a light SUV, a Patriot thunderstorm as a standard... The reason for such a division, I believe, is not only improved behavior on asphalt, but also that to the vulnerable places of Chevy, such as rubber bands of CV joints and plastic bumpers, are also added open ABS sensors, covers for driveshaft joints and protection of the engine compartment.

ABOUT $21,000 for a new Niva – is that a lot or not? To be honest, the very combination of the words “twenty-one thousand dollars” and “Niva” still seems to me like an excerpt from a science fiction book. At the same time, the regular Chevy Niva in the simplest configuration has already jumped over $13,000, which is somehow explained by a large number of improvements, and in the most expensive it is close to $16,000, which is more difficult to comprehend... The amount of 550,000 rubles no longer even sounds so fantastic... Moreover, in rubles the amount has not increased so noticeably. The difference in rates also matters. But still a lot! However, the worse thing is that, taking into account the trends of recent years, this “a lot” can quickly turn into “even more”... And the car is very good! Shall I tell you a secret? Do you know where the motor for it was calibrated? In Lotus laboratories. So, I think, where does this lady with a German heart get such an assertive, downright British character!

Equipment

• Power steering

Description

For sale is a Chevrolet Niva with a 1.8 Opel engine, sold in connection with the purchase of a new car. There are three owners according to PTS. The engine does not consume oil, each maintenance is strictly according to the regulations. There are no errors on the car. I sat down and drove off. The gearbox does not fly out and switches smoothly. The salon is well maintained and clean. Two keys. Music. Alarm system, central locking. Anticorrosive Fender liners. Bargaining upon inspection.

Documents have been verified for authenticity: they are not in pledge, are not wanted, are not in dispute, there are no restrictions on registration actions. We will provide the VIN number upon request.

Pre-sale preparation of the interior and body was carried out: dry cleaning and polishing. We provide 1 year technical warranty for all our cars. If desired, you can conduct a test drive and re-diagnosis of the car in the presence of the client.

This car is subject to the “Offer of the Week” promotion, check with the manager.

You can also take advantage of our additional services:

— Down payment from 0%;

— You only need a passport and ID;

— Without certificates and work records;

— CASCO – optional;

• Car exchange - with a benefit of up to 30,000 rubles. via the TRADE-IN system;

• Registration of compulsory motor liability insurance and maintenance on site;

Place of inspection at: Moscow, Kolomenskaya metro station (within walking distance) Andropov Avenue 22/30

Open parking area, more than 50 used cars.

We work daily, seven days a week from 09:00 to 20:00.

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Chevrolet Niva with Opel engine

Production of an updated Chevrolet Niva model with an Opel engine has recently begun. Chevrolet, keeping up with leading brands, decided to release an updated Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine. The main highlight of the new jeep will be the new engine, which was created by the Opel automaker.

Engine.

As already mentioned, the engine is the main update of the Chevrolet-Niva strategy. The sixteen-valve V-like engine Z18XE will be able to reach speeds of up to 170 km/h, and the jeep will accelerate to hundreds in 11-12 seconds. The engine was developed for the Opel Astra, as a result of which it was wide. When installing it in the new Niva, some problems arose.

Cooling system.

In this car, the cooling system plays a very important role. A hot German engine heats up to 120 degrees Celsius during stable driving. The radiator, hoses, and pipes had to be made from a more heat-resistant material.

Clutch.

The clutch that comes with the engine does not fit the new Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine. Because of this, we had to install a clutch from another Opel - Omega. As a result, the location of the cylinder in the crankcase had to be changed, which was also provided by the Opel automaker.

Gearbox (transmission).

Unlike the old Niva, the transmission and engine are now a single unit. Now there are no unnecessary vibrations that were created due to the quality of the joints of these parts. Noise in the gearbox is reduced to a minimum, the engine and transmission operate optimally “in tact”. The means of shifting gears remained the lever, even in the European version of the new Niva, it remained a real SUV of the 4x4 system.

Safety.

The most important change in the safety system is the presence of ABS (anti-lock braking system). Due to the significant increase in maximum speed, the car required new brakes. The ABS system was taken from dozens of conveyor belts at the VAZ plant.

Also, the new Chevrolet Niva with an Opel engine has a significantly more massive body, which will increase the safety of the driver and passengers during a collision. In general, the new Niva has taken good care of safety; even the base model has two airbags. According to the safety assessment, the Niva stands next to Mitsubishi and Land Rover jeeps.

Ride quality

During numerous tests that were carried out before the release of the car, it was found that it accelerates to hundreds of kilometers better than the previous model by 30%. Testers also noted that the vehicle overcomes not only land but also water obstacles well. A huge plus is that acceleration from 100 to 140 km/h can be accomplished without changing gear, because there is a reserve of traction even at high speed.

Despite the fact that the Niva with an Opel engine is specially designed for off-road driving, passengers will not experience discomfort due to strong shaking. The shock absorbers operate very softly. Those drivers who have previously driven cars from the domestic auto industry will appreciate qualities such as excellent handling, minimal noise and vibration. According to many experts, this SUV copes well with the tasks that the developers have assigned to it.

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