Lada 4x4 Urban 2017 Review
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An uncomplicated, compact, affordable and car-like off-roader developed as daily transport for harsh rural Russian conditions and city streets alike, the Lada 4x4 is as effective, authentic and utilitarian as it was four decades ago. Ditching the familiar Niva nameplate, it is a little altered product of a Soviet milieu that remains a relevant daily driver and attainable and customizable part-time plaything, depending on means, needs and environment.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 1.7L / 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Power | 83 Hp / 129 Nm |
| Top Speed | 142 km/h |
| Price | TBA |
Exterior
A triumph of engineering minimalism over excess, frivolity and fickle fashion, the Lada 4x4 is built on a unibody frame with rugged four-wheel-drive and independent double wishbone front and live-axle coil-spring rear suspension for comfort and capability. Its’ boxy design provides good packaging, space utilization and unimpeded visibility, while tiny 3,640mm long and 1,680mm wide proportions make it maneuverable in the smallest parking spaces or narrowest off-road trails.
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Interior
Russia’s answer to Jeep and Land Rover, the Lada 4x4 is itself a design icon, with distinctive low-slung headlights. Driven in better equipped and road-biased Urban specification, it receives a modern integrated bumper, 16-inch alloys, electric windows and two-speed A/C. Spartan and utilitarian, its driving position well accommodates larger drivers, while rear room is adequate. However, better driver’s seat support, steering reach adjustment and rear headrests would be welcome.
Drive
Developing 83HP at 5,000rpm and 129Nm at 4,000rpm, the 4x4’s naturally-aspirated 8-valve 1.7-litre engine is eager in town, and with aggressive gearing helping it keep up with traffic, feels quicker than its 17-second 0-100km/h time. Progressive in delivery and with good throttle control, it however sound strained near redline and at speed. Capable of highway speeds, acceleration however trails off as it reaches towards its 142km/h maximum.
Small, little-insulated and light, the 4x4 is a fun and involving drive when pushed toward its limits. Its 5-speed manual gearbox satisfyingly snicks through ratios while clutch pick-up is intuitive. Stable at speed, the Lada however shines at lower speeds, where it is maneuverable and agile. With small wheelbase, narrow tires, natural-feeling steering and rear drive for road driving, it turns on a proverbial dime, and is eager threading trough narrow switchbacks.
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Verdict
Leaning somewhat through corners, the 4x4 however grips tidily, with virtually no under- and over-steer. Dispatching bumpy, poorly paved roads in its stride, the Lada feels better settled on rebound than many modern cars. In its element off-road, the Lada benefits from long wheel travel, 213mm clearance, short overhangs and generous approach, break-over and departure angles, and features four-wheel-drive, low gear ratios and a locking rear differential for extreme off-road conditions.
Pros:
- Fun and easy to maneuver
- Capable off-roader
- Simple yet extremely affordable
- Great gearbox
- Excellent visibility
Cons:
- Noisy
- Could benefit from better seat support and rear headrests
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