Lada 4x4 3740 / 1680 / 1640 / 2200 mm Clearance 205 mm Curb/gross weight 1285 / 1610 kg Engine Acceleration time 0–100 km/h 17.0 s Maximum speed 142 km/h Fuel/fuel reserve AI-95 / 42 l 9.9 l/100 km Transmission: permanent all-wheel drive; M5, low range in the transfer case, center differential with forced locking

Lada 4×4 Bronto Length / width / height / base 3680 / 1713 / 1740 / 2200 mm Clearance 240 mm Curb/gross weight 1285 / 1610 kg Engine petrol, P4, 8 valves, 1690 cm³; 61 kW / 83 hp at 5000 rpm; 129 Nm at 4000 rpm Acceleration time 0–100 km/h 18.0 s Maximum speed 137 km/h Fuel/fuel reserve AI-95/42 l Fuel consumption: combined cycle 12.0 l/100 km Transmission: permanent all-wheel drive; M5, low range in the transfer case, center differential with forced locking, self-locking screw-type differentials on the front and rear axles

What kind of beast

Lada 4x4 Bronto - this has already happened somewhere, right? Yes and no. In 2014, the PSA Bronto company, which also produced Lynx SUVs based on the Lada 4x4, became part of VIS-Auto JSC, which assembles pickup trucks and vans based on several VAZ models.

The first clear result of the acquisition is that it incorporates the technologies used by these two manufacturers. But Lynx, despite the control of the newly formed structure by AVTOVAZ, has not yet even entered the Lada line of commercial vehicles. But the Lada 4×4 Bronto has been included in the main AVTOVAZ model range since September 2017 as one of the modifications of the serial Lada 4×4.

What is the difference?

If you are familiar with the Lynx, then you are familiar with the technical features of the Bronto in general terms. It has “front and rear” with a blocking coefficient of 0.65. The main pairs have a gear ratio of 4.1 instead of the standard 3.9. The springs are reinforced (Perm production), the front shock absorbers are from a relative named Chevrolet Niva. Wheels with Bontyre Stalker M/T mud tires with dimensions 235/75 R15 are supplied by the Volga Tire Company. The standard 16‑inch spare tire under the hood is now positioned as a spare tire and is supplied with a corresponding sticker.

As a result of the modifications, the ground clearance reached 240 mm (versus 205 mm for the standard car). The arches had to be cut out so that the wheels would not be cramped in them. By the way, the arches have anti-gravel protection. Since the track has become wider, simple Brontos have rubber arch extensions - the same ones the Lynx had. But our Bronto comes with the Style plastic bag, developed by the Tolyatti company “Avtoritet Plast”. Steve Mattin's hand did not touch this car, however, it turned out well, especially from the front: the slight frown of the “look” emphasizes the character.

Larger wheels would require changes to the transmission, but in the Bronto everything is standard - only the rear axle is reinforced with a box welded onto the top of the beam. The springs rest against this box through the cups, due to which the rear part of the body is slightly raised.

The body also has reinforcements - crossbars welded under the roof to install roof rails (the Bronto's list of options includes an expeditionary trunk).

In the city

At the beginning of the winter season, our car was fitted with Nexen Winguard 235/75 R15 studded tires, and the body was covered with the Alligator protective compound - it is identical to the famous Raptor, but feels a little less “dispersed” and rough to the touch. This coating should be included in the list of options for the Bronto. It’s a cool thing, but it doesn’t save us from all troubles: after the Yakut expedition, there were several large whitish scratches left on the body.

Improved sound insulation (as on) does not save you from the usual howl of the transfer case, drowning out the roar of the engine and the hum of the “spikes”. And in other respects, it’s still the same short-wheelbase Niva, but with increased ground clearance and high-profile tires: the steering wheel has a very conventional “zero”, the stern periodically tends to skid, and acceleration to city speeds is comparable in level of heroism to mankind’s first attempts to overcome the force of gravity.

On the sand

But on the sand, the Lada 4x4 Bronto is in its native element! Where a standard car would have already begun to dig in, this one rushes along like a small proud tank - praise be! The box office has huge ground clearance and toothy tires, although there is no need for spikes here. Bronto takes steep sandy slopes without any problems, you just need to first stick the lowering gear in and lock the center differential.

However, in some ways the good old Niva remains Niva. The engine is catastrophically “not enough”: it’s easy to stall. That’s why the scorched clutch pulls into the cabin - there’s no other way! (It was the clutch that was the main suspect when a couple of times white smoke began pouring out from under the hood. But it turned out not to be the problem, or even the boiling engine, but only the oil, which somehow got onto the heated exhaust manifold.)

Differential locks, acting with a characteristic “grgh-h!”, are a great help when driving in a straight line, but in turns the front “block” does not help in any way to screw the car inward - the turning radius increases noticeably.

In the snow

The night snow covered everything that reminded us of a beautiful dry autumn. In the morning, the heating of the “seats” was very useful (it’s difficult to call the seats from Samara anything else) - even though the heating is single-stage and only the pillow is heated (but it’s heated!). The mirrors also shed ice and dried in a few minutes, but the windshield had to be picked the old fashioned way with a scraper.

At the very first traffic light it became obvious that our Bronto was the fastest car in the city! Self-blocks show themselves in the most favorable light: while “under-drives” and even all-wheel drives with dead center couplings are kneading snow porridge, the “brontosaurus” shoots from a standstill and gloatingly squeals with a transfer case already at the next intersection. At the same time, if you don’t fool around, Bronto walks very confidently along slippery curves - without trying to fall out of the turn. The degree of differential locking is chosen successfully: it helps to “rattle out” and almost does not impair handling.

We indulged in the pleasure of ironing the snow-covered forest and tried to find the limits of the machine’s capabilities. Bronto allows you to calmly drive where a regular Lada 4x4 would have long ago sat on the suspension or - in the absence of inter-wheel self-blocks and on simpler tires - would have stalled. But you shouldn’t overestimate the Bronto’s capabilities, because the ground clearance, the tires, and the degree of blocking (only 65%) may not be enough in the most inappropriate, disastrous place. The cooler the SUV... well, you know.

For whom?

Lada 4x4 Bronto is a wonderful second or even third car in the family. It’s as if dad was thinking about buying himself a quad, but realized that for the same money you could buy a whole new Niva, and even with special training. Moreover, from the dealer, with a guarantee and without headaches during registration. Although, if you take the Bronto at maximum speed, it turns out that dad was considering something very premium as an ATV: for a Bronto in the Style body kit, with foglights and camouflage paint, they are asking 740,000 rubles. Neither the fashionable “pixel” color nor the “Alligator” protective composition are listed in the factory price list yet, and each is capable of raising the price by another 50 thousand.

On the other hand, you can take Bronto in one of six standard colors and with simple rubber arch extensions instead of a spectacular body kit - for 676,000 rubles. Heated seats and mirrors, air conditioning, ABS - all this will be in the car. with the same equipment will cost 508,000 rubles. It turns out that the expanded off-road arsenal costs 168,000 rubles. “Factory tuning” turns out to be no more expensive than independently modifying the car to a similar level.

From November to March, VAZ SUVs sell especially well, which means that right now the demand for Bronto is growing steadily. Every month, 100–120 cars are assembled in the VIS-Auto workshops - after finishing the bare body and sending it back to AVTOVAZ for painting. 

Each of the assembled cars has already been ordered by someone. There are corporate sales and even exports: last year, 25 of these cars, still under the name Lynx, were purchased by the Armenian customs service, and 20 cars were sent to Europe. So Bronto will find his groove - despite all the shortcomings inherited from Niva.

Niva Bronto is a compact SUV of domestic production, the main feature of which is its high cross-country ability. At the same time, the manufacturer reports that comfort has not deteriorated, so the new version of the popular Russian Lada 4x4 will definitely find its buyer.

This car was created specifically for those who need to drive on real off-road conditions, where even the standard version of a Russian SUV may not be able to cope. In fact, the new Lada 4x4 “Bronto” is an improved version of the “Lynx” version, already known to many, the production of which started in 2009. Sales of Lada 4×4 Bronto started in September 2017.

External differences, dimensions and ground clearance

• The exterior design of the SUV differs from the regular version of the model. The characteristic features of the new product are:
• “toothy” tires 235/75 on exclusive wheels with a diameter of 15 inches;
• roof rails.

In addition to the above, the Niva Bronto 2017-2018 model year is offered with a set of options Image, which includes new plastic bumpers, wheel arch extensions, fog lights, and door sill covers.

Overall dimensions of Lada 4x4 “Bronto”:

• length – 3680…3740 mm;
• width – 1713 mm;
• height – 1690…1900 mm;
• distance between axles – 2200 mm.

The ground clearance of the Lada 4×4 Bronto reaches 240 mm!

The curb weight of the car is 1285 kg, and the total weight is 1610 kg.

Interior and technical specifications

The interior of the Niva 4x4 Bronto is no different from the basic SUV. All finishing elements are made of inexpensive but practical materials. There is also no need to talk about the build quality. The trunk volume is 265 liters, but with the rear backrests folded it reaches 585 liters.

A 1.7-liter petrol “four” is installed in the engine compartment of the car, the power of which is 83 hp and the peak torque is 129 Nm.

The SUV received a five-speed manual transmission, in which the designers decided to change the gear ratio of the main pair to 4.1 (previously - 3.9). The SUV is equipped with all-wheel drive with a standard distribution of traction between the front and rear axles in the same ratio. The Niva Bronto also boasts a transfer case with a reduction gear and cross-axle differentials equipped with self-locking.

Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 18 seconds, and top speed is 137 km/h. At the same time, the average fuel consumption of the Lada 4×4 Bronto is 12 liters per “hundred”.

The SUV has a monocoque body, the location of the power unit is front longitudinal. The front part of the car has an independent spring, wishbone suspension with shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. At the rear there is a dependent suspension with a continuous axle and trailing arms. Niva 4x4 Bronto is equipped with a more reliable rear axle and springs in the front. The developers also decided to increase the stroke of the shock absorbers used.

In addition, it is reported that the car has hydraulic power steering, disc brakes at the front, “drums” on the rear wheels, and an ABS system.

Price Niva Bronto (Lada 4×4 Bronto) 2017-2018 starts from 676 thousand rubles. For this money, AvtoVAZ offers the following equipment:

• Daytime Running Lights;
• expeditionary trunk or roof rails;
• ABS+BAS;
• electronic brake force distribution system;
• light tinting of glazing;
• front power windows;
• air conditioner;
• heated front seats;
• heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
• audio preparation;
• 15-inch alloy wheels;
• 16-inch spare wheel.

The manufacturer offers six standard colors. The price of the Lada 4x4 “Bronto” in a Camouflage color body is already 715,000 rubles (the difference is 39,000 rubles).

The cost of an additional set of Image options reaches 25 thousand rubles.

In 2009, AvtoVAZ subsidiary PSA Bronto introduced the Lada 4x4 SUV 21214-0000070-20, better known as Niva Lynx.

It is a modified version of the VAZ-21214, designed for serious off-road use. Unlike most Bronto models, which existed in single copies, the Lynx was produced in small batches of 200-300 pieces per year until 2013.

To date, the PSA Bronto company has been absorbed by another AvtoVAZ subsidiary, VIS-Avto, but the production of the SUV has continued. Fans of off-road and Nivavoda are still confident that the Niva-Lynx is one of the best improvements to the domestic SUV.

There are four variants of the Bronto SUV. Lynx-1 and Lynx-2 are made on the basis of the VAZ-21214 and VAZ-21310 models and are produced in small series. Lynx-3 and Lynx-4 are also developed on the basis of the VAZ-21310, but their number is only a few, so it makes no sense to consider them as a production car.

All improvements and changes in the modernized model concern the chassis. The engineers decided to maximally improve the only strong point of the serial Niva - its excellent cross-country ability, which is not inferior to many more expensive foreign-made analogues. But they succeeded in the main thing - despite all the “off-road” modifications, the Lynx can be used on public roads, and not just off-road.

First of all, the VAZ-21214 was equipped with spacers - this made it possible to raise the body by 40 mm, making the road overhangs even shorter. Ground clearance increased to 240 mm. The shock absorbers and springs used in the standard suspension have been replaced with units from Niva-Chevrolet - they have a much longer service life and are able to withstand higher loads.

Special extenders were installed in the wheel arches, which became larger due to the lifted body, protecting them from the abrasive effects of dirt and sand. Stock tires 205/70/R15 gave way to off-road tires Cordiant Off Road 235/75R15. These tires are wider, so the track has increased to 1478 mm.

The standard petrol engine with a volume of 1690 cm3 remained unchanged - despite the low power of 83 hp. and a thrust of 129 Nm, it shows excellent off-road results. In addition, installing a new power unit would require a serious rework of the entire engine compartment, because there would be a need for a different intake and exhaust system, replacement of electrical equipment, and so on.

But changes have been made to the design of the transmission. First of all, VAL-Racing self-locking cross-axle differentials with a locking coefficient of 50% and a preload of 4.5 kg were installed and the value of the main pair was increased to 4.1 (versus 3.9). In the modified version, the transmission behaves better off-road, without compromising handling on normal roads.

Additionally, the car received improved sound insulation of the interior, and a hinged roof rack and a block of four Hella spotlights are installed on the roof. The trunk itself is designed to carry 200 kg of cargo, but these are prohibitive figures - the trunk is attached to drainage gutters, and their design cannot withstand a load of more than 50-60 kg.

Flaws

Improving the off-road qualities of the Niva Lynx does not at all cancel out all the shortcomings that the base model VAZ-21214 suffers from.

The main thing is the spartan, if not shabby, interior. It is clear that this is not a Bentley Bentayga - Niva is a utilitarian SUV, but, apart from the comfortable seats for the driver and front passenger, the concept of “comfort” is completely absent here. Antediluvian dashboard, very inconvenient location of the gear lever, disgusting quality of plastic and poor-quality fastenings of plastic panels, screwed with ordinary self-tapping screws, even without plugs.

Another serious drawback is the two-point mounting of the transfer case, which results in increased noise and vibration. The worm gear steering is generally an archaism, from which even the power steering cannot save you.

Summary and price

If AvtoVAZ paid a little more attention to comfort and build quality, the car would really be in great demand not only in Russia, but also abroad.

The cost of the Niva Lynx starts from 644,400 rubles (about 10,600 dollars) - for Europe this is not a lot of money, and it’s no secret that the Germans, Austrians and French willingly buy the VAZ-21214 for fishing and hunting, as well as for extreme sports. trips through the mountains and forests. Unfortunately, AvtoVAZ does not always listen to common sense and the voice of reason...

Video

Review of the new car directly from the showroom.

On review is Niva Bronto Lynx-2. Over the many years of the existence of the standard version, many garage DIYers have used various methods and techniques of modification in order to improve the performance characteristics of the Niva 2017. In 2009, the Tolyatti enterprise PSA Bronto, at that time specializing in the production of armored vehicles for cash-in-transit services, decided to master serial production modified Lynx in order to release this version to the masses. This is how Niva 2017 appeared.

The standard VAZ 2131 was taken as the basis. After rebranding carried out by AvtoVAZ just at the beginning of 2009, Bronto changed its alphanumeric designation to Lada 4x4 5D.

What is the difference between the mass-produced AvtoVAZ Niva 5D and the product manufactured by Bronto. It is worth immediately noting that Lynx-2 is 80 percent a standard five-door LADA 4x4 5D. The Bronto company placed its main emphasis on improving off-road performance without significantly increasing the cost of the product.

The main contingent of users who choose Bronto products are people who use the car primarily to travel on bad roads or their complete absence (off-road). Based on this, engineers have focused on improving off-road performance.

What's changed

Compared to the standard five-door:

1. The Niva Lynx has had its factory arches widened to make it possible to make a body lift and subsequently install larger wheels there. By default, factory wheels of 29 radius with more powerful lugs are installed, which improve its off-road potential.

2. The front suspension has undergone a slight modernization. In particular, shock absorbers are installed with increased travel by 12.5 mm compared to standard shock absorbers. Reinforced springs are installed in the suspension to improve the performance of the suspension in off-road conditions.

3. Increased ground clearance due to spacers, which is 225 mm when looking from the road surface to the bottom of the front axle.

4. The rear suspension, in particular the rear axle, was strengthened by the factory VAZ by welding method at the enterprise. Spacers are installed in the rear suspension to increase ground clearance. From the bottom point to the road surface it is 240 mm in this version.

5. The heart of Niva Lynx remains unchanged. This is a regular 1.7 liter Nivov injection engine with a power of 82 horsepower. Only the gear ratio of the main pair was changed. Now it is 4 and 1 instead of the standard numbers 3.9 established by AvtoVAZ.

6. Installation of self-locking differentials in the front and rear axles. In this version they are installed standard from the Bronto manufacturer.

On road

A test drive of the new Niva showed:

1. The clutch pedal, due to limited space, is distinguished by a not entirely successful design of the platform for resting the left foot. This instantly gives the impression that you haven't turned it on. On the other hand, this is a matter of habit, because the drive works adequately.

2. Power steering is installed, which greatly simplifies the control process. Due to the offset of the steering column, it feels like you are sitting sideways. There are no global inconveniences, at least within the framework of the tasks that this car solves.

3. I don't like acoustic comfort. The main direction of the sources: hum, operation of the transmission, or rather the transfer case, and operation of the tires. If the noise from the tires can be reduced by purchasing a more expensive option, then you will have to tinker with the transmission and it is not a fact that the efforts will fully pay off.

4. Gearbox operation. The classic scheme familiar to plastic work: the gears are light and clear. The selection lever works properly.
5. Brake operation. The lynx stops adequately for its size.

6. Smooth ride. On such wheels and suspension travel it is more than decent. Most of the bumps that you can see on a regular road, including country roads, can be passed completely painlessly. Only a slight wobble is noticeable.

At the end of the article there is a video of Niva Lynx with a more detailed analysis.

Bottom line

Video test drive Niva 2017

Reviews from owners about the Niva Bronto will certainly be of interest to those who are thinking about purchasing this car. The vehicle is produced on the basis of the Lada 4x4 and is produced in small series. All improvements and modifications are aimed at increasing the vehicle’s off-road capability. Let's look at the characteristics and features of this car.

History of creation

Before studying the reviews of Niva Bronto owners, let’s consider how the history of its creation began and the characteristics of the car. The car is produced by the Bronto company, located in Togliatti. The VAZ subsidiary has been producing special vehicles since 1993. They are distinguished by high cross-country ability with updated characteristics.

The company produces all mass-produced models, many of which are all-terrain vehicles and are designed for difficult operating conditions. All configurations are tested to ensure compliance with state standards. “Niva Bronto Lynx” (reviews confirm this) belongs to the group of cars that are tested under the most extreme operating conditions. The modification is in demand among different categories of consumers.

The vehicle was first presented in 2009. Each unit can be equipped with various types of additional equipment. Typically, users order air conditioning, a winch and a roof rack.

Design Features

According to reviews from the owners, the Niva Bronto Lynx has received significant changes in terms of suspension. The front suspension of the car is equipped with shock absorbers with increased spring travel. This, in combination with reinforced elements, made it possible to reduce the impact load on the body, as well as increase ground clearance to 25.5 centimeters.

The rear counterpart is also equipped with shock absorbers with travel increased to 12.5 mm. The designers raised the rear spring supports to provide additional strength and increase ground clearance. The bridge is reinforced, maximally resistant to deformation.

The Lynx transmission unit has also undergone changes. A final drive gear with a larger gear ratio was installed. To increase cross-country ability, the unit was equipped with a self-locking differential. The vehicle in question has a screw type, which eliminates slipping with different road grips. Wheel size types are provided in three variations: R15 (235), R16 (235), R16 (185). All tires have lugs.

In the body part of the Niva Bronto, reviews of the owners of which are given below, the main modification was rubber arch extensions on the wheels, which protect against dirt and other flying parts of the road surface. Improved visibility is provided by enlarged exterior rear-view mirrors.

Modifications

The manufacturer presents several modifications of the machines in question on the market. The most popular of them are the following models:

• "Lynx-1". The car is a station wagon with three doors, produced on the basis of the Lada-21214 with a length of 3.74 meters.
• The five-door station wagon "Niva Lynx-2" has an extended wheelbase (4.24 m). Width - 1.71 m.
• The Lynx-3 modification is identical in parameters to the 2nd model, but has an increased width at the rear (1.85 m).

Hydraulic power steering, as well as electric front door window lifts, are responsible for driving comfort. The power unit for all variations is the VAZ-21214 gasoline engine with electronic distributed injection. Its power is 83 horsepower with a volume of 1690 cm 3.

Specifications

Below are the technical plan parameters for the Niva Bronto car, reviews from owners about which are mostly positive. Characteristics:

• The engine is a VAZ-21214 type power unit with a capacity of 83 horsepower.
• Steering - hydraulic booster.
• Transmission pair - 4.1.
• Chassis - 40 mm was added to the rear spring support, the movement of the shock absorbers at the rear increased by 50 mm.
• Transmission - screw-type self-locking differentials.
• The rear axle beam is a reinforced type.
• The body is equipped with polymer and sawn arches.
• Wheel track - 1.47/1.46 m.
• Ground clearance (front/rear/center) - 26/24/35 cm.

"Niva Bronto Lynx-1": reviews from owners

Users note that despite all the advantages and good cross-country ability, the SUV in question has a number of disadvantages. They are a priori inherent in the domestic automobile industry. To be more precise, it is not always possible to solve the problem by replacing or repairing a specific part. Often it is necessary to change components completely.

Among the main disadvantages, owners note:

• Poor quality of enamel and standard rubber.
• Rust appears on most external metal areas.
• Frequent failure of control lamps.
• Oil leaking along the axles and gearbox shaft.
• Failure of radiator caps and windshield wipers.
• Broken distribution pins.
• Poor exhaust pipe fastening.
• Generator whistling and seat belt fastenings breaking.

The main advantages are the original appearance, good cross-country ability and good handling.

Additional options

A number of additional equipment can be made upon individual order. It includes:

• Camouflage body paint.
• Installation of a hatch with a removable cover.
• Non-standard color enamel coating.
• Installation on the radiator trim with the “Bronto Niva 2017” emblem (reviews are given above).
• Equipped with arcs with additional light elements.
• Equipment with a removable front or rear winch with electric drive.
• Air conditioner installation.
• CV joint on front or rear driveshafts.
• Roof rack with deck.
• Bracket for the spare tire on the trunk.
• Installation of fog and additional headlights.
• Ceiling and tunnel cladding with improved materials.
• Front axle gearbox suspension in independent design.

Tuning

The first version of Lynx can be economically converted into Niva 3D. This will require spending a lot of time and money. However, reconstruction will amount to no more than a third of the cost of a new car. The average cost of converting a car with fuel injection and power steering will be about 300 thousand rubles. The final cost depends on the condition of the vehicle and the region of use. For tuning you will need a new lift kit, tires, main pair, locking blocks, reinforcement of the rear axle and installation of extensions.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, the Niva Bronto 2017 does not always perform as the manufacturers claim. According to them, the car undergoes mandatory certification and control testing. Nevertheless, this production car already after a couple of years of operation exhibits its weaknesses, which were indicated above. Of course, a lot depends on proper maintenance and driving style.

Finally

Purchasing a Lynx will give any motorist the opportunity to become a connoisseur of not only the car’s off-road properties, but also to significantly improve them through additional options in a wide range. However, when purchasing a vehicle, you must immediately pay attention to its technical condition, since there are many complaints about the quality of the body and some other details. Many users who purchased used modifications could not come up with anything better than to disguise the flaws and sell this car.