Back in the second half of the 1980s, AvtoVAZ began developing a car that would successfully replace the "old Niva" (2121/2131) on the assembly line. However, the full-fledged production of the model was constantly postponed, and the long-awaited VAZ-2123 SUV was presented only in 1998.
The car was produced in small series, but did not reach mass production - GM bought the license for it. In September 2002, the assembly of the Chevrolet Niva began on the basis of the VAZ-2123.
VAZ-2123 is a small class off-road vehicle. Its length was 3900 mm, width - 1700 mm, height - 1640 mm. Between the front and rear axles, it had 2450 mm, and under the bottom (clearance) - 200 mm. The off-road vehicle weighed 1,300 kg in curb condition.
For the VAZ-2123, one gasoline engine with 1.7-liter distributed injection was offered, producing 79.6 horsepower and 127.5 Nm of maximum torque. It was combined with a 5-speed manual transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
An independent spring suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars was installed on the front of the VAZ-2123, and a dependent, spring, link suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. Disc brakes were used on the front wheels of the SUV, and drum brakes on the rear wheels.
VAZ-2123 has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- The former include - a rather attractive appearance; excellent off-road capabilities; good maintainability; low cost; availability of spare parts and a roomy interior.
- The second is a poorly assembled salon; lack of air conditioning and other systems that ensure comfort and safety; low-power engine; poor dynamic performance and high fuel consumption.
