REVIEW OF BUDGET CROSSOVERS

Our review includes affordable crossovers, the vast majority of which can be purchased in the initial configuration for no more than one million conventional units. In other words, we are talking about the most popular “workhorses” from the SUV stable.

The terms “crossover” and “SUV” are sometimes interpreted broadly. This super-popular class is increasingly unjustifiably ranked as models for which an all-wheel drive transmission is not available in principle, and their geometric cross-country ability is no better than that of other hatchbacks and station wagons. Our review includes classic SUVs that have either uncontested or optional all-wheel drive in their arsenal. By coincidence, many participants in our “hit parade” have either already experienced or are preparing to experience a large-scale modernization. However, we are guided by the technical specifications and price lists of today.

LADA 4×4

The restyling of the most affordable VAZ SUV, which took place in February of this year, increased the popularity of the heir to the legendary Niva, but at the same time made it possible to maintain very attractive prices for this honest subcompact SUV. Prices for a car in the initial three-door Classic configuration start at 566,900 conventional units. For this money, the buyer will receive a car with a non-alternative 1.7-liter 83-horsepower gasoline engine, 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive with a “lower” and a center differential lock, as well as the ERA-GLONASS system, ABS, EBD, power steering, power windows, audio preparation and 16-inch wheels with Pirelli tires. Prices for the extended five-door version and Bronto version with additional off-road training start at 609,900 conventional units and 742,900 conventional units, respectively. The attractiveness of the updated Lada 4 × 4 was seriously increased by the facelift of the cabin, where a new fashionable front panel appeared, a center console with two 12-volt sockets, an informative “tidy” from Lada Granta (for the first time with an on-board computer), and also, again for the first time, a driver's airbag (mounted at the end of the left front seat). The steering column, however, remained rigidly fixed, and the “steering wheel” – primitive, non-multifunctional. But in the back row there was a pair of head restraints (a means of preventing whiplash injuries). At the same time, the list of options for Lada 4 × 4 includes power windows, electric adjustment and heated mirrors,

CHEVROLET NIVA (LADA NIVA)

In mid-April, the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture, which produced the Chevrolet Niva crossover, was liquidated. Shortly thereafter, the SUV officially changed its “surname”. The new vehicle type approval (OTTS) already refers to the Niva model under the LADA brand. It is known that the production of such cars is already starting at the LADA West Togliatti enterprise, which until recently was called GM-AVTOVAZ and has been producing SUVs since 2002. Nevertheless, at this point, the Lada Niva crossover has not yet been officially presented. And on sale there are Chevrolet Niva cars still with a branded cross on the radiator grille. Today such cars are presented in LADA dealer centers and GM-AVTOVAZ dealer centers finishing their work. Prices for an SUV with a non-alternative 1.7-liter 83-horsepower gasoline engine, permanent all-wheel drive, A 5-speed manual, a transfer case with a lowering row and a center differential lock will start at 686,000 conventional units. Recall that in 2019 Chevrolet Niva underwent another upgrade. The driver's airbag has become part of the standard equipment, the ERA-GLONASS SOS system has appeared. In addition, the manufacturer offered an optional media system for the SUV with a 7-inch touchscreen, Navitel navigation, Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone, a USB slot and a rear view camera. In addition, in the course of a series of upgrades, the product of the current American joint venture acquired air conditioning, more comfortable front seats with heating and height adjustment, front power windows, ZF power steering, electric windshield heating, a cooled glove box, rear parking sensors and central locking. Everything would be fine, but the uncontested 1.7-liter 83-horsepower engine is clearly weak by modern standards. I would like to hope that in the course of subsequent upgrades, the VAZ workers will add agility to their Niva. On the other hand, prices do not bite, the fork is 686,000–844,000 conventional units.

UAZ “HUNTER”

The Ulyanovsk UAZ Hunter SUV, which replaced the iconic UAZ-469/3151 models, is still an excellent choice for heavy off-road and broken roads, while a series of upgrades has reduced the number of technical sores and increased comfort levels. The advantages of Ulyanovsk include brutal retro-military design, excellent visibility, elements of military duplication of systems (in particular, there are two gas tanks), affordable spare parts, maintainability and scope for off-road tuning. The disadvantages are also well known – poor behavior on asphalt at high speeds, scarcity of equipment (you can only dream of air conditioning and radio), not the best waterproofing, inefficient headlights. On the other hand, there is a powerful stove, air vents, tolerable front seats, a split sofa, a ceiling lamp, ERA-GLONASS and ABS. The petrol 2.7-liter 135-horsepower engine, docked with a 5-speed manual and permanent all-wheel drive (with a “lower”, “razdatka” and an optional rear differential lock), pleases with high-torque, reminiscent of a good turbodiesel in terms of the algorithm of action – peak thrust shifted to the zone of low revolutions of the crankshaft. After a recent rise in price for the base version, the “warriors” are asking for 762,000 conditional units (737,000 conditional units for the version of the 2019 model year). Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels with 225/75/R16 tires, power steering, ISOFIX child seat mounts, cigarette lighter and washable cloth seat trim. “razdatkoy” and an optional locking rear differential), pleases with high-torque, reminiscent of a good turbodiesel according to the algorithm of action – the thrust peak is shifted to the zone of low crankshaft speed. After a recent rise in price for the base version, the “warriors” are asking for 762,000 conditional units (737,000 conditional units for the version of the 2019 model year). Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels with 225/75/R16 tires, power steering, ISOFIX child seat mounts, cigarette lighter and washable cloth seat trim. “razdatkoy” and an optional rear differential lock), pleases with high-torque, resembling a good turbodiesel according to the algorithm of action – the thrust peak is shifted to the zone of low crankshaft speeds. After a recent rise in price for the base version, the “warriors” are asking for 762,000 conditional units (737,000 conditional units for the version of the 2019 model year). Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels with 225/75/R16 tires, power steering, ISOFIX child seat mounts, cigarette lighter and washable cloth seat trim.

RENAULT DUSTER

The Renault Duster crossover of the current spill is unique in that, unlike the European market, we sell a model of the first generation in its restyled version. Hence – both the shortcomings caused by, whatever one may say, outdated design and construction, as well as significant advantages. First of all, with a reduced budget, you can take an affordable “workhorse” – a front-wheel drive modification with a 1.6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual with unpainted bumpers, without air conditioning, music, power windows and heated seats, as well as roof rails on roof, but with ABS, EBD and driver's airbag. By default, there are also metal crankcase and fuel line protection, front and rear mudguards and engine adaptation to start in cold climates. Prices for such a car start at 777,000 conventional units, and if the task is to save as much as possible, you can take cars made in 2019 for 719 thousand conventional units. The disadvantages include the fact that it is impossible to order air conditioning for the base Duster. The obvious advantage is the presence of a diesel modification in the model line – a rarity in the mass segment of compact SUVs. For an all-wheel drive version with a 1.5-liter 109-horsepower diesel engine and a 6-speed manual, they will ask for 1,100,000 conventional units, and cars in 2019 will cost 1,036,990 conventional units. At the same time, we advise diesel lovers to hurry up. The second generation car is on its way (sales are scheduled for the end of the year), which is expected to lose its diesel modification, and in place of a bunch of top-end 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline aspirated and 4-speed automatic, a combination of a 1.3-liter 150-horsepower gasoline turbo engine and a variator will come. At the moment, the most affordable option with a 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline engine, “six-speed” and all-wheel drive is a car for 1,061,000 conventional units.

UAZ “PATRIOT”

The UAZ Patriot SUV is also preparing for a major upgrade – the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant has simply flooded the network space with information about the so-called Russian Prado, in fact, a new generation Patriot. As for the car of the current generation, today for the “Ulyanovsk” in the initial configuration of the Classic Fleet they ask for 865 thousand conventional units (and 819,900 conventional units for the performance of 2019). Such a car is equipped with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 135 hp. with. and old style suspension. Prices for a car with a top-end 150-horsepower version of a 2.7-liter gasoline unit and a 5-speed manual start at 886,000 conventional units. We also recall that in the summer of 2019, the UAZ all-terrain vehicle underwent another upgrade – the car was finally equipped with a 6-speed Punch Powerglide 6L50 hydromechanical automatic machine. The 150-horsepower UAZ “Patriot” with two pedals is available at a price of 1,089,000 conventional units (1,034,000 conventional units for a car of the 2019 model year), and, I must say, such UAZs are very popular, especially in many regions. All “patriots” are regularly equipped with all-wheel drive (Part-Time) with a two-stage electronically controlled transfer case. An Eaton-branded lockable rear differential is available as an option. At the heart of the “Patriot” is still a frame chassis with dependent suspensions. A spring architecture is used at the front, and on several longitudinal springs at the rear. The lavishly equipped SUV trim levels boast dual airbags, ESP, fog lights, single-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen media center, a six-speaker audio system, a rear-view camera, cruise control, navigation,

HYUNDAI CRETA

The bestseller of the current SUV segment underwent a planned restyling in March. A new grille pattern has appeared with many cells instead of horizontal bars. A different overlay was registered on the rear bumper, 16-inch light-alloy wheels of a new design became available. In addition, it became possible to combine one of the five available body colors with a black mother-of-pearl roof. The engine range has not changed – Gamma gasoline engines of 1.6 liters (123 hp) and 2.0 liters (150 hp) are still offered, which are combined with 6-speed manual and automatic. Prices for the updated crossover will start at 975 thousand conventional units for the basic version with front-wheel drive. The 4×4 option will already cost 1 million 115 thousand conventional units. In the maximum equipment, the price tag rushes to the mark of 1 million 515 thousand conventional units. The top version boasts LED optics, natural leather interior design and on-board multimedia system “Yandex. Auto. It is essential that all-wheel drive is available for both the top-end 2-liter engine and the base 1.6-liter unit. The basic equipment is traditionally generous – two airbags, ABS, ESC, daytime running lights, disc brakes “in a circle”, an on-board computer, electric drive and heated exterior mirrors, front and rear electric windows, bluetooth speakerphone, multifunction steering wheel, full “power accessories”, tire pressure monitoring system, acoustics. The only “but” – for the initial front-wheel drive configuration with mechanics, you can not order air conditioning. It is essential that all-wheel drive is available for both the top-end 2-liter engine and the base 1.6-liter unit. The basic equipment is traditionally generous – two airbags, ABS, ESC, daytime running lights, disc brakes “in a circle”, an on-board computer, electric drive and heated exterior mirrors, front and rear electric windows, bluetooth speakerphone, multifunction steering wheel, full “power accessories”, tire pressure monitoring system, acoustics. The only “but” – for the initial front-wheel drive configuration with mechanics, you can not order air conditioning. It is essential that all-wheel drive is available for both the top-end 2-liter engine and the base 1.6-liter unit. The basic equipment is traditionally generous – two airbags, ABS, ESC, daytime running lights, disc brakes “in a circle”, an on-board computer, electric drive and heated exterior mirrors, front and rear electric windows, bluetooth speakerphone, multifunction steering wheel, full “power accessories”, tire pressure monitoring system, acoustics. The only “but” – for the initial front-wheel drive configuration with mechanics, you can not order air conditioning. electric and heated exterior mirrors, front and rear electric windows, bluetooth speakerphone, multifunction steering wheel, full power accessories, tire pressure monitoring system, acoustics. The only “but” – for the initial front-wheel drive configuration with mechanics, you can not order air conditioning. electric and heated exterior mirrors, front and rear electric windows, bluetooth speakerphone, multifunction steering wheel, full power accessories, tire pressure monitoring system, acoustics. The only “but” – for the initial front-wheel drive configuration with mechanics, you can not order air conditioning.

NISSAN TERRANO

The most affordable Renault Duster clone is offered today at a price of 1,021,000 conventional units, and we are talking about a car with a 1.6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine, 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. The diesel version, unlike the Renault platform, is not offered for the Nissan Terrano. The most affordable all-wheel drive version with a top-end 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline engine is estimated at 1,171,00 conventional units (with a 6-speed manual) and 1,216,000 conventional units (with a 4-speed automatic). Like the Duster, the Nissan Terrano lives out its days at Renault's Moscow plant. It is expected that by the end of the year it will be replaced on the assembly line by the new budget SUV Nissan Kicks. With a high degree of probability, this model will recently receive an optional all-wheel drive, which goes in conjunction with the rear “multi-link”, and a line of engines and transmissions, similar to those used on the Renault Arkana. We are talking about the top-end 1.3-liter gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 150 hp. with. in conjunction with a variator and an initial 1.6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine, aggregated with a 6-speed manual and a variator. As for the Nissan Terrano, its assets include high cross-country ability, good ride comfort and generous basic performance (there are already two airbags, air conditioning, power steering, ABS, front power windows, height-adjustable steering column, Bluetooth communication system by default)., four-speaker audio system and roof rails). aggregated with 6-speed manual and CVT. As for the Nissan Terrano, its assets include high cross-country ability, good ride comfort and generous basic performance (there are already two airbags, air conditioning, power steering, ABS, front power windows, height-adjustable steering column, Bluetooth communication system by default)., four-speaker audio system and roof rails). aggregated with 6-speed manual and CVT. As for the Nissan Terrano, its assets include high cross-country ability, good ride comfort and generous basic performance (there are already two airbags, air conditioning, power steering, ABS, front power windows, height-adjustable steering column, Bluetooth communication system by default)., four-speaker audio system and roof rails).

RENAULT KAPTUR

Renault Kaptur is about to change generation – on May 21, the successor will be officially presented as part of an online presentation. The main innovations are the “trolleys” of Global Access (instead of the previous B0), which gave the “Frenchman” a steering column, adjustable in two planes, and an electric booster instead of a hydraulic unit. The suspension and braking system have also been upgraded, which promises improved handling and deceleration dynamics. The initial versions will be allocated a 1.6-liter gasoline aspirated engine with a capacity of 114 hp. with., combined with a 5-speed manual and CVT. Higher in the hierarchy are versions with a 1.3-liter gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 150 hp. with. and variable transmission. Thus, the 4-band automatic will no longer be offered for any of the modifications. All-wheel drive will be offered as an option. In the meantime, dealers offer pre-reform Kaptur. Here, the initial versions come with a 1.6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine (6-speed manual) or a variator with a 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline unit (6-speed manual and 4-band automatic). The assets of all modifications include a spacious interior, an indestructible and at the same time comfortable suspension, largely unified with the Renault Duster architecture, a stylish appearance that intersects with the European Captur model, good geometric cross-country ability (clearance 204 mm, exit and entry angles – 31 and 20 degrees respectively). Prices for an outgoing generation machine start at 1 million conventional units (945 thousand conventional units for the performance of 2019). 6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine (6-speed manual) or CVT with a 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline unit (6-speed manual and 4-band automatic). The assets of all modifications include a spacious interior, an indestructible and at the same time comfortable suspension, largely unified with the Renault Duster architecture, a stylish appearance that intersects with the European Captur model, good geometric cross-country ability (clearance 204 mm, exit and entry angles – 31 and 20 degrees respectively). Prices for an outgoing generation machine start at 1 million conventional units (945 thousand conventional units for the performance of 2019). 6-liter 114-horsepower gasoline engine (6-speed manual) or CVT with a 2-liter 143-horsepower gasoline unit (6-speed manual and 4-band automatic). The assets of all modifications include a spacious interior, an indestructible and at the same time comfortable suspension, largely unified with the Renault Duster architecture, a stylish appearance that intersects with the European Captur model, good geometric cross-country ability (clearance 204 mm, exit and entry angles – 31 and 20 degrees respectively). Prices for an outgoing generation machine start at 1 million conventional units (945 thousand conventional units for the performance of 2019). intersecting with the European model Captur, good geometric cross-country ability (clearance 204 mm, exit and entry angles – 31 and 20 degrees, respectively). Prices for an outgoing generation machine start at 1 million conventional units (945 thousand conventional units for the performance of 2019). intersecting with the European model Captur, good geometric cross-country ability (clearance 204 mm, exit and entry angles – 31 and 20 degrees, respectively). Prices for an outgoing generation machine start at 1 million conventional units (945 thousand conventional units for the performance of 2019).AG