Test quest UAZ “Patriot”: “automatic” Vs “mechanics”

The Novosibirsk group of companies AVTOLIGA organized an interesting event for its customers, a quest – a run on “patriotic” cars from the right-bank to the left-bank dealership of the UAZ holding through the snow-covered metropolis. The editors of AVTOSOYUZ, attracted to the event as part of the information support group, took the opportunity to make a comparative test of the current UAZ versions with manual and automatic transmissions.

Two crews were put on the quest, they crossed Novosibirsk from east to west along different types of roads of various levels of post-snow clearness, changing vehicles at checkpoints and comparing sensations. In conclusion, snow was mixed in turn at the Luna Avto extreme range. So…

The “mechanical” version is what today is called the “Updated UAZ Patriot” – an SUV modernized a little over a year ago. UAZ “Patriot” with automatic transmission is built on its basis. From earlier versions of the model, both differ in improvements in the field of comfort and driving performance. What specifically?

RUNNING

To make the “Patriot” less “goat”, two of the four sheets of the rear spring were left. And so that at the same time the load-carrying capacity does not suffer, they added thickness to these very sheets. As a result, the spring stiffness has lost a barely noticeable 6%. Along the way, the diameter of the stabilizer was reduced (18 mm against the previous 21 mm). In other words, we slightly relaxed the stern axle, achieving a soft ride and eliminating some metal squeaks.

“The front end”, on the contrary, was added “collection” and at the same time worked on a previously not very outstanding characteristic of the model – handling. The main solution to the problem is the installation of such a new element as a steering damper. Its function is to reduce the reaction of the road, which is transmitted to the steering wheel.

Its appearance, in fact, is the merit of the guys from among the so-called improvers. They have been using something similar for a long time, and most importantly, there is an effect. The question is different: the damper is mounted in front of the bridge itself, as are the tie rods. And it's a no brainer that on off-road he is the first to fall into the risk zone – he will cut off with some kind of stump / log / cobblestone, and you won’t notice. The UAZ understand this and answer as follows: they say, it is better to lose the damper than the steering rods. Dealers offer their own solution to the problem – we are talking about installing an alternative damper, at a higher level from the ground and, moreover, with protection.

For the sake of the same comfort of movement, the front closed axle, traditional for UAZ, has lost a little of its off-road functionality. But the new version of this important unit, coupled with open steering knuckles, allowed the large Patriot to reduce the turning radius by almost a meter. I won’t say that light control has appeared, but one more step towards the SUV clan of foreign representatives has definitely been made.

The new ZMZ Pro motor (ZMZ-409051.10) also contributes to this to a certain extent.

ENGINE

In case of urgent need, “Patriot” is able to “give a spark”. In comparison with the base 409th unit, the power was increased to 149.6 hp, and the moment – up to 235 N•m. At the same time, the speed was reduced to 2,650 rpm. Traction now turned out almost with a diesel characteristic.

An SUV goes with a hunter for overtaking, if only to work on fuel consumption – there would be no price for the motor. By the way, having offered the ZMZ Pro to the market, the Ulyanovsk openly declare: they say, now diesel cars are not needed either.

The consumer, of course, is ready to challenge this statement, but one has only to check the engine off-road, as the question will disappear by itself. The reason for this is an enviable torque from the bottom.

We skated the new “Patriot” in the most varied off-road conditions and can testify to the still excellent mud-mixing abilities of the Ulyanovsk car. Where on the old motor you would have to crawl in first gear, now you calmly go to second. Pulls and, as they say, “does not buzz.”

Since the ZMZ Pro design uses different pistons, the compression ratio naturally increased (from 9.1 to 9.8). Therefore, the recommended fuel octane is now AI-95. Again, recommended. Those who filled in the ninety-second did not find any special detonation. However, those times are not far off when UAZ will offer a good fuel alternative – LPG. The ZMZ Pro has already changed the exhaust phases and applied heat resistant valves.

Reinforced cylinder head, double-throat exhaust manifold, double-row timing chain – these are the design innovations of the new engine that take its performance characteristics to another level. Hence, by the way, the best work is not only at low speeds, but also at medium. Yes, because of the new chain it became a little noisier, but it was decided to fight against unnecessary sounds by strengthening the sound insulation of the engine compartment.

EQUIPMENT

Interior design has not undergone fundamental changes. In terms of the selected materials, it’s not premium, of course, but for an SUV that usually works far from fashion boutiques and prestigious business centers, it’s quite acceptable.

The main interior innovation is the appearance of handrails on doorways. And both in front and in the area of ​​u200bu200blife activity of the rear riders. The decision, as it seems, is correct: after all, the Patriot is a high car, and from now on the process of landing is noticeably easier.

In the top version (and the test car is “top”), heated windshield, mirrors, steering wheel, front seats and rear sofa, air conditioning, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, roof rails, 12 V socket in the luggage compartment, frameless wipers, plus everything without which modern cars no longer exist. Plus we have an optional rear axle differential lock.

DIFFERENCES

This is what is identical in the compared versions. How are they different?

Of course, a box. In the “updated” it is mechanical, 5-speed. The “automatic” has a 6-band electronically controlled and manual mode.

Together with the new transmission, the 2.7-liter ZMZ Pro received an improved cooling system, new noise-absorbing mounts. And reduced fuel consumption by 2 liters per “hundred” in highway mode. The “razdatka” has changed: Dymos was Divgi-TTS. The rear cardan was shortened, the front lengthened.

In the interior of the “automatic” top version, there are new leather seats with increased sides of lateral support, an additional heater. UAZ emblem on a slightly different black grille, new design rims.

This is in theory and in statics. But in practice and in dynamics?

ON THE ROADS

After starting the engines in a light frost, the interior of the automatic version warmed up faster. In accelerating dynamics, the “automatic” gave way to the “mechanics”. Winter city roads of various degrees of clearness for both versions turned out to be equally – no problems were revealed and no one's advantages were identified. But the city mode itself, with frequent stop-start cycles at traffic lights, crossings, traffic jams, felt more comfortable in driving the version with automatic transmission.

And in terms of high-speed maneuverability, I liked the “mechanical” “Patriot” more – it is “automatic” and in our anti-Africa “automatic” – its reactions to the driver’s accelerator commands are not as fast as those of the driver himself, choosing the right gears and the pace of acceleration he needs.

On the track, it's not that important. Unless, of course, the track is empty. If you need to go for overtaking, then more confidently it is performed by the version with manual transmission. But in the cabin of the “automatic” “Patriot” is noticeably quieter. And chairs for long trips, perhaps more comfortable.

OFF-ROAD

From the point of view of geometric patency, there is no difference between the versions.

Automatic and mechanical “Patriots” – figures are congruent, with the same millimeters and degrees:

Ground clearance – 210 mm
Ford – 500 mm
Height to the front / rear bumper – 347/375 mm
Angle of entry / exit – 35/30 degrees
Maximum rise – 31 degrees.

But from the point of view of off-road walks, there was little difference in overcoming obstacles.

Easy off-road (winter intra-city driveways) – equally easily overcome by an SUV in any version.

Medium off-road (prepared polygon track with steep hills and slippery slopes, deep snow ruts, shallow virgin soil) – there is also no difference when manually controlling an automatic transmission.

Heavy off-road (the same landscape, but on an unbeaten path, on unexplored hills, on deep loose snow). And here the “mechanical” “Patriot” behaved more confidently. You can get bogged down in deep snow on both mechanical and automatic versions in the same way. And it turned out to be more comfortable to get out on the mechanics. Automatic transmission for the “buildup” method is not designed. And on snowy climbs, the automatic version was noisier but less efficient than the manual version.

DIAGNOSIS

Each of the versions has both a general and its own individual set of advantages and disadvantages. Which version is better and which is worse is correct to consider solely from subjective positions – in what conditions, in general, it is supposed to operate an SUV.

In the city-cottage/mushrooms-berries mode, the “automatic” “Patriot” will be more comfortable in the city. In the same mode, but with a preponderance of mushrooms and berries, especially if they are next to hunting and fishing, the choice of the “mechanical” Patriot looks more rational.

Comparative advantages of UAZ Patriot automatic transmission:

— Comfort in the cabin
— Driving comfort in the city
— Significantly quieter in the cabin

Comparative advantages of UAZ Patriot manual transmission:

– Better dynamics
– Confidence on categorical off -road
– More attractive price: from 819,900 rubles. against 1,034,000 rubles. (excluding special offers)

Photo #avtosoyuz and UAZ