Management UAZ company in October, she spoke about the company’s development plans. According to them, the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant is not going to develop new models. Apparently, the company does not have sufficient funds for this. However, now, even in the face of falling demand on the market as a whole, sales of UAZ vehicles are constantly declining. Moreover, the absence of both direct and indirect (that is, presented in the same price category) competitors does not contribute to the increase in their popularity. As a result, it turns out that the current model range of UAZ is not interesting in conditions when buyers do not have a choice of cars. This can eventually lead to a catastrophic situation, due to which the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant will have to be closed.
The creation of a new car is capable of correcting the situation. More precisely, the development of a full-fledged and inexpensive crossover. The domestic designer on several renders showed what such a car could be like. In his opinion, the first crossover UAZ-469 2022-2023 will have a relatively compact size. The choice in favor of this configuration is justified by two reasons. Firstly, such crossovers are in high demand. Secondly, they are relatively cheap. That is, this option is most beneficial for UAZ, which needs to improve its financial situation as soon as possible.
However, the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, as noted earlier, is not able to create such a crossover. To do this, he will need a partner, which UAZ is likely to find in China. The best option for the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant may be cooperation with BLOCK. The Russian company is already buying manual transmissions from the Chinese. At the same time, she can agree on expanding cooperation and conclude an agreement on the licensed production of cars created on the platform and with BAIC power units. Moreover, the Chinese company has solutions that meet the requirements of UAZ.
Thanks to such cooperation, the Russian company can create a crossover that matches the philosophy of the brand. That is, this model, despite its status, will be passable, like all other UAZ cars. But the engines and probably the transmission will be borrowed from BAIC. The current 2.7-liter unit is difficult to implement in a more compact model than Patriot or Hunter. In addition, this engine consumes too much fuel, which does not meet the needs of buyers of small crossovers.
Design
In cooperation with BAIC, the Chinese side will provide only the platform and motors. UAZ will develop the design of the body and interior on its own. Therefore, it is not surprising that the presented UAZ-469 2022-2023 crossover is not similar to any model of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant and BAIC. This novelty stands out for its massive body, which visually increases its size. Moreover, the selected configuration also corresponds to the corporate style of UAZ, despite the crossover’s dissimilarity to other models of the company.
An important distinguishing feature of the presented model is a huge radiator grille with small lamellas, which are located very close to each other. On the sides of it, the designer placed thin headlights with LED lights. Below the radiator grille is a large air intake with the same pattern of small slats. It is visually divided into several segments due to built-in plastic strips. Their presence in combination with a massive radiator grille of the correct form gives the crossover the look of a full-fledged SUV.
Slightly higher from the central air intake there are additional vents. Along them, the developer laid thin strips of LEDs. And below are the narrow fog lights. In profile, the crossover looks as if shortened. This effect is due to heavily littered rear pillars, due to which the volume of the luggage compartment is drastically reduced. The novelty boasts large rims placed in wider arches. This combination also emphasizes that the model belongs to the UAZ product line.
At the stern of the UAZ-469 2022-2023 there are 2 barely pronounced spoilers, due to which the crossover takes on a more sporty look. At the back of the crossover there is a “through” lamp, which is typical for modern Chinese models. The stern bumper is almost completely covered with a plastic body kit, in which the developer has built in thin stoplight tapes and an exhaust pipe. The rear glazing of the novelty turned out to be too compact. This will limit visibility from the passenger compartment, which is bad, given the specification of the car: it will be more difficult to drive it off-road.
Specifications
As a prototype for the presented crossover, the BAIC BJ40 can be chosen, the design of which will be seriously changed. In particular, the future car will lose its frame structure, although it will retain several solutions that increase cross-country ability.
From the Chinese model, the Russian UAZ-469 2022-2023 will have a 2-liter engine with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This diesel unit is capable of delivering up to 150 hp. useful power and 350 N*m of tractive moment. Also, the choice with the Russian model will offer supercharged units of 2 and 2.3 liters. Their maximum output, respectively, reaches 204 and 250 hp, traction moment – 280 and 350 N * m, respectively. However, the appearance of the second unit on the UAZ crossover is unlikely, because because of it the price of a car can rise to 2.5-3 million rubles.
Together with the specified motors, 5- and 6-speed “mechanics”, as well as a 6-band “automatic” will be available. With each of these gearboxes, all-wheel drive with a hard-wired rear axle will be offered.
Start of sales
Neither UAZ nor BAIC have yet made official statements about expanding cooperation. But the Russian side did not report that it had begun purchasing parts from a Chinese partner. Therefore, probably, if they begin to cooperate with each other, then this will become known simultaneously with the debut of the first joint product. Considering that UAZ is now in a difficult financial situation, it can be assumed that the first crossover of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant will debut during 2023. The company needs to create a similar car as soon as possible.