New UAZ "Patriot" - who will it compete with?

Currently, most of the leading car brands are leaving the Russian market. The presence of those who remained (mostly Chinese manufacturers) is also a big question. In such realities, the question of high-quality domestic cars is becoming more and more. Therefore, the design bureaus of Russian factories are working in an enhanced mode. And we are talking not only about improving the technical and operational qualities of existing models, but also about replacing imported components with domestic counterparts. And such a replacement can not always maintain the quality and durability indicators at the proper level.


It is not surprising that one of the oldest domestic factories located in the city of Ulyanovsk intends to carry out a radical restyling of its most popular model at the moment - the UAZ Patriot. The novelty has already been announced as the main model of the plant in 2022/23. In addition to the named model, this segment includes the “undying” Niva from the Volga plant and another Ulyanovsk model, the UAZ Hunter. But they are not that popular and have not seen major updates for a long time. Patriot also has external competitors - we'll talk about this a little lower.

Deep restyling or a new model?

The high demand for this model provides, among other things, its versatility. Although the car is positioned as a classic SUV and perfectly copes with the role assigned to it, its functionality does not end there.



Everyone understands that when buying a car, no one is going to keep it somewhere in an abandoned place and specifically operate it in mountainous areas and off-road. There is always a need to travel on such a car in ordinary urban conditions. And here the "Patriot" is ready to provide maximum comfort, not too much inferior to an ordinary family car. The model has a high ground clearance and a frame structure.



There is no doubt that over time, the entire model range of the plant will be waiting for the update. Because you have to completely switch to domestic components and parts. In the case of "Patriot" we will have:

✅ modern salon
✅ extended range of motors
✅ radical external changes
✅ possibly a pickup truck body

The general public has already been presented with a car that is noticeably different from the current version. It is quite natural that in difficult circumstances it is impossible to carry out an absolute renewal in all areas, but point changes are obvious. After all, the flagship of the company, the demand for which has been consistently high lately, is likely to add more in the future. If it is impossible to get at least some alternative, local motorists will give preference to the Ulyanovsk car, choosing the best of what is left.

New external changes

Manufacturers claim that future changes will not affect the technical characteristics of the jeep, and its cross-country parameters will improve slightly. This will contribute to the extended wheel arches and some other minor improvements. Worked thoroughly factory workers and the level of safety of operation of the car. In addition to conducting many crash tests, the following technical improvements have been applied:

✅ use of heavy-duty materials
✅ rejection of the second fuel tank
✅ changing the power structure of the body

Now the SUV will have one capacious gas tank (approx. 70 l) with a neck displayed on the right side of the body. The appearance of the car has become more modern, for example, the radiator grill, through the efforts of local tuners, has acquired elements of the American style. This gave the "Patriot" external aggressiveness. Complementing this impression and the modified shape of the hood, the location and design of the front bumper. He not only became more impressive, but also received a thorough metal protection. Modifications with the function of connecting a winch will look even more brutal.



Automotive optics have also been improved. The headlights will now have a more modern shape and a smooth transition to other design elements. The same can be said about the rest of lighting technology. For example, the direction indicators will become more stylish and elongated, making up a triple block of LEDs arranged in a checkerboard pattern with other devices in the front. It will be easy to distinguish the new UAZ from behind:

✅ different form of stop lights
✅ more ergonomic spare wheel mounting
✅ redesigned rear door locks

The rear bumper of the car will now be noticeably higher. It has a reinforced structure and two exhaust pipes. This means that not only will it be able to have better dynamics when driving off-road, but one more thing can be assumed.

This design will allow factory engineers to install more powerful power units on some modifications in the future. Of course, this is just an assumption and the available technical possibility. After all, such changes will entail additional investments and, as a result, an increase in the retail price of an SUV. I think both sides are not yet ready for one or the other.

What will change under the hood and in the cabin?

The model was "awarded" with a petrol 2,7-liter, 150-horsepower ZMZ PRO engine. The motor allows the car to confidently hold the road both when driving in a straight line and when accelerating during overtaking. To this we can add good traction in various modes of operation of the unit and the accuracy of vehicle control. Good dynamics will also be added by a rigid steering linkage and shock absorbers of a special design. The gearbox is a French-made 6-speed automatic. But the likelihood of a return to mechanics is too high.




The classic interior equipment differs from the previous generation in minor stylish accessories and elements made of wear-resistant materials. The premium version will have leather, though not of the highest quality. There is also soundproofing upholstery.

Inside, it is quite spacious, the same can be said about the 650-liter trunk (folded rear seats increase the volume to 2415 liters). Comfort for the driver's seat and front passenger is added by lateral support, a multifunctional steering wheel and climate control. Exhaust ventilation has undergone improvements, the NVH complex has been installed - low noise and heating of interior elements.


Multimedia software can be called average in terms of quality and number of options. However, there is a basic set: a 7-inch touch screen, navigation, Wi-Fi, USB, a memory card and the ability to view high-definition video.

What competitors do you have to deal with?

Last year, the production of Dargo from Haval was launched. Although it has engines with less power (1,5-liter, 169-horsepower or 2-liter, 211 hp), the SUV successfully competed with the past Patriot. A progressive robotic 7-speed gearbox and an economical mode were installed on the car, which turns on when the fuel supply is low.

Around the same time, the Indian frame crossover Mahindra Bolero Neo appeared. The length of the body of the SUV is some millimeters less than the 4-meter mark, but this has significantly reduced the tax burden of Indian legislation. At the same time, the interior is more than roomy - 7 seats, which are achieved by folding chairs in the trunk. The engine is more than modest: 1,5 liters of displacement at 100 liters. With. The SUV uses rear-wheel drive and ABS system.



Both of these models can compete with UAZ, but much will depend on how the future of the Russian automotive industry will be affected by the political situation in the world in general, and within the country in particular. Therefore, everything is reduced to the plane of conjectures and assumptions. The same can be said about the future of the updated "Patriot". After all, as our portal, despite the fall in prices, sales of new vehicles in the country declined.