The last and fake - Volga Cyber

What is this car This one is the Volga Siber, not all drivers know. It looks like "Volga", but what does the English font and "Siber" have to do with it? But it is an interesting and high-quality car, which was simply unlucky to appear at the wrong time.

The history of the appearance of the Volga Cyber

Domestic cars "Volga" for many decades were considered the best. But everything changed after 1991. A flood of foreign cars poured into the country, and it became clear to everyone that the Russian auto industry was seriously outdated.

Of course, the Gorky Automobile Plant tried to somehow fight for a "place in the sun." A new model GAZ-31029 appeared, the so-called "Oslobyk", but in fact it was still the same old 24th Volga.



In 2000, when the Gorky Plant changed ownership, it was clear that passenger cars needed not only to be modernized, but to produce a new model from scratch.



The last attempt to revive the classic Volga took place in 2004, with the advent of the GAZ-31105 version. In fact, this is the same car, but with a slightly changed appearance and an upgraded technical part. The model is successful and is considered the best Volga, but it is still far from foreign cars.

After the change of ownership, it was decided to carry out a large-scale renovation of the Gorky Automobile Plant. The plans were to revive the legendary "Volga" in a modern guise.

In order not to spend money on the development and release of a new model, the owners of the enterprise decided the issue in their own way. They bought the entire assembly plant from Daimler Chrysler. Since 2000, Sebring and Stratus models from Chrysler and Dodge have been made on this equipment.

Judging by official information, the cost of the transaction was about $150, plus the cost of transporting the assembly line to Russia.





The first batch of Volga Siber went on sale for everyone on October 1, 2008.

Differences of the Volga Siber and equipment

It is not surprising that the Russian Volga was practically no different from the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus.

Features Volga Siber:

• ? New grille
  
• ? Redesigned bumpers
  
• ? Optics modified in accordance with Russian standards
  
• ? Only one engine with a displacement of 2,4 liters petrol
  

By the way, the American versions of the engines had three - plus another 6-liter V2,7, and 2,0. Initially, Russia did not plan to install a two-liter engine. But they wanted to install the most powerful modification, but in the end they abandoned it.

In order to simplify production and reach 65 cars a year, the Gorky Automobile Plant decided to limit itself to two trim levels. In the base, the car was equipped with a manual transmission, in the “Lux” version, it relied on an automatic transmission.

Getting used to the "empty" Volga, no one expected equipment from the base Volga Siber.



But the number of options was amazing:

• ? Full power accessories
  
• ? Air conditioner
  
• ? Two airbags
  
• ? ABS
  
• ? Front electric seats
  
• ? Traction control
  

In the “Lux” version, the Volga Cyber ​​surprised with a leather interior, automatic transmission, wood-like panel trim (plastic, of course).



It should be noted that the enterprise acquired abroad was an assembly plant. This suggests that most of the components, including body parts, were imported from the USA.

Engine and gearboxes

The engine on the Volga Siber, as mentioned above, was installed only one - a four-cylinder with a displacement of 2,4 liters. Power - 143 liters. With. with a torque of 210 Nm. By the way, the engine was specially deformed for Russia - in the original it developed 152 hp. With.

Gearboxes are the same - American. The five-speed mechanics are reliable, it still does not cause problems for car owners.



The automatic transmission is old and ancient - 4-automatic transmission. If you change the oil on time, then up to 300 km it does not raise any questions. If something breaks, repairs are budgetary for automatic transmissions.

Why didn't the car become popular?

The new Volga, which is actually a purebred foreign car, was supposed to become a bestseller:

• ? Low cost for its class
  
• ? Comfort level
  
• ? Modified suspension with increased ground clearance and stiffness
  

But the reality turned out to be cruel - the 2008 crisis forced banks to drastically curtail lending programs, on which the Gorky Automobile Plant had pinned its hopes.

Volga Siber in 2008 cost 500 rubles - this price turned out to be unbearable for drivers. I had to drastically reduce plans for the production of cars - by the beginning of 000 they were assembled by 2009 units.

Brand new Volga Siber were gathering dust in warehouses. The conveyor was stopped in March 2009, together, at the same time they stopped producing GAZ-31105. To support the manufacturer, the state bought up more than 400 Volga Siber. But globally, this did not affect the situation, allowing only partial unloading of warehouses.

But the car was included in the state recycling program, which helped save about 10% of the cost.

Trying to get up off my knees

2010 was a successful year in economic terms, so the production of Volga Siber was resumed. To stimulate consumer demand, the Gorky plant launched its own recycling program in addition to the state one.

If the buyer handed over an old car, regardless of the year of manufacture and condition, he was given a discount on the new Volga Siber in the amount of 70 rubles. If you add 000 to them under the state program, then it turned out to be almost 50% of the cost of the car.



It is possible that this could save the production of Volga Siber, but the car seemed to be pursued by bad luck. Problems with the supply of components from the United States prevented the production of more than 2010 cars in 5.

Toward the end of the year, the management of the Gorky plant decided to stop the unprofitable production of cars. Together with the Volga Siber, the GAZ-31105 Volga was also retired.

How much does Volga Cyber ​​cost now, and is it worth buying this model?

The car is still for sale on the used market. It is difficult to name a very rare model - for example, about 50 cars are looking for new owners.

They ask for Volga Siber 2008-2010 of release from 170 rubles. Of course, in this price category, cars are problematic. But from 000 you can already find copies in good condition, but you will have to bargain to reduce the price to such a mark. The owners of the Volga Siber are willing to trade - the model is not in demand.

At first glance, it seems that buying a car that has been produced for only two years is a gamble. But there are no problems with spare parts for Volga Siber, including body parts. This is the twin brother of the Chrysler Sebring and the second generation Dodge Stratus! All parts from the Americans are interchangeable, including bodywork.



Siber is not a real Volga, but the car is inexpensive, spacious and cheap to maintain. It is possible to recommend for purchase, but only to those who are accustomed to the American auto industry.