The Adventures of "Lada Tarzan" - the conqueror of the dacha jungle

We offer readers an acquaintance with the VAZ product in the confidence that few have heard of it, and even fewer have seen it. A rare phenomenon on our roads: 2 copies of “Tarzanov” were produced in two generations. There were another 500 cars powered by the high-torque and economical Peugeot 105 liter turbodiesel. And everything is made to order.


It was no coincidence that the creative and savvy team of the AvtoVAZ Scientific and Technical Center and the DECON design studio settled on the name “Tarzan”. Translated from Arabic, the word means “to run fast.” And not only to run away, but also to be strong, self-confident, independent.

Car review

This is how an all-terrain vehicle was created in 1997, crossing the Niva with the front-wheel drive VAZ-2111 passenger car. There were, however, other bodies. One might say, another variation on the theme of the Russian off-road legend “Niva”. The hybrid turned out to have a slightly entertaining, original appearance, but it had the qualities of an off-road vehicle.


Now everyone is spoiled by foreign jeeps with a “herd” under the hood of a couple of hundred heads, speeds of up to 300 km/h, 12-inch touchscreens and other troubles. But, putting your hand on the hood, would a real crazy Russian fisherman/hunter or traveler exchange the Niva for all this luxury?

In the 90s, decent ground clearance, 80 horsepower and all-wheel drive to boot were a blessing. It was under the name of the well-known king of the jungle that it was produced at the Lada-Consul enterprise.

"Lada Tarzan" first generation 1997-2003

The car was based on a durable frame made of steel profiles. A Samara body was installed on it through rubber cushions. And the suspension, gearbox, transfer case, engine and steering were taken from LADA 4x4. The remaining components came from serial Ladas. The driveshaft, however, was lengthened.


The joints between the body and the frame (about 20 points) were covered with plastic covers to create thresholds. The shape of the wings was slightly changed, the wheel arches were enlarged. The latter were decorated with the same overlays. Body solutions for Lada Tarzan are 3- or 5-door hatchbacks. It looked as if the GXNUMX stood on tiptoe.

The dimensions of the 5-seater car are as follows:

✅ Length - 4 030 mm
✅ Width - 1 mm
✅ Height - 1 mm

Between the axles there was 2 mm. Weighing 585 kg, “Tarzan” on 1-inch wheels accelerated to the first “hundred” in 120-15 seconds. In the interior, three levers appeared on the central tunnel with a new lining: one for the gearbox and two for controlling the transfer case.


The Lada Tarzan was equipped with two engines: a VAZ 21214-10 with 80 horsepower and an 85-horsepower VAZ 2130-20. The speed limit was 160 km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the first engine was more economical: outside the city limits it spent 8,3 liters per 100 km versus 9,5 liters for its “brother”.

All-wheel drive, independent suspension all round, disc brakes on all wheels. Transmission – 5-speed manual transmission. The gas tank held 43 liters of AI-95.

"Lada Tarzan" second generation 1999-2006

The family of the second incarnation consisted of “nines”, “tens”, and other available bodies. Then everything went along the beaten path, that is, the design was not changed, all the main units were removed from the Niva.


And there were changes in appearance: tubular linings appeared under the bumpers. The thresholds and design of the wheel arches were similar. In terms of bodywork, I was pleased with the 5-door van. The number of seats has not changed.

Machine dimensions:

✅ Length - 4 255 mm
✅ Width - 1 mm
✅ Height - 1 mm

The weight has increased to 1 kg, the distance between the axles is the same 230 mm. The ground clearance, according to the passport, was 2 mm. But the owners measured 585 mm under the front beam and 200 mm under the rear axle gearbox.

The layout remains front-engine, all-wheel drive. Well, and the chassis, as in the source code. Engines: VAZ-21214 with a volume of 1,7 liters, producing 80 “horses”, and VAZ-2130-20. The working volume of the latest unit is 1,8 liters, power 85 liters. With.


Having conscientiously examined the rare car as a design, we have assessed and are ready to describe its off-road properties. Completely imbued with the positive mood with which the designers from STC AvtoVAZ worked, we will allow ourselves a somewhat unusual style of narration.

The Adventures of Tarzan in the Country Jungle

"VAZ Tarzan" is not only a car, but also a symbol of freedom, adventure and fun. Originally designed for off-road use, it boldly abandons the fame and laurels of “Samara” in favor of an impressive suspension from the LADA 4x4. Sleek, antelope-like gears allow the vehicle to tackle off-road terrain with ease and style.

One day our hero Lada Tarzan 2 decided to take an endurance test. He went to the most dangerous and impassable place for cars - Russian country roads. Everyone thought it was suicide, but “Tarzan” knew what he was doing.


He drove through dense thickets of nettles and boldly crossed a huge ditch, as if dug with the teeth of a bear. A cunning neighbor created a trap to protect his stunted raspberry bushes from encroachment. But the hero flew over the pit without even catching the suspension.

“VAZ Tarzan” calmly drove through the swampy area, without losing either speed or sense of humor, with which it always fuels “to a full tank.” And when he saw a cloudy lake, boiling with wild summer residents, he calmly drove to the very depth - 0,5 m. Here he turned on the program for overcoming temporary difficulties and jumped out of the water on the other side.

"Tarzan" in Siberia

His next challenge was the luxurious Siberian taiga. Obstacles could not stop our superhero - the gears of "Tarzan 2" cut through thickets and vines, like the chest of a smooth tea bush. The fascinated local inhabitants watched his passage with fear and admiration. "He is the king of the jungle!" – shouts were heard behind his tow bar.


Is it possible not to admire the power and grace of a car from STC AvtoVAZ, tearing up space and ignoring everyday obstacles? “Tarzan 2” is not just a car, it is an athlete, as well as a best friend and a reliable travel companion on the road of life.

Despite its hybrid layout, VAZ Tarzan 2 continues to enjoy popularity and bring smiles to the faces of others. He is a true joyful and eccentric car that taught us not to take life too seriously.

"VAZ Tarzan 2" in Siberia became a true star among children and adults. Everyone who saw him in action admired his unusual appearance and courage. And the music flowing from its loudspeakers calmed my nerves and allowed me to forget about everyday problems. After all, only he can play the song “Chick-Chick, My Chicks” in the style of the jungle.


But not everything is rosy for our superhero: the car has its own enemies. By creating chaos on the roads, the conqueror of the country jungle regularly attracts the attention of the traffic police. But the Lada Tarzan never stops in front of the highway lane, it simply “slips out” from under the inspectors’ hands, leaving them with an unforgettable impression.

Sometimes, however, the guys with the batons catch up. When asked what you have inside, he replies: “Ergonomics, a pack of chewing gum, room for the knees of rear passengers. More fries, air conditioning, mineral water, increased comfort.”

Conclusion

The path of the fearless “king of the jungle” is full of good humor and amazing twists and turns. "VAZ Tarzan" teaches you not to neglect fun and adventure in everyday life. This car is the embodiment of freedom and unpredictability.


The '90s SUV reminds us that sometimes we need to take an unexpected step away from the norm. Allow ourselves to enjoy life to the fullest, even if we are in the Russian “dacha jungle”.

Finding a car for sale is difficult. We almost bought one for 450 thousand rubles, but the copy turned out to be badly damaged. Then they found the rarest thing - a station wagon with a mileage of 30 thousand km for 850 thousand rubles. We need to take it!..