Body and Load-Bearing Structure
Electric buses, water buses, Nivobuses—you might joke that such words don’t exist. Yet the Niva invoked here seats nine and offers a unique interpretation of multi-purpose transport.
Showcased is a modification to the original three-door model. The vehicle’s look shifts so dramatically that even an old woman’s eyes would widen at the radiator grille’s curves.
The Promtech workshop in Nizhny Novgorod built the body by cutting behind the front doors and assembling a self-made frame using steel and plastic panels. What matters most is that the Cube uses a load-bearing body instead of a semi-frame construction.
The wheelbase stretches from 2200 mm to 3050 mm, and the overall length grows from 3640 mm to 4900 mm. A tall roof completes the transformation.
There was prior talk about the Niva Cube cargo version, which boasts nearly five cubic meters of space. Now the same platform is presented in passenger configuration, bringing a new dimension to the model line.
The cabin is spacious, and access in the third row is comfortable due to the strategic extension of the body.
The interior height is generous, and passengers step up to enter the salon.
Front view centers on the climate unit. If the heater fails, comfort becomes a challenge: the rear doors’ small windows and a sliding sunroof cannot fully offset heat buildup in hot weather.
The second and third rows feature folding mechanisms and eco-leather upholstery. Promtech has a history of making comfortable seats, so the design team relied on familiar expertise.
Legroom is adequate, but the overall comfort is influenced by a lower roof above the driver. The rear passengers view a raised vertical wall that constrains sightlines slightly.
The rear cabin widens, the wheel arches don’t intrude, and three occupants ride more or less normally. The trunk is modest in size, yet practical. With the two-row layout, the rear seats fold to create a nearly continuous loading plane for long items.
How Does It Perform? What About the Engine?
The multi-seat Niva handles well, supported by an experimental engine. The 1.7-liter unit increased from 83 to 106 horsepower, a notable leap for a vehicle of this class.
The exact methods used to achieve the boost remain undisclosed by Promtech engineers. There is speculation that the team comes from Tolyatti—an area known for automotive specialists, which seems plausible. Still, the gain does not appear to rely on turbo charging. There is no turbine in sight, and the engine’s outward appearance matches the standard version. This suggests substantial modifications under the hood.
Comparisons show variants with 106 horsepower and 116 horsepower, which feel distinctly livelier than factory models. The additional power translates to a more engaging drive, though the fine details await formal certification. Firmware and reliability remain subjects of curiosity until official data is released.
With 106 horsepower, the empty Niva Cube moves with noticeable vigor. Under load, performance aligns with what one would expect from a larger, multi-passenger vehicle. In essence, it behaves like a practical minivan that can handle a respectable payload.
The extended Cube maintains four-wheel drive through an elongated drive shaft. The front axle remains original, while the suspension includes both springs and air springs for improved load balancing.
A rear air suspension system works alongside traditional springs. Inside, a compact pressure gauge, relief valve, and a compressor control provide convenience and enable adjustments when the vehicle carries heavier loads. In practice, higher pressure helps reduce suspension sag in corners and improves stability under full load.
Front Seating and Versatility
Promtech adapted a double seat in the front to meet emergency vehicle requirements, replacing the standard single passenger seat. In a vehicle designed for busy streets and close quarters, this change makes sense—but it also raises questions about safety and practicality when nine occupants are targeted. A longer backrest and additional headrest do not interfere, yet achieving space for a right-hand pad required trimming a portion of the heated-seat console.
However, the handbrake and the only seat belt lock ended up under a cushion, making immediate use difficult. The cushion could be lifted for access, but it would no longer sit flush. This arrangement demands careful redesign to ensure safety. For now, the Niva Cube is best envisioned as an eight-seater rather than a nine-seater.
Versus Commercial or Sport Configurations
The Grant Cube next to it reveals a much stronger option at 116 horsepower, compared with the standard 106 horsepower. Earlier models with 16-valve engines offered higher power, but this version reveals a straightforward eight-valve VAZ-11182 under the hood. The power increase is significant, though the full story will only emerge after certification and final calibration. Until then, performance figures and efficiency data remain provisional.
An empty Grant with this engine feels almost aircraft-like in its agility. In the Cube family, any combination of the original model and the extended body is possible, enabling a true minibus configuration if needed. For heavy constant loads, the 2160 kg gross weight option becomes attractive; for lighter duty, the standard powerplant remains a strong choice. The overall balance between power, weight, and safety is a thoughtful consideration for buyers.
From the rear, the similarities to Gazelle lanterns and Largus-based features blend into the overall look, showing how design cues merge across the family.
The process to obtain full technical approvals for both vehicles has begun. Orders are expected to start this year, with deliveries projected for 2023. Price expectations span roughly 1.6 to 2 million rubles depending on configuration and equipment levels. The Nivobus concept has no direct analogues. For buyers needing a full truck, comparable options from JAC and Dongfeng offer competitive pricing without an alternate history behind their designs.
On Tires and Public Support
Seven thousand tires in commonly used sizes are essential for sustained public service operations. Requests to ensure tire supply underscore the importance of reliable equipment for ambulances, emergency units, humanitarian missions, and related services. A public initiative supported through a fundraising page aims to bolster tire availability for police and emergency fleets in affected regions.