UAZ SGR Bukhanka vans have carved out a niche in Europe, according to Drom which cites Dmitry Shvab, the founder of a company focused on bringing Russian-made cars to European buyers. The narrative casts the Bukhanka as a compact workhorse with surprising appeal beyond its utilitarian origins. It sits within a broader trend of interest in rugged, value-oriented vehicles from Russia making their way west.
Notes of comparison to the Volkswagen Multivan show the Bukhanka’s interior as more spacious in Europe, making it one of the roomier options in its class. The vehicle allows diagonal sleeping, a feature some buyers value for camping or long trips, while it is not as convenient in its main rival. Shvab described the Loaf as charismatic and reminiscent of the classic VW T1, a nostalgic nod that resonates with fans of retro vans.
Shvab observed that demand at times created long wait times for UAZ products in Europe, with customers sometimes waiting around a year from order to delivery.
Earlier reports described a Moscow rental option where the UAZ Loaf is styled as a large pink pig, a tongue in cheek homage that drew attention on social media.
The design features a patch on the hood with ears mounted on the roof and a faux tail attached to the back of the right door. The vehicle is painted pink, a look that sparked both amusement and curiosity. No official technical changes are documented for this variant.
The National Automobile Association proposed depriving the Bukhanka of car status and classifying it as a tractor. The request is with the Ministry of Industry and Trade for consideration.
The vehicle type approval for the model has expired. The proposal would classify the Loaf as a self-propelled vehicle, effectively a tractor.
Earlier reports suggested that American bloggers planned to install a more powerful engine on the Bukhanka, a move that drew attention from automotive enthusiasts in North America and online communities.