The Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant has started offering the UAZ SGR, known locally as the “Loaf,” with a Euro-5 engine option. This move is drawing attention from car retailers and automotive enthusiasts across the region.
Customers can choose the UAZ SGR with the ZMZ-409055 Euro-5 powerplant, rated at 112 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission sourced from the Chinese company BAIC. This combination aims to deliver a balance of fuel efficiency and practical performance for everyday driving, especially in markets where emissions standards are a growing priority.
Adding the Euro-5 engine costs an incremental 20,000 rubles. In stock form, the base configuration of the Loaf starts around 1.45 million rubles, while the top-tier Expedition variant is priced at about 1.74 million rubles. These figures place the Loaf in the middle segment of the market, inviting buyers who want a utilitarian family or work vehicle with modern emission compliance.
Industry observer Jan Heitzer, who serves as vice president of the National Automobile Association, has weighed in on the current market value of classic models like the UAZ “Bukhanka.” He notes that at times the price tag can appear disconnected from consumer satisfaction and reliability, particularly when customers face limited alternatives within the SUV category.
Heitzer also notes that the Loaf, despite its ambitions, does not yet meet all contemporary safety, handling, and dynamic performance benchmarks. Still, the conversation around UAZ’s new models continues, as prototypes and concepts have sparked discussion about the brand’s potential to address niche needs, especially in markets where rugged, low-cost vehicles are valued for their practicality rather than luxury.
Online chatter has included videos and discussions about using UAZs in unconventional ways, such as tutorials on how to access a UAZ without a key. While such content circulates on social platforms and hobby channels, it does not reflect official manufacturer guidance or recommended usage. It underscores the ongoing interest in the UAZ lineup and the diverse user expectations that accompany budget-friendly, off-road capable vehicles.