This utilitarian off roader was designed and built in the Saint-Petersburg design bureau �Style� even a few years back. The all-wheel drive pick-up �Cannier� was specifically built to suit the Russian auto-market.
Of course, foreign SUV�s are great and have it all: power, comfort, and design. But because of all the �bells and whistles� and the high price for over sea 4x4�s, their �playground� is mostly surrounded with �concrete� jungle.
Rural residents do not want foreign SUV�s here domestic trucks are valued (not in currency but in practicality) more. A simple motto rules the car industry: the cheaper and simpler, the better.
�Cannier� responds to many of these demands. Anatomically, the car is based on the �uncrowned� king of Russian country roads, UAZ. �Cannier� borrows the chaises, transmission, the steering column and the engine from the UAZ. As an alternative, the ZMZ engine can also be installed. The use of domestic parts (mainly from the UAZ) makes �Cannier� quite affordable. And of course, repair is easy in any situation, anywhere. The frame for �Cannier� is an original one that was stretched by 400mm and is welded from a closed profile with 6mm thick walls. This is a very simple and practically unbreakable construction. The ability to withstand repeated transport of cargo is insured back in its embryonic stage. Autostyle, the manufacturer of �Cannier,� also builds bulletproof vehicles, so the reliability of the body goes without saying. The body of the car is constructed out of tubular space frame and the body panels are made out of composite materials. The body panels do not need painting since the color is already mixed into the material. It is hard to scratch the panels, since the color goes all the way through. The advantages of a plastic body vs. metal one are obvious. First, the plastic panels do not rust. Second, the plastic body saves a lot of weigh. And if an accident should occur then there are two ways to deal with it. If the body is slightly damaged by a dent, then �Cannier� is able to restore its shape. But if serious damage should occur then repair is very simple: a patch made out of fiberglass saturated with epoxy resin, then sanding and touch-up with paint.
The car is to be manufactured in many different body styles. But for now, the car is available either as a pick-up (two-door two-seat) model 2317, or an extended cab (five-seat) pick-up 23171.
The two �brothers� look very simple, if not Spartan. But a talented craftsman can revive the bland look of �Cannier� using spoilers and moldings. For example, take a look at the standard pick-up. The brush guard looks pretty good, the roll bar works well with the design and the carpeting is practical (and very useful for its purpose).
The cargo-platform of the two trucks, with the spare wheel attached to the rear door, differ only in length.
The 2317 is made to withstand maximum weight, while the 23171 is designed to transport one third less cargo but is built to transport more passengers. However, personal doors were not thought of for the extra passengers, so they will have to squeeze in. The rear seat will give much needed comfort to those �extra� passengers. We have no complains about the front seats either, except for the impractical upholstery. Interior options can have no limit. The front panel of the four-door is fairly simple.
The two-door is equipped with Volga�s power plant (100-150hp), now this is becoming interesting. In all other ways the trucks are the same. �Cannier� is provided with a motor of two types: Either the YMZ-4218.10 -103hp (which sits under the hood of the two-door), or the ZMZ 4021.10 -90hp with a capacity of 2.5 litres. The trucks are similar in engine size and construction, but the performance differs on the road. �Cannier-2317� is better on the road as well as off it. This is because of its much higher horsepower (103 vs. 90) and rpm rating (213Nm/2200rpm vs. 172Nm/2400rpm). Also, there is a difference in weight, 1730 kg vs. 1890 kg. But the power plant in this truck is more fuel efficient, although the difference is not considerable. In all, each car guzzles up around 15 litres for every 100-km or 16 mpg. The stretched chaises saved �Cannier� from having a poor ride. On serious terrain obviously the car has considerable vibration, but the low center of gravity makes sure that the car does not tip over. Any good driver will take note of the reliability of the suspension and the cargo capacity. By the way, the�23171� on the road was smoother than the �2317� thanks to a heavier frame (extra 160 kg) and a better suspension.
The long wheelbase showed its best performance in handling. It feels like the maximum speed to do a safe 180-degree turns grew to a respectable 20 km/h or 13 mph. �Cannier� is capable of performing as well as any sedan. The performance of the drum brakes makes you wish for something better, although you really do not need to brake to avoid potholes. Changing gears demands a lot of manpower. Although it has a relatively �long� third speed and a torque engine, it is not necessary to overwork it. In good conditions with decent pavement, the truck is easy to drive. However, on a country road you will have to sweat a little bit since the constant vibrations and a stubborn steering wheel will provide you with an alternative exercise to work your biceps. Behind the wheel of � Cannier-23171� with power steering, you feel much safer and more comfortable. Rough terrain for this SUV does not bother it. It goes trough country roads with the same stubbornness of a bull as UAZ is famed for. When the front axle is engaged and the transmission is in low gear, a long 45-degree incline covered with loose wet sand and dirt up to the wheel rim and other severe conditions, is a synch for the �Cannonier-2317�. It�s smaller in power cousin periodically has to throw in the towel when doing this. It does not have enough power, and therefor has to get a run-up to go over obstacles. Because of this it�s long wheelbase, the car often bottoms out on the bumps and under especially severe conditions could conceivably get stuck. (We never had the chance to test this theory.) �Cannier� is ready to service the rural population. The truck can also be used as a service vehicle or, for example, a military one. Everything is possible for this workhorse.
Igor Kyznetsov
Photo by Vitaly Usov
Translated by Artur Kasimov
Special thanks to Koleso Magazine for leting me post this article. Visit "Koleso" web site in the links section.
