The Moskvich Knyaz Vladimir 2.0 i is a front-wheel-drive sedan produced between 1997 and 2001 by the Russian automaker Moskvich. Representing a significant attempt to modernize the Moskvich range, the Knyaz Vladimir was intended to appeal to a broader market with its more contemporary design and improved features. It occupied the mid-size sedan segment, aiming to provide a practical and affordable transportation option within the post-Soviet automotive landscape.
Development & History
The Knyaz Vladimir (meaning “Prince Vladimir” in Russian) emerged from a period of considerable change for Moskvich. Following decades of producing largely outdated designs, the company sought to introduce a vehicle capable of competing with increasingly available foreign imports. The Knyaz Vladimir was based on a modified version of the Moskvich 2141 platform, itself a development of earlier Moskvich models. While not a completely new platform, substantial alterations were made to the body, interior, and mechanical components. The development process was hampered by economic difficulties and supply chain issues common in Russia during the 1990s, impacting production quality and consistency. The model was intended to replace the aging Moskvich 2141, but production constraints meant both models were produced concurrently for a period.
Powertrain & Performance
The Knyaz Vladimir 2.0 i was primarily equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produced 113 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 168 Nm (123.91 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Power was delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain configuration was a longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Performance figures included a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The 0-60 mph acceleration was calculated at 11.6 seconds. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 95.8 hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 142.4 Nm per tonne.
Chassis & Handling
The Knyaz Vladimir employed a relatively conventional chassis design. The front suspension utilized coil springs, while the rear suspension also featured a coil spring setup. Braking was provided by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Steering was accomplished via a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle’s handling characteristics were generally considered adequate for everyday driving, but it lacked the refinement and responsiveness of more modern vehicles. The tires were typically sized 185/65 R14. The front track measured 1440 mm (56.69 in) and the rear track 1420 mm (55.91 in).
Design & Interior
The Knyaz Vladimir represented a significant departure in styling from previous Moskvich models. The exterior design featured a more streamlined and contemporary appearance, with a rounded front end and a relatively spacious cabin. The sedan body style offered four doors and seating for five passengers. The interior, while basic, offered improved ergonomics and materials compared to earlier Moskvich offerings. The dashboard layout was functional, and the seats provided reasonable comfort. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, but generally included basic seatbelts. The vehicle’s dimensions were: length 4710 mm (185.43 in), width 1690 mm (66.54 in), and height 1400 mm (55.12 in). The wheelbase was 2780 mm (109.45 in).
Variants & Special Editions
The Knyaz Vladimir was primarily offered in a single, relatively well-equipped trim level, the 2.0 i. While there weren’t distinct “special editions” in the Western sense, variations existed based on optional equipment and minor cosmetic differences. Some models featured upgraded interior trim or different wheel covers. The focus remained on providing a practical and affordable vehicle, rather than offering a wide range of customization options. Later models saw minor revisions to the exterior trim and interior materials, but the core design remained consistent throughout the production run.
Technical Specifications
| Data Type | Value |
| Brand | Moskvich |
| Model | Knyaz Vladimir |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i (113 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp |
| Power | 113 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 168 Nm @ 3500 rpm (123.91 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 1180 kg (2601.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4710 mm (185.43 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
Legacy & Reception
The Moskvich Knyaz Vladimir represented a commendable effort to modernize the Moskvich brand, but it ultimately faced significant challenges. Production quality issues, stemming from economic instability and outdated manufacturing processes, hampered its reputation. While the Knyaz Vladimir offered a more contemporary design and improved features compared to its predecessors, it struggled to compete with imported vehicles in terms of refinement and reliability. Despite these shortcomings, the Knyaz Vladimir remains a notable vehicle in the history of the Russian automotive industry, representing a period of transition and adaptation. It is remembered as a relatively affordable and practical sedan that provided transportation for many Russian families during a difficult economic period. The model’s legacy is one of ambition constrained by circumstance, a testament to the challenges faced by the Russian automotive industry in the post-Soviet era.
