The UAZ-31512 is a classic Soviet-era off-road vehicle produced by the Ulyanovsky Automobile Plant (UAZ) from 1985 to 1990. A direct descendant of the iconic UAZ-469, itself heavily based on the American Willys Jeep, the 31512 represented a modernization of the original design, offering improved comfort and reliability while retaining the rugged capabilities that made UAZ vehicles popular in the Soviet Union and its satellite states. Unlike many vehicles of its type, the UAZ-31512 wasn’t designed for the paved roads of Western Europe or North America; it was built for the challenging terrains and harsh conditions prevalent across the vast landscapes of the USSR, serving roles ranging from military transport to agricultural work and civilian use. The 31512-01 variant, equipped with a 2.45-liter engine producing 81 horsepower, was a common configuration during its production run.
UAZ 31512-01: A Legacy of Rugged Utility
The UAZ-31512-01 occupies a unique position in automotive history. It wasn’t intended to compete with passenger cars in terms of refinement or performance. Instead, it was engineered as a utilitarian vehicle capable of traversing difficult terrain and performing a variety of tasks. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, robustness, and affordability. While not officially exported to the United States, the UAZ-31512 and its predecessors have gained a cult following among off-road enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, appreciated for their distinctive design and unwavering dependability. The vehicle’s design philosophy prioritized function over form, resulting in a vehicle that, while aesthetically spartan, was exceptionally capable in its intended environment.
Engine & Performance
The UAZ-31512-01 is powered by an inline four-cylinder, 2.45-liter (149.51 cubic inches) gasoline engine. This engine, producing 81 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 167 Nm (123.17 lb-ft) of torque at 2200 rpm, provides adequate power for its intended purpose. The engine features a relatively low compression ratio of 6.7:1 and utilizes a carburetor fuel injection system, typical for vehicles of this era. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a robust four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio is 19.4 kg/Hp, and its weight-to-torque ratio is 9.4 kg/Nm. The maximum speed is limited to 110 km/h (68.35 mph). Fuel economy is understandably modest, rated at 10.6 liters per 100 kilometers (22.2 US mpg) in urban conditions. The longitudinal engine placement contributes to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution, enhancing its off-road performance.
Design & Features
The UAZ-31512-01 features a classic, boxy body-on-frame construction, characteristic of off-road vehicles designed for durability and simplicity. It is a five-door vehicle with seating for up to seven passengers. The body is constructed from steel, providing a robust and protective shell. The vehicle’s high ground clearance and short wheelbase contribute to its exceptional off-road capability. Suspension is handled by rigid axles front and rear, providing a durable and simple system well-suited to rough terrain. Braking is accomplished via drum brakes on all four wheels. Steering utilizes a worm-reduction unit. Features are minimal by modern standards, reflecting the vehicle’s utilitarian design. The focus was on providing a reliable and capable vehicle, rather than luxurious amenities. The 78-liter (20.61 US gal) fuel tank provides a reasonable range for extended off-road excursions. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4025 mm (158.46 in) in length, 1785 mm (70.28 in) in width, and 1990 mm (78.35 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2380 mm (93.7 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | UAZ |
| Model | 31512 |
| Generation | 31512-01 |
| Type (Engine) | 2.45 (81 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 110 km/h (68.35 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 81 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 33.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 167 Nm @ 2200 rpm (123.17 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2450 cm3 (149.51 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 6.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 78 l (20.61 US gal | 17.16 UK gal) |
| Length | 4025 mm (158.46 in.) |
| Width | 1785 mm (70.28 in.) |
| Height | 1990 mm (78.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm (93.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Rear track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 215 SR15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
The UAZ-31512-01, while a product of its time, remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, rugged, and reliable off-road vehicles. Its legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its unique character and unwavering capability.
