Moskvich Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 (113 Hp)

The Moskvich Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0, producing 113 horsepower, was a significant iteration of the Yuriy Dolgorukiy model, manufactured between 1998 and 2002. Representing a modernization effort for the Moskvich Automobile Plant, this variant aimed to offer a more competitive vehicle in the emerging post-Soviet automotive market. The Yuriy Dolgorukiy, built on the 1HX0/A3 platform, was intended to replace the aging Moskvich-2141 series, offering improved comfort, safety, and performance. The 2.0-liter engine option positioned itself as a mid-range offering within the lineup, bridging the gap between the base 1.6-liter engine and potential future, higher-performance variants that never materialized.

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The heart of the Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 was the ZMZ-4062.10 inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. Displacing 1998 cc (121.93 cubic inches), this engine was a naturally aspirated unit featuring a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. It utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, a significant upgrade from the carburetor systems found in earlier Moskvich models. The engine employed a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Bore and stroke dimensions were 82.7 mm (3.26 inches) and 93 mm (3.66 inches) respectively, resulting in a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Maximum power output was rated at 113 hp (84 kW) at 5250 rpm, with peak torque of 168 Nm (123.91 lb-ft) delivered at 3500 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout was a carryover from previous Moskvich designs.

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 was primarily equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. While an automatic transmission was offered in some markets, it was considerably less common and often sourced from external suppliers, impacting reliability and availability of parts. The manual transmission was designed to handle the engine’s torque output, providing reasonably smooth shifts, though it lacked the refinement of contemporary European or Japanese gearboxes.

Engine Codes & Variations

The ZMZ-4062.10 engine code specifically denotes the 2.0-liter version of the ZMZ-406 family. Minor variations existed within this code depending on the year of manufacture and specific emissions regulations for the target market. These variations typically involved adjustments to the fuel injection mapping and ignition timing. The engine was known for its relative simplicity and robustness, making it relatively easy to maintain with basic mechanical skills, a key consideration for owners in regions with limited access to specialized automotive repair facilities.

Driving Characteristics

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 offered a noticeable improvement in performance over the base 1.6-liter models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 12.3 seconds, while 0-60 mph was achieved in around 11.7 seconds. Top speed was rated at 172 km/h (106.88 mph). While these figures weren’t particularly impressive by Western European or Japanese standards of the time, they were competitive within the context of the Russian and Eastern European automotive markets. The 2.0-liter engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, including highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. However, the car’s relatively high weight (1145 kg / 2524.29 lbs) and the limitations of the five-speed manual transmission meant that it wasn’t a particularly sporty vehicle. The gear ratios were spaced to prioritize fuel economy and drivability over outright acceleration. The engine felt most responsive in the mid-range, providing sufficient torque for comfortable cruising.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 was typically offered in a single, relatively well-equipped trim level. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and electric front windows. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple, functional dashboard layout. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were features like a radio/cassette player and upgraded seat fabrics. The car’s interior design reflected its utilitarian origins, prioritizing practicality and durability over luxury. Safety features were basic, typically consisting of seatbelts and a collapsible steering column. The availability of optional extras varied depending on the market and the dealer.

Chassis & Braking

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension system at the front, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort and handling. The rear suspension employed a dependent spring suspension with a transverse stabilizer bar, which helped to reduce body roll during cornering. The front brakes were disc brakes, while the rear brakes were drum brakes. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this price range during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, providing reasonably precise control. The car was equipped with 175/70 R14 or 185/70 R14 tires mounted on 5.5J x 14 or 6J x 14 steel wheels. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp cornering performance.

Market Reception & Comparison

The Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 was generally well-received in its target markets, offering a relatively affordable and practical family car. Critics praised the car’s improved comfort and performance compared to earlier Moskvich models, but also noted its lack of refinement and its relatively basic interior. Compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Lada 110 and the Renault Logan (which arrived later), the Yuriy Dolgorukiy offered a reasonable value proposition, but it lacked the brand recognition and perceived quality of some of its competitors. Fuel economy was respectable, with urban consumption rated at 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg). Reliability was generally considered to be average, with some owners reporting issues with the electrical system and the quality of some components. However, the engine itself was generally regarded as durable and reliable.

Technical Specifications

Legacy

The Moskvich Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a significant step forward for the Moskvich plant. The ZMZ-4062.10 engine proved to be relatively durable and continues to be supported by a network of independent mechanics and parts suppliers in Russia and other former Soviet republics. Today, the Yuriy Dolgorukiy 2.0 is a relatively affordable classic car, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking a simple, reliable vehicle for basic transportation. Its relatively low running costs and ease of maintenance contribute to its continued presence on the roads. However, its age and limited availability of spare parts mean that ownership requires a degree of mechanical aptitude and a willingness to source parts from specialized suppliers. The car remains a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in Russian automotive history.