The UAZ Patriot (3163) 2.3D is a Russian off-road vehicle produced by UAZ (Ulyanovsky Automobile Plant) from 2005 to 2012. Representing a significant modernization of the UAZ lineup, the Patriot aimed to offer a more comfortable and capable vehicle for both on and off-road use, primarily targeting the Russian and Eastern European markets. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Patriot provides insight into the automotive engineering and demands of that region, where ruggedness and all-terrain capability are highly valued. The 2.3D variant, equipped with a diesel engine, was a popular choice for its fuel efficiency and torque, making it suitable for challenging conditions and heavy loads.
UAZ Patriot (3163) 2.3D: A Detailed Overview
The UAZ Patriot was developed as a successor to the UAZ Simbir, addressing many of its predecessor’s shortcomings in terms of comfort, safety, and refinement. It retained the core UAZ philosophy of robust construction and off-road prowess, but incorporated modern features and a more contemporary design. The 3163 designation refers to the model’s internal code within UAZ’s production line. The 2.3D model specifically denotes the engine type – a 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the UAZ Patriot 2.3D is the Iveco F1A 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, producing 116 horsepower at 3900 rpm and 270 Nm (199.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2200 rpm, provides a balance between power and fuel economy. The engine utilizes a precombustion chamber injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance. While the horsepower figure may seem modest by modern standards, the engine’s torque output is well-suited for off-road driving and towing. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The Patriot’s weight-to-power ratio is 18.7 kg/Hp, and its weight-to-torque ratio is 8 kg/Nm. The vehicle is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via a 4×4 drivetrain. Maximum speed is rated at 135 km/h (83.89 mph).
Design & Features
The UAZ Patriot features a traditional body-on-frame construction, contributing to its durability and off-road capability. It’s a five-door, five-seater vehicle, designed to accommodate passengers and cargo. The exterior styling, while not particularly modern, is functional and robust, reflecting the vehicle’s intended purpose. The Patriot’s design prioritized practicality over aesthetics, with a focus on providing ample ground clearance and approach/departure angles for navigating challenging terrain. Interior features were relatively basic, focusing on durability and ease of use. Later models saw improvements in interior trim and equipment, but the core design remained largely unchanged throughout its production run. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, but included basic seatbelts and a reinforced chassis. The vehicle’s 87-liter (22.98 US gal) fuel tank provides a substantial range, important for operation in remote areas.
Dimensions and Weight
The UAZ Patriot 2.3D measures 4647 mm (182.95 in) in length, 2080 mm (81.89 in) in width, and 2000 mm (78.74 in) in height. Its wheelbase is 2760 mm (108.66 in), and it has a front and rear track of 1600 mm (62.99 in). The kerb weight is 2170 kg (4784.03 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2770 kg (6106.8 lbs). The maximum load capacity is 600 kg (1322.77 lbs). These dimensions and weights contribute to the vehicle’s stability and off-road performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | UAZ |
| Model | Patriot |
| Generation | Patriot (3163) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3D (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 18.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 3900 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 2200 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Iveco F1A |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 2170 kg (4784.03 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2770 kg (6106.8 lbs) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l (22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal) |
| Length | 4647 mm (182.95 in) |
| Width | 2080 mm (81.89 in) |
| Height | 2000 mm (78.74 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in) |
| Rear track | 1600 mm (62.99 in) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
The UAZ Patriot 2.3D, while not a vehicle commonly found on American roads, represents a significant chapter in Russian automotive history. Its robust construction, all-wheel-drive capability, and relatively fuel-efficient diesel engine made it a popular choice for those needing a dependable vehicle for challenging environments. It served as a workhorse for many in Russia and surrounding countries, and its legacy continues in subsequent UAZ models.
