I was in Ulan Ude (Siberia) this last summer and I drove a UAZ also among other vans. I wanted to compare it to my Old Syncro Van... Whoa it was a rough ride. Out in the further stretches of Lake Baikal it was awesome to see stock HiJets, and other all wheel drive mini vans just getting all kinds of stuck. Tearing beaches up and just doing stuff that made me laugh. I guess when I see those kinds of vans in the US no one is actually pushing the limits, or walking around asking for a tow out of the mud...
On the side, I showed some enthusiasts pictures of my van and some of you guys and people were in awe. Most of them would respond, what do you need such a vehicle for? A question I love to answer!!!