The Lada Niva will be significantly updated to mark its 50 years of service
Although Lada left our market in 1998, the manufacturer remains very active in its country of origin, Russia, and in other markets. Yes, the famous Niva, this small 4×4 with a simplistic and rudimentary look is still marketed. The vehicle would even have received a small update in 2020. Lada does not seem to want to throw in the towel with its iconic utility vehicle, as we have just learned from reliable sources that the manufacturer intends to mark its 50 years of service by subjecting it to a major facelift.
It was Maxim Sokolov, CEO of AvtoVAZ, the state-owned company behind Lada, who confirmed to the Russian media Kommersant that the Niva will indeed celebrate its 50e anniversary, and that a good update will be brought to it at the same time.
However, it is important to note that Lada currently markets two versions of the Niva, namely the Niva Travel, a considerably more modern version which displays a different look, and the Niva Legend, the classic model which has not really changed since its very first debut in 1977. Offered with 3 or 5 doors, it is still powered by the same 1.7-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 81 horsepower and produces 95 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox and a permanent 4-wheel drive system ensure absolute simplicity and robustness.
According to Mr. Sokolov, not only does Lada intend to keep the Niva Legend in its model line for a long time, but it does not really intend to change its rudimentary approach or its style. The update would focus instead on a technical improvement, especially in terms of its engine. In all likelihood it would inherit the 1.6-liter engine that currently powers the Vesta subcompact. Such a block would thus increase the power and torque to 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft.
Furthermore, it is even possible that Lada produce a “sport” version, according to Mr. Sokolov. The details of this model are vague, but the CEO mentioned a 16-valve engine, boasting 122 horsepower.
However, these changes will not see the light of day before the 2027 model year, precisely to mark the 50th anniversary of the model. Until then, Lada does not intend to stop production of the Niva, as sales continue to go well. For reference, 3,135 copies of this SUV have been sold in Russia in the month of June 2023 alone. On average, Lada sells just over 35,000 Niva per year in this country.
Conclusion
For Lada Niva enthusiasts back home (yes, there are quite a few), this announcement is certainly good news, but, for Lada, it signals an effort by the manufacturer to keep its assembly lines running in an uncertain political and economic climate.
Like all industries in Russia, the production of the Niva has been hit hard due to the multiple sanctions facing the country. This forced AvtoVAZ to reduce the complexity of its vehicles to a minimum and focus on rudimentary models, lacking technology and inexpensive to build. So that’s all the relevance of the simplistic, but oh so adorable Niva Legend in its country of origin.
