An icon of the Russian motoring world has been given back its rightful name, after years out in the cold.
Lada has announced it will once again brand its latest version of its long-lasting 4×4 with the Niva name. To be precise, the 45-year-old SUV will be called the Lada Niva Legend, recognising the significance of the Soviet-era off-roader.
With the introduction of a new Land Rover Defender, the Niva Legend is the oldest SUV still made in original form.
A motoring icon of Mother Russia
First displayed at the 25th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1976, the Lada Niva went into full production the following year. Despite the huge socio-political changes in the world since then, Lada has continued to build the utilitarian machine.
The Niva was the company’s first vehicle not based on a Fiat model, intended to offer affordable all-wheel drive practicality. According to Lada, the Niva Legend still remains Russia’s cheapest new SUV.
A joint-venture between AvtoVAZ, the owner of the Lada brand, and General Motors saw the Niva nameplate dropped in 2006. Instead, the classic SUV was simply called the ‘4×4’, with the Niva badge applied to a contemporary Chevrolet model.
I Am Legend
Groupe Renault purchased a stake in AvtoVAZ in 2008, later fully acquiring the company and associated brands. In turn, this allowed AvtoVAZ to end the partnership with General Motors, and restore the Niva name to the legendary SUV.
Confusingly, Lada will also continue to produce the Chevrolet-derived model, badged simply as the Niva.
Updates in 2019 mean there are a whopping ten trim levels to pick from with the Niva Legend. This includes the option of a ‘Comfort’ package. This adds decadent Western luxuries like central locking, and an audio system with USB connectivity.
Russian pricing for the Niva Legend begins at the equivalent of just £5,850. The range is topped by an on-trend Black edition, priced at £6,700.
Not even a Dacia Duster can come close to beating those amounts.
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