Legendary Lada Niva to be revamped for the first time in 45 years
January 18, 2021
The Lada Niva will undergo its first full revamp in 45 years, with the new model expected in 2024. The Russian brand joined Groupe Renault’s stable in 2017 and the latest Lada’s in the works will benefit from the French manufacturer’s technology.
Groupe Renault announced that the tough off-road vehicle will be one of four new Ladas launching in the next four years, according to Motoring.
“With a wide range of suitable and affordable cars, LADA is now entering a new phase, a completely renewed range and a fast changing network,” said Renault.
“LADA will explore new horizons with an ambitious product plan, as shown by the latest iteration of its iconic Niva in 2024 and a new C-SUV segment model.”
Details are scant, and a single image of the 2024 Lada is all that has been released. The Russian brand confirmed that the Niva and all other models will utilise Renault’s latest CMF-B modular architecture.
The image of the 2024 model shows that the vehicle pays homage to the original through its flat front end and its blocky design.
Under the bonnet, we do not know what to expect but the vehicle will probably feature one of Renault’s turbo-petrol (or diesel) engines and a high-and-low gearbox along with electronic off-road aids to ensure drivers never get stuck.
In December 2020, the Lada Niva was rebranded as the Lada Niva Travel, and the original 4×4 vehicle was rebranded as the Lada Niva Legend in January 2021.
The current version of the Lada Niva (now known as Legend) has been on sale since 1976 and has only received minor updates over the years. It is currently on the market in Russia and some parts of Russia and Africa.
It is the longest-running four-wheel-drive vehicle still in production in its original form since the Land Rover Defender was discontinued in 2016.
The vehicle was the first mass-produced off-road vehicle with a monocoque structure and a permanent all-wheel-drive system – it inspired the current generation of crossover SUVs, most of which still follow this format.
The Niva has been used as an ambulance, a military vehicle and by police services across Russia and Europe and even served as the Soviet Union’s polar vehicle of choice, having been deployed in the Antarctic and the North Pole.
“It stormed the North Pole and Everest, participated in rally Paris-Dakar, domesticated the Antarctic. It is known and loved on all continents. It is strong, enterprising and low-maintenance,” boasts the Lada website.
The Niva was imported into South Africa between 2000 and 2003, according to the Lada Owners Club of South Africa.
During that time the 4×4 developed a cult following in the country that remains active to this day.
Picture: Groupe Renault
