AvtoVaz originally put the Niva now called the ‘4×4’ into production in 1977 and as you can see from the styling and amenities in the new ‘Urban’ model, the company hasn’t exactly changed the formula much.
The new 4×4 Urban channels iconic Range Rovers of the past with a revised three-slat front radiator grille as well as body-colored bumpers.
New 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels tuck underneath those rugged bumpers, albeit covered by plastic hubcaps.
It’s a formidable little off-roader complete with front, rear, and center differentials; just don’t expect speed to accompany capability.
The current Niva (weighing in at 2,667 lbs.) does 0-60mph in 22 seconds before running out of steam at 85 mph.
Lada Niva is powered by a 1.7-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing just 81 bhp, sent to all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The Russian 4×4 weighs just 1210 kilograms but takes more than 20 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100km/h, while top speed is reached at 137 km/h.
