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Production of the new Lada Niva has begun, but the Russians have not done everything they promised! Here's what you have to wait until 2027

Buyers who want to get an SUV with a complete package of announced changes will have to wait at least until 2027. Although the new Lada Niva Legend has already entered mass production, some of the long-awaited innovations have not yet arrived on the factory assembly line. These include full LED optics, a trunk opening button and some minor exterior body modifications.

Serial production of the modernized Niva began on July 20, exactly on the day of the 60th anniversary of AvtoVAZ. By the way, the modernization is quite extensive and serious, as the iconic car received more than 350 new and modified parts and assemblies. Among the main novelties are a 1.8-liter 90-horsepower engine, a redesigned chassis and transmission structure, additional passive safety elements and an updated body.

AvtoVAZ presented the updated Lada Niva Legend with a 1.8-liter engine at the beginning of June at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), and now it has officially started its serial production. 

As a reminder, this Niva has a 1.8-liter eight-valve engine with 90 hp and 153 Nm. The factory points out that 80% of this torque is available as early as 1,000 rpm.

Its predecessor, a 1.7-liter engine producing 83 hp and 129 Nm, has been discontinued. The average combined fuel consumption of the updated Niva is 9 liters per 100 km (compared to 9.9 liters per 100 km for the old version).

Suspension changes were also made. “Handling and ride comfort have been significantly improved,” the company added.

The Niva Legend also gets a new front airbag for the driver and ventilated front brake discs.

Two-tone 16-inch wheels complete the look. Physics

Other improvements:

Improved sound insulation, a shift lever moved closer to the driver, a steering wheel unified with Lada Grant, air conditioning, a cabin filter, and one key for doors and ignition.

Finally, the hood, roof and tailgate are now made of double-sided galvanized steel – a solution first used on the Niva.

Prices for the updated Lada Niva Legend will be announced later, and sales should begin in late August or early September.

Why are there no LED lights and a trunk button? The Russian company’s initial plans included several more changes. Their implementation was expected to coincide with the main refresh, but in the end the manufacturer decided not to delay the launch of the already prepared version of the vehicle. As a result, the current Niva arrived on the market without all the previously announced details. The LED front and rear lights and the trunk opening button were postponed. In addition, a slightly redesigned radiator grille was added to the list of future changes.

According to the latest information from Russia, these elements should appear only with the next minor update of the model in 2027. This means that the project has not been canceled, but the expected solutions have simply been divided into two stages. This approach allowed AvtoVAZ not to postpone the start of production, but to release to the market those improvements that were already well and truly ready.

What’s new under the hood and in the cabin? For the Niva itself, this is another stage in a long evolution. Despite the recognizable silhouette, the design of the SUV in the current version is seriously different from previous models. As part of this year's modernization alone, engineers have reworked hundreds of components. The main technical novelty is the 1.8-liter eight-valve engine. Its power is 90 hp, while the maximum torque has been increased by 24 Nm. The engine has received a specific piston design that significantly reduces the risk of valve damage in the event of a timing belt break. The increased power also required an adjustment of the transmission, so some elements of the gearbox were reinforced.

The changes also affected the bodywork. Double-sided galvanized steel is now used for a number of panels, and additional body reinforcements have been inserted. The cabin finally has a front airbag for the driver, an adjustable steering column, central locking and a single key for the doors and ignition lock. Transmission control has also become more convenient, as the gear lever has been moved closer to the driver, while the all-wheel drive and reduction gear controls are now unified.

In this context, the absence of LED optics and a regular trunk button really seems a bit unexpected and absurd, especially since such changes have long been announced as a done deal. Buyers now have to choose: those who value improved mechanics and safety can already buy the new Niva, while aesthetes and lovers of the “full package” will have to wait until 2027.

AvtoVAZ extends Lada Niva Legend type approval to 2029, with engine and LED upgrades planned for 2026...AvtoVAZ has officially extended the vehicle type approval for the Lada Niva Legend family. According to Rosstandart's database, the new approval took effect on February 16 and will remain valid until 2029. This means the manufacturer can continue producing and selling this classic off-roader for at least another three years, despite its age and outdated architecture.

The certification extension coincides with planned updates for the model. Sergey Kornienko, the brand's product marketing head, confirmed that the Niva Legend will receive a modernized engine and LED lighting in 2026. The specific engine isn't listed in the approval yet; the document will be updated after mandatory testing is completed. For pricing context, consider the Niva Travel, which saw a price increase of 76,000 rubles after getting a new 90-horsepower 1.8-liter engine.

Additional interest in the model is fueled by AvtoVAZ's active discount programs. Currently, there are about twenty different incentive options, with the most favorable ones specifically for Niva family off-roaders. Thanks to subsidies and special offers, base versions can be purchased for around 800,000 rubles.

Overall, the extension of the vehicle type approval demonstrates AvtoVAZ's commitment to continuing production of this legendary model, which remains popular with buyers due to its affordability, ease of repair, and genuine off-road capabilities.

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