AVTOVAZ has launched the long-awaited production of the Lada Niva Sport, catering to the desires of Russian automobile enthusiasts for enhanced performance and advanced features.
The Lada Niva Sport, built on the foundation of the classic three-door Niva, introduces several notable modifications. Instead of the standard 83-horsepower 1.7-liter engine, the Niva Sport is equipped with a more powerful 1.6-liter 16-valve engine derived from the Lada Granta Sport, producing 122 horsepower and delivering a torque of 151 Nm at 5000 rpm. The engine's orientation has been modified—now installed longitudinally instead of transversely, as it is on the Granta, according to Maxim Kadakov, the chief editor of the magazine "Za Rulem."
Further enhancing the vehicle's capabilities, AVTOVAZ has improved the gearbox by reinforcing the fifth gear's gears, upgrading the clutch housing, and streamlining the operation of the transfer case to use single-lever control. All four wheels now feature disc brake systems, significantly boosting safety and stopping power.
The rear suspension also sees significant change: the traditional Panhard rod has been replaced with a four-link setup to mitigate the slipping of the rear axle during sharp turns. This adjustment allows the Niva Sport to navigate corners with increased stability, enhancing the driving experience, particularly under challenging conditions where conventional suspension systems might falter.
On the exterior, the Niva Sport is easily recognizable thanks to its bespoke body kit, featuring unique bumpers and larger wheels. The interior embraces a contrasting racing aesthetic, incorporating leather-wrapped steering and distinctive inserts on the seats, projecting both sportiness and style.
The production of the Lada Niva Sport is spearheaded by Lada Sport, AVTOVAZ's subsidiary, with initial batches allocated for thorough testing within various departments of AVTOVAZ to affirm the vehicle’s performance metrics. Only after successful testing will these vehicles be available for general sale, expected to commence early 2025, with specific pricing details yet to be announced.
Expert insights indicate the Niva Sport's performance could influence subsequent updates to standard Niva models, showcasing technological advancements and design optimizations. "The innovations may later extend to traditional Nivas equipped with base engines," Kadakov noted, referencing potential enhancements to the standard lineup.
While the Niva Sport promises enhanced dynamics and handling characteristics, it maintains the rugged reliability synonymous with the Niva brand, firmly positioning it for success amid the competitive mid-size SUV market.
With its performance-oriented engineering and competitive spirit, the Lada Niva Sport is set to become not just another iteration of the beloved Niva but also a vehicle capable of challenging even the most demanding off-road environments and racing events, like the renowned Silk Way Rally, where the Niva clinched victory during the 2024 season.
Anticipation grows around the Niva Sport as enthusiasts look forward to its release, eager to experience firsthand the fusion of tradition and innovation AVTOVAZ has pioneered with this new model.