On December 23, 2024, the long-anticipated production of the Lada Niva Sport officially began at the AvtoVAZ facilities, under the banner of its subsidiary, Lada Sport. This new model promises to deliver enhanced performance and upgraded features, aiming to captivate both loyal customers and new buyers alike.
According to reports, the Lada Niva Sport is distinguishing itself from the traditional Niva Travel by offering a powerful 1.6-liter, 16-valve engine capable of delivering 122 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque. This is a significant jump from the previous models, which typically offered around 80-83 horsepower. Victor Levin commented, "The newly upgraded engine produces 122 horsepower compared to the old model's 80-83," underscoring the dramatic improvement. The performance parameters for acceleration off the line are expected to be substantially faster than the basic version, though specific figures have yet to be confirmed.
The focus on innovation continues with the Niva Sport featuring notable enhancements such as sport-tuned suspension and brakes. For the first time, rear disc brakes are included, promising improved stopping power. The engineering team, drawing from experiences such as the Silk Road rally, aims to deliver both speed and maneuverability.
How exactly will the assembly process work? The process includes painting the vehicle bodies at the AvtoVAZ plant, followed by the final assembly at Lada Sport. This hand-assembly approach allows for detailed craftsmanship, which is expected to lead to higher reliability and performance. "All produced vehicles will go through thorough testing for performance verification," said representatives from Lada Sport.
Initially, approximately 40 to 50 units per month are projected to roll off the production line, with expectations to ramp up to 2,000-3,000 annually. This lower volume is due to the specialized assembly process and the stringent testing procedures each vehicle will undergo before hitting the dealerships.
Pricing for the Lada Niva Sport has yet to be finalized, but estimates suggest it could range between 2 and 2.5 million rubles. This positions it significantly higher than the standard Niva models, priced between 981,000 and 1,160,000 rubles, which may impact the vehicle's appeal to current Niva enthusiasts who are accustomed to more budget-friendly options.
Lastly, the excitement surrounding this model's launch highlights its importance not just as a new vehicle, but as part of the heritage of the Niva brand, which has enjoyed decades of popularity. Auto enthusiasts have expressed hopes for the Niva Sport to address previous shortcomings of the model, particularly with respect to power and handling, offering modern features without losing the rugged essence of the vehicle.
What does this mean for the future of the Niva series? It’s clear the Lada Niva Sport aims to attract both new consumers and loyal fans by combining traditional strengths with modern performance enhancements. With all eyes on AvtoVAZ and Lada Sport, the coming months will reveal how well this new model is received and its potential impact on the brand's legacy.
