Lada Niva Sport: the Russian SUV refuses to disappear

Believe it or not, the Lada Niva is still active on the Russian market. This Russian SUV has been on the market in its country and in several European countries for several decades. It is not one of the most reliable, but it can be considered one of the classics of the European market. Now, when it seemed to be doomed to disappear, the company that produces it, AvtoVAZ, has decided to renew the model by giving it a new version, the Lada Niva Sport.

This new variant of the Niva is not particularly spectacular, as it is very similar to the standard one. However, there are details that set it above any other version. The big novelty is the 16-valve, four-cylinder engine mounted longitudinally under the bonnet.

This new engine delivers 121 CV and 151 Nm of torque. Modest figures, but they far exceed the 82 CV and 122 Nm offered by the regular version of the model. The transmission is a five-speed manual gearbox, which helps send this power to all four wheels. This transmission features a reinforced fifth gear.

The brand indicates that sport brakes have been fitted and adjustments have been made to the suspension. This does not justify the “sporty” label the model proudly carries, but it does offer much more efficient dynamics and handling than the regular Lada.

On the outside, this variant features the Sport badge in red on the bodywork. The 16-inch alloy wheels give it a rather interesting look, together with slightly wider wheel arch extensions. At the front there are additional LED lights, and the bonnet has an air intake. The bumper is black, unlike the Urban and Black trims.

Inside, the black upholstery has red stitching to create an interesting contrast. This stitching is also present on the steering wheel, the instrument cluster, the glovebox, the gear lever and the seats. It comes equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and electrically operated external mirrors.

The brand also notes that this variant is based on the model’s version for rallies. It is not a bad model, as it recently won the Silk Way Rally Marathon transcontinental 2024. The Lada Niva Sport has taken quite a while to arrive, as its production has been delayed several times.