The Lada Azimut is the all-new Russian SUV with a completely new design: a surprise from a brand anchored in the past

When it comes to Lada, everyone knows it is a brand that has been anchored in the past and that has only one model to offer, the Niva. This will be renewed soon and will move slightly closer to the 21st century, although in a somewhat tangential way. We have already talked about this update in another article, but today we are going to talk about a new model that will arrive in 2026.

It is the Lada Azimut, a model that has emerged from the design studios of AvtoVAZ, Lada’s parent company. The model is an SUV that aims to be affordable and has been designed following the lines that tend to appeal to Europeans. The price of this model could be around 29,000 euros, although some of the versions may reach 35,000 euros.

A simple but pleasant exterior

For the exterior design, Lada has opted for a look that could recall models such as the Dacia Duster or the Bigster. A simple yet attractive vehicle. It is the first model to emerge from the brand after the departure of Renault from the alliance, so it has become a fairly anticipated model in the Russian market.

The new model is built on the same platform that gave shape to the Vesta saloon, which was launched in 2015. It measures 4.42 metres in length and has a wheelbase of 2.68 metres. This gives it a good size for getting around the city and offers a spacious interior to comfortably accommodate five occupants.

The front offers a fairly contemporary look, with the X-shaped design we already know from other models in the brand. The headlights are integrated into the grille and create an interesting visual impression. The 18-inch wheels sit under pronounced wheel arches, and a two-tone body has been chosen. At the rear we find a line of LED lights running across the full width of the SUV and decorative elements that simulate aluminium.

Inside, sobriety dominates the cabin. Two 10-inch screens have been fitted, one for the instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system. The latter features voice recognition and a navigation system. Both are developed by the Russian companies Sber and Navio.

The sound system has six speakers, and it comes equipped with a rear-view camera and keyless entry. Other equipment is available as an option. The panoramic roof, a dual-zone climate control system, the electric tailgate and optional peripheral vision cameras can be added on request.

A driving mode selector has also been included, with one mode dedicated to off-road driving.

Non-electrified engines

As far as the engines are concerned, for the time being it will only be available with petrol engines, with no electrification. It will be offered with three engines: a 1.6-litre producing 120 CV; a 1.8-litre delivering 132 CV and a 1.5-litre turbo offering 150 CV.

It will have front-wheel drive, and the chassis has been modified with around 1,000 new components and elements to improve the available technology.

An SUV above the rest of Lada’s models

The price of this SUV will be the highest of any model from the brand. For comparison, the Lada Niva Legend costs around 12,000 euros at current exchange rates; the Lada Niva Travel, around 15,300 euros, and the Vesta saloon costs between 14,500 and 25,000 euros. So this new model will become the most expensive, but also the best equipped and the most modern. That said, it does not seem likely to be able to leave Russia given the current situation in the country.