AvtoVAZ Resumes SUV Production with Euro-5 Engines and ABS
AvtoVAZ confirms the restart of production for two iconic SUVs, the Lada Niva Legend and Niva Travel, now equipped with anti-lock braking systems and engines compliant with the Euro-5 environmental standard. The move marks a renewed commitment to modern safety and lower emissions across its SUV lineup.
The refreshed models bring back ABS and emissions-control systems that align with Euro-5 requirements. According to the AvtoVAZ press service, the calibrations and engine control units were developed domestically in Russia, reinforcing the company’s engineering capabilities and its leadership in automotive technology within the region.
Prior to resuming production, the Euro-5 compliant SUVs underwent a comprehensive testing program. This included mountain road evaluations to verify performance under steep ascents and declines, electromagnetic compatibility checks to ensure reliable operation in environments with strong electronic interference, and tests across a broad range of operating temperatures to confirm durability in real-world climates.
ABS and Euro-5 functionality will be available across all trim levels of both the Niva Legend and Niva Travel. Pricing for the Niva Legend variant with Euro-5 starts at 927,500 rubles, while the Niva Travel variant begins at 1.2 million rubles, offering customers a modernized option in the familiar SUV family.
Industry observers note the strategic timing of these updates as part of AvtoVAZ’s broader plan to modernize its product line while maintaining the rugged appeal that has defined the Niva models for decades. The company continues to emphasize domestic development and manufacturing capabilities as it navigates evolving regulatory standards and market demands. Meanwhile, speculation has arisen about new projects following the Lada Iskra, with Maxim Sokolov, previously the president of AvtoVAZ, signaling potential additional production milestones in the near term.