The Russian automaker AvtoVAZ is moving ahead with a modernization of the Lada Niva lineup. Plans call for a new, more torquey 1.8-liter engine to replace the current 1.7-liter unit, with installation expected to begin in the coming year. Alongside the powertrain upgrade, the company aims to roll out the first Niva sport variants by the close of the year, signaling a renewed cadence for the model family.
Officials have not specified which Niva variant will receive the new engine—Legend or Travel—since both currently rely on a 1.7-liter powerplant. The upgrade is being pursued as a broad upgrade across the Niva range, rather than targeted to a single trim line, with the emphasis on improving performance and drivability across the board.
As part of the modernization, the Lada Niva Legend has adopted LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The new lighting system offers greater reliability and longer service life compared with traditional incandescent lamps. The daytime running lights are brighter by about 50 percent, while the adjacent side lights show roughly a 2.5-fold increase in brightness. In addition, the use of LEDs contributes to a more efficient balance of energy consumption within the vehicle’s electrical system.
LED DRLs are available across all Niva Legend trim levels except for the basic Classic version. The upgrade price starts at around 7,000 rubles. This lighting enhancement is part of a broader modernization program for the model, and the car is also expected to feature electric headlight range control to optimize beam pattern with varying speeds and loads.
Earlier announcements mentioned a version called Niva Sport, though no official production start date has been disclosed. The focus remains on delivering the updated Legend lines and preparing for the engine modernization in the near term, with the broader Niva lineup slated for continued refinement and updated features for customers in markets worldwide.