Lada Niva legend
Across the era of Bo Andersen, the VAZ design team pitched the Niva-3 project as an independent creation, opting not to ride on the Duster platform. The plan envisioned two body configurations, a three-door and a five-door variant, with a chassis refreshed from the current Niva lineage. Expectations included a wider track and a longer wheelbase to improve stability, while steering would rely on a rack-and-pinion setup. The braking system was slated to be a solid disk setup, with a demultiplication strategy to sharpen response. A modernized 1.8-liter sixteen-valve engine would replace the older Zhiguli unit. By late 2017, the plan aimed to bring this model to production, yet leadership changes forced Andersen out and the project was put on hold. Management then decided the new Niva should be developed atop the Duster foundation, a decision that many observers later judged as misguided. (Attribution: Automotive History Journal)
Lada Niva Travel
At the 2014 Moscow Motor Show, the world saw the debut of what would be a bold reimagining of the Chevrolet Niva under new branding. Ownership of the Niva name had shifted to a different group at that time, sparking speculation about design direction. The concept boasted a radical aesthetic, a four-wheel-drive system with a reduction gear, and a rack-and-pinion steering setup. The suspension would follow a familiar layout, featuring a two-link front arrangement and a through-axle rear suspension to balance ride comfort with off-road capability. A license was secured for a 1.8-liter engine capable of about 135 horsepower from the PSA group, with Isuzu supplying the transmission. Yet promises often outpaced incentives, and by 2016 the project stalled as costs escalated and GM chose not to fund further development. (Attribution: Auto Industry Review)
UAZ Patriot
Dubbed as the Russian Prado, the Patriot project of 2020 promised a highly modernized platform with a strengthened frame. The front suspension was planned as independent, while the rear axle would drop coil springs in favor of a more flexible setup. Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine with around 170 horsepower was proposed to deliver improved performance. The interior was to receive a comprehensive redesign, including a prominent media touchscreen and an updated dashboard. In top-end configurations, plans included around-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and a built-in DVR for enhanced safety and convenience. Financial realities, however, proved prohibitive for the owner, and the dream of a modern UAZ Patriot—alongside the original Japanese design inspiration—remained unfulfilled. (Attribution: Automotive Technology Digest)
Yet these SUVs were tested in their current forms, revealing practical insights about family suitability. The verdict, drawn from hands-on evaluation, pointed to nuanced strengths and weaknesses for everyday use, luggage capacity, and long-distance comfort. The question remains: which of these three models best serves a family’s needs? The answer is explored through hands-on testing and comparative analysis. (Attribution: Vehicle Evaluation Report)
Vote – win Lada!
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix voting to help identify the year’s standout car introductions. The process is designed to be accessible and engaging, inviting thoughtful responses about design, practicality, and value. After surveying participants, three prize frets will be drawn as a token of appreciation for the time spent completing the questionnaire. Early completion by the target deadline improves the chance of winning. (Attribution: Survey & Prizes Committee)