AvtoVAZ is moving ahead with a modernization plan for the Niva Legend, aiming to elevate its performance with two fresh engine options. In a recent interview with Parliamentskaya Gazeta, the company’s chief, Maxim Sokolov, outlined the strategy and the expected gains for the iconic model.
The plan centers on introducing a new 106 horsepower engine for a specific production batch of the Niva Legend, while a sportier variant will receive a 126 horsepower sixteen valve engine. These new powerplants are expected to bring notable improvements in the car’s performance, offering faster response and stronger on-road dynamics without altering the overall character of the vehicle. Sokolov emphasized that the updates would make the Niva Legend quicker off the line and more capable in everyday driving, aligning with buyers who value a blend of rugged capability and modern performance.
According to the company, the acceleration of the Lada Niva Legend from a standstill to 100 km per hour is projected to drop from about 19 seconds to roughly 12 seconds. This shift would mark a substantial enhancement in urban usability and highway stretch, delivering a more confident driving experience for owners who often navigate mixed terrains and varying speed limits.
In December 2022, AvtoVAZ halted the development of a next generation Lada Niva SUV. The decision, as explained by Maxim Sokolov, was connected to sanctions affecting the supply of critical components. The envisioned new Niva was to be built on the Renault CMF-B platform, a basis that promised modernity while preserving the brand’s rugged appeal. There was an initial plan to bring the new model to the conveyor by 2024, but external constraints shifted the timeline. The pause underscored the impact of global geopolitical and economic factors on vehicle development in the region while the company continued to explore resilient production strategies for its enduring lineup.
Looking ahead, industry observers noted that AvtoVAZ might also adjust the recommended retail prices for Lada vehicles starting in March 2023. The pricing discussion reflected broader market dynamics, including supply chain pressures, currency fluctuations, and the ongoing need to balance affordability with the incorporation of updated technology and safety features. Consumers in both Canada and the United States markets are watching carefully as the company recalibrates its offerings, seeks competitive positioning, and iterates on product lines that appeal to a diverse set of buyers who demand value, reliability, and a touch of modern engineering in compact, capable vehicles. In this evolving landscape, the Niva Legend’s updates could help widen its appeal beyond traditional markets, inviting new customers to consider a vehicle that combines proven off-road capability with refreshed powertrain options and updated performance benchmarks. [Source: Parliamentskaya Gazeta]