On July 13, AVTOVAZ announced the restart of Niva Legend SUV assembly in Tolyatti. The model was back on the production line in an anti-crisis configuration that omitted ABS and ERA-GLONASS. At the same time, a small-scale version of the Niva Bronto remains delayed. Reports from Avtograd News indicate the Bronto’s return is pushed into the near future as rescheduling unfolds.
The Bronto variant, renowned for its enhanced off-road capabilities, is not produced directly by AVTOVAZ. Instead, it is assembled at a VIS-Auto subsidiary. The latest update suggests that only a single SUV in a simplified configuration has left the VIS-Auto plant so far. This unit, lacking ABS and ERA-GLONASS, was sent to a testing site in Dmitrov to undergo certification and verification processes.
Key features of Niva Bronto emphasize rugged capability: differential locks on the axle, reinforced suspension and chassis, off-road tires, sculpted fender arches, a strengthened body, and protective arch extensions made from plastic or rubber in more affordable trims. The distinctive front mask remains a hallmark of the model, signaling its off-road character even before it hits the road in earnest.
Industry forecasts suggest that the resumption of Bronto production is not expected to occur before the autumn of this year. In the meantime, VIS-Auto faces additional hurdles. A source notes that for Granta-based vans produced by the company, there is a shortage of new steering wheels without airbags—an issue also seen on the main AVTOVAZ conveyor with the standard Granta line.
- Regarding the base Niva Legend SUV, plans call for assembling roughly 2,000 units by July.
- Further details can be found on the Odnoklassniki platform under the tag “Behind the Wheel.”