Niva Sport is the most powerful Lada

The manufacturer even promises sporty driving behaviour

Photo by: Lada

By: Javier Llorente

Jan 8, 2025 at 4:08am ET

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It is one of the cheapest off-road vehicles you can buy, and it is certainly also the oldest on the market. The Lada Niva is a Russian off-roader that was born in the 1970s of the last millennium and was also sold in Europe for many years. Now, the veteran is getting a new sports version. What can it do? For example, it will have more power than ever before.

The brand's website states that it has turned to the Lada motorsport department to improve the performance and dynamics of the model with the help of the experience gained by the brand in competition.

Gallery: Lada Niva Sport

Source: Lada

The first work will be carried out on the engine. Until now, the Niva had to make do with a naturally aspirated petrol engine with a displacement of 1.7 litres and 83 PS in conjunction with a five-speed manual gearbox, but this is now history. Instead, there is talk of a 16V engine with an output of 122 PS and a maximum torque of 151 Nm at 5,000 rpm, which is coupled to a reinforced gearbox, with the improvements also affecting the reduction gear.

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But that's not all the news, because the changes also affect important aspects of the vehicle dynamics, such as the suspension and brakes. There are also new racing accents in the interior, such as sports seats and a steering wheel with 12 o'clock markings.

At the moment, Lada has not provided any information on the availability of the new model in Russian dealerships or prices. However, considering that the conventional Niva Legend is available for the equivalent of £7,000 and the luxurious Niva Bronto from £11,500, we are sure that it will remain an affordable and interesting model. In Europe, however, we won't get our hopes up, and maybe that's for the best...