Lada Niva Sport: the sporting evolution of the Niva Legend

The latest Lada Niva update arrives with substantial upgrades and a more dynamic character, while retaining the toughness for which it has always been known. Developed from the Niva Legend, this evolution benefits from a range of enhancements and revisions carried out by Lada Sport.

First introduced in 1977, it remains in production and has now gained a new… sporting version: welcome to the Lada Niva Sport.

Lada Niva Sport: more power under the bonnet

This is the newest development of the Niva Legend, featuring numerous changes and improvements from Lada Sport. Its most significant new feature lies under the bonnet: a 1.6-litre engine delivering 122 hp and 151 Nm replaces the former 1.7-litre unit with 83 hp.

The additional 40 hp cuts the 0–100 km/h time from 19 seconds to just 11.8 seconds - making it the new traffic-light champion… among Nivas, naturally.

The five-speed manual gearbox remains, although it has been strengthened for improved durability. The permanent four-wheel-drive system and transfer case retain almost exactly the same layout as before.

Revised suspension, brakes and bodywork

At the front, the suspension receives new springs and dampers, along with a tougher differential. The rear section, meanwhile, is almost entirely new. Replacing the previous Panhard rod is a new link system designed to improve stability, while the differential is very similar to the one used on the front axle.

Braking has also been upgraded, with 300 mm ventilated front discs and 284 mm solid rear discs sourced from the Vesta. The steering and suspension have been retuned as well and, according to the manufacturer, this delivers more stable handling, sharper road responses and fewer steering corrections through bends.

Although the body is similar to that of the Lada Niva Legend, it incorporates structural reinforcements, new mounting points and further alterations around the wheel arches and lower section.

Interestingly, the Niva Sport’s ground clearance has risen to 220 mm, partly thanks to its new 215/60 R17 tyres. It has new black bumpers with additional long-range lamps, while the under-engine protection is now made from 3 mm steel.

Greater comfort and dynamic ability

Inside, highlights include a new steering column with height adjustment, positioned more centrally in relation to the driver. The centre console features a new gear lever control and a new selector for the transfer case.

The seats have more pronounced side bolsters and improved padding. On the comfort front, there is now leather trim and a new black headlining.

Lada Sport has released a video, in Russian, explaining in detail all the work completed on the Niva Sport, which can also be seen being driven:

Expected to arrive in selected markets this year - it is highly unlikely to reach Portugal - the Niva Sport costs more than the other Niva models, with prices starting at €17,840.

This compact off-roader occupies an unusual position. It is an "old-school" 4×4 with a simple mechanical foundation, improved in the areas that matter while staying true to its origins. There are no unnecessary frills, but it is more capable of meeting the expectations that have always been placed on it.