New Lada Niva takes shape
Suzuki Jimny watch out! Enduring Russian off-roader gets new lease on lifeEarlier this year, Renault announced it was developing a new-generation Lada Niva, a stocky little Russian 4x4 off-roader whose agricultural design hasn’t changed since the mid-1970s.
While the new model won’t make its global premiere until 2024, Russian designer Nikita Chucko via website Kolesa.ru has come up with this render of how it might look.
Not unlike the latest-generation Suzuki Jimny and Land Rover Defender, the new Lada Niva has a modern edge to its design while keeping enough of the original’s retro imagery to keep traditionalists happy.
As the original teaser images revealed, the new-generation Niva has a chunky, blocky design incorporating stylised LED headlight clusters along with a bash plate and twin tow hooks at the front.
The latest render fleshes out the design, which includes a short five-door body and some carryover design quirks, such as the three indentations on the SUV’s rear C-pillar.
Expected to be based on Renault’s modular CMF-B platform and drawing from any number of powertrains from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the new Lada Niva will likely be offered with small petrol and diesel powertrains initially, to ensure affordability.
Given the current model is offered with up to three diffs (front, centre and rear), the new Niva is tipped to get more than just a rudimentary part-time AWD set-up, benefiting from a range of electronic off-road systems to improve grip in sand and mud.
A dual-range gearbox also understood to be under consideration.
At this stage, it’s unlikely the new Lada Niva will be offered in Australia or even in right-hand drive, but it can’t be ruled out just yet.
It’s not clear if the new model will be offered in both three-door and five-door body styles, or whether it will mimic the Jimny with ute versions as well.
But retro-themed vehicles with a strong heritage – the Ford Bronco among them – are becoming increasingly popular as buyers look for something different to drive.
As these vehicles continue to capture the imagination of new car buyers, the Lada Niva could stage a triumphant return to market in 2024.
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