Lada Niva Urban gets updates ahead of 2014 Moscow debut
AvtoVAZ has revealed the Lada Niva Urban, featuring comfort and cosmetic upgrades, ahead of its scheduled appearance at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show.
AvtoVAZ has taken the wraps off the Lada Niva Urban, a refreshed version of its long-running off-roader, ahead of the model’s planned public unveiling at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show in late August. The Niva Urban introduces several comfort and styling features aimed at making the utilitarian 4x4 more appealing for urban use, while maintaining its familiar mechanical underpinnings.
Comfort and cosmetic upgrades
The Niva Urban’s updates focus on features that bring the model closer to a modern city car without sacrificing its off-road roots. The most visible changes are the new body-coloured plastic bumpers and a revised radiator grille, which give the Niva a less utilitarian look. AvtoVAZ has also fitted a curved rear wiper and added more sound deadening material to improve refinement inside the cabin.
For the first time, the Niva comes with factory-fitted air conditioning and power windows. These changes are aimed at buyers who want the Niva’s ruggedness but expect a minimum level of comfort for daily use. The mechanical specification remains unchanged, with the same 1.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 81hp (60kW) at 5,000rpm, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and three differentials for genuine off-road capability.
Performance and market position
Despite the new features, the Niva Urban’s performance figures are unchanged. The 0 to 100km/h sprint takes 22 seconds and the top speed is 137km/h. These numbers reflect the car’s priority on durability and off-road ability over outright speed. The Niva Urban continues to offer permanent four-wheel drive, low-range gearing and a robust chassis, which have kept it popular in Russia and export markets for nearly four decades.
AvtoVAZ’s decision to keep the Niva in production after 37 years, and to invest in a comfort-focused version, signals continued demand for the model’s unique combination of simplicity and capability. The Urban variant is expected to appeal to buyers who want a classic Niva with a less spartan driving experience. Further details, including pricing and market availability, are due to be announced at the Moscow show.
Niva’s international identity
In some export markets, the Niva has been renamed the Lada Taiga. The Urban’s upgrades may also reach these markets, though AvtoVAZ has not confirmed details for international versions. For more on the Niva’s international branding, see Lada Niva renamed Lada Taiga in international markets.
