Last week, the premiere of the updated LADA Niva Travel took place at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The car received not only a new front-end design, but also a more powerful 90-horsepower 1.8-liter engine. Kirill Mileshkin, a reviewer for "Behind the Wheel" magazine, shared his impressions of how these changes affected the car.
The new engine resembles the old "eight-valve" from Lada Granta. It produces 90 horsepower, but its working volume has been increased by changing the piston stroke. As a result, traction at low and medium speeds has improved, which the Niva has lacked throughout its history.
According to AvtoVAZ, the new 90-horsepower engine provides 80% of torque already at 1000 rpm. It has unique intake, exhaust, cooling and fuel supply systems. In total, the design includes more than 50 modernized elements.
AvtoVAZ emphasized that the new engine has improved the vibro-acoustic comfort of the LADA Niva Travel. The SUV's power has increased by 7 horsepower, and the maximum torque has increased by 24 Nm. The new engine also turned out to be more economical than the previous 83-horsepower one: its fuel consumption decreased by 3-30% depending on driving style.
The transmission was adapted for the 90-horsepower engine, which made it even more reliable. A new anti-roll bar appeared in the suspension, which improved handling and ride smoothness. Ventilated brake discs and non-adjustable bearings in the front hubs have improved the car's safety and the durability of its chassis.
Mass production of the updated LADA Niva Travel will start in the fourth quarter of 2025. In early 2026, the LADA Niva Legend with a 90-horsepower engine will roll off the assembly line.
Read materials on the topic:
New Lada Niva Legend in Germany turned out to be twice as expensive as in Russia
Lada Niva Travel will receive a new 1.8-liter 90-horsepower engine earlier than Lada Niva Legend
With a huge body and a comfortable interior: AvtoVAZ will radically change the Lada Niva Travel
