AVTOVAZ has started shipping updated Lada Niva Legend production vehicles to its dealer network, the plant's press service confirmed. Serial production of the modernized SUV began on July 20. Sales are scheduled to start at the end of August, and the cars are already appearing in the LADA press fleet.
The main change is the new 1.8-liter engine with 90 hp, already familiar from the Niva Travel. The maximum torque has been increased by 24 N·m, with 80% of the thrust available from 1000 rpm. For the first time in the model's history, a driver's front airbag has appeared, located in the steering wheel. The body has received partial double-sided hot galvanizing: the hood, roof, radiator grille panel, and rear tailgate have been treated.
The chassis, braking system (front discs are now ventilated), gearbox and transfer case drive, and engine cooling system have also been updated. Central locking, a cabin filter, an air intake cover on the hood, and 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels have appeared. In total, the design includes more than 100 new and over 60 modernized parts and assemblies.
According to blogger KhaDM, the "Lux" version with steel bumpers will cost 1.29 million rubles, but the plant has not officially confirmed the price. He also denied rumors of a large tablet in the cabin: production cars will receive a standard front panel, and the tablet is an additional dealer option.
Earlier, AVTOVAZ stated that the Niva Legend would retain its status as the most affordable new car with permanent all-wheel drive on the Russian market.