- AvtoVAZ has introduced an updated Lada Niva Legend.
- The classic 4×4 gains 100 new and 60 modernized parts.
- It was joined by the new Azimum SUV and an Iskra racecar.
Most cars built in 1977 are now either museum pieces or rust. The Lada Niva is neither. Anyone expecting Avtovaz to finally retire the classic model after nearly 50 years has misjudged both the company and the market it serves. Instead, the Russian automaker has rolled out a reworked version of its venerable SUV. It looks much as it always has, but underneath sit a raft of modernized components, including a new engine.
The refreshed Niva Legend made its debut at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, sharing floor space with the production-ready Azimut SUV and a classic VAZ-2101 sedan. Avtovaz was stingy with the photography, however, so the full picture waits until the official launch, which is penciled in for later this year.
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The Niva’s boxy outline has barely moved since 1977, the lone concession being the modernized bumpers it received in the 2020 facelift. The 2026 update is similarly restrained. There are fresh 16-inch wheels in a two-tone finish and a black vent protruding from the hood, and that is about the extent of what the eye can catch.
Rust-Free Body And Improved Interior
While the timeless exterior design is carried over, the front end, hood, roof, tailgate, and rear apron of the Niva Legend are now made of double-sized galvanized steel. The payoff is better durability in rough conditions and, more usefully for a car of this vintage, a body that finally resists rust.
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Inside, the headline addition is a steering wheel borrowed from the Lada Granta sedan, which brings a driver airbag to the Niva for the very first time. The ignition switch has moved to the right side, the gearshift lever sits closer to the driver, and the transfer case is now worked by a single lever. Photos from the event also reveal a large infotainment display perched on the center console.
A huge event at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum: the innovative Lada Niva Legend was unveiled. The SUV has received a new steering wheel with an airbag, a modern infotainment system with a large display, and a redesigned center console. The main technical upgrade… pic.twitter.com/I7v8cBDwpG
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝕯𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝕯𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱△ 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇲🇬🇷 (@TheDeadDistrict) June 3, 2026
Sound insulation has been improved too, alongside a modern heating and A/C system that now includes a cabin filter. That filter is the reason for the new hood intake, which is there to improve ventilation. The Niva also gains central locking and a single key for the doors and ignition, proof that old dogs can learn new tricks.
New Engine With More Power And Torque
The old 1.7-liter unit makes way for a slightly larger 1.8-liter 8-valve engine pulled from the Niva Travel. It produces 89 hp (66 kW / 90 PS) and 153 Nm (113 lb-ft) of torque, gains of 7 hp (5 kW) and 24 Nm (18 lb-ft) over the old motor. It also delivers 80% of its torque from just 1,000 rpm and trims fuel consumption by 3-30% compared to its predecessor.
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Beyond the new heart, Lada has “modernized” the Niva Legend’s suspension. The anti-roll bar has moved forward, which the company says improves both handling and comfort, while ventilated discs sharpen up the braking.
All told, Lada claims the Niva Legend picks up more than 100 new and 60 updated parts and assemblies, improving every one of its technical characteristics. Production is being prepared now, with pricing to follow at a later date.
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The refresh lands just after leaked patent filings in mid-May 2026 exposed a possible modern successor. Lada has yet to confirm a new Niva is in development, so for now the only evidence is fleeting glimpses of prototypes inside its facilities.
Fancy A Lada Racecar?
At the same event, Lada handed motorsport fans a look at its latest track machines, the Vesta TCR and the new Iskra TMS. The latter was developed by TMS Motorsport with AvtoVAZ for a low-budget, single-make racing series set to launch in 2027.
The track-only version of the sedan is dressed with custom bumpers, wide fender extensions, and a rear a spoiler looking significantly sportier than the previous motorsport-ready iteration. It also features a roll cage, racing alloy wheels and a modified suspension setup.
Under the hood lies a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed sequential manual transmission.
