After 50 Years, Lada Niva Finally Gets an Airbag
The iconic Russian off-roader Lada Niva has undergone a major upgrade, including a driver airbag, a new engine, and over 350 new parts.
Long-Awaited Airbag
Lada Niva, one of the most recognizable Russian off-road vehicles, has finally been equipped with a driver airbag. This change comes almost five decades after the model's initial launch and is part of a larger modernization that includes more than 350 new parts.
Technical Improvements
A key update is the new 1.8-liter eight-valve gasoline engine, whose torque has been increased to 153 Nm — 24 Nm more than before. This provides better traction and reduces fuel consumption from 9.9 to 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers. Additionally, the suspension has been revised, the transmission strengthened, and galvanized steel body parts used to improve corrosion resistance. The front brakes, steering system, gearshift mechanism, noise insulation, and climate system have also been upgraded, making the vehicle more comfortable.
Availability in Europe
Despite these improvements, the Lada Niva is not officially sold in the European Union. Due to stricter emission and safety requirements, as well as geopolitical circumstances, it can only be purchased in Europe through independent importers.
