AVTOVAZ Revamps Niva for 60th Anniversary

On the day of its 60th anniversary, AVTOVAZ launched serial production of an updated version of the legendary car. The updated LADA NIVA Legend rolled off the assembly line. The legendary SUV has undergone a major upgrade.

“The old engine has been replaced with a more powerful 1.8-liter engine. For drivers, this means the car has become more responsive on the highway and more confident in mud and snow. At the same time, fuel consumption has decreased: the car now uses one liter less gasoline per 100 km,” the plant explained.

The upgrade did not only affect the engine. The plant emphasized that engineers replaced or refined more than 350 parts. The Niva now has a driver«s airbag, which was not available in the classic version.

“The brakes have become more efficient and overheat less in traffic jams. And to prevent the body from rusting from sand and stones, the most vulnerable parts of the car (hood, roof, tailgate) are now made of galvanized steel,” added AVTOVAZ.

The ergonomics inside have also changed — the lever is closer to the hand, a dust filter has appeared in the cabin, a central lock, and one key for all locks. At the same time, the design remains the same, recognizable.

While the changes have been announced, prices for the updated version are being kept secret. They will be announced closer to the start of sales.

The “old-timer” was bid farewell ceremoniously — the plant recorded a report about how the old-style Niva rolled off the assembly line. The result was even touching.

Recall that today, July 20, 2026, the auto giant is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding. How the plant that turned Tolyatti into the automotive capital of Russia was born — in our photo report.