The LADA Niva, one of the longest-running off-road models, is getting its biggest update in nearly 50 years. For 2027, this Russian classic adds its first-ever driver airbag along with a new, slightly larger gasoline engine. While these changes mark a step forward, the Niva remains largely unchanged outside with limited modern safety features.
New Safety Feature and Revised Components
AvtoVAZ, the maker of the LADA Niva, says the 2027 model includes over 350 new or redesigned parts. The biggest safety upgrade is the introduction of a driver airbag for the first time since the model’s launch in the late 1970s. This addition has required strengthening the vehicle’s body structure. However, the Niva still lacks modern driver aids like autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist, which have been mandatory in Europe since 2024.
Other updates include ventilated front brakes and refreshed springs and shock absorbers. The steering wheel has a smaller, more ergonomic design, and key body panels—such as the hood, roof, rear doors, and bumpers—now use double-sided galvanized steel to better resist corrosion, a known issue for earlier versions.
New Engine and Mechanical Tweaks
The original 1.7-litre petrol engine is replaced with a 1.8-litre, 8-valve unit borrowed from the Niva Travel model. This engine produces 90 horsepower and 153 Nm of torque. Importantly, the torque curve offers 80% of its maximum from just 1,000 rpm, which is helpful for serious off-road situations requiring steady pulling power at low engine speeds.
AvtoVAZ also reports fuel consumption improvements, dropping from 9.9 to 9.0 litres per 100 km on average, depending on driving style. Alongside the engine swap, the intake, exhaust, cooling, and fuel systems have been updated. The engine cooling fans are now placed behind the radiator to improve reliability.
One notable change to the drivetrain is the switch from a dual-lever to a single-lever transfer case control, simplifying use in difficult terrain.
Legacy and Market Impact
These updates come ahead of the Niva’s 50th anniversary in 2027. Despite its ageing design, AvtoVAZ intends to continue producing the model. This engine revision marks only the third major powertrain update since 1993. The Niva remains a symbol of Russian off-road durability and retains popularity outside Russia.
However, the updated Niva will still not meet European Union standards for emissions and active safety, effectively barring its sales in the EU. The last official European imports stopped in 2019 due to these regulations, and neither the airbag nor the new engine allows a return to that market.
Current Russian pricing ranges approximately from €11,900 for the base Classic trim to €13,600 for the Selva Negra special edition. European buyers interested in the Niva will have to rely on independent importers as official sales remain closed.
Overall, the LADA Niva 2027 update shows how this long-serving 4×4 continues to evolve slowly, especially focusing on durability and basic safety rather than modern technology or emissions compliance.
Source: motor.es