The production of a new Niva has begun in Tolyatti

Production of the upgraded Lada Niva Legend has begun at AvtoVAZ, the Izvestia correspondent reports from Tolyatti on July 20.

The car received a new gasoline engine, a 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 90 hp (153 Nm), which previously appeared under the hood of the Niva Travel. Production of the Niva with the previous 1.7-liter engine was discontinued a few days ago.

The new unit is more powerful than the previous one and more heavy-duty. At the same time, its average fuel consumption is almost a liter less than that of its predecessor, said Leonid Orlov, Director of Products and Programs at AvtoVAZ.

The updated Lada Niva Legend received a front-mounted driver's airbag and a tilt-adjustable steering column. For the first time in almost half a century of Niva's history, its body has become galvanized (radiator cladding panel, hood, roof, exterior and interior panels of the rear folding door and exterior rear panel), and additional power elements have appeared in its design.

"The car has received more than 350 new parts and components," said Orlov.

To reduce noise and vibration, the five-speed manual transmission of the machine has upgraded gears with a modified tooth shape. In addition, due to the backstage gearshift mechanism, the gearbox lever is positioned 10 cm closer to the driver — the owners of the Niva will not have to reach for it to turn on the third and fifth speeds. The mechanism for turning off the all—wheel drive and downshift began to be activated with one lever - the "stockade" of switches disappeared from the central tunnel.

The car also received a single key and a central lock, ventilated front brake discs, an upgraded front suspension with a forward-facing stabilizer bar and an improved engine cooling system.

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The classic Niva has passed the next stage of modernization

On July 14, AvtoVAZ announced more powerful engines of the new generation. The new 1.6 and 1.8 liter engines will be used for the Azimut crossover, as well as for the Lada Iskra and Lada Vesta models.