Editing Lada Niva (section)

==History==

===Prototypes and testing===
The Niva was described by its designers as a "[[Renault 5]] put on a [[Land Rover]] chassis".<ref>{{cite web|title=A quick look at the Lada Niva|url=http://ranwhenparked.net/2011/10/14/a-quick-look-at-the-lada-niva/|publisher=Ran When Parked|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114124608/http://ranwhenparked.net/2011/10/14/a-quick-look-at-the-lada-niva/|archive-date=14 January 2012|date=14 October 2011|access-date=3 January 2012}}</ref> Development began in 1971 after the [[24th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union|24th Congress of the CPSU]], in which [[Alexei Kosygin]] (the then-[[Premier of the Soviet Union]]) gave the designers at VAZ and [[AZLK]] the task of creating a car suitable for rural areas (specifically for the villagers and farmers of the Soviet Union), since the usual [[Zhiguli (car brand)|Zhiguli]], [[Moskvitch]], and [[ZAZ Zaporozhets|Zaporozhets]], intended primarily for ordinary people, were not much of use in the isolated areas that made up a large part of the USSR. In the same year, a team of VAZ designers led by Solovyev began competing with AZLK to work on a "civilized" four-wheel drive vehicle.<ref>Thompson, Andy. ''Cars of the Soviet Union'' (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.180.</ref> The new car was partly inspired by the [[IZh]]-14 prototype of 1974.<ref>Thompson, pp.185–186.</ref> It was VAZ's first model that was not based on [[Fiat]], though many of its mechanics were carried over from the earlier [[Fiat 124]]- or [[Fiat 125|125]]-based Zhiguli models (mostly the VAZ-2103 and 2106); the body, four-wheel drive system, and front suspension were all designed by VAZ. The first prototype appeared in 1971 and was officially designated the E-2121<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Tri vrata 4x4. LADA "NIVA" (2121) – živa legenda|url=https://marshalinstrument.ru/hr/tuning/trehdvernaya-lada-4h4-lada-niva-2121-zhivaya-legenda-proverennyi-vremenem/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=marshalinstrument.ru}}</ref> and nicknamed ''krokodil'' (the [[crocodile]]) due to its distinctive frontal section, but was rejected for being too utilitarian, so doors and a [[hardtop]] were added. This version (designated the 2E-2121)<ref name="auto"/> debuted in 1973 and deviated from the off-road vehicles of the period, as it used a modern [[hatchback]] body.<ref name="Thompson, p.187">Thompson, p.187.</ref> The design choice was inspired by the prototype known as the VAZ-1101 (itself derived from the [[Fiat 127]]), and was created by designer Valery Pavlovitch.<ref name="Thompson, p.187"/>

The influence of the Fiat 127 is obvious from the Niva's distinctive "clamshell" hood design and its rear three-quarter section. The 1974 prototype (designated the VAZ-2121M) was derived from an existing model, the [[VAZ-2103]] (then the newest model in VAZ arsenal). It used the VAZ-2103's 1,452 cc engine and shared some of its features, like [[chrome plating|chrome-plated]] bumpers, headlights and taillights, instruments, seats, and steering wheel. In the following year, two samples of the prototype were modified to install a 1,478 cc UZAM-412 engine,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Автомодельное бюро: ВАЗ-2121М "Моська"|url=http://denisovets.ru/vaz/vazpages/vaz3e2121moska.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=denisovets.ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ВАЗ-2121М (Моська): Почему "Нива" с двигателем от Москвича не добралась до конвейера – Daily-Motor|date=26 January 2020|url=https://daily-motor.ru/autonews/69928|access-date=2021-10-11|language=ru-RU}}</ref> which originally powered the [[Moskvich 412|Moskvich 1500]]. Testing later revealed that the engine was incompatible with the newly designed car. The Moskvich engine was abandoned, and the older engine was reused. The 1974 prototype (2121M) was ready to be mass-produced in 1975, but the appearance of the new [[VAZ-2106]] at the end of the year resulted in a delay because the company wanted to develop another prototype based on the model in 1976, which became the sixth and final (serial production) prototype.

Before its production, the Niva was tested over a period of years by a team led by Vadim Kotlyarov in the most difficult terrain of the Soviet Union, such as the [[Ural Mountains]] and [[Siberia]], the deserts of the [[Kazakh SSR]], and the [[Pamir Mountains]] in the [[Tajik SSR]], where it was compared with its military counterpart, the [[UAZ-469]], and some Western off-road vehicles—the British-made [[Land Rover Series]] and the [[Range Rover Classic]].<ref name="youtube.com">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/DEXzvNsecFI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20191204173444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEXzvNsecFI Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEXzvNsecFI| title = Автомобиль "Нива". Легендарный советский внедорожник. HD remastering | website=[[YouTube]]| date = 5 August 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211011102129/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v9-RXT6KMI| archive-date = 2021-10-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v9-RXT6KMI| title = YouTube, a Google company | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Its off-road capabilities were demonstrated for the very first time, which were based on its effective permanent four-wheel drive system featuring a [[transfer case]] and central [[differential lock]], with the combination of a short wheelbase (only 2,2m), relatively low weight (just over a ton), independent front suspension, small dimensions (3,74×1,68 m), and high [[ground clearance]] (about 265&nbsp;mm). Its large but narrow wheels (175/80-R16 in dimensions), originally featuring domestically designed "Voltyre" VLI-5 high-tread tires, offered relatively strong ground pressure, which lowered the chances of slipping or getting bogged down off-road. For example, in the 1973 and 1974 trials, the Niva climbed a 58% slope<!-- Is this supposed to be degrees instead of percent? -->, and crossed {{convert|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} of water and {{convert|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} of mud and snow.<ref name="Thompson, p.187" /> Solovyev died the following year and was replaced by engineer Pyotr Prusov, who took credit for creating the car.

In 1976, the final prototype appeared. The engine was changed to a {{convert|1568|cc|cid|abbr=on}} one, the most powerful engine in VAZ during the Soviet era, taken from their VAZ-2106 (from which the production model of the first Niva generation was generally derived). Like the previous prototype, it featured a permanent four-wheel drive and a transfer case with a lockable central differential.<ref name="Thompson, p.187" /> The VAZ prototype displayed better design and real-world performance than its AZLK counterpart, the Moskvitch 416, so it was approved for production in March of the same year, after the [[25th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union|25th Congress of the CPSU]]. The car was named Niva 1600 (Field) for exports and the VAZ-2121 (alternatively "Niva 2121" or "VAZ Niva") for the domestic market.<ref name="Thompson, p.187" /> For domestic customers, it was described as "[a] high-speed car with the improved capabilities and comfort of all VAZ models,"<ref name="youtube.com"/> and also as "[a] combination of the speed and comfort of a Zhiguli with the capabilities of a UAZ."<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/fkLsb2fT36A Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211011102127/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkLsb2fT36A Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkLsb2fT36A| title = Первая партия "Нив" будет выпущена к 25 съезду КПСС | website=[[YouTube]]| date = 29 November 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Production began the following year on 5 April 1977, while the first export models appeared in 1978 at the [[Paris Motor Show|Paris Motor Salon]] and quickly took over at least 40% of Europe's market for four-wheel drive vehicles,<ref name="Thompson, p.187" /> making it Lada's top-selling export.<ref>Thompson, p.caption.</ref> It was the only Soviet car that was ever sold in Japan, starting from the early 1980s. Because of export demand and the higher priority given to exports, domestic customers faced long wait times, despite the car being developed primarily for Soviet citizens.<ref name="Thompson, p.187" />

===Design===
[[File:Lada Taiga 4x4 1.7i (53222891595).jpg|thumbnail|Current model in production, the Lada Niva 1.7i three-door [[hatchback]]]]
The original Niva has a naturally aspirated 1.6-L [[overhead cam|overhead-cam]] [[Straight-4|four-cylinder]] petrol engine producing {{convert|56|kW|hp|abbr=on}} and 126&nbsp;N·m (93&nbsp;lb·ft) at 5,000 rpm, a four-speed [[manual transmission]], and a full-time four-wheel drive. The drive system uses three differentials: center, front, and rear. The transfer case involves a high/low range selector lever and another to lock the central differential. Like usual gear shifting, both of the aforementioned features naturally require the use of clutch to be properly selected. However, while the central differential can usually be locked while in motion, the transfer case cannot and requires a complete stop. The original Niva has a maximum speed of {{convert|81|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Thompson, p.187"/>

[[Coil spring]]s are located at each of the four wheels, and the [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] is independent in front, whereas the rear axle is a five-link live-type, with ratios between 3.90 and 4.30 depending on the model and market. Ground clearance is {{convert|235|mm|in|abbr=on}}, and go as far as {{convert|510|mm|in|abbr=on}} deep in water.

The brakes are [[Servomechanism|servo]]-assisted dual-circuit style and the [[clutch]] is [[hydraulic]]. The turning circle is 36.25&nbsp;ft. Cargo space is {{convert|0.48|m3|ft3|abbr=on}}, or {{convert|1.33|m3|ft3|abbr=on}} with the rear seats folded down and, like the classic Zhiguli, the front seats can be set up to make two [[berth (sleeping)|berths]]. A spare tire can be stored in the engine bay under the bonnet.
[[File:Lada Niva 5 Door Wagon.jpg|thumb|left|Five-door [[station wagon]] (VAZ-2131) in Cuba]]
Additional equipment for the basic model was similar to other [[Lada]] and [[Eastern Bloc]] cars of the period; it included headlight wipers, a rear fog lamp, a right external mirror (for domestic units until the end of the 1980s), rear seat belts, a rear window wiper, a rear window heater, and a radio set. On the Niva 1.7 or VAZ-21213 from 1994, all of the above features except headlight wipers and the rear fog lamp (which were discontinued) became default and [[automobile air conditioning|air conditioning]], an [[antilock braking system]], and a [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] [[servomotor]] for the [[steering column]] were made optional, although they became standard equipment on the newest models.

Foreign (usually Western) local Lada importers often offered their own additional equipment before buying the car, such as front and rear [[bullbar|bull bars]] and [[anti-roll bar|roll bars]], side [[rocker panel|rocker rails]], roof rails, a [[winch]], fender plastics, additional headlights for front bumper and for roof rails, and aftermarket aluminium rims, which can be often seen mounted on many Nivas.[[File:Lada niva T3 rally mims.JPG|thumb|Lada Niva T3 Rally]]

The existing model was slightly restyled during first half of the 1980s when VAZ discontinued the VAZ-2103 (which had slowly been replaced by the VAZ-2106 since 1975). Due to high prices and production complexity, some of the [[chrome plating|chrome-plated]] elements disappeared in later models, such as the chrome-plated [[Grille (car)|mask]] and [[rocker panel]] edges. Other elements were changed, such as the side mirrors, which became black metallic. The background of the front Lada badge was changed from red to white (and later black on the new model) on all models. The side rear [[retroreflector]]s (or turn signals on some models, depending on market) were replaced by Lada (left) and Niva (right) labels, and the rear [[mudflap]]s received the brand logo. For easier access to certain areas of the engine compartment, the window washer reservoir was moved from the left to the right section of the compartment (right in front of the battery). The interior was only minimally changed, along with some minor changes to the [[dashboard|instrument panel]] and choke knob.

Pre-1985 models are visually recognized by the aforementioned details, and are rare today (almost nonexistent in a well-preserved condition), so they are highly valued by various collectors of [[classic car]]s. A mint-condition 1980 unit in Russia reached a price of five million [[Russian ruble|RUB]] and ultimately sold for 3,2 million in 2016<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-02-01|title=Капсула времени: ВАЗ-2121 "Нива" 1980–го года с пробегом 200 км — DRIVE2|url=https://www.drive2.ru/b/2733670/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.drive2.ru|language=ru}}</ref> (approximately €38,570 or $44,570), which remains the most expensive Niva ever sold.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The VAZ-2121 Niva or Lada Niva 1600 was in production until 1993 (it existed in parallel production with the new model until the end of 1993) when the newer and more powerful four-cylinder petrol engine was introduced, replacing the previously used VAZ-2106 engine. The standard [[Weber carburetor]] was replaced by a single-point [[fuel injection]] initially supplied by General Motors on the 21214/1.7i model, and an improved [[Solex Carburetor|Solex]] carburetor on the 21213/1.7 model. The transmission was changed from four to five speeds, [[distributor|mechanical ignition]] was replaced, and the electronics and [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] received some relatively minor changes. The [[exhaust system]] was also slightly redesigned, and on newer models, the [[drive shaft]]s received [[homokinetic joint]]s.

On the exterior, the rear section of the body was redesigned with the tailgate extended and license plate on it. These changes prompted new vertical taillights that replaced the former VAZ-2106 horizontal ones and the [[VAZ-2102]] chromed tailgate knob, which was replaced by a simple plastic handle. On the newest models, the old hand-adjustable, square black-metallic (previously chrome-plated) side mirrors, which originated from the VAZ-2103 were replaced with larger plastic ones that could be automatically adjusted.. The previous front Lada badge was replaced with the larger [[ellipsoid]] design. The Fiat 125 chrome-plated doorknobs are still present, though they are plastic on the newest models. Although the rest of the exterior has remained generally unchanged (except for the Lada 4×4 Urban and Bronto), the interior was almost completely redesigned and shares only a few interchangeable parts with the previous one: the archaic partially chrome-plated VAZ-2106 steering wheel was replaced with the more modern and thick one from the [[Lada Riva|VAZ-2107]] and later, even newer models, as well as its VAZ-2103/2106 instruments, which were replaced with the dashboard from the [[Lada Samara|VAZ-21099]]. The black artificial leather seats that originated from the VAZ-2106 were replaced by higher, more modern ones from the VAZ-2108, with the front surface made of polyester, while the rear seat was improved for easier folding. The Fiat 124 swiveling windows from the side doors disappeared and were replaced with air conditioning, which was installed with the [[Anti-block system|ABS]] and servomotor for the [[steering column]] as additional equipment on request, while the headlight wipers and rear fog lamp disappeared. It received completely new front and door panels (with interior door knobs relocated above the hand rests instead of under like on previous generation), various plastics and even new floor mats. The [[crank (mechanism)|hand openings]] for the side-door windows was replaced with an [[power window|automatic]] opening on the newest models (and on the Lada 4×4 Urban) starting from 2014. Multipoint fuel injection designed by [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] has been used since 2004, replacing the previously mentioned single-point injection from General Motors.

===Later models===
The lengthened model of the Niva appeared in 1993. It was known as the VAZ-2129 and was produced very briefly, only for about a year, so it is very rare. It was also never exported. Although it has a longer wheelbase, it kept three doors like the basic hatchback model. In design, it was a hybrid of old and new generations, since it featured the old VAZ-2121 (Niva 1600) body and interiors combined with new VAZ-21213 (Niva 1.7) 1680-cc engine and 5-speed transmission (although later, 1994 production models featured even new body and interiors).

The lengthened estate model with a longer wheelbase and five doors was made in 1995. It was originally known as the VAZ-2131 Niva, but commercially, it has no difference in name from the standard three-door model, and it is often referred as the Niva five-door. Due to its increased weight from the longer wheelbase, it can use the 1774-cc inline four petrol engine. Although it was still in production like the basic model, it had limited use and was infrequently exported, mainly due to the longer wheelbase and increased weight, and it was slightly higher priced compared to the standard model. In 2015, a five-door model also appeared for the Lada 4×4 Urban.

In 1999, a diesel-engine model of the Niva known as the VAZ-21215 Niva, or commercially as the Lada Niva 1.9, was released. It was produced until 2007 and sold only in a few markets. It was powered by a 1905-cc [[Peugeot]] [[XUD]] 9SD inline four diesel engine, and it was less powerful than the standard VAZ-21213/21214 1680-cc petrol engine. However, the VAZ-21215 was a relatively short-lived model despite lower [[fuel consumption in automobiles|fuel consumption]], because it was not popular in the domestic market, Peugeot stopped producing XUD engines in 2001 (although existing supplies were available until 2007, when the last VAZ-21215 came off the production line), and VAZ did not make another contract for diesel engine production for the Niva.

In 2006, the model with the carbureted engine of the new generation (VAZ-21213/Lada Niva 1.7) was discontinued, and the name Niva was formally dropped in favor of the new official name Lada 4×4, as General Motors received naming rights. The Niva was discontinued under the old Soviet VAZ-2121 domestic market classification.

In 2014, the new, restyled model called the Lada 4×4 Urban was released. It has more modern, ordinary looks, including a new mask, plastic bumpers, new side mirrors, different aluminium rims, new tires, a central brake light, heated front seats, and a slightly restyled interior. As of 2019, no version of the Lada 4x4 has airbags.

In 2017, the Lada 4×4 Bronto, intended mainly for off-road use, is released. It features characteristic mask and plastic bumpers with integrated front and rear fog lamps, plastic roof rails, new, larger wheels with black aluminium rims and 235/75-R16 Bontyre Stalker off-road tires, even higher ground clearance (increased another 35&nbsp;mm) and plastic rust-protected body edges (fenders and [[rocker panel]]s). Internally, it is similar to the Lada 4×4 URBAN, also featuring heated front seats. It also includes a front winch, roof headlights, and additional fog lights on the front bumper. With all the mentioned equipment included, the Bronto is currently the most expensive Lada 4×4 model, with a current price of 720 thousand RU in the [[Russia|domestic market]] (around €10,130). The slightly different pickup model designed by [[VAZInterService|VIS]] was also revealed (featuring an integrated metallic grille, different bumpers, and a [[vehicle snorkel|snorkel]]), called the Lada Bronto AMC.

On 5 April at the car's 40th anniversary, a special, limited edition of the classic Lada 4×4 called the Lada 4×4 40th-Anniversary was presented, which used the 1977 design. It features new aluminium rims similar to the Urban, five new color schemes, "40th Anniversary" metallic labels on the fenders, a tailgate, a glove compartment cover, front-seat backrests, and floor mats. Also, it has a slightly restyled interior featuring genuine leather seat upholstery and a steering wheel cover, and sills made out of stainless steel. The model is available from June 2017 in both domestic and export markets.

A convertible version appeared back in 1983, but was neither serially produced nor designed by VAZ. It was a modification of the original Niva 1600 bodied by French [[coachbuilder]] Wassermann for the local market.<ref name="Thompson, p.238">Thompson, p.238.</ref> It was known as the Niva Plein Soleil (Sunlight) and it was one of many Niva modifications made by local importers for their markets.<ref>Thompson, p.241 caption.</ref>

In recent years, changes included better lights, more comfortable seats, an instrument panels with LCD displays, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, heated seats and air conditioning.

===Cossack and other importer special editions===
[[File:1997 Lada Niva 1.7i.jpg|thumb|right|Lada Niva 1.7i in with various importer-installed special equipment (Italy)]]

During the 1980s, local Lada importers in various markets made their own upgrades to help compete with more modern SUVs. In the UK, the Cossack model featured large body decals, roof rails, running boards, 15-in alloy wheels, and on some versions, a [[sunroof]], steel [[bullbar]]s, spotlights, a rear-mounted spare tire, and semi-bucket seats. Other markets' importers made similar upgrades and many were also called Cossack.

In 1995, Lada UK introduced a face-lifted version of the Niva Cossack and renamed the basic model as the ''Hussar''. Whereas the Hussar had the original 1977 trim, the new UK Cossack featured a new [[MG Rover Group|Rover]]-designed grille and other body kit items, and gained soft nudge-bars at the front in deference to public opinion against bullbars. Both models received the same new 1.7-litre engine and a new deeper tailgate which extended the rear opening to the level of the bumper – a vast improvement over the original model's high lip. Official Niva imports to the UK ceased in 1997 due to the importers having difficulty in sourcing the GM fuel injection unit required to satisfy ever-tightening UK emissions regulations.

Several attempts were made to reintroduce Ladas into the UK. In May 2010, the basic Niva became available again through an independent importer. Aimed largely at the agricultural market, three models were made available: the three-door, four-seat hatchback; a two-seat commercial van; and a two-door, four-seat pickup.<ref>{{cite web |author=David Cousins |url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/18/122285/Lada-Niva-back-on-sale-in-UK.htm |title=Farmers Weekly |publisher=Fwi.co.uk |date= 16 July 2010|access-date=1 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124090716/http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/18/122285/Lada-Niva-back-on-sale-in-UK.htm |archive-date=24 November 2010 }}</ref>

===VAZ-2122 Reka===
[[File:VAZ 2122 Reka.jpg|thumb|VAZ 2122 Reka]]
Although VAZ was meant exclusively to produce passenger cars, the [[Soviet Armed Forces|Soviet military]] was impressed by its off-road capabilities and ordered VAZ to create a military version, to replace the [[UAZ-469]] as the standard military 4×4 vehicle. In 1976, when VAZ-2121 development was almost finished, engineers from [[Tolyatti]] began working on an [[amphibious car|amphibian off-roader]], which became known as VAZ-2122 Reka (River). A simplified and more rugged body was combined with the Niva [[chassis]]. It weighed about the same as the usual Niva, but instead of the 1600-cc VAZ-2106 engine, it used an older and less powerful 1300-cc engine derived from the VAZ-2101. Internally, it featured a different metal dashboard, though it used the same Niva instruments along with the same steering wheel and artificial leather seats.<ref>Thompson, p.189.</ref>

Six different evolution prototypes were built. They were tested in an experimental military unit, on the proving grounds of the Ministry of Defense, and in the [[Karakum Desert]] in [[Turkmenistan]]. The VAZ-2122 showed better results than the UAZ-469 (especially the fact that it featured amphibious capabilities, which UAZ did not have) and received very positive feedback; the military was satisfied with its capabilities, reliability, firmness and durability. By 1987, VAZ had completed development work, and the car was ready for mass production and military service. Nevertheless, the results were not enough to convince the military to start mass production.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-09 |title=ВАЗ 2122 Река - история модели советского автомобиля, характеристики, фото и видео ваз амфибия |url=https://stoneforest.ru/look/cars/vaz-2122-reka/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Stone Forest |language=ru-RU}}</ref>

===LWB Nivas===
[[File:Lada_Niva_%28VAZ_2121%29.jpg|thumb|right|VAZ-2131]]
Longer wheelbase versions – the five-door VAZ-2131, three-door VAZ-2129, and VAZ-2329 pickup were also produced from the 1990s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Niva allroads models|publisher=RusLada.com|url=http://www.ruslada.com/niva.html|access-date=14 February 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214347/http://www.ruslada.com/niva.html|archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> but not generally exported.

===Nameplate changes===
[[File:Budapest, Hungexpo, AMTS 2017, 51.jpg|thumbnail|Lada 4x4 Urban]]
The Lada Niva was formally renamed Lada 4×4 back in 2006 and has a low-range gearbox, differential lock, ABS, airbags, heated front seats, air conditioning, servomotor for the steering column, underbody protection. Prices for the model started at €10,990. It is available in five body styles: three- and five-door hatchbacks, two- and four-door pickups, and a two-door van. Two petrol engines are available for the model – the standard 1.7-litre and the 1.8-litre (only for five-door model) along with a five-speed manual transmission.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bnews.kz/en/news/post/140093/ |title=Russian Lada Niva is renamed Lada Taiga – News Feed – Kazakhstan news today |publisher=Bnews.kz |access-date=27 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227080632/http://www.bnews.kz/en/news/post/140093/ |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inautonews.com/lada-niva-is-renamed-the-lada-taiga |title=Lada Niva is renamed as the Lada Taiga |publisher=Inautonews.com |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=27 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227235332/http://www.inautonews.com/lada-niva-is-renamed-the-lada-taiga#.UZyxuqJA3Bs |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref>

Starting with the 2014 model year, the Niva nameplate was discontinued for the Russian market, and the vehicle is branded Lada 4×4 for both short and long wheelbases to make way for the upcoming restart of the [[Chevrolet Niva]] series, which was scheduled to start production by March 2015. Due to Russia–West economic relations, AvtoVAZ analysts suggested that the production of Chevrolet Niva may be delayed further into 2015.