Editing Lada Niva (section)

===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>