The Lada 4×4, formerly called the Lada Niva (Russian: Лада Нива; Niva (нива) is the Russian word for "field" but meaning crop field), is an off-road vehicle designed and produced by the Russian (former Soviet) manufacturer AvtoVAZ specifically for the rural market, although models made for urban use are sold.
It was the first mass-production off-road vehicle to combine a unibody architecture with a coil-sprung independent front suspension, and is a predecessor to current crossover SUVs, nearly all of which follow this format; it inspired the Suzuki Vitara. Like the Vitara, the Lada 4×4 uses a recirculating-ball truck steering box for off-road reliability. Pickup and emergency-van versions are produced by VAZInterService.
The Lada 4×4 was formerly called the Lada Niva. The name change occurred after the Niva brand was transferred to General Motors, though AvtoVAZ retains the rights to the equivalent Cyrillic name, "Нива". It was also marketed as the Lada Sport in Iceland,Lada Taiga in Austria, Bognor Diva in Uruguay, and Lada Cossack in the United Kingdom. Since 2014, it has been sold as the LADA 4×4 in Russia, a name which is also beginning to replace "Niva" in export markets.
It was also the first VAZ model, which in additional to the brand's classic export name and the engine displacement, also featured an export name of the model itself (Niva); previous models (the Zhiguli) only featured the brand's export name, Lada, followed by the engine displacement. Also, the Niva was the only VAZ model to use the same model name for both domestic and export markets (VAZ-2121 Niva for domestic, and Lada Niva 1600 for export); the other models had export names different from the names used in the domestic market (for example, the VAZ-2109 Sputnik was the Lada Samara 1500 for export, and the VAZ-2105 Zhiguli, was marked as the Lada Riva 1300 outside the USSR).
The Niva was described by its designers as a “Renault 5 put on a Land Rover chassis” Development began in 1971, after the 24th Congress of CPSU, where 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 – for the villagers and farmers of the Soviet Union – since the usual Zhiguli, Moskvitch and Zaporozhets, intended primarily for ordinary people, were not much of use in isolated areas, which made up a large part of the USSR. In the same year, a team of VAZ designers, under Vladimir Solovyev as a chief designer, began competing with AZLK to work on a "civilized" four-wheel drive vehicle. The new car was inspired in part by the IZh-14 prototype of 1974. It was VAZ's first model not based on Fiat, although much of its mechanics were carried over from the earlier Fiat 124- or 125-based Zhiguli models (mostly the VAZ-2103 and 2106). However, the body, four-wheel drive system, and front suspension were designed by VAZ. The first prototypes appeared quickly in 1971 and 1972, but were rejected as too utilitarian, so doors and a hardtop were added. This version debuted in 1973 and was a major step away from the off-road vehicles of the period, seeing as they used an ordinary car body, in this case a modern hatchback of the time. This took its inspiration from the prototype known as the VAZ-1101 (itself derived from the Fiat 127), and was created by designer Valery Pavlovitch. The 1974 prototype was finally derived from one of already existing models, in this case the VAZ-2103 (then the newest model in VAZ arsenal), by using its 1,452- cc engine, as well as sharing some of its features, like chrome-plated bumpers, as well as its headlights and taillights, instruments, seats, steering wheel, and other parts. The 1974 prototype was ready to be put into mass production in 1975; however, the appearance of new VAZ-2106 at the end of the same year resulted in its delay due to developing another prototype based on that model.
Until the beginning of its production, the Niva was in trials over a period of years by a team of VAZ testers under Vadim Kotlyarov in the most difficult terrain of former Soviet Union, such as the Ural Mountains and Siberia, as well as deserts of the Kazakh SSR and the Pamir Mountains in the Tajik SSR, where it was put up against its military counterpart the UAZ-469, and even against some Western off-road vehicles: the British-made Land Rover Series and the Range Rover Classic. In these places, it showed its outstanding off-road capabilities, which were mainly due to its effective (permanent) four-wheel drive system featuring a transfer case and central differential lock, together with the excellent combination of relatively low weight (just over a ton) and small dimensions, combined with high ground clearance (about 265 mm). Also, its large, narrow wheels (175/80-R16), originally featuring domestically designed Voltyre VLI-5 tires, offered relatively strong ground pressure, and thus had good performance in terms of slipping or getting bogged down off-road. For example, in trials during 1973 and 1974, the Niva showed it could climb a 58% slope, and ford 60 cm (24 in) of water and 100 cm (39 in) of mud or snow. Solovyev died the following year, and his place as a chief designer of the project was then taken by engineer Pyotr Prusov, who in the end took credit for creating the car.
In 1976, the final prototype appeared, with the engine changed to a 1,568 cc (95.7 cu in), the most powerful engine in VAZ range during Soviet era, taken from their newest model the VAZ-2106 (from which the production model of the first Niva generation was generally derived). It also featured permanent four-wheel drive and a transfer case with a lockable central differential. The VAZ prototype displayed better design and real-world performance than its AZLK counterpart, the Moskvitch 416, so was, after the 25th Congress of CPSU, approved for production in March of the same year. (The Moskvitch prototype was then rejected for serial production by the government.) It was the Niva 1600 (Field) for export, or VAZ-2121 (alternatively Niva 2121 or simply VAZ Niva) for the domestic market in the former Soviet Union. For domestic customers, it was described as: "A high-speed car with the improved capabilities and comfort of all VAZ models", and also as: "A combination of the speed and comfort of a Zhiguli with the capabilities of a UAZ". Actual production began in the following year on 5 April 1977, while the first export models appeared in 1978 at the Paris Motor Salon and rapidly captured at least 40% of Europe's market for four-wheel drive vehicles, making it Lada's top-selling export. Moreover, it became the only Soviet car that was ever sold in Japan, starting from early 1980s, inspiring their Suzuki Samurai. Because of export demand and the higher priority given to exports, domestic customers faced long waiting lists, despite the fact that the car was developed primarily for the Soviet people, as mentioned above.
Initially, the Niva had a normally aspirated 1.6-l overhead-cam four-cylinder petrol engine producing 56 kW (76 hp) and 126 N·m (93 lb·ft) at 5,000 rpm, a four-speed manual transmission (starting with new model from 1994, a five-speed), and a full-time four-wheel drive.
The drive system employs three differentials (center, front, and rear). The transfer case involves a high/low range selector lever and a lever to lock the central differential. Low range can be selected with the center differential locked or unlocked. Like the usual gear shifting, both of the mentioned features naturally require the use of clutch to be properly used (selected). However, while the central differential can be usually locked while in motion, the transfer case requires the car to be firstly brought to a complete stop in order to be changed to low gear, otherwise, a serious damage of transfer case and transmission is inevitable - approximately equal to consequence of shifting of gears without the use of clutch or shifting in reverse gear while the car is in forward motion, as an example. The original Niva had a maximum speed of 81 mph (130 km/h), and can cruise at 56 mph (90 km/h) while consuming petrol at 8.25 l/100 km (34.2 mpg‑imp; 28.5 mpg‑US). Its towing capacity is rated for up to 860 kg (1900 lb).
Coil springs are located at each of the four wheels, and 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 good at 235 mm (9.25 in) and water 510 mm (20 in) deep can be negotiated.
The brakes (disc front, drum rear) are servo-assisted dual-circuit style and the clutch is hydraulic. The turning circle is a relatively low 36.25 ft. Cargo space is 0.48 m³ (17 ft³), or 1.33 m³ (47 ft³) with the rear seats folded down and, like the classic Zhiguli, the front seats can be set up to make two berths (by removing headrests, shifting the seats into foremost position and setting the backrest in plane with the back seat – this feature later disappeared when the new model with different seats was introduced in 1994). A spare tyre is located in the engine bay under the bonnet. The latter feature is considered a useful and practical feature by off-road fans.
Additional equipment for the basic model was rather simple and was equal to other Lada and generally Eastern bloc cars of the period, as it included headlight wipers, rear fog lamp, right external mirror (right mirror for domestic models only, since the export ones had both by default, but at the end of 1980s, even domestic models of all Lada cars also received both mirrors), then rear seat belts, rear (tailgate) window wiper, rear window heater, and a radio set. On new model (Niva 1.7/VAZ-21213) starting from 1994, all those features except headlight wipers and rear fog lamp (which are discontinued) became default and optional is air conditioning, antilock braking system, and hydraulic servomotor for the steering column, which are now becoming parts of standard equipment on the newest models.
Foreign (usually Western) local Lada importers often also offered their own additional equipment (mainly for off-roading) prior to buying the car, such as front and rear bull bars and roll bars, side rocker rails, roof rails, winch, fender plastics, additional headlights for front bumper and for roof rails and even aftermarket (aluminium) rims, which can be often seen mounted on many Nivas.
The existing model was slightly restyled during first half of 1980s, when VAZ for the first time discontinued one of its models, the VAZ-2103 (which was slowly being replaced with VAZ-2106 since 1975). Some of the chromed elements have disappeared in all future models due to high price and complexity of production, such as, in Niva case, the chromed mask and rocker panel edges, which were removed, as well as external/side mirrors, which became black metallic. Chrome even disappeared from ashtrays and door panel edges. Also, background of front Lada badge was changed to white (later black; on new model) on all models instead of red as until then. Rear Niva 1600 tailgate label (which was originally located in the center of the tailgate) was relocated to its right corner due to rear window wiper, which was, on buyer request, installed onto its former place as additional equipment. Side rear retroreflectors (or turn signals on some models; depended on market) were replaced by Lada (left) and Niva (right) labels and the rear mudflaps received the brand logo on them. Interior was only minimally changed, along with some minor changes to the instrument panel, choke knob, and other details, probably the most notable differences are firstly in its VAZ-2106 steering wheel, which was now decorated with classic Russian ornaments featuring the Lada logo on its central (leather) part and slightly different leather pattern on seats.
Those pre-1985 models are visually best recognizable by mentioned details and are today extremely rare (in preserved condition almost nonexistent anymore), so are very valued by collectors.
The first generation (VAZ-2121 Niva, or Lada Niva 1600 as known commercially) was in production until 1993 (existing in parallel in production with new model until the end of the same year) when the new and more powerful (1.7-l, 80 horsepower) four-cylinder petrol engine (designed purposely for Niva, thus was not used by any other VAZ model until then) was introduced, replacing the previously used (1.6-l, 75-hp) VAZ-2106 engine and making the appearance of the new model (VAZ-21213/21214 or Lada Niva 1.7/1.7i), as was the carburetor replaced by single-point fuel injection supplied initially by General Motors on 21214/1.7i model and the usual Weber carburetor was replaced by improved Solex one on 21213/1.7 model. The transmission was changed from four to five speeds, mechanical ignition was replaced with electronic and suspension received some relatively minor changes. The exhaust system was also slightly redesigned, and on newer models, the drive shafts received homokinetic joints instead of usual universal ones. Also, the exterior rear section of the body was redesigned with the tailgate extended and license plate as a part of it (so it could have a lower opening, now bordering with the rear bumper), due to which it also received new, vertical taillights, replacing the former VAZ-2106 horizontal ones and VAZ-2102 chromed tailgate knob, which was replaced by a simple plastic handle (which now opens from interior; below the driver's seat, in contrast to previous which required a side doors key to be opened exclusively from the outside). On newest models, the old hand-adjustable, square black-metallic (previously chromed) side mirrors, which originated from 1970s VAZ-2103 were finally replaced with larger plastic ones featuring automatic adjustment. The previous front Lada badge was also replaced with the current and larger one of ellipsoid design. However, the aging Fiat 125 chromed doorknobs are still present, although they are not chromed anymore on newest models, but plastic. Although the rest of the exteriors remained generally unchanged to this day (except for LADA 4×4 URBAN and BRONTO), the interior was, however, almost completely redesigned and shares only a few interchangeable parts with the previous one; the archaic VAZ-2106 steering wheel with chrome elements was replaced with more modern and thicker one, firstly from VAZ-2107 and later even newer, as well as its VAZ-2103/2106 instruments, which were replaced with dashboard from VAZ-21099. The berth-foldable, black artificial leather seats, which were also originated from the VAZ-2106 were replaced by more modern and higher ones from the VAZ-2108 with the front surface made out of polyester (with which the berth feature disappeared), while the rear seat was improved to fold easier. The old Fiat 124 swivelling windows from side doors disappeared and were replaced with air conditioning for that role, which is on request, (together with ABS and servomotor for the steering column) installed as additional equipment, while headlight wipers and rear fog lamp disappeared. It also received completely new front and door panels (with interior door knobs relocated above the handrests instead of under like on previous generation), various plastics and even new floor mats. The hand opening of side-door windows was replaced with automatic on newest models (and on LADA 4×4 URBAN), starting from 2014. Multipoint fuel injection designed by Bosch is used since 2004, replacing the previously mentioned single-point injection from General Motors.
In 1993, the lengthened model of Niva appeared for the first time, known as VAZ-2129 and was being produced very briefly (only for about a year) due to which it is very rare and was also never exported. Although having a much longer wheelbase, it retained usual three doors like the basic hatchback model (it only featured additional square middle window added at the sides); however, in design it was actually 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).
In 1995, the lengthened estate model with longer wheelbase and five-door appeared, originally known as the VAZ-2131 Niva; commercially, it has no difference in name than standard (three-door) model, which is why it is often referred simply as Niva five- door. Due to itds longer wheelbase and thus increased weight, it can use the even more powerful 1774-cc inline four petrol engine, producing 63kW/85 hp. Although still in production like the basic model, it had limited use and is also infrequently exported, mainly due to longer wheelbase and increased weight offering somewhat inferior off-road capabilities, as well as slightly higher price when compared to the standard model. In 2015, the five-door model also appeared for LADA 4×4 URBAN.
In 1999, a diesel-engine model of Niva appeared for the first time, known as the VAZ-21215 Niva or commercially as the Lada Niva 1.9, which was produced until 2007 and sold only in few markets. It was powered by a 1905-cc Peugeot XUD 9SD inline four diesel engine, delivering 55kW/75 hp, so was slightly less powerful than the standard VAZ-21213/21214 1680-cc petrol engine (it was roughly equal in power to 1568-cc VAZ-2106 engine used by the previous generation). However, the VAZ-21215 was a relatively short-lived model and is not available because, despite much lower fuel consumption, it was not very popular in domestic market (mainly due to harsh winter conditions, less power, lower reliability, higher price, and higher maintenance costs when compared to the petrol-engine model), as well as Peugeot stopping production of XUD engines back in 2001 (existing supplies were available until 2007, when the last VAZ-21215 came off the production line) and VAZ never made another contract for production of diesel engines for Niva.
In 2006, the model with carbureted engine of new generation (VAZ-21213/Lada Niva 1.7) was discontinued, and in the same year, the name Niva was formally dropped in favor to new official name LADA 4×4 (although the former name was still being used in export markets at least until 2009 and it is still informally used world wide). This was done because General Motors (which first supplied an injection system to VAZ) got rights to the name Niva, which had to be discontinued in further production, together with old Soviet VAZ-2121 classification for the domestic market, which was loosely abandoned by the plant itself at the end of 1990s.
In 2014, the new, restyled model called LADA 4×4 URBAN appeared, with generally more modern looks resembling an ordinary SUV; new mask, plastic bumpers, new side mirrors, different (aluminium) rims (with the original Soviet Voltyre VLI-5 off-road tires replaced with classic road tires), central brake light, heated front seats, and slightly restyled interior. However, it did not replace the current LADA 4×4 , which remains in parallel production with it.
A common misconception associated with the introduction of the 4x4 Urban is the introduction of Airbags. Despite the relatively modern look of the Urbans distinct steering wheel, it contains no Airbag for any market. As of 2019, no version of the Lada 4x4 features any Airbags.
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