It was on April 5, 1977, when the Lada Niva (VAZ-2121) went into series production as the first vehicle developed entirely at the Volzhskyi plant after six years of development.
Chief engineer Vladimir Solovyev, chief engineer, developer Petr Prusov, designer Valeryi Semushkin and test engineer Vadim Kotlyaroy, together with other VAZ employees, were responsible for a model that was to usher in a new era in the field of all-wheel drive vehicles.
With its self-supporting body, independent front suspension and front disc brakes, the Lada broke new ground, as off-road vehicles were usually equipped with a rigid frame and rigid axles at the front and rear.
Unlike other off-road vehicles, the Lada Niva also had permanent all-wheel drive and a high-revving engine.
The 4x4 Lada created a new vehicle category thanks to its innovative design approach. The car was actually developed for use in the vast steppes of Russia, but city dwellers at home and abroad also took a liking to the compact vehicle. The Lada Niva became an export hit. At times, 70 percent of all Nivas were exported abroad, a total of over 530,000 vehicles were exported and Lada 4x4 fan clubs were formed all over the world.
The Lada Niva can be found all over the world today. It was sold in left- and right-hand drive versions and the various modifications made it suitable for a wide range of applications.
During its 40 years of production, the Lada Niva has been modernized time and again, but without changing its basic concept and timeless design. The biggest modifications were introduced in 1993 and 2009, when the engine was adapted to modern environmental protection legislation and the chassis was converted to modern shock absorbers. Despite all the changes, however, the Lada Niva, now also known as the Lada Taiga or Lada 4x4, has always remained essentially the same, a simple and reliable off-road vehicle that can also be used in everyday life and on normal roads.
The Lada 4x4 is still being exported to Europe in 2017, no longer in huge numbers, but in large enough quantities to satisfy the fans. Prices have also remained stable, with a new Euro6-compliant Lada 4x4 costing just under EUR 11,000 in Germany and around CHF 17,000 in Switzerland.
Further information can be found on the Lada websites for Germany and Switzerland.
