The Lada Niva Travel boasts a rich history, evolving from the VAZ-2123, initially launched in 1998. Its journey includes a stint as the Chevrolet Niva (2003-2020) due to a joint venture with General Motors. This partnership saw various iterations, including attempted upgrades with the Opel Ecotec engine, ultimately unsuccessful due to production challenges and cost factors. The rebranding to Lada Niva and finally Lada Niva Travel reflects AvtoVAZ’s reclaiming of its legacy and the continuous evolution of this iconic SUV.

Despite its humble origins based on the mechanicals of the original Lada Niva, the Lada Niva Travel stands as a testament to rugged reliability. The 5-door design, longer wheelbase (2.45m compared to the original’s 2.20m and 2.70m variants), and the addition of fuel injection to its 1.7-liter gasoline engine showcase its attempts at modernization. While early safety ratings were low (zero out of four stars by ARCAP), later models offered improvements such as ABS and dual airbags.

The quest for a modern successor was long and complex. The GM-AvtoVAZ partnership explored a range of future designs, from the Niva Concept vehicle showcased in 2014 to rumored plans based on the Renault Duster platform. However, these developments faced numerous delays and were eventually halted, leaving the current Lada Niva Travel as the enduring model, continually updated throughout its decades of existence.

Key features of the Lada Niva Travel include its powerful engine suited for both city and off-road driving, low-range gears, an inter-axle differential lock, a permissible gross weight of 1200kg (braked trailer) and 600kg (unbraked trailer), a turning radius of 5.7m, independent front and dependent rear suspension, and various tire options (205/75R15, 205/70R15, 215/75R15, 215/65R16). The vehicle’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of off-road capability, affordability and its status as a true Russian automotive icon.