Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Lada Niva Legend 3-door Sport 1.6 16V (122 Hp) 4x4
Overall Rating
Lada Niva:
The Lada Niva Legend, formerly called the Lada Niva, VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131, and Lada 4×4 , is a series of four-wheel drive, small , and compact off-road cars designed and produced by AvtoVAZ since 1977. Initially aimed at the rural market, later models also targeted urban users. The three- and later five-door 4×4 hatchbacks were sold under the Lada marque in many markets, and have been in continuous production since 1977.
In the 1990s, three- and five-door wagons on a 50 cm longer wheelbase and an extra-long wheelbase pick-up were added to the range. After the original Land Rover and its successor, the Land Rover Defender, were discontinued in 2016, the Niva became the longest-production-run off-road light vehicle still manufactured in its original form. By the end of 2020, an estimated 650,000 Lada Nivas had been sold globally....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Legend 3-door Overview:
Lada Niva (Legend 3-door). With 151 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 162 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Sport 1.6 16V (122 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Significantly improved performance with 122 Hp and an 11.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. This engine makes the Niva Legend much more capable on highways and for general driving.
Fuel Economy
Despite the higher power, fuel consumption is slightly better at 9.7 l/100 km combined, indicating a more modern and efficient engine design.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability for its price point
- • Simple, robust, and easy-to-maintain mechanicals
- • Compact size aids maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road
- • Iconic and timeless design with strong character
- • Affordable purchase price and low running costs (parts)
Cons:
- • Poor on-road performance, especially with the base 1.7i engine
- • High fuel consumption for its class and power output
- • Basic interior with limited modern features and comfort
- • Outdated safety features and no Euro NCAP rating
- • Noisy cabin and rough ride quality on paved roads
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Travel: 2021 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lada |
| Model: | Niva |
| Generation: | Legend 3-door |
| Modification (Engine): | Sport 1.6 16V (122 Hp) 4x4 |
| Start of production: | December, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 76.4 Hp/l [359mm less] |
| Torque: | 151 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 21127-77 More details about the engine 21127-77 |
| Engine displacement: | 1596 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.6 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6500 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 162 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1300 |
| Max. weight: | 1610 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 310 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 265 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 300 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3740 mm mm [359mm less] |
| Width: | 1730 mm mm [74mm less] |
| Height: | 1716 mm mm [26mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2200 mm mm [250mm less] |
| Front track: | 1460-1470 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1430-1459 mm |
| Front overhang: | 705 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 835 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 220 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Dependent spring suspension with transverse stabilizer |
What’s the best feature of the Lada Niva? Tell us in the comments!