Lada Niva Legend 5-door 1.7 (83 Hp) 4x4


Overall Rating

5.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 1.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 1.5 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 5-door Overview:

Lada Niva (Legend 5-door). With 129 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1425 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 19 s). The top speed reaches 137 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.7 (83 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Performance is notably sluggish, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 19 seconds. The 83 Hp engine struggles to provide adequate power for highway speeds or quick overtakes, making it best suited for low-speed off-road use or urban utility.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is poor for its power output, consuming 9.9 l/100 km combined. This figure is high by modern standards, reflecting an older engine design that prioritizes ruggedness over efficiency.

Best Use Case: Off-road utility, rural transport, or as a basic workhorse where ruggedness and 4x4 capability are prioritized over speed and fuel efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional off-road capability for its price point
  • • Simple, robust, and easy-to-repair mechanicals
  • • Compact dimensions aid maneuverability in tight spaces
  • • Low purchase price compared to other 4x4 vehicles
  • • Timeless, iconic design with a cult following

Cons:

  • • Very poor on-road performance and acceleration
  • • High fuel consumption for its engine size and power
  • • Outdated safety features and lack of modern driver aids
  • • Limited comfort, refinement, and noise insulation
  • • Basic interior with few modern conveniences

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Legend 3-door: December, 2024 - ).

General:
Brand:Lada
Model:Niva
Generation:Legend 5-door
Modification (Engine):1.7 (83 Hp) 4x4
Start of production:January, 2021
End of production:December, 2021
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:83 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:49.1 Hp/l [500mm more]
Torque:129 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:21214 More details about the engine 21214
Engine displacement:1690
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.75 l
Coolant:10.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:19 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:19 sec
Maximum speed:137 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.2 kg/Hp, 58.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11 kg/Nm, 90.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:18.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1425
Max. weight:1850
Max load:425
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:780 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:420 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):600 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:300 kg
Size:
Length:4240 mm mm [500mm more]
Width:1680 mm mm [50mm less]
Height:1640 mm mm [76mm less]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [500mm more]
Width including mirrors:2019 mm
Front track:1440-1476 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420-1456 mm
Front overhang:705 mm
Rear overhang:835 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):200 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/80 R16; 185/75 R16
Wheel rims size5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensiondependent spring suspension

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