Lada's Most Extreme Niva Yet Is Designed to Dominate Mountains | Carscoops

      The off-roader features a wide body kit, enhanced suspension, and a more powerful engine.

      July 3, 2025, at 08:24

      By Thanos Pappas

      The Lada Niva Sport Turbo is a rally-modified version of the Russian SUV.

      It is equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that delivers 276 horsepower.

      Improvements include an upgraded suspension and more robust brakes.

      Since its inception in 1977, the Lada Niva has maintained its status as one of the longest-running vehicles, remaining faithful to its practical roots. Although it has undergone various updates through the years, its core identity has stayed refreshingly simple. Renowned for its off-road capabilities and occasional rally participation, the Niva now ventures into new realms with its most extreme variant to date.

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      The newly unveiled Lada Niva Sport Turbo is designed specifically for rally raids, heavily inspired by the original model but modified for competitive racing. It features significant enhancements in performance, chassis, and design, all aimed at increasing its endurance and functionality in challenging terrains.

      Wider, Taller, and Rally-Ready

      Externally, the Niva Sport Turbo distinguishes itself with considerably widened front and rear fenders to fit larger wheel arch cutouts. Slimmer steel bumpers replace the standard ones, exposing the tires for easier clearance and quick repairs. A snorkel and roof scoop enable better airflow and cooling under harsh conditions, while Lexan side windows and additional LED lighting enhance its readiness for competition.

      The rally-modified Niva is mounted on new alloy wheels fitted with larger all-terrain tires, and it benefits from an extended wheelbase of 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) that nearly eliminates front and rear overhangs. The increased track width is now 1,680 mm (66.1 inches), while the ground clearance has been raised to an impressive 350 mm (13.8 inches), giving the Niva a more commanding presence.

      Inside, non-essential elements have been stripped away. The cabin is now equipped with two racing bucket seats, a full roll cage, a navigation system, and a reinforced fuel tank. The rear bench has been removed to decrease weight and optimize the layout for rally purposes.

      As indicated by its name, the Niva Sport Turbo comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. This marks a substantial upgrade from the production version of the Niva Sport, which offers only 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft).

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      Power is delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox featuring a locking center differential. Chassis improvements include an independent suspension with dual shocks for each wheel, as well as more powerful brakes with 302 mm (11.9-inch) discs and four-piston calipers.

      The Lada Niva Sport Turbo is set to make its competitive debut at this year’s Silk Way Rally, taking place in Russia from July 12 to 22. It will compete in the Raid Sport class, which is a level above the T2 category where its predecessor participated. The route extends over 5,000 km (3,100 miles) of challenging terrain from Irkutsk to Gorno-Altaysk.