New Market – Same Design
The Russian auto-maker Volzhsky Auotomobilny Zavod, or VAZ has decided to begin sales south of the border with their affordable 4×4 SUV known as the Lada Niva. Delivering this inexpensive 4×4 SUV to the Mexican market for just $12,000 seems a little to good to be true and definitely a bargain, but once you catch a good look at this creature your impressions might change.
“Retro” would probably best describe the Lada Niva, but not in a good way. The was developed in the 1970′s as a joint venture between Fiat and VAZ which has culminated in a 3 decade old design being offloaded onto the people of Mexico.
The Niva was initially launched in the Soviet Union in 1976 and was such a rock solid platform at that time that it has not undergone ANY major revisions taking the phrase “If it aint broke, don’t fix it” to a whole new level. The exterior is boxy and vaguely reminiscent of the older 70′s model Fiats (big surprise). “The workmanship of the Lada Niva is shoddy at best and the interior looks dated and cheap, plastic quality is appalling and several trim pieces look like they will not last long.” said Francisco PĂ©rez who attended the Niva’s Mexican debut.
While there might be a couple holes in VAZ’s marketing plan, the vehicle is still a viable platform to any SUV enthusiast. Check out Richard Lawrence’s pimped out ride for an example, which just goes to show you, that given the right tools (in this case a hammer) you can achieve unbelievable results.
We searched Google and came back with several other highly modified Niva’s that would do the auto industry proud but we hit pay-dirt when we uncovered the Russian auto-makers detailed design plans and schematics for building this SUV. Make your own Lada Niva for less than $12,000 – Download the directions.
   
Tags: SUV
Category: News
