|  The Lada Niva is a four-wheel drive vehicle built by AutoVAZ in Russia, where it is very popular. It is also popular in Canada, Australia, South America and Europe and any other places where the terrain requires a robust and tough car for a reasonable price.
Production of VAZ 2121 began in 1977 and still carries through with only minor changes to the engine, rear hatch design, and interior trim levels. In basic form, the Niva has a carbureted 1.6 L overhead cam four cylinder engine producing 54 kW (72 hp) and 126 N·m (93 ft·lbf), a 4 or 5 speed manual transmission, and full-time 4WD. There are no hubs and the transfercase can be locked on the fly. The Niva can cruise at 130 km/h (80 mph) while consuming gasoline at a respectable 8.25 L/100km (28.5 mpg(US)) and towing capacity is rated for up to 860 kg (1900 lb). A 1.7 L engine was introduced later in production, as was fuel injection supplied by General Motors. Coil springs are located at each of the four wheels, and suspension is independent in front, whereas the rear axle is a 5 link live-type, with ratios between 3.90 and 4.30 depending on the model and market. Ground clearance is good at 235 mm (9.25 in) and water 510 mm (20 in) deep can be negotiated. It was one of the first genuine off-road vehicles to feature a monocoque chassis. Before it was introduced to the UK, it was referred to by some in the motoring press as the 'Russian Range Rover'.
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