Friday, August 29, 2014

The Chevrolet Niva is Badass and I Want One

Chevrolet Niva Front

A Lada Niva is a very primitive, albeit rugged Russian tiny SUV. However, Chevrolet has been partnering with Lada to build its own version of the Niva for more than 15 years. The vehicle above is the new Chevrolet Niva Concept, and it represents what could be the next generation Niva.

Features of this badass little subconcept trucklet include BFGoodrigh Mud-Terrain tires, a roof basket, bumper-mounted winch, snorkel, and a host of auxiliary lighting—just the kind of stuff that helps take a regular Niva into awesome adventurer territory. There's likely a bit of lift going on here, too, and I love the proper rear-mounted spare tire.

There isn't much info available about the Niva Concept. Apparently the vehicle is powered by a 1.8-liter engine and mated to a manual transmission; perhaps it's the engine out of the Sonic? Other things I've read are that it comes with all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, and it appears to have proper recovery points front and rear, too.

Chevrolet Niva Concept
There's likely no way in hell North America will ever see such a beasty. I'm betting Chevrolet will peddle its Trax against vehicles such as the Nissan Juke and upcoming Jeep Renegade instead, despite the Renegade's alleged off-road ability. Regardless, I love this lifted, beefed-up subcompact. And if it's got the Niva name on it, it's likely a tough little rig. I'd totally rock one.

Chevrolet Niva Concept rear



1 comment:

Unknown said...

Well, you're actually wrong in your suggestions about the engine from Sonic, because according to all russian sources, it would be an old but trusty and reliable french engine from PSA(Peugeot-Citroen), which are now made in India, and it would be mated with low-range gearbox from old Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo)