The Chevrolet Niva is Badass and I Want One

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.

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.