Here it is — the Chevrolet Niva Concept. Revealed at the 2014 Moscow Auto Show, the concept “hints at the future of the next-generation Chevrolet Niva”.
In the 1970s, the Lada Niva started out as the perfect vehicle for Russia’s roads (and back country). Thanks to its uncompromising capability, the nameplate accumulated cult-like status similar to that enjoyed by Jeeps in North America. It then became the Chevrolet Niva thanks to a joint venture between GM and Russia’s AvtoVAZ, and today, the Niva has a semi-modern body and cabin, but its mechanicals, powertrain, and technology are downright archaic. Enter the new Niva Concept.
The concept features modern and styling exterior and interior that oversized wheels wrapped in 235/70/R16 all-terrain tires, a skid plate to protect the engine and gearbox, as well as a snorkel (which isn’t likely to make it to the production, unless it’s an accessory). Rounding out the concept’s rugged exterior are rails on the roof and on the tailgate, with the former holding a light fixture while the later housing a full-size spare wheel/tire.
According to General Motors, the next-gen Niva will “undoubtedly become the ideal choice for those who love their country and who want to enjoy its boundless space any time of the year”.
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- Second-generation Niva Concept
Comments
I wish GM would bring this stateside as the Tracker, but that will never happen.
I’m with you 100%
Nice looking SUV. It looks tough.
Tues said GMC would get a unique product. Could this be it?
Niva could do well against Jeep, aid in filling product holes left the the closure of Hummer & move at a healthy price point.
Traditionally, the Niva hasn’t been suited to be sold anywhere except for BRIC markets with lax safety standards. The car simply was never engineered to be a global vehicle, and would turn into a sardine can in any NHTSA/NCAP crash test.
We’ll see if this changes for this generation, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Kind of looks like the Vauxhall/Opal Mokka underneath the chunky bodywork.
It’s not. The Niva is its own thing and this new version will probably remain on a ladder-type (truck) frame.
So strange how everything worth owning is only made for foreign markets.