VAZ-2123
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 |
| Headquarters | Russia |
| Products | Automobiles, including Lada Niva Travel |
The Lada Niva Travel is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been manufactured by the AvtoVAZ Group since 1998. Originally introduced as the VAZ-2123 from 1998 until 2002, it was marketed under the Chevrolet Niva name between 2003 and 2020 during AvtoVAZ's collaboration with General Motors through their joint venture, GM-AvtoVAZ.
Following General Motors' decision to divest its 50% share in 2020, the model temporarily reverted to the Lada Niva designation, aligning its branding with the original Lada Niva / Lada 4x4 / VAZ-2121 introduced in 1977, upon which the VAZ-2123’s mechanical foundation is based. On 21 December 2020, the vehicle was officially renamed the Lada Niva Travel.
VAZ-2123 (1998–2002)
The VAZ-2123 made its debut as a five-door crossover utility vehicle featuring a wheelbase length that fell between those of the classic Lada Niva (Legend), which had wheelbases of and . Although it introduced a new exterior and cabin design, it retained key mechanical elements such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain from the VAZ 2121.
This rebadged variant incorporated an updated body style along with a 1.7-litre gasoline engine equipped with fuel injection technology.
In 2003, the vehicle underwent safety testing by the Russian ARCAP, where it received a rating of zero out of four stars.
Chevrolet Niva (2003–2020)
In 2002, General Motors and AvtoVAZ created the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture to manufacture the VAZ-2123 model, transferring ownership of the Niva brand to this partnership. The first generation of this model released in 2006 was branded as "4×4."
An export-focused version featuring a reinforced chassis, a 1.8-litre Opel Ecotec petrol engine, and an Aisin all-wheel-drive system was planned from 2003 onwards. Despite extensive development efforts, its launch faced multiple delays. GM-AvtoVAZ had considered establishing a local production facility for Ecotec engines but abandoned these plans in 2005 along with the export version project. The initiative resurfaced in 2006 under the "Niva FAM1" trim for the 2007 model year; however, its premium pricing led to poor market reception and discontinuation by April 2008. Production also ended due to cessation of Ecotec engine manufacturing at its Hungarian plant.
A minor facelift occurred in 2009, featuring styling updates by Bertone and safety improvements such as ABS and dual front airbags on GLS and GLC trims.
Lada Niva / Lada Niva Travel (2020–Present)
In August 2020, Lada recommenced production of the Chevrolet Niva but rebranded it simply as Lada Niva. By December that year, a new generation was launched under the name Lada Niva Travel, while in January 2021, the original model was renamed Lada Niva Legend.
Looking ahead to 2026, AvtoVAZ announced plans for a facelifted Niva Travel featuring an additional 1.8-litre engine variant alongside revealing an electric prototype named Lada e-Niva.
Chevrolet Niva Concept (2014)
At the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August 2014, GM-AvtoVAZ presented a concept for a next-generation Chevrolet Niva. Created by GM designer Ondrej Koromház, this concept showcased a longitudinally mounted engine, permanent four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and a solid rear axle suspension. The intended production version was expected to be powered by a 1.8-litre PSA Peugeot Citroën EC8 engine delivering 135 horsepower paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Later information suggested that it might be built on the Renault Duster platform instead. Although production was initially slated for 2016, Chevrolet’s exit from mainstream Russian markets led to halting development. In September 2018, GM formally announced suspension of all work on replacing the Chevrolet Niva.
Lada 4x4 Vision Concept (2018)
In May 2018, AvtoVAZ secured a patent for the Lada 4x4 Vision concept, which was showcased at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Niva. This concept is believed to utilize the Renault Duster's platform, with production plans initially set for no earlier than 2022.
Lada T-134 (2025)
Following Steve Mattin's departure from AvtoVAZ in 2021, Jean-Philippe Salar assumed the role of chief designer and initiated development of the third-generation Niva. This model was designed on the CMF platform, shared with the Dacia Duster and Dacia Bigster. The responsibility of engineering an all-wheel-drive system was assigned to Russian specialists. However, the project was suspended after Groupe Renault withdrew its support in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In 2023, AvtoVAZ independently restarted development, transitioning to the Lada Vesta platform. The resulting concept, named T-134—a nod to both the T-34 tank and Tu-134 aircraft—was unveiled to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2025.
Technical parameters
Maximum permissible trailer weight: - With braking system — 1200 kg - Without braking system — 600 kg
Turning circle: 5.7 m Front suspension type: independent spring with two levers Rear suspension type: dependent spring with five rods Front brakes: disc type Rear brakes: drum type Vacuum brake booster diameter: 9" Available tire dimensions: 205/75R15, 205/70R15, 215/75R15, 215/65R16
See also
- UAZ Patriot, a similar SUV produced by UAZ
- UAZ Hunter
- Lada Niva Legend