Production years: 1977 – still in production in modernised form A three-door off-road vehicle with an all-metal body. Development began in the early 1970s and production started in 1977. It is a forerunner of today's SUVs; in the early 1980s the Niva was also the best-selling off-roader in Germany and France. It used the 1.6-litre petrol engine and gearbox of the VAZ-2106, while the rest of the drivetrain (permanent four-wheel drive) and the body were entirely original. Poch, the French Lada importer, also had great success with Nivas in the Dakar and Pharaohs rallies. The first major modification in the model's history came only in the early 1990s, when the rear design was changed and a 1.7-litre engine introduced (model 21213). The Niva is currently built at the Togliatti plant under the official name Lada 4x4 (the Niva brand belongs to GM-AvtoVAZ), in both three-door (21214) and five-door (2131) versions, and VAZ's subsidiary VIS also builds various pickups. Technical data: Engine: VAZ-2106, 1570 cc, 59 kW/80 hp; Drivetrain: 4-speed gearbox, 2-speed transfer case, permanent four-wheel drive; Suspension: independent on all wheels, telescopic shock absorbers; Brakes: discs front, drums rear; Wheels: 175R16; Dimensions: 3720x1680x1640 mm; Top speed: 135 km/h.