AvtoVAZ starts production of the updated Niva Legend

Series production begins

AvtoVAZ began producing the updated Niva Legend in Tolyatti on 20 July 2026. AvtoVAZ reported more than 350 new or modified components, a 1.8-litre engine, upgraded front suspension and transmission, galvanized body panels and the model’s first frontal driver airbag. It claimed maximum torque increased by 24 Nm and specific fuel consumption fell 3–30%, depending on driving conditions. Gearbox and transfer-case controls changed; ventilation gained a new fan motor, cabin filter and bonnet air-intake cover.

New driver airbag.
Galvanized body elements.

Earlier emissions and braking changes

This launch followed earlier restoration of equipment across the Niva family. On 1 December 2023, AvtoVAZ reported resuming production of Niva Legend and Niva Travel with anti-lock braking systems and Euro-5 engines. The company said engine calibrations and control units were developed in Russia. Testing covered different temperatures, mountain driving and electromagnetic compatibility. ABS returned following reengineering and testing, and both features became available across all versions of the two models. Separately, upper Niva Travel trims gained cruise control with a speed limiter, an onboard computer, permanent instrument illumination and two-tone alloy wheels.

The earlier airbag programme

On 7 February 2024, AvtoVAZ said testing and development to equip Niva Legend and Travel with airbags were in an active phase. That update also reported changing the airbag supplier for Granta and Vesta after the previous foreign supplier stopped deliveries in autumn 2023 following US sanctions. Stocks had covered manufacturing needs through year-end, and the replacement supplier was not named. All newly assembled Vestas had two airbags from 7 February. Granta driver-airbag restoration was planned by the end of February, with passenger airbags in March, after required testing and calibration.

Production preparation in 2024

A 16 May 2024 report documented factory work during the holiday shutdown from 28 April to 12 May. AvtoVAZ said it worked on chassis, engine, forging and aluminium-casting operations to raise the Niva assembly conveyor’s productivity to 50 vehicles an hour. Component operations built and replenished stocks for a larger production programme while also making retail spare parts. The union announced a nine-hour daytime shift for the Niva line on Saturday 18 May, with compensation under the collective agreement. These were earlier preparations and a scheduling announcement for the family’s existing production.