The Lada Niva Legend 5-door 1.7 (83 hp) 4×4 represents a continuation of a remarkably enduring automotive lineage. Produced from January 2021 through December 2021, this variant occupied a key position within the Niva Legend range, offering a practical and affordable all-wheel-drive option. It builds upon the foundational design of the original Niva, first introduced in 1977, and remains a popular choice in markets where rugged capability and simplicity are prioritized. The 5-door configuration, combined with the 1.7-liter engine, aimed to provide a balance between passenger space, fuel efficiency, and off-road performance. This model is a direct descendant of the VAZ-2121, and continues to be built on the same basic platform, albeit with incremental updates over the decades.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lada |
| Model | Niva |
| Generation | Niva Legend 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 (83 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | January, 2021 |
| End of production | December, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.1 l/100 km (19.4 US mpg, 23.3 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 137 km/h (85.13 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.2 kg/Hp, 58.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11 kg/Nm, 90.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 83 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 49.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 129 Nm @ 4000 rpm (95.15 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 21214 |
| Engine displacement | 1690 cm3 (103.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.7 l (11.31 US qt | 9.41 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1850 kg (4078.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 780 l (27.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Length | 4240 mm (166.93 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2019 mm (79.49 in.) |
| Height | 1640 mm (64.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1440-1476 mm (56.69 – 58.11 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1420-1456 mm (55.91 – 57.32 in.) |
| Front overhang | 705 mm (27.76 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 835 mm (32.87 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/80 R16; 185/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Niva Legend 5-door 1.7 is the 21214 engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 83 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 129 Nm (95.15 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder and utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 21214 engine is known for its robustness and simplicity, prioritizing reliability over outright performance. The 5-speed manual transmission is directly connected to the transfer case, enabling the vehicle’s permanent all-wheel-drive system. This system utilizes a center differential that can be locked for enhanced off-road capability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission combination delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 19 seconds, and the top speed is around 137 km/h (85 mph). The gear ratios are geared towards providing sufficient torque for off-road driving rather than rapid acceleration. Compared to potential higher-output variants (which were not commonly available in this generation), this setup prioritizes fuel economy and ease of use. The Niva Legend’s driving experience is characterized by its ruggedness and direct steering feel. While not refined, it provides a confident and capable driving experience on and off the road.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Niva Legend 5-door 1.7 4×4 was typically offered with a relatively basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, ABS, and a heater. Interior appointments were functional and durable, with cloth upholstery and a simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include power windows, central locking, and upgraded audio systems, but these were not commonly fitted as standard. The 5-door configuration provided increased passenger space and practicality compared to the earlier 3-door models.
Chassis & Braking
The Niva Legend utilizes a body-on-frame construction, contributing to its robust nature. The front suspension consists of independent coil springs with wishbones and a transverse stabilizer, while the rear suspension employs a dependent spring setup. This configuration is designed to provide good articulation for off-road driving. The braking system features disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The relatively high curb weight of 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs) contributes to the vehicle’s stability, but also impacts its acceleration and braking performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lada Niva Legend 5-door 1.7 4×4 was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking an affordable and capable all-wheel-drive vehicle. Critics generally acknowledged its off-road prowess and rugged simplicity, but noted its lack of refinement and relatively slow performance. Compared to other trims within the Niva Legend range, the 1.7-liter engine offered a balance between fuel economy and usability. It was often seen as a more practical choice for everyday driving than potentially more powerful, but less fuel-efficient, alternatives. Fuel economy figures of around 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) were considered reasonable for a vehicle of its type.
Legacy
The Lada Niva Legend, and specifically the 1.7-liter variants, have earned a reputation for exceptional durability and reliability. The simple engine design and robust construction contribute to its longevity. In the used car market, these vehicles remain relatively affordable and are often sought after by enthusiasts and those needing a dependable off-road vehicle. While maintenance can be straightforward, sourcing parts may become increasingly challenging as the model ages. The Niva Legend continues to be a testament to the enduring appeal of a simple, rugged, and capable 4×4 vehicle.
