A Lada Niva SUV, a vehicle once known for its affordability and utilitarian design, is currently listed for sale at £22,000 in a luxury car showroom in Guildford, England. The vehicle's high price is attributed to its rarity, with fewer than 40 examples believed to remain registered on British roads. This particular 2021 model is described as one of the last to be imported from Russia before sanctions halted imports.
Bramley Motor Cars, the dealership offering the Niva, is reportedly the only one in Britain currently stocking vehicles from the Russian manufacturer. Historically, Ladas sold in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s, such as the Riva and Samara, were often subjects of jokes due to their perceived dated design and build quality. However, this Niva is presented as a significantly newer example, despite its classic, boxy three-door off-roader appearance, which dates back to the model's 1977 introduction.
While the Niva was officially available in Britain until 1996, it never achieved significant sales figures. Series production of the Niva, however, continues to this day at AvtoVAZ's factory in Tolyatti, Russia, with the current models remaining faithful to the original design. Until recently, a specialist importer brought new, left-hand-drive Nivas into the UK, with prices starting around £19,595. The business effectively ceased operations following sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
According to data from How Many Left, which uses DVLA registration information, only 36 Lada Nivas are believed to be currently licensed for use in Britain. This scarcity makes the 2021 model, with just 583 kilometers (362 miles) from new, a noteworthy find. The Niva is powered by a 1.7-liter petrol engine producing 82 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Despite its age, it meets Euro 5 emissions standards and is compliant with London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) requirements.
The Niva's performance is modest, with a 0-62 mph time of 17 seconds and a top speed of 88 mph, achieving approximately 23.3 mpg. Its appeal has historically rested on its off-road capabilities and durable reputation, earning a cult following among enthusiasts. Despite its basic origins, this 'Luxe' model includes air conditioning, heated front seats, electric windows, and electrically adjustable door mirrors, alongside an upgraded audio system. The vehicle is currently the least expensive offering at Bramley Motor Cars, which typically showcases high-end vehicles like Aston Martins and Ferraris.