Lada updates 37-year old SUV

A batch of leaked images have prematurely revealed a more modern-looking variant of the Lada Niva SUV dubbed Urban. Well into its 37th consecutive year on the market, the Niva remains a popular off-roader in its home country of Russia and in many parts of Europe.

The leaked images show the Lada Niva Urban gets a new radiator grille with three slats, body colored plastic bumpers on both ends, a rear wiper and plastic hubcaps mounted on upsized 17-inch wheels. Interior pictures were not leaked but Russian magazine Drive reports the Niva Urban comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and additional sound-deadening material.

The Niva Urban carries on with a 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 80 horsepower to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission that features a granny gear. The Niva reaches 62 mph from a stop in 16 seconds before going on to a top speed of 85 mph.

Buyers looking to slash their fuel bill can order a factory-built LPG-burning variant of the Niva at an extra cost.

Official details about the updated Lada Niva Urban will emerge in the weeks leading up to its debut at next August’s Moscow Motor Show. Lada has not announced whether or not Urban will join the standard Niva in European showrooms.