The Lada Niva is back!!

Yes, that's correct you can once again buy a new Lada Niva in the UK! Mark Key (www.markkey.co.uk) has begun importing this Russian 4x4 into the UK again. Although only available in left hand drive configuration this very capable 4x4 is well worth considering if you need a compact 'proper' 4x4. It comes with permanent four wheel drive, hi and lo range transfer gearbox and a centre differential lock (just like a Defender, Classic Range Rover and early Discovery) making it a 'classic' 4x4. No electronic driver aids or other electronic trickery to fail or lull you into a false sense of security. So what's it like to drive? Well we're impressed with it! We recently hosted Mark and a writer and photographer from Total Off Road magazine at our Kent off road driving site. With the exception of our deep water crossing we took the little Niva everywhere we'd normally take our Defenders and Discovery's. It tackled everything we threw at it or rather everything we pointed it at! Our only criticism, perhaps slightly higher geared than a Defender so not as much engine braking on steep descents. Available with a 1.7 litre petrol engine (LPG option available), three colour options and an on the road price of just £9,995 this plucky 4x4 is worth considering.