The Bronto is the flagship variant of the immortal Lada Niva Legend in Russia and brings a series of off-road focused upgrades. In order to showcase its credentials, the company published a new video with the off-roader driving in its natural habitat: the wilderness. Despite being introduced back in 1977, the Niva still looks appealing, especially in the rugged Bronto flavor which used to be an aftermarket tuning package before Avtovaz acquired the company and started offering it as a factory option.

One of the Niva Bronto’s main attractions is that it is quite affordable. In Russia, pricing starts from ₽ 939,900 (US$ 12,764) for the Luxe trim and ₽ 994,900 (US$ 13,510) for the Prestige, which is the wiser choice. While being significantly more expensive than the ₽ 675,900 (US$ 9,186) entry-level Niva, the Bronto Prestige is more capable, more visually appealing, and better equipped, so it is worth the extra rubles.

 

The visual upgrades of the Prestige include the plastic grille which gives a mean look to the round headlights, modern-looking plastic bumpers, wheel-arch extensions, fog lights, roof rails, 15-inch alloy wheels shod in 29-inch all-terrain tires, and an impressive 240 mm ground clearance. For an extra ₽ 25,000 (US$ 340) you can also get the optional roof-mounted lights that complete the visual drama. Under the bonnet, there is the good-old naturally aspirated 1.7-liter petrol engine producing 82 hp and 129 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox and a permanent 4WD system. This is the same in all variants of the Niva Legend, but the Bronto has a few more tricks up its sleeve; namely, front, center and rear self-locking differentials, reinforced front and rear suspension, a stronger real axle, and engine crankcase protection.

Earlier this year, the Niva Bronto got the updated interior from the Niva Legend making it slightly easier to live with. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, onboard computer, heated seats, electric and heated mirrors, power windows, a pair of 12V sockets, and power steering. Don’t expect any infotainment or connectivity features but at least there is an audio preparation feature which means you can eventually listen to some music while climbing the Russian mountains. Finally, a must-have is the ₽ 2,400 (US$ 33) package including a first aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest, towing rope, and cotton gloves.