Lada Azimut – The First Completely New SUV from the Russian Brand in 30 Years; The Price Will Surprise You PHOTO
The new Lada combines modern design and technology with a competitive price.
Russia is currently facing war in Ukraine and international sanctions, but that hasn’t stopped domestic manufacturer AvtoVAZ from presenting the first completely new SUV from the Lada brand in nearly three decades.
Instead of the long-anticipated new generation of the Niva, the company introduced the Azimut, a 5-door SUV with a modern design.
The model is planned to launch in 2026 and is said to be entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Russia—since international cooperation is, to say the least, complicated.
The Azimut looks surprisingly modern for a Lada and could compete with models like the Dacia Duster and Bigster.Bigster.
The front end features a raised hood and short overhang, as well as Lada’s signature X-motif in the grille and lighting design, while the boomerang-shaped LED headlights integrate harmoniously with the grille and air vents.
Practical Interior
From the side, you can see pronounced fender flares, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a two-tone body with discreet plastic cladding.
The rear has a LED strip connecting the taillights, while the rear bumper features plastic inserts styled like aluminum and decorative exhausts.
The interior feels familiar and aligned with modern automotive trends. A digital dashboard combines the instrument cluster and a 10-inch multimedia screen with built-in navigation and a virtual assistant.
The software was developed in collaboration with the Russian company Sber and the tech firm Navio.
In addition to the two screens, standard equipment includes six speakers, a rearview camera, and keyless entry.
Optional features will include wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated side windows, a power tailgate, and a 360-degree camera.
There is also ample storage space throughout the cabin, as well as electric adjustment for the steering wheel and front seats.
The only available photo of the interior reveals a rotary switch on the center console for selecting drive modes for different terrains.
Gasoline Engines
At launch, the Azimut will only be available with gasoline engines, without any electrification. The lineup includes a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with 120 hp and a 1.8-liter unit with 132 hp.
These engines will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.
For those who want more power, Lada also announced a turbocharged version with 150 hp and an automatic transmission—but this will come later.
The SUV is built on a modified version of the Vesta platform, which has been on the market since 2015 and was refreshed in 2022.
With a ground clearance of 208 mm, the Azimut stands out among SUV models. The development lasted three years and involved nearly 1,000 new or modified components in the body, interior, and mechanical systems.
Despite its rugged appearance, the Azimut will likely only come with front-wheel drive, similar to the Vesta sedan and wagon.
Still, Lada emphasizes its "off-road concept" and "all-conditions driving capability," which could indicate plans for an all-wheel-drive version in the future—or simply refer to the look, height, and selectable drive modes.
Price and Availability
Production of the Azimut will begin in 2026 at the Togliatti plant, but due to the war and sanctions, it's unlikely to be seen outside Russia anytime soon. Russian media estimate the starting price to be between 2.5 and 3 million rubles (around €28,000 to €33,000), making it the most expensive Lada model to date.
For comparison, the old Niva Legend starts at 1,059,000 rubles (about €11,700), while the more modern Niva Travel starts from 1,314,000 rubles (about €14,500).
The Vesta sedan and wagon range from 1,239,900 to 2,197,000 rubles (€13,700 to €24,300), clearly showing that the Azimut is a step forward—both in price and in the manufacturer’s ambitions.
