IAB Rendering - 2016 Chevrolet Niva compact SUV

Power comes from a 1.8-liter petrol engine.

The GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture premiered the next generation Chevrolet Niva by way of a concept at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show last week. The next iteration of the compact SUV is slated to enter production at AvtoVAZ's Tolyatti plant sometime in 2016.

Seen here is a rendering of the production version, made by our artist Shoeb Kalania. The front fascia gets a rather sober look with a trapezoidal grille and rectangular headlights, while the side profile of the SUV, for a casual observer, could indicate the Niva to be a sub-4 meter length vehicle. However, the Niva is primarily designed for the Russian market where a length-based taxation rule is not present.

Power for the SUV is announced to come from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with "30 percent more torque" than the current Niva (comes to 165.75 Nm). The Russian media expect this engine to put out 135 bhp. It will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox with full time 4WD, a locking differential, and a 2-speed transfer case.

Also read: 2015 Chevrolet Cruze goes on sale in China

GM did not talk much about the interior of the car, only saying that the Niva would get power mirrors and door locks, a fully integrated infotainment system, a compass, outside temperature readout and an inclinometer.

For the Indian market, GM is reported to launch the Adra compact SUV sometime in 2017.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke, Renault Duster

Expected price: Starting from 520,000 Rubles (INR 8.8 lakhs)

Launch date in Russia: 2016