Impressive new Lada crossover impresses in Moscow
Lada's presence in New Zealand has been reduced down to the handful of old-school Nivas that still roam the streets, or rust in paddocks.
But maybe that should change going by the look of the brand's new XCode crossover — in some ways a spiritual successor to the Niva.
If you weren't already aware, Lada have been working pretty hard on their cars over the last decade or so. And the brand is now hitting its stride, following a maiden race win in the World Touring Car Championship and improved notoriety in Europe.
Does that mean that people have completely about their cars of yesteryear? A largely awful assortment of four-wheeled horrors save for the aforementioned Niva? No, most likely not. But people felt the same about Skoda when they started their own comeback tour many years ago, and look at them now.
So to the XCode. It was one of five concept vehicles that Lada strutted about with at the recent Moscow International Motor Show. As they have been in the build up, Lada have been tight-lipped about the handsome hunk, though it looks primed to rival the likes of the Honda HRV, Suzuki Vitara, and Nissan Juke. Though it's a concept at this stage, industry scuttlebutt suggests that production will commence later this year.
The XCode was shown off alongside two four-door sedans based on Lada's existing Vesta model, and two SUVs based on the company's XRay concept — all looking palatable to the eyes.
Will any come to New Zealand? Nope. Nuh uh. Never. I mean, they could, but by the same thinking pigs could fly and the Warriors could win the premiership some day.
Still, how curious would it be if they did...