German tuner pimps out a Russian-made Lada Niva for the local market

The Volga Automobile Plant, alternatively known as AvtoVAZ or simply VAZ, is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. German tune-up shop Partisan Motors suddenly decided to join in on the festivities and will be unleasing 50 custom-made Lada Niva vehicles priced starting from €19,900 ($23,300 or so).

The iconic Soviet-era off-roader – which is still being produced today with only a few modifications – gets an air scoop on the hood and a redesigned front bumper with towing hooks. It rides on expensive dual-five-spoke forged wheels wrapped in knobby BF Goodrich all-terrain rubber. The fenders are wider than stock, a new roof rack expands cargo hauling opportunities, and new side steps are larger than OEM ones for added convenience getting in and out.

Powering the custom Niva is its usual non-turbo engine rated at mere 83 horsepower (62 kilowatts), linked to a five-speed stick shifter and AWD. Getting it going at 100 km/h (62 mph) is an effort that takes 17 seconds at best, and you won’t be driving it above 142 km/h (88 mph) even if you want to.

On a curious side note, the exclusive Niva is a German-only release and will not be shipped to Russia or CIS countries.