 Initially, the Niva had a normally aspirated 1.6-l overhead-cam four-cylinder petrol engine producing 56 kW (76 hp) and 126 N·m (93 lb·ft) at 5,000 rpm, a four-speed manual transmission (starting with new model from 1994, a five-speed), and a full-time four-wheel drive.The drive system employs three differentials (center, front, and rear).The transfer case involves a high/low range selector lever and a lever to lock the central differential.