Lada has unveiled the 4x4 Vision concept, which previews what the Russian firm’s long-running off-roader could look like, at the Moscow International Auto Show.

The 4x4 model, previously known as the VAZ-2121 Niva, has been in production largely unchanged since 1977. It is an uncompromising off-roader similar to the Land Rover Defender and has a similar role as a rugged talisman for the Russian car maker.

According to Lada’s chief designer, Steve Mattin, the 4x4 Vision is designed to showcase the ‘philosophy of the ultimate off-road vehicle’. While not intended to directly replace the 4x4, Mattin said the concept is a ‘vision of what the future could look like from Lada’.

The 4x4 Vision takes styling cues from the current Lada range, particularly a number of X-style design features inspired by the firm’s popular X-Ray SUV. This includes an X-shaped front grille, X-shaped LED headlights and 3D X-sculpting on the vehicle’s side.

The concept features five doors, although the two rear passenger doors are disguised by the bodywork to echo the three-door design of the original 4x4. It sits on 21-inch wheels and offers high ground clearance. The interior features two large infotainment screens and ambient lighting.

As part of its ongoing recovery plan, Lada, now part of the Renault Group, is renewing its range with plans to launch eight new models and nine facelifts by 2026. Lada also showed the latest version of a number of production vehicles in Moscow, including the Granta, Vesta Sport, Vesta Cross and X-Ray.

While Lada is still the most popular car brand in Russia, with a 19.4 percent share of the domestic market, it has come under pressure from a number of rivals in recent years, most notably Kia. Lada's ongoing recovery plan aims to increase that share to 20 percent and also to boost exports, given that its models are now available in 34 countries.