The Russian Lada. The best small 4x4 you've never heard about.

via Jalopnik..

First, there was the Lada Niva. Which was known as the Sport in Iceland, the Taiga in Western Europe and the Bushman in Australia. Then, the Russians renamed it simply to 4x4. Now, it's time for the Lada 4x4 Urban. Are you ready for so much excitement?
Unlike the Land Rover Defender, the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen and the Lada Niva are here to stay. But since the Russians don't really have the sort of technology the Germans use to keep the G-Wagen fresh, AvtoVAZ had to make due with a very modest facelift.

I've seen vids with these little beasts going through stuff that would bog down many other vehicles.

I'd love to get my hands on one!