The production of the Lada Kalina car dates back to 2004. The first sample was released in a sedan body, and was called “standard” due to its budget configuration. A little later, with the same performance and functionality, Lada Kalina cars were released, in hatchback and station wagon bodies.
After this VAZ model began to be sold successfully, engineers developed 2 additional configurations that were more functional and, accordingly, cost a little more. The next step, after the “standard”, was the “norm”. Well, the last step in the evolution of the model range was the Kalina “luxury”. It was an improved version, having an order of magnitude more functions than previous configurations. Let's look at the process of improving the Lada Kalina car in more detail.
“Standard” package
This configuration is considered basic, therefore, it has the least number of functions. This Lada was produced in all body variations: sedan, station wagon and hatchback. The body dimensions are the same as any other configuration: length – 3893 mm, width – 1700 mm, height – 1500 mm. The wheelbase is also no different - 2476 mm.
"Standard"
The capacity of the trunk and the number of doors directly depends on the type of body. The sedan had 4 doors and a trunk volume of 240 liters. But the station wagon has 5 doors and 550 liters in the luggage compartment. The carrying capacity of the entire Kalina family is 400 kg (including passengers).
But as for the engine, there will be a slight difference. The “standard” and “norm” configurations had the same engine, with a volume of 1600 cubic centimeters, at which the maximum power was 87 hp. With such figures, the car accelerated to a maximum of 165 km/h. This engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Kalina, standard version, has electric power steering. This is a very useful thing, especially with a station wagon. Otherwise, this Lada remained somewhat damp. Among the installed functions that affect comfort, one can highlight the heat-insulating glass coating.
In terms of security, it has central locking. There are also airbags. An electric window regulator is installed on the front windows. Interior amenities include a filter and an immobilizer. The price of such a car is approximately 376,000 rubles.
Painting the plastic interior of Kalina
You will need to remove the tunnel, the sides of the dashboard and the door pillar linings. Then we thoroughly clean and degrease the parts. It is not necessary to sand or prime first, but those who are worried about quality should not skip these steps. Spray paint for bumpers is suitable for painting. Apply 2-3 layers and get black plastic interior:
“Norma” package
Unlike the previous Lada configuration, the “norm” has more functions. The dimensions and engine are absolutely the same as the previous configuration, and also depend on the body type: sedan, hatchback or station wagon. In addition to electric windows, it also has an electric trunk. In the cabin, an ashtray was added, and in conjunction with the filter, an air conditioner was installed.
"Norma +"
As for security, it also has an alarm system. Airbags remained unchanged. Interior soundproofing installed. Otherwise, this modification is the same as the “standard”. The price of this sample is about 400,000 rubles.
Interior
The interior of the new product is completely new, although some elements have been carried over from the younger Granta. In general, everything is in its place, the plastic is hard, but what else can you expect from a budget car. The fit of parts is at a good level, although there were some problems in the interior already in the first tests. For example, the interior began to rattle after 400 km, and the electric window buttons jumped out of their places. All these problems will be corrected on production samples, according to representatives of the AVTOVAZ company. The new items have done a very good job of soundproofing. The completely redesigned air duct system now does not cause much trouble; the engine and gearbox are mounted on new mounts, so there is practically no vibration or noise from them in the cabin. The only thing that significantly increases noise in the cabin when driving is the poor aerodynamics of the car. But here it is worth noting that it becomes uncomfortable only at a speed of 120 km/h and above.
Even Bruce Willis would not be lost here with his best works in cinema, as an actor and more.
"Lux" package
This configuration of the Lada Kalina car is considered to be as comfortable as possible, and is radically different from its predecessors. Starting with the engine, which has a power of 106 hp, and accelerates the car to a top speed of 177 km/h, and ending with a huge number of functions inside the cabin. The bodies in which this Lada is produced can be of different types: sedan, station wagon or hatchback.
The VAZ is a luxury version, equipped with additional lighting due to the presence of fog lights. Also, it has quite modern mirrors, electrically operated and heated, which are painted in body color.
In terms of safety, the “luxury” has gone far ahead of its predecessors. In addition to central locking and an alarm system, the car is equipped with a special tension belt and a much larger number of airbags. And in order to prevent collisions as much as possible, this Lada was equipped with an ABS system.
"Lux"
In Kalina's "luxury" cabin there was a complete smoker's package, along with a cigarette lighter and an ashtray. Also, power windows were installed on all 4 doors, and an electric drive for opening the trunk (a very convenient feature on a station wagon). One of the most pleasant improvements was heated seats. The only negative of this configuration is that there was no spare wheel in the luggage compartment. The price of this car is 460,000 rubles.
Equipment
The price of the new product has not increased that much compared to the first generation of the Kalina car. At the same time, the buyer receives many more options; the basic package already includes electric power steering, electric front doors, an airbag for the driver and much more.
Richer versions already have an electrically heated windshield, rain and light sensors, a multimedia system, front airbags, central locking, flip key, split rear seat, ABS, stability control system, climate system, satellite navigation system and other options. It is worth noting that some options appeared on domestic cars for the first time.
In fact, it turned out that engineers would still have to work on many options. For example, the much-touted touchscreen multimedia system does not support some common video formats, and connecting a smartphone to the system was not the easiest thing to do. Another inconvenience is that when you connect your smartphone to the multimedia system, the car screen stops lighting up.
conclusions
So we looked at all the modifications of the Lada Kalina, in the following bodies: sedan, hatchback and station wagon. We have identified the weak and strong points of each sample. Definitely, the choice falls on Kalina “luxury”. But, it is quite expensive, and not affordable for many car enthusiasts. Therefore, most often, the choice falls on the Lada Kalina “norm”.
In addition to various modifications, VAZ also released the Lada Kalina 2 “luxury” car. It came in only one body type – hatchback. Its functionality was the same as in the simple Kalina “luxury”, but at the same time, the external design was completely changed. A very big disadvantage was that for such a car, a cosmic sum was requested, and many car enthusiasts simply could not afford it. Therefore, Kalina 2 never achieved particular popularity.
With a trailer for life
A car is not only a means of transportation, but also a means of towing.
This ability was originally built into its design. The trailer increases the carrying capacity and expands the capabilities of the vehicle. The trailer is connected to the car using a towing device or towbar, as it is commonly called. Gone are the days when it was made by craftsmen; now it is a mass-produced product for which there is a standard. Having bought a towbar for a Kalina, you can contact service specialists, but it’s easier and cheaper to install it yourself. It's not difficult, the mounting procedure is described in detail in the instructions. Some people are confused about the correct installation of electrical wiring.
The trailer must have parking and turning lights. The designers took care of this too. The electrical outlet connectors are designed in such a way that it is very difficult to mix them up.
The towbar is a coupling ball with a diameter of 50 mm (GOST 28248), onto which the coupling head is placed, which is located on the trailer drawbar. The technical characteristics of the device provided for the Lada Kalina 2 allow towing a trailer, not equipped with brakes, with a total weight of 450 kg. With brakes - twice as much, 900 kg.
It is these numbers that you need to focus on when choosing a tow bar, not forgetting about dynamic and static loads on the hitch when towing.
The pulling force is one thing; the tow bar can easily withstand 1000 kg when the force vector is directed horizontally. And another thing is pressure on the ball from top to bottom. It is limited to 75 kg and ensures correct load distribution in the trailer.
Sometimes you can find the spelling “forkop” due to the fact that the origin of this term, which came to us from the German language, has not yet been established. Regarding the second syllable “cop”, opinions coincide. It's based on the German "kopf" - head.
But the debate about the first is not over. Proponents of “headlights” cite the example of “fahren - to go.” Their opponents consider the correct word “vor - before, before”. Still, spelling with an “a” prevails; just open the technical literature to be convinced of this.
Appearance
The photos and video materials presented by a number of publications about the restyled version of Kalina Cross clearly show that the changes made in the appearance are not significant, but they made it possible to shape the design of the classic crossover. This result was achieved using the following solutions:
- embossed hood;
- large protective panels in the front and rear of the car;
- enlarged lower air intake;
- massive bumpers;
- two-lens headlights with running lights;
- external aerodynamic mirrors;
- extended wheel arches with protective inserts;
- top rails;
- branded design of the radiator grille;
- vertical rear combination lamps;
- straight lines frontal stamping.
The improved cross-country ability of a compact runabout is indicated by:
- increased ground clearance;
- high 15-inch wheels;
- lower protective body kit.
The updated design, together with modified suspension and steering settings, as well as body geometry, allow us to confidently classify the 2022 Lada Kalina Cross in the compact crossover (SUV) segment.
Technical part
The range of power units of the new Lada Kalina is represented by three 1.6-liter engines of different power. The “weakest” among them is the 87-horsepower engine (the basic versions of the first generation Kalina were equipped with 81-horsepower engines).
It has proven itself well on the Lada Granta. The torque of 147 Nm is sufficient for driving in urban conditions. This engine has the lowest compression ratio (10.3:1), which makes it the most unpretentious among those offered for the new Kalina.
The second most powerful is the 98-horsepower unit with a maximum torque of 148 Nm and a compression ratio of 11:1. This engine can be combined with a Jatco AY-K3 automatic transmission.
The Japanese even considered the option of organizing the production of these transmissions in Russia, since the delivery of about 100,000 boxes was already planned for 2013.
The third and most powerful engine is a new 106-horsepower unit with a maximum torque of 148 Nm and a compression ratio of 11:1.
The torque indicators of the presented engines practically do not differ, but this does not mean that they are the same: the difference between the weakest and most powerful engines is that the first confidently picks up the car at low speeds, and the latter after 2500-2800 rpm.
Painting Kalina door trims
The door trims will need to be removed. Similarly, we clean them from dirt and degrease them. Sanding and priming before painting is also optional. We apply 2-3 layers of paint with the same paint with intermediate drying. After complete drying, install the upholstery in the reverse order.
Bottom line
The car is very reliable, in terms of the contents inside and the level at which the exterior is made, it is worthy of attention. The suspension is tuned for a high level of smoothness, which is very useful for Russian roads. In terms of seating position and visibility, it is a wonderful car, although it is not without its drawbacks, such as the gearbox and rattling parts.
Kalina is very well assembled, but clearly loses to Lada Priora in sales. People basically don’t want to take it. Perhaps this is due to the first crude models produced in 2004, from which parts simply fell out. But since then the car has been modified. We hope this video review will be useful to you.
