Today I decided to go to our city car showroom and look at the new Kalina-2, so to speak, with my own eyes and see it in person. I arrived at the official dealer, and already at the entrance I saw this miracle in a snow-white hatchback body. To be honest, I didn’t realize from the side that this was the second Kalina.
When I entered the salon, I saw a completely different exhibition copy, which looked more attractive. The car was painted in port wine color and in my opinion, it looks nicer than white. Oddly enough, at that moment, there was no one near the new product; apparently, practically no one knew about the arrival of the cars, or few people were interested in it. I doubt the second one.
All body colors of the Lada Kalina: colors, photos
Today, Lada Kalina is presented in a fairly rich range of colors, consisting of 16 different colors, and we invite you to familiarize yourself with it using the example of Lada Kalina hatchback and station wagon cars.
- Kalina. Code - 104. This color was specially created for the first generation of Lada Kalina cars.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Magma. Code - 119. Brand color of Lada Kalina 2, presented at the exhibition in 2022.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Port wine. Code - 192. Dark color of rich tones, created for the new generation of viburnum.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Glacial. Code - 221. Widely used color for the Volga Automobile Plant.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- White cloud. Code - 240. This color is slightly lighter in tone than “Glacial”.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Alligator. Code - 309. Appeared recently, dark green color.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Colombian greens.
Code - 322. The color is very similar to light green, it appeared when the first Kalina was released and is not available in the station wagon. Hatchback body - Ice. Code - 413. Metallic. The color is similar to “cloud white”, but with a blue tint.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Perseus. Code - 429. The dark blue color will appeal to the younger generation. (Photo of editorial Granta in this color here).
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Odysseus. Code - 497. Rich and rich sea metallic color.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Riesling. Code - 610. A very popular light gray color at AvtoVAZ.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Space. Code - 665.Metallic. In the shade it looks like pure black, although in the sun it glares blue.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Black Panther. Code - 672. Black classic color.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Granta. Code - 682. Very dark blue color, created specifically for Lada Granta cars.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Platinum. Code – 691. The color is slightly darker than “white cloud”.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
- Coriander. Code - 790. Calm color, closer in color scheme and reminiscent of “coffee with milk”.
Hatchback body.Station wagon body.
Thanks to such a wide range of colors, every car owner will be able to choose a car based on their own preferences.
New Lada: Body torsional rigidity table of foreign and domestic cars
Technical characteristics of a used Lada Kalina 2
Steering gear and chassis
The suspension of Kalina, as well as that of the Cross version, copes well with our roads. Frankly, there are no weak points in it. Provided you use high-quality consumables, you will have to remember about it no more than once every 70-80 thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers, ball joints and silent blocks have approximately the same service life. Suspension arms give up later - only after 150 thousand kilometers. Those who want to save money can find frankly cheap and not very high-quality Chinese spare parts, but their replacement interval will also be reduced. As a result, there will still be no significant savings, and you will have to spend more time visiting the service.
The weak point of the used Lada Kalina 2 is the rack and pinion steering mechanism. It can start knocking after 50 thousand kilometers. Most often, tightening the mechanism helps get rid of knocking. If not, then you will have to contact the experts to rebuild it. Fortunately, this procedure for Kalina is not very expensive.
Motor reliability
The base engine for the second generation Kalina is the 87-horsepower eight-valve VAZ-11186. This engine has low-end torque and revs well at high revs. So, despite not the highest power, it can be fully recommended for Kalina. The main thing to remember is that in this engine, when the timing belt breaks, the valves bend. The conclusion suggests itself - it’s not worth waiting until the factory-recommended mileage of 60 thousand, at which time the timing belt needs to be serviced. It is better to protect yourself and do this after the mileage exceeds 50 thousand kilometers.
In addition, owners should definitely monitor the condition of the rollers and water pump. If there is a backlash in the pump, then under no circumstances should you postpone visiting the service. Immediately after starting, the used Kalina 2 engine may make a characteristic clicking sound. Many owners are sure that these sounds are made by hydraulic compensators, but in fact this is a clear hint that the valves require adjustment. If nothing is done, then after 40-50 thousand kilometers the valves will burn out.
The second power unit available for Kalina with the same volume of 1.6 liters develops 98 horsepower. It doesn't make much sense to pay extra for this motor. In terms of dynamics, it is only slightly better than the 87-horsepower power unit. It's another matter if you are looking for a Kalina with an automatic transmission. In this case, there will be no alternative to the 16-valve 98-horsepower engine.
The most powerful Kalinovsky engine with a volume of 1.6 liters develops 106 horsepower. The motor turned out to be very flexible and is excellent even for the relatively heavy Cross version, but the problem with valves bent when the timing belt breaks is also typical for it. If we talk about the general disadvantages of VAZ engines, then they include an unreliable thermostat. Sometimes used engines start to misfire, which can be treated by replacing spark plugs and ignition modules.
Video: Lada Kalina 2 (expert opinion)
Possible problems with electrical and gearbox
The weak point in the electrical system of a used Kalina 2 is the generator. On average, it lasts 3-4 years. Although there is hardly any need to be seriously upset about this. The cost of a new generator and its replacement is low. After a mileage of 75 thousand kilometers, the oxygen sensor will need to be replaced. From time to time you will have to clean the throttle valve, which will help avoid floating speed. If this does not help, you need to replace the idle speed and throttle sensors. Sensors for Kalina are inexpensive.
The most common transmission on Lada Kalina is a 5-speed manual. And if on cars of the first generation it often reminded of itself, then on the “second” Kalina the seriously redesigned mechanism is distinguished by quite high reliability. Thus, the clutch can last 100 thousand kilometers, and the gearbox itself will require repair only after a run of 200 thousand kilometers.
There are no complaints about the Jatco automatic transmission either. With proper operation, it will not remind you of itself before a run of 200-250 thousand kilometers. There is also no need to worry about possible repairs to the machine. Due to the simple design of the box, it will not be so expensive. And they will take it up in any service that deals with similar problems.
The third transmission option is a robotic gearbox, where the clutch automatically closes and opens using servos. And if the “robot” does not work the best on the Vesta model, then on the lighter Lada Kalina there are much fewer complaints about it. Due to the fact that the electronics handle the clutch extremely carefully, its service life on the robotic Kalina is often even higher than on cars with traditional “mechanics”.
For a poor buyer who counts every penny, a second-generation second-generation Lada Kalina can be an excellent car for every day. For the same money, of course, you can buy a Renault Logan, but other things being equal, it will be worse equipped and have a higher mileage. And in terms of reliability, foreign cars do not have a noticeable advantage. As it turned out, Lada Kalina 2 is far from those “semi-finished products” that were produced at AvtoVAZ not so long ago. So you can safely buy domestic “berries”.
How to find out the color of a VAZ car
The label with the body color number of domestic cars can be found on the trunk lid, in the glove compartment, in the spare tire niche near the spare wheel or under it, under the brake light on the spoiler. This simple piece of paper is called Form 3347. It can be difficult to find, easy to lose, and easy to forget. Therefore, if it is found, champions recommend writing down the number and name of the paint with a marker on the inside of the gas tank flap. If you have a used car, check to see if someone has already done this.
Please also note that the color code is also written on the warranty card.
What else can you do to find out “what is my Lada painted?” An alternative is to contact the dealer from whom you bought the car, which only works naturally if the dealer is a completely official organization.
If you do not have any documentary evidence indicating the color your car is painted, you can try to establish this using the LADA painting plan at the factory. To do this, you need to know the exact date (year, month, day/-) of the release of your car and it should not be younger than 2005. If you know the date, write to us and we will try to find out the color of the car this way.
New Lada: VAZ 2170 Priora operation, maintenance and repair manual
However, the surest way to determine color is to contact a colorist. And you can choose the right shade if you show the colorist the gas tank flap, with the help of which a specialist using special equipment will be able to make paint for you exactly in the color and in the volume you need - tint, spray can or can. Actually, all this can be done in our computer paint selection laboratories.
First look and personal impressions
- Of course, the appearance of the new Lada is quite nice and looks more impressive than the previous model. The front part of the car looks especially bright, with new forms of the bumper and optics.
- As for the interior decoration, everything is completely different and, at first glance, unusual. The seats are more comfortable, but they seemed too soft for me. Although the lateral support is already felt better.
- The plastic is certainly rough and hard, but thank God it’s better than on Grant. Although, apparently, the squeaks will still remain. I'll tell you later why I think so.
- The steering wheel is familiar to everyone from the new state employee, so I don’t think it’s worth talking about its convenience. And not everyone will like it. Personally, I like the old one better.
- The cable-driven gearshift lever is of course lighter and clearer, unlike the old design. But there is a problem with rattling. This is evidenced by many reviews from owners of cable-driven Grants.
Color fan 2022
An online fan of colors, in the form of reference information, will help you choose colors for painting your car, for example, if you decide to paint it a different color. The table shows the car colors, car color name and paint codes from the VIKA color fan.
Please note that the table also shows paint colors for foreign cars that are produced here and in neighboring countries. You can see the original colors of foreign-made cars at the link - colors of automotive paints for foreign cars
The table also shows the release forms, brands and prices for enamels of the colors presented in the fan. Usually you can buy all colors from us, if one is not in stock, then we can bring the paint you need to order as quickly as possible.
Overpriced minimalism?
Now I want to share my impressions about what I absolutely didn’t like about the 2nd generation Kalina and why AvtoVAZ is going back to the past again?
- Firstly, once again I want to emphasize that the electric headlight adjustment has been made hydraulic again. Am I the only one who finds this illogical and incomprehensible? It seems that the car model is new, but the technology is a hundred years old.
- Why are there no full front fender liners, even on the most expensive configuration for 452,600 rubles? For some reason, they were previously installed even in the cheapest configuration. Moreover, they were made of very high quality with absolutely zero gaps between the wing and the fender liners themselves. The new model is a pathetic parody of what was on the previous version.
- Although the trunk now opens from inside the car, it closes simply badly. You have to slam the lid so hard that you feel uncomfortable.
- I think many owners of the previous Kalina are familiar with the problem with the rear doors being difficult to open. So, I want to disappoint potential buyers of the new product. Even brand new cars that are in the showroom have this problem. I checked everything today. Of the four doors, only 2 opened normally. By the way, one more thing: the doors on my “old” car close much better. Here you have to apply much more effort.
What would I like to say in conclusion of my acquaintance with Kalina-2nd generation. Well, if we take into account the “standard” or “norm” package, then it’s a completely normal car for the money. I am especially pleased with the changes in interior and exterior design. Of course, the engineers thought about safety; now even the driver’s airbag will be present in the base. Of course, I would like to see the quality of materials and workmanship at a higher level, and all sorts of minor defects could also be corrected, which were mentioned above.
Below in the gallery I have posted several photographs that I managed to take at the car showroom. You can once again look at the living “Berry” of the second generation.