"Lada-Kalina" is currently one of the most popular and frequently seen Russian-made cars on our roads. This model has been in production for the 13th year. The first car rolled off the assembly line in 2004, although the development of Kalina began back in 1993. The future new product has been designed and improved for more than ten years - it is not surprising that it has become one of the most anticipated AvtoVAZ models. Now many people own such a car. The Lada Kalina station wagon is especially popular. Reviews from owners are direct confirmation that this is a solid and functional machine. The model is indeed of particular interest, so it is worth paying a little more attention to this topic.
Which Kalina is better?
When choosing a Lada Kalina among a variety of cars, a novice car enthusiast will not have to get confused in the configurations of car models.
There are three body styles, three engine options and three configuration options. And, of course, Lada Kalina Sport. Let's look in this article which Kalina is better. Keep in mind that by simply going to the first car dealership you come across, you risk being left completely without money, since the sales consultants will complete the car until your pockets and wallet are completely empty. The smartest thing to do before purchasing is to study the Internet sites of car dealerships and think about what equipment and modifications you need. Considering which Kalina is better, we will compare three models in this series.
Lada Kalina Hatchback
The 1119 hatchback belongs to class B, it has five doors and is very comfortable, as well as convenient for family trips. Thanks to the excellent design of the electric power steering wheel, the Lada Kalina Hatchback is very light and easy to drive. The car has a very comfortable and spacious interior, the designers did a great job. Thanks to its economical operation and relatively low pricing, as well as good reliability and maneuverability, the Hatchback is an excellent car for the middle class.
The Lada Kalina Hatchback engine is equipped with electric gasoline injection. And important is the fact that the exhaust gases comply with EURO II environmental standards. The five-speed manual transmission and power unit allow you to maintain a very high level of dynamics with low gasoline consumption.
Lada Kalina Station Wagon
Lada Kalina Universal 1117 went on sale in 2007. This is a very compact passenger car. The station wagon has an elegant, modern body, a comfortable and cozy interior, and modernized lighting equipment. It should be noted that the Lada Kalina Universal has very good maneuverability and is ideally suited to cramped and not very smooth city roads. The station wagon is produced in 3 trim levels - normal, luxury and standard.
The important thing is that the rear seats of the Station Wagon have the ability to fold, and you get horizontal
Aerodynamic properties: tips
This information may be useful for those drivers who want to reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient as much as possible. First of all, you need to take note of the fact that open windows in any make of car slow down its dynamics. Also an important criterion is the presence of dirt aprons on the wheels. For those who like to drive fast, they will have to be abandoned along with the protruding caps. Another tip: do not open the hatch while driving. In general, this configuration reduces the level of dynamics to 5%.
Which is better Lada Granta or Lada Kalina: comparing cars
Those who want to buy a domestic car mainly choose among Lada Kalina and Lada Granta. If you take a quick look at these cars, the differences between them are not noticeable, since the cars are made on the same platform. But in fact, there are quite a few small differences between the cars. To finally make a choice, you need to know them.
Specifications
They are similar for Granta and Kalina. The cars are equipped with almost identical engines. The car can be equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with a power of 87, 98 and 102 hp. Eight-valve, 1.6 liter capacity and 81 hp. installed only on Lada Granta.
Exterior view of engine 21116 on Grant
All power units on these cars can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission and an automatic Japanese gearbox. The chassis of the cars is also similar.
The only difference is in the settings, depending on the features of a particular model.
Body
Video about how both of these cars are painted at the factory:
We need to start comparing these two cars with the body. Today Kalina is offered with station wagon and hatchback body types.
Appearance of Lada Granta
The Granta is available only with a sedan body type. Some car enthusiasts prefer to buy sedans for their classic look and convenience, while some prefer hatchbacks for their efficiency and compactness.
Kalina station wagon
Station wagons are chosen by those who value a large amount of usable space in the cabin.
We are bringing potatoes from the dacha (photo by comrade Grantovod especially for the site)
It is worth noting that those who expect a spacious trunk from Kalina will be a little disappointed. Its volume is 360 liters versus 400 in Grant. The hatchback has even less luggage compartment – 260 liters.
Equipment
The difference between Kalina and Granta becomes noticeable if you look at the car’s equipment. In Kalina the basic version is already installed:
- Electric power steering.
- Short steering rack.
- 14 inch wheels.
- Air filter in the cabin.
- Electric window lifts at the front.
- Athermal glass.
It should also be noted that the Granta in the most expensive configuration is equipped better than the Kalina, and the cost of the cars is almost the same. So the Granta can be equipped with:
- Electrically driven rear view mirrors.
- Fog lights.
- Heated rear view mirrors.
- Electric window lifts on all doors.
Results
Knowing the features and differences between the Lada Grant and Lada Kalina, it will be easier for you to make a choice and buy the car that will best satisfy your needs. Also, when choosing, it is recommended to take into account the features in which the car is planned to be used.
old friend
FOR THE TEST, the organizers prepared cars equipped with an 81-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. This motor has been installed on the Kalina from the very beginning of its production and is already well known. You can't expect any new impressions from him.
However, it feels like a station wagon with this engine accelerates a little slower than a sedan or hatchback. The reason lies in the new settings (this engine meets Euro-3 requirements, and before we drove Kalinas with a Euro-2 engine), as well as in the increased weight of the car. After all, the station wagon is 30 kg heavier than the hatchback and sedan.
Due to the increased weight of the car, the designers had to use stiffer springs and shock absorbers. This had a beneficial effect on the handling of the Kalina: the car became more collected and rolls less in turns. True, on a rough road passengers shake a little more than in other modifications. Another thing would be to change the settings of the steering mechanism so that the steering wheel would not be so “empty” and uninformative - and one could say that on the road the Lada Kalina is practically in no way inferior to its foreign counterparts.
Comparison of Lada-Kalina station wagon and Lada-Priora hatchback | VAZ, Lada
Tomorrow my nephew is buying a Lada-Priora hatchback. Why he decided this way, I did not understand either from his words or from the words of my brother and his wife. This is despite the fact that they have already driven my Lada Kalina and, according to them, they really liked it. I myself have not driven this car, and therefore I was interested in the opinions of other people. And this is what I found in one of the LiveJournals (the author does not give his name).
Comparison of Lada Kalina and Lada Priora
Lada Kalina
Kalina hatchback with a 1.4 engine, airbags, front electric windows and electric power steering.
From the outside, the car does not look like a masterpiece, but it is quite attractive. Of course, “taste and color...”, but it is much more beautiful than Renault Logan or Chevrolet Lanos.
From the inside, the interior is not impressive, but it is not repulsive either; the interior is transformed quite adequately for a modern hatchback: the rear seat consists of two parts that fold independently. It is very comfortable.
The trunk is quite roomy for a B-class hatchback.
The ergonomics of the driver's seat are excellent for me: all the buttons and control knobs are in convenient places and can be easily reached.
The 1.4 engine is very playful, but at low speeds its torque is clearly weak, so it requires more active use of the accelerator (gas). This is not the case on any other VAZ model.
Despite the fact that the electric power steering has already been criticized by many, it turned out to be quite good on this car. True, the manager said that this is a new modification of the electric amplifier, and that previously this unit actually often failed.
What I didn't like was the gearbox - too noisy. This, apparently, is the main shame of this car (it’s not clear why - after all, you can’t hear a gearbox even on an 18-year-old VAZ-21063!).
The suspension impressed with its speed and energy intensity. Add high ground clearance and short overhangs. This combination made the car incredibly suitable for our Russian roads.
In general, the impression of the Lada-Kalina was very positive. Therefore, without a doubt, among my classmates I will choose Lada-Kalina
Lada Priora
When I saw this car, I was completely disappointed. Firstly, with my height of 180 cm, I had difficulty sitting behind the wheel (I had to move the seat all the way back, but this hardly helped: it was still a bit cramped). I note that I sat quite comfortably in the VAZ-2110.
Interior capacity and ease of movement
Here. oddly enough, on the contrary, Kalina 2 wins, since despite its small appearance, there is much more space in the cabin than in the Priora. Tall drivers will especially feel this. If in Kalina you can sit quietly and nothing will get in the way, then in Priora, with a similar landing, your knees will rest against the steering wheel. Agree that such movement cannot be called comfortable and convenient.
This also applies to passengers; the Priora is a little cramped for both front and rear passengers. Therefore, in this comparison, Kalina 2 turned out to be the favorite.
What is the difference between a Lada Kalina station wagon and a hatchback - Autosite
The Lada Kalina Station wagon went on sale quite recently, in 2007
This is the last car planned in the Kalina family. The Lada Kalina Station Wagon is equipped with a 1.4 or 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Lada Kalina Station wagon went on sale quite recently, in 2007
This is the last car planned in the Kalina family. The Lada Kalina Station Wagon is equipped with a 1.4 or 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The appearance of the five-door station wagon VAZ 1117 was quite logical, because... This type of body is very popular and popular in our country. Lada Kalina Station Wagon is ideal for both passengers and for transporting bulky and heavy cargo, which is difficult for sedans.
At the same time, the car combines comfort, convenience and practicality. That is why the Lada Kalina Universal follows both Russian and European trends in the automotive industry. Compared to the hatchback of the VAZ 1117 family, there are almost no significant differences in appearance, and in terms of length, the Lada Kalina Universal has the same base as the sedan, and the same floor as the VAZ 1118.
The rear door with a huge glass is the main difference between the station wagon version. Its trunk is slightly smaller than that of a sedan (360 versus 400 liters), but if you remove the shelf, you’ll get all 500! Well, as for driving characteristics, maneuverability and comfort, there are no changes: the Lada Kalina Universal is at the same high level as the base sedan. The suspension, engine and 13-inch wheels are also familiar from the Kalina family. See also:
Lada Kalina Sport Lada Priora Hatchback VAZ cars
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The main differences between a hatchback and a station wagon
Common features inherent in the hatchback and station wagon - both classes are a modified sedan with an essentially combined interior and trunk.
The differences between a hatchback and a station wagon are as follows:
- The size of the luggage compartment is significantly smaller in the Hatchback. The station wagon is excellent for cargo transportation and is often purchased by private entrepreneurs and medium-sized companies precisely for these purposes;
- The hatchback features a more elegant rear design. The inclined door looks much more beautiful than the strict vertical overhang of the station wagon. Women often make choices based on this;
- The station wagon is longer than the hatchback. This can be a significant drawback in urban environments if the car is used only for transporting passengers, but when it comes to large cargo, this is definitely an advantage;
- The hatchback can be supplied in a “sporty” 3-door configuration;
- Station wagons, as a rule, are more expensive than hatchbacks of the same series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDuXl4n69tg
Both classes of passenger cars discussed in this article occupy their niche in the domestic market and are in demand among Russian motorists due to their features.
Choosing a station wagon: Kalina 2 or Priora?
Agree that before buying a new car, each of us first weighs everything, evaluates and compares several models and only then buys. If we consider domestically produced station wagons, then at the moment there are 2 classic options from the entire model range that can compete with each other:
- Kalina 2nd generation station wagon
- Priora station wagon
Both cars are quite worthy of their choice, since the price for domestic consumers is more than humane. But what should you look at first if you still doubt your choice?
Luggage compartment capacity
Of course, a person who buys a station wagon hopes that the trunk of his car will be much larger than that of a hatchback or sedan, and in most cases it is this factor that plays a decisive role. If you choose a vehicle based on only one parameter, then your car is a Priora, since it is longer than the Kalina 2 in the same body and it will fit more cargo.
If we talk about the Kalina station wagon, even representatives of AvtoVAZ often say that in fact this type of body can be called a full-fledged hatchback.
Interior capacity and ease of movement
Here. oddly enough, on the contrary, Kalina 2 wins, since despite its small appearance, there is much more space in the cabin than in the Priora. Tall drivers will especially feel this. If in Kalina you can sit quietly and nothing will get in the way, then in Priora, with a similar landing, your knees will rest against the steering wheel. Agree that such movement cannot be called comfortable and convenient.
This also applies to passengers; the Priora is a little cramped for both front and rear passengers. Therefore, in this comparison, Kalina 2 turned out to be the favorite.
Comparison of power units and dynamic characteristics
I think many already know that recently, both the new 2nd generation Kalinas and Prioras began to be equipped with engines with a power of 106 horsepower, which go under the designation VAZ 21127. That is, this engine is installed on both another car.
The same applies to the old ICE 21126, which is also present on both cars. But there is one important advantage that must be given to the new product. Kalina 2 has a version with an automatic gearbox, but Priora does not yet have one.
As for maximum speed, Priora wins here a little thanks to its better body aerodynamics, but it accelerates slower with the same engine by 0.5 seconds.
Let's sum it up
If you are a fan of a more relaxed ride and a very large trunk is not an urgent need for you, then it goes without saying that the Kalina 2 is best for you, especially if you want to feel more spacious behind the wheel.
If the size of the luggage compartment and higher speed come first for you, then without hesitation you can look at the Lada Priora. But still, everyone must decide for themselves what they like best, as they say, and not look at tests and reviews...
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When choosing a car, it is important to study not only its technical characteristics, but also the dimensions of the body, interior and trunk. Compare these values with competitors and evaluate all the pros and cons of the car before purchasing. In this reference article you will find all the overall dimensions of the Lada Kalina 2nd generation that interest you, as well as the dimensions of the trunk and interior of this car.
Watch your back!
TO GET acquainted with the car, Togliatti residents laid out a driving route through the whole of Kazakhstan - from north to south. In the vicinity of Almaty, the heat is 30 degrees, and in the cabin of the Kalina, pleasant cool air blows from the deflectors. Conventional air conditioners are no longer uncommon on domestic cars. They are installed on “Samara”, and “Priors”, and on “Volga”. But climate control is still a novelty for our automakers. “Lada Kalina” in the “Lux” configuration is actually the first production Russian car equipped with this device. True, the algorithm for its operation is not entirely clear - the deflectors alternately emits arctic cold and desert heat.
Climate control, soft seats, good ergonomics. It would seem, what more could you want? However, after a long trip in the second row of seats, my back ached all night. The point is not at all in shaking and not in the quality of Kazakh roads (they, by the way, are quite decent, with the exception of the 150-kilometer stretch between Balkhash and Alma-Ata). Just so that when folding out the rear sofa you don’t “lose” the seat belt buckles, plastic latches are built into the back of the chair. They are located exactly opposite the lower back - you want to lean back in a chair, but hard plastic digs into your back.
With the exception of this fastener, there are no other comments regarding comfort in the passenger seats. Thanks to the high body, there is quite a lot of headroom. Despite the relatively small external dimensions, the rear passengers will not feel cramped, even if a tall driver or passenger is sitting in front: there is enough legroom.
Dimensions Lada Kalina 2 station wagon
The overall dimensions of the car are shown in the diagram. The basic dimensions are as follows: length – 4084 mm, width – 1700 mm, height – 1504 mm.
The overall dimensions of the Lada Kalina Cross are slightly different from the basic version. The length of the body is 20 mm longer, the height is 56 mm larger, and the width remains the same. The interior dimensions of the regular version and the “off-road” version are the same. All these values are indicated in the diagram:
The trunk is this car's trump card. Its volume is 355 liters, and with the rear seats folded down it is as much as 670 liters. The dimensions of the trunk of the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon are shown in the diagram:
Body Features
The optics of the car have changed, along with the bow of the body, however, the roof and doors remained the same, so it was decided to abandon the new glazing, but this did not affect the technical characteristics in any way. "Lada Kalina 2" in appearance is very similar to a sedan. The most striking difference is in the rear of the car (trunk). Its volume in the hatchback is 240 liters, and in the station wagon - 361 liters. A very advantageous point is this: with the rear seats folded down, the trunk capacity increases from 550 to 670 liters, respectively.
By the way, some body parts of the Kalina and Granta models are identical, in particular the wings and hood. It is disappointing that the projector headlights, which could be seen in the exhibition copy, were not included in the standard equipment in mass production.
In the terms of experts, “Kalina 2” cannot be called completely new, it just underwent a deep restyling.
Dimensions of Lada Kalina 2 hatchback
The hatchback car is 191 mm shorter than the station wagon, 4 mm lower, the width has not changed. The interior dimensions also differ, for example, in a hatchback there is less space above the head of the rear passenger, as well as the distance from the knees to the back of the front seat. You can study in more detail the dimensions of the body and interior of the Lada Kalina 2 hatchback in the following diagram:
The trunk volume is 240 liters, with the rear seats folded down it increases to 550 liters. The dimensions of the hatchback trunk are significantly smaller, both in width and length. All sizes presented in the article are taken from the Autoreview website.
LADA Kalina 2: release
The choice of name for the new car was influenced by the popularity of the previous Kalina sedan model. In a short time it gained popularity not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. Thanks to the use of new high-quality technologies, designers were able to refine the shortcomings of the interior, enhance sound insulation, expand bottlenecks, etc. Modified technical characteristics (“Lada Kalina 2” is the embodiment of the dream of any car enthusiast) made it possible to adequately present this model on the modern market.
As for the price, it is quite affordable. Manufacturers have tried their best to maintain consistency between quality and cost. When compared with other brands, Kalina 2, taking into account all the innovations, is an order of magnitude cheaper.
The body is available in two types: hatchback and station wagon. The design is in no way inferior to famous foreign cars. The inflated streamlined shape, wide bumper, original radiator grille and headlights, made in accordance with modern requirements, give the appearance grandeur.
First generation
Before moving on to owner reviews of the Lada-Kalina station wagon, it’s worth briefly talking about the car itself. And we should start with the first generation.
The station wagon, which was assigned the index 1117, was released later than the sedan and hatchback. Its mass production began only in 2007. The car quickly gained popularity due to its capabilities related to cargo and passenger transportation.
Externally, the station wagon looks almost the same as the sedan and hatchback. But due to the monumental stern with a large luggage lid and unique lights, it looks more harmonious and proportional.
This model was offered with the following engines:
- 1.6-liter, 81 horsepower. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 13 seconds. Maximum – 165 km/h. Consumption in the city and on the highway is 9.8 and 6.2 liters, respectively.
- 1.4-liter, 89 hp. The indicators are similar, but the consumption is 1-2 liters less.
- 1.6-liter, 98 hp. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Maximum – 183 km/h. Consumption in the city and on the highway is 11 and 8 liters, respectively.
As for capacity, the station wagon’s trunk can accommodate 430 liters of cargo. The volume can be increased to 500 liters by removing the rear parcel shelf.
Let's sum it up
An important point that deserves special attention is the manufacturer’s pricing policy. This allows the station wagon considered here to win the sympathy of a large category of buyers. This car has a balanced set of consumer qualities, including such an important and practical indicator as the capacity of the luggage compartment. The correct approach of the manufacturer is the key to the success of the model or its specific modification in the market space.
Equipment
Good equipment is the first advantage that can be highlighted when reading reviews from owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon.
The model was offered in three trim levels. The standard included steel wheels, halogen headlights, glazing with ultraviolet protection, bumpers painted in body color, an adjustable steering column, and central locking with remote control.
But that is not all. Also included in the list of basic equipment are front electric windows, door stiffeners, audio preparation, an immobilizer, an alarm system, a driver's kit (jack, wheel wrench, spare wheel), a notification about the need for diagnostics, and also a buzzer for an ignition key left, lights on, rear untranslated transfers.
The next configuration was called “norm”. The car in this version, in addition to the above, also had a mirror in the passenger sun visor, decorative wheel covers, climate control, and an audio system (FM+CD+MP3) with two speakers and an antenna.
In the luxury version, the car was additionally equipped with rain sensors, a curtain in the luggage compartment, an ABS system, a seat belt tensioner, driver and front passenger airbags, rear electric windows, heated seats and mirrors (with electric drive), and also fog lights. By the way, the wheels on the version with this configuration were fitted with light alloy wheels.
Considering all of the above, one can understand why the majority purchased the Kalina in a luxury version. The price difference at that time was approximately 70,000 rubles for a model with an 81-horsepower 1.6-liter engine.
Subcompact version in use
Now we will talk about the Lada-Kalina 1.4 station wagon. The reviews left by owners about this version fully allow us to understand what this car is like.
Motorists pay special attention to the performance of the 89-horsepower engine. A car with such a unit drives briskly, but the engine loves high speeds, so at the bottom it is somewhat “thoughtful.”
What can you say about consumption? In summer, the on-board computer shows an average of about 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway (at a speed of 110-120 km/h); when driving around the city, consumption increases to 8.2 liters. With the air conditioner turned on, consumption increases, but not by much - by about 0.2-0.3 liters.
Consumption also depends on driving style. If you move along the highway at speeds of up to 90 km/h, the engine will consume even less than six liters. But in winter, of course, consumption increases. When driving around the city it is approximately 11 liters. On the highway - about 7-8 liters. By the way, owners recommend using 95-grade gasoline, since 92-grade gasoline is difficult to digest.
Owners pay special attention to the dynamics of this car. Compared to early VAZ models, this car is just a spaceship. In fact, it’s a station wagon with dynamics that provide quite comfortable driving around the city. But the reserve of the 1.4-liter engine is sometimes not enough even for those motorists who are not adherents of a harsh driving style. The engine is a compromise, with adequate fuel consumption, allowing you to stay in the flow and even overtake, but without reserve. Although on the highway a car with this engine behaves well. But only if there are no passengers in the cabin and no cargo in the trunk. Otherwise, many people get the impression that they are driving not a car, but a horse-drawn carriage.
Pros and cons of two body types
In order to decide on the type of car, it is worth learning about all the advantages and disadvantages of each. As a rule, a similar dilemma arises when buying an inexpensive car. Therefore, when making your choice, you can also be guided by the cost criterion. Cars with closed bodies are more expensive, so you can save money by choosing a shorter version. You may have a reasonable question: why is a sedan more expensive than a hatchback? In fact, everything is simple - since the second option is “shortened”, less metal is spent on its creation.
Hatchback car body
Advantages of a closed body:
- No foreign odors or noises in the cabin, since the trunk is disconnected;
- At low air temperatures, the interior warms up faster, since there is no need to additionally warm up the trunk;
- The car has optimal weight distribution.
It is worth noting that the trunk adds both advantages and disadvantages to it. It is spacious, but the possibilities for its transformation are minimal. In addition, it is inferior to the hatch trunk in terms of ease of loading. For example, it is very difficult to transport a washing machine or TV in a car with a closed body.
Versions with a 1.6-liter unit
There are more owners of such modifications than people driving station wagons with the notorious 1.4 liter engine. What do they say about them?
Motorists characterize the 1.6-liter engine as a playful, noisy, and quickly gaining momentum unit, which begins to “eat well” after 3000 rpm. The thrust of this engine is more than enough to get moving from idle. But in terms of adding gas you need to be very careful. If you press the pedal to the floor, the wheels will slip. This is especially noticeable when starting on an incline. Gas must be dosed carefully even after switching to second gear.
But, in general, the 1.6-liter engine is capable of satisfying even high-speed enthusiasts. A car with such a unit, of course, is not intended for racing tracks, but the power of this engine is enough not only for everyday driving - the car feels confident on the track.
Consumption, as shown by reviews from owners about the Lada-Kalina station wagon, corresponds to the figures stated in the passport. Moreover, if you choose a gentle driving mode and stick to it consistently, you can further reduce consumption. Many motorists assure: consumption on the highway can be 4.8-5 liters, if you do not overestimate the speed. In the city the figure is stable - 7-8 liters per “hundred”.
Fuel consumption
One of the important indicators of a quality car is fuel consumption. Thanks to the installation of a 16-valve engine, engineers were able to reduce fuel consumption as much as possible. This is especially noticeable in comparison with models that have an 8-valve engine.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that the “Lux” equipment is often equipped with an automatic transmission. It is much more convenient than a mechanical one, but you can count on economical fuel consumption only on highways outside the city - up to 8 liters. In other cases, it has no advantages; even more, it is a disadvantage, since it significantly increases gasoline consumption (almost 12.5 liters).
Electronics operation
You can also learn a lot of interesting things about it by reading owner reviews of the Lada-Kalina (station wagon) with photos.
The operation of the air conditioner deserves special attention. Firstly, when you turn it on, you get the feeling that an anchor has been dropped on the asphalt. Management becomes more difficult. Because of this, many turn it on only in weather in which it is impossible without it.
Secondly, the air conditioning works very poorly. Thirdly, in order for it to somehow cope with its task, you need to regularly change the cabin filter, charge it with refrigerant and clean it.
You can also find many comments about the operation of the stove. Here the situation is better. The interior warms up quickly and well, but there is one thing. Side windows become chronically cloudy at temperatures below -20°C. And if in cold weather you direct the air in some other direction, the side mirrors are also lost. So you won’t be able to warm the windows and your feet at the same time. And the stove only works well at outside temperatures down to -30 °C.
Behavior on the road
It is described in detail by many owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon. Reviews allow us to verify that the chassis of this car is quite acceptable in its characteristics for Russian roads. The car does not roll when turning, but it is not recommended to make sharp turns - it becomes scary. The suspension “swallows” medium-sized holes and bumps, but when passing serious obstacles you need to be extremely careful and reduce speed to a minimum.
The ground clearance of the station wagon is 16 centimeters, but it feels like it is even lower. However, this ground clearance is enough for driving around the city and light off-road.
The car's brakes are good, but somewhat weak. Some motorists changed the pads and fluid in the system, but even this did not achieve the desired effect. Apparently, this is the specificity of the Kalina brakes.
Many people call the seating “stool-like”, but it is more comfortable than in “tens” and “nines” (people who have something to compare with claim this).
Also, many motorists, when talking about this car, note its clear advantage over other models, which lies in its compactness. The station wagon measures 4,040 mm in length, 1,700 and 1,500 mm in width and height, respectively. These dimensions have made the Kalina a small and nimble city car that can easily squeeze through both courtyards and parking lots.
Second generation
In 2013, production of the most affordable Kalina station wagon was launched. This version was already equipped as standard with a driver's airbag, front electric windows, audio preparation, heat-absorbing windows, and electric power steering.
A new unit was installed under the hood of this model - an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine producing 87 horsepower. Its feature was a lightweight connecting rod and piston group.
Why was this model called the most affordable station wagon? Because its price was 330,500 rubles.
A year later, the Lada-Kalina Cross station wagon was released. Feedback from owners about this model makes it clear that it differs from the regular version in appearance, with a stiffer suspension and “longer” gears. This modification also received a ground clearance increased by 2.3 centimeters.
It is also worth noting that with the release of the second generation models, versions with a 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine appeared. The maximum maximum speed of a car with such a unit is 177 km/h. At the same time, it accelerates to “hundreds” in 11.2 seconds and consumes about 6.7 liters in the combined cycle.
About versions with a 106-horsepower engine
As reviews from owners show, the 2nd generation Lada Kalina station wagon has become more functional and technically attractive than its predecessors. In addition, versions with a powerful 106-horsepower engine appeared! It is logical that most car enthusiasts began to buy this version.
And the difference between this engine and previous units is really visible. It is especially noticeable at low speeds. The 106-horsepower engine pulls excellently and is quieter than other engines, even at high speeds. Consumption is not very high - about 10 liters in the city, and about 8 liters on the highway.
The gearbox is cable-driven - the gears are somewhat long, and the clarity is worse than on foreign cars. However, the box is still much nicer than its predecessors.
But what the owners who leave reviews like most about the Lada-Kalina-2 station wagon is the suspension. They note its balance. It “swallows” uneven spots and holes unnoticed. Those who have something to compare with say that even on some foreign cars the suspension is not that good.
It is impossible not to pay attention to the automatic version when studying the owner reviews left about the car in question. The Lada Kalina station wagon with automatic transmission is an excellent option for the city. This is what all the people who purchased it say. It’s especially pleasant to be behind the wheel of such a car after a manual transmission. But! If you carefully study the owner reviews of the Lada-Kalina station wagon with an automatic transmission, you can conclude: people who switched to it from a foreign car with an automatic transmission are not delighted. However, others advise just driving for a few days to get used to the specifics of Russian-made AMT.
And the peculiarity of the VAZ automatic transmission is the periodic illogical switching. Sometimes gears change at moments when the driver himself would not do this. But still, the majority is of the opinion that the automatic transmission in this car is not bad. Paired with the engine it works great, providing good dynamics. And there are no jerks, which is the most important thing.
However, the owners of the Lada-Kalina-2 AMT station wagon note some shortcomings in their reviews. It consists of an inconveniently located dipstick for checking the oil level in the gearbox - under the air filter.
What about service? Official information says that this “automatic” (Jatco JF414E) does not need it. But motorists recommend updating the oil every 30-45 thousand kilometers using the partial replacement method (without removing the pan).
Flaws
They are worth talking about separately. The shortcomings in the reviews of owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon are often mentioned. They concern basically the same points.
- “Crickets” in the cabin are the first negative, the mention of which is found in all reviews of owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon. The 1st and 2nd generations are guilty of “crickets”. The use of cheap materials in finishing has an effect. Often there is a strange clanging sound from somewhere under your feet and the rattling of the gearshift lever. Many people eliminate them using electrical tape, periodically tightening the nuts and screws.
- Unreliable spark plug modules installed on a 16-valve engine. The replacement frequency is once every 10,000 kilometers, and this is too often.
- Sensors Unreliable, just like the notorious spark plug modules.
- Light bulbs. To replace them, you need to try hard and spend a lot of time. Perhaps owners of flexible hands have an easier time.
- Capacity. Questions to this point are found in every review from owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon. The disadvantages listed above, in principle, do not cause surprise, except for the capacity. After all, this is a station wagon, which means there should be enough space in it for both passengers and large cargo. But no. Even according to the passport, the maximum permissible load is limited to 475-500 kilograms. So the station wagon here is just a name and a body, but not functionality. And the owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon who leave reviews call this the main drawback.
Advantages
Many advantages of this car have already been mentioned above. But now it’s worth summarizing them.
- A significant advantage is the low price of the car. It is mentioned in all reviews of owners of the Lada-Kalina station wagon. Luxury equipment - and it is inexpensive. The price of the new model with maximum equipment is 510-580 thousand rubles. (the exact cost depends on the dealer, stock availability and other nuances). And this is the cost of a model with an automatic transmission and a 106-horsepower engine. And so the price of the most budget version with the weakest engine starts from 385,000 rubles.
- Economical operation is another advantage of this car. This does not only mean consumption. It is also taken into account that spare parts for this machine can be bought literally anywhere. Body work, by the way, is also inexpensive. And if the need for repair arises, you can fix the problem in the middle of the road or in a garage.
- Quality. There is one last important plus that I would like to mention. In comparison with old VAZ models, Kalina really pleases with a decent level of assembly. This, by the way, is one of the main reasons why it has become so popular.
Motors and the illusion of choice
If you do not take the charged versions, inflated to 120-140 horsepower, on the Sport and NFR lighters, then you are left with a choice of 87, 98 and 102 (later 106) horsepower. More precisely, it’s difficult to call it a choice at all. In terms of elasticity and peak values (acceleration 0-100 km/h) they are approximately equal: 11.9 seconds. for the 87-horsepower version with manual transmission and 10.7 seconds. - for the top-end 106-horsepower version with manual transmission.
And in general, you don’t have to choose an engine. Motors are heavily tied to transmissions. So, the robot is powered by a 106-horsepower engine, while the Jatco automatic is combined only with a 98-horsepower engine. Mechanics are available with 87- and 106-horsepower, but are not combined with 98-horsepower.
