In the last month of summer in 2012, on the podium of the AvtoVAZ automobile show in Moscow, the 2nd generation Lada Kalina hatchback was presented to the general public. If we compare it with its successor, the car was able to retain recognizable features, but it became noticeably better in appearance and interior, as well as from the technical side.
The following year, or more precisely on May 16, 2013, the company launched the production of Kalina 2, and in the summer buyers could already purchase it. It’s quite funny, but in order to promote its model, the Russian company chose a slightly slang expression: “Lada Kalina – Complete stuffing!” The entire Lada model range.
The appearance of the new car has noticeably changed, as the main elements of the design work of modern cars from Europe have been introduced into it. The bow of Kalina now looks much larger and brighter, as car enthusiasts are a little tired of the dull appearance of the previous generation. The presence of power lines of the hood has appeared, which taper towards the radiator grille and create the sensation of an expanding trapezoid. Also, all this gives the car’s exterior some sporty and aggressive characteristics.
Exterior
The appearance of the second generation Lada Kalina remained recognizable, but received a more harmonious, attractive and modern finish. The nose of the car is decorated with a hood with characteristic ribs, and there are also stylish lighting equipment with a darkened background and a massive front bumper with an air intake “mouth” and chrome decor (top trim levels also have fog lights).
The head optics flow smoothly into the narrow strip of the radiator grille. The bumper installed in front is of a relief type with a massive air intake in the center and has fog lights along the edge, which are covered with chrome “eyelashes”. True, we must admit that an air intake of this size does not fit perfectly with the overall design of the Lada Kalina 2.
You immediately notice the streamlined shape of a brand new car. They are not at all similar to the angular shapes that were present in previously produced VAZ models. Thanks to the smoothed body corners, the aerodynamic component has been improved, which has made it possible to reduce the noise of headwinds and make travel at high speeds more comfortable. If you look at the side of the car, you can see the presence of a sloping hood, a slightly sloping roof towards the rear, large door openings and large wheel arches.
All this together allows the hatchback to have a light and moderately dynamic silhouette. The fact that there are no stampings on the side body parts is made up for by the presence of door trims, which give the appearance of the car some relief against the background of the overall smoothing of the appearance. The wheel arches turned out to be a little swollen, and thanks to the high ground clearance of the hatchback, its solidity is felt.
The rear of the Lada Kalina 2 is compact and has beautiful lights, a neat luggage compartment lid and a small bumper with a plastic cover at the bottom, which serves as a protective option. As a result, the domestic new product looks quite good and fresh, and in terms of design it matches foreign cars.
The trunk door is decorated with restyled unique optics, which, with its lower element, connects the sidewall and the upper part of the rear bumper. The new rear bumper has a pair of reflective strips integrated into it on the sides.
Interior
The second generation salon is distinguished by the presence of modern design and high ergonomic indicators. Also, the presence of a massive steering wheel with 3 spokes immediately catches your eye, behind which lies an informative instrument panel, which is represented by two shallow “wells” and a modest monochrome screen of the on-board computer. To the left of the steering wheel, a place was allocated for the light-amplification control unit, and under it, an inconspicuous button was installed, which is responsible for opening the luggage compartment (this decision can be called one of the most important miscalculations in terms of ergonomics).
The center console consists mainly of a color touch display of the multimedia system, which is covered with a small visor on top. A control panel for the music system was installed under it, and under it there are already 3 rotating “washers” of the air conditioning system. In general, getting into the hatchback is quite comfortable, partly due to the presence of wide-opening doors and a large doorway.
Thanks to large mirrors along with a low window sill, the car provides good visibility. You can also notice the presence of a box for small items, which was placed on a console installed in the center. We increased the volume of the glove compartment with a shelf for small items and a pen holder.
There are a pair of cup holders and a pair of niches on the lining of the floor tunnel, a handbrake lining with a folding cup holder for passengers sitting in the back, a speed change “prompt” on the LCD display of the instrument panel, a multimedia system with the Hands free option, an electric drive for the recirculation flap, new interior paint options, as well as new luggage compartment shelf supports to increase the loading opening.
The climate system, which was developed specifically for the Lada Kalina 2, looks interesting. It has become quite effective than on previous cars, and it is much quieter. There is also an “AUTO” option (not on all modifications), which can distribute air flows, change the fan speed and control the air dampers automatically.
The driver only needs to set the temperature inside the car. For the future, the company wants to equip the multimedia system with a GSM/GLONASS geonavigation module. Many systems have been introduced that are designed to increase the level of comfort in the cabin. For example, there is a steering column adjustment for tilt, electric power steering, air filtration that enters the cabin, an instrument cluster with on-board computer options, an automatic headlight and power unit system.
In general, the Kalina interior itself was assembled mainly from “hard” plastic, and the softest part is the steering wheel. In principle, there are no complaints about the assembly itself, but there are still some shortcomings that the factory could not cope with. In some places you can notice joints, and the screws are exposed and not covered with anything.
If you look at the car from the point of view of a budget hatchback, then it has comfortable seats in the front, where there is soft filling and a wide range of settings, and the amount of free space allows even tall people to sit comfortably. The sofa installed at the back is quite comfortable for a couple of people, and if particularly necessary it can accommodate three, but there will only be enough free space for two.
The legs do not rest against the backs of the seats installed in front, and there is also enough free space above the head. The luggage compartment of the 2nd generation Lada Kalina is about 260 liters. In shape, it is quite comfortable, although the wheel arches “eat up” a little free space. The rear sofa, if necessary, can be folded entirely or in parts, which will result in about 550 liters of usable volume.
For all versions of cars, a full-fledged spare wheel, a jack and a wheel wrench are included. The luggage compartment lid is equipped with an electric lock, which can only be opened using a button located to the left of the steering wheel, or in the standard way - with a key.
What common?
The Lada-Kalina automatic is often criticized for the time it takes to change gears. This is not surprising, since the mechanism used is a real robot, and not of the highest quality.
When controlling the AMT, instead of a lever switch, a pair of actuators are introduced (for squeezing the clutch and changing gears). In addition, there is an electronic unit that was used on the G8 (with elements from German manufacturers). This unit turned out to be quite worthy of respect, as most experts agree.
Specifications
Power unit
The 2nd generation Lada Kalina hatchback will come with one of three power units operating on gasoline. These are 1.6-liter four-cylinder “aspirated” engines. The most basic is considered to be an engine with an 8-valve system (VAZ-11186), which has a lightweight connecting rod and piston group from Federal Mogul. It can produce about 87 horses at 5,100 rpm.
The connecting link between the motor and the wheels is a 5-speed manual gearbox with a cable drive, or a 4-range hydromechanical “automatic” Jatco. However, no matter what kind of gearbox there is, the car only has a front-wheel drive layout.
The car reaches the first hundred in 12.2-14.2 seconds, and the maximum speed is 161-168 km/h (where the higher value is with a manual transmission). In the combined cycle, the engine consumes about 7 - 7.7 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers.
Between them is the presence of the VAZ-21126, a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism with four cylinders arranged in a row. It can already develop 98 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. This engine is synchronized only with an automatic gearbox, which allows it to reach a speed mark of 100 km/h in 13.1 seconds, and the maximum speed is already at 175 km/h. Based on average consumption, the power unit consumes 7.6 liters per 100 km.
Next comes the most powerful 16-valve VAZ-21127, which was equipped with the latest electronic fuel supply system, the electronics were reconfigured and dynamic supercharging was installed. All this allows it to produce 106 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. From the very beginning, for such a power unit, only a manual gearbox was provided, which enabled the Lada Kalina hatchback of the 2nd generation to pass the 100 km/h mark in 11 seconds, and the top speed of which is about 181 km/h. Moreover, engine consumption is not huge, only about 6.7 liters per 100 km in medium loads.
Chassis
The Lada Kalina 2 was built on the VAZ 2190 base, which was subjected to serious improvements.
The front axle uses an independent design with McPherson struts, and the rear axle has a semi-independent design with coil springs. The steering of the car is carried out using a built-in electric power steering wheel made in Korea. The braking system is represented by ventilated discs of the brake system at the front, and there are drum mechanisms on the rear wheels. Specifications
| Modifications | engine's type | Engine capacity | Power | Transmission | Acceleration up to 100 km/h, sec. | Maximum speed km/h |
| Lada Kalina Hatchback 1.6 MT | Petrol | 1596 cm³ | 87 hp | Mechanical 5st. | 12.2 | 168 |
| Lada Kalina Hatchback 1.6 AT | Petrol | 1596 cm³ | 87 hp | Automatic 4 speed | 14.2 | 161 |
| Lada Kalina Hatchback 1.6 AT | Petrol | 1596 cm³ | 98 hp | Automatic 4 speed | 13.1 | 175 |
| Lada Kalina Hatchback 1.6 MT | Petrol | 1596 cm³ | 106 hp | Mechanical 5st. | 11.0 | 181 |
| Lada Kalina Hatchback 1.6 AMT | Petrol | 1596 cm³ | 106 hp | Robotic 5st. | 12.9 | 175 |
Safety
Security systems include the presence of:
- Immobilizer.
Passive safety includes:
- Driver airbag;
- ISOFIX child seat mounting.
Active safety and suspension include the presence of:
- Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake assist (ABS+BAS);
- An electronic system that can distribute braking forces (EBD).
In modern conditions, the production of any car is simply unacceptable without the introduction of modern technical means to ensure the proper level of safety. This can also be applied to the Lada Kalina 2, which already comes standard with the cheapest model:
- Driver's airbag;
- ISOFIX child seat anchors;
- Three-point inertia seat belts.
The most complete set boasts the presence of:
- Airbags for the front passenger;
- Seat belt pretensioners;
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist (BAS);
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC);
- Traction control system (TCS).
The hatchback also features daytime running lights in the headlights, a high-strength steel body frame, a driver's seat belt warning light, side safety bars, L-shaped rear headrests that can be folded to improve visibility, and muffling capabilities. multimedia system when the car is moving.
We continue to compare AMT and automatic transmission
When choosing what is better for the Lada Kalina - an automatic or a robot, it is worth noting that the AMT version with five ranges has proven to be one of the most successful modifications. The robot functions more delicately than most Japanese or French counterparts. However, design features affect the noticeability of gear changes, which is most noticeable during active acceleration.
In comparison runs during test trials, it was clear that Kalina was a little faster than the model with an automatic transmission. True, this gap was only 0.2 tenths of a second, while acceleration with an automatic transmission was smoother and more pleasant to feel. The moment the gear is engaged on the Lada-Kalina, the automatic transmission is somewhat lubricated, which is due to the presence of oil operating in the transformer. AMT simply does not provide such a system.
Options and prices
On the market of the Russian Federation, the 2nd generation Lada Kalina car will be sold at three levels of equipment - “Standard”, “Norma” and “Lux”. The most starting configuration “Standard” will be priced from 447,500 rubles. It will have a fairly small list of equipment. There will only be an electric power steering wheel, 14-inch steel wheels, a front airbag for the driver, an immobilizer, a pair of electric windows and ISOFIX technology for child seats.
There will also be three-point inertia seat belts, a side light, an instrument cluster with options for an on-board computer and an electronic clock, a separate rear-mounted seat, fabric upholstery, lighting for the glove box and trunk, and a tool that includes a jack and a combination wheel wrench.
The steering column can be adjusted according to the angle of inclination, which can also be said about the adjustable seat belts of the seats installed in front (in height). There will also be an air filter that enters the cabin, athermal glass, a full-size spare wheel and body paint in the body color (pastel or metallized).
The “Norma” package will already have central locking, a standard audio system, air conditioning, electric windows for the rear doors, a front airbag for the front passenger, ABS, BAS, EBD and an alarm system. There will also be a mirror in the sun visor, a cigarette lighter with an ashtray, heated front seats, and an electrically operated tailgate lock with remote control and control from the cabin. The price of this modification will start from 481,500 rubles.
The top-end “Lux” package will come with “full stuffing”, which will have a full-fledged multimedia system with a screen that supports touch input, a stability control system, heated seats installed in front, rain and light sensors, electric heated front glass, fog headlights, exterior mirrors with electrical settings and heating option and alloy wheels.
There will also be an indication of the temperature outside, a container for glasses, a system for safe parking of the car, rear-view mirrors painted to match the body color, door handles painted in the body color, black door frames and moldings. Prices for the top version start at 547,800 rubles.
The important thing is that the basic version already has an airbag for the driver.
More advanced modifications have side inflatable protective curtains, which can be purchased as a separate option. Prices and options
| Equipment | Price | Engine | Box | Drive unit |
| 1.6 (87 hp) Standard MT | 447 500 | gasoline 1.6 (87 hp) | mechanics (5) | front |
| 1.6 (87 hp) Norm MT | 481 500 | gasoline 1.6 (87 hp) | mechanics (5) | front |
| 1.6 (106 hp) AMT norm | 513 400 | gasoline 1.6 (106 hp) | robot (5) | front |
| 1.6 (106 hp) Norm MT | 519 200 | gasoline 1.6 (106 hp) | mechanics (5) | front |
| 1.6 (106 hp) Lux MT | 547 800 | gasoline 1.6 (106 hp) | mechanics (5) | front |
| 1.6 (98 hp) AT norm | 564 200 | gasoline 1.6 (98 hp) | automatic (4) | front |
| 1.6 (106 hp) Lux AMT | 567 800 | gasoline 1.6 (106 hp) | robot (5) | front |
Interesting observations
One of the features of the test drive in question is that a girl who had previously driven an automatic was put behind the wheel of a modification with AMT. She immediately noticed several differences, namely:
- “Robot” is sharp at the start.
- It's noisier.
- There is no “creeping” transmission mode.
It is also worth noting the moments of switching, the inconvenience of which can only be detected during maximum acceleration and spurt. Since 99% of drivers do not have such a driving style, and it is only needed during testing, you can safely turn a blind eye to this.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros of the car
- Comfortable car;
- Acceptable build quality;
- Modern and quite stylish appearance of the hatchback;
- There is a choice between power units;
- Increased engine power;
- More convenient location of sensors and scales;
- An airbag is present even in the basic configuration;
- There is a reliable suspension, which has an increased resource;
- Improved aerodynamic component of the car;
- Good ride height;
- Comfortable interior;
- Pretty good front soft seats;
- Lots of free space;
- Availability of a touch display;
- Good top-end equipment;
- Quite low consumption of power units;
- Reinforced body.
Cons of the car
- Even in the basic configuration the price of the car is very high;
- Small luggage compartment volume;
- Fairly light steering wheel with no feedback from the road surface;
- Noisy and rather outdated 8-valve power unit;
- Hydraulic headlight adjustment;
- There is no sensor on the prior panel that shows the coolant temperature;
- Still poor build quality;
- Appearance is not for everyone;
- Weak engines;
- Low level of security;
- The back row is only comfortable for two passengers; a third will be extremely uncomfortable.
Let's sum it up
After the release of the Russian-made hatchback Lada Kalina of the 2nd generation, it is clear that AvtoVAZ does not want to stand still, but wants to move forward, gradually competing with other cars imported even from European countries. The overall appearance of the car has become more fresh, it looks nice, especially the front, youthful, but at the same time stylish. The hood received small stampings, and the side part, or rather the doors, have a characteristic molding.
The aft part has a rather characteristic appearance for the company. Moreover, there is a large door with a convenient opening, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier. The interior is of course far from perfect; there is budget-type plastic, although it does not look the cheapest. The instrument panel is of a standard type, although for some reason it lacks a coolant temperature sensor, a strange solution.
But there is a convenient small touch screen display, which is very convenient to operate. The front seats, as for a budget model, are well padded and soft. The back row can comfortably accommodate only two people; the third will be able to sit down, but will experience discomfort. There is enough free space in the car.
But I was not pleased with the luggage compartment, since it has very little usable space. But you can fold the rear seat backs, which increases the volume of the luggage compartment. The car comes with stronger power units, which are not the most powerful, but cope well with their direct responsibilities.
I was pleasantly surprised by the low consumption of these engines, which will be a good plus, especially when driving in urban areas. The car already has an airbag for the driver as standard, which is very good. The level of safety is certainly far from Volvo, but the fact that AvtoVAZ is gradually growing in this direction is encouraging.
There are various systems that will make you feel confident in a hatchback. It is clear that the Russian automobile company is not sitting idly by, but is striving to be competitive.
We advise you to read the article: History of AvtoVAZ - LADA cars
Characteristics
Before purchasing a Lada-Kalina automatic, do not forget to familiarize yourself with the nuances of its design. Firstly, due to the different configurations of the main unit of a manual and robotic transmission, the automatic transmission will take up much more space. This was reflected in the ground clearance, which decreased by 20 mm compared to its analogue with the usual “mechanics”. Secondly, on the modification under consideration the pan is not made of steel, but of an aluminum alloy. When hitting an uneven road, the steel part will simply be scratched or receive a small dent.
The aluminum pan can burst even from a slight mechanical impact, leaving the motor unprotected. In addition, if the impact is significant, the engine may be damaged immediately. After purchasing the car in question, experts strongly recommend replacing the pan with a more durable version. By spending a small amount, you will insure yourself against expensive repairs or replacement of the power plant.
Lada Kalina 2 photos
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