There are situations when the buyer does not have a large amount of money and even the Renault Duster turns out to be beyond his means. But if you really want to buy a crossover, then, undoubtedly, you need to pay attention to the products of the automobile plant, which is located in the city of Tolyatti. AvtoVAZ designers met motorists halfway and decided to increase the ground clearance on the Lada Kalina Cross and Lada Largus Cross. Below we will provide a detailed analysis of all the features of these two cars so that the consumer can choose the best model for himself.
Brother or rival?
general information
Lada Kalina Cross looks much brighter against the background of Lada Largus Cross, if you compare their appearance. The body color is mainly orange, however, the car enthusiast, based on his own desires, can choose any other of the nine proposed colors, for example, blue or gray. As for the interior space, it looks less bright. Basically, there are the same orange inserts that are located on the black panel. However, in the future it will probably be possible to make the trim in other colors, for example, gray or red.
The updated version of Lada Kalina Cross introduced a new driver's seat. The Kalina Cross model boasts its own seats, which have a unique structure and special filling. The seats turned out to be much more elastic, although previously it was uncomfortable for drivers to sit in them due to the large bolsters inside the cushions. Now the rollers have been slightly reduced in size for convenience. Car enthusiasts also often reproach Kalina Cross for a simple plastic boot, because instead of it there should have been a steel crater protection, and for the excessively noisy operation of the transmission, which distracts while driving.
If you look at the Lada Largus Cross, then this car has an orange interior trim. On this car, the orange color looks more relaxed; in addition, a pleasant surprise will be the high-quality seat upholstery, which contains personalized stitching in the English style. Because of these details, the Largus Cross is often compared to the legendary Bentley car, which also uses unique ornaments. Otherwise, the car is in dire need of improvement, especially its interior, because... its interior is very similar in the composition of parts to the first generation Renault Logan.
Lada Largus and Lada Largus Cross
Summarize. If you want a little better ride and comfort, or if you need to regularly wade through fields and small bushes without damaging the body, take the Largus Cross. If every penny counts, a station wagon will do - it’s both cheaper and a little more economical to operate. By the way, Largus without the Cross prefix is also available with an eight-valve engine that can be fed with 92-octane gasoline. But the 102-horsepower sixteen-valve engine installed on the test cars is designed for 95-octane gasoline.
As for sales statistics, of the 26,460 Largus sold in 11 months of 2016, 50% of sales were made up of regular Largus. Another 30% of buyers preferred the Cross version, and the remaining 20% chose the van.
Comparative analysis of cars
If we compare the Lada Kalina Cross and Lada Largus Cross, then the Kalina Cross will look more advantageous here. This applies to both the appearance as a whole and individual parameters.
The downside of the Lada Largus Cross is its poor ergonomic performance. If you do not pay attention to the horn, located on the steering column lever, and the window lifts, which are also inconveniently located, then the control of the heating system raises big questions. It is also worth noting the heater switches, which seem to be deliberately hidden from the driver somewhere in the depths of the cabin. As for the driver's seat, not every person can fit comfortably there, but only those who are short in stature. This state of affairs arose due to the very small cushion and low back of the driver's seat.
Trunk Kalina Cross
When it comes to comparing cargo-passenger characteristics, Lada Largus Cross leads by a wide margin. This car can perform any task thanks to its excellent parameters. For example, the driver can open the tailgate 180 degrees, and the trunk itself has a volume of 560 liters. If you fold the second row seats, the volume of the luggage compartment will increase several times and amount to 2500 liters. As an example, this is quite enough to place a small Christmas tree or several large tool boxes. In addition, the Lada Largus Cross can be a seven-seater car, which significantly expands the capabilities of this car.
Salon
The interior of both cars is truly luxurious. In the interior decoration of each of them you can notice a hint of premium quality and the presence of high-tech equipment. However, if we talk about the design itself, here the designers applied different stylistic concepts. For example, Stepway's interior is designed very strictly and concisely. One gets the impression of a high level of pedantry - each element is located in a specially designated and most optimal place. But in the interior of the Lada Kalina, on the contrary, the main emphasis is on technology and equipment, and the color scheme of the interior design is dominated by bright colors.
If we compare the design of the dashboard, the French car is the clear favorite. Firstly, it is difficult to notice any unnecessary elements on the Renault Stepway instrument panel, which certainly cannot be said about the Russian Kalina Cross. Secondly, the “French” console is more readable and informative. Stepway will also have a better steering wheel, since domestic developers decided not to invent anything and installed the usual branded steering wheel.
As for spaciousness, the interior of the Sandero Stepway looks more attractive. But the materials used to decorate both models are very practical and discreet, although the designers tried to decorate everything at the highest level. And they completely succeeded.
What to choose? We agree with the opinion of the majority of experts and will give victory in this point to the French car.
Luggage compartments
As for the Lada Kalina Cross, in terms of luggage compartment capacity this car does not look the best. The luggage compartment volume is only 366 liters, and it is not possible to remove the third row of seats. The interior space of the cabin, although it has some interesting details, but, in general, there is a lot missing, for example, such a basic thing as a mezzanine, which should be located under the ceiling of the car. Certain problems also arise when folding the second row of seats, because To do this, you will have to unfasten the headrest clamps, remove the pillows and, in addition, bring the front seats as close as possible. Lada Largus Cross, in turn, will not force the driver to engage in such manipulations, because in the case of this car, the seats fold out quickly, neatly and without acrobatic tricks.
Off-road test
As practice shows, off-road is a serious test for both the Lada Kalina Cross and the Lada Largus Cross. Mud obstacles also pose a serious problem for these cars. This is partly due to the fact that Kalina Cross and Largus Cross are station wagons and their ground clearance is raised slightly. But they also worked on the chassis of the cars and seriously changed their geometry, due to which both models acquired a more massive wheelbase. The ground clearance of the Lada Largus Cross is 21 cm, while the ground clearance of the Lada Kalina Cross is 18 cm. In principle, these dimensions are quite enough for a comfortable ride.
Exterior
If you look at the Lada Largus, placing the first generation Renault Logan station wagon next to it, you will see two almost identical cars. Russian cars have distinctive features, but they are very insignificant. Whether this is good or bad, judge for yourself.
Largus fully corresponds to the parameters of a standard inexpensive station wagon. The hood is sloping, the roof is almost perfectly flat, the glazing on the sides is huge, the stern is massive and the optics are vertically oriented. Everything is extremely simple and concise. If you like Logan, then you won’t have any complaints about Largus in terms of appearance.
The Kalina station wagon is no different from the hatchback from the front. Therefore, there is no need to look for any differences here. At the same time, the car received very harmonious proportions, a slightly inclined rear pillar, an almost perfectly flat lid, a solid glass area, nice roof rails, etc.
From the rear, the car looks very nice due to well-chosen lighting equipment, a tailored bumper, protective overlays and a large door, through which the process of loading and unloading is greatly simplified.
It is hardly possible to say that Kalina 2 or Largus is superior to its competitor in terms of exterior. Although Kalina's appearance is more modern, given the venerable age of the model. But this is purely a matter of personal taste.
Perhaps, if you compare the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon, as well as the Largus, in terms of overall dimensions, this will give a little more reason to think about the priority of this or that model. It would be incorrect to compare Largus with a hatchback body, you understand.
Kalina station wagon has the following numbers:
- length 4084 mm;
- height 1504 mm;
- width 1700 mm;
- wheelbase 2476 mm;
- ground clearance (clearance) 170 mm.
Moreover, the wheelbase and ground clearance of the station wagon and the Kalina hatchback are identical.
The Lada Largus utility vehicle meets the following parameters:
- length 4470 mm;
- height 1636 mm;
- width 1750 mm;
- wheelbase 2905 mm;
- ground clearance 160 mm.
But keep in mind that Largus has 160 mm. ground clearance is available only at curb weight. When fully loaded, the clearance drops to a modest 145 mm.
Objectively Largus is larger. This can be seen from the numbers. This is due to the fact that Largus is produced not only as a passenger station wagon, but also in a commercial version, where the main emphasis is on cargo transportation capabilities. This also makes it possible for Largus to install an additional 3rd row of seats in the passenger version.
If you're interested in a more compact family wagon for 2 adults and children, then the Kalina is a good choice. For a larger family or those who plan to combine family trips with cargo transportation, the objectively correct decision would be to purchase Largus.
Lada Kalina Cross and Lada Largus Cross configurations
When it comes to modifications, the Lada Kalina Cross is most suitable for driving on rough roads. This car has a much smaller wheelbase and overhang angles. There is an 8-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 horsepower. This is quite enough to move comfortably on smooth roads. If there is an uneven road along the way and the driver decides to overcome obstacles, then you need to do it carefully. You need to engage the main gear and also use the torque. The driver must drive the car in such a way as to prevent the power unit from twisting and ruining the clutch.
Vehicle Dynamics
Lada Largus Cross handles the road quite confidently, provided that the road surface is perfectly smooth. It is advisable to use short gears and extra-urban driving for better vehicle dynamics. It is worth noting that when driving outside the city limits, the Lada Largus Cross can reach speeds of over 100 km/h, but such a trip is unlikely to be comfortable due to too high engine speeds, which will also begin to act up, and even sixth gear is of little use here will help. If, in addition, you connect a shortened gearbox, it will not save fuel consumption.
Lada Kalina Cross has rather modest characteristics. And the engine of this car is much weaker, it has a power of only 87 horsepower.
If a buyer wants to figure out which model is better to choose, just drive the Lada Kalina Cross a little. In this case, the process of driving this car will give the driver an unforgettable experience and a feeling of comfort, because this crossover is capable of reaching a speed of 100 km/h in 10 seconds. When driving off-road, all the shortcomings of the vehicle will immediately become clear, because The engine power of 106 horsepower will clearly not be enough. And if a motorist has a choice about which engine to choose for the Lada Kalina Cross, then he needs to immediately think about what it will be used for. For trips within the city, an engine with a capacity of 106 horsepower is best suited, and for driving on country roads, 87 horsepower is enough.
Considering the extremely deplorable state of Russian roads, especially unpaved ones, the condition of the car’s suspension is a serious issue. But here Lada Kalina Cross and Lada Largus Cross are in complete order with this matter. Due to the increased ground clearance, they will be able to overcome even complete off-road conditions without any problems. If we take into account new car models, the increase in ground clearance has a negative impact on their suspension and rebound during movement. At the same time, the vehicle's handling was not affected in any way.
Shock absorbers Lada Largus Cross
As I was told at VAZ, when working with the suspension of the cross-version, the engineers were faced with the task of maintaining the suspension settings of the regular Largus as much as possible, and they succeeded. In terms of handling and level of driving comfort, the cars are very similar. At least, the average driver is unlikely to feel the difference in the behavior of the car on a good road. But when driving on a dirt road or broken asphalt, the Largus Cross slightly benefits in terms of smoothness due to the increased rolling radius of the wheel and wider tires.
Which model should you choose?
If we compare the Lada Kalina Cross and Lada Largus Cross, then the first car is most suitable for a young family. Experts came to this conclusion based on the car’s modest price and striking appearance. If you look at the Lada Largus Cross, then this car is an ideal option for those who like to go to the country and for large families, because it has good capacity.
Of course, one cannot say that any model is an order of magnitude superior to its competitor. Both cars have unique characteristics and have both advantages and disadvantages. If the cross-country ability of vehicles is important, then, alas, here the products of the Togliatti plant will be equally powerless. In particular, the cars lack cross-axle differential locks.
Salon Kalina Cross
If the buyer has serious doubts about the advisability of purchasing a Lada Kalina Cross or Lada Largus Cross, then they need to be dispelled, because cars actually have many advantages. The plastic body kit and high ground clearance can definitely be attributed to the advantages of these models. Also one of the advantages is excellent quality tires. For example, Lada Kalina Cross has Pirelli tires, and Lada Largus Cross has Continental tires. The finishing of the cars will also be interesting, which will definitely appeal to the driver. The increased ground clearance of these crossovers will not cost much, only 30 thousand rubles more than the previous version, but it is worth it.
Salon Lada Largus and Lada Largus Cross
Pleasant differences
During the measurements, it turned out that the ground clearance of the Cross version is as much as 210 mm (under the protection of the engine crankcase). For a car that, according to its creators, should regularly drive off the asphalt, this is not bad. For a regular Largus, the ground clearance was 182 mm under a similar engine compartment shield. By the way, the manufacturer states that when fully loaded, including passengers in the last, third row of seats, the ground clearance will be at least 170 and 145 mm, respectively.
Our Cross turned out to be 35 kg heavier than the usual Largus. But one plastic body kit, which adds brutality and protects the car’s paintwork from scratches when driving over rough terrain, cannot weigh that much. Some of this 35 kg can be attributed to larger wheels. Perhaps there will be other technical solutions that will give the model additional weight?
We drive the cars onto lifts, remove the wheels and conduct a thorough inspection. Despite the apparent identity, differences were still found. Largus with the Cross prefix has original front struts. In particular, the spring cup is welded to the body 30 mm higher than that of the station wagon. This also ensures increased ground clearance. By the way, both models are equipped with Monroe struts from the factory. The rear gas-filled shock absorbers are also different. This is confirmed by identification numbers. The housings and shock absorber rods of the Largus Cross are longer, and the length of the rear suspension springs is also increased.
Is it worth paying extra?
Most car enthusiasts have a certain stereotype that the more a car costs, the better it is. A Lada Largus Cross with a 105 horsepower engine and a manual transmission will cost the buyer 669 thousand rubles. If you need a seven-seat version of the Lada Largus Cross, you will have to pay 30 thousand rubles more. And here the question arises, is this a lot or a little, given that the crossover has quite good demand? After all, buyers even line up to become the owner of this car. And here the Lada Kalina Cross will look much more profitable, because The cost of this car is 495,800 rubles. And if, in addition, you purchase a robotic version of the transmission and a more powerful engine, you will have to pay an additional 20 thousand rubles.
Salon Largus Cross
Design
The 2022 Lada Kalina Cross in the new “plastic camouflage” received the following changes: increased ground clearance (+ 23 mm), larger wheel rims (+ 7 mm), modernized chassis (+ 16 mm), expanded wheelbase (+ 4 mm). The rest of the appearance was left the same, but the Lada Kalina Cross still looks stylish in the photo and the prices for the car remained almost the same.
Exterior
The Lada Kalina Cross in the new body remains as familiar as usual. The car's suspension, tires, door sills, door and wheel arches were changed, crankcase protection and gas-filled struts were installed, but the car company did not consider it necessary to change the radiator grille, bumper, shape of light lights, etc. The photo of the Lada Kalina Cross shows that the car remains in the same, familiar image.
Options and prices
The Lada Kalina Cross station wagon belongs to the first generation and is equipped with a 1.6 liter engine. The following configurations of the Lada Kalina Cross are currently available:
The basic version (price - 546,000 rubles) is equipped with:
- Door locking systems, ABS, braking; immobilizer, alarm system.
- Headrests, device for child seats.
- Adjustable and electric power steering, electric windows.
- Electrically heated front seats and exterior mirrors.
- Factory tinting, door lock, audio system.
- On the roof there are roof rails, alloy wheels - R 15, spare wheel - R 14.
In stock Lada Kalina Cross Comfort for 563,000 rubles. The equipment additionally includes:
- Folding rear seats (60/40), airbag in the driver's seat.
- Shift assist function, sun canopy for passengers.
- The color scheme of the interior is at the buyer's choice.
The Lada Kalina Cross model in the Luxe configuration is top-end, priced from 589,000 rubles. Equipped with the following options:
- Electric windows on all doors, heated front seats, side mirrors and front glass, electric drive.
- Rain/light sensor, parking sensors, climate control, security system.
- Manual transmission, all-wheel drive possible.
- Front airbags, rear headrests.
- Fog lights.
Lada Kalina Cross 2022 Classic is equipped with the following options:
- Driver airbag, immobilizer, child seat clamps.
- Security systems and ABS, BAS, EBD and climate control in the cabin.
- Tinting, light/rain sensor, heated mirrors, electric drive.
- On-board computer, 12 v socket, central locking with remote control, audio system, four speakers.
- Adjustable and electric power steering, heated front seats, power windows.
- Railings, moldings. Discs – 15 dm.
Choice of colors – orange or grey. The cost of the car is 535,000 rubles, for an additional fee - metallic color, wheel caps, spoiler.
In Russia, the price for Lada Kalina cross Comfort varies from 553,000 rubles. In addition to the above, it is equipped with:
- Additional airbag; there is a mirror in the front passenger visor.
- Modern audio system, climate control system.
Lada Kalina cross black line Comfort – easily recognizable by the moldings on the doors. Cost – from 561,000 rub. The following equipment is provided:
- Black roof, sills with vinyl stickers, wheels - 15 dm.
- Heated front seats, headrests in the rear seats, adjustable safety belts.
- Air conditioning, multifunctional audio system, interior design in Black line style.
Among other things, you can install the GLONASS system (emergency notification) for 7,100 rubles. And also for an additional payment of 6,000 rubles. You can choose the color of a car with a metallic coating: orange, red, gray, blue, black, white, silver, brown with a golden tint.
For example, Lada Kalina Cross luxury/coriander 2022 or Lada Kalina black line comfort/black looks very presentable.
Additionally (from RUB 67 to RUB 12,000), you can buy: alloy wheels, wheel caps, deflectors, mats, LED lamps, mud flaps, radiator and crankcase protection, roof rack, two-way alarm, hidden DVR, connector for cable, etc.
If you purchase everything in bulk, the additional costs will not exceed RUB 100,000.
Features of station wagons
Lada Kalina has already changed one generation. Therefore, it is the second generation that is considered relevant. We are talking about a full-fledged project of the AvtoVAZ company. The official debut of the station wagon car took place at the Moscow International Motor Show, which took place back in August 2012. But sales began only in May 2013.
Since then, no significant upgrades or updates have been offered for the Kalina station wagon. Some changes affected only gearboxes, which you will learn about later.
The basis for the creation of the 2nd generation Kalina station wagon was the compact five-door version of the hatchback. Therefore, it uses an independent front suspension, as well as a semi-independent rear design. The steering is equipped with electric power steering, there are ventilated braking discs in front and drums in the rear.
Largus is a joint creation of AvtoVAZ and the Renault-Nissan alliance. The first rumors about the emergence of a joint project began to spread back in 2009. But the official presentation of the prototype took place only in 2010. At that time the project was codenamed R90, but then became Largus.
Pre-production version performance in August 2010 in Moscow. Moreover, it was the seven-seater version of the station wagon that was demonstrated back then. The car entered the assembly line in the summer of 2011, and sales only reached April 2012.
The car is built on a modular budget platform B0, which belongs to the Renault-Nissan alliance. But in reality, Largus is a restyled copy of the Renault/Dacia Logan MCV. In front they installed classic MacPherson struts, and at the rear there was a semi-independent beam. The steering mechanism has a hydraulic booster. Moreover, it is not in the basic version. There are ventilated disc brakes at the front and standard drums at the rear.
