Kalina 2 Station wagon or Granta station wagon: parameters of both cars

The difficult dilemma of which car model to choose when buying a new car always haunts domestic drivers. Recently, many decent cars from well-known domestically assembled companies have appeared at an affordable price.

At the same time, the Russian AvtoVAZ seemed to have acquired a second wind, offering not only a number of new models, but also significantly improving their technical parameters. Lada Kalina 2 station wagon and Granta station wagon are just representatives of this new generation of cars. The cars not only look modern and are well equipped, but also remain in the price segment that makes their purchase attractive.

Starting positions

Lada Kalina was able to win people's love long ago, but Lada Granta is increasingly gaining this popularity. And although both cars do not belong to the same class, their rivalry is nevertheless becoming more intense. Moreover, the cars are close in the price segment. Therefore, the choice often occurs due to certain little things that cannot be immediately understood. It is necessary to compare these 2 options by placing the cars side by side.

Lada Granta did not have much variety in body models in its 1st generation. The main body of the budget car was a sedan, which was available in “Standard”, “Norma” and “Lux” trim levels. However, in 2013, a hatchback version of the car was also launched into production. According to the generally accepted modification, many people classify the car as a more modern body type - a liftback. The machine has become more attractive in appearance, and its practicality in use has made it an indispensable assistant.

But over time, when a practical universal car was needed, it became necessary to launch a station wagon on the Lada Granta platform. This idea is being implemented as part of the development and release of the second generation of this model from AvtoVAZ. The initial decision implied the start of production in 2014. For now, you can only plan to buy a car in this practical body: the car plant will first produce and sell it in small batches.

Lada Kalina, on the contrary, is a kind of long-liver and has had a station wagon model in its lineup for a long time. The attractive golf-class station wagon has no equal competitors on the market. The natural rival is the Lada Priora, but this is a higher-class model, and already outwardly boring.

The Lada Kalina station wagon, despite its modest technical characteristics, is an attractive car, successfully combining appearance and affordability. But time required changes, and the release of the 2nd generation comes at a difficult time for active sales.

I would like to note that both models have another powerful rival. Although this is a completely different market segment, the Lada Largus also has a station wagon body. It is huge and roomy, can accommodate passengers in 3 rows of seats.

Which model is more comfortable?

The interior of both cars is spacious. The legs of the driver and passengers are free. But Kalina 2 uses high-quality plastic and modern seating materials. The interior of the Grant is made of low-quality materials that quickly creak and wear out.

The Kalina seats of the new model have an orthopedic design and are comfortable for people with back pain and drivers who often have to travel long distances. The Granta seats are made without pronounced lateral support and are not very comfortable.

Leather interior and cruise control system for Russian cars are not available in any of the trim levels. But “Kalina 2” has air conditioning in the “lux”, as well as a heated windshield, a rain and light sensor. Grants do not have all these capabilities.

Both cars have poor sound insulation. But driving Kalina 2 is even quieter.

So, in terms of the quality of interior materials and sound insulation, Kalina 2 outperforms Granta.

Kalina vs Granta: which is better?

Geometric parameters. The overall length of the Lada Grant is within 4260 mm, and the wheelbase is 2476 mm. At the same time, the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon is slightly shorter (4040 mm), but the distance between the wheels is almost equal - 2470 mm. Based on these figures alone, we can say that rear passengers will feel equally comfortable. Here the Lada Kalina wins. The trunk will still be more spacious in the Grant model. If the younger model can only offer 350 liters of usable volume, then the longer Granta can accommodate 500 liters of luggage.

If we still think about geometric parameters, then it is worth mentioning the ground clearance of cars. For generalists, of course, this indicator plays a significant role. The technical characteristics of the models under consideration are called the same ground clearance. At its minimum value it is 160 mm. When assessing this indicator, it should be mentioned that overhangs also affect the cross-country ability of a car. In the Lada Granta station wagon these indicators are:

for the front - 804 mm;
for the rear - 980 mm.

If the front overhang of Kalina 2 is only slightly shorter in length than the specified indicator, then the rear overhang does not exceed 500 mm, and taking into account its beveled profile, the car turns into a real crossover. Do not forget that on the basis of the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon, a version of the car with the Cross prefix was developed.

The measured ground clearance of such a car in running order is up to 207 mm. Thus, when determining the advantage in choosing - Kalina 2 station wagon or Lada Granta - we can draw the following intermediate conclusions:

for its direct purpose - spaciousness - the Lada Granta looks preferable;
Considering the possibilities of geometric cross-country ability, the presence of the Cross version, the Kalina 2 station wagon is a favorite when used as a car for every day.

Technical data. Lada Kalina 2 station wagon is a traditional AvtoVAZ car in terms of technical equipment. Both well-known engines are available for the car.

1.6 liter petrol with 2 valves per cylinder. Engine power - 87 hp. s., and torque - 140 Nm.
1.6 liters with 4 valves per cylinder, which is already capable of delivering 98 hp. With. when mated to a manual 5 gearbox. The car is offered with the same engine, but with an output of 106 hp. s., if the engine is combined with an automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is within 7 l/100 km, and with an automatic transmission it increases by another 1 l. If the same engine is left for the Lada Grant, the car will be a little slower, and the average fuel consumption will increase by about 0.5 liters due to the greater mass. The vehicle configurations do not differ significantly. However, the desire to get a modern car still pushes you to purchase a car in the “Lux” configuration, which has not only everything you need for a comfortable trip, but also the necessary level of safety.

The 2 starting configurations do not offer anything other than a driver airbag and seat belts. But the “Lux” package can also boast a front passenger airbag, rear head restraints and electronic versions of the ABS braking system in combination with BAC. Thus, the cars do not differ significantly in terms of technical equipment, but slightly better dynamics and lower fuel consumption make Kalina 2 half a step ahead.

RESULT

To sum up the choice of “Grant or Kalina 2”, I would like to say that these are almost identical cars! One is in a hatchback body – “Kalina 2”, the second is in a sedan body – “Granta”. They even have the same versions, I mean the “SPORT” package

However, in pursuit of the consumer, “Grant” was artificially cheaper, worse painting, worse plastic, worse seats and practically no sound insulation at all. And all this cost the car 50,000 rubles, which is why they buy it (it’s just cheaper), but in terms of technology (engine, transmission) and chassis, they are the same. Therefore, if you need at least a little more comfort, your choice is Kalina; if you need to save money and still go to the salon, your choice is Grant.

Personally, I like “Kalina 2”, it’s a little prettier than “Granta”, although this is my personal opinion. And that’s all, read our AUTOBLOG

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Choice by eye: review

An attempt to compare cars, one of which has been on the market for several years, and the other is only a potential rival, is not entirely correct. However, certain features of each of them should be noted. Lada Kalina 2 station wagon generally looks harmonious. But it is necessary to note such a feature as its dependence on color. Subjectively, a car in bright color looks very tall, and only soft tones from certain angles make it balanced and bright.

At the same time, the Lada Granta station wagon visually seems noticeably longer, and it is the large, solid rear that clearly stands out. The car has clearly outgrown class B, to which the younger model should be classified. However, here again we need to remember such a trump card in Kalina 2’s sleeve as the developed modification with the Cross index. It is giving the appearance of the car a touch of an SUV that brings it closer to an attractive crossover. And if the car also gets all-wheel drive, then it will be successful.

Thus, the element of the universal version of the Grant model should be recognized as a good highway, where you can travel any distance without obstacles. But the fate of Kalina 2 is suburban roads and the way home from work. But the car can also become a good city car. As for the modification of the Lada Kalina Cross, this car received not only additional plastic body kits and increased ground clearance, but also a number of improvements that are designed to eliminate shortcomings that are possible when operating in difficult conditions. Door creaks, short-travel suspension - these and other similar little things have been slightly modified.

Can we say that a car was identified that turned out to be better than its rival? Probably not. We can say with confidence that both models turned out to be worthy. Machines cannot oppose themselves technically. But due to the differences associated with geometric parameters, trunk capacity, and behavior on the road, each of the models occupies a certain place and finds its buyer.

The cars are also comparable in terms of price. The optimal Luxury package in both cases will exceed 400 thousand rubles. But the cost of modification of Kalina Cross only starts from this mark. In particular, the Norma equipment will cost 470 thousand rubles. But the car has not yet become familiar on the streets, and the additional advantages will attract many buyers.

Size and interior

Comparing these cars needs to start with their size. The “Grant” modification is larger not only visually, but also internally. It is impossible to say for sure which option is more acceptable. It depends on the conditions in which the car will be operated.

The small and nimble Kalina will give the grant version a head start in maneuverability in big cities. The Granta is comfortable for long journeys and has a large trunk volume. Therefore, what is better is up to you to choose. The “Kalinovy” model range is presented in two versions: station wagon and hatchback, and the Grants are also complemented by a sedan. The appearance of these models is similar - the same chassis makes itself felt. But there are differences that are striking at first glance at both models, these are the front and rear body kits of the car.

Plastic in Granta vs all Kalin variants looks noticeably cheaper, although in terms of performance properties it is no worse. Its dashboard has an improved appearance, there is space for liquid containers, and a larger glove compartment.

Ease of control in the “grant” version is achieved by installing a reduced length of the steering column, and its predecessors have electric power steering, which is no less functional. Comparing the interiors of Kalina and Granta, you can see the difference and consider all the differences, the detailing of the front panels of the cars.

Car interior comparison

Guarantee

AvtoVAZ offers a warranty on the Lada for 36 months, or 100,00 km. Warranty for some parts and components:

body – five years;
battery – 2 years;
headlights, window lifting system, heated seats, suspension elements, braking system - 3 years or 35,000 km;
year or 35,000 km for shock absorbers, bearings, exhaust system elements.

The Skoda plant offers a body warranty for three years or 100,000 km, or 24 months without a mileage limit. Varnish paint coating is guaranteed for 36 months. Parts purchased from an authorized dealer are guaranteed for 24 months. The Skoda is guaranteed against through-through corrosion damage for 12 years.

The rest is no less interesting...

Owners of the Lada Granta can boast of the aerodynamic characteristics of their cars - sedans (the Lada Granta is currently available only as a sedan, and the Kalina 2 is only available as a hatchback and station wagon) traditionally have the best performance.

If we judge the little things, then there are little things like hydraulic headlight adjustment, limit switches on the doors, which are not present on the Grant. And the trunk opening mechanism on the budget car is like on the old VAZ 21099, with a torsion spring.

Both cars have high ground clearance, comfortable seating, easy operation and a warranty of 36 months or 50 thousand km (whichever comes first).

Body and paint

After the release of Granta, many began to measure the thickness of the body and were surprised: the new AvtoVAZ product had a very thin layer of metal body! The manufacturer explained this by saying that for the Granta a completely different metal is used, with better qualities and, in general, equal in characteristics to the first Kalina.

We beg to differ with this and assure you that bending the body of a Granta is not that difficult; the body is really made of thin metal. They even saved on the plastic bumper - the thickness is no more than 2-3mm. At the time of writing, it is not yet known about the thickness of the body of the updated Kalina 2, but if compared with the first Kalina, the Grant is inferior here.

Here we also note the quality of door locking. If everything is still fine on the new Grant, then over time, closing/opening the doors (especially) the rear ones becomes difficult, you need to make an effort. There is no such defect observed on Kalina.

Body quality

After the release of the Grant, most owners began to measure the thickness of the body metal. It was discovered that the metal of the Granta body has become much thinner compared to the previous generation Kalina. AvtoVAZ engineers commented on this fact, noting the improvement of the alloy that is used to cast the body of the new model. According to them, new technologies have made it possible to equalize the body strength of the new model and the first Kalina model. But test drive results indicate the opposite.

The thin metal of the body is quite easy to bend; there is no modernization in the alloy. It is clear that the plant tried to save resources on the production of this model. The body of the new Kalina model is cast from the same metal that was used for the previous generation; there is no decrease in density.

Under the hood of Grants

Grant's lock mechanism is also not of high quality. At first, the doors close quite simply, but the locks wear out quickly, as they are made of cheap plastic. The 2nd generation Kalina has no problems in this regard, since it has a silicone locking mechanism installed.

Salon

Let's look first at the Kalina's interior. The interior design looks great - there are no too simple lines that would remind you that the car belongs to the budget class (for example, like in Logan). The instrument panel has a stylish green backlight with two scales – speedometer and tachometer. Both are “drowned” in their own wells. The steering wheel is three-spoke, with a small insert and without buttons.

Let's move on to the Lada Granta car. The price of this car is slightly lower than the Kalina. But the Granta is not inferior to the hatchback in terms of design solutions. This applies not only to the exterior, but also to the interior. The interior design has many similarities with Kalina. There is the same three-spoke steering wheel without buttons and an instrument panel with two dials. The center console is slightly different. There are two deflectors and a radio with a small display. Also note that in the cheapest versions there is only audio preparation.

Options

If we don’t go into prices and just compare the options available in cars by trim level, we get the following.

Lada Kalina 2 cars in the “standard” configuration, unlike the standard Grants, have electric power steering, driver airbags, a short steering rack, athermal windows, top handrails, a cigarette lighter, an ashtray, power windows for the front doors, 14” wheels, bumpers in body color.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDuXl4n69tg

Lada Granta in almost the most expensive version (369 thousand rubles) in contrast to Norma Kalina 2 (about the same cost - still unknown):

- fog lights
- electric windows for rear doors
— electric drive and heated exterior mirrors
— exterior mirrors and door handles painted in body color

Kalina 2, unlike Granta, has only a heated windshield.

In addition to these options, the luxury Granta and norm Kalina 2 have the following general options:

— Security alarm function with remote control
- On-board computer
— Heated front seats
— Athermal glass
— Air filter entering the cabin
— Power windows for front doors
— Climate system (air conditioning)
— Anti-lock braking system with emergency brake assist (ABS BAS)
— Multimedia system with 1 DIN control unit (without CD drive, FM, USB-Flash, stereo, SD card, Bluetooth, Hands Free, 7” LCD touch display)