Lada Kalina - why is it the best VAZ under 240,000 rubles and there is no alternative to it

If the belt breaks on the way

When a break in the alternator belt still catches the driver in the middle of the journey, it is possible to temporarily correct the situation. If you are aware of such a problem with your car, it would be wise to carry a spare belt with you. When replacing a belt at a service station, special devices are used. But, of course, an ordinary driver cannot have these on the road.

Therefore, the procedure must be carried out carefully and carefully.

We need to wait for the car to cool down. Next, remove the right side of the mudguard. Then the belt scraps are removed. After this, put on a new belt in stages, first on the crankshaft pulley, then put the other part of the belt behind the pulley, pressing it against it, and begin rotating the crankshaft clockwise. But if you don’t have a spare timing belt at hand, you can replace it with improvised materials.

Nylon women's tights are perfect. As a rule, they are sold in almost any store, even grocery stores. The advantage of this wardrobe detail is that the tights have a tension limit; you won’t be able to overtighten them. They are tied in a tight, reliable knot. After the structure is fitted, the excess is cut off as close to the knot as possible so that nothing catches anywhere.

In cases where tights don’t work out, elements from a men’s wardrobe are perfect. Leather belt of trousers or bags or a tie. In this case, the length of the future product is measured in proportion to the worn-out belt. This approach is due to the fact that leather and fabric products can be overtightened, which can cause damage to the mechanism. In this case, repairs will be much more serious than just replacing the alternator belt.

If you study the reviews on the model, it is clear that stories with the Lada tensioner are quite common. Grant's warranty period is not at all comparable to its Korean counterparts. It is only 24 months. The frequency of operation of the machine decides a lot. Taking these factors into account, everyone will be able to individually decide how to deal with the annoying nuisance: wait two years or sacrifice the node guarantee by resorting to radical actions.

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.

The technical side of the coin

It is difficult to understand why Kalina did not survive on the market. In terms of their characteristics, they are practically twins with the Granta - a 1.6-liter engine from 87 to 106 horsepower, the presence of a mechanical, automatic transmission and even a robotic version. In both cases, the version with a 98-horsepower engine was exclusively automatic, and the robotic assistant was available only in the top trim level. But still there is one difference. Kalina was offered in an 82-horsepower version with a manual transmission.

With an equal wheelbase and almost equivalent weight, the dimensions also spoke in favor of Kalina. The Granta was 50 centimeters longer, which played a role when choosing a car in congested areas. There were 8 Grants for 10 Kalinas in the same segment. But where the berry car definitely loses is in trunk volume. This was especially critical for a station wagon or hatchback, which are traditionally used for country and family trips. 520 liters is much better than 355 or 235. Do you agree? Then fuel consumption and ground clearance are also in favor of the first participant. And don’t forget to remember the fast acceleration to hundreds of kilometers per hour – 11 seconds versus 12.2.

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.

Lada Kalina vs Lada Granta

So is there a difference between Kalina and Granta? Undoubtedly. This difference can be explained by the fact that AvtoVAZ engineers, when designing the Lada Granta, had the goal of introducing the best from Kalina into the new product, eliminating all the shortcomings, and making it cheaper. And so it happened, the basic Lada Granta car came off the assembly line with a price 50,000 rubles cheaper than its “colleague” Kalina.

The platform on which the new product is assembled has also been slightly improved. In the body frame, rigidity has been increased by as much as 12 percent.

The updated steering rack, which is equipped for the entire model range (except for the basic version), makes 3.1 turns to the stop, while in Kalina this parameter is 4.02 turns.

Granta's handling has been improved. To achieve this, it was decided to install more powerful anti-roll bars. The inclination of the front suspension strut is the same as that of the motorcycle fork - 2°25', the toe-in camber of the rear wheels is 1° (similar to the characteristics of the Mazda 3), positive toe-in is 10 minutes.

The Granta's headlight unit is made simpler than that of its partner. The new product uses H4 type lamps, when the Lada Kalina has more expensive H7 ones. In addition, in the new product the radiator grille and bumper are made as a single element, while in the Kalina model they are two separate elements, which adds to the cost of assembling the vehicle. At the same time, the new product contains a number of other structural changes, as a result of which the number of front end elements has been reduced.

The paintwork of the Lada Granta car is produced using modern equipment from Germany PPG Helios. The AvtoVAZ concern purchased it specifically for painting a new car. With the help of this equipment, the paintwork on a car protects it from corrosion with the ability to retain its original color for a long time.

As for the Lada Kalina, its main drawback is considered to be excessive noise from the power unit. As Granta users say, in the new car, even at high speeds, you can communicate in a low voice.

Technical characteristics of a domestically produced sports car

Lada Kalina Sport has become a worthy representative of the sports line of domestically produced cars. In 2008, the Volzhsky Plant created an experimental model of the described car. Consumers rated Kalina Sport as a car with a bright appearance, a cozy interior, and economical fuel consumption in the city and beyond.

The vehicle dimensions (length, width, height) are 3943, 1700, 1450 mm. The luggage compartment has a volume, expressed in cubic decimeters, equal to 240/550. The weight of the vehicle in running order is 1150 tons. The permissible weight of a trailer with brakes is 900 kg, without brakes - 450 kg. Body type - hatchback, number of doors in the car - 5.

If we talk about the exterior of the car, then the Lada Kalina Sport is well equipped. Unusual moldings not only complete the look, but also visually make the car a little longer. Externally, the hatchback resembles common foreign cars such as the Ford Focus, while in terms of price it is not far from the manufacturer’s traditional model.

The basic configuration of the machine has wheels with low-profile tires, as well as alloy wheels, which made it possible to achieve convenient control. The car has several variations (models 1.4 and 1.6), each of which has excellent basic equipment. The interior, by the way, is almost similar to the luxury representatives of the Kalina model range.

New Lada: Lada Granta firmware: features, reasons

What design features does the tensioner have?

The design of the component we are considering is very simple. There are also simple procedures for its repair or installation. Even an inexperienced LADA Granta owner can install the alternator belt tensioner.

Manufacturers design tensioning devices according to individual projects, implying the subsequent integration of this unit into the overall design of a specific brand and model. But most of these products are equipped with similar components, namely:

• a bracket for the possibility of fixing on the motor block;
• belt tension roller;
• device traction;
• bolt securing the roller.

The bracket is secured to the motor using three or 4 studs.

The bearing is the most vulnerable component. It has been experimentally confirmed that this component is constantly in rotation mode and makes an incredible number of revolutions, prematurely wasting its own resource reserve.

Once the belt is removed, the bearing assembly is fairly easy to diagnose. A serviceable component should not be subject to play. Also, the bracket can cause a couple of disappointments. Over time, this component is subject to slight bending, and therefore the roller moves away from the plane of rotation of the belt drive. This defect is typical not only for cars that already have an impressive mileage behind them. Sometimes the alternator belt tensioner can be found in a bent state on new LADA Granta cars, which raises suspicions of a factory defect.

Note that the tension roller also suffers from frequent breakdowns. This circumstance implies a weakening of the belt tension, causing malfunctions in the functionality of the generator. Diagnosing such a defect is quite simple. To do this, you will need to loosen the belt and rotate the roller idle. The rotation process should be accompanied by ease and absence of noise effect. If other suspicious signs are present, then the designated element is replaced without any doubt.

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).

Debunking myths

1. Does a galvanized body not rust?

Even if, when buying a car, when asked whether Granta is galvanized or not, the dealer gives you a positive answer, it’s too early to calm down. Due to the very thin coating layer and its partial nature, rapid reduction of the galvanizing layer is guaranteed.

Without additional treatment, the body will still rust.

2. Does a new car require additional body work?

Factory protection is imperfect. Even a new car requires preventive anti-corrosion treatment. During operation, the body coating is subjected to strong mechanical stress, causing cracking of the coating, moisture entering the cavities and corrosion of body elements.

3. Does the aluminum body not rust?

In fact, the entire body cannot be made of stainless aluminum; steel is also used, it is susceptible to corrosion. Aluminum oxidizes over time and turns into powder.

4. Will the factory rust protection last for many years?

The rate of metal corrosion largely depends on operating conditions and climatic conditions. A metal layer 0.6 mm thick can rust through in six years! The body needs to be treated.

5. Mud flaps and fender liners, plastic covers are useless?

Not true. The equipment reduces the abrasive effect of dirt and sand on the body.

Installation of elements is carried out using self-tapping screws, external joints are treated with anti-corrosion coatings. Mud flaps are attached with maximum adherence to the wings and body.

Regardless of whether the Granta body is galvanized or not, preventive treatment of the body must be performed.

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.

Signs of breakdown and vulnerable spots

In any tension roller design, the weakest point is the bearing. The part is subject to loads of a constant nature, in addition to which temperature differences contribute. Under such conditions, element failure can occur quite often.

Let's take a closer look at the list of main signs, due to the presence of which the roller can be considered faulty:

• The battery no longer receives a full charge;
• the car's energy-intensive current collectors began to show disturbances in their functioning;
• a characteristic hum coming from the area where the generator unit is located;
• presence of play during roller operation;
• The working surface of the generator set drive belt shows signs of uneven wear.

Engine performance and fuel consumption

The pre-styling Priora works with eight-valve engines:

Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 81 hp. Maximum speed – 172 km/h. It accelerates to hundreds in 13.5 seconds. Fuel consumption in the city per 100 km – 9.8 l; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 hp. Maximum speed – 176 km/h. Up to a hundred – 12.6 s. Consumption in the city – 8.6 liters per 100 km; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 98 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. It will accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. Consumption in the city is 9.8 liters per 100 km.

The restyled Priora works with “old” and new sixteen-valve engines:

“Engine” with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 106 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. It accelerates to “hundreds” in 11.5 seconds. In city mode, it consumes 8.9 liters per 100. The “engine” is 1.6 liters and produces 98 hp. Maximum speed – 183 km/h. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. In the city - 9.1 liters per 100. “Engine” with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 123 hp. Maximum – 190 km/h. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. Consumption is 7.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. This is a sports version - Lada Priora Sport.

The pre-restyling Grant is equipped with:

Engine 21116/11186 only with manual transmission: 8 valves, 87 hp. With. (Maximum speed – 166 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 12.4 seconds, urban consumption – 9 liters per 100), Engine 21126 only with automatic transmission: 16 valves, 98 hp (Maximum speed – 167 km/ h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 13.7 seconds, urban consumption – 10.1 l/100 km), Engine 21127: 16 valves, 106 l. power, with a dynamic supercharging system with mechanics: Maximum speed - 179 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h - 10.9 seconds, city consumption - 8.6 l/100 km;

with a “robot”: Maximum speed – 179 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h – 12.3 seconds, city consumption – 9 l/100 km.

The restyled Grant is equipped with:

Engine (works with manual transmission) with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 hp. Maximum speed – 171 km/h, acceleration – 11.8 seconds to “hundreds”, city consumption 9.1 liters per 100 km;

Engine (works with automatic transmission) with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 98 hp. Maximum speed – 174 km/h, acceleration – 13.3 seconds to “hundreds”, city consumption 9.9 liters per 100 km; Engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 106 hp. Max. speed – 183 km/h with manual transmission: acceleration to “hundreds” – 10.6 seconds, city consumption – 8.7 l/100 km;

with the “robot”: acceleration to 100 “hundreds” – 12.1 seconds, consumption in the city – 8.7 l/100 km.

Test drive Kalina, hatchback and station wagon

New Lada Kalina: answering the most interesting questions Almost 9 years have passed since VAZ presented the Lada Kalina model. And only quite recently did Russian motorists have the opportunity to “taste” the fruits of the updated second-generation model? What has changed? Have all the shortcomings been eliminated? AutoVesti headed to Togliatti for answers to these questions. However, today our report will not be built in the traditional descriptive style, but in the form of answers to questions asked by our readers. Judging by the number of questions we received, it is immediately clear what a sensation this year’s new VAZ product created. Is this really a new car, or are we talking about a banal restyling? So let's get started.

How much has the body changed, and on what platform is the new Lada Kalina built?

Today, it is too expensive for the Volzhsky Automobile Plant to make a new platform for Kalina. Therefore, the platform remained the same, VAZ 2190, on which, in addition to the Kalina, the Grant was built. By the way, after minor changes, the same platform will be used in cars of the Japanese brand “Datsun”. The fact is that it attracts the Japanese with its cheapness.

The body of the Lada Kalina also did not undergo major changes; they limited themselves to minor changes. I would like to note right away that there will be no sedan in the new range; there is a Granta for this purpose. The hatchback and station wagon of the new Kalina have changed wings, bumpers and rear side windows. As for the front part of the body, the new Kalina inherited the front fenders and hood from the Granta; the radiator grille, headlights and bumper are unique here. The length of the Kalina has increased by 4.4 centimeters due to the new engine radiator.

For the same reason, the front bumper now protrudes forward more. For the first time, the Kalina station wagon has roof rails; they will be supplied in all trim levels. However, having received a new bumper, Kalina lost its amplifier, which covered the evaporator and radiator of the Condeya during accidents at low speeds. VAZ employees argue for this fact by saying that when they conducted a test drive at low speeds, up to 15 km/h, it was noticed that the new bumper perfectly protects the air conditioner components since it has internal stiffeners. But personally, we had another question: “How long will we have to wait for a new bumper to replace the broken one?” After all, our domestic manufacturer is very lame in terms of timely supply of spare parts for new products. I remember a situation when a friend of mine, who purchased a new Priora in 2007, which had just gone on sale at that time, spent several days calling Moscow and Tolyatti in a vain search for a new mirror to replace the one that had been demolished by a truck. I would like to think that a lot has changed since then...

So, let's move on. There will be no lensed headlights, as on the concept; only daytime running lights have appeared. However, the new product will receive the conceptual color “Magma”, and for it, like for other colors in the “metallic” range, you will not have to pay extra. In some trim levels, the daytime handles are painted in body color. For the first time, Kalina began to have an electric drive for the fifth door lock in the Lux and Norma configurations. Now the door can be opened either with a key, on the panel or using a key fob. However, upon closer examination, it turned out that the standard button for opening the fifth door was missing.

The dashboard is made of plastic. It is tough, but of sufficient quality. The dashboard itself looks smooth and does not creak when driving on rough roads. In the car's interior, as in the Grant, there is a steering wheel with a column, a tray for small items, and side air deflectors. The new Kalina has a higher quality multimedia system with a touch screen made in Russia. It is planned to supplement the multimedia system with a GPS/GLONASS navigator at the end of 2013. 2)

What changes have been made to the interior, has it become smaller?

Since the body of the new Kalina remained unchanged, the dimensions of the interior remained the same. Everything here is also spacious; tall people can sit comfortably both in front and in the back. At the same time, a lot of new things appeared in the cabin. Internal door panels with wide armrests were borrowed from the Granta, an eyeglass case appeared above the driver’s head, and a loop-cup holder was added to the rear seats on the handbrake housing, where a small bottle of water could fit. The rear seat belt buckles have been carefully placed in a special mesh, and a buzzer has also been added to notify you that the front seat belts are not fastened.

In addition to the little things, the new Kalina received a new dashboard. Moreover, a new climate control system was immediately designed; it now has a low noise level, is well laid out, and its air ducts are securely attached. In the “Norma” configuration, the car will be equipped with a conventional air conditioner, and in the “Lux” version a new climate system from Visteon will be installed. The system itself will control the temperature, direction of air flow and intensity. However, VAZ workers noted that climate control takes power away from the engine, but you have to sacrifice something for comfort.

The Russian company supplies an instrument panel with a route controller borrowed from Granta. The Kalina has unique tachometer and speedometer scales, however, like the Granta, it does not have a lamp indicating overheating. However, on the other hand, this is good, since in a car with an automatic transmission, the screen in the right corner shows not only the gearbox range, but also the gear number itself. In the “Lux” configuration, “Kalina” sports a new multimedia system that has a touch screen located high, which makes it easy to look at even when driving. Although this looks still unusual in Russian cars. To be honest, the shiny black control buttons don't quite fit into the overall design of the dashboard.

The USB connector is hidden in the glove compartment, although it would be much better to put it in a compartment under the cigarette lighter. The multimedia system itself is beautifully designed, but as soon as we started viewing large photos, the system began to noticeably slow down. And the interface is quite complex and incomprehensible; drivers will have to get used to it for a long time. At the same time, we were able to synchronize the system with an iPhone via Bluetooth and play music through the phone and receive phone calls. However, the system flatly refused to synchronize via the USB port, limiting itself to only recharging.

As for the seats, the situation is even worse. They have not changed in the new product and remain amorphous and soft. The promised height-adjustable driver's seat, which the plant planned to produce, has not yet been released. Moreover, it is quite problematic to pull out the headrest without special knowledge: you need to know where to pull, where to pry, and at what point in time to release the latches. If such head restraints will be in production models, then it’s too early to talk about new seats, at least AvtoVAZ has brought the old ones to mind. The same applies to steering wheel adjustment. And at the same time, the new product is positioned as a car for guys and girls!

What kind of engines will there be and are they afraid of the timing belt breaking?

The second Kalina received three gasoline engines. They, as in the first version, will run on 95 gasoline. It is clear that the engine is more agile, but what can you do when only 92nd gasoline is available at domestic gas stations? The “Norma” and “Standard” trim levels will have a 1.6-liter eight-valve engine with a capacity of 87 horsepower called VAZ-11186. It will develop a torque of 140 Nm, which is more than the previous Kalina. Will it be available with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine? No.

In the “Lux” configuration, a sixteen-valve engine with an improved intake system with a volume of 1.6 liters is available. The engine works in tandem with a five-speed manual transmission and is capable of developing power up to 106 horsepower. This raised a number of questions among motorists. After all, for example, in Moscow the transport tax will increase because of this. To this question, AvtoVAZ employees answered that the torque had increased to 148 Nm, and the engine had become more responsive and high-torque in the operating range of 1000-2500 rpm. In fact, the employees’ words were confirmed, and the engine really accelerates the car perfectly from medium speeds and drives more confidently from the bottom. Fuel consumption on the highway was 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The engine has a two-chamber intake receiver, which is designed to improve the filling of the combustion chambers during the intake stroke at different crankshaft speeds. The new Kalina maintained a 15,000-kilometer period between maintenance visits, but the first maintenance at 2,000 kilometers was cancelled. Change the oil in the automatic transmission every 60 thousand kilometers.

The main novelty, of course, is the four-speed automatic transmission. It will first be available only in the “Lux” configuration, and then in the “Normal” configuration. The tandem of the Japanese Jatco AY-K3 automatic transmission and the 21126 engine with parameters of 145 Nm and 98 horsepower is no longer new and is entirely borrowed from the Lada Granta. This is not to say that the car turned out to be fast: acceleration to 100 km/h is achieved in 13.8 seconds for the hatchback and 14 seconds for the station wagon. When switching from “Parking” to “Drive”, the gearbox twitches during acceleration, but the automatic switches smoothly, and when braking obediently, but with a slight delay, switches to higher gears. But the car’s reaction to adding gas is special. The VAZ workers themselves said that they specifically used more driving settings for the automatic transmission. At a speed of approximately 120 km/h, I added a little gas, and the automatic switch quickly shifted down. On the one hand, this is not bad and the gearbox does not “stupid”. On the other hand, the engine does not have enough traction and the automatic transmission constantly changes gears. In the 3rd and 4th stages, the transmission drives poorly and constantly switches to lower gears at the slightest movement of the gas. As a result, constant driving at high speeds and fuel consumption of 11.8 liters were the same as that of a hatchback with a manual transmission.

A unique cast aluminum crankcase was made for the VAZ engine, and a lower support for the gearbox was placed on it. And to accommodate the installation of a Japanese automatic transmission, the shape of the lower suspension arms was changed. The car leaves the factory with a dustproof plastic apron; if desired, steel protection can be purchased separately. All engines in the new Kalina are now equipped with a Visteon radiator, which is 15% more efficient. VAZ workers say that in 2010, during a test drive in the heat, loaded cars equipped with this radiator were driven at full power and more than one engine did not boil. It is unclear why the VAZ team removed the coolant temperature indicator. Now it’s time to find out the answer to the most interesting question: what happens when the timing belt breaks.

All gasoline engines in the new product are plug-in, which means that when a break occurs, the pistons meet the valves. All engines have a lightweight connecting rod and piston group, which reduces mechanical losses and allows the engines to gain speed much faster.

Has the problem with air pockets in the cooling system and leaks in the heater been resolved?

A leaking radiator was the Kalina’s most unpleasant problem, because coolant also flooded the engine, which was located just under the radiator. In the new Kalina, according to AvtoVAZ employees, this problem has been eliminated. The car received a reliable heating radiator, the control unit was placed on the engine shield, away from the engine. According to VAZ employees, there were air pockets in the cooling system in cars with a cable-operated throttle valve. And to prevent the dampers from freezing during long driving at a constant speed in winter, the throttle block was heated by the appendix from the engine cooling system. Since the throttle heating channel was then higher than the expansion tank, air plugs formed. However, VAZ employees claim that back in 2011, after the advent of the electronic gas pedal, the problematic throttle heating was removed.

What is the noise level of the new Kalina?

Representatives of AvtoVAZ repeatedly emphasize that the problem of noise and vibration insulation is their priority. However, the result of their work on this problem is small. The engine and transmission on one side were placed on German supports, and an additional muffler with a soft bellows was added to the exhaust tract. That helped. When testing on a car with a 1.6 liter engine and a manual and automatic transmission, the engines run quietly and smoothly at idle, without shuddering, and while driving the noise level is moderate and increases as the speed increases. I was pleased with the installed Visteon climate control. Its fan runs quietly even at maximum speed.

However, once the car reaches a speed of 110 km/, that’s all. The car begins to howl, hum, the side mirrors and roof rails make noise. This is a forced speed limiter. The capacity of the trunks, full-size spare tires, the layout of the rear sofas - all this has not changed. However, the luggage rack has been modified. In the station wagon body type, the radio speakers on one of the sidewalls of this shelf were removed. This made it possible to expand the loading opening. Bag hooks have also been added. The folding shelf itself, when unfolded, rests on elastic bands and is attached to the door with removable ropes. Even the new “Kalina” clicks the electric relay at full speed. The buttons for the window lifts and mirror adjustments click, the controllers in the automatic selector and under the gas pedal click. Although we observed this on pre-production models and let's hope that commercial vehicles will not be so noisy. In addition, VAZ promised to introduce underbody sound insulation and increase the number of body cavity plugs.

In the old Kalina, moldings on the doors quite often came off, light bulbs burned out, and the horn broke due to moisture and dirt. Has anything changed in the new Kalina?

VAZ employees changed their light bulb supplier, choosing better quality products. At the same time, VAZ workers noted that low beam lamps burn out due to frequent on/off switching. However, they promised that with the new lights the load on the low beam lamps would be less.

Employees explain the peeling off of the moldings as a defect during assembly. VAZ has eliminated this problem and the installation of moldings on double-sided tape will continue. The horn has now been moved a little higher. So now it will last longer. And to replace the rear lamps, you still have to use a wrench : it’s difficult to get to the sockets from the passenger compartment. In the station wagon, the heated parking zone of the windshield wiper was retained on the fifth door. The rear window heating sector itself is larger than that of a hatchback. Both bodies have a heated windshield.

Have the painting and assembly technologies and the level of galvanization of the body changed?

There were no radical changes. The volume of galvanized parts is the same as its predecessor. In the new product, 38% of body parts are also galvanized. A thick layer of protective mastic is applied to the bottom and wheel arches. The plant, as before, provides a 6-year guarantee against through corrosion. True, on the test cars we did not see plastic fender liners covering the arch.

What will the ground clearance be?

I would like to immediately point out that the new product has not become low-set. The clearance under the engine crankcase is 16 centimeters with three passengers in the cabin. At the same time, the car has a flat bottom, with compressed exhaust pipes and a gasoline tank. Fuel and brake lines are protected. Versions with automatic transmission have slightly lower ground clearance than cars with manual transmission and amount to 14.5 centimeters. The main external feature of the new product is the new design of 14-inch alloy wheels. 15-inch alloy wheels will also be available as an option.

Will there be a serial version with gas equipment?

VAZ plans include the creation of a gas-powered Kalina. However, only the methane version is currently being developed.

How safe is the new Kalina?

An airbag is now included as standard. In some versions of the “Norma” the car will receive an ABS system with a braking assistant. The front seat belts will be force-limiting and pre-tensioned. The Luxury package includes a passenger airbag. The launch of Kalina with the ESC stabilization system will begin soon, but AvtoVAZ has not announced when this equipment will go on sale. The release of equipment with Isofix fasteners is also postponed due to a change in supplier. The new product has already passed frontal and side crash tests. The results of this testing have not been made public, but employees say the tests were successful.

We check the condition of the alternator belt ourselves

To make sure that the belt is in good condition, you need to perform simple steps. Initially, fifth gear is engaged. On it, leaning on the front bumper, we try to push the car back. At the same time, we are trying to conduct a visual inspection of the belt along its entire length.

All the grooves have been cut off, the belt is on the verge of breaking

There, according to the general rule, there should be no cracks, even the smallest ones, as well as ruptures and peelings that occur due to long-term use of rubber products.

This belt is no longer any good.

If such problems are found, the belt must be replaced. The timing belt is checked in the same way.

It is also a good idea to check the external condition of the generator itself, since its quality raises questions. Don't forget to inspect the generator roller.

The belt is already bad, but the generator pulley is still good

Alternator belt replacement process

Standard article number for alternator belt: 1118-1041020-07

• The length of this belt is 823 millimeters.
• You can find it in the catalog by name or by your own unique number 1118-1041020-07.
• The marking on the box will indicate the index 6РК 823.

In addition, prepare in advance a sufficiently long screwdriver, as well as a “13” key. You may also need a knife to remove the old belt.

1. To begin with, we remove the old belt, or what is left of it. As we have already said, this needs to be done every thirty thousand kilometers, even if the condition of the belt appears to be completely satisfactory. The belt can be removed with a simple knife.
2. Now we find the bolt for the lower mounting of the generator. Try to unscrew it literally a few turns, which will help with the “13” key.
3. Use the same key to unscrew the nut, after which the bolt for the upper mounting of the generator is completely pulled out.
4. Now you need to be very careful. You must try to rotate the generator so that the upper eye exactly goes beyond the surface of the protrusion located on the bracket. We confidently press the generator to this bracket and fix it there with ordinary wire. It is best to tie it to the cylinder head cover mounting nut.
5. Now carefully put the belt on the generator pulley, as well as on the surface part of the generator drive pulley.
6. We engage fifth gear again, while simultaneously pressing the belt against the pulley. In this position, we try to push the car back until the belt is completely in place.
7. Now you can untie the wire and start squeezing the generator with a screwdriver in the place where it came into contact with the bracket. Don't forget to insert the top bolt that mounts the generator.

After this, all that remains is to take care of tightening the lower bolt and the nut of the upper generator mounting bolt. This will be enough to set everything in place.

Alternative options

Of course, many car enthusiasts are well aware of the consequences of not having a belt tensioner. The fact is that the belt, quite often, is overtightened, which leads to too rapid wear of the generator bearing. You can recognize this problem by a characteristic sound reminiscent of a howl. This design flaw can be eliminated by installing a generator belt tensioner. The most common option is to install a tensioner from the Lada Kalina.

Installing the alternator belt tensioner

The reason for abandoning the tensioner is simple. The manufacturer tried to save additional money by making the car one of the most affordable in the world. And this is typical only for the cheapest trim levels (standard and norm), which are supplied with eight-valve power units.

To make it easier to control the belt tension, you can simply replace the generator bracket by pre-modifying it.

On the left is a bracket with a tensioner from Kalina, on the right is the standard version from Granta

In the standard bracket you will not find holes for the tensioner pulley. Instead, you can assemble a new bracket, which will be based on the base of the first generation Lada Kalina. As we already said, we will need:

1. the bracket itself is from the specified car,
2. tension roller,
3. tensioner pulley bracket,
4. as well as the alternator belt itself, all from the same Lada Kalina of the first generation.
5. In addition, do not forget about purchasing a screw tensioner, the corresponding bushing and bolt.

The replacement process itself is similar to replacing standard Lada Granta parts. However, if you do not have the appropriate technical knowledge, then you should contact a service center to assemble the structure.

Hatchback - a way for the young!

A hatchback (literally “rear hatch”) is a car with a shortened rear overhang, a door, often with two, less often with one row of seats. The main distinguishing feature of the configuration remains the length of the rear part, which is always less than the length of the front. If it is equal to the front, the car cannot formally be classified as a hatchback, even if it has similar shapes.

For example, the Audi 100 in the Avant modification, although the body is externally similar to a hatchback, has a rear overhang length equal to the length of the front one and belongs to the station wagon class. But the Ford Scorpio Mk has a three-volume (classic sedan) body, a pillar in the center to support the roof, but the length of the rear overhang is slightly shorter than the front - the equipment belongs to the Hatchback class.

Advantages of hatchbacks

The main advantage of hatchbacks is considered to be better maneuverability in city traffic due to their smaller size than sedans. What other advantages does the configuration have:

1. Lower cost. Hatchbacks are more affordable than sedans and remain mostly budget models.
2. The spacious trunk allows you to transport large cargo - if you fold the rear seats, the usable volume increases by 3-4 times.
3. Smaller sizes will make parking in the city more convenient.

Hatchbacks are often chosen by young drivers who consider this model to be the most convenient for beginners, despite the fact that hatchback drivers have worse visibility through the rear window than sedan drivers.

Disadvantages of hatchbacks

What disadvantages do this configuration have, and are they so critical for choosing?

1. Less comfort for rear row passengers due to the trunk combined with the interior.
2. It takes more time to heat the interior in winter and to cool it in summer. Due to this, fuel consumption increases.
3. Rear windows require the installation of a windshield wiper and washer.
4. Less passive safety when hitting the trunk.

The sedan and hatchback are excellent examples of modern body modification that shouldn't even be a point of contention. You need to choose a model based on the personal preferences of the drivers.

Hatchbacks are an excellent family option; they are good for driving to work and getting out into nature. In addition, there are some models of popular cars that are produced only in a hatchback body - for example, Mercedes-Benz class A, Mazda 2, Fiat Bravo, Grande Punto, VAZ 2191, 1111, etc.

Video about which is better - a sedan or a hatchback:

Are you planning to buy a car, but can’t decide which body type to choose? Don't know which is better - a sedan or a hatchback? In our article you will find answers to all your questions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of these car options.

Self-check the condition of the alternator belt

Before replacing an implement belt, drivers should perform a visual inspection to determine if replacement is necessary. To perform this, it must be placed in a stationary state. To prevent the car from rolling during inspection, clamps should be installed under the wheels. The generator belt is located in the engine compartment, and is tensioned on the pulleys of the attachment.

The entire product must be checked. Having examined one area, inspect all the others sequentially, turning the belt. You can make a mark at the place where the inspection began.

The following signs indicate the need for replacement:

• cracks and abrasions on the surface, both internal and external;
• frayed, sides;
• peeling of rubber from rubber;
• mechanical damage;
• traces of oil and working fluids are on the surface.

During inspection, you also need to check the belt tension. If it is loosely tensioned, the generator will not work at full capacity. Too much tension causes premature wear of the bearings and strap. To check the tension, press the belt in a place free from equipment. With a force of approximately 10 kg, the deflection should not be more than 7-8 cm.

If the tension is insufficient, then you need to know how to tighten the belt. The tensioner screw acts as a regulator; it is used to perform tension (video author – Remgar).

When replacing a belt, it is advisable to change the tensioner pulley, which should also be inspected. It should be free of scratches, chips, play, and deformation. The roller should rotate freely without delay. You should not neglect regularly checking the condition of the belt drive.

If the belt breaks on the way, further movement is only possible using the battery. But even if it is fully charged, you can move it for no more than one hour. Therefore, it is recommended to have a spare alternator belt in the trunk in case it breaks.

Classic of the genre - sedan

A sedan is comfortable, practical and stylish. The external shape of the body and the interesting design of the radiator grilles make the car presentable and expensive. This is the version in which all premium-segment cars are produced. The traditional sedan body consists of three distinct volumes: the interior, the luggage compartment and the hood volume. The trunk is always isolated from the passenger compartment.

The sedan is equipped with one or two (less often three) rows of seats; there is no lifting door in the trunk.

In addition to the classic layout, the sedan category includes the following body types:

1. Hardtop. A distinctive feature is the absence of central pillars, side windows without external frames.
2. Fastback. A car with a sloping roof and a vaguely defined third luggage compartment.
3. Tudor. Two-door sedan. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo can be considered the most prominent representative of the two-door sedan family.
4. Long sedan. Today this is a very rare configuration - the car interior has three rows of full-size seats.

A transitional model, which is placed as an intermediate between a sedan and a hatchback, is a liftback. In terms of body shape, the car has overhangs similar to those of a hatchback, but the length of the luggage compartment is the same as in the sedan configuration.

Advantages of sedans

In addition to their representative appearance, sedans have a number of advantages that experienced drivers value so much:

1. The sedan provides better weight distribution. This means that at highway speeds the car has ideal stability - it is easier to control and maneuver. The front and rear axles experience almost equal load due to the same volume of the engine and luggage compartment.
2. Large and comfortable salon. Adult rear seat passengers notice this clearly.
3. The interior is completely isolated from the trunk - this ensures silence and the absence of foreign odors.
4. Greater parameter of passive safety of passengers. In the event of an accident, the trunk serves as a buffer.
5. In winter, the sedan's interior warms up faster and cools faster in summer - this leads to fuel savings.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

The models are almost identical in terms of power units - if we take the beginning of 2011. Both are equipped with a 1.6 liter engine - in terms of power: 87, 98, 106 horsepower. The difference in the number of “horses” under the hood is achieved by modifying the engines and timing. In this regard, the Granta in the Sport package has a distinguished 16-valve unit with 118 horsepower.

As for gearboxes, both models have two of them - 5 manual transmissions (modernized, cable) and 4 automatic transmissions from Jatco. It should be noted that in 2022, Granta received a robotic 5th gearbox as a plus. But after some time, a robotic box was also installed on Kalina 2.

LADA GRANTA

Lada kalina sport 1.4 and 1.6, features of “kick” wheels

The hatchback described above is a sports variation of the VAZ-1119 model.
A few months after the first experimental car was released, the Sport 1.4 passed government certification. The same stage was reached by the Lada Kalina Sport 1.6 in September 2008. July of that year was the time when the first Sport 1.4 cars went on sale in Moscow, Ulyanovsk, Voronezh and other cities of the Russian Federation. The Sport 1.4 hatchback is almost identical to the Kalina in the luxury version; the features include bumpers, moldings, a spoiler, an exhaust tip, and a nameplate on the rear door.

In addition to the above-mentioned additions, we can also highlight the original “KiK” discs. Lada Kalina Sport 1.6 has an engine model 21126. The car is equipped with a SAAZ Sport sports suspension; it differs from the standard one in that it is more lowered (by 2 cm). The original gearbox is reinforced and is capable of operating with increased torque of the 21126 motor.

Lada Kalina is not equipped with airbags. In both variations, the panels in the interior are black. The models have electric power steering made by the Korean brand Mondo. As already mentioned, the car has “KiK” wheels, Kalina Sport looks even better with them.

Their production is carried out taking into account the accepted installation parameters. As a result, “KiK” are able to endure maximum loads on the wheel. The wheels were chosen by the automaker due to the fact that KiK products undergo bench tests and have a certificate of compliance with standards.

The discs demonstrate a long service life, and externally, thanks to the high-quality paint and varnish coating, they look great. “KiK” are also good because in the process of applying a layer of varnish, SAM technologies are used, which have proven themselves well.

"KiK" ​​Kalina Sport wheels contain alloys that are characterized by excellent corrosion resistance. The service life of the disks that VAZ installs on wheels reaches 20 years. That is why the factory warranty on the wheel is valid for the specified service life.

VAZ uses the mentioned disks due to the fact that they have little mass, and light aluminum alloys are used in their manufacture. This is important for a sports car. All these characteristics affect the handling of the car (see video).

Generator replacement

The problem with the standard Lada Granta generator is known to many owners of this car. To troubleshoot problems, it is most often necessary to remove the device. Conventionally, unit breakdowns can be divided into two types - mechanical and electrical. But one of the most common problems associated with replacing a device is the natural wear and tear of components. Therefore, sooner or later, every car enthusiast faces the question of replacing or repairing a generator.

The procedure has some difficulties, but it is quite possible to do it yourself. Removing the unit may also be necessary for maintenance or to improve the design of the car. The dismantling procedure has its own characteristics depending on the engine configuration (8- or 16-valve), as well as on the presence of air conditioning.

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.

When to change?

VAZ Lada Kalina vehicles use a belt drive for auxiliary units. On cars with air conditioning, the service life of such a belt is no more than 30 thousand km. On simple versions of cars, the strap can last longer, but most owners try to change it after the same 30 thousand kilometers traveled. For various reasons, the belt may fail earlier, so it must be checked periodically during vehicle operation. There should be no cracks on the working track, and delamination on the outer part of the belt is unacceptable. If such defects are present, we immediately change the strap. Another signal to replace this element is a whistle or other noise when the unit is operating.

The process of replacing the belt on a Kalina with air conditioning (sixteen valves) is presented in a video from the user Alexander.

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.

Review of Manufacturer Prices

Technical parameters of the roller:

• hole diameter for nut - 10 mm;
• width - 27 mm;
• height - 55 mm.

*prices are current as of October 26, 2018.

Cost of purchasing components separately:

• video: 450 – 500 rub.;
• belt: from 300 rub.;
• bracket: 430 RUR;
• axle: 85 RUR;
• tensioner: 380 – 400 rub.;
• studs, bushings: 300;
• bracket - adapter for generator: 2200 rub.

Total: 3800 - 4000 rubles.

Lada Priora

It is a car with a four-door sedan body. This is an updated version of the VAZ 2110 model, which was discontinued back in 2007. The car went on sale in April 2007. In 2014, restyling was carried out: the car’s bumper was changed, new LED brake lights and tail lights were added.

Expensive car models are equipped with a modern multimedia system and cruise control system, three-mode heated seats. The backrest tilt mechanism has been improved: now it lowers more smoothly.

Vehicle characteristics:

• Length – 435 cm.
• Width – 168 cm.
• Height – 142 cm.
• The front wheel track is 141 cm.
• Rear – 138 cm.
• Wheelbase – 2492 cm.
• Trunk volume – 430 l.
• Ground clearance – 16.5 cm.

It is characterized by convex main light optics, a conventional bumper and a sloping massive hood. At the front there are small round fog lights and a trapezoidal radiator grille with chrome trim. The doors are large and the body overhangs are long. There are no plastic moldings. The bumper is straight, the trunk lid is equipped with a shiny trim, and the feet are high.

1. Updated appearance.
2. Bright headlights.
3. Modern style.
4. Functional dashboard.
5. Reliable engine.
6. High quality finish.
7. Good security system.
8. Improved noise and sound insulation.

• There are cases of power loss.
• Low quality components.
• Frequent breakdowns of the electric amplifier.

A standard car will cost from 370,000 rubles.

Is there any point in watching first generation cars?

Only if you don’t love yourself at all and don’t take care of yourself. The first Kalina, even when it was under warranty and new, liked to do weird things with electrical parts, or even send its owners into roadside lampposts. For some reason, this story did not develop, although overseas and for lesser offenses, Toyota and Volkswagen fell to their knees and lost billions.

The fact is that the electric power steering on the early Kalinas lived its own life, sometimes jamming, or even turning the steering wheel where it was not asked. Several such stories ended up on the pages of “Behind the Wheel,” but for some reason the case never came to the point of imprisoning the perpetrators. But even without crime there were enough problems. You can simply type “Kalina EUR” into a search engine and be horrified by the owners’ stories.

And this is on relatively new cars! And now their mileage has exceeded 200 thousand km, and contacting them is not a good idea.

It’s better to leave them to live out (rot) their lives, and start looking for a car for yourself from the 2nd generation. There is not such a fundamental difference in price, but a fundamental difference in quality.

Obedient

I’m approaching the Troitskoye highway, which is on the ice of the Klyazma Reservoir near Moscow. Here, far from public roads, we have planned pair skating: “Kalina Sport” will meet the standard editorial “Kalina”. Pilots - your humble servant and master of sports Tatyana Eliseeva. My ice track partner knows firsthand about the capabilities of track, motocross and rallycross Kalinas. It is up to her to judge what the “Sport” modification is closer to—a racing vehicle or a production car.

The editorial “Kalina” is the first to take to the ice. Two laps and she leaves the track. Problems with the engine: traction is suddenly cut off when the gas is pressed.

What's the matter? At random, we got to the bottom of it. The regular Kalina copes well with the ice track, but in some places it is reluctant to turn - so Tatyana tries to turn the car, breaking the rear axle into a skid.

She does this with a purely racing technique - she brakes with her left foot without releasing the gas pedal. The engine control program is not ready for such actions and cuts off thrust. When you return to standard driving technology, the problem disappears.

But Kalina Sport does not suffer from this disease. Moreover, she plows less! The chassis is configured so that driving with two pedals is practically not required.

The charged Kalina holds the road perfectly, the drive wheels instantly respond to steering movements even on slippery surfaces. The suspension here is very correct - lowered, but not harsh. Sportiness and excellent handling are surprisingly combined with ride comfort that is better than that of a production car. Brilliantly!

How is this achieved? Gas-filled shock absorbers manufactured according to Lada Sport drawings are installed. The factory designation for the rear struts is 21095-2915004-77, the front struts are 21905-2905002-77 and 21905-2905003-77 (index 77 indicates the “Sport” modification). Their characteristics, of course, are different: the rebound and compression forces have been changed.

We really liked Kalina Sport. Tatyana and I vied with each other in praising the car’s winter sports capabilities: in terms of driving performance, including in the city, the sports modification is body-wise ahead of the production version. But the talents of the charged Kalina will be fully revealed on the summer asphalt, which means this is not our last meeting.

Lada Granta

This is a front-wheel drive vehicle based on the Lada Kalina. The car went into production in May 2011, and mass sales began in December 2011. Belongs to the sedan type.

Vehicle characteristics:

• Length – 426 cm.
• Width – 170 cm.
• Height – 150 cm.
• The front wheel track is 143 cm.
• The rear wheel track is 141.4 cm.
• Wheelbase - 247.6 cm.
• Trunk volume – 520 l.
• Ground clearance – 16 cm.

The car is made in a modern style. At the front there is a radiator grille, large headlights, and an air intake. There are round fog lights. The hood is massive. The doors have black plastic trims. The rear bumper has a license plate.

1. Affordable price.
2. Spacious salon.
3. Versatility.
4. Spacious trunk.
5. The most modern Lada model.
6. Cheap spare parts for transport.
7. Attractive appearance.
8. Favorable transport services.

• Frequent breakdowns.
• Unreliable build.
• Poor quality door handles.
• Small reversing lighting equipment.
• The presence of an opening between the windshield and the roof causes the development of corrosion.
• Poor maintainability of door hinges (they are secured by welding).
• Inability to transform the interior.

A standard car of this brand costs about 300,000 rubles.

What is the difference between sedans and hatchbacks?

Car body type "Sedan"

The main difference between a sedan and a hatchback is the trunk. In the first case, it is separated from the interior, and in the second, vice versa. The trunk of the first type is larger and more spacious, while the hatch is characterized by compactness. There are also differences in appearance. Hatches have a modern, sporty design, while sedans have a more traditional look.

If you are in doubt about whether to choose a sedan or a hatchback, pay attention to the performance characteristics of the cars. The first option is good because it relieves the driver and passengers from the flow of cold air into the cabin when the trunk is opened. The second one is distinguished by good handling and maneuverability. Therefore, to the question of which is safer - a sedan or a hatchback, you can give a clear answer - a hatchback. In addition, such a car has free access to the trunk. In order to get things out of it, there is no need to leave the car interior. Choose a car according to your needs.

conclusions

This technical “mistake” did not happen by accident. The fact is that the Lada Granta was developed with a low retail price in mind. And, given the depreciation of the ruble, this car managed to enter the top ten cheapest cars in the world. At the same time, the equipment of the Lada Grant is much higher than that of its competitors on the list.

And some problems, like the alternator belt tensioner, can be solved yourself. Only consider warranty issues that may be violated during installation.

According to technical regulations, replacing the Lada Granta alternator belt is carried out after the vehicle has traveled 28-31 thousand km. Its condition must be checked every 14-16 thousand km. Replacing the alternator belt on a Lada is performed using the following method. The car must be placed on a level area with a minimum slope. Since the engine does not have such a device as a belt tensioner, you will have to work a little.

This is only allowed in case of a sudden breakdown while driving on the highway, when it is possible to remove and reinstall the belt. When traveling long distances, it is better to have a spare set for the Lada generator with you.

To do this, you need to know how long it is, what type of similar products it belongs to. It's easy to understand for yourself.

To check its condition, you need to engage fifth gear and, leaning on the bumper, push the car back. Then you need to inspect the entire length from all sides of the power source drive of a car like the Lada Granta. At the same time, it should not show damage such as cracks in the body of the part, peeling of the rubber component from the fabric base, or breaks in the threads. If anything is discovered, such a defective Lada Granta belt must be immediately replaced with a new one.

1. Using a sharp knife, you need to cut the V-gear transmission of the Lada Granta car at the power source.
2. It is removed from its occupied place.
3. Using a socket wrench No. 13, unscrew the screw of the lower pillar of the Lada Granta power source by 3-4 turns.
4. Using the above tool, you need to unscrew the nut and remove the screw of the upper fastening of the generator, which is turned so that its upper eye goes beyond the protrusion of the bracket.
5. The generator is pressed to this mount and tied with soft steel wire or a strong cord to the nut, which is installed on the cover of the Lada Granta cylinder block assembly.
6. The new belt is attached to the second pulley and the top side of the first pulley that drives it.
7. They switch to gear number five.
8. While pressing the belt against the pulleys, you need to push the machine back until the product is in the recess of the pulley.
9. Remove the wire or cord.
10. Using a mounting spatula from a car enthusiast's kit or a strong screwdriver, press the voltage source away from the bracket and insert the upper screw of its fastening into place.
11. The same operation is carried out on the lower mount by screwing its bolt.
12. Tighten it and the upper fastening nut until it stops.
13. If for any reason you need to remove the belt again so as not to damage it, then again you need to engage gear number 5 and move the generator towards the bracket, and then, using a screwdriver, pressing the new belt to the pulley (to its outer edge) of the drive, you need to push car so that the product comes out of the recesses of the pulleys.

To work you will need:

Independent work on replacing the alternator belt is not difficult at all if you do everything according to the method described above and follow all the recommendations.

Then the car will serve for a long time and reliably.

Let's sum it up

If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, do not have a summer house or do not plan to transport anything from there, do not intend to transport large loads and park confidently in any conditions - a sedan is ideal for you. For a business person, a sedan is also an opportunity to emphasize their status.

Otherwise, it is better to give preference to the hatchback. This type of body will allow you to transport various cargoes, make any maneuvers in city traffic and park conveniently, in addition, you can save a lot of money when purchasing.

An article about sedans and hatchbacks - which car body to choose: advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria. At the end of the article there is a video about which is better - a sedan or a hatchback.

The answer to this question will be the following question - “Who are you interested in?”, because the debate between domestic drivers about which is better, a sedan or a hatchback, began from the moment the first configuration of the VAZ 2108 hit the roads.

In the CIS countries, of course, sedans are in the lead - it is for these countries that many foreign manufacturers create new modifications in exactly this body style, which are practically not bought in Europe and the USA.

But hatchbacks are confidently conquering the market and taking away a significant piece of the pie from the classic configuration. Sales of sedans in the Russian Federation are in first place - this is approximately 32% of the entire market, hatchbacks have up to 25%, slightly inferior to SUVs.

Experts predict that the compact version of city hatchbacks could become the best-selling car in five years.

New drivers really struggle with which car to choose. Let's consider the main differences between body structures, their advantages and possible disadvantages.