What is the ground clearance (clearance) of the Lada Kalina: hatchback, station wagon, CROSS

If the future owner plans to operate his car in conditions where there are no roads with ideal surfaces, then he should take into account such a significant indicator as ground clearance. This situation is also true for the domestic small car Lada Kalina in hatchback and station wagon body styles, the ground clearance of which will be discussed in our material.

The technical manual of the model indicates the clearance parameter under full load conditions. It will be interesting to analyze the official figures indicated with the results of measurements made using a tape measure. Some enterprising owners manage to increase ground clearance by installing larger diameter wheels, but this “homegrown technology” has its own disadvantages.

Ground clearance for Lada Kalina (various bodies)

In this article, let's try to figure out what ground clearance the second generation Lada Kalina has with different body types.

Station wagon and hatchback

The clearance of Kalina versus the clearance of Renault Duster, visually Duster is closer, that’s why it seems that they are equal

Most owners of this car can find information that the ground clearance on the car is 14.5 centimeters. But often during a test drive information comes up that the ground clearance of the second generation Kalina is already 16 cm. If the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, then the ground clearance will be only 14 cm.

To clarify this point in more detail, you need to open the car’s operating manual. There you can see that the ground clearance of the new Lada Kalina with a station wagon body is the same as that of the Kalina with a hatchback body. It amounts to:

1. When a car with a manual or automatic transmission is fully loaded, the ground clearance under the gearbox will be 160/145 millimeters, respectively.

We measure the ground clearance from the automatic transmission to the ground with a tape measure

At the same time, the total weight of the car, which is allowed by the manufacturer, varies from 1524 to 1605 kg. Of course, often the car is not fully loaded, and therefore the declared ground clearance in some cases may be higher.

If you compare two cars with station wagon and hatchback bodies on the street, you will notice that they have almost the same ground clearance. If you arm yourself with a tape measure and take measurements yourself, you can see that the ground clearance without load is 19.5 cm under the gearbox, and 230 cm under the engine.

Ground clearance values ​​from the engine and gearbox (marked in red)

Kalina Cross

We measured 21 cm on the bottom of Kalina, almost the factory parameter

Regarding the Lada Kalina CROSS, it should be noted that its ground clearance is 230 millimeters. 16 cm of this is provided by the updated and improved suspension and 70 mm is provided by rubber, the profile height of which has been slightly increased compared to previous models.

As a result, it turns out that Kalina CROSS is not inferior in cross-country ability to large SUVs. Also, a modern suspension provides better stability of the car on the highway.

NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL

Will you have to overpay a lot for Cross?

At the end of January, when we conducted this test, the station wagon closest to it in terms of equipment with a manual transmission and the same engine cost 427,800 rubles. And for the Cross, dealers asked 451,000 rubles. The difference is about 23 thousand. Great offer! After all, “Cross” means large light alloy wheels, an off-road body kit, increased ground clearance, a modified suspension, a short main gear in the transmission and a more pleasant interior. It is promised that the Cross will soon appear with a 16-valve engine, more powerful, and another 10 thousand more expensive. It's also tempting.

Against this background, the price of the test "Kalina" station wagon seems inadequate - 523,800 rubles. But it’s “automatic”! And the “Lux” package comes with a stabilization system. Look through the price lists: foreign cars of this class with automatic transmission, climate control and other benefits are significantly more expensive.

conclusions

On the left is CROSS, and on the right is a regular station wagon

After reading this article, you will be able to understand in more detail what ground clearance the Lada Kalina has with different body types.

Lada Kalina is a small-class city car, designed to replace the classic VAZ-2107 family. The car has been produced since 2004, and is currently considered the most affordable car of the Togliatti Automobile Plant. The model in question competes with Daewoo Nexia, Ravon Gentra, as well as Daewoo Lanos and Renault Logan. Now the AvtoVAZ company is producing the second generation Lada Kalina, although in fact this model is an updated version of the very first Kalina. The car received modernized front light optics, a modified interior with additional equipment, as well as improved handling and brakes. Initially, the Lada Kalina was produced as a sedan. Now the car is assembled only in hatchback and station wagon bodies, as well as a crossover.

The Lada Kalina engine range is represented by 1.6-liter gasoline engines with a capacity of 87 and 106 horsepower.

• Mikhail, Volgograd. I have owned a Lada Kalina since 2008. There was an opportunity to switch to an updated car, but I considered it a pointless idea. Structurally, the car is almost the same, except that the appearance has been changed and equipment has been added. Now the mileage is 100 thousand kilometers. A very capricious car. During the first six years, the car went through the replacement of two ball bulbs, low beam bulbs, and consumables. We also had to replace the rubber mats. At the 60th thousand, the piston was replaced due to knocking on a hot, warm engine - this could have led to excessive oil consumption, but I did not wait and replaced the part in time. The car is comfortable and ideal for our roads. The cabin is relatively quiet, but the sound insulation is weak. The standard ground clearance in the configuration is 160 mm, which is enough for our rough roads. I still drive Kalina, and I’m in no hurry to buy a new car.
• Eduard, Chernivtsi. In 2015, I moved to my 14th car. Of the entire fleet, mainly Soviet and Ukrainian cars. I have 43 years of driving experience. I work in a service center, performing computer diagnostics and minor repairs. He approached the selection of the next “horse” wisely and pickily. Of course, I compared it with older models that I had the opportunity to drive. In 2015, I liked the Lada Kalina hatchback. A car with an elastic suspension that behaves collectedly on any road. Stylish and modern design, modern equipment, and cross-country ability is much better than most foreign cars. Let's see what will happen next. So far I like the car, it is reliable and fast.
• Anatoly, Tver. The Lada Kalina car impressed me not only with its low cost, but with its comfortable suspension and almost off-road capability. It has only 160 mm under the bottom, but thanks to the soft suspension it is very difficult to hang the wheel on some rock or bump - this speaks of the pretentious abilities of the Lada Kalina, which I often drive on country roads, testing the suspension’s strength, so to speak. I have a 2005 version, purchased in 2014 with a mileage of 70 thousand kilometers. In the future I plan to increase the ground clearance to 180 mm, and also try to install all-wheel drive according to the Lada Niva scheme. In short, I still have to. As for reliability, this is the good old VAZ, which is easy to repair.
• Victor Severodvinsk. There are about 20 thousand kilometers on the odometer of my Lada Kalina. I have a restyled version of 2016, with a 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine. I work in a taxi for 12 hours a day, during which time my back gets very tired. The seat seems to be comfortable, but when sitting for a long time, the lower back begins to hurt. For a taxi, Kalina is ideal, despite the noise and vibration at idle, as well as at high speeds. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle is within 10 liters. The dynamics with a 1.6-liter engine are sufficient for a compact hatchback; there is enough agility even with a reserve. I had my first Kalina, it often broke down and annoyed me with malfunctions almost every week. The updated Kalina is perceived differently. It looks more like a foreign car, but at the same time it is just as soft and comfortable. The ground clearance is 160 mm, so all is well with cross-country ability. Kalina is a reliable car, capable of driving on city roads, as well as country roads.
• Maxim, Yaroslavl. I drive a Lada Kalina with a 120 horsepower engine. I have the Sport version. In fact, this is the maximum configuration of Kalina, only with a more powerful forced engine. The suspension is stiffer, and the interior is decorated more brightly and sportily. Handling is designed for dynamic driving - this is clear from the clear and sharp reactions of the wheels to steering turns. Fuel consumption is about 11 liters per 100 km – in dynamic driving mode. The ground clearance is 140 mm – this is enough for the city. The car looks stylish thanks to aerodynamic body kits and various decorative elements. During two years of operation, I drove 78 thousand kilometers. Lada Kalina Sport is a fast but very noisy car. For the money I paid for it, the car completely suits me. I hope that Kalina will continue to delight with its reliability and sporty behavior.
• Alexander, Samara. Since 1995, I drove a VAZ-2105, and in 2012 I switched to the Lada Kalina. The car impresses with its dynamics, handling and brakes. The car's behavior is no worse than that of the flagship Vesta. By March 2022, the mileage had exceeded 140 thousand kilometers. At 101 thousand, a problem arose with the expansion tank, which suddenly leaked. The button responsible for adjusting the power window on the right door is also broken. With a mileage of 125 thousand, the generator was discharged, so I had to go to the service center once again. At the 138th thousand there was a leak in the right front pillar. Otherwise, everything is fine, the car is fully operational, the main thing is to monitor the condition in a timely manner. The suspension works softly and never breaks, unlike foreign cars. Fuel consumption for the 1.6-liter version is 9-10 liters, depending on the load. Ground clearance of 160 mm helps when traveling to the country, fishing or picnic. A normal car for the money.

December 24, 2014 60,089

Ground clearance (the same as ground clearance) is the distance from the surface on which the car is located to the lowest point of the central part of the car. The main feature of this characteristic is that it directly affects the vehicle’s cross-country ability. Next, we’ll figure out what the real ground clearance of Kalina 2 is.

AST SUSPENSION

The Dutch company AST Suspension has been designing and producing suspension components and kits for 35 years; The range has different lines - for ordinary roads and for sports. In Russia, the sale of its products is carried out by the company, which is headed by former rally driver Alexey Kovalchuk. It’s nice that the Dutch are upgrading their kits taking into account operating experience in our conditions.

It was possible to choose the extreme 5200 model - with remote reservoirs and various adjustments, but, firstly, such a design is not allowed by the RHHCC regulations, and secondly, the price of such a kit is a third of the cost of Kalina. Non-professional athletes have no use for this.

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Ground clearance is very important when buying a car. Especially in Russia, where off-road conditions can be found not only on rough terrain. The operating and repair manual indicates the ground clearance of the second generation Lada Kalina (with full load). Let's analyze the declared passport indicators, as well as real measurements using a tape measure, and analyze the results of an interesting experiment. The amount of ground clearance can be influenced by installing larger wheels, but this phenomenon also has disadvantages. First things first.

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Video - ground clearance

Vehicle ground clearance

If the future owner plans to operate his car in conditions where there are no roads with ideal surfaces, then he should take into account such a significant indicator as ground clearance. This situation is also true for the domestic small car Lada Kalina in hatchback and station wagon body styles, the ground clearance of which will be discussed in our material

The technical manual of the model indicates the clearance parameter under full load conditions. It will be interesting to analyze the official figures indicated with the results of measurements made using a tape measure. Some enterprising owners manage to increase ground clearance by installing larger diameter wheels, but this “homegrown technology” has its own disadvantages.

Kalina's stated ground clearance

From the outside we only see the opening of the fuel tank. And this 50-liter Kalina tank also needs to be rationally placed, because its shape is important for the correct operation of the power system. In addition, the space for placing the tank is limited. Don't forget about the spare tire, which is attached to the bottom of the trunk.

AvtoVAZ indicates several points from which the ground clearance of the Lada Kalina is measured . The manual for a regular Kalina prescribes in the section “Basic parameters and characteristics of a car with a hatchback body (station wagon)” (pages 133–136), two clearance values:

• from the road surface to the bottom of the engine crankcase;
• to the gearbox housing.

It should be borne in mind that these parameters were measured at the moment when the car receives full load. We also calculate the full load value specifically for your Lada Kalina from the instructions. It is necessary to subtract the curb (empty) weight from the maximum permitted weight. The column with this indicator is located above the clearance column.

Depending on the type of engine and configuration of the Lada, the weights vary slightly. On average, the full load of Kalina is 450–500 kg. Therefore, the distance from the road to the engine crankcase/gearbox will be specified if there is an additional weight of 500 kg on board your car.

For both Lada Kalina 2 bodies, the ground clearance for the internal combustion engine is 160 mm. To the bottom point of the manual transmission - 160 mm, automatic transmission - 145 mm. The numbers for the off-road version of Kalina Cross are much higher. The passport data from the 2022 operating manual states that the clearance to the engine crankcase is at least 182 mm, and to the gearbox - at least 187 mm. This value is for all engines and both transmission options, manual and robotic.

If you don’t want to buy a Kalina with a manual transmission, know that the clearance of a regular Kalina with an automatic transmission is less than the ground clearance of a Lada Cross with a robot by as much as 42 mm.

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Video

Real Driver Measurements

But how to determine the real clearance of a Lada without a full load? Real measurements with a tape measure (without load) show the following results.

A special experiment was carried out. Its essence is to compare the veracity of the clearance ratio of a regular Lada and a Cross. To achieve this, four subjective measurements were made. The distance was measured from the road to the side threshold, under which the jack is placed.

To conduct the experiment, the cars were placed in the same conditions. Both cars had an empty interior, an unfilled trunk and the same minimum amount of fuel in the tank. The standard Lada station wagon was equipped with radial tires with a width of 175 mm, a profile of 55% and a seat diameter of 14 inches. The cross version is shod with tires with a width of 195, a profile of 55 and a diameter of 15.

First, we measured the ground clearance of a regular Lada Kalina station wagon without load. The resulting value is 198 mm. Then we got 217 mm as a result of a similar measurement on Kalina Cross. Before the second measurements, four people were asked to sit in the cars one by one. A loaded regular station wagon gave a result of 170 mm. After loading, the clearance of Kalina Cross was 192 mm.

The additional weight reduced the ground clearance of the standard station wagon by 28 mm, and the off-road version by 25 mm. A modified suspension and larger wheels help.

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How is vehicle clearance determined?

How to increase ground clearance (ground clearance) Niva 2121

There are no clear rules among automakers for determining vehicle clearance. The measuring process in each individual case occurs completely differently. Most people overestimate the figure, and some underestimate it. Typically the lowest point is the front suspension arms. Although it is customary for SUVs to rather measure the distance from the ground to the gearbox. After all, it is bridges that often become an anchor when overcoming difficult off-road conditions. Based on the experience of MFC LFA specialists, it is possible to form a certain gradation of cars based on their ground clearance

less than 120 mm – sports and supercars

from 120 to 150 mm – most passenger cars without a special package for bad roads

from 150 to 170 mm – cars equipped with a package for bad roads

from 170 to 210 mm – crossovers

over 210 mm – SUVs

It will be useful to watch a video from our colleagues. It describes in detail all the features of measuring vehicle ground clearance.

The most important increase in ground clearance is for owners of foreign cars that do not have a package for bad roads and are not equipped with air suspension. An extra 2-3 cm will protect them from eternal breakdowns in the spring and on regional roads, and will also allow you to easily climb even the highest curbs without fear of damaging expensive front levers, including those made of soft aluminum, and the paintwork of the front bumper. In addition, not all cars are equipped with engine protection. If there is insufficient ground clearance, hitting a homemade concrete speed bump can cause damage to the engine and transmission.

WHAT ARE WE DOING

A year and a half ago, one of the first commercial Kalina of the second generation appeared in the editorial office. The VAZ-21927 index means, among other things, a new 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine with an adjustable intake tract length. The car weighs a little more than a ton, many of the tuning company’s solutions were worked out on co-platform Ladas - and we decided to prepare the car for participation in amateur racing.

The RHHCC (Russian Hot Hatch Club Championship) is the country's most popular multi-stage competition, where drivers race around professional circuits in pursuit of the best lap times. There is no contact fighting: whoever covered the track faster wins (Time Attack format). Of the eight classes, our Kalina falls into City-Light with a power ceiling of 150 hp.

Features of the bodies of “Ladovo” models

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Since we started with QOL, let’s continue this topic. For the frame of Ladovsky models without glued glass, the quality of life is 14 thousand N*m/degree, which is a very good mark. And with glass this figure is even higher.

The testing of the Lada body in the rear turned out to be especially good. Thus, in the rear door opening, after a tough diagonal pressure test, the changes were recorded as only 1.5 mm, whereas on most foreign cars the same figure was 5-6 mm.

The body design of the Lada Largus and other similar models fundamentally complies with current European standards in terms of protecting passengers and the driver. The front subframe on Ladovsky models is one of the most important body elements responsible for this indicator. It is even considered an auxiliary spar, significantly increasing the strength of the body, as well as absorbing impact force.

VAZ overall body dimensions

The high quality of life of the Ladovsky body also has a beneficial effect on obtaining high-quality sound comfort in a car showroom. The frame does not twist over bumps and bumps, no deformations or anomalies occur between the interior and body elements, which ultimately has a positive effect on the absence of squeaks.

Note. Of course, in addition to the quality of life indicator, the quality of interior elements also affects the high level of sound comfort. They were obtained through proper calculation so as not to come into contact with the body in places where squeaking might occur. This was achieved by fixing the plastic components with special fasteners and minimizing the various gaps that arise one way or another between them and the body.

VAZ 2113 body dimensions
Many original parts, interchangeability of interior elements between Ladovsky models, enlargement of some body parts - all this was only a plus. In particular, the increase in some body elements led to a decrease in their number, which reduced production time and had a positive effect on performance.

Lada Largus

Called a budget station wagon with increased cross-country ability. The body was assembled based on Dasia/Renault Logan. The car was initially adapted for the market of Eastern European countries.

Even in the basic version of Logan, engineers took effective measures to enhance anti-corrosion protection, using protective inserts for the wheel arches. In addition, anti-corrosion and anti-gravity protection is installed over larger areas than before (at Samarov’s vehicles), with a thicker layer of mastic.

Here are some more innovations:

• The engine compartment is well protected. Additional protection was used correctly;
• The front suspension reinforcement has been increased. This was achieved through the use of leverage;
• The washer reservoir has become larger and holds more fluid;
• The wheels received protective aprons;
• The change got a torpedo;
• The bumper and radiator grille have been modernized.

It is noteworthy that the station wagon is made in 2 body versions: 5-seater and 7-seater. In addition, a van is also produced. The price of cars is low - only 350 thousand rubles and good comfort. When compared with foreign cars, the cost is heaven and earth.

In general, the Largus exterior is designed in such a way that it makes it possible to rightfully call the car roomy. A large family, along with bags and suitcases, as well as pets, fits comfortably inside. As for the design, the abundance of straight lines gives the car some speed and dynamism to the slightly clumsy family station wagon.

Linear dimensions of the VAZ body

Height with rails is 167 cm, which is 10 cm more than Dasia Logan. The remaining sizes are also quite individual and do not copy “anyone”.

Lada Kalina

A car with 4 body types: sedan, regular 5-door hatchback, station wagon and sports hatchback.

"Sedan" version

Let's start with the sedan:

• From the new family of Kalina cars, AvtoVAZ is produced;
• The modern elegant appearance and comfortable interior are called the root reasons for the sedan's good sales;
• It has good handling at high speeds;
• It maneuvers well in the city traffic rhythm;
• Practical and incredibly convenient for daily use;
• The sedan body received wedge-shaped silhouette lines, visually creating the image of a strong, brutal car;
• The opening angle in the luggage compartment has been increased by 120 degrees, which makes loading easier. Inside the trunk, the manufacturer has wisely provided special loops that allow you to secure the cargo being transported.

Using special spacers

Spacers are installed between suspension parts and the car body, for example, under springs . It is recommended to buy shock absorber extensions along with spacers, as they can fly out of the cups if the vehicle gets into deep holes.

Spacer between the strut support and the body glass +21 mm (article 21-15-001/20).

Disadvantage of the method: uneven increase in clearance, because Thicker spacers are installed under the rear axle.

The difference in ground clearance is in favor of the Cross, of course.
A simple station wagon, putting an obstacle between the wheels, would touch it with the gearbox housing. The difference in ground clearance is in favor of the Cross, of course. A simple station wagon, putting an obstacle between the wheels, would touch it with the gearbox housing. And now - away with the economy! Three days behind the wheel of the new Kalina - and even the author, who is “well over forty”, prefers the youth model. That is, “Cross”. All-terrain capability, non-standard appearance, smart suspension. Drive, finally!

It’s just that the “Kalina” station wagon seemed somewhat pensioner-like, despite the 16-valve engine. And something tells us: buyers will look for peace of mind, coziness and comfort in cars from other automakers.

The editors thank MPO Tekhinkom and AutoHERMES - West for the cars provided.

Lada Kalina or Lada Kalina Cross: luxury versus cross

Lada Kalina 2 – advantages compared to the previous version

The new version of Kalina has received an excellent modern filling, which is especially noticeable in the full and most expensive luxury configuration. Taking into account the fact that the cost of the model has remained at an affordable level for the population and is in the range between the prices of Priora and Grant, such modern equipment has made the model competitive in the modern automobile market.

Having compared the photos and characteristics of the first and second versions of the Lada Kalina, it becomes clear that while maintaining the advantages of the previous model, the new version has significantly worked out the bottlenecks and introduced a lot of useful elements and additions.

Among the advantages of the new version are the following:

• Good ground clearance;
• Expansion of the cabin;
• Additional safety equipment for the driver and passengers;
• Increased comfort;
• Significant reduction in noise level in the cabin and others.