Instead of the first version of the Lada Kalina, in 2013, car enthusiasts from Russia and neighboring countries received a new version of the car with front-wheel drive - Lada Kalina 2. Due to the popularity of the car, they decided not to change its name. The design and technical characteristics of the model were seriously modified and changed, which only affected the front-wheel drive car for the better; it became more modern, but, at the same time, remained easily recognizable among fans.
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.
Let's sum it up
After the release of the Russian-made hatchback Lada Kalina of the 2nd generation, it is clear that AvtoVAZ does not want to stand still, but wants to move forward, gradually competing with other cars imported even from European countries. The overall appearance of the car has become more fresh, it looks nice, especially the front, youthful, but at the same time stylish. The hood received small stampings, and the side part, or rather the doors, have a characteristic molding.
The aft part has a rather characteristic appearance for the company. Moreover, there is a large door with a convenient opening, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier. The interior is of course far from perfect; there is budget-type plastic, although it does not look the cheapest. The instrument panel is of a standard type, although for some reason it lacks a coolant temperature sensor, a strange solution.
But there is a convenient small touch screen display, which is very convenient to operate. The front seats, as for a budget model, are well padded and soft. The back row can comfortably accommodate only two people; the third will be able to sit down, but will experience discomfort. There is enough free space in the car.
But I was not pleased with the luggage compartment, since it has very little usable space. But you can fold the rear seat backs, which increases the volume of the luggage compartment. The car comes with stronger power units, which are not the most powerful, but cope well with their direct responsibilities.
I was pleasantly surprised by the low consumption of these engines, which will be a good plus, especially when driving in urban areas. The car already has an airbag for the driver as standard, which is very good. The level of safety is certainly far from Volvo, but the fact that AvtoVAZ is gradually growing in this direction is encouraging.
There are various systems that will make you feel confident in a hatchback. It is clear that the Russian automobile company is not sitting idly by, but is striving to be competitive.
We advise you to read the article: History of AvtoVAZ - LADA cars
Exterior of Lada Kalina 2
Unlike the first version, Lada Kalina is now available in two body types: hatchback and station wagon; the sedan version has disappeared from the line; now AvtoVAZ offers to purchase a B-class sedan in the form of the Lada Granta. As you can see in the photo, the color range has expanded, adding blue, red and orange colors with a metallic sheen. Painting bumpers to match the body has become available in a minimal assembly.
The shape of the roof on the hatchback remained the same, but on the station wagon it was fundamentally changed and received, in addition, roof rails. The optics of the modified Lada Kalina received built-in daytime directional lights in the minimal version. A fairly large air intake on the front bumper is quite appropriate, given the most powerful power unit available for the new second generation Lada Kalina. The location of the rear lights remains almost the same as in the first version of the model.
The body of the new Kalina has become stiffer, and a frontal impact energy absorption zone has appeared, resulting in increased passenger safety indicators. Also, the body received galvanization on almost 40% of the surface, the overall dimensions of the model and ground clearance were slightly increased, which became comparable to the ground clearance of some crossovers.
Exterior
The appearance of the second generation Lada Kalina remained recognizable, but received a more harmonious, attractive and modern finish. The nose of the car is decorated with a hood with characteristic ribs, and there are also stylish lighting equipment with a darkened background and a massive front bumper with an air intake “mouth” and chrome decor (top trim levels also have fog lights).
The head optics flow smoothly into the narrow strip of the radiator grille. The bumper installed in front is of a relief type with a massive air intake in the center and has fog lights along the edge, which are covered with chrome “eyelashes”. True, we must admit that an air intake of this size does not fit perfectly with the overall design of the Lada Kalina 2.
You immediately notice the streamlined shape of a brand new car. They are not at all similar to the angular shapes that were present in previously produced VAZ models. Thanks to the smoothed body corners, the aerodynamic component has been improved, which has made it possible to reduce the noise of headwinds and make travel at high speeds more comfortable. If you look at the side of the car, you can see the presence of a sloping hood, a slightly sloping roof towards the rear, large door openings and large wheel arches.
All this together allows the hatchback to have a light and moderately dynamic silhouette. The fact that there are no stampings on the side body parts is made up for by the presence of door trims, which give the appearance of the car some relief against the background of the overall smoothing of the appearance. The wheel arches turned out to be a little swollen, and thanks to the high ground clearance of the hatchback, its solidity is felt.
The rear of the Lada Kalina 2 is compact and has beautiful lights, a neat luggage compartment lid and a small bumper with a plastic cover at the bottom, which serves as a protective option. As a result, the domestic new product looks quite good and fresh, and in terms of design it matches foreign cars.
The trunk door is decorated with restyled unique optics, which, with its lower element, connects the sidewall and the upper part of the rear bumper. The new rear bumper has a pair of reflective strips integrated into it on the sides.
Interior of Lada Kalina 2
The available list of options for the new version of the model is significantly wider than that of its predecessor. From the initial assembly, an airbag and a seat belt warning warning light are available to the driver. Electric windows on the front doors are also available in the minimum configuration. Only hard plastic is used in the interior trim; soft plastic can only be found on the steering wheel and the climate control buttons are rubberized. In the glove box you can find a port for connecting USB devices.
In the luxury package you can find a seven-inch touch screen, air conditioning and full power accessories; there is also an airbag for the front passenger.
Although the resolution of the multimedia screen is small, the sensor works clearly and responds to commands immediately; the GLONASS navigation system is also built into the multimedia. In an expensive assembly, the front seats and windshield are equipped with electric heating, and the rear seats can also be folded separately, which cannot be done in the basic configuration, in which the rear sofa can only be folded in one piece.
The trunk volume of the new version of Kalina is 260 liters, it has increased by 10 liters compared to the previous sedan, and in the station wagon the luggage compartment can accommodate 360 liters without folding the rear sofa. You can open the trunk with a key; in medium and expensive configurations, you just need to press a button in the cabin or on the key fob. In any of the configurations there is a spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
As a disadvantage of any of the Kalina modifications, one can note the fact that the windows do not go all the way into the door; the rear ones generally stop after going a little more than halfway.
Interior
The second generation salon is distinguished by the presence of modern design and high ergonomic indicators. Also, the presence of a massive steering wheel with 3 spokes immediately catches your eye, behind which lies an informative instrument panel, which is represented by two shallow “wells” and a modest monochrome screen of the on-board computer. To the left of the steering wheel, a place was allocated for the light-amplification control unit, and under it, an inconspicuous button was installed, which is responsible for opening the luggage compartment (this decision can be called one of the most important miscalculations in terms of ergonomics).
The center console consists mainly of a color touch display of the multimedia system, which is covered with a small visor on top. A control panel for the music system was installed under it, and under it there are already 3 rotating “washers” of the air conditioning system. In general, getting into the hatchback is quite comfortable, partly due to the presence of wide-opening doors and a large doorway.
Thanks to large mirrors along with a low window sill, the car provides good visibility. You can also notice the presence of a box for small items, which was placed on a console installed in the center. We increased the volume of the glove compartment with a shelf for small items and a pen holder.
There are a pair of cup holders and a pair of niches on the lining of the floor tunnel, a handbrake lining with a folding cup holder for passengers sitting in the back, a speed change “prompt” on the LCD display of the instrument panel, a multimedia system with the Hands free option, an electric drive for the recirculation flap, new interior paint options, as well as new luggage compartment shelf supports to increase the loading opening.
The climate system, which was developed specifically for the Lada Kalina 2, looks interesting. It has become quite effective than on previous cars, and it is much quieter. There is also an “AUTO” option (not on all modifications), which can distribute air flows, change the fan speed and control the air dampers automatically.
The driver only needs to set the temperature inside the car. For the future, the company wants to equip the multimedia system with a GSM/GLONASS geonavigation module. Many systems have been introduced that are designed to increase the level of comfort in the cabin. For example, there is a steering column adjustment for tilt, electric power steering, air filtration that enters the cabin, an instrument cluster with on-board computer options, an automatic headlight and power unit system.
In general, the Kalina interior itself was assembled mainly from “hard” plastic, and the softest part is the steering wheel. In principle, there are no complaints about the assembly itself, but there are still some shortcomings that the factory could not cope with. In some places you can notice joints, and the screws are exposed and not covered with anything.
If you look at the car from the point of view of a budget hatchback, then it has comfortable seats in the front, where there is soft filling and a wide range of settings, and the amount of free space allows even tall people to sit comfortably. The sofa installed at the back is quite comfortable for a couple of people, and if particularly necessary it can accommodate three, but there will only be enough free space for two.
The legs do not rest against the backs of the seats installed in front, and there is also enough free space above the head. The luggage compartment of the 2nd generation Lada Kalina is about 260 liters. In shape, it is quite comfortable, although the wheel arches “eat up” a little free space. The rear sofa, if necessary, can be folded entirely or in parts, which will result in about 550 liters of usable volume.
For all versions of cars, a full-fledged spare wheel, a jack and a wheel wrench are included. The luggage compartment lid is equipped with an electric lock, which can only be opened using a button located to the left of the steering wheel, or in the standard way - with a key.
Technical characteristics of Lada Kalina 2
The overall dimensions of the new Lada Kalina are as follows:
- Length – 4084 mm station wagon and 3893 mm sedan;
- Width – 1700 mm for both bodies;
- Height – 1504 mm station wagon and 1500 mm sedan;
- Ground clearance – 170 mm (when fully loaded – 145 mm).
Three power plants are available for installation on the new Lada Kalina, each with a displacement of 1.6 liters.
The weakest of the engines has proven itself well when installed on the Lada Granta; this eight-valve engine provides a power of 87 hp. With. and is equipped with a lightweight version of Federal Mogul brand pistons and connecting rods. The power of this unit is quite enough to move along city streets and avenues.
The average of the power plants with a capacity of 98 liters. With. already known to car enthusiasts from the Lada Priora.
The most powerful of the engines is the new 16-valve engine, also with a volume of 1.6 liters. It provides a power of 106 hp. With.
Both automatic transmission from the Japanese manufacturer Jatco and VAZ manual transmission with cable drive are available for configuration. Thanks to this, in domestic mechanics, gear shifting occurs quite clearly, and there is no vibration on the gear shift lever. This box can easily be called one of the best in the domestic auto industry. Automatic transmission is available for configuration with 87 and 98 hp engines. s., manual transmission is installed with engines of 87 and 106 liters. With.
In the new version of the Lada Kalina, an increased caster with minus camber/toe is installed on the rear beam. The steering uses a shortened rack, the use of which increases the vehicle's obedience on the road. Thanks to the modification or replacement of shock absorbers, stabilizers, silent blocks and springs, vibration in the new version of the Lada Kalina has decreased, the car has become more stable when driving, roll has decreased, steering obedience and smoothness have increased.
The equipment includes an ABS function with emergency brake assist, which can increase the safety of passengers in collisions, as well as an ESC function (driving stability control) to determine the angular and overall speed, pressure in the brake system. In extreme cases and when one of the axles skids, this system helps the driver cope with the skid by controlling each of the wheels separately.
Compared to the previous version, the operation of the ventilation and heating systems has been significantly improved. Using the joint work of temperature and solar sensors, changes in the vehicle's environment are monitored to maintain a stable temperature in the cabin.
If you wanted an automatic, you got it!
It sounds, of course, like something out of anecdotes, such as an automatic machine in a Lada, which the seller will use when the buyer tries to refuse the purchase or make claims about the quality of the car. Not everything is so sad, gentlemen! AvtoVAZ has made a real step forward, and these are not empty words.
Even though the new automatic transmission will not be made in Russia, this Japanese unit, which is installed on Nissan, will change gears in the new second generation Kalina. If you think that engineers still won’t be able to get the Japanese gearbox and Russian engine working properly, you’re wrong. Thousands of Lada Granta cars with such automatic transmissions have already been produced and everyone is happy with everything!
An automatic transmission cannot be replaced in urban environments, where traffic jams are already a tradition, and you need to switch every minute.
Also, the new Kalina will differ from the old one in its modernized cable-driven gearbox, the operation of which we have already talked about and shown. The new box is distinguished by good selectivity, vibration resistance and reliability.
Restyling of Lada Kalina in 2016
In 2016, the Lada Kalina underwent a slight restyling and, one might say, a new body, since not only the attachments changed, but also the engine shield was strengthened.
Lada Kalina Cross
In the new body, the off-road version of the Lada Kalina 2 has some differences. Thus, this modification is not available with an automatic transmission with any of the engines.
Lada Kalina Cross is not available in the basic Standard configuration; it goes on sale with the minimum Norma configuration costing 512.1 thousand rubles.
The configuration of the Norma crossover corresponds to the configuration of a hatchback with a set of Norma Comfort options. It turns out that with the same versions, the cost of a crossover and a hatchback differs by only 22-24 thousand rubles, but taking into account the fact that the crossover has a more capacious luggage compartment and increased ground clearance to 183 mm, this is not at all expensive.
Lada Kalina Station Wagon
If you need a voluminous body without increased ground clearance, so as not to overpay for the off-road version, you can purchase a Lada Kalina station wagon.
The cost of a family car in the initial configuration is 447.5 thousand rubles. At the same time, the difference with a hatchback in the same configuration is only 12 thousand rubles.
The same difference remains in more expensive trim levels.
The situation is the same with the prices of a crossover and a station wagon, only now a station wagon will cost 9-12 thousand rubles less, maintaining the same volume of the luggage compartment and receiving in return spectacular roof rails, which are included even in the cheapest package.
Lada Kalina Sport
This version stands slightly apart from the others and features different seats and a suspension that lowers the ride height to 150 mm.
As you can see from the photo, sporty notes appear in the exterior design. The difference in cost with the hatchback is almost 44 thousand rubles in the initial configuration, since the price for the Lada Kalina Sport starts at 551 thousand rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros of the car
- Comfortable car;
- Acceptable build quality;
- Modern and quite stylish appearance of the hatchback;
- There is a choice between power units;
- Increased engine power;
- More convenient location of sensors and scales;
- An airbag is present even in the basic configuration;
- There is a reliable suspension, which has an increased resource;
- Improved aerodynamic component of the car;
- Good ride height;
- Comfortable interior;
- Pretty good front soft seats;
- Lots of free space;
- Availability of a touch display;
- Good top-end equipment;
- Quite low consumption of power units;
- Reinforced body.
Cons of the car
- Even in the basic configuration the price of the car is very high;
- Small luggage compartment volume;
- Fairly light steering wheel with no feedback from the road surface;
- Noisy and rather outdated 8-valve power unit;
- Hydraulic headlight adjustment;
- There is no sensor on the prior panel that shows the coolant temperature;
- Still poor build quality;
- Appearance is not for everyone;
- Weak engines;
- Low level of security;
- The back row is only comfortable for two passengers; a third will be extremely uncomfortable.
Options and prices for Lada Kalina 2 in 2016
There are several configuration options for Kalina, these are Standard, Norma Classic, Norma Comfort, Norma Comfort+, Luxury and Luxury Navigation. They are listed in ascending order of number of options and cost.
The basic equipment of the Lada Kalina Standard in 2016 costs 435.5 thousand rubles.
It includes the following options:
- ABS;
- On-board computer;
- One airbag (for driver);
- Power windows on the front windows;
- Steering column adjustment;
- Adjusting the driver's seat height;
- Electric power steering column.
The next most expensive option is Norma Classic, the price of which is 469.5 thousand rubles.
The following options have been added:
- Central locking with remote control;
- Air conditioner;
- Electrically heated rear view mirrors.
The Norma Comfort package will cost 488.3 thousand rubles.
Compared to the previous one, it also includes:
- Climate control;
- Airbag for front passenger;
- Electrically heated front seats;
- Standard audio system with MP3 and CD;
- Handsfree and Bluetooth.
The Norma Comfort+ package will additionally include fog lights, the cost of which increases to 507.2 thousand rubles.
The Lux package for 535.8 thousand rubles includes the following additional options:
- Rain sensor;
- Light sensor;
- Power rear windows;
- Wheels made of light alloys;
- Regular parking sensors;
- Electrically adjustable rear view mirrors.
The Luxury Navigation package differs from the previous one in the presence of a standard navigation system and an ESP stabilization system, while its price will be 563.8 thousand rubles.
More details about Lada “Vesta” cars
Car appearance
The second generation of Kalina has significantly changed its overall appearance and technical characteristics. The body received more aggressive features, which brought the car design closer to the products of the European automobile industry. At the same time, most of the technical solutions of the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon were inherited not from its predecessor, but from the Lada Granta, which is a sedan version of the body of the second generation of the “people's” car of Russia.
First of all, the Lada Kalina station wagon 2 adopted the negative camber, steering, all types of engine and body specifications from the sedan. As is clear from the name of the body, this model allows you to transport cargo of various weights and volumes. Kalina 2 station wagon is the ideal car for country trips with the whole family. Thanks to the spaciousness of the luggage compartment, it is possible to load the car with a large number of purchases.
Despite the spaciousness of the body type in question, the car has retained its compactness and attractive design, making it a city vehicle. Compared to the previous generation, Kalina 2 station wagon looks more aggressive, and the technical characteristics of the car have been modernized in accordance with modern European requirements.
Lada Kalina station wagon 2 has become much more comfortable and safer. The appearance received completely new contours, which transformed the car, giving it dynamism and modernity. This was achieved thanks to the modernization of the front part of the car, which was slightly raised. Now the front lights are located a little higher, and the wheel arches have become embossed.
The car seems more “muscular” due to rethought bumpers that visually enlarge the car. Taking into account the updated technical characteristics, the appearance is fully consistent with the station wagon's interior.
