Lada Kalina 2: review of the technical characteristics of the car

New model of Kalina

AvtoVAZ offered car enthusiasts a modern front-wheel drive car, Kalina 2, which rolled off the assembly line in the spring of 2013. The name of the car remained the same due to certain circumstances: Kalina is easily recognizable and quite popular not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. A lot of work went into the design of the car, and the results exceeded all expectations. The vehicle fits harmoniously into any metropolis. The new Lada Kalina two is available in station wagon and hatchback body styles.

This model was presented at the Moscow Automobile Exhibition. Manufacturers demonstrated the rich equipment of the updated Kalina 2, especially in the “Lux” configuration. AvtoVAZ designers have created a model that is competitive in the modern car market. Many people were pleased with the technical equipment of the car. Manufacturers have not forgotten about the affordability of the price: it fluctuates between the cost of Grants and Priora.

Lada Kalina two has all the advantages of the first generation model, while the manufacturers have refined the bottlenecks of the car and supplemented it with some elements. As a result, the car has excellent visibility, a high seating position, an enlarged interior, and additional protection for the driver and passengers. The car has become much quieter, cozier and more comfortable. Look at the photo of the updated Lada and compare the models with each other.

Exterior

The streamlined shape of the new car immediately catches your eye. They are not at all similar to the angular shapes that were characteristic of previously produced VAZ cars. Smoothed body corners improved aerodynamic characteristics, which reduced noise from headwinds and made driving at high speed more comfortable. In addition, Lada Kalina 2 received:

• new front optics;
• front bumper with an expanded air intake and original fog lamp sections;
• new taillights;
• modified radiator grille.

Dimensions of the LADA KALINA 2 station wagon
The shape of the hood, front fenders and rear bumper have also undergone changes.

The dimensions of the Lada Kalina 2 hatchback are somewhat different from the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon. So the length of the hatchback is 3.89 m and the width is 1.7 m. For the station wagon, these characteristics are 4.08 and 1.54 m, respectively. At the same time, the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon has retained a high ground clearance of 145 mm, which allows it to successfully overcome various obstacles such as speed bumps, of which there are quite a lot on city streets.

Modifications of Kalina 2 hatchback and station wagon

Stylish new hatchback

The hatchback in the “Standard” version now has a 1.6-liter engine with 8 valves and a manual transmission, which will allow acceleration to 00 km in 12.4 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicles is 160 km/h, fuel consumption per 100 km depends on Kalina’s driving mode and ranges from 6.1 to 10.5 liters. Auto Kalina two “Norma” is not much different from the “Standard” modification. It weighs 15 kg more and has some additional options.

The Kalina 2 “Lux” package is presented in two versions.

1. The first has a 16-valve engine from Priora and Granta, which is capable of accelerating to 169 km/h. Gasoline consumption for every hundred kilometers is from 6.4 liters outside the city and 10.9 in the city. Mixed mode is more economical - 8.1 liters.
2. The second version of the luxury hatchback is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which somewhat slows down the engine. When accelerating to 100 km/h, the time increases by 2 seconds, and the maximum speed decreases to 160.9 km/h. Accordingly, fuel consumption in urban, suburban and mixed modes also increases.

Kalina 2 station wagon is presented as a family car, while the dynamism of the car is not reduced. The height of the car and its weight increase. Lada 2 configurations are determined by the following characteristics.

Car dimensions

1. “Standard” version: the engine and transmission remain the same as on a car with a hatchback body. The acceleration speed increases by 0.2 seconds and is 12.6 seconds. The cars are also identical in engine fuel consumption.
2. The “Norma” package is no different from its counterparts. The only advantage is the weight, which increases by 15 kg.
3. The “Lux” version, as in the hatchback, is presented in two versions. The increased weight will not prevent this car from accelerating to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and its top speed is 171 km/h. Fuel consumption and many other indicators are the same as those of the hatchback. When replacing a manual with an automatic, the dynamism of the car is lost because the weight of the car has increased by 30 kg. The dynamics of the car are reduced by windows that are open when driving, mud-proof wheel aprons, protruding caps, wide-profile tires, opening the hatch while driving, and a trunk mounted on roof rails. But not a single car enthusiast will refuse all this, because these elements are very important for comfort during long trips and travel.

Interior

The interior of the cabin has been practically redesigned. There are new seats and a front panel. Also, higher quality materials were used in the interior decoration, which improved the sound insulation of the cabin.

The center console houses a modern multimedia system with a color touch screen. It does not have a CD player, but is equipped with a slot for using MicroSD memory cards and a USB port for connecting external devices. In the future, manufacturers plan to equip this multimedia device with a GSM/GLONASS geonavigation module.

The climate control system, designed specifically for LADA Kalina, is also of interest. It is much more efficient than on first-generation cars, and it is also much quieter. There is also an “AUTO” function (not in all trim levels), in which the distribution of air flows, changing the fan speed and controlling the air dampers is carried out automatically. The driver only needs to set the temperature in the cabin.

Vehicle interior

Despite the fact that the dashboard and steering wheel are borrowed from the LADA Granta sedan, most experts note improved ergonomics and harmony of the interior, as well as its functionality. They also note the presence of technical elements that help improve driving comfort. These include:

• steering column tilt adjustment;
• electric power steering;
• filtering the air entering the cabin;
• instrument cluster with on-board computer functions;
• automatic headlight switching system;
• power unit.

The new Kalina is initially equipped with three 1600 cm3 engines produced by AVTOVAZ OJSC:

1. 1. VAZ-11186 - 87 hp, which is installed on LADA Granta cars.
2. 2. VAZ-21126 - having a power of 98 hp. - from the LADA Priora car.
3. 3. VAZ-21127 - with a power of 106 hp. It is used on LADA Priora and LADA Granta cars.

These engines are coupled to a standard five-speed manual transmission (CAT) with a cable drive, which is installed on almost all VAZ models. In addition, the engine produces 98 hp. can be coupled with an automatic transmission from the Japanese company Jatco, which is also used on LADA Granta vehicles.

Engine VAZ 21127

Second generation station wagon configurations

The second generation Kalina station wagon is available in 3 different trim levels: Standard, Normal, Lux. The first configuration is basic; it is equipped with only the most necessary equipment. The driver is protected from injury in the event of an accident by a front airbag. The car has an anti-theft system in the form of an immobilizer. The standard kit includes mountings for Isofix child seats.

The front seat belts can be adjusted to suit the height of the passenger and driver. The steering wheel is equipped with an electric power steering, which greatly simplifies the rotation of the steering wheel even when the car is stationary. In this case, the steering column can be adjusted to the angle of inclination. The front doors of the Lada Kalina station wagon are equipped with electric window lifts.

The Standard station wagon is equipped with a cabin air filter, athermal windows, central locking, as well as a single key for door locks and ignition. The car is available in both pastel and metallic colors. Additional functionality is added by roof rails integrated into the roof part of the body. The basic package is equipped with 14-inch stock wheels.

The Norma position includes all the equipment of the previous configuration. At the same time, it is equipped with certain improvements that affect the comfort, safety and technical characteristics of the car. The package adds a front passenger airbag, pre-tensioning seat belt technology and a remote controlled alarm.

Additional safety is provided by the ABS+BAS braking system, which allows you to stop the car more smoothly.

The salon received an extended sound insulation package. The factory sound system is integrated into the center console. The front seats are equipped with heating technology. Comfort in the standard configuration is achieved thanks to a climate system with built-in air conditioning. The top position of the station wagon is the Luxury package. It includes all the components of the above packages. At the same time, the following equipment has been added to its set of improvements:

• built-in fog lights;
• ESC stability control system;
• TCS traction control system;
• on-board computer with electronic clock and outside air temperature display;
• electric window lifts for rear doors;
• electric drive of side mirrors with heating system;
• electric heated windshield;
• rain sensor for wipers;
• automatic switching on of low beams at dusk;
• multimedia system with screen;
• 15-inch alloy wheels;
• side mirrors and door handles are painted in body color;
• the doors are lined with moldings on the outside.

Suspension

The suspension for Kalina 2 is completely taken from LADA Granta. It is a modernized design of the first generation Kalina, in which:

• shock absorbers retuned;
• the thickness of the stabilizers has been increased;
• wheel alignment angles changed;
• Stiffer springs have been used.

These changes improved the performance characteristics of the car. The car began to feel much more confident on highways. In addition, driving on a bad road does not cause the same discomfort - on potholes and hillocks, which are abundant on domestic roads, the car sways slightly.

Steering

By shortening the steering rack and installing electric power steering, the designers achieved good car handling. At least the response to steering wheel turns has become much more active. This was also facilitated by an increase in the rigidity of the steering mechanism - the left side of the rack is attached to the body without a rubber cushion.

Steering column Lada Kalina

Security systems

In modern conditions, the release of any new model is impossible without the use of modern technical safety equipment. This also applies to the LADA Kalina 2 sedan and hatchback, which already in the basic, cheapest version is equipped with:

1. 1. Driver airbag;
2. 2. ISOFIX child seat mounting;
3. 3. Three-point inertial seat belts.

As for the most complete configuration, the car is additionally equipped with:

1. 1. Front passenger airbag;
2. 2. Seat belt pretensioner;
3. 3. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist (BAS);
4. 4. Exchange rate stability system (ESC);
5. 5. Traction control system (TCS).

Lada Kalina 2 hatchback - video test drive

DESIGN

No matter what angle you look at it, the new design catches your eye. The car looks very dynamic due to the new nature of the body lines. A raised front with high-mounted “faceted headlights”, embossed wheel arches and bumpers... They make the car seem larger and more muscular. And this is not a deceptive impression - the LADA Kalina hatchback has become more powerful and reliable.

COMFORT

Lada Kalina 2 hatchback is driver and passenger friendly. Getting into the car is comfortable thanks to the wide-opening doors and large door openings. Comfortable seats, sufficient headroom - the Lada Kalina 2 hatchback generously shares a sense of comfort. The ergonomics of the driver's seat are built according to European canons: logical and understandable arrangement of controls, high seating position. Large mirrors coupled with a low window sill guarantee excellent visibility. Bold but soft lines of the instrument panel, multimedia with a 7-inch screen and a scattering of buttons, pleasant light green lighting - in the interior of the new car we have combined convenience and original design. In the interior of the new Kalina, everything is designed to be pleasant to the touch. The steering wheel has an optimal rim section and special lugs in the place of the correct grip. Microclimate control panel - minimal effort on large, comfortable handles. A Kalina family feature is soft, comfortable front seats with a wide range of longitudinal adjustment: such a salon will readily accommodate a person of any height. We know that the main requirement of the modern car enthusiast is high acoustic comfort. Following the wishes of customers, we have improved the vibration acoustics of the body, interior, and power unit.

INTERIOR

— A box for small items in the upper part of the center console (for “standard” and “norm” versions). — Enlarged glove compartment with a shelf for small items and a pen holder. — Two cup holders and two niches on the floor tunnel lining. — Handbrake trim – with a folding cup holder for the convenience of passengers sitting in the rear. — Gear shift “prompt” on the LCD screen of the instrument cluster. — Multimedia system with Hands free function. — Electric drive of the recirculation damper. — New interior color options: black or gray is chosen as the main color; depending on the configuration, black or silver inserts are used. — New supports for the trunk shelf in the station wagon to increase the loading opening.

SAFETY

The new Lada Kalina 2 hatchback complies with current European and Russian safety standards with a reserve.

— Driver airbag, starting with the most affordable “standard” version. - ABS with emergency brake assist - on all cars, starting with the “norm” configuration. — ESC (luxury version) – exchange rate stabilization system (modern development by Bosch). When the front axle drifts or the rear axle skids, the system controls each wheel individually to level the vehicle. — Daytime running lights in the headlights. — Side safety bars. — Body frame made of high-strength steel. — Driver's seat belt warning light. — The rear headrests are L-shaped - they can be folded for improved visibility. - Multimedia mutes music when moving

DRIVE

We updated the range of power units and modernized the chassis - and the new LADA Kalina hatchback became interesting to drive. A fan of “mechanics” will like the new manual transmission with a cable drive: the clarity and information content of switching has been brought to the level of the best European analogues.

However, the new Lada Kalina 2 hatchback is capable of shaking the love for manual transmissions - thanks to the Japanese “automatic”, which received driver settings. Kalina with automatic transmission can drive smoothly, in economical mode, but if necessary, it will leave city traffic behind. Range of engines with 87, 98 and 106 hp. allows you to choose a car according to your driving style. All engines are equipped with a lightweight connecting rod and piston group, which increases their power and service life. The new suspension has improved handling, stability and driving comfort. The rigidity of the steering system has been increased by 25%, which means good control information. We know what roads your new Lada Kalina 2 hatchback will have to drive on. Having received sporty notes in its character, Kalina has not lost its cross-country ability. It still has the ground clearance of a crossover and an omnivorous, rock-solid suspension.