A folding ladder, a box with wrenches, a box with wires, a tray with small tools... All that's missing is the fitter's cats. The voluminous and rather heavy luggage moves into the bowels of the Kalina, and the movers are already grumbling: everything seems to be fine - the trunk capacity is enough for most items, the opening is wide enough, there is no risk of crashing your head into the open door, but transferring heavy items over the high side is not very convenient . Have you downloaded everything? No, no matter how much we turned the folded stepladder, we couldn’t fit it in; there was no room left for a portable generator either. But it is possible to increase the cargo compartment by folding the rear sofa.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
They didn’t waste time on trifles - they removed the backrests entirely, and not in parts. Now it’s another matter: the ladder fits. True, she lay down a little crookedly: although the back of the sofa does not form a step, it protrudes with a small hump. Okay, the main thing is that everyone took it - at least go to the most difficult object. But we’re not in a hurry: we’ll have to load all our belongings into the Priora’s trunk—we’ll check its capabilities. Get to work!
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
The compact Kalina impresses with its cargo capacity.
The staircase, although with difficulty, went in! They didn’t try to see if the water pump would fit. The compact Kalina impresses with its cargo capacity. The staircase, although with difficulty, went in! They didn’t try to see if the water pump would fit.
It is better for tall “high-altitude climbers” to bend down - here the door hangs a little closer to the head. But it is much more important that it is easier to lift the boxes: the loading height is less, and the side is half as low as in Kalina. Are you packed? Why did one of the boxes seem to have fallen through somewhere? It turns out that the side elements of the raised floor hang over the niches in the wings without any support. This means that a heavy load should be placed only in the middle of the floor, above the spare wheel. And so they did. And we realized: there is more free space here. True, the ill-fated generator with a ladder was still left behind... Let’s again resort to transforming the salon “furniture”.
Engine
Regardless of the size of the Lada-Kalina hatchback, engine modernization is carried out using standard methods:
- they bore the cylinder head intake channels, which makes it possible to increase the filling of the cylinders with the air-fuel composition, which has a positive effect on the power of the power unit;
- standard injectors are replaced with analogues with increased performance, ensuring the same fuel supply in all operating modes;
- instead of a standard intake manifold, a shortened element is mounted, which makes it possible to optimize the operation of the intake system at high speeds;
- install a filter air element with zero resistance, reducing air resistance while simultaneously improving the filling of the cylinders with the working mixture;
- they reduce the diameter of the valve stem at the plate, which helps to increase the fuel throughput;
- the standard exhaust assembly is replaced with a direct-flow device, improving the removal of gases from the combustion chambers with an increase in power parameters;
- Configure the electronic unit in specialized services.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
You can load heavy items into the Kalina without bending over - this is a plus.
But the high threshold through which you have to pass luggage is a minus. You can load heavy items into the Kalina without bending over - this is a plus. But the high threshold through which you have to pass luggage is a minus.
Having unfolded the seat, we discovered that we could safely add another one of the same type to our “installer’s kit”. A stepladder lay on the flat floor and the tools were laid out. What to do with free space? Of course, the supply has never bothered anyone - what if for particularly complex work you need additional equipment, bulky and heavy? In such a situation, Priora will help out the owner, but its competitor will not.
Let's sum it up
An important point that deserves special attention is the manufacturer’s pricing policy. This allows the station wagon considered here to win the sympathy of a large category of buyers. This car has a balanced set of consumer qualities, including such an important and practical indicator as the capacity of the luggage compartment. The correct approach of the manufacturer is the key to the success of the model or its specific modification in the market space.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
The control measurement confirmed the manufacturer’s data: the trunk volume of the Kalina is 348 liters, with the stated 350 liters.
The control measurement confirmed the manufacturer’s data: the trunk volume of the Kalina is 348 liters, with the stated 350 liters.
Well, what is it like for our installers behind the wheel? There are no revelations here - both cars are already familiar. High seating position, good visibility, decent cabin width - the layout of the Kalina's interior space deserves high praise. In addition, one cannot help but notice how much the build quality has increased compared to copies from earlier batches. What will the passengers say? After you unload some of the equipment to seat your household, they will rejoice at the unexpected space. But here’s what’s not good: even in the event of a minor accident, it is the occupants of the rear sofa that will be at risk - there are seat belts, but not a single headrest!
Other operating parameters
The top speed of the Lada-Kalina hatchback depended little on its dimensions. This parameter was influenced by the type of motor. With the weakest engine, the car developed no more than 170 km/h, and with powerful modifications it reached about 182 km/h. The vehicle accelerated to “hundreds” in 11-13 seconds. These characteristics had virtually no effect on fuel consumption. In mixed mode the parameter was 6.4-7.3 liters per 100 km. On average, a full gas tank (50 l) was enough for 650-700 kilometers.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
According to factory data, the trunk volume of the Priora is 444 liters;
According to our measurement method, it turned out to be 416 liters. According to factory data, the trunk volume of the Priora is 444 liters; According to our measurement method, it turned out to be 416 liters.
Compared to its rival, the Priora seems more austere... and comfortable, despite the low driving position, small exterior mirrors, and high box armrest that makes it difficult to engage even-numbered gears. But the panel is neat, the instruments are easy to read, and the microclimate controls are convenient. If you move to the back, you will lose a fair amount of optimism - it’s a bit cramped here. Especially for a large passenger: the ceiling presses on him from above, and the back of the driver’s seat in front.
Features of luggage racks
Cargo compartments for Lada Kalina vehicles have some special features. They must be taken into account by motorists who choose equipment for specific transportation conditions:
- Increasing cargo capacity due to the folded rear passenger seats of the Lada is much easier and faster than similar cars in this class.
- The luggage compartment lid rises 60 cm higher than on models in similar classes. This is quite convenient for frequent loading and unloading of Kalina.
- It is possible to install an additional non-standard roof box for transporting things. Kalina's load capacity increases by 40% if you use lightweight roof racks consisting only of crossbars and the main unit.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
The low threshold of the Priora trunk is not an obstacle when loading.
But the overhanging fifth door is an unsafe barrier to the loader’s head. The low threshold of the Priora trunk is not an obstacle when loading. But the overhanging fifth door is an unsafe barrier to the loader’s head.
However, our installer friends do not live by their luggage alone - we still need to get to construction! On the move, Kalina evokes conflicting feelings. It seems that the 1.4-liter engine (this is the version tested) can be confidently called modern (and economical), but its power is not enough even for an empty car. How will it accelerate when fully loaded? The station wagon loses all semblance of dynamics and, like a KamAZ with a full tank, becomes an obstacle to the flow. What a flow there is - even at the start the engine choke, you have to add gas, fire the clutch.
What ground clearance did the manufacturer claim for Kalina?
Any manufacturer faces the difficult task of keeping the components located along the bottom “line” of the Lada Kalina car body away from the road surface as much as possible in order to protect them from damage. These are not only suspension components, but also unit trays, exhaust pipes, etc. The issue of “hiding” the fuel tank is especially pressing, since it is no secret that the consequences of its damage will occur.
The manufacturer indicates the clearance value, indicating several control points from which the measurement was made. So in the manual, or more precisely in its section on “main parameters and characteristics” (pp. 133-136), two clearance values are clearly indicated, measured as follows:
- from the road surface to the lowest point of the engine crankcase;
- from a similar point of the transmission unit to a flat road surface.
These values were measured after the weight load on the Lada Kalina car was increased to the regulatory maximum. This parameter can be easily calculated: it is necessary to subtract the curb weight from the total weight value. The load size is affected by the type of motor and level of equipment. On average, this parameter reaches a value of 450-500 kg. The ground clearance value shown in the manual will only indicate its value if the vehicle is loaded with a 500 kg load.
For both body versions of the hatchback and station wagon of the Lada Kalina model in the second generation, the ground clearance is as follows:
- from the lowest point of the motor – 160 mm;
- from the same point of the mechanical transmission – 160 mm;
- from an automatic unit - 145 mm.
If we touch on the Kalina Cross variation, then its ground clearance differs favorably in a larger direction. Here the regulatory values state that this value from the engine crankcase to the road surface is 182 mm, and from the transmission unit - 187 mm. This value is valid for all versions of engines and gearboxes.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
Having loaded the “installer’s kit” into the Priora, we discovered that there was still room for several more boxes.
Having loaded the “installer’s kit” into the Priora, we discovered that there was still room for several more boxes.
“Priora” is somewhat similar to its rival. The same “empty” steering wheel (its rotation is accompanied by a quiet but annoying buzzing of the electric booster), quite decent smoothness. But the dynamics are much better, even with the air conditioning on. It is clear that with it the car accelerates not as quickly as with it not working, but there is no need to be ashamed. And if you remember that, according to the passport data, the fuel consumption of both station wagons is almost the same, then the conclusion which one wins suggests itself. However…
Comparing models
Since the truth can be born in the process of comparison, further in our review we should indulge in drawing some parallels. When starting a conversation about Kalina in the newer generation, it should be noted that in terms of the volume of space in the trunk, the hatchback is not able to impress with the impressive volume of the compartment. The Lada Kalina station wagon turned out to be much more spacious, where the developers tried to make it as spacious as possible in order to be able to compete with its classmates in the subcompact segment.
Let us remind you that the hatchback has a luggage volume of a modest 240 liters. This figure was determined by the manufacturer taking into account the space up to the rear parcel shelf. When the need arises to increase the volume, the designated shelf can be dismantled with your own hands. This helps when transporting large luggage. If the owners are not satisfied with this situation, then the luggage compartment is transformed by folding the backrests, and the dimensions and dimensions of the luggage compartment are 550 liters.
There is a category of owners who, due to their occupation, need to transport larger items. Here we recommend taking a closer look at the station wagon, because in terms of free space in the trunk, this body modification holds sole leadership. Its 670 liters of volume will be quite enough to satisfy the needs of even the most picky owners.
How much does the new Lada Granta cost?
Grant armrest
Steering rack Lada Granta
If the future owner of Kalina prefers a hatchback, then it makes sense to consider in more detail the capabilities of its trunk, and how much it will lose to a station wagon, what dimensions and dimensions of the trunk it has. We arm ourselves with a tape measure and begin to measure the sizes of openings, lengths and heights that interest us.
- The height of the compartment reaches 82 cm (to the ceiling), and to the shelf level - 49.2 cm.
- The depth of the trunk with the rear row folded is 131.9 cm, and the distance from the same starting point of the compartment to the front panel is characterized by 220 cm. With the row not folded, the depth is 64.4 cm.
- We denote the width inside the compartment by two parameters: between the wheel arches - 947 cm and between the rear wings (in front of the arches) - 127.7 cm.
- Having succumbed to simple calculations, we determine that the maximum possible volume of space has reached approximately 1 m³, which in terms of liters is 1000 units. The manufacturer notes this value at 550 liters, but it can be loaded to the ceiling.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
There is a flaw in the Priora's cargo compartment: the floor is not hard over its entire area, which is why the box with the impact wrench fell into the soft niche of the rear fender.
There is a flaw in the Priora's cargo compartment: the floor is not hard over its entire area, which is why the box with the impact wrench fell into the soft niche of the rear fender.
Our high-altitude friends will not only have to carry tools on weekdays, but also their families on weekends, and first of all, they will have to pay when buying a car. Most likely, the deciding factor in their choice will be the price. So, you will have to pay more for the advantages of the Priora, and the working person will certainly weigh whether the thing is worth the money.
Description
This product from the Volzhsky Automobile Plant is an almost ideal option for a family with children. High ground clearance will allow you to confidently overcome both off-road conditions and potholes on the roads. Moreover, it will not be difficult to transport both oversized cargo and harvested crops at the dacha. The small size of the car does not create problems when parking in crowded urban conditions. A station wagon is good for shopping at the supermarket - there will always be a parking space for it. Moreover, there is enough space in the cabin for the driver and passengers to feel quite comfortable.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora
WHAT TO CALL THEM?
The name of the body type “station wagon” is firmly rooted in world terminology, but there are others. In America, such cars are called Station Wagons - in honor of the horse-drawn carriages that carried passengers from railway stations. In Britain - Shootig Brake, in France - Break (short for Break de Chasse). Both can be translated as “hunting rest” - after the name of horse-drawn carriages for hunting. In Germany, a similar car will be referred to as Variant or Kombi, although the latter definition, strictly speaking, is suitable for any five-door body.
The editors thank Alexey Volobuev for providing the car for the test and for his assistance in preparing the material.
Station wagons LADA Kalina, Priora: We are not stokers, not carpenters
