LADA Kalina is a brand of the group, represented on the market since 2004 with budget small-class cars with front-wheel drive. The first generation was produced until 2013 in basic hatchback and station wagon versions; The second generation, starting from 2013, received a modernized body in the “Cross” and “Sport” versions, a 16-valve 1.6-liter engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and a new transmission with anti-roll bar, modified spring and shock absorber suspension design.
Over the entire production period, Lada Kalina was offered in three main trim levels, which were modified in accordance with European safety standards from Euro-2 to Euro-4.
“Standard” package
Lada Kalina in the “Standard” category met the requirements of Euro-2, 3, was equipped with an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine and was equipped with the following options:
- Safety: inertial seat belts with three-point height adjustment, reinforced door sides, electrically adjusted headlights, automatic reverse locking.
- Interior: fabric seat covers with upholstery of panels and door elements made of artificial leather, height adjustment of the steering column, rear and windshield windows with athermal coating, separate rear seats, on-board computer with the ability to diagnose the engine, ignition switch indicator, side lights and instruments, additional heating system air filtration.
- Anti-theft system: built-in immobilizer, remote car alarm with one-way communication, “one key” function for central locking, ignition and door locking, electronic throttle pedal drive of the “E-gas” type.
- Exterior: stamped R13 wheels, front and rear bumpers painted in body color, a full-size spare wheel.
Installation of additional equipment in the basic configuration was offered by dealerships and showrooms at the request of the client.
Possible malfunctions and their elimination
In normal condition, the cooling unit makes a clicking sound when turned on. Sometimes the air conditioner turns on as usual, but strange sounds are heard in its operation that were previously absent. This means that the clutch bearing, which is part of the air conditioner drive, has failed. In this case, it is recommended to replace the part. Sometimes the same click is heard, but it is noticeable that the air in the car is not cooling.
This only means the air conditioner is running idle. In such a situation, only an experienced auto mechanic who has the necessary diagnostic tools can figure it out. The climate control system has a piping system necessary for its normal operation. There must be O-rings at their connections, and the pipes themselves need to be handled carefully. If you had to repair something, monitor the condition of the tubes and when they are disconnected, replace the seals with new ones.
The Kalina air conditioner may turn off spontaneously if it overheats. This is how his defense mechanism works. Otherwise, high pressure in the thermostatic valve will damage the unit. If this happens while driving, don’t worry: after some time, the oncoming air flow will cool the overheated section of the system, and it will start working again. If the cooling fan is constantly running when the engine is running, experts advise temporarily disconnecting the coolant pressure sensor.
After this, the fan, as a rule, starts working normally, and the cause turns out to be a faulty sensor. It must be replaced together with the seal. Alas, freon leakage even on a car with a standard climate system is not so rare. Therefore, checking the air conditioner for serviceability should always begin with inspecting the pipes through which the coolant moves. Places with oily smudges are a signal of a possible leak.
Suspicious areas can be soaped: if the soap begins to foam, it means the tube has leaked. Currently, leak localization services can use a special colored liquid. Freon should be purchased exclusively at specialized retail outlets. Kalina's conditioner supports only a certain brand of liquid. Refilling is carried out with a special tool and using protective gloves and glasses.
How to refill the air conditioner on Lada Kalina? The filling hose is connected to a special low pressure port. The car is put on the parking brake. Then they start the engine and begin pumping freon with the gas pedal until a light cool breeze begins to be felt in the cabin. After this, refueling stops. Gas must be used carefully to prevent malfunctions of the air conditioning system. That's all. Good luck!
The air conditioner is designed to cool the air inside the car at outside temperatures from +18°C to +40°C. When operating in maximum load mode, the air conditioner provides a decrease in the temperature in the cabin by 5°C...12°C relative to the outside air temperature, depending on the intensity of solar radiation, air humidity and the number of people in the cabin.
“Comfort” package
Lada Kalina in the “Comfort” configuration was equipped with a choice of 16-valve engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters of Euro-3 class:
- Safety: to all options of the basic “Standard” version, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a choice of automatic or manual transmission, airbags for the driver and front passenger (Airbag), and daytime running lights were added.
- Interior: improved seat upholstery and front panel (tapestry), built-in automatic climate control with temperature sensors, a two-way audio system with speakers in the front doors and a radio depending on the year of manufacture, electric power steering, steering wheel height adjustment, instrument indicator adjustment according to color and brightness, expanded functions of the on-board computer with the ability to connect additional auto electronics and control options, an additional mirror in the visor on the passenger side.
- Anti-theft system: two-way or one-way at the client’s choice; central locking, standard immobilizer.
- Exterior: R14 or R15 wheels to choose from, in the second generation in the “Sport” and “Cross” versions since 2013, the ability to install diameters R16, R17, rigid anti-roll bar, reinforced body safety elements, arch moldings and increased ground clearance up to 23 mm.
With the release of the second generation after 2013, the “Active Drive” category became available, on which a forced 16-valve engine with increased power was installed. The “Sport” and “Cross” versions were equipped with some options from the maximum luxury series: heated seats, rain and light sensors, a passenger airbag and improved interior trim.
About the different body types of Lada Kalina
The review would be incomplete without at least briefly mentioning all the modifications of this model. The days when only a sedan was available are long gone. Now Kalina is a functional, technologically advanced and modern car, reflecting the development trends of the domestic automobile industry.
Lada Kalina hatchback
The concept of a “city car” is being mentioned more and more often. For residents of megacities, off-road driving is already a kind of entertainment. Bulky and massive SUVs can cause a lot of inconvenience when driving around the city due to their size and gluttony. Increasingly, for fast movement in the city, people are paying attention to small and maneuverable cars. Such nimble, exclusively city cars include the Lada Kalina hatchback.
Despite its small dimensions, the hatchback looks impressive and reliable. This effect was achieved, perhaps, due to the raised front end with short overhangs. The headlights do not merge with the rest of the front parts and are located at a sufficient distance from each other.
Modest size is not a problem for different drivers; both a fragile girl and an adult man feel equally comfortable behind the wheel. The doors open at almost a 90-degree angle, and the wide openings hint at the versatility of the model. The ceiling is made high, again so that even a tall driver feels comfortable and does not hit his head on the top of the cabin.
The steering wheel is quite ergonomic and has a comfortable grip; the car holds the road well, clearly responding to any turn of the steering wheel. Depending on the configuration, the car can be equipped with an air conditioning system, which allows you to select an optimal and comfortable microclimate.
In front there are soft seats with the ability to adjust the position, with the exception of height. Compared to the first generation, vibration isolation of the interior has been noticeably improved. Such versatility is a huge plus of the Kalina as a city car.
You can also choose a suitable transmission if you wish, this is the good old mechanics from AvtoVAZ or a reliable Japanese four-speed automatic. There are currently only seven body paint shades on sale: in addition to the standard black and white, there are brown, orange, blue, silver and dark gray.
The car can be safely used not only in the city, but also outside it. The suspension is also designed for dirt roads. The car is equipped with three types of engines, differing in power.
Kalina station wagon
It is considered one of the most popular types. Any European or Japanese small car can envy Kalina in terms of fuel consumption, and the cost of a native car is incomparably lower. It is not surprising that many motorists choose a practical station wagon. Compared to the hatchback, the interior is more spacious: three people of average build can fit in the back, and for two people the conditions are completely comfortable, even with headrests installed.
But the main advantage of the station wagon is, of course, its spacious trunk and wide door opening angle. The body design is dominated by smooth lines and minimalism, there is no hint of unnecessary details. As in the previous case, seven body colors are available.
Lada Kalina Cross
The main distinguishing feature of this version is the increased ground clearance, allowing the car to overcome large obstacles like a real crossover. The differences don't stop at ground clearance. The car has a different interior design; the dark finish is complemented by numerous inserts to match the body color. Kalina Cross got the trunk from a station wagon and is perfect for both everyday driving around the city and for trips to the country. This modification can also be distinguished by the black plastic lining on the wheel arches and on the sills.
Lada Kalina Sport
The most expensive and most prestigious modification. Available exclusively in a hatchback body. In order to be called a sports version, this modification of Kalina is equipped with a 118 hp engine. s., allowing you to accelerate to 200 km/h, so the spoiler-wing does not serve an aesthetic purpose at all.
The seats in the cabin have pronounced lateral support, which is not present in previous versions. The car has a modernized suspension that allows it to hold the road perfectly and provide good grip. On Kalina Sport you can easily take any sharp turn at high speed and not be afraid of tipping over. The only drawback is the rather high price compared to all other modifications.
“Luxe” package
Lada Kalina in the maximum “Lux” configuration complies with Euro-3, Euro-4 safety standards and is equipped with a 16-valve 1.6-liter unit with a capacity of 106 hp. There is also a choice of the “NFR” version with an improved 1.6 engine with a capacity of 136 hp:
- Safety: in addition to all the options of the previous trim levels, the car is equipped with ABS systems with reverse locking, ESP (electronic stability control system), TCS (traction control system with electronic control of load distribution on hydraulics), a five-speed manual transmission with a cable shift mechanism or four-speed automatic transmission, heated front mirrors with electric drive, rain sensor.
- Interior: high-quality seat upholstery (velvet, velor) with leather inserts on the doors and dashboard, standard head unit (CD+MP3+two-way audio system) with a touch screen and on-board computer functions, headrests on passenger seats, electric windows on all doors, climate control -control with outside temperature sensor, cruise control, heated front seats.
- Anti-theft system: security system with two-way communication, automatic remote start based on temperature, time, function for raising the windows after locking the doors, central locking, immobilizer, diagnostics of engine systems after the ignition is turned off.
- Exterior: moldings on the arches and front bumper, running lights and fog lights, new grille design.
When the hidden functions of the on-board computer are activated, the luxury version of Kalina has a full set of controls for all systems with the ability to install additional sensors (tire pressure, automatic light control, pre-start engine with diagnostics).
The second generation of Lada Kalina was updated with various types of gearboxes, which became available in all trim levels. Since 2013, the station wagon version has been producing an updated “Cross” modification with a robotic gearbox and increased engine power to 106 hp. The modernization also affected the suspension: in addition to the reinforced anti-roll bar of the front part, the rear axle design received a semi-independent spring type with new shock absorbers and spring mounting. In the “Luxe” configuration, all Lada cars are equipped with front ventilated disc brakes.
Types of Lada Kalina bodies
Station wagon body
All of the above models have a spacious trunk in which you can transport various loads. The station wagon's parameters exceed the dimensions of the Lada hatchback and sedan. Ground clearance averages 160 mm. Any modification allows you to do tuning yourself. Initially, Kalina's disk size was R13. Later AvtoVAZ began producing Lada with R14 and R15.
The prices for a standard station wagon are reasonable for many people. The front part of the Lada Kalina body is equipped with small headlights, a narrow radiator grille and an additional air intake.
The Kalina hatchback is considered the most proportional car of the family in question. The Lada station wagon model is considered useful and reliable for long trips. The sedan body differs from other variants of Kalina by its zinc coating (65%). However, practice has shown that after 2-3 years corrosion appears on the car. Such defects can be seen at joints and seams, around doors and in places where mudguards are fixed.
During operation, minor scratches may appear on the hood of the Lada Kalina “Norma” configuration. Car owners notice similar defects on the front bumper. The anti-corrosion coating, which is applied at the factory to the bottom of the car in the “Norma” modification, is capable of coping with the task assigned to it. All Lada Kalina models are characterized by uneven gaps and other manufacturing defects. Before you buy a vehicle, you need to inspect it thoroughly.
The interior of Lada “Norma”, “Lux” and other modifications is plastic. The steering column can be adjusted in height. The front doors have electric windows. An informative dashboard, a central console, the presence of various sensors, an on-board computer - these are the main characteristics of the Lada Kalina.
The ventilation system control unit is located high, which creates some discomfort during the operation of Kalina. The front seats are quite comfortable. The rear of the cabin is spacious. The trunk of the Lada sedan is 400 liters. If necessary, you can fold the back row, increasing the dimensions of the luggage compartment.
The Kalina hatchback has a cargo compartment of 235 liters, and with the rear seats folded down - 545 liters. The station wagon has a luggage compartment with a volume of 350 liters.
Technical characteristics of the second generation Lada Kalina of various modifications (2013 – present)
| Body type/engine size | engine's type | Transmission | Power | Fuel consumption* | Max. speed | Weight* |
| Hatchback 1.6 "Classic" | 21921-51-010 | MT/AT | 87/98 hp | 9,5/8/7 | 168/175 km/h | 1125/1560 kg |
| Hatchback "Sport" 1.6 | "Drive Active"5 | MT | 106 hp | 8,6/6/6,7 | 181 km/h | 1060/1560 kg |
| Hatchback “Sport” NFR 1.6 | "NFR" | MT | 136 hp | 11/7,4/8/9 | 203 km/h | 1215/1690 kg |
| Station wagon "Classic" 1.6 | 21941-51-212 | MT/robot | 87/95 hp | 9,3/9,5/8,7 | 168/175 km/h | 1125/1560 kg |
| Station wagon "Cross" 1.6 | "Cross" 2194-51 С50/С52 | MT/robot | 106 hp | 9,3/6,7/7,2 | 166/175 km/h | 1125/1560 kg |
* Fuel consumption: city/highway/mixed * Weight: curb/full
The Lux modification 014-042 will cost from 425 to 432 thousand rubles.
For this configuration, the owner will receive a fairly decent set of additional equipment, the list of which is given below:
- new engine 21127 with 106 hp power. — 16-valve
- parking, rain and automatic light sensors
- heated windshield
- the entire set of options that the “norm” has
- alloy wheels with a diameter of 15 inches
- front fog lights
- electrically controlled and heated mirrors
- luxurious audio system with touch screen and a bunch of options
