Lada Kalina
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | AvtoVAZ (Lada) |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Russia |
| Products | Supermini automobiles (hatchback, sedan, station wagon) |
| Website | www |
The Lada Kalina () is a supermini automobile manufactured by the Russian company Lada (AvtoVAZ) from November 2004 until July 2018. Its name, Kalina, originates from the Russian term for viburnum. In Finland, the vehicle is also sold under the name Lada 117/119.
Development commenced in 1993, with prototype models appearing between 1999 and 2001, available in hatchback, sedan, and combi body styles.
First generation
The initial production phase started in 2005 with a four-door sedan, followed by a five-door hatchback introduced in 2006 and a station wagon arriving in 2007. The vehicle's body panels are made from hot-dip galvanized steel, specially created by Russian steel manufacturers to improve resistance to corrosion.
In 2005, the first-generation Kalina received a score of 5.6 out of 16 points in the ARCAP frontal crash test conducted in Russia, resulting in a one-star rating out of a possible four.
Offered in Western European markets at prices ranging between €7,000 and €8,000, the Kalina comes equipped with standard amenities such as airbags for both driver and passenger, ABS brakes, electric power steering, air conditioning, and rear seats that fold flat to expand cargo space.
The engine lineup consists of three inline-four petrol units delivering between 81 and 98 horsepower: a 1.4-litre 16-valve engine producing 91 hp, a 1.6-litre 8-valve engine with 81 hp, and a 1.6-litre 16-valve variant rated at 98 hp.
In Finland, where the word kalina translates to rattle, the vehicle is marketed as the Lada 119. Its primary competitors include affordable models like the Dacia Logan and Hyundai Accent.
A performance-oriented version known as the Kalina GS Sport incorporates a turbocharged variant of the standard 1.6-litre petrol engine featured in the Super 1600 concept.
By 2009, the Kalina ranked as Russia's fourth best-selling automobile with sales exceeding 60,000 units and ascended to the top position by 2012. Additionally, it was showcased as the "Reasonably-Priced Car" on the television program Top Gear Russia.
Lada El Lada
The electric model called Lada El Lada was launched in 2011 based on the Kalina station wagon platform. It utilized a 30 kW electric motor powered by a battery pack with a capacity of 23 kWh. Production was limited to only 100 vehicles.
Second generation
Unveiled at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in 2012, the second generation of the Kalina represents an updated version of its predecessor featuring an extended wheelbase and overall length. It is available solely as a hatchback or station wagon and rides on either 13- or 14-inch wheels. This generation includes electronic throttle control and interior controls presented exclusively in English, consistent with recent Lada Granta Lux models. It also served as the foundation for the Datsun mi-DO sold in Japan.
Two petrol engines power this generation: both are 1.6-litre units offered with either eight or sixteen valves, producing outputs between 64 and 78 kW along with torque figures ranging from 140 to 145 Nm. Production of the hatchback commenced in May 2013 followed by the station wagon in September. A sport variant was available for the Russian market.
In 2014, Lada introduced the Kalina Cross wagon featuring enhancements such as an increased ground clearance by 20 mm, revised transmission gear ratios, and additional plastic body cladding designed to emphasize its rugged characteristics.