VAZ-2117
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | September 1, 1966 |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Lada Kalina () is a supermini model manufactured by the Russian company Lada (AvtoVAZ) from November 2004 until July 2018. Its name, Kalina, originates from the Russian word for viburnum. In Finland, this vehicle was sold under the name Lada 117/119.
Initial development commenced in 1993, with prototype versions displayed between 1999 and 2001, available as hatchbacks, sedans, and combi variants.
First generation
The production began in 2005 with a four-door sedan, followed by a five-door hatchback introduced in 2006, and a station wagon arriving in 2007. The body panels were constructed using hot-dip galvanized steel, specially produced by Russian steel manufacturers to offer improved resistance against corrosion.
During safety assessments, the first generation received a score of 5.6 out of 16 points in the Russian ARCAP frontal crash test, corresponding to a one-star rating out of four.
Exported throughout Western Europe, the Kalina was priced approximately between €7,000 and €8,000. Standard equipment included airbags for both driver and passenger, ABS brakes, electric power steering, air conditioning, and rear seats that folded flat to create a level cargo area.
The engine lineup consisted of three inline-four petrol units with power outputs ranging from 81 to 98 horsepower: a 1.4-litre 16-valve (91 hp), a 1.6-litre 8-valve (81 hp), and a 1.6-litre 16-valve (98 hp).
While marketed internationally as the Kalina, in Finland it was known as the Lada 119 due to linguistic preferences. Its primary rivals were budget-friendly vehicles such as the Dacia Logan and Hyundai Accent.
A performance-oriented version named the Kalina GS Sport was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine derived from the naturally aspirated base unit.
The Kalina gained popularity as the "Reasonably-Priced Car" featured on Top Gear Russia. It ranked as the fourth best-selling vehicle in Russia during 2009 with sales exceeding 60,000 units and led national sales charts in 2012.
Lada El Lada
Launched in 2011, the electric Lada El Lada was based on the Kalina station wagon platform and powered by a 30 kW electric motor supported by a 23 kWh battery pack. Production was limited to only 100 vehicles.
Second generation
Unveiled at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in 2012, the second-generation Kalina represented an updated version of its predecessor featuring a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. It came with either 13- or 14-inch wheels and incorporated electronic throttle control. This generation was produced solely as hatchback and station wagon variants. The interior controls were standardized to English only, matching those found in Lada Granta Lux models. Additionally, the Kalina platform served as the basis for the Japanese Datsun mi-DO model aimed at the Russian market.
Available engines included two petrol options with displacements of 1.6 litres offered in both 8- and 16-valve configurations, delivering power outputs between 64 and 78 kW and torque figures ranging from 140 to 145 Nm.
Hatchback assembly commenced in May 2013, followed by station wagon production starting in September of the same year. A sportier trim was offered within Russia.
In 2014, the Lada Kalina Cross wagon was introduced featuring an increased ground clearance by 20 mm, revised transmission gear ratios, and protective plastic body cladding designed to enhance its rugged appearance.