VAZ-2118
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | AvtoVAZ (Lada) |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Russia |
| Products | Supermini automobiles (hatchback, sedan, station wagon) |
The Lada Kalina () represents a supermini automobile manufactured by the Russian company Lada (AvtoVAZ) from November 2004 until July 2018. Its name originates from the Russian word for a variety of viburnum. In Finland, it is also sold under the designation Lada 117/119.
Development commenced in 1993, with prototype models for hatchback, sedan, and combi variants revealed between 1999 and 2001.
First generation
The initial production model was a four-door sedan released in 2005, followed by a five-door hatchback in 2006 and a station wagon version in 2007. The vehicle's body was constructed using hot-dip galvanized steel offering improved corrosion protection, developed by Russian steel manufacturers.
In frontal crash tests conducted by Russian ARCAP, the first generation Kalina achieved a score of 5.6 out of 16 points, corresponding to a one-star rating out of four.
Priced between approximately €7,000 and €8,000 for Western European markets, the Kalina came equipped with features such as airbags for driver and passenger, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric power steering, air conditioning, and rear seats that fold flat to create a level cargo area.
Engine choices consisted of three inline-four petrol units ranging from 81 to 98 horsepower: a 1.4-litre 16-valve engine producing 91 hp, a 1.6-litre 8-valve engine delivering 81 hp, and a 1.6-litre 16-valve engine rated at 98 hp.
In the Finnish market—where "kalina" translates to "rattle"—the vehicle is marketed as the Lada 119. Competitors in this segment include economical models such as the Dacia Logan and Hyundai Accent.
A performance-oriented version named the Kalina GS Sport was offered, featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine derived from the naturally aspirated standard unit.
The Kalina served as the "Reasonably-Priced Car" on Top Gear Russia and ranked as the fourth best-selling car in Russia in 2009 with sales exceeding 60,000 units, reaching the top position in 2012.
Lada El Lada
Launched in 2011, the electric Lada El Lada was based on a modified Kalina station wagon chassis. It incorporated a 30 kW electric motor powered by a battery pack with a capacity of 23 kWh. Production was limited to just 100 units.
Second generation
Presented at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon, the second-generation Kalina represented an updated version of the first generation featuring a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. It came with either 13- or 14-inch wheels and included electronic throttle control. This generation was available exclusively as hatchback and wagon models. The interior controls were standardized to English only, consistent with the Lux trim levels found on the Lada Granta. Additionally, this platform served as the basis for the Japanese-market Datsun mi-DO.
The powertrain lineup comprised two variants of a 1.6-litre petrol engine with either an 8-valve or a 16-valve configuration, producing power outputs between and torque figures of .
Hatchback production started in May 2013, followed by station wagon manufacturing from September that year. A sport edition was also introduced for the Russian market.
In 2014, the Lada Kalina Cross wagon debuted featuring increased ground clearance by 20 mm, adjusted transmission gear ratios, and an exterior plastic body kit designed to enhance its crossover styling appeal.