VAZ-2119
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Russia |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Lada Kalina () is a supermini automobile manufactured by the Russian company Lada (AvtoVAZ) between November 2004 and July 2018. The model's name, Kalina, originates from the Russian term for viburnum. In Finland, it was sold under the name Lada 117/119.
The project's inception dates back to 1993, with the designation "Lada-Kalina" established by 1998. Between 1999 and 2001, prototypes representing hatchback, sedan, and combi variations were presented.
First generation
Production commenced in 2005 with the launch of a four-door sedan, followed by a five-door hatchback in 2006 and a station wagon in 2007. The vehicle's body was crafted using hot-dip galvanized steel developed domestically in Russia to improve resistance to corrosion.
In 2005, the first-generation Kalina underwent the Russian ARCAP frontal crash test, achieving a score of 5.6 out of 16 points, which translated into a one-star rating from a possible four.
Exported to Western European markets, the Kalina was priced approximately between €7,000 and €8,000. Standard equipment featured driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric power steering, air conditioning, and rear seats that folded flat.
The engine lineup consisted of three inline-four petrol units producing between 81 and 98 horsepower: a 1.4-litre 16-valve engine delivering 91 hp, a 1.6-litre 8-valve engine with 81 hp, and a 1.6-litre 16-valve variant generating 98 hp.
In Finland, where the word "kalina" translates to rattle, the model was marketed as the Lada 119. Its primary rivals included affordable vehicles such as the Dacia Logan and Hyundai Accent.
A sport-oriented version named Kalina GS Sport was available alongside a Super 1600 concept that featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine derived from the standard model.
The Lada Kalina gained exposure as the "Reasonably-Priced Car" on Top Gear Russia. In terms of popularity within Russia, it ranked fourth in sales during 2009 with over 60,000 units sold and rose to become the best-selling car nationwide in 2012.
Lada El Lada
Introduced in 2011, the electric variant called Lada El Lada was based on the Kalina station wagon platform. 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
The second-generation Kalina was unveiled at the Moscow International Automobile Salon in 2012. Essentially a facelifted version of its predecessor, it featured a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. This generation came equipped with either 13- or 14-inch wheel covers and included electronic throttle control. The body styles offered were restricted to hatchback and wagon only. Interior controls were provided solely in English, consistent with the Lux trim levels found on the Lada Granta. Additionally, this platform served as the foundation for the Japanese-market Datsun mi-DO.
Engine choices comprised two petrol-powered 1.6-litre engines with either eight or sixteen valves, producing power outputs ranging from 64 to 78 kW and torque figures between 140 and 145 Nm.
Hatchback production started in May 2013, followed by station wagon manufacturing in September of the same year. A sport variant was also made available within Russia.
In 2014, the Lada Kalina Cross station wagon was introduced featuring an increased ground clearance of 20 mm, revised gearbox ratios, and an exterior plastic body kit designed to improve adaptability for diverse driving conditions.