Ground clearance (the same as ground clearance) is the distance from the surface on which the car is located to the lowest point of the central part of the car. The main feature of this characteristic is that it directly affects the vehicle’s cross-country ability. Next, we’ll figure out what the real ground clearance of Kalina 2 is.
What is Kalina's ground clearance?
Lada Kalina first generation: technical characteristics of the model.
weight of Lada Kalina station wagon Lada Kalina is one of the most practical and best-selling creations of AvtoVAZ. The model enjoyed considerable popularity, thanks, first of all, to its cost and adaptability to the realities of Russian roads. This largely applies to Kalina’s ground clearance. When it began production in 2004, the ground clearance of the Lada Kalina was 160 millimeters - one might say, the golden mean among passenger cars. After updating the model in 2013, the range of ground clearances of the model expanded - a clearance of 145 millimeters was added, and the ground clearance of the cross-country version of the Cross station wagon became as much as 183 millimeters. The design of the car itself did not allow it to be done even more - it was necessary to make significant changes to the design of the Kalina suspension.
Lada Kalina clearance table
| Modification of Lada Kalina | Years of production | Description of the modification | Ground clearance, mm |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2013-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (106 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2013-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Lux | 2013-2020 | Hatchback 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (118 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 AT Lux | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 AT Lux | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 AT Norma | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 AT Norma | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Lux | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (106 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Lux | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (106 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (106 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Norma | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (106 hp) | 145 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Standard | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT Standard | 2012-2020 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina Cross 1.6 MT | 2012-2020 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (87 and 106 hp) | 185 |
| Lada Kalina 1.4 MT | 2005-2013 | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (89 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.4 MT | 2005-2013 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (89 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.4 MT | 2005-2013 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (89 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (81 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (81 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (81 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 160 |
| Lada Kalina 1.6 MT | 2005-2013 | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (98 hp) | 160 |
NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL
Will you have to overpay a lot for Cross?
At the end of January, when we conducted this test, the station wagon closest to it in terms of equipment with a manual transmission and the same engine cost 427,800 rubles. And for the Cross, dealers asked 451,000 rubles. The difference is about 23 thousand. Great offer! After all, “Cross” means large light alloy wheels, an off-road body kit, increased ground clearance, a modified suspension, a short main gear in the transmission and a more pleasant interior. It is promised that the Cross will soon appear with a 16-valve engine, more powerful, and another 10 thousand more expensive. It's also tempting.
Against this background, the price of the test "Kalina" station wagon seems inadequate - 523,800 rubles. But it’s “automatic”! And the “Lux” package comes with a stabilization system. Look through the price lists: foreign cars of this class with automatic transmission, climate control and other benefits are significantly more expensive.
How is vehicle clearance determined?
How to increase ground clearance (ground clearance) Niva 2121
There are no clear rules among automakers for determining vehicle clearance. The measuring process in each individual case occurs completely differently. Most people overestimate the figure, and some underestimate it. Typically the lowest point is the front suspension arms. Although it is customary for SUVs to rather measure the distance from the ground to the gearbox. After all, it is bridges that often become an anchor when overcoming difficult off-road conditions. Based on the experience of MFC LFA specialists, it is possible to form a certain gradation of cars based on their ground clearance
less than 120 mm – sports and supercars
from 120 to 150 mm – most passenger cars without a special package for bad roads
from 150 to 170 mm – cars equipped with a package for bad roads
from 170 to 210 mm – crossovers
over 210 mm – SUVs
It will be useful to watch a video from our colleagues. It describes in detail all the features of measuring vehicle ground clearance.
The most important increase in ground clearance is for owners of foreign cars that do not have a package for bad roads and are not equipped with air suspension. An extra 2-3 cm will protect them from eternal breakdowns in the spring and on regional roads, and will also allow you to easily climb even the highest curbs without fear of damaging expensive front levers, including those made of soft aluminum, and the paintwork of the front bumper. In addition, not all cars are equipped with engine protection. If there is insufficient ground clearance, hitting a homemade concrete speed bump can cause damage to the engine and transmission.
Video - ground clearance
Vehicle ground clearance
If the future owner plans to operate his car in conditions where there are no roads with ideal surfaces, then he should take into account such a significant indicator as ground clearance. This situation is also true for the domestic small car Lada Kalina in hatchback and station wagon body styles, the ground clearance of which will be discussed in our material
The technical manual of the model indicates the clearance parameter under full load conditions. It will be interesting to analyze the official figures indicated with the results of measurements made using a tape measure. Some enterprising owners manage to increase ground clearance by installing larger diameter wheels, but this “homegrown technology” has its own disadvantages.
Using special spacers
Spacers are installed between suspension parts and the car body, for example, under springs . It is recommended to buy shock absorber extensions along with spacers, as they can fly out of the cups if the vehicle gets into deep holes.
Spacer between the strut support and the body glass +21 mm (article 21-15-001/20).
Disadvantage of the method: uneven increase in clearance, because Thicker spacers are installed under the rear axle.
How to increase car clearance (ground clearance)
Using spacers for racks
Spacers made of composite materials to increase ground clearance from MFC LFA can last more than ten years or 100,000 km. They do not sag under the weight of the car and do not collapse. Unfortunately, similar polyurethane and aluminum spacers for increasing ground clearance are not able to withstand heavy loads. This was the reason for searching for the ideal material for spacers. Having weighed all the pros and cons, and also turning to the developments from the past, it became clear that the specialists of MFC LFA have found the very ideal material that is kept secret. When installing spacers, MFC LFA specialists diagnose the car's springs. The fact is that the springs sag during operation, and spacers must be installed on new springs. This method allows you to raise the ground clearance by 3-5 cm, which is a safe limit for a comfortable ride.
Installing larger springs
In this case, the standard springs are replaced with springs with a large number of turns. In this way, you can get a significant increase in ground clearance, but you cannot forget about installing extended shock absorbers, because on a large bump the shock absorber can fly out of the cup.
Installation of reinforced springs
This method is well applicable for heavy loads on the car. Particularly relevant for owners of pickup trucks and other vehicles that are designed for transporting large cargo. The increase in ground clearance is rather virtual - ground clearance does not increase, but practically does not decrease when the car is heavily loaded. But stiff springs also have a downside - without a load, the car can sway and “spring” a lot.
other methods
The last two options for increasing ground clearance do not involve intervention in the suspension. The first way is to install larger profile tires. Naturally, the increase in size is limited by the size of the wheel arches, because when in contact with them, the wheel can rub against the arch and form pockets of future rust. As a result, the main disadvantage is the rapid wear of wheels and arches (especially when driving on uneven roads). The second way is to increase the radius of the wheel rims. This method is even more expensive, and it is also necessary to take the choice of disks seriously, since they may not be suitable in size and location of the hub bolts.
conclusions
Certain measures will give a certain increase in ground clearance, however, do not forget that Kalina Cross is still not a full-fledged jeep.
To increase the effect, you can simultaneously use different methods of changing the vehicle's clearance. But it is not recommended to go beyond the technical characteristics of the vehicle. This can lead to premature wear of other parts of the vehicle's suspension. For example, serious changes in ground clearance can cause damage to the CV joints of the car's front axle and uneven tire wear.
Video
| Length, width, height, mm | 3893x1700x1500 / 4084x1700x1539 | 3893x1700x1500 / 4084x1700x1539 | 3893x1700x1500 / 4084x1700x1539 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2476 | 2476 | 2476 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 145 (under the threshold at the rear wheel) | 145 (under the threshold at the rear wheel) | 145 (under the threshold at the rear wheel) |
| Front track, mm | 1431 | 1431 | 1431 |
| Rear track, mm | 1414 | 1414 | 1414 |
| Tire turning radius, m | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Trunk volume, l | 260 / 361 | 260 / 361 | 260 / 361 |
| engine's type | 4-cylinder, petrol | 4-cylinder, petrol | 4-cylinder, petrol |
| Maximum power, hp | 87 at 5100 rpm | 106 at 5800 rpm | 98 at 5600 rpm |
| Maximum torque, Nm | 140 at 3800 rpm | 148 at 4000 rpm | 145 at 4000 rpm |
| Engine volume, cm3 | 1596 | 1596 | 1596 |
| Compression ratio | 10,3 | 11 | 11 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Piston stroke, mm | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Curb weight, kg | 1000-1020 / 1020-1040 | 1040 / 1060 | 1055 / 1075 |
| Load capacity, kg | 475 | 475 | 475 |
| type of drive | Front | Front | Front |
| checkpoint | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 4-automatic |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 169 / 170 | 179 / 180 | 171/ 175 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 12,6 / 12,7 | 11,6 / 11,7 | 13,8 / 14,0 |
| Urban cycle, l/100km | X,X | n/a | n/a |
| Extra-urban cycle, l/100km | X,X | n/a | n/a |
| Mixed cycle, l/100km | 7,1 / 7,1 | 7,0 / 7,0 | 8,0 / 8,0 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-95 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Kalina's stated ground clearance
The “bottoms” of all bulky units are collected under the bottom of the car. Some are visible to us from under the hood or from the side of the wheels. But the lower part does not go away; the manufacturer must move it as far as possible from the road surface. Under the car are concentrated hanging parts of the engine compartment, levers, a beam, a suspension stabilizer, as well as bulky structures of the exhaust system with its muffler and catalyst.
From the outside we only see the opening of the fuel tank. And this 50-liter Kalina tank also needs to be rationally placed, because its shape is important for the correct operation of the power system. In addition, the space for placing the tank is limited. Don't forget about the spare tire, which is attached to the bottom of the trunk.
AvtoVAZ indicates several points from which the ground clearance of the Lada Kalina is measured. The manual for a regular Kalina prescribes in the section “Basic parameters and characteristics of a car with a hatchback body (station wagon)” (pages 133–136), two clearance values:
- from the road surface to the bottom of the engine crankcase;
- to the gearbox housing.
It should be borne in mind that these parameters were measured at the moment when the car receives full load. We also calculate the full load value specifically for your Lada Kalina from the instructions. It is necessary to subtract the curb (empty) weight from the maximum permitted weight. The column with this indicator is located above the clearance column.
Depending on the type of engine and configuration of the Lada, the weights vary slightly. On average, the full load of Kalina is 450–500 kg. Therefore, the distance from the road to the engine crankcase/gearbox will be specified if there is an additional weight of 500 kg on board your car.
For both Lada Kalina 2 bodies, the ground clearance for the internal combustion engine is 160 mm. To the bottom point of the manual transmission - 160 mm, automatic transmission - 145 mm. The numbers for the off-road version of Kalina Cross are much higher. The passport data from the 2021 operating manual states that the clearance to the engine crankcase is at least 182 mm, to the gearbox - at least 187 mm. This value is for all engines and both transmission options, manual and robotic.
If you don’t want to buy a Kalina with a manual transmission, know that the clearance of a regular Kalina with an automatic transmission is less than the ground clearance of a Lada Cross with a robot by as much as 42 mm.
Dimensions
In general, VAZ now produces several modifications of the Kalina:
- hatchback;
- station wagon;
- sedan;
- sport;
- cross.
Each model is slightly different in size.
In particular, the station wagon has the following body dimensions:
- its length in millimeters is 4040;
- height – 1500;
- width – 1700.
The weight of this model is 1125 kilograms.
For all modifications, the base is exactly the same and equal to 2476 millimeters.
In addition to the above, there is one more dimension that should never be forgotten, especially for those who often travel on dirt roads. We are talking about the track of the rear and front wheels. This size:
- in the first case – 1418;
- in the second – 1430.
The hatchback has the same dimensions.
Moreover, the sports version has a different distance between the wheels:
- front – 1431;
- rear – 1432.
The model has a cross, respectively:
Despite the apparent insignificance of the differences, this is a significant point when a car, for example, cannot get out of a deep icy rut.
Equipment
The difference between Kalina and Granta becomes noticeable if you look at the car’s equipment. In Kalina the basic version is already installed:
- Electric power steering.
- Short steering rack.
- 14 inch wheels.
- Air filter in the cabin.
- Electric window lifts at the front.
- Athermal glass.
It should also be noted that the Granta in the most expensive configuration is equipped better than the Kalina, and the cost of the cars is almost the same. So the Granta can be equipped with:
- Electrically driven rear view mirrors.
- Fog lights.
- Heated rear view mirrors.
- Electric window lifts on all doors.
Lada Kalina Station Wagon ◄space panther► › Logbook › +21 mm front Lada Kalina 2 (spacers)
Tires 185/70 R 14 for Lada Kalina 2 are good. But I want more ground clearance for affordable money. This desire is associated with the quality of roads in the Leningrad region and St. Petersburg. To increase the front clearance of the Lada Kalina 2, I decided to install 21 mm spacers (Article: 21-15-001/20) between the A-pillar support and the body reinforcement.
Of the main body movements and manipulations (briefly): 1. Remove the wheel
2. Disconnect the steering rod from the shock absorber strut
3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the lever
4. Disconnect the brake hose from the shock absorber strut
5. Remove two bolts from the steering knuckle and shock absorber strut
6. Unscrew the three nuts of the upper shock absorber support and pull out the shock absorber strut assembly with the spring and upper support 7. Replace the bolts of the upper shock absorber support with the bolts from the kit
8. Install the +21 mm clearance spacer on the upper shock absorber mount
9. Install on spacer
10. Install everything back 11. Tighten all nuts to the required torque. Tighten the upper support nuts when the front of the car is on the front wheels.
12. Adjust the wheel alignment angles
Don't forget to lubricate everything if necessary.
If the bolts (camber bolts, with an eccentric) do not come out of the holes of the steering knuckle and shock absorber strut, then we heat the necessary part of the steering knuckle, not the shock absorber strut, and knock out the bolts.
Everything was installed without a hole in the garage.
For those who like spacers between the “cups,” the height of the new bolts in the upper support of the shock absorber strut will be sufficient.
An additional positive effect of the +21 mm spacer at the front of the Lada Kalina 2 is that less dirt will fly into the engine compartment.
Attention! This type of work can be dangerous to the life and health of you and others. You take full responsibility for Your actions!
You take full responsibility for Your actions!
I will count idiots with My idiotic comments!
source
100–1
Cross has black trim on the trunk door, arches, sills, and bumpers.
Wide door moldings. Black door handles, mirror caps and grille. Silver trim at the bottom of the front and rear bumpers. Light alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires. Suspension with increased ground clearance: modified front and rear shock absorbers. Gearbox with main pair 3.9 instead of 3.7. Cross has black trim on the trunk door, arches, sills, and bumpers. Wide door moldings. Black door handles, mirror caps and grille. Silver trim at the bottom of the front and rear bumpers. Light alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires. Suspension with increased ground clearance: modified front and rear shock absorbers. Gearbox with main pair 3.9 instead of 3.7.
The Cross has black trim on the trunk door, arches, sills, and bumpers. Wide door moldings. Black door handles, mirror caps and grille. Silver trim at the bottom of the front and rear bumpers. Light alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires. Suspension with increased ground clearance: modified front and rear shock absorbers. Gearbox with main pair 3.9 instead of 3.7.
Real Driver Measurements
But how to determine the real clearance of a Lada without a full load? Real measurements with a tape measure (without load) show the following results.
| Options | Numerical indicators |
| Kalina has a standard distance from the ground to the gearbox | 195 mm |
| Height to the engine crankcase for the same car | 230 mm |
| Real ground clearance of Lada Kalina 2 Cross to the checkpoint | 210 mm |
A special experiment was carried out. Its essence is to compare the veracity of the clearance ratio of a regular Lada and a Cross. To achieve this, four subjective measurements were made. The distance was measured from the road to the side threshold, under which the jack is placed.
To conduct the experiment, the cars were placed in the same conditions. Both cars had an empty interior, an unfilled trunk and the same minimum amount of fuel in the tank. The standard Lada station wagon was equipped with radial tires with a width of 175 mm, a profile of 55% and a seat diameter of 14 inches. The cross version is shod with tires with a width of 195, a profile of 55 and a diameter of 15.
First, we measured the ground clearance of a regular Lada Kalina station wagon without load. The resulting value is 198 mm. Then we got 217 mm as a result of a similar measurement on Kalina Cross. Before the second measurements, four people were asked to sit in the cars one by one. A loaded regular station wagon gave a result of 170 mm. After loading, the clearance of Kalina Cross was 192 mm.
Basic upgrade
Sharp steering is achieved by changing the gears that transmit torque from the steering wheel to the wheels. The new Sport is equipped with a gasoline engine with 16 valves. By refining the camshaft, the manufacturer increased the power and torque of the power unit (156 Nm).
The ground clearance of the car of this configuration is 125 mm. According to official data, the ground clearance of the vehicle in question with a manual transmission is greater than with an automatic transmission. You can measure the indicator yourself. To do this, use a ruler or tape measure. If the car is not loaded, then the distance will be longer. Officially, AvtoVAZ indicates the ground clearance with maximum load, and foreign manufacturers - with minimum load. On average, the difference between the values ranges from 20-26 cm (regardless of the modification).
A loaded Lada Kalina 2 station wagon has a real indicator of 14.5 cm. Technical characteristics (including the distance from the body to the asphalt) depend on the following criteria:
- number of passengers;
- wheel size;
- tire type
The manufacturer allows the installation of wheels of 14 and 15 inches.
To increase Kalina's ground clearance, engineers used gas-filled shock absorbers and spring supports. The distance can be increased independently by tuning the springs.
Dimensions Lada Kalina Cross
differ little from the dimensions of a regular Lada Kalina station wagon.
Some sizes are simply the same. However, there is one important difference: increased ground clearance. The modernization of the suspension made the ground clearance of the Kalina Cross 23 mm larger
.
The ground clearance of an empty Lada Kalina Cross is 208 mm. However, the manufacturer, by tradition, indicates the ground clearance of its cars under load, so the documents usually indicate 188 mm. But this is a pretty good indicator for a very compact car, the length of which is just over 4 meters.
The width of the Cross version, when compared with the regular Kalina, has not changed and is 1700 mm, but due to the presence of roof rails and high tires on 15-inch wheels, the height has increased by 60 mm and is 1560 mm. Below are detailed characteristics of the dimensions of the Lada Kalina Cross
.
New Lada Kalina Universal
The new generation of Lada Kalina has retained all the advantages of the old station wagon, and added many new ones. The exterior design of the car is filled with dynamics and power. The raised “muzzle” looks forward with its faceted headlights. The bumper and wheel arch reliefs give the car visible dimensions.
The car has become more powerful not only externally, but also in the “filling”. The upgraded chassis and new engines give drive to the updated Lada Kalina. Engine power in combination with various transmissions will allow any experienced driver to make his choice.
The interior trim and comfort details of the car will appeal to both novice car enthusiasts and connoisseurs of good technology.
The developers also thought about the safety of the new car. In addition to the long-familiar ABS+BAS and EBD systems, the car is equipped with:
- directional stability system;
- anti-slip mechanism;
- assistant when planing from a place on the rise.
We install spacers to increase the ground clearance of Kalina (rear)
In the West, most modifications to the chassis involve lowering the ground clearance, increasing the rims and reducing the tire height. In general, everything is to increase suspension stiffness and reduce ground clearance (clearance). With us, everything is exactly the opposite! Everyone is trying to increase the ground clearance in order to install bigger, thicker, and softer wheels!
There is nothing surprising here if you look at it, but it’s better to take a ride along “our” roads once. Factory wheels and ground clearance are sorely insufficient for normal movement on public roads; there is always a risk of hitting the pallet, breaking the bumper, etc. As a result, spacers for increasing ground clearance have become almost the most popular product for the majority of Russian motorists.
The price of spacers to increase the ground clearance is ridiculous compared to how much it costs to repair the above-mentioned body parts. The solution to this issue was the so-called spacers, which allow you to increase ground clearance. Spacers to increase ground clearance are installed at the front above the springs and at the rear, either under or above the strut.
In this article I will tell you how to raise the rear of a VAZ 2117 using spacers. The work is not difficult, and anyone who has an idea of what do-it-yourself car repair is can do.
To work we need to prepare:
- Two jacks;
- Set of keys (standard);
- Liquid WD-40 just in case;
- And, of course, the spacers themselves to increase the ground clearance of the VAZ.
Description
Externally, the car meets all the requirements of modern fashion. The smooth contours of the body give it elegance.
The designers did a very good job on the headlights. The location of the rear lamps is good - they beautifully frame the trunk door.
The ground clearance of the Kalina Sport is quite high and amounts to 185 millimeters, the station wagon has a lower landing - 160, but this allows it to easily move over rough terrain and broken roads. The car drives through even large potholes smoothly and smoothly.
The size of the trunk should be recognized as rather modest - only 350 liters, but the situation is corrected by the fact that if necessary, it will not be difficult to increase it by another 300 liters by folding the rear row of seats.
This allows you to transport bulky items. The trunk threshold is conveniently located - this makes loading and unloading as comfortable as possible.
Compared to the Kalina Priora, the station wagon, of course, has a more elegant interior design, but overall the first car is not much inferior in practicality and comfort.
Thanks to the wide doorways, it became very comfortable to sit in the cabin. The driver's seat is more ergonomic and the instrument layout is better than previous models. All buttons and control levers are located close to the steering wheel, and because of this it is not difficult to use them.
The manufacturer used high-quality plastic to make the interior panels. All elements fit well and do not make unnecessary sounds when moving.
The seats are comfortable, although their upholstery material looks, compared to foreign cars, rather poor and unpretentious. Both the driver and passengers have the opportunity to adjust the seat backs to suit themselves.
There is only one drawback - the driver's seat cannot be adjusted in height. But Kalina’s owners note that in general the review is already beyond praise.
The car is equipped with air conditioning. It is not difficult to control the air conditioning system, since the buttons are located on the instrument panel. Moreover, in the luxury configuration the car comes with a navigator.
The undeniable advantages of the Lada Kalina compared to other VAZs
In one of the previous articles we looked at the main disadvantages of the Lada Kalina car. But today we will talk about the good, namely, we will analyze all the advantages of this model compared to similar AvtoVAZ cars.
For those who did not consider the previous post, I will repeat that I personally drove 120 thousand kilometers on this car over 7 years of operation. And I think that this is a decent enough experience to tell you why Kalina is the best domestic car among its classmates.
All the significant advantages of Kalina
For each individual point, I will try to make brief reviews so that it is clear why I think this way. The first thing we should talk about is the car body.
Body
If we compare all VAZ cars from 2005 to 2012, for example, then Kalina will turn out to be the most lively in terms of bodywork. For 7 years, not a single saffron milk mark has appeared on my body, all the paint is factory and not even a bubble. It is safe to say that the quality of metal and painting is superior to all models, especially Priora, VAZ 2113-2115, and the tenth family.
The bottoms of the doors, hood and trunk lid, which are especially susceptible to corrosion on other cars, hold up very well here. Moreover, my car was always kept in the open air and I had never seen a garage. I didn’t bother much with washing (once a month), so I can’t say that I took special care of the car’s condition.
Engine and gearbox
Despite the fact that acoustic comfort is not encouraging, and for the most part this is all due to the noisy engine 21114 or 11183, the reliability of these units is impressive. You can’t boast of your mileage as cosmic, but even during this time there were no technical problems, except for adjusting the valves, there were no other interventions in the device.
One thing can be said about the box - despite some noise and periodic howling of the bearings, on the whole it is a fairly reliable design, since during all this time there were no breakdowns, and you can get used to the hum, after all - it was assembled at AvtoVAZ.
Suspension and chassis
The Kalina station wagon initially has a very stiff suspension, especially in the front, and to solve this problem, I had to change the front struts to SS20 Comfort-Optima. After the replacement, it became softer, breakdowns disappeared after speed bumps passed, and the behavior on our eternally broken roads became a little more pleasant.
The rear shock absorbers are factory, show no signs of wear and feel great. Regarding the brakes, not counting the pads, I changed the rear brake cylinders, and then only so that during a trip to the sea I would not encounter brake fluid leaks, since there was a certain suspicion that they were running low. The front brake discs and rear drums are still original and do not require replacement.
Electrics
If compared with Priora, then on Kalina everything is much simpler. Take for example the same comfort block. If in Kalina there is practically no demand for it at all, then the Priorovskys are selling me like hot cakes. Yes, and ask any electrician who repairs the electronics of our cars, and he will definitely tell you that Kalina’s comfort units are practically trouble-free, but from Priora they fly very often.
The door locks are electric and already internal, unlike the VAZ 2110-2112 or Priora. The design is such that they are located inside the door and are not divided into external and internal. Thanks to this, the doors on Kalina close like those of a normal car, and not like those on a cart.
Salon and interior equipment
The seats are more comfortable than on the Priora, and if you argue without knowing the essence, then of course I don’t mind. But after driving several hundred kilometers in one car and back in another car, it immediately becomes clear where it is more comfortable to sit. Although, it is possible that everyone’s backs are different.
The door trims rattle less, as they are made of higher quality than those of other AvtoVAZ models. Brose window lifters, which are found even on expensive foreign cars VW Jetta, Skoda Octavia, etc.
And it’s also worth noting the very spacious interior, despite the fact that the car doesn’t seem that big from the outside. Sitting in the driver's seat is much more comfortable, and the back row is also more spacious.
- SS20 struts and supports - my review after 100 thousand km. mileage
- This Niva from Kazakhstan is cooler than any Gelika
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Replacing factory springs
Standard springs are replaced with springs having a larger number of turns. This method requires replacement of shock absorbers, correspondingly large financial costs. But, new springs are much more reliable than spacers and will last much longer.
Reinforced springs
Springs tend to “sag” over time (the photo shows a comparison of new springs and old ones after a mileage of 44,000 km). Therefore, those who like to transport heavy objects should think about installing reinforced springs.
This technique is most often used for vehicles that operate under constant load, for example, transporting cargo or passengers with luggage .
By strengthening the springs, the vehicle's ground clearance does not increase. This procedure prevents the vehicle from sagging under full load, allows you to maintain the factory ground clearance, and minimize the risk of damage to the underbody on uneven sections of the road surface.
Strengthening the springs allows you to increase the service life of the chassis as a whole, but the comfort of traveling in an unloaded vehicle decreases.
Spare parts and tires for Lada Kalina Cross
Front left door Lada Granta 2017
Price 1,300 rub.
Reviews from Russian Lada Kalina Cross car owners
Review of Lada Kalina Cross, 2021 Guys, I won’t praise AvtoVAZ, I’ll share my experience. I need a car for work and it is unpretentious. I drove 1 station wagon in Kalina from 12 to 17 (8th grade). walked two laps, half the way off-road, changed the consumables myself, changed the general brushes for 100 thousand. for 150 thousand, minor suspension repairs and that’s it...
Review of Lada Kalina Cross, 2021 “Never say never, or the long way to VAZ (Kalina’s performance characteristics are not here)”
Even at the dawn of my foggy youth, I learned that it is better to start with foreplay. Not always and not everywhere, but overall better. Gradually, this simple postulate received a lot of confirmation, both from the opposite sex and from...
Review of Lada Kalina Cross, 2021 Hello everyone. So the dream has come true, now you don’t have to pull the gearbox stick)) moved from KALINA CROSS manual transmission (NORM set) to KALINA CROSS BLACK LINE (COMFORT set). many will probably say, well, what’s the point of transferring to the same one!? and the point is a good car with a reasonable cost of ownership. in car…
Articles about Lada Kalina Cross
Articles about Lada Kalina Cross cars - test drives, reviews, operating experience, tuning.
We buy a station wagon for 600,000 rubles; Despite the dominance of crossovers, station wagons remain the favorite transport of those who have little money, but need to carry everything at once. If only because they are cheaper. What station wagons no older than 2014 can you buy...
Used bestsellers of the B+ segment up to 550,000 rubles; To say that cars of this class are very popular in our country is to say nothing. They are in demand on the Russian market both new and used. Moreover, there is more variety in the secondary market: over time...
Lada Kalina: unsuccessful and at the wrong time; Cars under the Kalina brand are no longer produced: AvtoVAZ abolished this name, timed to coincide with the restyling of the Kalina/Grant family. Let's remember the milestones in the life of the Lada Kalina model: what was and what could have been.
News about Lada Kalina Cross
AvtoVAZ has prepared a workshop for assembling Granta and Datsun for the “new models”; It’s the penultimate month of 2021, and AvtoVAZ is slowly starting to report on its successes in modernizing production.
A photo of the new instrument cluster of the restyled Lada Granta has appeared; At the end of August, the modernized Lada Granta family will debut at the international motor show in Moscow. The nature of the exterior changes can be understood from the updated sedan, which AvtoVAZ declassified in July, but...
The restyled Lada Granta appeared in a new video; Another video with a camouflaged prototype of the updated Lada Granta sedan has appeared on the network. It was published by Togliatti journalist Yuri Efimov.
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Automobile catalog: technical characteristics, configurations, specifications, prices, photos.
Certificate on Drome
“Lada Kalina Cross” - How is it in Russian?
Correct Russian spelling: Kalina cross
Incorrect Russian spelling: Kros
Owner reviews
- Mikhail, Volgograd. My Lada Kalina Cross has traveled 50 thousand kilometers. Compact and stylish car for the city. Cross-country ability is at the level of full-fledged crossovers, even a little better. A ground clearance of 200 mm decides a lot - more than one representative of the SUV class will envy such ground clearance. I have a version with a 1.6 engine, in the maximum configuration. With touch screen, music and everything. The car is comfortable and cozy. In my opinion, Kalina Cross handles worse than a regular hatchback. This can be explained by the increased ground clearance and soft suspension. The car rolls noticeably and yaws from side to side. The car is quite reliable, adapted to Russian roads and country roads. Consumes an average of 8 liters per 100 km.
- Pavel, Belgorod. I bought a Lada Kalina Cross in 2021 to replace the VAZ-2104 station wagon. A worthy replacement, and besides, I didn’t fork out much, although I initially thought to wait for the release of a crossover based on the Kia Rio. It’s good that I didn’t wait and bought Kalina Cross. I would like to note the modern design of the front end, minimal body overhangs and excellent cross-country ability, despite the lack of all-wheel drive. The car can accommodate five tall passengers, and you can load heavy luggage in the back. Fuel consumption for the version with a 1.6-liter engine is 8 liters per 100 km. As for cross-country ability, ground clearance of 200 mm is sufficient for trips to hunting, fishing, to the country and other country adventures. In this regard, the car was a success. Actually, that’s why I bought the Lada Kalina Cross – not only to drive around the city. The price for excellent cross-country ability is large rolls in corners and instability. You have to constantly taxi, as Kalina tries to leave the trajectory. But you can get used to this too.
- Alexey, Ufa. I have been driving a Lada Kalina Cross since 2021. I thought for a long time about what to choose - this car or still get it for the flagship Vesta Cross. As a result, I decided to save money, as befits a real citizen of the Russian Federation. Moreover, in terms of cross-country ability, the Lada Kalina Cross is in no way inferior to the Lada Vesta Cross. Well, perhaps Kalina is not as roomy and modern, but in terms of dynamics, both cars are at about the same level - I tested two cars, but I couldn’t find a winner. The Lada Kalina Cross drives noisier and handles worse, but this is all a matter of habit. I think I made the right choice. Kalina Cross has a ground clearance of as much as 208 mm, like a full-fledged SUV. All that remains is to add all-wheel drive, and then there will be an all-terrain vehicle. The family likes the car. The version with the 1.6 engine consumes 8-9 liters depending on the load.
