Budget cars are understandably popular in the domestic market. These are inexpensive machines that have the necessary qualities and characteristics for a not too demanding consumer.
Among the worthy options for inexpensive cars are the domestic Lada Kalina and the French Renault Sandero. Renault only offers the hatchback body, on the basis of which they also built the Stepway pseudo-crossover. Kalina, in addition to the hatchback, is also available in the cross version Kalina Cross and in the station wagon body. Therefore, it would be logical to compare exactly two hatchbacks.
These are good options for urban use. Both cars cannot boast of outstanding technical characteristics. But each car has its own strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to ultimately decide who is better and who to give preference to.
General technical information
Lada Kalina has experienced a generation change. It was in August 2012 that the presentation of the second generation of the model took place. Production started only in May 2013, and in the summer the car began to be sold through official dealers.
Lada Kalina 2 is built on the AvtoVAZ platform 2190, but it has been significantly modernized. The front suspension is independent with classic MacPherson struts. The rear has a semi-independent design based on coil springs. The rack and pinion steering mechanism is combined with an electric booster from a Korean manufacturer. The front brakes are ventilated discs and drums are located at the rear.
Like the Lada Kalina, the Renault Sandero hatchback is currently offered in its second generation. The debut of this generation took place in September 2012 in Paris. But it is worth noting that at that time Sandero was presented under the Dacia brand. The car wore the Renault nameplate in the summer of 2014. Literally a month later, the car was shown in Russia as part of the Moscow Auto Show.
Since July 2021, a restyled version has been sold in Russia. Although the car will be in this form in the fall of 2021. The modernization affected the exterior, slightly redesigned the interior and included several additional options.
The basis for the new Sandero is the front-wheel drive M0 platform. Its distinctive feature is the widespread use of high-strength steel to create the monocoque body, as well as the transverse arrangement of the power unit.
Lada Kalina
The front suspension is independent, using MacPherson struts. At the rear there is a semi-independent system with a torsion cross member, complemented by hydraulic shock absorbers. There are anti-roll bars on two axles. The steering mechanism is rack and pinion and works in conjunction with the hydraulic booster. The braking system is classic for a budget employee. These are front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. The ABS system is already included in the database. For the same Kalina, ABS appears only from the second level of equipment.
Both cars are front-wheel drive and belong to the European subcompact B class.
Exterior and external dimensions
The new generation of Lada Kalina has retained its recognizable features, but has become noticeably prettier, more harmonious and more modern. The designers did a particularly good job on the front part. Obvious progress in terms of work on the appearance. Even though this is a budget car, nothing bad can be said about the exterior of Kalina with the factory designation VAZ 2192.
After updating the appearance, which affected mainly the front part, Sandero began to look more current and attractive. No bright design solutions were used here, but there are no contradictory elements either.
If we compare cars purely by appearance, then Sandero takes the lead. More European design aimed at a wider audience. The developers from AvtoVAZ are moving in the right direction, but there is always an acute shortage of something more original and interesting.
But since appearance is an extremely subjective criterion for evaluation and comparison, each buyer will decide for himself which of the two cars he likes better.
The dimensions of the Renault Sandero fully correspond to the declared class:
- length 4070 mm;
- width 1733 mm;
- height 1523 mm;
- wheelbase 2589 mm;
- ground clearance from 155 mm. (under load).
Renault Sandero
Lada Kalina also easily fits into the B class framework according to the European classification:
- length 3893 mm;
- width 1700 mm;
- height 1500 mm;
- wheelbase 2476 mm;
- ground clearance 170 mm. (without load).
The difference in overall dimensions is small, but it is there. Sandero turned out to be a little larger. Minimum ground clearance is 155 mm. taken into account under load. When equipped, it will increase to approximately the level of the Lada Kalina. And under load Kalina will lower. That is, there is equality in this component.
Therefore, you will have to decide which car is preferable, Sandero or Kalina, based on other parameters and characteristics.
Chassis
Thanks to the power steering, it gains an advantage in controllability. And the electric power steering wheel of the Lada requires more effort to control the car.
As for gearboxes, the old Kalina did not have an automatic version at all - only “mechanics”. At the same time, the speed and maneuverability parameters of the car are inferior to both its new version and Renault.
The Sandero series has modifications with automatic transmissions, but, according to consumer reviews, driving with them leaves much to be desired - given the difference in price and worse dynamics. However, when cornering, Renault practically does not roll, which cannot be said about its domestic competitor.
The new Lada is equipped with a Jatco 4-speed automatic transmission taken from the Granta model, which, although it improves the car’s performance, also noticeably reduces the ground clearance, negatively affecting cross-country ability. The mechanical gearbox has also changed - the vibration of the handle has disappeared. Kalina Cross is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.
The Sandero's brakes do their job well, and the pedal feels better than its competitors. The braking distance of the VAZ is 10–18 meters longer - tests have shown that at a speed of 100 km/h Renault will need 41.4 m to stop, Kalina - 59.4 m, an improved domestic station wagon with reinforced suspension and updated brakes - 52 m .
Interior and luggage compartment
The first impression of the new Kalina's interior is quite promising. The interior looks fresh, quite modern for its time. Although in 2021 the same is difficult to say. In top trim levels, you can see a multimedia complex with a color touch screen in the center of the console. But in the database everything is extremely simple.
The materials used are inexpensive, hard plastic everywhere. The assembly is at a good level, but there are some shortcomings. In some places the joints are too noticeable. There are screws that they didn’t even bother to cover with plugs.
Salon Renault Sandero
As for a budget employee, the front seats are quite comfortable with soft filling and adjustment options. Even with considerable growth, there is enough space. The width of the rear sofa can accommodate only 2 passengers with a good level of comfort. But the three of us will clearly be uncomfortable. The amount of space in the legs and overhead is small, but it is there.
Kalina's luggage compartment is frankly modest. Total 260 liters. Protruding wheel arches take up some of the usable space. The rear bench folds down to create a 550-litre loading area.
The Renault Sandero hatchback looks more modern, attractive and interesting inside than its opponent. Although there is no escaping the clear feeling of being on a budget. The developers managed to think through the ergonomics well. There is also good music and a multimedia complex with a touch screen. But this is the prerogative of expensive trim levels.
The rear seat of the Sandero is slightly wider than that of the Kalina. Therefore, there will be a little more room for 3 people. But the common problem of the two hatchbacks remains the floor tunnel. The front seats have a solid profile and noticeable lateral support, which Kalina does not have.
Salon Lada Kalina Cross
When traveling, the Sandero trunk has the correct shape and its capacity is 320 liters. But the most significant indicator is the volume of the luggage compartment if you fold the back rows. Even if you don’t get a perfectly flat surface, the volume is 1200 liters.
Logan/Sandero
The Logan/Sandero family was developed by the Romanian Dacia under the leadership of Renault as a car for “third countries”, that is, quite simple, cheap, designed for bad roads. The cars are similar in terms of the front of the cabin, equipment and road behavior. The savings are literally everywhere here. The design is simple, without frills, which allows the use of cheaper production equipment. The front windows are controlled by buttons on the center console, the rear windows are controlled at the feet of the rear passengers, and the mirror adjustments are under the parking brake. All this saves a couple of meters of wires per car, but obviously does not add convenience. In cheap trim levels, there are even no door closing handles in the usual sense. Their responsibilities are taken over by the recesses in the door trims.
The seat is simple, the cushion and back are a bit short. In rich versions there is height adjustment, but it is implemented a little strangely: to raise the seat, you need to stand up from it while simultaneously pulling the lever. The steering wheel itself is not bad, but the signal button is not in its center, but at the end of the left steering column switch. There is no point in discussing the interior design; it is as simple as possible, just like the exterior. The orange lighting of the instruments is a little annoying, but I think you can get used to it. Visibility forward and to the sides is quite good, but this is only in clear weather. When it rains, the wipers fail, leaving a decent amount of uncleaned area near the left pillar. There are also problems with rear visibility: the mirrors are too small. However, thanks for that, it was even worse before.
Noise insulation is average; the engine is audible at idle, but not annoying. The steering wheel is not “empty” or weightless; it is adequate thanks to the good old hydraulic booster. Changing manual gears is easy, vibrations on the lever are moderate. When driving, the car can be described as “calm.” Even the flagship sixteen-valve engine has good thrust, but is not particularly exciting. The biggest and, most importantly, well-deserved compliment is that the suspension allows you to move on roads of any quality without problems, shaking and breakdowns. Sometimes you can even do without them: the ground clearance is decent, there is even standard engine protection.
The differences between the models start with the B pillar. The rear of the “folk” Renaults is very spacious, especially in width. This applies to the hatchback to a lesser extent, since it received a base reduced by 5 centimeters. But, all the same, the formula “it’s great for two, and a third can fit without much damage.” It's about the same story with trunks, but here Sandero has an advantage over Logan - his sofa can be folded out.
Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities
It is important to compare the Lada Kalina and Renault Sandero according to their technical characteristics. Typically, technical characteristics refer to engines, gearboxes, dynamics, fuel consumption, etc.
Lada Kalina is available with 3 petrol 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. The volume of each of them is 1.6 liters:
- The basic one is an 8-valve internal combustion engine producing 87 liters. With. and 140 Nm. Combined with 5 manual transmission or 4 automatic transmission. Acceleration to hundreds takes from 12.2 to 14.2 seconds. Maximum speed 168 km/h. In the combined cycle, according to the passport, it consumes 7.0-7.7 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
- Next comes a 16-valve engine with 98 horsepower and 145 Nm. Comes only with automatic transmission. Acceleration takes 13.1 seconds. The maximum speed is no more than 175 km/h, and the consumption is per 100 km. way about 7.6 liters.
- The top engine produces 106 horsepower and 148 Nm. Until 2015, only a 5-speed manual transmission was equipped, and then a robot appeared. The maximum speed is 185 km/h, and acceleration to hundreds occurs in 11 seconds. Consumption is about 6.8 liters per 100 km.
Renault Sandero also has 3 engines. All atmospheric, gasoline, comply with Euro 5 standards:
- The base engine is an internal combustion engine with an 8-valve timing belt producing 82 liters. With. and 134 Nm. Combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. Acceleration to hundreds takes about 13.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 163 km/h, and the average fuel consumption is 8.6 liters.
- Next comes a 16-valve timing belt, 102 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. It is equipped only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration to hundreds requires 12.5 seconds. Maximum speed is 170 km/h. At 100 km. the journey requires 7.6 liters of fuel.
- The top engine generates 113 horsepower and 152 Nm. Combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. In this tandem it accelerates in 10.7 seconds. from zero to hundreds, and the maximum speed reaches 177 km/h. At 100 km. in the combined cycle, 6.6 liters of fuel are consumed.
Engine Lada Kalina Cross
It’s difficult to say which is better, since Sandero and Kalina demonstrate approximately the same technical characteristics. But in terms of reliability of engines and gearboxes, Renault is ahead.
Objectively, hatchbacks are worth buying with top-end engines. Moreover, it is better to immediately take the mechanics in the case of Kalina if you expect increased reliability and durability of the box. Still, the machine and robot do not work perfectly, and problems often occur. The automatic transmission for Renault Sandero is more reliable, but it is not an example of a high-quality automatic transmission. Take this fact into account when choosing a configuration.
Chassis features
The presence of a hydraulic booster in the steering of Renault Sandero looks better when determining the behavioral characteristics of the car on the road. And the electric motor for driving the steering wheel of the Lada “contributes” to large energy expenditures for the driver.
Regarding the gearbox, early versions of Kalina had only “mechanics”. At the same time, the dynamics and maneuver indicators were worse than in its new version, and than in Renault.
In the Renault Sandero line there is an option with an automatic transmission, but, according to the experience of car enthusiasts, driving it causes a lot of discomfort - with less dynamism and a difference in cost. At the same time, Renault turns without any roll, which, unlike the Frenchman, is the fault of the Russian counterpart.
The latest Lada model is equipped with a 4-speed Jatco automatic transmission borrowed from the Granta 4 series, which, despite some improvement in the vehicle's performance, significantly reduces the ground clearance, having a bad effect on cross-country ability. The modernization also affected the manual transmission - the shift lever stopped vibrating. The Kalina Cross is equipped with a manual transmission with 5 gears.
If we compare, the Sandero brake system performs its tasks perfectly, and the pedal stroke has become smoother than that of the compared models. The VAZ makes a complete stop by 10–18 m more - test runs have established that at 100 km/h Renault has a braking distance of 41.4 m, LADA Kalina - 59.4 m, a modernized car with improved suspension and upgraded brakes will need 52 m to stop.
Security and Management
Since domestic cars do not undergo international crash tests to obtain appropriate ratings, it is quite difficult to compare two hatchbacks in terms of safety parameters.
In general, we are talking about subcompact hatchbacks, which by definition are more dangerous compared to large sedans or crossovers. But manufacturers are striving to make a more durable body and provide a sufficient list of safety systems. French developers have succeeded in this component. Admission to the European market largely confirms the fact that Sandero is safe, it has passed the necessary tests and received decent ratings.
Crash tests of Kalina were carried out in factory conditions during the development of the model. The car did not show anything outstanding. But since the requirements for car safety in the country are lower compared to the EU, the cars easily received the necessary approvals.
To sum it up, it's worth saying. You can get hurt in an accident in both hatchbacks. But there is a better chance of minimizing injuries and avoiding death in the Renault Sandero.
Engine Renault Sandero
Handling is also on the Sandero's side. Despite the use of hydraulic booster versus electric booster in Kalina, the driving experience turned out to be clearer, more manageable and efficient. The response to turning the steering wheel of Kalina sometimes occurs with a delay. It should also be noted that Kalina does not have basic ABS in the basic configuration. This has a negative impact on safety and controllability.
You shouldn't expect anything extraordinary from driving and handling in the case of Sandero and Kalina. But if you compare these two cars directly, it is the French hatchback that comes out ahead. This is an important comparison for a potential buyer. Without knowing which is preferable to choose, Kalina or Renault Sandero, be sure to try to compare hatchbacks from personal experience. This will allow you to form your own feelings and understand in which car you feel more comfortable and confident.
Dimensions
Considering which of the cars is larger, the domestic model or the relatively foreign (produced at the Moscow plant) Sandero, it is worth noting that:
- in terms of the width of the car (and, accordingly, its interior) it is better than Renault (175 cm versus 170 cm for both Ladas);
- AvtoVAZ products lead in length (4040 mm for the first Kalina, 4084 for the second and Cross, 4020 mm for the Frenchman;
- the height, again, is better for Renault (1534 versus 1500 mm for Kalina and 1510 mm for Cross).
But as for the ground clearance, it should be taken into account that these Ladas will differ depending on the gearbox: for automatic transmission the ground clearance is 145 mm, for manual transmission – 185 and 210 mm (regular station wagons and Cross, respectively). For Sandero, this figure is stable - 155 mm for any modification.
Maintenance costs
It is a mistake to assume that only domestic cars will be the cheapest to operate. There is not such a huge difference between the Lada Kalina and Renault Sandero hatchbacks in terms of maintenance costs. It's practically non-existent.
In both cases, spare parts are widely available in the market and service centers can easily service and repair these hatchbacks. Consumables and spare parts for Kalina are a little cheaper, but the quality of parts and consumables for the French hatchback, if we talk about the originals, is objectively higher. The cost of maintenance and transport taxes are at an identical level.
But when using Sandero, the owner will most likely benefit in comparison with Kalina. This is due to the higher level of reliability and quality of Sandero. With such a machine you will have to deal with malfunctions less often, the service life of the main components is longer. Trying to save on buying Kalina, you will subsequently spend more money on it than on the maintenance, maintenance and operation of Renault Sandero.
Renault Sander or Lada Kalina - what to choose?
According to the Renault Sandero or Kalina, I have already owned three Renaults as such and there have been no outright breakdowns. By the 35th thousand mileage, the low beam lamps are on. Uncle Vasya, a mechanic from the interior picks when installing additional equipment, panels on the doors and dashboard with a pry bar, while stripping off the factory seals and mastics. After which, after For some time, all kinds of crickets are formed and then there is outright rattling. Conclusions Considering that Renault Sandero or Kalina AvtoVAZ has seriously tried to make its models better to increase competitiveness in the market, the difference between its products and Sandero has decreased.
Options and prices
In addition to regular hatchbacks, crossover versions of the two cars in question are also produced. These are Kalina Cross and Renault Sandero Stepway. Their cost is slightly higher, which is due to structural and design changes, as well as slightly different content.
Lada Kalina
For Russian operating conditions, it is important to find out which is better between the Lada Kalina Cross and the Renault Sandero Stepway. Here the situation is approximately the same as in the case of conventional hatchbacks. Approximate equality of models, but overall superiority of the French model.
If we talk about prices for hatchbacks Lada Kalina 2 and 2 generation Renault Sandero, then it’s worth taking a look at their official websites.
Renault Sandero is offered in 3 trim levels on the Russian market:
- Access.
- Life.
- Drive.
Prices start at 577 thousand rubles. The starting price for the top-end configuration is 748 thousand rubles. But if you add the available options and some equipment, the price tag will easily exceed the 800 thousand mark. It all depends on the wishes and financial capabilities of the buyer.
Lada Kalina has already been officially discontinued. This happened in the summer of 2021. At the same time, you can still find unsold new hatchbacks in the showrooms of official dealers. Their price starts from 460 thousand rubles.
The Russian car was offered in 3 trim levels:
- Standard.
- Norm.
- Luxury
The top version can be purchased for at least 600 thousand rubles. But every day the probability of finding a new car is getting lower. Whether it is worth going to the secondary market for Kalina is a very controversial question.
Sandero vs Kalina
Interested in your opinion?
What to take. Maybe someone has already driven Sandero? Still, the price starts from 319 thousand. A tempting offer. I haven’t driven it, but my intuition tells me – Sandero. Plus, Sandero is cute.
Kalina sedan or Renault Logan? same question)))
Sandero. At least it’s not a VAZ!
For 319 sput it will be empty with a 1.2 engine. A normal 1.6 engine packed with a helmet will pull 460
Yes. But Logan is cooler than viburnum! More reliable and more!
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