Lada Granta or Lada Kalina: choosing a favorite

Design of Granta and Kalina 2 cars

A whole group of engineers worked on the design of both cars, and this time they did a much better job. The cars turned out to be quite modern, similar to some foreign cars, but have their own recognizable features.

The Granta's design was created from scratch and is not similar to previous AvtoVAZ cars, and the second Kalina is not very different from the first, but looks much more modern and aggressive.

Engines Grants and Kalinas 2

AvtoVAZ practices using one engine model on several models at once. The difference is small - if on the Grant in the “standard” configuration the heart of the car is the “old” 8-valve with 81 hp, then such an engine is not installed on the Kalina 2 at all. 16-valve engine 21126 with 98 hp. installed on luxury Grants and Kalinas (including the second generation Kalina), an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 87 horses is available in the “norm” configuration on both Kalina and Grant. The engines installed on the Grant are almost no different from the Kalina engines.

Transmission

Again, it is not clear who is better here... The latest releases of Grant's car receive a new manual gearbox with a cable mechanism, the same ones are planned to be installed on Kalina 2. The new gearbox is distinguished by good selectivity, absence of vibrations and ease of switching. Don't forget the fact that Kalina 2 and Granta will have the same Japanese automatic transmission. The automatic transmission from Jatco (a subsidiary of Nissan), although not the latest development, receives only positive reviews. Nissan Tiida cars are still supplied with this automatic transmission. Again it's a draw - our cars have the same gearbox.

Body and paint

After the release of Granta, many began to measure the thickness of the body and were surprised: the new AvtoVAZ product had a very thin layer of metal body! The manufacturer explained this by saying that for the Granta a completely different metal is used, with better qualities and, in general, equal in characteristics to the first Kalina. We beg to differ with this and assure you that bending the body of a Granta is not that difficult; the body is really made of thin metal. They even saved on the plastic bumper - the thickness is no more than 2-3mm. At the time of writing, it is not yet known about the thickness of the body of the updated Kalina 2, but if compared with the first Kalina, the Grant is inferior here.

Options

If we don’t go into prices and just compare the options available in cars by trim level, we get the following.

Lada Kalina 2 cars in the “standard” configuration, unlike the standard Grants, have electric power steering, driver airbags, a short steering rack, athermal windows, top handrails, a cigarette lighter, an ashtray, power windows for the front doors, 14” wheels, bumpers in body color.

In the “norm” and “luxury” trim levels there is such a range of additional equipment that it’s impossible to say for sure, so let’s compare the “norm” Kalina 2 and the “luxury” Grant since they are approximately the same in price.

Lada Granta in almost the most expensive version (369 thousand rubles) in contrast to Norma Kalina 2 (about the same cost - still unknown):

• - fog lights
• - electric windows for rear doors
• — electric drive and heated exterior mirrors
• — exterior mirrors and door handles painted in body color

Kalina 2, unlike Granta, has only a heated windshield.

In addition to these options, the luxury Granta and norm Kalina 2 have the following general options:

• — Security alarm function with remote control
• - On-board computer
• — Heated front seats
• — Athermal glass
• — Air filter entering the cabin
• — Power windows for front doors
• — Climate system (air conditioning)
• — Anti-lock braking system with emergency brake assist (ABS + BAS)
• — Multimedia system with 1 DIN control unit (without CD drive, FM, USB-Flash, stereo, SD card, Bluetooth, Hands Free, 7” LCD touch display)

Distinctive features and technical nuances of Kalina 2

The project to develop Kalina in the first generation started back in the distant 90s. At that time, the auto industry did not experience such a progressive movement that formed at the dawn of the 2000s. The model was repeatedly subjected to modifications, but they were of an evolutionary nature. The realities of the modern market required the manufacturer to radically transform its model range. As a result, the management of AvtoVAZ generated a decision to release the second generation of this modification. Hopes were pinned on increasing the reliability of the car and giving it a stylish exterior. It was the reliability that was lacking in the pilot Kalina. Several years were spent on the formation of technical documentation and assembly work. As a result, the first copies of the updated version began to roll off the assembly line.

At the first glance at the new product, you understand what efforts the designers put into the birth of this project. The modernization affected the exterior, which in the first generation of the model seemed frankly simple. Also, the improvement has not spared the interior. The developers also worked under the hood. Many technical innovations have appeared here.

Lada Vesta or Granta Liftback what to choose

Floor mats for Lada Granta interior

If the first generation of the model was repulsive with its barrel-shaped exterior, then the designers did a great job on the appearance of Kalina 2. Now the body silhouette has acquired audacity and style. This is realized thanks to the appearance of a new aggressive bumper and large head optics. The wave-shaped front fairing completes the exterior design. These decisions of the designers were prompted by many indignations from the owners of the first generation of the model regarding the laconicism of the exterior and its impersonality.

The interior of the new Lada Kalina 2 now exudes originality and comfort. The new dashboard is equipped with optional features, if we are not talking about the basic version, but about modifications: “Normal” or “Lux”. The seats have become softer and more comfortable, and the interior has added capacity and is designed with an eye to the best traditions of classic automobiles.

Now let's touch on the disadvantages of the Lada Kalina 2 station wagon. At first glance everything is fine. After some time has passed since the start of operation, noise is generated inside the cabin and the upholstery begins to creak. Thresholds should be covered with overlays (moldings) in advance, otherwise they will soon lose their working condition. No other flaws were noticed in the interior.

Lada Kalina 2 comes off the assembly line equipped with an 8-valve engine, the volume and power of which are 1.6 liters and 87 hp. With. respectively. Two versions of this unit are used as a transmission for a car:

• traditional mechanics;
• new four-speed automatic.

The luxury version allows you to accelerate the new car to 181 km/h, while the standard version only allows you to accelerate to 168 km/h.

All Lada Kalina 2 are equipped with front airbags and electric power steering. The luxury version boasts the following equipment:

• ABS;
• air conditioning system;
• multimedia complex;
• Automatic transmission

Some drivers resort to installing additional airbags. On the move, the new Kalina 2 feels quite dynamic. The manufacturer has worked on the suspension geometry and eliminated the shortcoming of the previous generation - the tendency to instability when driving on heavy and bumpy roads.

The brakes are quite effective. It is necessary to regularly check the car for minor defects that can cause significant malfunctions.

The price of the new product ranges from 360 to 510 thousand rubles, depending on the equipment option. Now let's compare the second car to understand what to choose.

Salon – interior, sound insulation

As you know, the instrument panel on Grant and Kalina 2 is almost the same - the only exception is the different shape of the air vents. It is impossible to determine the winner with the most successful torpedo - it is difficult to compare the same...

But there are differences in the seats of the cars - the Lada Granta has cheaper seats and cannot boast of comfort. Kalina 2, like the first, has so-called anatomical seats (replicating the shape of a person) and is more comfortable to sit on. The interior of both cars is wide - it will not be cramped, both in front and in the back.

The Granta cannot be called quiet - when driving on gravel, the impacts of stones on the body are heard as if it happened right in front of your nose. Kalina 2, like the first, is not ideal in terms of sound insulation, but there is a difference - it’s quieter in the cabin.

Noise insulation

Lada Granta and Lada Kalina 2 cannot boast of good sound insulation, but if desired, you can install additional one for both Granta and Kalina 2. Slightly quieter than Lada Kalina 2, but up to class B foreign cars, such as Renault Logan and Hyundai Accent, all still falls short. Also, both domestic cars have cheap materials, Granta is especially unlucky - the plastic in it is of low quality, it is easily damaged.

And yet, which is better to buy: Lada Granta and Lada Kalina 2? Despite some differences, these cars are quite similar, and the body type you want will likely be a key factor. If it is not of fundamental importance, and the difference in price is insignificant for you, then it is better to choose the Lada Kalina 2: it is a little more comfortable, a little more beautiful and just a little more modern.

Keywords:

• grant
• viburnum 2

Do you want a sedan, hatchback or station wagon?

When choosing between the Lada Granta and Kalina 2 cars, you will have to make a choice between body types, since the Granta is currently available only in a sedan, and the Kalina 2 is a hatchback and station wagon. If you open the trunk in a hatchback or station wagon in winter, the cold will seep into the cabin, but in a sedan the rear seats are blocked. But most drivers like hatchback bodies, and station wagons are loved for their spaciousness and ease of luggage storage. But Granta can boast of its trunk - its volume is as much as 480 liters!

Unfortunately, on Kalina 2, especially the hatchback, the trunk is small and amounts to 260 liters, and on the station wagon - 361 liters.

Lada Granta

It has been on sale since 2011. This is a modernized Lada Kalina series. During production, the company pursued the goal of producing budget and compact vehicles. The body has ergonomic properties and is available in the following versions: hatchback, sedan, sport.

Technical specifications:

• Height – 150 cm.
• Width – 170 cm.
• Length – 426 cm.
• Trunk volume – 480 l.
• Ground clearance – 16 cm.
• Vehicle weight – 1.1 tons.
• Gas tank volume – 50 l.
• Gasoline type of food.
• Power – 106 horsepower.
• Front-wheel drive chassis.
• Robotic gearbox with 5 gear levels.
• Maximum speed – 180 km/h.
• Fuel consumption – 9 l/100 km.
• Acceleration to hundreds in 12.3 seconds.

The initial package includes:

1. 1.6 liter petrol engine.
2. Manual transmission.
3. Power steering.
4. Airbag.
5. Central locking.
6. Possibility of adjusting the steering column.
7. Front row power windows.

The maximum equipment includes:

• Built-in parking sensors.
• Climate control.
• Two airbags.
• Light and rain sensors.
• Adjustable, heated mirrors.
• Audio system and MP-3.
• Fog lights.
• Heated seats.
• Passive cruise control system.
• Heated glass.
• Electronic rear and front window lifts.

The cost of a sedan car depending on the configuration:

• STANDARD - from 400,000 rubles .
• STANDARD PLUS - from 404000 .
• CLASSIC - from 435,000 .
• COMFORT MULTIMEDIA - from 475,000 rubles .
• COMFORT OPTIMA - from 490,000 .
• LUXE - from 515,000 rubles .
• LUXE PRESTIGE - from 543,000 rubles .

The rest is no less interesting...

Owners of the Lada Granta can boast of the aerodynamic characteristics of their cars - sedans (the Lada Granta is currently available only as a sedan, and the Kalina 2 is only available as a hatchback and station wagon) traditionally have the best performance.

If we judge the little things, then there are little things like hydraulic headlight adjustment, limit switches on the doors, which are not present on the Grant. And the trunk opening mechanism on the budget car is like on the old VAZ 21099, with a torsion spring.

Both cars have high ground clearance, comfortable seating, easy operation and a warranty of 36 months or 50 thousand km (whichever comes first).

Lada Kalina 2

On sale since 2013. The vehicle is compact, has a modernized body in the form of a hatchback and a station wagon. The model is distinguished by an affordable price, good dynamic parameters and modern external design.

Performance characteristics:

• Height – 150 cm.
• Width – 170 cm.
• Length – 389 cm.
• Trunk volume – 260 l.
• Ground clearance – 16 cm.
• Weight – 1.05 t.
• Gas tank volume – 50 l.
• The running power type is petrol.
• Power – 106 horsepower.
• Robotic gearbox with 5 gear levels.
• Acceleration in 13 seconds to hundreds.
• Maximum speed – 175 km/h.
• Front-wheel drive.
• Fuel consumption – 8.6 l/100 km.

The initial package includes:

1. 1.6 liter petrol engine.
2. Airbag.
3. Front-wheel drive chassis.
4. Power steering.
5. Folding rear row seats.
6. Seat height adjustment.
7. Central locking.
8. Front row power windows.

The maximum configuration includes:

• Climate control system.
• Built-in parking sensors.
• Anti-lock braking system.
• Two airbags.
• Light and rain sensors.
• Halogen fog lights.
• Electronic heating, mirror adjustment.
• Stabilization system.

Price of the machine depending on the configuration:

• STANDARD - from 460,000 rubles .
• CLASSIC - from 500,000 .
• COMFORT - from 535,000 rubles .
• COMFORT OPTIMA - from 555,000 .
• LUXE - from 560,000 rubles .
• LUXE NAVI GLONASS - from 620,000 rubles .